Touching the Greater Bay Area: American college student gets up-close experience with Chinese outdoor brand

17:05, November 28, 2025 By Wu Yuyangyang ( People's Daily Online

Amid the wave of Chinese brands going global, American college art student Cascade Almond recently encountered Kailas, a Guangzhou-based Chinese outdoor brand. What spark will they create?

After exploring the design details of Kailas' shoes, Cascade was greatly inspired. For him, a product that balances aesthetics with outstanding performance radiates a unique, irresistible charm. "I also want to slip into a pair of Chinese hiking boots and explore the stunning landscapes of the Greater Bay Area," he said.

Looking ahead, Cascade is eager to see more Chinese brands establish their vibrant presence and impressive strength in the U.S. market.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Laos reaffirms commitment to one-China principle

Xinhua) 10:49, November 29, 2025

VIENTIANE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday issued a statement, reaffirming its commitment to the one-China principle.

According to the statement, the ministry noted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and the 70th anniversary of Laos' accession to the United Nations.

The ministry emphasized that a core purpose of the United Nations is to uphold the post-World War II international order. On this occasion, Laos reaffirmed its longstanding position by firmly supporting UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, upholding the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China, and opposing any interference in China's internal affairs.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
WELLINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Air New Zealand has cancelled 12 flights after announcing that 37 of its aircraft are affected by a required Airbus software update, Radio New Zealand reported on Saturday.

Nathan McGraw, Air New Zealand's chief safety and risk officer, told local media that the software update issue affects 37 Airbus aircraft operating both domestic and international routes, according to the report.

McGraw estimated that the update across the fleet will take two to three days, it said.

New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority said in its statement that the authority is aware of the Airbus A320 situation and is working closely with Air New Zealand and other relevant agencies in response to an emergency airworthiness directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, requiring A320s to have a software update. 
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ULAN BATOR, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia is expected to experience freezing weather next week, the country's weather agency said Saturday.

Starting Saturday night, heavy snow is expected to hit the western and central parts of the country, and overnight temperatures in some areas are expected to reach minus 39-44 degrees Celsius, the weather agency said in a statement.

The agency also warned that strong winds and snowstorms are expected to hit the Altai Mountains in the west and the southern Gobi desert provinces, such as Umnugovi, Dundgovi and Dornogovi, from Saturday to Sunday, with an average wind speed estimated at 18 to 20 meters per second.

In this regard, the country's meteorological agency warned the residents of Ulan Bator and 21 provinces, including nomadic herders, to take extra precautions against possible disasters. Mongolia's harsh and cold winter lasts for quite a long time. Temperature can range between minus 25 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. 
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Agency for Subsoil Use announced on Saturday the discovery of two major silver deposits -- the Ungurskoye deposit in Zabaykalsky Krai and the Kegali deposit in Magadan Oblast.

Their reserves are estimated at 699.6 tons and 70.5 tons, respectively, said the agency.

The Russian company Polymetal plans to launch a development project for the Kegali deposit in 2028, with an estimated investment of 2.5 billion rubles (32.2 million U.S. dollars). 
Contracts

Contracts For Nov. 28, 2025

NAVY

RTX Corp., Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a not-to-exceed $1,606,190,091 cost, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and fixed-price-incentive-fee undefinitized contract for recurring sustainment support, program management, financial and administrative activities, propulsion integration, replenishment spare part buys, engineering support, material management, configuration management, product management support, software sustainment, security management, Joint Technical Data updates, support equipment management, depot level maintenance and repair for all fielded propulsion systems at the F-35 production sites and operational locations, as well as training for propulsion systems used in F-35 air vehicle. It provides global maintenance services for F135 propulsion system at unit and depot levels, as well as replenishment spare parts. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (40%); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (21%); Indianapolis, Indiana (12%); West Palm Beach, Florida (6%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (6%); Brekstad, Norway (4%); Leeuwarden, Netherlands (3%); Iwakuni, Japan (3%); Williamstown, Australia (2%); Cameri, Italy (1%); Marham, United Kingdom (1%); and Fort Worth, Texas (1%), and expected to be completed in November 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds (Air Force) in the amount of $56,480,819; fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds (Marine Corps) in the amount of $30,665,093; fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds (Navy) in the amount of $11,829,825; and partner and Foreign Military Sales funding in the amount of $51,017,310, will be obligated at the time of award, $98,975,737 of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001926C0112). (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $264,991,123 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00007) to a previously awarded not-to-exceed, undefinitized, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N6833524D0010). This modification extends the period of performance to continue to provide performance-based logistics for the Consolidated Automated Support System family of testers supporting naval aviation systems at the intermediate maintenance level, both ashore and afloat, in addition to naval aviation repair depots and international program's repair sites in support of Foreign Military Sales customers. Work locations will be determined with each individual delivery order. Work is expected to be completed March 2031. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competed. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 25, 2025)

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $178,360,242 modification (P00004) to a previously awarded, fixed-price incentive (firm-target) undefinitized, advanced acquisition contract (N0001925C0070). This modification adds scope to procure economic order quantity material, parts, and components for four Lot 20 aircraft, 22 Lot 21 aircraft and 22 Lot 22 aircraft for F-35 cooperative program partners and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (59%); El Segundo, California (14%); Warton, United Kingdom (9%); Cameri, Italy (4%); Orlando, Florida (4%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); San Diego, California (2%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2030. FMS customer funds in the amount of $36,360,242; and cooperative program partner funds in the amount of $142,000,000, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

Crowley Government Services Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is being awarded a $62,398,506 firm,-fixed-price contract (N3220526C0001) for the operation and maintenance of six government-owned Transportation Auxiliary General Ocean Surveillance (T-AGOS) and Transportation Auxiliary General Missile Range instrument (T-AGM) vessels. The vessels under this award include United States Naval Ship (USNS) Victorious (T-AGOS 19), USNS Able (T-AGOS 20), USNS Effective (T-AGOS 21), USNS Loyal (T-AGOS 22), USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS 23), and USNS Howard O. Lorenzen (T-AGM 25). The contract will be performed on a worldwide basis beginning Dec. 1, 2025, and will conclude on Nov. 30, 2026, if all options are exercised. This contract was a sole-source bridge with a proposal being received from the sole offeror under the authority of 10 U.S. Code. 3204(a)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc., Houston, Texas, is awarded a $30,236,090 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification to previously awarded contract (N62470-17-D-4007). This award brings the total cumulative value to $228,461,245. This modification provides a bridge to the terms of the contract for base operating support services at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Work will be performed in Bahrain and is expected to be completed by December 2026. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds will be obligated on individual task orders, subject to the availability of funds. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Europe, Africa, Central, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $26,447,362 cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-2320) for the accomplishment of a Post Shakedown Availability for a Littoral Combat Ship. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida, and is expected to be completed by August 2027. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $468,234 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was awarded a $23,298,840 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-25-C-5315) for MK 41 Vertical Launching System canister and ancillary equipment production. This action combines purchases for the Navy (48%); and the government of Japan (52%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota (90%); and Minneapolis, Minnesota (10%), and is expected to be completed by February 2028. FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $12,080,880 (52%); and fiscal 2025 Defense-wide procurement funds in the amount of $11,217,960 (48%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 24, 2025)

Proferre Inc.,* Tumon, Guam, is awarded a $9,716,651 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification to a previously awarded contract (N40192-25-D-9000) for grounds maintenance and tree trimming services. This award brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $19,139,369. The contract modification is for the exercise of the first option period. Work will be performed at Naval Base Guam, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and is expected to be completed by November 2029. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

ARMY

Cummins Power Generation Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, was awarded a $500,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and minor modification of 500-kilowatt skid mobile electric power generator sets and power plants in support of Foreign Military Sales to Poland. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 26, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W909MY-26-D-0001). (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

TREVIICOS South Inc., Charlestown, Massachusetts, was awarded a $42,452,518 firm-fixed-price contract for the re-procurement following termination and litigation of the Portsmouth Levee Seepage Barrier Remediation Project in Portsmouth, Ohio. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2027. Fiscal 2018 operation and maintenance, Recovery Act, Corps of Engineers - Civil funds in the amount of $42,452,518 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District, is the contracting activity (W91237-26-C-0001). (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

Donald Bond Construction Inc.,* Benton, Missouri (W912EQ-26-D-A006); Coastal Environmental Group Inc.,* Omaha, Nebraska (W912EQ-26-D-A007); Graylee Construction LLC,* Beebe, Arkansas (W912EQ-26-D-A008); Bloomsdale Excavating Company Inc.,* Bloomsdale, Missouri (W912EQ-26-D-A009); and Dumey Contracting Inc.,* Benton, Missouri (W912EQ-26-D-A010), will compete for each order of the $99,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for miscellaneous civil works projects within the boundaries of the Memphis District, including preconstruction services, design-build horizontal construction, new construction, repairs, and alterations such as gravel resurfacing, channel cleanout, scour repair, floodwall and floodgate repairs, and pump station rehabilitation. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

New South Associates Inc.,* Stone Mountain, Georgia (W912P9-26-D-A015); Stell Environmental Enterprises Inc.,* Exton, Pennsylvania (W912P9-26-D-A016); and ERG-Terracon JV2 LLC,* Baltimore, Maryland (W912P9-26-D-A017), will compete for each order of the $40,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide multidisciplinary cultural resource-related services for projects undertaken by the St. Louis District, including terrestrial and marine archaeological investigations, historic preservation, architectural history, archival and knowledge management, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act summary and inventory, GIS and GPS services, object and collection moves, and ethnographic and historic studies. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

AIR FORCE

M1 Support Services LP, Denton, Texas, was awarded a $115,421,582 fixed-price-incentive-fee task order with cost-reimbursable line items for the T-38 aircraft maintenance program operations and maintenance services and sustainment. The contract provides for B-2 and U-2 pilots with a companion training capability and adversary air assets for the F-22 community. Work will be performed at Beale Air Force Base, California; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Langley AFB, Virginia; Tyndall AFB, Florida; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2030. This contract was a competitive acquisition and three proposals were received. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $115,421,582 are being obligated at the time of award. The Headquarters Acquisition Management Integration Center, Hampton, Virginia, is the contracting activity (FA489026F0002). (Awarded on Nov. 25, 2025)



Northrup Grumman Systems Corp., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was awarded a $35,057,531 firm-fixed-price contract for B-2 tailpipe ducts and cover assembly repair and overhaul. This contract provides for the repair and overhaul for the B-2 Tailpipes Ducts and Cover Assembly, and all associated supplies. Work will be performed at El Segundo, California; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 26, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8119-26-D-0001). (Awarded Nov. 26, 2025)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Petroleum Traders Corp.,* Fort Wayne, Indiana (SPE605-26-D-8506, $70,134,920); Pinnacle Petroleum Inc.,* Huntington Beach, California (SPE605-26-D-8507, $59,083,584); Campbell Oil Co.,* Elizabethtown, North Carolina (SPE605-26-D-8502, $39,494,290); GLA Global Co.,* Chicago, Illinois (SPE605-26-D-8504, $21,301,706); Gresham Petroleum Co.,* Indianola, Mississippi (SPE605-26-D-8505, $17,737,742); Virginia Transport LLC,* Chicago, Illinois (SPE605-26-D-8513, $11,591,274); and Potter Oil & Tire Co. Inc.,* Aurora, North Carolina (SPE605-26-D-8508, $9,601,395), have each been awarded a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, requirements contract issued against solicitation SPE605-25-R-0214 for various types of fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with thirty-five responses received. These are two-year eight-month contracts with no option periods. Locations of performance are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with a Sept. 30, 2028, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, War Department, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Interior, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the International Broadcasting Bureau and Social Security Administration. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

TrillaMed LLC., Bingham Farms, Michigan, was awarded a $14,920,080 firm-fixed-price delivery order (HT9425-25-FE073) against a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, competitively awarded contract to acquire autoclave systems and operating control systems at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institutes for Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland. Delivery is expected after award. Fiscal 2025 procurement funding in the amount of $11,974,344 was obligated at the time of the award; as well as $2,945,736 in fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds. The place of performance is Fort Detrick, Maryland. The Defense Health Agency, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Contracts Branch 3, Fort Detrick, Maryland, was the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2025)

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4344447/

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Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to UN Special Commemorative Meeting in Observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated: November 26, 2025 23:39

On November 25, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to a UN Special Commemorative Meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Xi Jinping noted that the Palestinian question lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international fairness and justice, and has a bearing on the situation in the region. Under the current circumstances, the international community should further build consensus and take more proactive actions to ensure a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and prevent the resurgence of conflict. The post-conflict governance and reconstruction of Gaza should be carried out based on the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine", respecting the will of the Palestinian people and accommodating the legitimate concerns of countries in the region. Efforts should be made to swiftly improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Most importantly, it is essential to focus on the overarching direction of the two-State solution to promote an early political settlement of the Palestinian question.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the Palestinian question is also a test of the effectiveness of the global governance system. China calls on the international community to face up to the root causes of the Palestinian question, demonstrate responsibility, take effective actions, correct historical injustices, and uphold fairness and justice. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. China will continue to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.

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European Coalition for Civil Preparedness and Resilience holds second ministerial meeting

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence

Published 27 November 2025

In a rapidly evolving security landscape marked by hybrid threats and geopolitical instability, civil preparedness and societal resilience have become strategic priorities for Europe. To strengthen cooperation and ensure preparedness for all security threats, including armed aggression, ministers responsible for civil preparedness and resilience from several EU member states convened for the second meeting of the European Coalition for Civil Preparedness and Resilience.

Over two days, the ministers discussed how to advance the EU preparedness agenda while aligning national civilian capabilities with NATO's resilience objectives. The meeting underscored the importance of psychological defence and defence willingness, focusing on how to maintain citizens' resilience and readiness to defend democratic societies. Insights from Ukraine's experience were shared by H.E. Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk, together with Magnus Hjort, Director General of Sweden's Psychological Defence Agency.

The agenda also included civil-military cooperation, illustrated by a presentation from General Michael Claesson, Sweden's Chief of Defence and Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) on planning assumptions for the development of Sweden's total defence 2025-2030. This strategic open document outlines seven planning scenarios, assesses their impact on vital societal functions, and integrates lessons learned from Ukraine to guide future preparedness measures.

During the meeting Sweden presented a non-paper on establishing a NATO format for ministers responsible for civil preparedness. This initiative aims to institutionalise political-level input into NATO planning, enhance coherence between military and civilian efforts, improve national implementation, and foster EU-NATO complementarity in critical areas such as the protection of infrastructure and crisis response. The discussions on this matter will continue.

"The Swedish proposal on creating a dedicated ministerial format within NATO for civil preparedness is essential to ensure that civilian and military efforts are fully integrated. Such a step will strengthen resilience across Europe as well as the Alliance and improve our ability to respond to future hardship and crises. I have had a first discussion with my colleagues in the Coalition today and the ambition is to move forward with this as soon as possible," says Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister for Civil Defence.

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GAZA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has risen to 70,100, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday.

During the past 48 hours, two bodies and 11 injured people were transferred to hospitals in the Palestinian enclave, bringing total injuries to 170,983 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023, the authorities added.

Despite a ceasefire implemented in October, periodic Israeli attacks have killed 354 people and injured 906 others in the besieged enclave, according to the statement.

On Saturday, two Palestinian children were killed in an Israeli drone strike east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, as the Israeli army intensified its attacks across the enclave, according to Palestinian medical and security sources.

The conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, prompting a large-scale Israeli military response in Gaza. 
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Guinea-Bissau

United Nations Secretary-General

27 November 2025

New York, UN

Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Delivered by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the unfolding events in Guinea-Bissau. He strongly condemns the coup d'etat perpetrated by elements of the military and any attempt to violate constitutional order. He stresses that any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, as well as the release of all detained officials, including those responsible for the electoral process, opposition leaders and other political actors. He urges all stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint, uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law, and respect the will of the people while acting in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law. He emphasizes that disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the full support of the United Nations to the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability, and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path.

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CMCC Grows with Representatives from 50 Nations and International Organizations

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | Nov. 28, 2025

USCENTCOM

November 28, 2025

Release Number 20251128-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- One month after achieving full operational capability, the U.S.-led Civil- Military Coordination Center (CMCC) has grown to include representatives from 50 partner nations and international organizations.

The CMCC, the main coordination hub for Gaza assistance, was established on Oct. 17, five days after world leaders signed a U.S.-brokered plan to permanently end the war between Israel and Hamas. The CMCC became fully operational a week later on Oct. 24 as international staff arrived at the center's headquarters in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

"This is a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, which opened the coordination center. "We appreciate the efforts of our international partners. Successful implementation of the peace plan requires unprecedented collaboration, and we are making progress."

Last week, in coordination with Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the CMCC helped enable technicians to enter Gaza and repair a main fiber-optic cable that fully restored internet connectivity across the densely populated 25-mile-long Strip.

The coordination center also facilitated the movement of more than 24,000 trucks worth of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into Gaza the past five weeks, while working to open additional routes for delivering and distributing needed goods and aid.

"In bringing together a diverse array of stakeholdersincluding the Israel Defense Forces, COGAT, U.S. military and civilians, partner nation militaries and civilians, United Nations organizations, and non-governmental organizationsthe CMCC is uniquely positioned to ensure the success of humanitarian assistance efforts," said Ambassador Steven Fagin, who leads the CMCC alongside Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, commander of U.S. Army Central.

Additionally, the CMCC assisted in evacuating more than 1,500 Gazan civilians holding dual citizenship or needing medical care.

Current efforts are underway to deliver humanitarian supplies needed for winter months and clear unexploded ordnance along Gaza's critical logistical corridors to improve safety.

More than 100 media outlets and top leaders have toured CMCC headquarters since the facility opened. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Oct. 24, the day the

coordination center became fully operational.

"This is an impressive center with a lot of important work that's happening here," Rubio said following the visit. "This is a historic mission. There's going to be ups and downs and twists and turns, but I think we have a lot of reason for healthy optimism about the progress that's being made."

-30-

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Opening Remarks by Kaja Kallas for the 10th Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum

European External Action Service (EEAS)

28.11.2025

Barcelona, Spain

Dear Minister Albares, dear Jose (Manuel), thank you for hosting us in Barcelona.

Dear Minister Safadi, dear Ayman, you have been a co-chair with not one, not two, but actually three High Representatives! But unlike the famous song by Joan Manuel Serrat, I was not born on the Mediterranean, rather the Baltic Sea. This is also something completely new, but also a physical sign that geographic differences no longer count as the world is more interconnected as we are right now.

Dear Secretary General Kamel, dear Nasser, we met earlier this year to discuss some of the topics we are here to discuss today. Including how we can work better together for a stronger Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. This is the theme of today's Regional Forum.

And it is a genuine pleasure to welcome Syria back to the UfM. The coming year will be important to consolidate international support for Syria, how to help Syria on their necessary reforms they need to do in order to have an inclusive democratic society. And I will make sure that it will stay high on the EU's agenda.

It is great to be here for my first Regional Forum. And I would like to start with three observations.

The first observation: Mediterranean cooperation, via the Barcelona Process and then formalised with the Union for the Mediterranean, has achieved a lot already.

In three short decades, we have seen that modest actions can make a big difference in peoples' lives. From small grants injecting cash to companies, training centres and local organisations, to business fora supporting female entrepreneurs in the region.

We've also seen that big actions make big differences, especially when you focus on vital sectors such as water. Water is life, especially in this region. Work on water management as we see in Egypt and Jordan for example, reflects the true spirit of the UfM.

Aside from supporting small and large-scale projects, the UfM has another important quality that has helped it achieve a lot.

It is the only platform that gathers all EU Member States and all Mediterranean partners. It wields immense convening power.

Whether we are talking about ministerial meetings, civil society gatherings, meetings of international financial institutions or think tank events, the UfM has brought together well over 10,000 stakeholders around the Mediterranean.

This has always been the added value of this organisation. And is truly impressive for a region as diverse as this is.

But anniversaries are as much about reflecting on what comes next, as they are about celebrating endurance. Which brings me to my second observation: Since the Barcelona Process was launched, the region has changed beyond recognition. So too has the world. Even since the last major revision of the UfM in 2017, today's realities are not yet reflected in the way this organisation works.

But even within the year since last year's Forum, the situation has shifted again. The United Nations Security Council Resolution on an international stabilization force for Gaza presents a real opportunity for long-term peace in the region.

It enjoys global support, and this is the key. Securing the peace will require all hands on deck. And there is a role for everyone. Aside from our support for the Palestinian Authority, the European Union will continue to push for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza and be ready to mobilise our resources. I have engaged myself personally for months to ensure Gaza receives humanitarian aid. I will continue engaging.

We also have two important missions that support border management and police training on the ground: EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS. These are already playing an instrumental role and I am working with EU partners to reinforce their presence in the future.

For Europe, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is our existential crisis, but the ripple effect is also global. A 2025 UfM report also recognised the profound impact of Russia's war on UfM countries. And let us not forget that Russia tested military tactics and equipment in Syria that it would later use in Europe.

Putin boasted of testing over 320 weapons systems in the country and many Russian army commanders currently leading troops in Ukraine gained combat experience in Syria.

It is in all our interests that this war ends but how it ends also matters. In the last 100 years, Russia has attacked more than 19 countries, some as many as three or four times. None of these countries has ever attacked Russia.

There are rarely wars where the situation is so clear cut. Here we have one aggressor and one victim. We need the widest international coalition pushing back against the Russian aggressor, and I call on the members of the UfM to support this. If aggression pays of somewhere, it is an invitation to use it elsewhere. This is in no one's interest.

The third observation: it is not a coincidence that as global security diminishes, the odds are stacked against multilateral fora like the UfM. Multilateralism has never been before under such intense pressure. But this is precisely why we need it. This is the era so many international organisations were really built for. But the UfM needs a revision and a vision.

We will hear from Secretary General Kamel on this next and I don't want to pre-empt what he will say, but I'd like to share a couple more thoughts.

Trade. Trade is an area where there are huge regional imbalances that the UfM could help right. If we look at the total amount of trade involving all our countries, 90 percent of it takes place within the European Union, 9 percent between the EU and our southern neighbours and only 1 percent between the southern neighbours. From talks on reducing non-tariff barriers, to promoting sustainable cross-border investment, the UfM can serve as a platform to push for collective change.

Transport is another example. A well-connected land, air, and maritime transport network is also vital for boosting trade, as well as mobility and investment. The UfM can work closer with the financial institutions to encourage much more investment in this area.

Dear colleagues,

The UfM was built from the idea that political differences should not stand in the way of bettering our countries, regions, and societies. It was designed to convene, encourage collective thinking and produce solutions that work for all involved.

You will not find a stronger advocate for this kind of work than the European Union. Because we know it works. And while the world is changing, and international norms are being trampled on, the basic fact remains that we are all stronger when we work together.

That is what I am here for - and we expect you to be here for that too.

Thank you.

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Pact for the Mediterranean: press statement by High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas at the launch event in Barcelona

European External Action Service (EEAS)

28.11.2025

Barcelona, Spain

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good morning, everybody.

It is great to be here in Barcelona. The Mediterranean has been on top of our list, on top of our foreign policy agenda, since the day of this Commission started, from the fall of the Assad regime to the war in Gaza. And the geopolitical importance of the region cannot be overstated.

Right now, there is a window of opportunity to reset the European Union's relationship with the southern neighborhood and build stronger foundations for the future. Today, Commissioner Suica and I, together with our Mediterranean partners, officially launched the New Pact for the Mediterranean.

We are proposing billions more funding under our next long-term budget, and with our new Pact, we put forward over 100 initiatives that will benefit the people and the region more broadly.

These projects cover everything, from the support to 5G and data centers, to energy security. We want to support young people in our partner countries with better opportunities, through training, jobs and stronger local economies. Ultimately, expanding opportunity at home gives people the freedom to choose their own future, rather than being pushed into migration by necessity. The common theme is to bring people together across a range of initiatives, from railroad and maritime links to sub-sea cables carrying data between our regions.

This is also an opportunity to address our shared security threats better. Russia's shadow fleet ships pose major security and environmental risks to both our regions. The European Union needs to work closer with the region to discuss these topics, including via a regional forum dedicated to security. In practice, this means more cooperation, including through the EU's military and civilian missions in the region, sharing situational awareness and more coordination in our common security threats.

There is also potential to work closer together on disaster preparedness, including the artificial intelligence early warning system and a new firefighting hub for the region.

A lot has changed over the 30 years since the EU and the Mediterranean countries established the regional partnership. Today, we adopt a blueprint to make our cooperation more focused for the future.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/media/video/I-281460

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Changes to Finland's network of missions abroad

Finnish Government

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Publication date 28.11.2025

Type:Press release

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is reforming its network of missions abroad. In the first stage of its strategic review, the Ministry strengthened Finland's presence in the United States by establishing a Consulate General in Houston. In the next stage, the Ministry will open commercial offices in locations where Business Finland previously had an office. At the same time, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has started preparations for closing the embassies of Finland in Islamabad, Kabul and Yangon. The plan is to close the embassies during 2026.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs regularly reviews how well Finland's network of missions abroad meets current and future needs. This year, the Ministry launched a strategic review of the network of missions, which takes into account Finland's foreign and security policy interests and the needs of Team Finland's export promotion activities. As a result of the review, the Ministry will make proposals on the closing and opening of missions. The aim is to concentrate resources on countries that are strategically important to Finland.

"We will systematically develop Finland's network of missions abroad to meet future challenges. Our operating environment is changing rapidly. The changes to be made will help us to build a stronger and more competitive Finland and to manage Finland's external relations in accordance with our priorities," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

In the first stage, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs strengthened its presence on a key export market for Finland in the United States by establishing a Consulate General in Houston this year. The Ministry is currently preparing to open commercial offices during 2026 in some locations where Business Finland previously had an office.

The long-term development of the network of missions abroad also means that some missions will be closed. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has decided to close the embassies of Finland in Islamabad, Kabul and Yangon in 2026. Decisions on closures are made by a decree of the President of the Republic. The embassies will be closed for operational and strategic reasons, which are linked to changes in the countries' political situation and their limited commercial and economic relations with Finland.

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Sudan Must Choose Peace Over Continued War

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 28/11/2025

State Secretary Andreas Kravik visited Port Sudan this week - the first Norwegian political visit since the war began more than two years ago. The visit comes at a critical time for the country, which is now facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

The war has caused immense suffering for civilians. Recently, we have received horrific reports of mass killings and abuses in El Fasher after the city fell into RSF hands. Humanitarian access in the area remains severely restricted.

'The situation in Sudan is dramatic. The attacks on civilians must stop, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need. Norway has been clear that the world is watching and that those responsible must be held accountable', says State Secretary Andreas Kravik.

Norway Pushes for Ceasefire and Political Solution

Norway has long been engaged in Sudan and supports international efforts to secure a ceasefire.

'We have used every opportunity to support the Quad (USA, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia) roadmap for peace, and we are leveraging our network and experience to put pressure on the parties. Without a ceasefire, the country will continue to fragment, with serious consequences for the entire region', says Kravik.

During the visit, Kravik met key government representatives, including Transitional Sovereignty Council leader Abdel Fatah al-Burhan. Kravik raised Norway's and the international community's concerns and emphasized the need for an inclusive political process.

'Norway wants to see a democratic transition led by a civilian government in Sudan. We have made it clear that a political solution must involve women, youth, and broad civil society. This is essential for creating lasting peace,' says Kravik.

Humanitarian Crisis and Protection of Civilians

Kravik also met with the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Denise Brown, as well as civil society representatives.

'It is very positive that the UN now has access to work in Darfur, where humanitarian needs are greatest. Humanitarian access and protection of civilians cannot wait', says Kravik.

So far this year, Norway has provided nearly NOK 600 million in aid to Sudan, of which NOK 385 million is for humanitarian assistance.



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Duterte case: ICC Appeals Chamber confirms the decision rejecting the request for interim release

International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI)

Press Release: 28 November 2025

On Friday, 28 November 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") delivered in open court its judgment, rejecting the appeal of Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte ("Mr Duterte") and confirming the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I ("Pre-Trial Chamber") of 26 September 2025 regarding the request for Mr Duterte's interim release. The suspect, who had waived his right to be present at that hearing, remains in ICC custody.

On 26 September 2025, the Pre-Trial Chamber had rejected the Defence's requests for interim release of Mr Duterte. The Pre-Trial Chamber found that Mr Duterte's detention remained necessary pursuant to article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute, and that the conditions for release proposed were not sufficient to mitigate the risks it found in relation to Mr Duterte's interim release. The Pre-Trial Chamber also rejected the Defence's argument that Mr Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons.

The Defence raised three grounds of appeal. It argued that (i) the Pre-Trial Chamber erroneously found that Mr Duterte poses a risk under article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute; (ii) the Pre-Trial Chamber erred in its rejection of the guarantees proposed by the State willing to receive him; and (iii) the Pre-Trial Chamber erred in law by failing to take into account humanitarian considerations in assessing the right to interim release.

The Appeals Chamber composed of Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, Presiding Judge in this appeal, Judge Tomoko Akane, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin, rejected all three grounds of appeal. The Appeals Chamber noted that Pre-Trial Chamber reached its conclusions in relation to the risks enumerated in article 58(1)(b) of the Statute on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the information before it. After examining the arguments raised in the appeal brief, the Appeals Chamber found that the Defence failed to identify errors in the Pre-Trial Chamber's reasoning or to demonstrate that the Pre-Trial Chamber's conclusions were unreasonable. The Appeals Chamber thus unanimously confirmed the Pre-Trial Chamber's decision of 26 September 2025.

Judgment on the appeal of Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte against the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I entitled "Decision on the Defence's 'Urgent Request for Interim Release' and 'Renewed Request for Interim Release'"

Background: The warrant of arrest against Mr Duterte was issued by the Chamber as "Secret" on 7 March 2025 and reclassified as "Public" on 11 March 2025. On 12 March 2025, Mr Duterte was surrendered to the ICC after being arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with the warrant of arrest. Mr Duterte is suspected of the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed on the territory of the Republic of the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019. The initial appearance of Mr Duterte took place on 14 March 2025. On 8 September 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I postponed the commencement of the confirmation hearing in the case, which had been initially scheduled to start on 23 September 2025.

More information on this case

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Iran condemns Israeli regime's 'ongoing crimes' in West Bank

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 28, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly condemned the "ongoing crimes" committed by the Israeli regime in the occupied West Bank, including the killing, torture, and targeting of Palestinian civilians.

In a statement released on Friday, Baghaei denounced the ongoing attacks by Israeli military forces and settlers on Palestinian camps in Nablus and Jenin.

He also condemned the assassination of Palestinians, the arbitrary arrests of West Bank residents, and the destruction of homes and farmland belonging to Palestinian farmers.

The spokesperson called on the international community to pay attention to the brutal Israeli crimes taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Baghaei referred to reports by the human rights organizations on the long-term detention of hundreds of Palestinian children and the torture leading to the death of dozens of Palestinian prisoners in the detention centers and prisons of the Zionist regime, reminding the international community specifically the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council of their responsibility to address the gross violations of the human rights of Palestinians.

He finally emphasized the necessity of recording each of those Israeli crimes as crimes against humanity and prosecuting and punishing the Zionist criminals.

During a raid in Jenin on Thursday, soldiers of the Zionist regime executed two Palestinian youths, despite their surrender.

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Hungarian Gripen detachment concludes four-month Air Policing mission in Lithuania

NATO Allied Air Command

Nov 28 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Hungarian Air Forces conclude their four-month deployment to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, ensuring the protection of Allied airspace over the Baltic region.

The Hungarian detachment has been deployed to Lithuania with four JAS-39C Gripen fighter aircraft, and around 80 personnel, as the lead Air Policing detachment since August, 2025, working alongside the Spanish Air and Space Force Eurofighter Typhoon detachment.

Throughout the rotation, the Hungarian Air Force have operated at a high operational tempo achieved over 370 flight hours. Maintaining NATO's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), the detachment executed over 20 Alpha scrambles responding to a wide range of air activity near NATO airspace. These missions demonstrated the Allies' vigilance and the continuous availability of NATO airpower.

As Lead Nation, Hungary worked in close cooperation with the Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon detachment also based at Siauliai and the Italian detachment at Amari airbase in Estonia. Together, the three Allies ensured a seamless, 24/7 QRA posture, reinforcing the Alliance's collective commitment to deterrence and defence along NATO's eastern flank.

"Our mission in the Baltic skies is more than air policing - it is a daily demonstration of allied unity. As we hand over the watch, we do so knowing that vigilance, readiness, and partnership remain unwavering." Said Lieutenant Colonel Peter TOSER, Hungarian Detachment Commander.

The Gripen fighters participated in several multinational training events, including a Bomber Task Force integration mission over Riga and a Flexible Deterrence Option mission during their fourth Alpha scramble. The detachment also integrated into a Find, Fix, Track and Target (F2T2) dynamic targeting mission, demonstrating the enhanced interoperability with NATO Allied Forces, Additionally, conducted close air support training during Exercise Furious Wolf in northern Estonia, and supported the Baltic Airshow in Degumnieki, Latvia.

The detachment further enhanced its readiness through specialist training during Exercise Baltic Bikini, ensuring aircrew remained fully prepared for operations in the demanding Baltic environment. These activities strengthened interoperability with regional Allies and demonstrated the flexibility of NATO forces.

Hungary's contribution over the past four months reflects its enduring commitment to Allied security and to safeguarding the Baltic region, underscoring the professionalism and readiness of the Hungarian Air Forces. The Air Policing lead responsibility in Lithuania now hands over to the next Spanish detachment already in location.

Hungary's successful mission continues the long-standing Allied effort to ensure safe and secure skies over NATO territory, a core task of the Alliance's integrated Air and Missile Defence under NATO's Eastern Sentry enhanced Vigilance Activity.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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Guinea-Bissau: Turk deplores post-coup violations, urges respect for human rights

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

28 November 2025

GENEVA -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Friday called on the military authorities in Guinea Bissau to respect and protect human rights following reports of politically motivated arrests and use of unnecessary or disproportionate force in the aftermath of the 26 November coup d'etat.

At least 18 people have been arbitrarily detained, among them Government officers, magistrates, and opposition leaders. Most of them are reportedly being held incommunicado.

"I am deeply alarmed by reports of human rights violations in Guinea- Bissau following the coup, including arbitrary arrests and detentions of Government officials and opposition leaders, as well as threats against and intimidation of media houses and journalists," said Turk.

"It is critical that the military authorities uphold international human rights norms and standards, including by ensuring all individuals arbitrarily detained are immediately and unconditionally released."

Following the coup - which came as the people of Guinea-Bissau were awaiting the results of presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November - several independent radio stations were temporarily shut down during illegal raids on their offices. Access to the Internet and social media was also disrupted on Wednesday and Thursday.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed concern at reports that the security forces used unnecessary or disproportionate force, including live ammunition, to disperse peaceful protesters in the aftermath of the coup in the capital Bissau.

"The military authorities must ensure they fully respect everyone's fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly," said Turk.

He echoed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' strong condemnation of the military takeover, and his call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. He also expressed concern at the military authorities' decision to suspend the election process, in violation of the right of citizens to participate in their country's public affairs.

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's unemployment rate declined to 5.4 percent in the quarter ending in October, hitting a record low since 2012, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics said Friday.

According to the report, this rate fell by 0.2 percentage points from the previous quarter and by 0.7 percentage points from a year earlier.

The employment rate stood at 58.8 percent, mainly driven by the increasing employed population in construction, public administration, defense, education, health and social services, while the employment rate in other services declined.

Meanwhile, the average income in Brazil during the same period also hit a record high, amounting to 3,528 reais (about 660 U.S. dollars). 
Jenin killings incident

Press briefing notes

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

28 November 2025

From

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Jeremy Laurence

Location

Geneva

We are appalled at the brazen killing by Israeli border police yesterday of two Palestinian men in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, in an apparent summary execution.

Killings of Palestinians by Israeli security forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank have been surging, without accountability, even in the rare cases when investigations are announced. Following yesterday's incident, which was caught on film by a TV channel, an internal review was announced. But statements by a senior Israeli government official sought to absolve Israeli security forces of responsibility, raising serious concerns about the credibility of any future review or investigation conducted by any entity that is not fully independent from the Government.

Our Office has verified that since 7 October 2023 and up until 27 November 2025 , Israeli forces and settlers killed 1,030 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Among these victims were 223 children.

Impunity for Israel security forces' unlawful use of force, and ever-growing Israeli settler violence, must end. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urges independent, prompt and effective investigations into the killings of Palestinians, and that those responsible for violations be held fully to account.

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Killing of Three Chinese Workers in Tajikistan

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan expresses its deepest condolences and strong solidarity with the Government and people of the People's Republic of China, as well as with the Government and people of Tajikistan, over the loss of precious lives of Chinese nationals in a heinous terrorist attack in Tajikistan near its border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan unequivocally condemns this cowardly attack on Chinese nationals. The use of armed drones in the incident underlines the gravity of threat emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those behind it.

As a neighbour that has repeatedly suffered terrorist attacks orchestrated from Afghan soil, the people of Pakistan fully understand and share the grief and anguish of our Chinese friends and Tajik partners.

Pakistan has consistently stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against its neighbours or any other country. The repeated use of Afghan soil by terrorist elements and their continued presence under the patronage of Afghan Taliban regime, is a matter of serious concern for the entire region and the wider international community.

Concrete and verifiable action against the perpetrators, abettors, facilitators and financiers of terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil is the only way to address this growing menace. Pakistan will continue to work closely with China, Tajikistan and other regional partners to promote peace, stability and security in our shared neighbourhood.

Islamabad

November 28,2025

355/2025

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Trump suggests U.S. could "very soon" take actions against Venezuelan targets by land

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:29, November 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that the United States could "very soon" take actions targeting drug trafficking networks in Venezuela by land.

In Thanksgiving remarks to U.S. troops, Trump thanked the Air Force's 7th Bomb Wing for their work to "deter Venezuelan drug traffickers" and said "it's about 85 percent stopped by sea ... and we'll be starting to stop them by land."

"Also, the land is easier, but that's going to start very soon," Trump added, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump also said that he could still hold talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, suggesting a possible diplomatic off-ramp, even as the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean has reached its largest scale in more than three decades.

Since early September, the Pentagon has carried out more than 20 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and East Pacific, killing more than 80 people abroad.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, a major aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean earlier this month, intensifying U.S. military presence in the region that has not been seen for at least three decades.

The Trump administration also designated the Cartel de los Soles, a group Washington alleges is run by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this month.

The Venezuelan government said the organization was "nonexistent" and called the U.S. move a "vile lie."

Maduro has also denied having any ties to the drug trade, accusing the United States of "fabricating" a war aimed at regime change in his country.

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ICC rejects Duterte appeal for interim release

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

November 28, 2025, 7:32 pm

MANILA -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has denied former President Rodrigo Duterte's appeal to overturn an earlier ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruling, rejecting his request for interim release.

In a public hearing on Friday, Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza said Duterte's defense had "failed to demonstrate an error" in Pre-Trial Chamber I's determination that he poses a flight risk.

Duterte's legal team had raised three grounds of appeal: that the Pre-Trial Chamber erroneously concluded he poses a risk under the Rome Statute; that it improperly rejected guarantees proposed by the State willing to receive him; and that it erred by not considering humanitarian factors in assessing his right to interim release.

The Appeals Chamber, composed of Carranza, Judge Tomoko Akane, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin, rejected all three and unanimously confirmed the pre-trial chamber's earlier ruling.

In its 23-page decision released on Oct. 10, Pre-Trial Chamber I pointed to the Duterte family's public rejection of his arrest, their calls for his immediate return to the Philippines, and his reported wish to go back to Davao City if released  all of which, it said, demonstrate his rejection of the proceedings and his family's willingness to help him evade detention and prosecution.

The appeals court noted that the pre-trial chamber's conclusions were based on a comprehensive assessment of the risks outlined in Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute.

Carranza explained that the chamber relied on various documents, including media articles, NGO publications and books, which indicated Duterte's inclination to interfere with investigations against him.

Duterte faces multiple charges comprising several murders and attempted murders as crimes against humanity in relation to his infamous drug war during his presidency and while he was still the mayor of Davao City.

Prior to the hearing, the former president waived his right to be present at the hearing and remains in ICC custody.

His initial appearance before the international court took place on March 14, 2025, following his arrest.

On Sept. 8, the Pre-Trial Chamber I postponed the commencement of the confirmation hearing in the case, which had been initially scheduled to start on Sept. 23.

Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacanang respects the ICC's decision rejecting the former president's appeal for interim release.

"The International Criminal Court has already made its decision, and the Palace respects it," Castro said in a text message to Palace reporters when sought for reaction. (With a report from Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA)

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Lebanon lodges UN complaint over Israeli wall construction on its territory

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 6:22 PM

Lebanon has submitted a complaint to the UN Security Council against Israel for building a wall that the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) says is in Lebanese territory.

In a statement released on Friday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the complaint was submitted through the country's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York to the 15-member council.

Lebanon called on the council and the UN Secretariat to take immediate action to deter Israel from violating Lebanese sovereignty.

According to the complaint, the violation consists of Israel building two T-shaped concrete separation walls in the southwest and southeast of Yaroun, inside internationally recognized Lebanese borders.

The construction of these two walls results in the seizure of additional Lebanese land and constitutes a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 declaration of cessation of hostilities, it noted.

Elsewhere, it called on the council to force Israel to remove the two walls and ensure its immediate withdrawal south of the Blue Line from all areas it still occupies within Lebanon, including the five border sites.

This came after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun instructed the Foreign Ministry to file an urgent complaint with the world body over the wall.

UNIFIL recently warned that Israel's military had built walls in south Lebanon near the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the demarcation line dividing the Arab country from the Israeli-occupied territories.

UNIFIL said it has informed the Israeli army of its findings and demanded that they remove the wall.

UNIFIL went on to explain that "Israeli presence and construction in Lebanese territory are violations of Security Council resolution 1701 and of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," referring to the UN resolution that ended a 2006 war between Israel and the Hezbollah resistance movement.

The resolution, which brokered a ceasefire in the 33-day-long war Israel launched against Lebanon in 2006, calls on the occupying Tel Aviv regime to respect Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The resolution also formed the basis of last November's truce deal.

The Israeli army killed more than 4,000 people and injured nearly 17,000 in its attacks on Lebanon, which began in October 2023 and turned into a full-scale aggression in September 2024.

Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27, 2024. Under the deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from the Lebanese territory, but has kept forces stationed at five sites, in clear violation of the 1701 resolution and the terms of last November's agreement.

Since the implementation of the ceasefire, Israel has violated the agreement multiple times through repeated assaults on the Lebanese territory. Israel has kept up its near-daily attacks on south and east Lebanon.

The Lebanese Health Ministry, in an update, said Friday that at least 335 people had been killed and 973 injured by Israeli fire since a ceasefire agreement took effect in November last year.

UNIFIL has recorded more than 10,000 air and ground violations by Israel inside Lebanese territory since the ceasefire.

Lebanese authorities have warned that the Israeli regime's violations of the ceasefire threaten national stability.

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated last week that the US and Israel's calls for the disarmament of the resistance group were designed to weaken Lebanon and leave it exposed to external aggression.

He described the calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah as "a pretext" for launching an aggression on Lebanon.

Lebanese lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah, in recent remarks, stressed that Lebanon "will not be an easy prey" in the face of any new Israeli aggression.

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Iran urges int'l community to address Israel's 'savage crimes' against Palestinians in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 6:40 AM

Iran has called on the international community to address Israel's "savage crimes" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Friday, one day after video emerged showing Israeli forces fatally shooting two unarmed Palestinians at close range despite the fact that the pair had raised their hands above their heads to surrender.

He said that the global community should pay attention to ongoing Israeli atrocities in the West Bank, including attacks by the occupation soldiers and settlers on Palestinian refugee camps in the cities of Nablus and Jenin, as well as the killings and arbitrary arrests of Palestinians, and the demolition of their homes and farms.

He also referred to reports by human rights organizations regarding Israel's prolonged detention of hundreds of Palestinian children and their torture that led to the murder of dozens in the regime's jails.

The international community, particular the UN and its Human Rights Council, must address the gross violations of Palestinians' rights by the usurping regime, Baghaei added.

"It is essential to document each of these crimes as crimes against humanity and to ensure the prosecution and punishment of the Zionist criminals."

The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel's killings of Muntasir Billah Mahmoud Qassem Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Ali Yousef Asa'asa, 37, in the Jabal Abu Dhahir neighborhood of Jenin as "a fully-fledged war crime and a flagrant violation of all international laws, conventions, norms, and humanitarian values."

The Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement said the crime exposes Israel's "criminal mentality" and "utter disregard" for Palestinian lives, marking a new episode in the Zionists' "systematic genocide and elimination" campaign in the West Bank.

In a statement, Hamas further noted that brutal Israeli attacks against Palestinians across the West Bank prove that the resistance is the "natural and legitimate response" to the regime's violations.

Meanwhile, Sarit Michaeli, the international director of B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, denounced the killings as "cold-blooded execution".

Additionally, Israeli lawmaker Ofer Cassif said Tel Aviv was "importing" its "war of extermination" from the Gaza Strip to the occupied West Bank.

"This is not a 'war', it is cold-blooded murder for which the murderers must pay a heavy price," he emphasized.

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Yemen slams US, UK interference after death sentences for convicted spies

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 6:20 AM

Yemen has condemned the US and UK for criticizing recent death sentences issued against individuals convicted of espionage, calling the remarks a "blatant and unacceptable interference" in the country's judicial affairs.

In a statement released Thursday, Yemen's Foreign Ministry said Washington and London are meddling in domestic matters after their embassies denounced the rulings.

The ministry insisted that Yemen's judiciary functions independently and noted that judges had already delivered verdicts in cases involving espionage cells working for foreign governments.

Any attempt by the US, the UK, or other parties to question these rulings, the ministry said, represents "blatant and unacceptable interference" in Yemen's internal affairs and an infringement on judicial independence.

It further said that the US has no credibility to lecture other nations on justice or human rights, adding that "its hands are stained with the blood of innocents in many parts of the world," with particular reference to Gaza, where the US-backed Israeli regime has killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

The ministry also said that US criticism of the verdicts "proves its involvement in espionage activities against Yemen and its attempts to protect the agents it used for this purpose."

The condemnation followed separate statements by the US and UK embassies in Yemen, which claimed the rulings were "arbitrary", calling for the immediate release of the convicted spies.

On Saturday, Yemen's Specialized Criminal Court in Sana'a sentenced 17 people to death on charges of spying for the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The executions were ordered to be carried out by firing squad in a public place.

The court found the defendants guilty of colluding with the four governments and supplying intelligence during 2024 and 2025.

Judges said the group had been involved in recruiting others, planting surveillance devices and providing detailed information on missile sites, storage depots and senior officials.

The rulings said this intelligence enabled attacks on military, security and civilian targets inside Yemen, causing dozens of deaths and widespread destruction.

The court also handed 10-year prison terms to a man and a woman in related cases and acquitted one defendant.

According to the court documents, Mossad operatives had equipped the group with encrypted communication tools, location-tracking applications and covert cameras, and trained them in their use.

These verdicts came weeks after the Interior Ministry announced the dismantling of a spy network jointly run by Israel's Mossad, the CIA and Saudi Arabia's General Intelligence Presidency.

Authorities said the network had operated from a joint room in Saudi Arabia, where it coordinated sabotage and intelligence-gathering operations against Yemen.

The ministry said recruits were trained on Saudi territory by US, Israeli and Saudi officers in surveillance techniques, reporting methods and covert procedures.

Mahdi al-Mashat, head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, said at the time that the espionage ring had aimed to undermine Yemen's support for Palestine.

He linked the network's activities to the country's operations in support of Gaza beginning in November 2023. Those operations targeted ships with Israeli links and struck sites inside the occupied territories. Yemen has ceased the operations since a fragile ceasefire took hold in Gaza since last month.

Meanwhile, Israel and the US have carried out rounds of deadly aerial assaults across Yemen in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

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European ministers condemn 'escalating settler terror campaign' against Palestinians in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 2:39 AM

A coalition of European foreign ministers has issued a critical statement after violence waged by the Israeli regime's illegal settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank surged to unprecedented levels.

Issued collectively by the British, German, French, and Italian top diplomats on Thursday, the statement described the aggression as an escalating "terror" campaign.

"We strongly condemn the massive increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians," the foreign ministers said, adding, "These attacks must stop."

While senior Israeli officials, including president Isaac Herzog and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have issued self-described partial condemnation of the violence, the ministers argued that rhetoric has not matched reality.

"The condemnation of violence" by the officials "and other senior political and military figures must be translated into action," the statement read.

The undersigned called on Tel Aviv "to abide by its obligations under international law and protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories."

The statement came as new monitoring data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs showed that October recorded 264 settler attacks on Palestinian civilians.

The number marked the highest monthly figure since the United Nations began systematic documentation in 2006, confirming nearly two decades of rising impunity.

The Israeli regime has, meanwhile, issued an extraordinary wave of settlement approvals.

Following the endorsement of the E1 settlement construction zone in August 2025, a project critics say would disintegrate the West Bank, Israeli authorities green-lit more than 3000 new illegal settler units in the past three weeks alone, pushing the yearly total to 28,000 approved units since January, the highest since record-keeping began.

The European officials urged the regime "to reverse its policy," rejecting "any form of annexation  whether partial, total or de facto  and settlement policies violating international law."

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MoND leadership's meeting with the military personnel deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Romania - Ministry of National Defence

Press release No. 227

28.11.2025

On November 26th and 27th, Minister of National Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff met with the Romanian military personnel conducting their mission within EUFOR ALTHEA Operation and with the leadership team in Sarajevo.

The delegation visited Camp Butmir, the military base where most of the Romanian contingent participating in the European Union's operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR ALTHEA, is deployed. The minister thanked the soldiers for their professionalism and effort, who have been away from their homeland and family for days.

"The fact that we are respected as a country is due to each of you. I thank your families for supporting you so that you can do your job properly," the minister told them.

In the context of Romania's taking over the command of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), starting January of this year, the official congratulated Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, the EUFOR Commander, for the coordination and smooth conduct of the largest multinational operation in the Western Balkans.

In his turn, the Chief of Defence emphasized that, in the Balkans, Romania have proved its efficiency over a decade of impeccably completed missions: "In the talks with our military personnel deployed on mission, we noticed the same operational maturity and cohesion that make Romanian structures appreciated by all commands in which they operate. Our comrades work in complex environments, are responsible for the security of local communities and for the achievement of the alliance's objectives. We constantly monitor their needs in the field, from logistic support to personnel rotation, and we maintain a direct dialogue with the commanders to provide the necessary conditions for the mission accomplishment," General Gheorghita Vlad said.

The MoND leadership's meeting with the soldiers deployed to EUFOR ALTHEA, held on the eve of the National Day, reaffirmed Romania's commitment to regional security and emphasized once again the professionalism of the Romanian soldiers as ambassadors of our country in the Western Balkans region.



The Press Office

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Defence Minister's meeting with his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Sarajevo

Romania - Ministry of National Defence

Press release No. 226

28.11.2025

On Thursday, November 27th, Minister of National Defence, Liviu-Ionut Mosteanu, had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zuka Helez, as part of the South-Eastern Defence Ministerial (SEDM) Meeting in Sarajevo.

During the talks, the officials addressed topics regarding the security situation in the Black Sea and the Western Balkans region, as well as the cooperation between Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including from the perspective of NATO and EU's agenda. The Romanian official also congratulated Minister Helez for the excellent organization of the Annual SEDM Meeting in the Defence Ministers format.

With reference to the Western Balkans, Minister of National Defence stressed the role of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the security environment architecture of this region of strategic importance for the Euro-Atlantic security, and highlighted Romania's commitment to projecting stability in the region.

In this context, the Romanian official reaffirmed our country's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, as well as Romania's sound commitment at operational level, to maintaining security in the Western Balkans, both within the European Union mission, EUFOR ALTHEA, including by holding command of the Force throughout 2025, and within the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR.

The two officials welcomed the recent entry into force of the Defence Cooperation Agreement, a paper that offers increased opportunities for the development and enhancement of bilateral cooperation. Minister of National Defence emphasized the importance of maintaining the political-military dialogue, in order to streamline and harmonize joint efforts at defence level, in the context of global and regional challenges posed to security.

At the end of the meeting, Ministers Mosteanu and Helez agreed to continue the dialogue at experts level in order to identify projects of common interest in the context offered by the Agreement.





The Press Office

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HANOI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Typhoon Koto has left one person dead and three others missing in Vietnam's south-central region, Vietnam News Agency reported Saturday.

A man in Lam Dong province died after his basket boat capsized amid high waves.

Strong gusts and rough seas under the typhoon's influence also left three people missing after another boat capsized in Khanh Hoa province.

Economic losses were estimated at over 5.6 billion Vietnamese dong (about 224,000 U.S. dollars), according to the report. Local authorities are continuing to assess the damage.

As of Saturday morning, 68 flights operated by Vietnamese airlines had altered their routes to avoid dangerous weather conditions triggered by Typhoon Koto, local daily VnExpress reported.

The typhoon's eye was forecast to be located about 330 km east of coastal areas from Gia Lai to Dak Lak provinces, moving at a reduced speed of 3 to 5 km per hour, said the report. 
Risch, Shaheen Statement on Anniversary of Georgia Protests

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

November 28, 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, issued the statement below on the declining political freedoms in Georgia upon the one-year anniversary of protests that took place when the Georgian authorities suspended Georgia's European Union accession process:

"One year ago today Georgia entered a dark new chapter in its modern history. After promising to continue Georgia's European integration during its campaignsupported by the vast majority of the Georgian peoplethe government reversed its position and violated its constitutional obligation. In response, Georgians took to the streets to demand change and demonstrate against the government's failure to listen to its voters.

"In the year since, instead of addressing their constituents' concerns and working with political opposition, the Georgian government instead took unprecedented steps to suppress them by passing authoritarian laws, imprisoning and moving to ban the political opposition, intimidating civil society leaders, and maligning the United States and its embassy personnel.

"As political violence in Georgia has escalated, we have been increasingly concerned by the Georgian government's crackdown on its own people and commed their perseverance in confronting it. And as Americans, we admire the Georgian people's refusal to let go of their freedoms, no matter the cost.

"As close friends of Georgia, we have watched these political developments in Georgia for years, and are deeply invested in the country's success. The Georgian people deserve leadership that respects their right to determine their country's future. On this somber anniversary, we call on the government to immediately reverse course, restore political freedoms in Georgia, and recommit to democratic governance."

###

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Hungary Has Not Succumbed to External Pressure, Develops Cooperation With Russia - Orban

Sputnik News

20251128

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Hungary has not succumbed to external pressure and continues to develop cooperation with Russia, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday.

"We are pursuing a sovereign foreign policy. We are consistent in our line on Russian direction. We cooperate in important areas. We have not succumbed to external pressure and have not ceased cooperation in any of these important areas," Orban said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.

The Hungarian prime minister added that he intended to discuss the topic of energy cooperation with Russia during the meeting.

"I would like to emphasize that the foundation of Hungary's energy security lies in stable energy supplies, past, present, and future. We highly value the stability and predictability of Russian supplies. Hungary is interested in maintaining an energy dialogue with your country," Orban also said.

The meeting between Putin and Orban lasted nearly four hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Following the talks, the Kremlin posted a video on its Telegram channel showing Putin accompanying Orban to his car. Standing on the steps, the two leaders exchanged farewells and shook hands.

During the meeting, Putin described Russian-Hungarian cooperation in the energy sector as "very good." Regarding broader trade and economic ties, he acknowledged a decline in bilateral trade in 2024, primarily attributable to external restrictions. Putin said there were opportunities for collaboration, citing a modest growth of 7% in mutual trade in 2025.

 Sputnik

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UN chief condemns Guinea-Bissau coup, urges restoration of constitutional order

By Vibhu Mishra

28 November 2025 - The United Nations has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, warning that the overthrow of elected authorities just days after national elections represents a grave violation of constitutional order and democratic principles.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned by the unfolding events," his spokesperson said in a statement late on Thursday.

"He strongly condemns the coup d'etat perpetrated by elements of the military and any attempt to violate constitutional order."

He stressed that disregarding "the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles."

Restore constitutional order

The Secretary-General called for the "immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order," as well as the release of all detained officials, including electoral authorities, opposition leaders and other political actors.

He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes through "peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues."

According to media reports, soldiers toppled the civilian leadership in a swift power grab before official election results could be announced and installed Major-General Horta Inta-a as transitional president.

The ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, later arrived in Senegal, the reports added.

The coup marks the latest military takeover in West and Central Africa, underscoring persistent regional instability.

Human rights concerns

There are also fears of escalating rights violations following the coup, amid reports of politically motivated arrests and excessive use of force by the military. At least 18 people - including government officials, magistrates and opposition figures - have been arbitrarily detained, most reportedly held incommunicado.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said he was "deeply alarmed" by the reports and called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of those detained.

He also voiced concern over the temporary shutdown of independent radio stations, disruptions to internet access and the reported use of live ammunition to disperse peaceful protesters in the capital, Bissau.

"The military authorities must ensure they fully respect everyone's fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly," he said, echoing the Secretary-General's call for the swift restoration of constitutional order.

Regional reactions

The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the United Nations' full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and returning swiftly to its democratic path.

The African Union also issued a sharp condemnation, with its Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reiterating the AU's "zero tolerance" for unconstitutional changes of government. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials and stressed that only the National Electoral Commission has the legal authority to proclaim election results.

ECOWAS likewise condemned the military takeover and announced on Thursday that it has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following an emergency summit of regional leaders.

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: UN staff and facilities face grave risks, despite ceasefire

OCHA warns that despite the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, UN staff and facilities continue to come under fire, posing unacceptable risks to their safety.

On Monday in northern Gaza, a yard in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East school in Jabalya was bombed, reportedly by an Israeli quadcopter. On Tuesday night in Deir al Balah, a group of armed Palestinians fired at a UNOPS team, striking one of their clearly marked vehicles with multiple rounds. The team had finished loading fuel and carrying out monitoring work at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Thankfully, no one was injured in either of these attacks.

The UN reiterates that civilians, including humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure - including humanitarian convoys, supplies and facilities - must always be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Attacks expose UN staff, NGO partners, and the people who depend on their services to grave risks, including death and injury, and further impede humanitarian work. The UN urges all parties to protect civilian lives and allow the safe passage of life-saving aid.

Despite these risks - as well as other obstacles preventing a full implementation of the humanitarian scale-up - the UN and its partners continue providing services and critical items to people in need across Gaza.

Between Sunday and Tuesday, humanitarian partners assisted some 18,000 families with monthly food parcels through 59 distribution points. Since the start of November, over 204,000 families - nearly half of Gaza's population - have received food parcels.

Humanitarians are also scaling up nutrition services. The number of malnutrition treatment sites operating across the Strip now stands at 140, following the opening of eight new locations in the north last week.

Partners leading on water support are working to reduce people's dependence on water trucking by supporting the restoration of wells and the extension of pipelines, as well as other critical infrastructure. Similar efforts are underway to restore parts of Gaza's decimated sewage system.

Between 19 and 26 November, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed 16 reproductive health kits to medical facilities across Gaza. This is sufficient to support some 200 safe deliveries over the next three months. The agency has also distributed 400,000 units of essential maternal health medicines - including oxytocin, antibiotics, corticosteroids, analgesics, antiseptics and supplements - to health facilities, to further support safe deliveries, alongside infection control and postnatal care. During the same period, UNFPA teams distributed oral contraceptives to health facilities, supporting an estimated 100 women for two months. They also distributed 90 midwifery kits to enable safe deliveries and nearly 1,500 kits to support new mothers' recovery and newborn care.

Many of these humanitarian efforts are made possible by the UN's mine action partners, who assess key sites for potential explosive hazards. On Wednesday alone, five such assessments were carried out.

West Bank: ongoing violence causes casualties, damage, displacement

OCHA says that violence continues unabated across the West Bank with casualties, damage and displacement reported on a daily basis. Palestinians' movements are increasingly constrained, with thousands placed under curfew and many others subjected to restrictions that severely limit their access to workplaces, schools and essential services. As a result, humanitarian needs are deepening - as is people's dependence on aid.

Updated figures released yesterday by OCHA indicate that more than 1,600 attacks perpetrated by Israeli setters since the beginning of 2025 led to casualties, property damage or both - affecting over 270 Palestinian communities across the West Bank.

The number of Palestinians injured in these attacks has now topped 1,000, with most of them sustaining physical assault, hit by stones or inhaling teargas.

Some 700 Palestinians were injured by settlers themselves; the rest were either injured by Israeli forces, or it remains unknown whether they were injured by Israeli forces or settlers. This toll of about 700 is roughly double the number of Palestinians injured by Israeli settlers in settler attacks in all of 2024, when about 360 such injuries were documented.

The killings and violence must stop, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. OCHA stresses once again that Palestinians in the West Bank must be protected.

Somalia

UN fast-tracks funds for drought response

Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated US$10 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund for the drought response in Somalia.

Drought conditions are intensifying in northern, central and southern regions, pushing struggling Somali communities to the edge. Forecasts indicate that rains will remain below-average, particularly in these regions.

The new funds will support 600,000 people in the northern regions and focus on health, nutrition and food security, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene services.

The drought comes amid an already dire humanitarian situation. At least 4.4 million people - more than one in five people in the country - are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between October and December this year.

Children are particularly affected in such crises. Partners report that more than 1.8 million children under 5 are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between August 2025 and July 2026.

Health and nutrition services are collapsing due to crippling funding shortfalls.*

With just over a month left in the year, the $1.4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia is just over 24 per cent funded, with $346 million received.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Somalia with urgent support.

Posted on 28 November 2025

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China-funded infrastructure projects completed in West Bank

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:21, November 29, 2025

RAMALLAH, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian and Chinese officials gathered on Wednesday to mark the completion of two China-funded infrastructure projects in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

At a ceremony in the city, Zeng Jixin, head of the Chinese office in Palestine, and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa jointly unveiled plaques for the newly completed China-Palestine Friendship Square and the extension of Beijing Road.

Speaking at the event, Zeng said that the China-Pale

stine Friendship Square and Beijing Road represent a significant measure in implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of the two nations, as well as a vivid example of leveraging Chinese modernization to bolster Palestine's development.

Stretching over 11 km, Beijing Road will become a road of convenience for people's livelihoods, a road of friendship connecting hearts, and a road leading to the future, Zeng said.

During his speech, Mustafa spoke highly of the profound friendship between the two peoples. He extended his warm congratulations on the successful completion and operational launch of the projects, and expressed his sincere gratitude for China's timely assistance, which has been instrumental in improving the well-being of the Palestinian people.

Mustafa told Xinhua after the ceremony that "the China-Palestine relationship goes back for many decades. China has always supported the Palestinian people, their struggle for independence, and also their development of infrastructure and other facilities in the different sectors."

"This is an opportunity to thank the leadership and the people of China for their continuing support for our people and their struggle for independence. So this is a great opportunity to say: Thank you, China," he said.

Local residents also welcomed the upgrades. Bilal Mansour, who was driving along the newly expanded roadway, told Xinhua that the area had once been "a barren hillside surrounded by rubble and dust."

"China's assistance has changed our lives," he said. "Driving from Birzeit to the city center used to take half an hour. Now it takes just over ten minutes."

The first section of Beijing Road opened to traffic in September 2020. Construction on the extension began in September 2024, and the expanded route now connects a network of 14 roads, linking central Ramallah with the Al-Jadwal area.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 28 November 2025 - Day 1374

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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine's General Staff reported that on 05 November 2025 Ukrainian forces conducted a combined uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and missile strike against a Russian base used for the storage, assembly and launch of UAS against targets in Ukraine, in the vicinity of Donetsk airport, in illegally-occupied Ukraine. Explosions and a secondary detonation were reported.

One building, reportedly used for warhead storage, was destroyed in Ukraine's strike, two further buildings sustained damage, and a fourth sustained minimal damage to its roof. UAS pre-launch infrastructure, a fuel depot and an ammunition warehouse are reported to have been damaged in the strike.

Open source reporting indicates over 1,000 GERAN-2 (Iranian origin Shahed-136 type) UAS were stored at the base. Russia reportedly began constructing UAS infrastructure and launch sites in the vicinity of the airport over the summer to support Russia's increased scale of UAS operations against Ukrainian targets.

Ukraine's strike emphasises the difficulties for Russian air defence in protecting military locations within range of Ukraine's ever improving UAS capabilities, particularly this close to the frontline. It also highlights Ukraine's continuing ability to conduct effective combined aerial strikes against Russian targets, at the same time as Russian forces continue to exert pressure across multiple areas of the frontline.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 289 combat clashes.

Russian zagarbniki made 28 aviation strikes, dropping 86 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians engaged 876 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,264 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled four Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. The enemy also launched three air strikes, dropping seven controlled air bombs, carrying out 175 shells, six of which were from jet systems.

The Defense Forces stopped ten Russian attacks in the South Slobozhansky direction. The enemy acted in the areas of the settlements of Vovchansk, Sinelnikove, Lyman and in the direction of Dvorichansky and Kolodaznogo.

In the Kupyansky direction, Russian units carried out 11 assault actions, trying to break through the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Pi any, Kupyansk, Petropavlivka and Kruglyakivka. Yet another combat encounter is underway.

In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day Russian zagarbniki 37 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of Grekivka, Olgivka, Tverdohlibovoy, Shiikivka, Druzhelyubivka, Medium, Karpivka, Drobishevo, Novoselivka, Korovoy Yar, Zarichny, Stavkiv, Torsky and in the direction of the settlement Red Stav. Fighting is still going on in 17 locations.

In the Slovak direction, Russian forces tried to break through 15 times in the areas of dibrova, yampol, dronivka, vasyukivka and siversk. Five more combat clashes are ongoing so far.

Three combat clashes were recorded in the Kramators komu direction - the Russian opponent tried to advance in the areas of Time Jar and Stupochok.

In the Konstantiniv direction, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces 31 times. The efforts of the attack were concentrated in the areas of Konstantinivka, Oleksandro-Shultynogo, Pleshiyivka, Stepanivka, Rusynoy Yar, Nikolaypillya and Sofiyivka. One battle clash is still going on.

Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian units 65 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of Fedorivka, Rodinsky, Bilitsky, New Shahovoy, Shahovoy, Novoekonomicnogo, Nikanorivka, Mirnohrad, Grishynogo, Zvirovogo, Kotlinogo, Udacny, Molodetsky, Novomikolaivka, Novopavlivka and towards Dorozhny and New Donbass.

Defense forces deter Russian attacks, theRussian enemy suffers significant losses - today 86 Russian occupants have been defecated in this direction, 70 of them - irrevocable. Ukrainian defenders destroyed one unit of automotive equipment, seven unmanned aircraft and three Russian personnel shelters. Four car units and a special equipment unit were also significantly damaged.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction Ukrainian units stopped 42 Russian attacks in the areas of Yalta, Tolstoy, Ivanivka, Andriyivka-Klevtsovoy, Oleksandrograd, Sichnevogo, Voronoy, Sosnivka, Stepovoy, Willow, Cherry, Zlagody, Piddubnoy, Voskresenki, Privilny, Krasnogirsky and Yegorivka. Five more combat clashes are ongoing so far. The settlement of Oleksandrivka suffered an airstrike.

In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled twelve Russian attempts to advance towards Varvarivka, Dobropilya, Zatishya and in the areas of Gulyaipol and Zelenoy. So far, five combat clashes are ongoing. Opponent's aviation hit Gulyaipol.

In the Orihivsky direction, the Russian zagarbniki tried to advance eight times in the areas of Stepovoye, Scherbaky, Primorsky, Novoandriivka and Kamiansky.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian opponent made two attempts to advance in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in response to the terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from 22 to 28 November carried out one massive and six group strikes. As a result, enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, fuel, energy, transport and port infrastructure used for the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ammunition and strike drone manufacturing workshops, storage areas of uncrewed surface vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations, nationalists, and foreign mercenaries.

During the week, Sever Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, one national guard brigade, and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in Sumy and Chernigov regions.

In Kharkov direction, strikes were delivered at formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade and two national guard brigades.

During the week, in the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces, the enemy lost up to 935 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 81 motor vehicles, and seven field artillery guns.

Seven electronic warfare stations and 14 ammunition and materiel depots have been neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of six mechanised brigades, two assault brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades.

Over the past week, the enemy has lost more than 1,575 troops, one tank, and 38 armoured fighting vehicles, including 15 ones manufactured by NATO countries, 138 motor vehicles, and eight field artillery guns. In addition, 77 electronic warfare stations and counter-fire radars, as well as 33 ammunition depots, were neutralised.

The Yug Group's units liberated Zvanovka, Petrovskoye, Ivanopolye, and Vasyukovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, and one marine brigade.

Over the past week, the enemy has lost more than 1,650 troops, two tanks, 26 armoured fighting vehicles, including six Western-made ones, 111 motor vehicles, and 20 field artillery guns in the Yug Group's area of responsibility.

Russian troops eliminated 14 electronic warfare stations and counter-fire radars, 27 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. They inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, two jaeger brigades, one airmobile brigade, two assault brigades, one mountain assault brigade, three air assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, three marine brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and three national guard brigades.

During the week, in Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), assault groups of the 2nd Army continued to destroy the enemy's encircled formations in the Tsentralny and Dinas microdistricts. The liberation of the Gornyak and Shakhtersky microdistricts has been completed. A total of 6,585 buildings have been mopped up of Ukrainian militants.

Russian troops repelled 54 attacks of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, the 82nd and the 95th air assault brigades, the 210th and the 425th assault regiments of the AFU in order to unblock the enemy's encircled group. More than 225 troops and 11 armoured fighting vehicles of the AFU were neutralised.

In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), assault detachments of the 51st Army continued active offensives in the Vostochny, Zapadny microdistricts, and southern area of the city.

Over the past week, the enemy has lost more than 1,710 servicemen, one tank, 33 armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and nine field artillery guns close to Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic).

In total, more than 3,215 troops, two tanks, 57 armoured fighting vehicles, including eight U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 44 motor vehicles, and eight field artillery guns have been neutralised in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility.

The Vostok Group of Forces continue to advance to the depths of the enemy's defence. The settlements of Tikhoye, Otradnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), Zatishye, and Novoye Zaporozhye (Zaporozhye region) have been liberated.

Two mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades have been hit.

During the week, more than 1,600 troops, three tanks, 11 armoured fighting vehicles, 70 motor vehicles, and 10 field artillery guns have been neutralised. Four electronic warfare stations and four materiel depots were engaged.

The Dnepr Group's units improved the tactical situation in Zaporozhye region. Two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, two coastal defence brigades of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade were defeated.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 485 troops, two tanks, four armoured fighting vehicles, 108 motor vehicles, and six field artillery guns. 32 electronic warfare stations, 28 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots have been neutralised.

Over the past week, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have destroyed one S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, one Romanian-made APR-40 missile launcher, and two Grad MLRS vehicles.

Air defence systems shot down 13 guided aerial bombs, 13 HIMARS MLRS projectiles, five Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 1,664 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 99,302 unmanned aerial vehicles, 638 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,306 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,621 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,607 field artillery guns and mortars, and 47,890 units of support military vehicles of the enemy have been neutralised.

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Tennessee Guard unit returns from southern border mission

By Tennessee National Guard November 26, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nearly 50 Guardsmen with the 168th Military Police Battalion recently completed a yearlong deployment to the U.S. southern border.

For the past 12 months, these Tennessee National Guardsmen were headquartered at the U.S. Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley Sector near Edinburg, Texas, where they supported U.S. Customs and Border Protection in detecting, monitoring and helping apprehend individuals conducting illegal border crossings.

"Our Soldiers did a phenomenal job, and I am incredibly proud of them," said Lt. Col. Robert Crowley, commander of the 168th. "Their professionalism during this deployment represented the best of those who serve in the National Guard."

Mobilized on Oct. 13, 2024, the Tennessee Soldiers first traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they conducted additional training and preparation for the deployment. After a few weeks, they were assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector and became responsible for managing more than 300 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border as part of Joint Task Force-North, which later became Joint Task Force-Southern Border.

"We were one of the largest National Guard battalions with this mission," Crowley said. "We were responsible for command and control of more than 600 Soldiers from National Guard units in Alabama, Florida and South Carolina, as well as active-duty forces."

Over the next year, the Tennesseans helped U.S. Border Patrol agents and the Department of Homeland Security disrupt cartel activity, deter drug and human trafficking, assist with criminal apprehensions, and implement a counter-unmanned aerial systems program that deterred criminal drones from operating within the United States.

"When we first began this mission, we primarily supported the U.S. Border Patrol by focusing on maintenance, training support, and detection and monitoring," said Crowley. "Soon after arriving along the border, our focus shifted primarily to detection and monitoring, which included patrolling, providing counter-UAS support, and roving teams that monitored increased traffic areas."

When the 168th first arrived, the sector they operated in averaged about 700 illegal crossing detections per week. By the end of their deployment, detections had dropped to about 50-70 per week, many of which led to apprehensions or turnbacks to the Mexican side of the border.

"I can't stress enough how proud I am of all the hard work our Soldiers, and the ones we worked alongside with, accomplished over the last year," Crowley said.

Once their mission was complete, the 168th Soldiers began returning home at the end of October. In phases, groups of Soldiers first reported to Fort Hood, Texas, where they completed out-processing before flying home to Tennessee. The final group of Soldiers arrived home Nov. 24.

"We're all really excited to be home, just in time to celebrate the holidays," Crowley said. "These Guardsmen truly represented everything that is great about Tennessee."

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Joint Press Release: 10th Meeting of the India-Germany Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism (JWG-CT)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

November 28, 2025

The 10th meeting of the India-Germany Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 27 November 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Mr. Konrad Arz von Straussenburg, Director, Directorate-General for International Order, United Nations and Arms Control of Germany.

2. India and Germany unequivocally condemned terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism. Both sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025.

3. Furthermore, both sides condemned the recent heinous terror incident near the Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025, which resulted in the tragic death of innocent civilians.

4. Both sides exchanged views on the threat assessment in their respective countries and regions and on global challenges. They also discussed respective counter terrorism policies and important topics in the fight against terrorism. These included emerging challenges such as preventing radicalization online, the implications of the misuse of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, countering the financing of terrorism, capacity building, judicial cooperation and exchange on designation of terrorists and terrorist entities.

5. The two sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in the multilateral fora such as the United Nations, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, the Financial Action Task Force and No Money for Terror Ministerial Conference. The two sides also explored ways to strengthen their Counter Terrorism cooperation and identified areas of future collaboration.

6. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in Germany on a mutually convenient date.

New Delhi

November 28, 2025

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US Shooting Incident Involving Afghan National

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan strongly condemns the shooting incident in Washington DC, reportedly involving an Afghan National. Our thoughts and prayers are with the departed soldier, and wish the injured a swift and complete recovery. We also extend heartfelt sympathies to the families affected as well as to the Government and people of the United States.

This targeted attack was undoubtedly an act of terrorism and a heinous assault on United States soil. For the past two decades, Pakistan has endured countless similar terrorist incidents, with clear linkages to Afghanistan. This incident signifies the challenges posed by transnational terrorism and underscores the need for enhanced global cooperation to confront this menace.

The incident heralds a troubling resurgence of terrorism on a global scale. The international community must take note and reinvigorate collective efforts in counter-terrorism. Pakistan remains committed to working with the United States and the wider international community to address the shared challenge of terrorism.

Islamabad

November 28,2025

356/2025

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Trump says to permanently pause immigration from "Third World countries"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:42, November 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his intention to permanently pause immigration from what he described as "Third World countries."

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that "immigration policy has eroded" national progress, and he would "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover."

He also threatened to take measures to reverse immigration decisions made under President Joe Biden, and to "remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States."

In his post, Trump also announced plans to end all federal benefits and subsidies to "noncitizens," calling for the denaturalization of migrants who, in his view, "undermine domestic tranquility."

He emphasized a hardline stance, stating he would deport foreign nationals who are deemed "public charges," "security risks," or otherwise "incompatible with Western civilization."

Trump's remarks came following the death of a National Guard member on Thursday after being shot near the White House by an Afghan national.

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Some international business leaders have hailed southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as a rising hub for investment. #GLOBALink
Trump says plans to 'permanently pause' migration from 'third world countries'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 11:02 AM

US President Donald Trump says he plans to "permanently pause migration from all third world countries," in what he claimed was aimed at allowing the American system to fully recover from flawed immigration policies in the wake of a fatal National Guard shooting.

Making the announcement on social media platform Truth Social late on Thursday, Trump also said he will end all federal benefits and subsidies to "noncitizens," adding that he will "denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any foreign national who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western civilization."

The US president claimed that the decision would "allow the US system to fully recover" from immigration policies that had eroded the "gains and living conditions" of many Americans.

The Trump administration also announced on Thursday that it will re-examine green cards issued to individuals who immigrated to the US from 19 countries.

Head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, said Trump had directed him to conduct "a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern."

"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.

Edlow's statement did not specify which countries were considered countries of concern, but USCIS pointed to a travel ban Trump imposed in June on citizens of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Burundi, Venezuela, Sierra Leone, Turkmenistan, Cuba, Iran and Somalia.

Trump's comments came following the death of a National Guard member on Wednesday after being shot near the White House in an ambush that investigators say was carried out by an Afghan national.

The 29-year-old suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US in 2021 under a program that offered special immigration protections to Afghans in the wake of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Afghan refugees who supported US occupation forces during the 20year invasion (2001-2021) have been largely barred from entering the United States since Trump's return to office.

The US evacuated tens of thousands of people from Afghanistan in 2021 following an irresponsible withdrawal.

More than 85,000 Afghans were ultimately resettled in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, many of them first housed on military bases while undergoing processing.

A portion qualified for Special Immigrant Visas, offered to those employed by the US government, such as interpreters facing possible retaliation from the Taliban.

Other evacuees sought asylum or applied for family-based visas, while many received temporary protections, including humanitarian parole or temporary protected status, which do not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.

A number of majority-Muslim countries also faced a travel ban during Trump's first presidency.

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Baikonur Cosmodrome

45.9 N 63.3 E, TYURATAM

During the launch 27 November 2025 of a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the crewed Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS), several components of the launch platform at Baikonur Cosmodrome sustained damage. Roscosmos press service confirmed this development, noting that corporation personnel are currently assessing the complex's condition. The agency emphasized that post-launch damage occasionally occurs, making such inspections standard protocol worldwide.

The damage involved Platform No. 31 (one of the service cabins), which industry specialists identify as the sole operational facility for conducting crewed Soyuz launches. Baikonur Site 31, also designated as Site 31/6, serves as a key launch site, supporting Soyuz-2 launches for both crewed and uncrewed missions. The site was first utilized on 14 January 1961 for a test flight of the R-7A ICBM. The rocket's launch itself proceeded according to plan, occurring at 12:27 Moscow time. The mission commemorated the 25th anniversary of the ISS's inaugural long-duration expedition. Aboard the spacecraft were cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev, and NASA astronaut Christopher Williams. Soyuz MS-28 docked with the Rassvet module of the ISS Russian segment at 15:34 Moscow time, with the crew transferring to the station in under three hours.

According to unofficial reports, exhaust from the first-stage rocket engine may have torn away a portion of launch complex No. 6 within space rocket complex No. 31. Space popularizer Vitaly Egorov observed that Roscosmos's launch broadcast revealed "a massive metal structure in the gas deflection channel beneath the launch platform that shouldn't have been there."

The service cabin is a multi-level structure extending from the concrete wall of the gas duct (the structure through which exhaust gases are vented from the rocket). It's here that part of the launch crew places blocks with special devices on the rocket before launch. These devices ignite the engines of Korolev-designed rocketsthe Soyuz rockets used to launch both humans and Progress cargo ships into space.

"Soyuz launch complexes feature channels for diverting superheated gases from first and second stage engines operating simultaneously during rocket launch. Rocket engine operation constitutes a nonlinear process accompanied by tremendous energy releases. Consequently, damage to the platform and certain auxiliary components remains possible," explained Alexei Anpilogov, president of the Foundation for Supporting Scientific Research and Developing Civil Initiatives "Osnovanie."

Social media speculation emerged suggesting Russia had supposedly "lost the capability to launch humans into space for the first time since 1961." Roscosmos countered this narrative: "All necessary reserve components exist for restoration, and damage will be eliminated shortly." Specialists note that Baikonur's incident represents nothing unprecedented, and the incident's consequences can be rapidly addressed since the launch platform's primary systems remained undamaged.

"The Baikonur incident is not unprecedented. The incident is irregular but far from catastrophic. Personnel and primary systems remain unaffected," vz the expert continued. This explains why final pre-launch operations proceed without personnel present. Anpilogov estimates repairs will require approximately one month. His understanding indicates the cosmodrome maintains multiple copies of all essential primary equipment, enabling rapid replacement.

Pad No. 31 had already suffered accidents that temporarily left the country without a backup pad. General Kamanin's diaries: "I visited Site 31 and inspected the launch site, which was destroyed by a rocket explosion on December 14, 1966. The launch site restoration work is proceeding successfully; all concrete work has been completed, and installation of the launch equipment has begun. The builders and assemblers assure that they will have the launch site fully restored by May 1 [1967]." The first flight from there only took place on February 8, 1968, much later than promised.

According to Anpilogov, Platform 31 currently represents Baikonur's only facility for launching Russian crewed missions. However, Russia will eventually have Vostochny Cosmodrome at its disposal. "Furthermore, we previously utilized Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana. Admittedly, current sanctions may prevent this option. Regardless, the situation fundamentally contradicts claims that Russia has supposedly lost human spaceflight capability for the first time since 1961," the analyst reasons.

Alexander Lazutkin, Hero of Russia and pilot-cosmonaut, concurs that Baikonur's damage lacks extraordinary character. "The rocket departed normallythat's paramount. We've previously experienced launch platform damage. For instance, during one Energia superheavy carrier rocket launch, exhaust tore out several concrete slabs. Nothing serious was affected," the cosmonaut noted.

Meanwhile, science journalist Mikhail Kotov, who monitored the Soyuz MS-28 launch, characterized claims about Russia supposedly losing crewed spacecraft launch capability as "obvious disinformation" and situation escalation. "Certainly, an irregular situation occurred at Baikonur, but discussing crewed program termination is simply foolish," Kotov stressed.

His information indicates the rocket's exhaust gases created an aerodynamic shock that "tore the launch platform service cabin from its position and ejected it into the gas deflection channel." This occurred after Soyuz separated from the launch platform. "Theoretically, the service cabin should have remained in a designated recess, but exhaust force apparently extracted it. Nobody was present on the platform at that moment; no injuries occurred," the source clarified.

A special commission will determine the incident's causes, the journalist noted. "Repairs will require several months. The platform's initial launch could occur during 2026's first quarter," Kotov reported, citing rocket-space industry specialists' assessments. The expert agrees that should crewed mission necessity arise before repair completion, Vostochny work could commence, though "specialists currently believe repairing Platform 31 represents the simpler solution." "Roscosmos possesses sufficient components for resolving the problem," Kotov concluded.

Baikonur was the first cosmodrome in the world and to this day it remains the largest. It was from here that the first rocket, with the dogs Belka and Strelka, was launched. Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into space after launching into the cosmos from Cosmodrome's Pad 1/5. The R-7 rocket made its maiden flight from Pad 1 on May 15, 1957. On October 4, 1957, the pad launched the world's first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik 1. Subsequently, the pad hosted manned space flights from Yuri Gagarin's flight.

In 1961, due to the growing launch schedule of the Soviet space program, a similarly designed pad, LK-31/6, was opened at Baikonur. Based on experience gained during the construction at Site 1 and 2, the flame trench at Site 31 launch pad was scaled down in comparison to that of at Site 1. Pad No. 1 was the primary launch site for manned spacecraft, while LK-31/6 occasionally hosted Soyuz transport flights. During its first years, the pad suffered several significant damage from launch vehicle explosions.

After the collapse of the USSR, Baikonur ended up in a different country  Kazakhstan. Russia continues to lease the facilities. In 2004 the presidents of the two states signed an agreement extending the contract through 2050. "During the first half of 2025, the Russian side plans to accept facilities from Site No. 1 (the Gagarin Launch Site) for the creation of a museum complex to develop tourism at the Baikonur complex," the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media reported 12 April 2025. To continue using this platform, it needs to be extensively modernized to accommodate Soyuz-2 rocket launches. However, this work is impractical, as it would require significant financial investment.

In 2007 Russia decided to build a cosmodrome on its own soil. The new site for the ambitious plans will become the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Region in Russias Far East. Many await the completion of its construction. The Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) is waiting, as are those that dedicated their lifes work to Baikonur.

The Vostochny Cosmodrome is supposed to ensure Russias independent access to space. In time it is slated to become a major center for space research and create new opportunities for the development of the Russian Far East and give a new impulse to the Russian space industry. However, the date for the cosmodromes opening keeps getting pushed back and the process itself is accompanied by scandals tied to the waste and embezzlement of construction funds.

Overview, Supporting Facilities and Launch Vehicles of the

Soviet Space Program *

The 1971-1975 study

The Baikonur Cosmodrome (also known as Tyuratam) is the oldest space launch facility in the world. In the 1950's, the Soviet Union announced that space launch operations were being conducted from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Some concluded that this facility must be near the city of Baikonur, Kazakhstan. In truth, the launch facilities are located 400 km to the southwest near the railhead at Tyuratam.

The Soviets built the city of Leninsk near the facility to provide apartments, schools, and administrative support to the tens of thousands of worker at the launch facility. The first manmade satellite to orbit the Earth was launched from here. This site has been the source of all manned Soviet and CIS launches and of most lunar, planetary, and geo-stationary orbit launches. Due to range safety restrictions at other launch sites, Tyuratam is the only site that can launch satellites directly into retrograde orbits. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan has claimed ownership of the facility. Most of the skilled workers and the military forces protecting some of the facilities are, however, Russian. (1)

The largest and most versatile of the Soviet launch sites is near the rail stop village of Tyuratam in Kazakhstan at about 45.6 N. latitude, 63.4 E. longitude. The Russians call it the Baykonur Cosmodrome, although it is about 370 kilometers southwest of the station stop of that name on quite a different railway line. It originally may have been thought that by giving contradictory information about the cosmodrome, the Russians would maintain some element of doubt in the Western world, since the town of Baykonur is on the correct ground trace of the early Soviet flights which were at 65 inclination. To this day the Russians pinpoint the launch pad for manned flights as being at 47.3 N. and 65.5 E. which is patently false in light of conclusive public evidence of initial revolution ground traces and known launch times. Presumably based upon Soviet data, the NASA press kit for the Apollo-Soyuz "Test Project lists the launch site as being at 47.8 N. and 66 E. This does not square with NASA Landsat photographs and the visits and descriptions supplied by NASA visitors to this launch site. (2)

Tyuratam was first accurately placed in public announcements by the optical studies of Professor Tadao Takenouchi in December 1957 following his observations of Sputnik 1 and 2. (3) The American trade press continued for some years to report the launch site as being in European Russia, until the Russians themselves announced it was in Kazakhstan (albeit at false coordinates, at the time of the Gagarin flight in 1961.)

Tyuratam was the site from which the first Soviet ICBM's were fired, all the early Sputniks, all manned flights, all lunar and planetary flights, the earlier communications satellites, all the fractional orbit bombardment system (FOBS) and military inspector flights. It is also the area from which all heavy payloads put up by the Proton "D" type launch vehicle. Presumably when the largest Soviet launch vehicle is brought into use, the same site selection reasons will recommend Tyuratam as the logical place for its launch.

In effect, Tyuratam is the Kennedy Space Center (Eastern Test Range) of the Soviet space program.

The first good look at the immediate launch site of the standard launch vehicle was provided by a 1967 movie giving an historical review of the Soviet program during the previous ten years. Those fairly sweeping panoramic views fit consistently with the carefully cropped or pointed views which had been released piecemeal in previous years. Earlier the Russians had disclosed that the historical marker for Sputnik 1 was beside the pad used for manned launches, one more factor confirming the loner term use of both the same pad and the same first stage for missions from Sputnik 1 through Soyuz 19, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) flight. For a long time no outsider could get to the launch site. President De Gaulle was taken there in June 1966 to see the launch of the first acknowledged weather satellite (Kosmos122), accompanied only by his personal physician. In 1970, President Pompidou saw the launch of a military observation satellite (Kosmos 368) which carried a supplemental scientific payload. Finally, in connection with the upcoming ASTP flight, three parties of American astronauts and technicians were flown in at night, put up in a hotel, driven to the launch pad, and then were returned to their hotel for another night flight out.

In the meantime, low resolution pictures made public by NASA routinely to anyone interested showed that the Landsat 1 views of the Tyuratam area were covered with roads, railway tracks, and other signs of human activities including almost certainly assembly buildings and launch pads which spread over a distance of about 135 by 90 kilometers or more. Also, the NASA people flying at night saw a scattering of electric lights from their aircraft that spread over distances of about this amount. At the day of the launch, the American ambassador, the science attache, and Willis Shapley of NASA headquarters were flown there in daylight hours for the launch, but did not see too much from the air. People did report that the little railway stop of Tvuratam these days, is completely overwhelmed by the adjacent city of Leninsk of perhaps 50,000 people. This city had not been shown in public Soviet atlases, and seems to owe its existence to the growing space activity.

With launch pads for many different launch vehicles widely scattered over the area, it is not possible to speak of a single closely defined latitude and longitude as defining the site, or to know what all the launch facilities look like. The original "A" class standard launch vehicle is carried horizontally on railway flat cars to the launch pad, tilted up, to sit on a stand over a large flame deflector pit. The base of the rocket in the upright position is well below the level of the railways tracks which deliver the rocket. There is a many-plat-formed service tower which is tilted away from the vehicle some time before launch, and shorter supports for the first stage which retract away after ignition when thrust reaches a certain level. Tall adjacent light-weight structures are described as carrying lightning rods to minimize electrical interference with the launch equipment and vehicle and perhaps to carry television or motion picture equipment.

One gained the impression that tracking and guidance of Soviet space vehicles during the launch phase involve fixed radio, radar, and or optical stations down range. This is because repetitive flights of a given launch vehicle tend to be flown at almost exactly the same orbital inclinations. To achieve the right azimuth for launch, the whole vehicle assembly and platform are rotated to the required compass heading. When two very similar yet different flight inclinations are achieved using different launch vehicles and other evidence supports the judgment, one receives the impression the difference in launch vehicle is also matched by using a different launch pad, and in order to fly the right "slot" in relation to the guidance points down range, the resulting orbit has a slightly different inclination.

Pictures in movies as well as the visits of NASA people show that the assembly of vehicles and the attachment of payloads occurs in special assembly buildings. Checkout of spacecraft is done in the vertical position. Mating of spacecraft and launch vehicles is done horizontally.

Although only one launch pad in a vast cosmodrome had been opened to limited inspection, the Landsat pictures of the whole area confirmed the general impression that this is open steppe country, relatively flat and only slightly rolling. There is no basis to the rumors of the early days that Soviet launches were conducted by winged, recoverable booster stages which ran on a track up a mountain side before becoming airborne.

Other Landsat pictures suggest there is a general area in which spent first stages impact on the steppe, and informally Russians in the program have suggested they are able to salvage for reuse some components from this "bone yard".(4)

A Soviet account of the Baykonur Cosmodrome described the assembly-test building used for the Soyuz. The building is called the MIK (Montazhno Ispytatel'nyy Korpus). The article said that a Soyuz is first given a full checkout in the MIK, and then again on the pad. In the MIK, the separate modules are tested in vacuum chambers, including the firing of maneuvering engines. After the individual modules are tested, they are assembled to create the whole vehicle and returned to the vacuum chamber for further checkout. Then they are also placed in an anechoic chamber to test the radio compatibility of the assembled ship with its communications systems. (5)

Another account of the Tyuratam complex was carried by Spaceflight. Leninsk was identified as the long-referenced "Rocket City" of Soviet accounts, about 2,090 kilometers southeast of Moscow on the main Moscow-Tashkent railway line, with Tyuratam the original village railway stop. The area was described as rolling but mostly flat country, with complex irrigation systems and some tall trees planted. The climate is very extreme summer and winter. It is said to be about 32 kilometers from Leninsk to the ASTP launch pad, and about 1.6 kilometers from the MIK to the pad, using the standard Soviet 5 foot gauge railway track to join the two points. The second pad for the ASTP backup was supposedly another 32 kilometers away. The same account said there is a test building for the G-l-e rocket and a gantry122 meters tall for full assembly testing of the G-l-e. (6)

Baiterek, which is being built at the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, is central to Kazakhstans ambitions to become a space power. Under the 2004 project, Baiterek was to become a launch pad for Russias modular Angara rocket, which is still under development. Last year it was agreed that the facility will be converted to a launch platform for the Ukrainian-built Zenit rockets, as Russia is building a new facility to host Angara, the Vostochny space center.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in 2013 that the leaders of Russia and Kazakhstan had signed a three-year roadmap on the cooperative use of Baikonur, which would transfer ownership of Baiterek to Kazakhstan. The document also requires recommendations be made to reduce the ecological impact of Russian heavy-lift Proton rocket launches beginning in 2016.

The head of the Kazakh space agency on Monday called for trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to discuss a new launch facility at the countrys Baikonur space center. At the moment, the project to build the Baiterek launch facility is designed for Zenit carrier rockets, which uses non-toxic components of rocket fuel. However, trilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia is needed to carry out the project. In this respect, we are organizing a meeting of the three states space chiefs, the head of the Kazakh space program, former cosmonaut Talgat Musabayev said 05 May 2014.

References:

1. SOVIET SPACE PROGRAMS, 1971-75, OVERVIEW, FACILITIES AND HARDWARE MANNED AND UNMANNED FLIGHT PROGRAMS, BIOASTRONAUTICS CIVIL AND MILITARY APPLICATIONS PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE PLANS, STAFF REPORT , THE COMMITTEE ON AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE .SCIENCES, UNITED STATES SENATE, BY THE SCIENCE POLICY RESEARCH DIVISION CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE, THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, VOLUME  I, AUGUST 30, 1976, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1976,

2. Aviation Week, New York , January 14, 1974 , pp. 12-13, pictures.

3. Takenouchi, Tadao: A launch site In the Kizil Kum Desert? Kagaku Asahi, Tokyo , February 1958, pp. 40-48 (In Japanese); reported earlier in press dispatches.

4. Aviation Week, New York , February 18, 1974 , p. 17, pictures of drop area.

5. Pravda, Moscow , May 25.1975, pp. 1, 2.

6. Spaceflight, London , 11 October 1975 , p. 368.





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'Worms Instead Of Meat': Female Ex-Political Prisoners Describe Belarus's 'Nightmare' Penal System

By Viyaleta Sauchyts and RFE/RL's Belarus Service November 28, 2025

Summary

Belarusian prisons are thought to hold over 1,100 political prisoners, including 150 women, under harsh conditions.

Former inmates describe freezing cells, rotten quality, and forced labor, likening conditions to a "gulag."

Psychological pressure and bans on solidarity are used to suppress inmates, with punishments for even minor acts of support.

Long considered one of Europe's most repressive states, conditions in Belarus have become even harsher since a brutal security crackdown that followed a disputed presidential election in 2020.

At least 1,100 people are still behind bars in the country on politically motivated charges, according to rights groups, including over 150 women.

Many of these female prisoners have been incarcerated at a notorious penal colony in the southeastern city of Homel.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Belarus Service, former inmates described the harsh conditions they had to endure in this detention facility.

Now free and living in exile, they shared stories of freezing cells, rotten food, "slave labor" sewing uniforms, and a ban on even the smallest acts of solidarity.

"It's like a nightmare," says Halina Dzerbysh of the prison where she was sent after falling foul of strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko's authoritarian regime and being sentenced to 20 years on widely criticized "terrorism" charges.

"I was hungry all the time there," adds the 64-year-old retired accountant and independent election observer who was freed in a US-brokered deal that secured the release of dozens of political prisoners in September.

"In the morning, we had porridge and white bread with tea. Then everything depended on your luck. You might get potato stew, which you could only eat if you didn't look at it. There were worms instead of meat."

Palina Sharenda-Panasyuk, a 50-year-old civic activist and member of the European Belarus movement who spent more than five years in detention, likened the Homel facility to "the gulag," saying extreme cold was a major issue.

Prisoners would "wrap their heads with a tiny hand towel just to warm themselves with their own breath. It was a classic trick," she says.

"The guards would bang on the door day and night with batons, yelling: 'Take off the towel!' If you wrapped yourself in toilet paper, it wasn't as noticeable. That was how we kept warm."

Natallya Dulina, a 60-year-old former associate professor at the Minsk State Linguistic University who was imprisoned on "extremism" charges after taking part in anti-government protests, says the psychological strain was overwhelming.

"Sometimes it felt like a madhouse, a psychiatric ward," she recalls.

That mental pressure was intentional, according to 30-year-old blogger and feminist activist Darya Afanasyeva, who spent more than two years in custody after being arrested in connection with the 2020 protests.

"Human feelings like care, support, and friendship are banned" at the prison, she says. "So are sisterhood, happiness, and love."

According to Afanasyeva, even the smallest act of solidarity -- like boiling water together -- could result in punishment.

"From early in the morning, you don't know how to cope with your despair," she says.

Prison work was also another tool of control, according to Volha Takarchuk, a 40-year-old blogger sentenced in 2021 to 18 months in prison for online posts deemed insulting to officials.

"It's unpaid slave labor. You work for the government," she says.

Describing the policy as "a smart move by Lukashenko," Takarchuk said inmates ended up producing uniforms for the very security forces who helped imprison them.

Nonetheless, she says the harsh regime did little to dampen defiance among inmates of the prison in Homel.

"You could feel the disgust and hatred that the uniforms were made with. Prisoners would spit on them and trample them," she says.

"I would go to the toilet, where there are pools of urine on the floor, and then I'd step on a uniform and think: 'That's the uniform you deserve.'"

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-women-political- prisoners-homel/33605418.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.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 28, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: November 28, 2025 19:34

At the invitation of Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will travel to Russia for the 20th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation from December 1 to 2.

Xinhua News Agency: The Study Outline on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy (2025 Edition) was published today. Could you please share more on that?

Mao Ning: As approved by the CPC Central Committee, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated the Study Outline on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, which was first published in 2021, and released its 2025 Edition. The new edition gives an overview of the pioneering contributions and latest development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in the field of diplomacy. It also systemically elaborates on the epochal backdrop, profound dimensions, theoretical quintessence and rich practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The book serves as an authoritative guide for members of the CPC, officials and the public to understand and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.

Since the dawn of this new era, with a keen understanding of the general trends in China and the world, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, developed a series of major innovations in theory and practice for China's external work, led the country in making historical achievements on that front and transforming it, and formed and enriched Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs held in 2023 established the pillars of building a community with a shared future for humanity as a scientific system and put into shape the top-level design of China's diplomatic strategy on the new journey. The Central Conference on Work Relating to Neighboring Countries held earlier this year gave a systematic review of the achievements and experience of the work on this front in the new era, and defined the goals and missions as well as the method and steps in this regard in the years ahead.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, we in the diplomatic service hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, work to build a more just and equitable global governance system through reform, expand the global network of partnerships and advance the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We on the diplomatic front firmly uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests, and actively act on the abiding commitment of serving the people through diplomacy. As the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is advancing on all fronts, China enjoys enhanced international influence, stronger capacity to lead new endeavors, and greater moral appeal.

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China's diplomacy will follow the principles of self-confidence and self-reliance, openness and inclusiveness, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, create a more favorable external environment for the endeavor of building China into a great modern socialist country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization, and make greater contribution to peace and human progress.

CGTN: What does China expect to achieve through the upcoming China-Russia strategic security consultation?

Mao Ning: China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era. Through the strategic security consultation mechanism, the two countries maintain regular exchanges on major issues of mutual interest that have strategic and overarching significance. Director Wang Yi will be traveling to Russia for the upcoming consultation. The aim is to implement the important common understandings reached between the presidents of the two countries, have an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, and strengthen communication and coordination on important issues that bear on the strategic security interests of the two countries.

Bloomberg: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a call with his French counterpart and the Chinese readout said that he asked the French to cooperate on the core issues of both sides. We understand obviously Taiwan is one of the core issues of the Chinese state. Did Wang Yi have any specific mention about cooperating on the issue of Taiwan to the French? Does China plan to bring this issue up again when President Macron is here next week?

Mao Ning: We've released a readout about the phone call you mentioned. On the exchanges between the Chinese and French presidents, I have no information to share at the moment.

RIA Novosti: U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is now ahead of Russia and China in the space race after creating the Space Force. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Mao Ning: China is committed to the peaceful use of outer space, and opposes any arms race in outer space or weaponizing it. China has no intention to engage in a space race with any country, nor do we seek so-called advantage in outer space.



Global Times: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks have been opposed and criticized by visionary people in Japan and the wider world. Yet, the Taiwan authorities kept backing Takaichi. Days ago, Lai Ching-te conveyed his "support" by eating sushi, and Taiwan's "foreign affairs department" said that the mainland's letter to the UN Secretary-General "contains rude and unreasonable content." What's your comment?

Mao Ning: Japan exerted colonial rule on Taiwan for half a century and committed innumerable crimes there. The DPP authorities keep ingratiating themselves with Japan to seek "Taiwan independence". That is simply disgraceful.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan interfere in China's internal affair, send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and China's recovery of Taiwan. Japan should deeply reflect on its war crimes, learn lessons from history, adhere to the one-China principle, and exercise utmost prudence when it comes to the Taiwan question. We ask the Japanese side to retract the erroneous remarks, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and take practical steps to honor its commitments to China.

Ukrinform News Agency: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov this week in an interview with Sky News stated that Russia is in talks with China regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm that such negotiations with Russia are taking place, and if so, could you add some specifics on the issues being discussed, and whether China is discussing or planning to discuss peace in Ukraine with Ukraine itself?

Mao Ning: China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis. We support all efforts conducive to peace. Since the crisis broke out, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, has maintained communication with relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, and played a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the crisis.

Bloomberg: Your colleague made a statement yesterday that the San Francisco Treaty is illegal and invalid. Is it the contention of the Chinese government that state of war still exists between Japan and 47 other parties of the treaty?

Mao Ning: As my colleague stressed yesterday, the so-called "Treaty of San Francisco" was issued with the exclusion of important parties to the WWII, such as the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, in order to seek a separate peace deal with Japan. The document goes against the provision of not making 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 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.

Bloomberg: China did sign a peace treaty with Japan in 1978, correct? This is after the Treaty of San Francisco. So in 1978 the Chinese position was that they did accept the San Francisco Treaty. And now your position is you don't accept the San Francisco Treaty. Is that correct?

Mao Ning: Your understanding is not correct. China has never recognized anything set out in the "Treaty of San Francisco," including on the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, and has never accepted the treaty. The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement clearly states that "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation." The four political documents between China and Japan provide clear provisions on the Taiwan question and other issues, and together they constitute the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

Hubei Media Group: It's reported that according to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. formally designated Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization from November 24, imposing sanctions on its members, including President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking officials. Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Venezuela firmly rejects the ridiculous fabrication by the U.S., which designates the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, and it's a lie to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council and the interference of external forces in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext. We call on the U.S. side to lift the illicit unilateral sanctions and choose the course of action that is conducive to peace, stability and development in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Diplomatic Adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: November 27, 2025 23:11

On November 27, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call with Diplomatic Adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne at the latter's request.

Wang Yi stated that 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. The strategic guidance of the two heads of state is of great importance. The two sides should deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and elevate the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, so as to inject fresh impetus into safeguarding multilateralism as well as reforming and improving global governance, and to demonstrate the responsibility of China and France as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Wang Yi expressed the hope that France will encourage the European Union (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, so as to promote the sound development of China-EU relations along the right track.

Wang Yi elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan question, stressing that provocative remarks on Taiwan by the incumbent Japanese leader are blatantly turning back the wheel of history and infringe on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and comprehensive strategic partners, China and France need to jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests. Wang Yi expressed the hope that France will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle.

Emmanuel Bonne said that President Emmanuel Macron looks forward to an early visit to China 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 on jointly addressing global crises. Emmanuel Bonne expressed the belief that this visit will guide the high-quality development of bilateral relations and make new contributions to world peace and stability. 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 and strengthening dialogue and coordination with China to jointly address challenges such as global governance and economic imbalances. Stressing the importance of the sound development of EU-China relations, he said that France is willing to play a positive role in EU-China dialogue and cooperation based on sound France-China relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Emmanuel Bonne briefed Wang Yi on France's position. Wang Yi said that China supports all efforts dedicated to peace, supports reaching a peace deal that is comprehensive, lasting and acceptable by all relevant parties, and supports building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. China is ready to maintain communication with France on this matter.

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COMMANDERS' CONFERENCE -2025 WESTERN AIR COMMAND

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 28 NOV 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

The two-day Commanders' Conference of Western Air Command (WAC) with the theme of "    ", held on 27 & 28 November 2025 at New Delhi, culminated today, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), presiding over the proceedings as the Chief Guest. On arrival, he was received by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WAC and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Addressing the Commanders, the CAS highlighted the importance of investing in air warriors' training, emphasising on leadership, welfare and quality of life initiatives that enhance morale and mission effectiveness. He also lauded WAC's humanitarian relief efforts, which exemplify the spirit of "     " .Reaffirming IAF's commitment to national security, the CAS called upon all air warriors to uphold the core value of Mission, Integrity and Excellence.

The Commanders' Conference, spread over a two-day period, involved intense deliberations, discussions and brainstorming amongst all commanders of WAC, along with senior military functionaries from DMA, civil functionaries and domain experts on military matters.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, addressed the Commanders' of Western Air Command and emphasised upon importance of professional competence and operational readiness. He called for continuous adaptation, tactical innovation and strategic foresight in the evolving security environment. Highlighting mental and physical agility as key force multipliers, he urged sustained focus operational preparedness.

Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, addressed the Western Air Command Commanders' Conference 2025. Speaking on Technology and Sovereignty, he emphasised that a self-reliant and technologically advanced Indian Air Force remains essential for protecting India's sovereign interests.

During the Conference, Dr. K Rajalakshmi Menon, Director General (Aero), DRDO, gave a talk on Future Technologies in Airborne surveillance System, and underscored the rising importance of autonomous aerial systems, long endurance platforms and space-enabled ISR.

Discussions and brainstorming were also undertaken towards embracing "Atmanirbharta" in all aspects of operational thought and further the Nation's and IAF's commitment towards becoming a true "Made in India" and "Made for India" force.

WAC holds the onerous task of securing the Westerns and Northern airspace. Recent operations showcased the high standards of operational preparedness and professionalism that has been a hallmark of WAC.

***

IN/PC/RS

(Release ID: 2196052)

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MoD inks Letters of Offer & Acceptance with US for sustainment support of Indian Navy's fleet of MH60R helicopters through Follow on Support and Follow on Supply Support worth approx Rs 7,995 crore

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 28 NOV 2025 3:10PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Defence has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the Government of the United States for sustainment support of Indian Navy's fleet of MH60R helicopters through Follow on Support and Follow on Supply Support for a period of five years at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore. The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales programme of US, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on November 28, 2025.

Sustainment Support is a comprehensive package which includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair & replenishment of components and setting up of 'Intermediate' level component repairs & Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India. In-country development of these facilities will ensure capability build-up in the long run and reduced dependence on the US Government, thus aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This would further lead to indigenous product and services development through MSMEs and other Indian firms.

The sustainment support would significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the technologically advanced, all-weather capable MH60R helicopters, which also have Anti-Submarine Warfare capability, acquired through the US government. In addition, the support would enable the operation of these helicopters from dispersed locations as well as ships, ensuring optimal performance during all their primary and secondary missions/roles.

****

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2195822)

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INS VIKRANT AND INS UDAYGIRI PARTICIPATE IN SRI LANKA NAVY INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW 2025 AT COLOMBO

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 28 NOV 2025 1:25PM by PIB Delhi

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with the indigenously built frigate INS Udaygiri, is representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 being hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo from 27 to 29 Nov 2025. The event is part of the Sri Lanka Navy's 75th anniversary celebrations and features participation from naval ships, delegations and observers from several countries.

This visit marks the maiden overseas deployment of both ships and underscores India's commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation. The maiden participation of indigenously built and Nation's Pride INS Vikrant for an International Fleet Review highlights India's continued engagement with partner navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects India's emphasis on promoting peace, stability and security through collaboration and interoperability.

The participation of the recently commissioned INS Udaygiri further showcases India's advancing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and its balanced, expanding naval presence in the IOR.

During their stay in Colombo, the ships will participate in key IFR events including the ceremonial fleet review, city parade, community outreach activities, and professional naval interactions. As part of public outreach initiatives, the ships will also be open to visitors during IFR 2025.

****

VM/SKY 262/25

(Release ID: 2195767)

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CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE 2025 CONCLUDES

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Reform to Transform - Sashakt, Surakshit Aur Viksit Bharat

Posted On: 28 NOV 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

Chanakya Defence Dialogue conducted by Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies concluded today. The two-days Dialogue was conducted at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri graced the event today, in presence of Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff among other dignitaries.

The Dialogue reflects the national aspiration for a Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat, bringing focus to India's emerging security challenges, defence reforms and technological transformations amid an increasingly complex global order.

Hon'ble Raksha Mantri unveiled key Green and Digitisation initiatives and delivered a special address on Defence Reforms for a Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that the Chanakya Defence Dialogue is a vital forum where the Indian Army's operational experience merges with strategic thinking to shape future-ready policies. He noted that the reforms are a strategic necessity amid shifting global power centres, blurred boundaries between peace and conflict and expanding domains of warfare including cyber, space, information and cognitive influence. He underlined India's growing global role, driven by economic strength, technological capability and principled foreign policy. Reforms, resilience and modernisation, he said, must strengthen defence, economy and society, with the armed forces as the strongest pillar of national security and stability. Stressing the government's focus on capability enhancement, infrastructure, technology, Atmanirbhar Bharat and welfare of soldiers and veterans, he added that a strong, secure and developed India contributes to global stability, ethical use of emerging technologies and humanitarian values. He commended the Dialogue's rich deliberations and affirmed that such platforms deepen strategic foresight and guide India's journey towards a confident and future-ready Bharat.

Ambassador DB Venkatesh Verma, Member of the National Security Advisory Board, delivered a special address on Resilient National Security @2047. He stressed that strategic autonomy is meaningful only when India has the will and capability to think, act and fight independently, without allowing external engagements to turn into vulnerabilities. He emphasised the need for an operationally sound military doctrine that can be executed without external interference, supported by a resilient defence-industrial base, secure technology choices and reduced economic dependencies. He noted that strategic autonomy also depends on societal factors such as national self-confidence, willingness to invest in defence and the ability to produce skilled manpower for modern warfare. Highlighting the importance of balancing productivity, security and welfare power, he called for faster reforms, higher defence spending, stronger R&D and integrated joint military structures. He concluded that India's long-term resilience and rise as a major power will depend on sustaining higher economic growth and ensuring that dependencies do not erode autonomy.

Ambassador Pankaj Saran, Former Deputy NSA delivered a thematic address on Redefining Strategies in Conventional Wars through Technology, emphasising doctrinal shifts and technology-driven readiness. He highlighted the growing centrality of technology in national security, noting that its role in conventional warfare is now unquestionable and historically inseparable from the evolution of conflict. Drawing on his experience as Deputy NSA and Ambassador, he reflected on how India's strategic institutions have increasingly recognised technology as a core pillar of security, citing the 2018 reforms in the National Security Council Secretariat that created a dedicated technology division as a decisive shift in mindset. He emphasised that India must build on this foundation, learn from past decades and adopt new approaches. Acknowledging the professionalism of the armed forces and the rising stature of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, he underlined the need for continued integration of technology, institutional reform and forward-looking thinking to strengthen India's preparedness for future challenges.

Today's sessions dwelt upon Battlefield Equalisers, where global experts discussed disruptive technologies such as AI, autonomous systems, hypersonics and cyber capability, highlighting how these are reshaping the character of warfare. The sessions also examined the transformation required for India's forces to become integrated, agile and modern. Distinguished military leaders and experts spoke on jointness, adaptive structures, island security perspectives and the growing role of information and cognitive security in modern conflict.

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, delivered the Closing Address of the Dialogue, emphasising that India's security environment demands forces that are agile, technologically empowered and operationally integrated. He noted that the insights generated during the two days, ranging from emerging technologies and battlefield equalisation to jointness, innovation and defence reforms, would serve as actionable inputs for the Army's transformation roadmap. Underscoring the importance of self-reliance, future-ready structures and mission-driven capability development, he reiterated the Indian Army's commitment to accelerating reform and strengthening India's preparedness across all domains of warfare. He thanked the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, distinguished speakers, global partners and participants for contributing to a substantive and forward-looking deliberation.

Across its two days, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 provided an authoritative platform for shaping India's future defence posture. With guidance from the Hon'ble President of India, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff and other senior military leadership and global experts, CDD 2025 reaffirmed the Indian Army's commitment to building a strong, secure and developed India through deeper self-reliance, technological excellence and an integrated national strategy.

****

NA/RS

(Release ID: 2195980)

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Chinese defense ministry responds intensively to Japan's dangerous moves

Global Times

'Should Japan dare to cross red line, it is destined to pay heavy price'

By Fan Anqi and Xing Xiaojing Published: Nov 28, 2025 12:20 AM

China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday responded intensively to a series of recent moves by Japan, including the deployment of missiles on Yonaguni Island, the first export of deadly weapons since Japan relaxed arms export controls, and Japan's initiation of discussions on revising three security-related documents.

Slamming these dangerous moves, MND spokesperson Jiang Bin said at a press conference held on Thursday that should the Japanese side dare to cross the red line and invite trouble to itself, it is destined to pay a heavy price. He added that people around the world, especially those from China and other victimized countries in Asia, will never forget the catastrophe brought by Japanese fascists. The specter of Japanese militarism must never be allowed to haunt the world again.

Recent media reports said that the Japanese government has sold its domestically produced Patriot air-defense missiles to the US. It was the first export of deadly weapons since Japan relaxed controls on arms exports. In addition, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has started discussions on revising its three security documents, including the revision of its three non-nuclear principles and increasing its defense spending.

Commenting on the latest moves, Jiang warned that the international community must be on high alert against Japan's revisionist attempts to break away from the restraints of its pacifist constitution. The attempts include brazenly expanding its military build-up, drastically increasing its defense budget, expediting the revision of its security policies, relaxing restrictions on weapons exports, and attempting to revoke the three non-nuclear principles. It is even attempting to intervene militarily on the Taiwan question. These moves pose serious threats to regional peace and stability, Jiang said.

Regarding the Japanese side's plan to station medium-range surface-to-air missiles at Yonaguni Island 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, and responding to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's recent claim that the deployment "will lower the risk of Japan being attacked", the MND spokesperson said, "Should the Japanese side dare to cross the red line and invite troubles to itself, it is destined to pay a heavy price."

Jiang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration. "Instead of repenting for its war crimes of invading and colonizing Taiwan, Japan is taking an extremely wrong approach by suggesting military intervention in a so-called Taiwan contingency. This dangerous approach will uproot the post-WWII international order, and lead Japan to repeat the mistakes of its militarist past."

The PLA has strong capabilities and reliable means to defeat any aggressors, Jiang stressed.

The MND also responded to recent claims from a source in the Japanese Self-Defense Forces saying that if the aircraft carrier Fujian takes military action in the Taiwan Straits, "Japanese and US forces will have the capability to sink it."

In response, Jiang said, "it is nothing but sheer fantasy and an overestimation of one's own abilities."

Japan's recent series of dangerous moves have inflicted severe harm and posed a major threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond, a Chinese expert said.

"Alarmingly, Japan has shown no remorse whatsoever for its aggressive past in World War II; instead, it continues to stir up troubles and revive militarist practices. Furthermore, Japan harbors ambitions to develop nuclear weapons, acquire nuclear-powered equipment, and promote arms exports. The core reason for its 'recklessness' is its utter lack of repentance for its WWII aggression," Song Zhongping, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Song warned that if such a country is allowed to revive militarism, it will undoubtedly bring catastrophic consequences to the region and the world at large.

Song believes that China, as a core force for safeguarding regional and global peace, will never tolerate Japan's dangerous acts. If Japan dares to exacerbate regional unrest and inflict harm on the region, China will resolutely step forward, and take firm and effective measures to crack down on and resolutely curb Japan's militarist resurgence.

Tensions have boiled between Beijing and Tokyo following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question. The comments have sparked widespread public debate and continuous protests within Japan, with prominent politicians and experts voicing open opposition.

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, Yukiko Kaikita, president of the Kumamoto Chapter of the Women's Association for Peace and Against Military Expansion, said Takaichi's remarks constitute blatant interference in China's internal affairs, and that a large number of Japanese citizens hope she will retract her statements and issue an apology.

"Most importantly, Japan's core commitment to the world is that we would never again wage war. When World War II ended in 1945, the Japanese people not only enshrined this principle in our constitution but also internalized, from the bottom of their hearts, the conviction that 'we must never go to war again'," said Kaikita. "Yet, among Japanese politicians, that conviction gradually faded, as it was replaced by a complete tilt toward the US-Japan security framework. This shift fills us with deep anger."

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People evacuate by boat in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years.

The declaration, issued through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2464/30 and released on Saturday, grants the government sweeping authority under the Public Security Ordinance to impose emergency regulations nationwide. Officials said the move is intended to protect public safety, maintain national stability, and accelerate disaster response as heavy rains, floods, landslides, and strong winds continue to affect large parts of the island.

Meanwhile, the Police Media Division said Sri Lanka Police have established a Special Operations Unit at Police Headquarters under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The unit has opened dedicated landline and WhatsApp hotlines for public assistance.

Police officers nationwide have been assigned to rapid-response teams to manage weather-related emergencies within their divisions. Boats, diving equipment, and other rescue gear are on standby for immediate deployment. The Disaster Management Center, armed forces, and other agencies have been integrated into a joint emergency operations framework, the police said.

Authorities said additional security measures have been implemented to safeguard the homes and belongings of displaced families. Police divisions have also been instructed to ensure the safety and welfare of people residing in temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has introduced special visa facilitation measures for foreign nationals stranded due to flight cancellations and weather-related travel disruptions. Travelers unable to depart on or after Nov. 28 will be exempted from visa extension fees and overstay penalties. Holders of Tourist, Business, and Residence Visas have been granted a seven-day grace period to complete extension procedures.

The Department said visa extensions for short-term visitors can be completed online and that further updates will be issued as the situation evolves. 

People evacuate by wading through floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

People evacuate by wading through floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

People transfer goods in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

People evacuate by boat in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

People transfer goods in floodwater after heavy rains on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 29, 2025. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a State of Public Emergency effective on Friday, as the country confronts one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
UN warns Myanmar's planned elections will deepen repression and instability

By Vibhu Mishra

28 November 2025 - Myanmar's planned late-December elections are unfolding in what UN rights officials describe as an atmosphere of fear, violence and deep political repression, with thousands detained and major parties excluded in a process that risks entrenching instability rather than restoring democracy.

Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, told reporters in Geneva that voting is expected to begin on 28 December, in what he described as a military-controlled ballot conducted in an environment "rife with threats and violence" and actively suppressed political participation.

Many major political parties have been excluded and more than 30,000 political opponents - including members of the democratically elected government and political representatives - have been detained since the 2021 coup.

"Far from being a process that could spearhead a political transition from crisis to stability and the restoration of democratic and civilian rule, this process seems nearly certain to further ingrain insecurity, fear and polarisation throughout the country," Mr. Laurence said.

"The utmost priority must be to end the violence and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid."

Civilians caught in the middle

Speaking from Bangkok, James Rodehaver, head of OHCHR's Myanmar team, said the elections are being pushed through in an environment where civilians are caught between pressure from the military to vote and aggressive efforts by armed opposition groups to prevent participation.

The junta has claimed it issued some 4,000 pardons for people charged or convicted of sedition or incitement. But Mr. Rodehaver said such announcements rarely match reality.

Of the roughly 4,000 people convicted, only about 550 have been seen leaving detention centres, while others were freed only to be rearrested. At the same time, the military has boasted of arresting more than 100 people under newly imposed "election protection rules."

OHCHR has credible information that three young people were sentenced to 49 years in prison for hanging posters showing a ballot box with a bullet.

AI and biometric tracking

Mr. Rodehaver also raised concerns over the electronic-only voting system, introduced alongside expanded surveillance using artificial intelligence and biometric tracking, warning that it risks further undermining trust in the process.

Humanitarian access is also deteriorating, with civilians forced to return to villages to vote despite insecurity, while the military continues a long-standing practice of blocking aid to conflict-affected areas. Nearly 23,000 people remain in detention who "should not have been arrested in the first place," he said.

The UN rights officials noted that the military is presenting the vote as a sign the crisis is ending, despite the Secretary-General's warning in October that under current conditions any elections "risk further exclusion and instability."

'A charade'

Beyond the concerns raised by the UN officials, the independent rights expert on Myanmar has issued an even starker warning about the junta's election plans.

In his October 2025 report to the General Assembly, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said the international community should "unequivocally reject and denounce the charade" of the junta's planned elections.

Mr. Andrews - who is appointed and mandated by the Human Rights Council and is not a UN staff member - said recent institutional changes by the military were merely "cosmetic," designed to reposition the junta for its election ploy while power remains concentrated in the hands of military leaders.

Key opposition figures - including Aung San Suu Kyi - remain imprisoned, and at least 40 political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), have been dissolved.

New electoral laws criminalise dissent, restrict digital expression and impose harsh penalties for perceived election "disruption," while vast areas of the country remain outside military control, making a nationwide vote impossible, the report said.

"Elections held on the junta's terms will only deepen division and fuel further violence," Mr. Andrews warned, adding that while the people of Myanmar are expected to "reject the results as illegitimate", the junta's true target audience is foreign governments whose recognition it seeks.

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Pakistan: Turk concerned by constitutional amendments and immunity provisions

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

28 November 2025

GENEVA -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said today that Pakistan's hastily adopted constitutional amendments seriously undermine judicial independence, and raise grave concerns about military accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The Human Rights Chief said the latest constitutional amendment, like the 26th amendment last year, had been adopted without broad consultation and debate with the legal community and wider civil society. Turk warned the amendments run counter to the separation of powers that underpin the rule of law and safeguard the protection of human rights in Pakistan.

Under the changes adopted on 13 November, a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has been given powers over constitutional cases, replacing the previous authority of the Supreme Court, which will now only deal with civil and criminal cases.

The systems for appointment, promotion and transfer of judges have been changed in a manner raising serious concerns about undermining the structural independence of Pakistan's judiciary. The first Chief Justice of the FCC and the first set of FCC judges have been already assigned by the President on the advice of the Prime Minster.

"These changes, taken together, risk subjugating the judiciary to political interference and executive control," said Turk. "Neither the executive nor legislative should be in a position to control or direct the judiciary, and the judiciary should be protected from any form of political influence in its decision-making.

"A core measure of judicial independence is a tribunal's insulation from political interference by the Government. If judges are not independent, experience shows that they struggle to apply the law equally and to uphold human rights for all in the face of political pressure."

The amendment also establishes lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings and arrest for the President, Field Marshall, Marshall of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet.

"Sweeping immunity provisions like these undermine accountability which is a cornerstone of the human rights framework and democratic control of the armed forces under the rule of law," said Turk.

"I am concerned that these amendments risk far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and rule of law which the Pakistani people hold dear," added Turk.

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Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 28th November 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let me begin with a roundup of this week's activities.

We begin with the Prime Minister of Pakistan's official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 26-27 November 2025.

The Prime Minister met with the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, where he received the revered award of Order of Bahrain (First Class).

The Prime Minister also met with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister highlighted the potential to increase bilateral trade, currently over USD 550 million, to USD 1 billion within three years, supported by the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is at advanced stage of finalization and also because of recently eased visa requirements.



For deeper economic cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain, the Prime Minister invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, IT, construction, mines and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism.

Upon the conclusion of discussions, the leaders expressed confidence that they will translate into tangible outcomes, further elevating Pakistan-Bahrain relations across strategic, economic, security and people-to-people domains.

The two sides held detailed discussions on Pakistan-Bahrain historic ties, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's role in representing Bahrain as its lawyer.

While accompanying the Prime Minister on his visit, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met the Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain, H.E. Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-Bahrain relations, with a special focus on economic cooperation, particularly in fintech and banking. They also discussed exploring central bank collaboration and establishing joint teams to develop a roadmap for enhanced economic partnership.

The visit underscored Pakistan's continued engagement with the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at fostering a results-oriented and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran visited Pakistan from 25 to 26 November 2025 during which he held formal delegation-level talks with the National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik, and also called on the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff.

In these interactions, the two sides discussed a wide range of areas, including political engagement; trade and economic collaboration; counter-terrorism and border security; regional connectivity; and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides agreed to deepen ties in a manner that promotes mutual prosperity and contributes to regional peace and stability.

The two sides also held comprehensive exchanges on key regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of close coordination, and the peaceful settlement of disputes to advance shared objectives of stability and progress. Pakistan and Iran expressed their resolve to continue working together at regional and multilateral fora.

The visit further strengthened the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, fostering greater cooperation and promoting mutual understanding.

On Remarks made by the Indian Defense Minister on Pakistan's Sindh province. We strongly condemn such delusional and dangerously revisionist remarks in clear violation of international law, the inviolability of recognized borders, and the sovereignty of states.

Such provocative rhetoric cannot divert attention from the plight of Indian citizens, particularly vulnerable minority communities suffering discrimination rooted in faith-based prejudice and historical distortions. India would also do well to address the persistent grievances of the peoples in its northeast, many of whom continue to face systematic marginalization, identity-based persecution, and cycles of state-enabled violence.

While Pakistan remains committed to peaceful resolution of all disputes with India on the basis of justice, equity and established international legal norms, Pakistan is firmly resolved to safeguard its security, national independence and sovereignty.

We have also noted with grave concern the findings by the United Nations Experts on India's illegal measures in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The United Nations report, once again, underscores the severe and systematic human rights violations endured by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation.

The UN experts have rightly raised alarm at extensive arbitrary arrest and detention of nearly 2,800 Kashmiri 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.

Kashmiris under illegal Indian occupation are suffering from 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.

These findings reaffirm Pakistan's longstanding concerns regarding state-sponsored persecution of Kashmiri Muslims as well as discrimination against minorities across India.

Across India, lynching, and harassment directed at Kashmiris and Muslim communities are equally deplorable and deeply troubling.

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 Christians and others.

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.

Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against foreign occupation and for right to self-determination.

Pakistan has noted with deep concern that Flag-hoisting at the so-called "Ram Temple" constructed on the site of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya with deep concern. The Babri Mosque, a centuries-old place of worship, was demolished on 6 December 1992 by the extremist mobs inspired by fascist ideologies. The subsequent judicial processes in India, which acquitted those responsible and permitted construction of a temple on the demolished mosque's site, speak volumes about the Indian state's discriminatory approach towards minorities.

Pakistan calls on the international community to take cognizance of the rising Islamophobia, hate speech and hate-motivated attacks in India. The United Nations and relevant international bodies must play a constructive role in safeguarding Islamic heritage and ensuring protection of the religious and cultural rights of all minorities.

Pakistan, in the strongest possible terms, condemns these attacks across Gaza which have resulted in the deaths of several Palestinian civilians, including women and children, and have left many more wounded.

Such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the recently concluded peace agreement at Sharm el-Sheikh. These attacks also undermine international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan reaffirms its principled position in favor of the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan has been re-elected to the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the term from 2026-2028. Elections of this body were held at OPCW in The Hague this week.

Being an active member of the OPCW, Pakistan has previously served on the Executive Council since its ratification of the CWC in 1997. It has contributed constructively towards the fulfillment of the objectives of the CWC and regularly hosts OPCW routine inspections at its relevant facilities. The re-election of Pakistan to the 41-member Executive Council of the OPCW is a testament to Pakistan's positive role within the Organization, reaffirming the confidence of Member States in Pakistan's ability to provide effective leadership and impetus to the work of the OPCW.

I thank you all.

***

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): World Sikh Council has offered Pakistan support in wake of the unsavoury statement made by the Indian Defense Minister on Sindh. I would like your comment on this generous offer by the All-World Sikh Council.

Spokesperson: The provocative statement by the Indian Defence Minister has raised alarm among all thinking and conscientious organizations vested in peace, security, stability and upholding of international law. For us, all these statements are important.

We are, particularly, very positively overwhelmed by the statements coming from Sindh itself and from the Sindhi diaspora in favour of Pakistan.

Sindh was one of the first of the erstwhile British India to opt for Pakistan in a democratic expression of the aspiration of the people of Sindh. As part of our federation, Sindh is a blooming flower in the mosaic of our federation.

Therefore, the statement from Indian Defence Minister was deeply troubling, and we welcome all the statements made in opposition to that.

I would not venture into fighting scenarios but what I would urge India is to refrain from issuing such provocative statements for a very grave consequence on not just on our bilateral relations, but also on the wider peace security of the region and beyond.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have a few questions. Firstly, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, India does not provide numerical data regarding floods but rather just conveys the severity of imminent floods to Pakistan. The other day, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, in the Senate, also stated that the last point of contact from India was during the period from 24th August 2025 to 10th September 2025. Rather than approaching the office of Pakistan's Indus Water Commissioner, India circumvents it and instead contacts the Foreign Office directly. What is your stance on this? Secondly, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran just visited Pakistan. We are aware that the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project has been completed by the Iranian side and in the past, Iran also announced its intent to take the matter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration on delays from the Pakistani side. So, are any ongoing discussions taking place on this matter? Lastly, I would like your comment on the recent update shared by the officials of the Ministry of Interior on a purported ban on UAE visas for Pakistanis and that visas only to holders of diplomatic and official passports are being issued.

Spokesperson: Firstly, on the exchange of water data, yes, you are right. India has not shared data under the auspices of the Indus Waters Treaty. There may have been some data sharing bilaterally, outside the auspices of the Indus Water Commission and the Indus Waters Treaty during the monsoon season. I am not, however, aware of the exact date when it was last shared by the Indian side.

This Indian action to not follow the prescribed procedures of data sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty is a matter of grave concern. Under the treaty, there is no such provision of abeyance. Therefore, Indian actions constitute as a violation of the treaty.

More importantly, the rhetoric emerging from New Delhi, accompanying this violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, very significantly, points towards the weaponization of water, which is a breach of international law, particularly international humanitarian law.

The leadership remains cognizant of this threat of water weaponization. You may know that there was a meeting of the neutral expert in Vienna recently. Pakistan participated in the meetings. We are following up on this water data issue and broader water issues under the Indus Waters Treaty at all relevant fora.

On Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, I believe, the issue was discussed during the bilateral political consultations held a week prior to the visit of Dr. Larijani. I am not sure if this issue was discussed during visit of Dr. Larijani. The matter remains on the agenda of both sides and I think there is a general sense that the matter will be resolved bilaterally.

On UAE visas, yes, this news came in yesterday's papers and I immediately checked with my predecessor, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan who is currently in the UAE. We follow these developments very closely. There is no such new regulation from the UAE on visas. Perhaps this was a statement made in the relevant body of the National Assembly based on prior record.

As you know, there has been progress on this issue, particularly with regard to official and diplomatic passports of Pakistani nationals, and also, in certain instances, for business and other kinds of visas. There is no new regulation on restrictive measures from UAE.

(Zafar Malik, Mainichi Japanese): Yesterday, there was terrorist attack in the US behind which the perpetrator was an Afghan national who came to the US under the Operation Allies Welcome program. Approximately 300,000-400,000 Afghan nationals are currently residing in Pakistan under the same program and waiting for permission to travel to the US. Like the US, is Pakistan also expected to review its policy on Afghan nationals?

Spokesperson: The Afghan nationals who are based in Pakistan are being treated as per their categorization in our own system, i.e.: undocumented or illegal nationals, registered refugees, and the legitimate visa holders who are here in Pakistan either for work or business or education.

So, we are following these three categories. I am not aware of whether we have cross classified these three categories with respect to their processes into admission into the US or Europe or in other parts of the world. Our authorities remain fully cognizant of the mechanism of addressing the issue of Afghan nationals.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): I would like your comment on reports in the international media which say that Saudi Arabia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve this current crisis.

Spokesperson: I have not seen any such move made, officially. But as I said in my previous briefing, and also in principle, we welcome mediations.

However, I am not aware of any such offer made officially by the Saudi side.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): I have a few questions. Last year, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch gave us some figures of Afghans who were waiting to be sent to third countries. The figure was close to 26,000 Afghans at that time last year in July. We also saw that Pakistan and Germany had also reached an agreement on the matter of repatriation of Afghan refugees which led to two meetings between the Pakistani Foreign Minister and the German Foreign Minister, first in New York, and then, recently, in Brussels as well. Could you update us on the status of those Afghans who were awaiting to be repatriated to third countries, particularly in Germany? Because as per media reports, Pakistan has somehow agreed to extend such cases till the end of the year. Secondly, we have seen that over the course of the week, we saw cross border attacks from Afghanistan in Pakistan, including Peshawar, behind which Afghan nationals were allegedly involved. There have also been allegations from across the border, from the Afghan Taliban regime, that ISIS is being harbored across in Pakistan. Has this matter been taken up with the Afghan Taliban regime? Lastly, Dr. Larijani, during his recent visit to Pakistan, made two important points while speaking to the press at the Iranian Embassy on Wednesday: i. With regard to the strategic partnership, he said that a blank check has been given to Pakistan and that the ball now lies in Pakistan's court, ii. He stated that an agreement has been reached for conduct of trade in local currencies. I would like your comments and confirmation of these two points?

Spokesperson: Firstly, on Afghan refugees awaiting repatriation, you mentioned the figure stood at 26,000 in 2024, I am not aware of the latest figure. However, we have, at times, raised concerns on the delayed visa processes in getting these Afghan nationals to their respective destinations. We have been urging the relevant authorities to expedite this process. After all, these individuals were almost evicted from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. At that point in time, these countries had pleaded Pakistan to accept these individuals, which we did, in broader humanitarian context. I am not aware of exactly how many of them have received their legal documents to travel to a third country. I can check and get back to you on this.

This claim of ISIS in Pakistan is outrageous. It is a figment of the imagination of the Afghan Taliban regime. Afghan side wants to externalize this menace of terrorism, which inherently is on their own soil and of their own making. They want to externalize it to Pakistan, naming various organizations. Any extremist terrorist element in Pakistan is treated, is dealt, as per our laws. This statement, of presence of any ISIS in Pakistan is totally baseless.

On Dr. Larijani's visit, we welcome his statement on strategic partnership. It echoes the broad sentiment of Pakistani leadership that we have a lot of avenues to explore to further our strategic partnership. In that sense, the idea that we have a potential beyond our existing cooperation. This is what we understand Dr. Larijani meant by the blank check.

On trade in local currencies, this issue, I recall, was broached during at least one of the meetings. Obviously it will need follow up and we look forward to that follow up on this in coming weeks and days and months.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Pakistan has been facing the issue of cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, and now Tajikistan is facing the same issue. Yesterday, we saw drone strikes which killed three Chinese engineers, and then the shooting outside the White House in DC. So, when these terrorists want to strike, they strike. Is there any collaboration among countries who are victims of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan? My second question is that you spoke about the Gaza in your opening remarks. The Gaza peace plan had ambitious objectives, the UN Security Council also passed a resolution on this recently. What is the progress on this peace plan, particularly with regard to its formulation and implementation as well as the speculation of Pakistan partaking in the International Stabilization Force to be deployed in Gaza?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Is the US planning on conducting any operation in Afghanistan against terrorists? Or, should such an operation be conducted by the US? What is Pakistan's stance on it?

Spokesperson: On the coordination on counter terrorism, I believe, there are quite a few mechanisms where this issue is discussed. First of all, bilaterally - Pakistan-Tajikistan, Pakistan-China, China-Tajikistan - have robust mechanism of dialogue and coordination on these issues. So, one is the bilateral platform.

Second, you may be aware, we are also following up on this issue in multilateral domain. For example, in the SCO RATS, of which Pakistan is the current chair. So, this is another platform of coordination.

The regional countries remain cognizant. Pakistan is following on coordination on this issue, on all bilateral and multilateral forums. Such joint coordination needs to be enhanced in days to come because this menace is growing and is reaching, as we mentioned, across national transnational proportions.

As for the US taking action against terrorists in Afghanistan, you will have to ask about the US about this. We believe they are cognizant. We saw the statements that came out of Washington, DC in the aftermath of the yesterday's attack. Pakistan and the US are in the UN Security Council, where this issue is discussed in the relevant counter-terrorism committees of the Security Council. So, we have multiple platforms to discuss and to follow up on these issues.

On your second question about UN Security Council resolution and peace plan - well the peace plan on Gaza stays. The Peace Plan is an overarching framework on Israel-Palestine with a focus on Gaza, precisely to end the bloodshed in Gaza. So, these momentary lapses in the peace process, caused mostly by the Israeli violations, should not undermine this overarching peace process.

We joined this peace process and the UN Security Council resolution in good faith. Our single purpose was to end the bloodshed in Gaza and create a political process that would eventually lead to a lasting final settlement with the creation of the State of Palestine. So, we are following this process and discussions in good faith.

With regard to the International Stabilization Force, this is an essential part of the Security Council resolution that was adopted. I am sure the discussions on this would be ongoing about its role in its mandate at the relevant forums, indeed, within the Security Council. Pakistan is following on these discussions. I am sure you must have seen our statement at the UN Security Council last week at Council's open debate on Palestine.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): I have two questions. Afghan propaganda accounts along with Indian propaganda accounts are busy spreading vicious campaign against Pakistan. For instance, they gave false news on Turkish Intelligence Chief. In another instance, yesterday, they spread false news that Founder of PTI is dead. Is Pakistan taking effective steps or did it approach X management to stop with this vicious campaign?

Secondly, my question is regarding FIA. In Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports and other airports, those people who possess visa not only they are stopped by authorities but also, they are also insulted. The same Pakistanis who were referred as Brain Drain, are now being stopped from leaving the country. Did the friendly countries, where our citizens are headed, demanded Pakistan to stop them or is it our policy?

Spokesperson: First of all, on the fake news on social media - yes, this is very deeply disturbing. In fact, fake news rumors can create a public order situation. So, I totally agree with you, that this is a very sensitive issue. Unfortunately, India has become an epicenter of such lies, deceit and fake news peddling. A conveyor belt of disinformation flows 24/7 in the Indian Cyber and social media domains, particularly focusing on Pakistan. You mentioned about one issue; there has been source of other issues. Any natural reaction by us on any development precipitates abnormal reaction from Indian media, even mainstream media. Recently their growing nexus with the Afghan side is also disconcerting. I think this week; there has been campaign on X, done by the authorities in X, to reveal the detail of the origin of accounts i.e. from where these accounts are being handled. So if you see all anti-Pakistan accounts either incognito or under the mask or as proxy of one organization or another, supposedly working in Pakistan, actually are being operated from India. Number of Indian mainstream journalists deleted their posts following the revelations about the truth during the operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, and its aftermath. So, this is unfortunate. The EU Disinfo lab has been following this issue for the last six seven years, and have revealed very interesting details about not just these fake accounts peddled by a lunatic fringe, but by the mainstream news organizations in India. So yes, this is an unfortunate reality of modern-day news scene that we have to grapple with. Pakistan takes measures as and when required, and I am sure our authorities have raised it with the relevant platforms.

About the airport incidents, I am not aware of any complaint received from the countries where these individuals travel. As regards the action of our immigration authorities on the airport, I would request you to please refer such questions to the Ministry of Interior. I am sure they would be in a better position to explain.

(Juliette Mansour, AFP): I wanted to ask if the ceasefire with Afghanistan is holding officially, and Afghanistan said it would retaliate to the strike they attributed to Pakistan. So, are you expecting an attack? Did you increase security? Are we getting ready for that?

Spokesperson: Let me clarify that the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan does not imply a traditional ceasefire implemented after two belligerent states in a war or a conflict situation. Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire implied that there would be no terrorist attack by Afghan sponsored terrorist proxies into Pakistan. There have been major terrorist attacks after this ceasefire. So, interpreting in that sense, the ceasefire is not holding because the ceasefire was about ceasing terrorist attacks inside Pakistan by TTP, FAK, and Afghan nationals using Afghan soil. So, if Afghan nationals are continuously attacking, as they did so in Islamabad and elsewhere, then we cannot be very optimistic about ceasefire. In any case I mentioned, is not the traditional ceasefire between the two states, but to be understood in the context of terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.

As regards the threat you mentioned from Afghanistan, our security forces remain fully alert. Our military preparedness is robust. The security challenges we face would be addressed with the seriousness that they merit.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): There were reports that a Turkish delegation was supposed to come this week. So, is there any confirmation of the visit?

Secondly, a statement by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding killing of Chinese Nationals in Tajikistan, I think they are indirectly referring to Pakistan. I have statement with me: "Based on initial assessments information from the relevant authorities of the Islamic Emirates, the elements involved in this attack are those seeking to create disorder, instability and mistrust among the countries of the region." So, Taliban, I think, do not have any problem in any neighboring countries. Yes, they have some problem with Tajikistan, but most likely, they are referring to Pakistan. So, please any comments?

Spokesperson: Thank you for this question, and I welcome your indulgence in Afghanistan issues. Frankly, we learn a lot from your writings as well. However, you are most welcome to ask questions on other topics as well.

On this statement by Afghanistan on Tajikistan attack, I have not seen the statement. From your quote, it appears that they are blaming certain elements. Now this is what we are saying, control these elements. I mean, these elements are present on Afghan soil. The Taliban regime claims to have control over their territory, so they should control these elements. This is for the Taliban regime in Kabul to take action.



And your second question regarding Turkish visit, this is again, still in the pipeline. We do not know the details as yet.



(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): While pushing ahead the query by Ijaz on which you responded in very detailed manner. So there are international controversies regarding the health of the former Prime Minister Imran Khan. There is no meeting between him and his family. So you do not know, I do not know about his health. So, how to respond to these allegations with proofs. Will you not recommend to meet the Interior Ministry or the Health ministry should meet with the jailed Prime Minister, former prime minister, to respond to these allegations, these social media campaigns with proofs.

And second question, American president, Donald Trump while responding on these shooting that the third world countries are bringing crimes and other challenges to United States, so we are suspending the immigration process for these countries. So, what is your take on this?

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Farhan Haq, UN Secretary General's Deputy Spokesperson yesterday, in a statement, has also said that rights of the former prime minister, particularly with regards to his health, should be upheld and a fair right to trial and rule of law should be implemented. Continuing with what Abdullah said, how would you want to respond to the first part of the last question, and covering that with The UN statement?

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, do you confirm that Imran Khan is alive?

Spokesperson: On this issue of the life of the former Prime Minister, I would request you to seek views of the Ministry of Interior. I understand that yesterday in Parliament the Minister of State for Interior was making a statement on this matter. So, I think such statement from the responsible member of the cabinet should address all rumors.

Regarding the statement by the UN spokesperson, we have noted it.

As regards statement by the US President, he is entitled to take measures for the safety and security of his people. We have no further comment to offer on it.

(Jiang Chao, Xinhua News Agency): Thank you, Your Excellency. Pakistan attended the commemoration of 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against the Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist war, and is committed to upholding the post World War two international order. Successive Pakistani governments have always adhered to the One China principle. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi made erroneous remarks advocating the use of force to intervene in the Taiwan question. This seriously violates the One China Principle, seriously undermines the post war international order and deeply hurts the feeling of the Chinese people. China firmly opposed this and sternly demands Japan to correct its mistake. So, what is Pakistan's view on this?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and China share all weather, time tested, deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership. We are firmly supportive of and uphold One China Policy. We unequivocally recognize the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Pakistan considers Taiwan an inalienable part of China. We oppose any attempt to create two China, or one China, one Taiwan. So, our position remains firm, steady, and principled. And it's expressed at my level and certainly at the leadership level. So, I wish to reiterate this position once again to you.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Pakistan is accusing Afghanistan for terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Meanwhile, previous Afghan government also used to accuse Pakistan of terrorist activities in Afghanistan. How do these two countries can clear objections and what role they can play for each other?

TTP is intensifying terrorist attacks against Pakistan. There are reports that large number of TTP fighters is present in Afghanistan. From which route do they infiltrate Pakistan and is it Pakistan's inability to secure its border?

(Rizwan Abbasi, ABN): What is Pakistan's diplomatic response to the Afghan report of alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan allegedly killing 10 Afghan Nationals and did Pakistan protest against it?

Spokesperson: Allah Noor you asked about Pakistan and Afghanistan solving issues through negotiations. We have never shied away from dialogue, including at the working level, political level, and at all segments. If you recall from 2021 to 2024 and mid of 2025, there were various such dialogues. Even the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, visited Afghanistan twice, and in all sincerity, proposed, worked out and implemented a series of projects; a series of initiatives which could have improved our relations, and help bring prosperity. But then where it all ended? It all ended towards October and November, when we had these increasing armed attacks on our soil, emanating from Afghanistan. So dialogue, yes, but not as a dialogue of the deaf. It has to be a dialogue based on understanding and recognition of the problems. We welcome the dialogue but we do not want to have a dialogue of the deaf.

As regards aerial attack, ISPR has responded to this comment. I will just echo their comments. When we will attack, we will do so with full announcement, and we will take responsibility of it. I think I will refer you to the statements made by the ISPR on this issue.

(Russian News Agency): Pakistan and Russia yesterday concluded the session of Intergovernmental Commission in Islamabad, signing set of documents concerning different fields of cooperation, such as trade, education, and science. So, would you please comment on the results of these meetings?

Spokesperson: This is a very detailed interaction that took place over the last two days. We welcomed the Russian delegation to Pakistan here. They have had very in-depth discussion. Our Economic Affairs Division, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, was the principal host. We issued a detailed press release on it. Equally important is the fact that we need to follow up on each and every decision that was taken. There is a lot of potential of cooperation between the two countries. We have to implement the initiatives and decisions taken in these two days of exchange, but also with respect to projects which are in the pipeline. We look forward to continuing a very positive exchange with Russia on this. Even last week, when our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was in Moscow for the SCO Council of Heads of Government, he held meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, where I understand Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Energy were present. We had a very detailed exchange on issues which are in the domain of Economic Affairs and Economic Cooperation. He also met the Foreign Minister of Russia, where our issues pertaining to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs i.e. regional & global security and peace & stability issues were discussed. In short, we have a very good, comprehensive productive exchange of partnership with Russia, which we will continue to grow in coming days.

(Sardar Shokat Mehmood, Islamabad Today): Sir, Afghanistan is becoming a hub of terrorist networks. Pakistan condemned the terrorist attack in the U.S. Keeping in view the above developments, is there a chance of trilateral dialogue?



(Islam ud din Sajid, Anadolu News Agency): Sir, recently Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy visited Pakistan and held meeting in Pakistan. Did the meetings resulted in agreement on investments that will pour in from Azerbaijan to Pakistan and in which sectors Azerbaijan will invest in Pakistan?

Secondly, will Pakistan-Bangladesh direct flights resume next week?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Indian media declares Pigeons coming from Pakistan as spies. Recently, India lost its jet fighter Tejas in a crash in Dubai. Indian media is claiming that it is a foreign conspiracy against them.

IMF issued a corruption report on Pakistan. Pakistani officials are denying this report. Will Pakistan challenge this report in an international forum?

Spokesperson: On Afghanistan, I have already responded.

On Indian fighter crash, I do not need to comment. We have commented on the broad trends in the social media or in the mainstream media of India on fake news. I would not repeat myself.

Your question on Azerbaijan is an important question. Yes, the Azerbaijan Minister for Economy was here. He met the Prime Minister. I am sure you must have seen the press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office after the meeting. During his visit, the two sides worked on investment, oil pipelines projects, regional connectivity, cooperation in the strategic domain, issues of cooperation in commerce, economy, industry and investment. This was an important visit from the Minister of Economy from Azerbaijan.

Thank you very much.

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Consensus Reached on Advancing a Future-Oriented, Comprehensive, and Strategic Alliance

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back meets with the US Charge d'Affaires ad interim in South Korea.

Explains policy directions for sustaining lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Discusses improving shipbuilding cooperation systems, including expanding MRO projects.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, and Kevin Kim

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, and Kevin Kim, charge d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, discuss ways to further develop the ROK-U.S. alliance and other issues during their meeting on Nov. 21.

On November 21, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Kevin Kim, Charge d'Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Seoul, to discuss developments on the Korean Peninsula, regional dynamics, and ways to strengthen the ROK-US Alliance.

Minister Ahn welcomed Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim's appointment and asked for his close cooperation to ensure that the joint fact sheet reflecting the outcomes of the ROK-US summit and the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) contributes to the smooth development of the Alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive, and strategic partnership.

Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and stated that the US Embassy in Seoul will remain dedicated to further advancing the strong ROK-US Alliance.

Minister Ahn outlined the Korean government's approach to building sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula while upholding a strong combined defense posture.

Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim replied that he agreed on the importance of close cooperation between South Korea and the United States regarding policy toward North Korea. Both sides pledged to further strengthen cooperation to build a mutually beneficial, future-oriented Alliance, including collaboration in the shipbuilding sector and the expansion of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects.



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Real Peace Must Be Backed by Strong Power

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery victory commemorated.

Minister Ahn Gyu-back pays tribute to Marines who served the nation.

Honors the sacrifice of the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo and PFC Moon Gwang-wook.

Commander Ju Il-seok pledges steadfast commitment to national defense.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery duel, honoring combat heroes and commemorating the victory, at the Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, on Nov. 23.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to defending the Republic of Korea by establishing a robust military readiness posture built on the strength of the nation's armed forces.

At the combat hero memorial and war victory commemoration ceremony, held at Daejeon National Cemetery on November 23 to mark the 15th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island artillery duel with the theme "The noble sacrifice of the heroes, we will never forget," Minister Ahn paid tribute to the late Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo and Private First Class Moon Gwang-wook, who sacrificed their lives for the nation on November 23, 2010.

In his remarks, Minister Ahn recalled the events of that day, stating, "North Korea's sudden and illegal artillery attack turned the peaceful island of Yeonpyeong into a battlefield in an instant. Yet not a single Marine retreatedthey all stood their ground and fought with unwavering dedication." In particular, Minister Ahn highlighted the sacrifices of Sergeant Seo and Private First Class Moon. Sergeant Seo, despite being on his final leave before discharge, returned to his unit without hesitation to protect his comrades in danger. Private First Class Moon, though only assigned to the unit for a month, steadfastly remained at his post until the end. Minister Ahn honored them as true national heroes who fulfilled their duty to the very last in defense of the country.

He emphasized, "Amid a rapidly changing security environment and evolving threats, we are making various efforts to ensure stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. However, history teaches us that true peace must, above all, be backed by strong power." Minister Ahn affirmed, "Going forward, our military will resolutely protect our country against any threats and provocations by establishing a flawless military readiness posture."

He declared, "I pray for the repose of the two heroes who gave their lives in the defense of our nation after fulfilling their duty until the last moment. The people of the Republic of Korea will forever remember their names."

The commemorative event, hosted by Marine Corps Commander Ju Il-seok, was attended by 280 people, including the families and relatives of Sergeant Seo and Private First Class Moon, veterans of the battle, Defense Minister Ahn, National Assembly's National Defense Committee members Baek Sun-hee and Yu Yong-weon, former National Assembly member Yoo Seung-min, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Navy.

The event began with paying tribute and was followed by: the national ceremony, laying of flowers and incense, a reflection speech by participating veterans, commemorative addresses by the Defense Minister and the Marine Corps Commander, remarks from bereaved families, a memorial performance, and the singing of the Marine Corps Hymn. Notably, the recollection shared by discharged Sergeant Lee Han, who served as an armorer during the artillery duel, vividly conveyed the soldiers' determination and deeply moved the audience. During the chorus performance of the memorial song, "Song of Heroes," a video created with AI technology that restored images of the fallen soldiers was played, offering deep comfort to their bereaved families.

In his remarks, Commander Ju stated, "The Marine Corps will never forget the spirit and dedication of the soldiers who fought to defend our nation, and will remain committed to its mission to safeguard the peace and freedom of the Republic of Korea."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Recruit Training Marks the Starting Point for Cultivating 500,000 Drone Warriors

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Minister Ahn visits the 35th Infantry Division Recruit Training Battalion.

Inspects the training system and encourages recruits.

Calls for drones to become the second personal weapon.

Emphasizes gaining combat sense through realistic training.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visits the 35th Infantry Division Recruit Training Battalion on Nov. 20 to encourage recruits who completed a 20 km march. He reviews the unit's training system and urges officers to commit to establishing a drone training program, emphasizing it should serve as the foundation for developing 500,000 drone warriors.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited the Recruit Training Battalion to support the development of elite soldiers and encouraged the troops. He emphasized the importance of establishing a drone training system as the starting point for cultivating "500,000 drone warriors."

On November 20, Minister Ahn visited the 35th Infantry Division Recruit Training Battalion to inspect the overall training conditions. He also observed a 20 km march conducted by recruits nearing the completion of their training program.

Minister Ahn praised the recruits' determination in completing the course despite the cold weather, stating, "A true sense of combat cannot be fully conveyed through words alone." He stated, "Gaining a combat sense through realistic training is both the destiny and a crucial mission for every soldier."

Minister Ahn then examined the recruit training system and its development plans, including training for drone and counter-drone operations. He also discussed the recruit training system in consideration of the ongoing reform of the military structure over the past 40 years together with key officers present at the site.

Minister Ahn urged, "Since recruit training is the first step to becoming a soldier, instruct recruits with sincerity and attentiveness, not just logic."

Furthermore, he instructed, "From now on, drones must be treated as a second personal weapon. Be committed to establishing a drone training system so that recruit training serves as the foundation for cultivating 500,000 drone warriors."

Minister Ahn Gyu-back speaks with recruits. Minister Ahn stated, "The trust of the people must be earned starting here at the Recruit Training Battalion. Make every effort to nurture elite soldiers who possess a strong sense of mission and the capability to win in combat."

Meanwhile, last September, Minister Ahn announced a plan to cultivate 500,000 drone warriors. The aim is to strengthen combat capabilities by enabling every soldier to operate drones and to foster a new ecosystem where drone operation technologies can be expanded into private sector industries.

To support the cultivation of drone warriors, the Defense Ministry allocated approximately KRW 20.5 billion in the 2026 defense budget proposal. Of this, KRW 19 billion will be used to purchase 11,184 small drones for training, enabling soldiers to practice flight skills in their units.

Minister Ahn said, "In the late 1990s, the late President Kim Dae-jung nurtured Korea's youth into world-class digital talent through informatization education for the military, laying the foundation for Korea to emerge as an ICT powerhouse. With a new goal of cultivating 500,000 drone warriors, let's make this not just a change within the military, but a catalyst for a new future growth engine for both our domestic industry and nation."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Successful Completion of the Military Reconnaissance Satellite 425 Project Marks a Key Pillar of Independent Defense

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Minister Ahn Gyu-back celebrates the successful launch of Satellite No. 5.

Enables all-weather, day-and-night surveillance across North Korea.

Carries significant meaning for meeting conditions for wartime operational control transfer.

Full support pledged for strengthening defense space capabilities.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center front row, poses for a photo with representatives from distinguished institutions and companies during an event celebrating the successful launch of Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 5 at the War Memorial of Korea Peace and Park Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 19.



On November 19, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back described the successful completion of the 425 Project, aimed at establishing a military reconnaissance satellite system, as a significant milestone in "completing one pillar of independent defense." The Defense Ministry stated that the completion of the 425 Project is significant as it fulfills conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).

On this day, at the War Memorial of Korea Peace and Park Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Minister Ahn hosted an event celebrating the successful launch of Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 5. He stated, "The successful launch of the military reconnaissance satellite is a significant milestone that elevates South Korea's defense aerospace capabilities and strengthens our progress toward independent defense."

He also expressed his intention to secure additional defense aerospace capabilities. Minister Ahn stated, "Defense aerospace capabilities are the security assets of the future, and we will expand the Republic of Korea's strategic horizon through cutting-edge defense science and technology. The Ministry of National Defense will spare no effort in supporting the advancement of our defense aerospace capabilities."

The 425 Project aims to deploy five military reconnaissance satellites with an investment of KRW 1.3 trillion. Under this initiative, the military operates one satellite equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and four satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Through constellation operation, the five satellites can conduct continuous surveillance of all North Korean territory, regardless of day, night, or weather conditions. As a result, South Korea's Kill Chain capability to detect, preempt, and suppress signs of North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations has been significantly enhanced.

It is also significant in that it meets the conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control. The Defense Ministry explained, "We have secured information sovereignty and operational autonomy by being able to independently collect surveillance and reconnaissance information, which we previously relied heavily on our allies for."

The event was held to commemorate the successful completion of the 425 Project over the past decade and to recognize organizations and personnel who contributed to its research, development, and operational success. Minister Ahn presented commendation letters to seven institutions, including the Ministry of National Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Agency for Defense Development, Defense Intelligence Agency, Korea Defense Intelligence Command, and the Air Force. In addition, he presented letters of appreciation to three companies: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems, and Satrec Initiative.

Minister Ahn met with over 50 distinguished contributors, including R&D personnel, and stated, "Thanks to your dedicated efforts, the Republic of Korea's military reconnaissance satellite system is now drawing global attention and has become a reality." This is a triumph of the collective efforts of Team Korea."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Take the Lead in Restoring the Honor and Trust of Our Military

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back awards the Samjeong Sword.

Presented to 89 officers promoted or slated for promotion to brigadier general.

Uphold constitutional values as the military of the people.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back awards the Samjeong Sword to newly promoted brigadier generals at the Ministry of National Defense Convention Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 19.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back presented Samjeong Sword to 89 officers promoted or scheduled for promotion to brigadier general, urging them to lead their units in restoring the honor and trust of our military.

The 89 officers who received the Samjeong Sword included those selected for promotion to brigadier general last year who had not yet received their promotion orders, as well as officers who have been promoted to brigadier general with promotion orders issued since June 1, 2024.

At the ceremony, Minister Ahn delivered a congratulatory message to the promoted generals and their families, emphasizing, "Be dedicated to the unique mission of the military as the people's force that upholds constitutional values."

The Samjeong Sword is a royal gift from the President, presented since 1983 to key military positions. It serves to encourage promoted generals to uphold their loyalty and sense of mission to the nation and the people. The Samjeong Sword has been awarded to generals promoted to brigadier general since 1987, and is crafted in the shape of the Sa-in-geom (Four Tiger Sword), a traditional Korean sword recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Presidential gifts presented to general officers consist of three items: the Samjeong Sword, a command baton, and a ceremonial streamer called suchi. The Samjeong Sword symbolizes the unity of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in achieving the spirit of national defense, unification, and prosperity. The suchi is a ribbon-like ceremonial streamer awarded to officers promoted to lieutenant general or higher. It is embroidered with the general's position, name, appointment date, and the name of the President at the time of conferment.

Until 2017, the Samjeong Sword was awarded to officers promoted to brigadier general by the Minister of National Defense. Since 2018, the President has awarded the swords at an annual ceremony held at the beginning of each year. The Samjeong Sword presentation ceremony, originally scheduled for early this year and traditionally hosted by the President, was instead held by the Defense Minister as a follow-up measure in response to the emergent martial law.

The Defense Ministry explained, "Due to the President's overseas travel schedule, the President was unable to present the Samjeong Sword, resulting in a prolonged delay for eligible officers. Considering the honor of the promoted generals and the overall morale of the military, there was broad agreement that the swords should not be delayed any further, and therefore the Defense Minister presented them on behalf of the President for this year only."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Accelerating AI Force Integration and Dissemination to Build a Smart, Advanced, and Strong Military

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Minister Ahn presides over the Defense AI Implementation Review Meeting.

AI is an essential capability to address declining troop resources.

Now is the golden window to concentrate capabilities for a major transformation.

Developing AI policy and combat AI staff structures to ensure victory in future warfare.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers opening remarks at the 2025 Defense AI Implementation Review Meeting at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 18.

Minister Ahn reaffirmed his commitment to building a smart, advanced, and strong military through rapid AI implementation and dissemination, emphasizing that this period is a "golden window" for defense AI development on November 18. The Defense Ministry plans to accelerate its "Defense AX (AI Transformation)" initiative in response to growing AI capabilities and the evolving AI ecosystem.

The Minister made this statement while hosting the 2025 Defense AI Implementation Review Meeting at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The meeting was attended by approximately 30 officials, including the Chair of the Defense Security Subcommittee of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee and the Vice Chiefs of Staff from each military branch.

Minister Ahn stated, "To address the decline in troop numbers, the restructuring of units, personnel, and combat capabilities must be coordinated. In this process, AI is no longer optional but an essential element of military strength." The Defense Ministry is committed to rapidly cultivating AI-based military power and disseminating its achievements both within and beyond the military to transform our forces into a smart, advanced, and strong military.

This conference was convened to review the various AI achievements the military has made in line with its ongoing AI transformation. Participants reviewed progress in defense AI policy during the meeting. So far, the Defense Ministry has conducted various discussion regarding validating the realization of AI-based Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) systems and improving private enterprises' access to defense data. Participants explored development directions and were briefed on the defense AX policy commitment. They reviewed defense sector tasks outlined in the "Republic of Korea AI Action Plan," discussed the defense AX implementation strategy, and examined key defense AX projects planned for next year. Through these efforts, the Defense Ministry has secured the capabilities to drive its defense AI implementation.

In the short term, the Defense Ministry will enhance administrative affairs using AI technology and proceed with the AX hub establishment project. Additionally, the Ministry will promote innovation in infrastructure and environment through AX-Sprint, a rapid commercialization support program for AI applications, and through defense AI talent development.

In the mid- to long term, developing AI policy staff to support defense decision-making will innovate the defense decision process. Establishing AI combat staff to assist commanders on the battlefield will help ensure victory in future warfare.

Minister Ahn assessed, "Now is the golden window for defense AI development, and this review meeting has helped lay a solid foundation for advancing defense AI."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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Second of the Three Phases of Wartime Operational Control Transfer Verification to Be Completed Next Year

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

uture CFC Headquarters advances Full Operational Capability (FOC) verification.

Conventional deterrence posture against regional threats enhanced.

Cooperation on Korea-based MRO for combatant ships strengthened.

Role of the United Nations Command reaffirmed.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announces the joint statement of the 57th Republic of Korea-United States Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the Ministry of National Defense briefing room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon of Nov. 4.

Through the joint statement at the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), the Republic of Korea and the United States agreed to finalize the second phase of the three-phase verification process for transferring wartime operational control by next year. This indicates that the transfer of wartime operational control has gained momentum under the current administration.

While announcing the joint statement of the 57th SCM on November 14 at the Defense Ministry briefing room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Defense Minister Ahn said, "South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the solid ROK-US Alliance and robust combined defense readiness posture." The 57th SCM was jointly hosted by Minister Ahn and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on November 4 in Seoul

At the meeting, South Korea and the United States agreed to closely collaborate on a systematic, stable, and proactive transfer of wartime operational control in accordance with the conditions-based transfer plan. The two ministers agreed that this year's joint assessment showed meaningful progress in readiness posture and capabilities. They also decided to conduct the verification of full operational capability of the future Combined Forces Command headquarters next year. The transfer of wartime operational control consists of three phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). Currently, the verification of the second phase, FOC, is underway. While the first and second phases focus on quantitative assessments, the third phase, Full Mission Capability (FMC), is reported to focus on qualitative assessments that require political decision. Upon completing the second phase verification next year, only the decision of the presidents of South Korea and the United States will remain. Both sides emphasized that the transfer of operational control will strengthen South Korea's capabilities and enhance the combined defense posture of the Alliance.

Minister Ahn informed Secretary Hegseth of South Korea's plan to raise the defense budget to 3.5% of GDP at the earliest opportunity, in accordance with the country's legal requirements. Secretary Hegseth highly praised the plan, welcomed Minister Ahn's commitment, and assured continued US support.

Minister Ahn stressed, "Building on a robust combined defense posture, we will continue to strengthen our defense capabilities so that the Republic of Korea can play a more leading role in maintaining security on the Korean Peninsula. To support this, we will continue to increase defense spending."

He also noted that the ROK and US will enhance the US conventional deterrence posture against all regional threats, including those from North Korea. The two defense officials also agreed on the importance of trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan to effectively address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and pledged to strengthen this collaboration. They also agreed to cooperate in deterring North Korea's potential aggression and to support related cooperative and diplomatic efforts.

Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to providing South Korea with extended deterrence by deploying US military capabilities across all categories, including nuclear weapons. Both ministers evaluated the performance of the ROK-US Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and agreed to continue its activities.

They also explored avenues for cooperation in the defense industry, and agreed that maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for both combatant and non-combatant ships will be carried out in Korea, marking the first time US warships will receive such services in the country. Secretary Hegseth stated, "US warships will receive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in South Korea for the first time." Both sides emphasized the need to accelerate cooperation in shipbuilding to enhance the US Navy's readiness posture.

They also acknowledged the essential role that the United States Forces Korea (USFK) has played on the Korean Peninsula for the past seven decades. Both defense officials reaffirmed that to support the Alliance's efforts to prevent armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and stability in Northeast Asia, they will continue maintaining the capability and posture of the USFK.

The two ministers also agreed that ensuring consistent training opportunities for the ROK-US military is essential. Furthermore, they agreed that, based on mutual consent, the two countries will promptly implement procedures to return the remaining Yongsan base and US bases in Northern Gyeonggi Province that have not yet been returned. The joint statement also covered cooperation in defense science and technology, the performance of the Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG), and reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command.

Minister Ahn stated, "Based on these achievements and mutual trust, the ROK and the US will respond to the rapidly changing security environment and threats, and closely cooperate to evolve the defense sector into a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance'."



By Byeong-No, Yun

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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Increased river water levels in several Malaysian states following persistent rainfall have prompted warnings from officials on Saturday urging the public to remain vigilant.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi advised the public to avoid high-risk areas, stay alert to weather developments, steer clear of strong currents and follow the instructions of authorities.

"I want to remind everyone to always be cautious with the river levels in your area. If you are near a river, avoid high-risk areas, especially during continuous rain," he said in a statement.

The Irrigation and Drainage Department of Malaysia reported that rivers in several states are currently at alert, warning and danger levels.

Meanwhile, the number of those displaced by flooding nationwide stands at 23,383, with victims being housed at 275 flood relief centers as of 10.30 p.m. local time, according to the country's social welfare department. 
Defense Minister meets with Kevin Kim, Charge d'Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Seoul

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

On the afternoon of November 21, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Kevin Kim, Charge d'Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Seoul, to discuss developments on the Korean Peninsula, regional dynamics, and ways to further strengthen the ROK-US Alliance.

Minister Ahn welcomed Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim's appointment and asked for his close cooperation to ensure that the joint fact sheet reflecting the outcomes of the ROK-US summit and the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) contributes to the smooth development of the Alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive, and strategic partnership.

Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and stated that the US Embassy in Seoul will remain dedicated to further advancing the strong ROK-US Alliance.

Minister Ahn outlined the Korean government's policy direction to establish sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula while maintaining a robust combined defense posture. Charge d'Affaires ad interim Kim agreed on the importance of close cooperation between South Korea and the United States on policy toward North Korea.

Both sides pledged to further strengthen cooperation to build a mutually beneficial, future-oriented Alliance, including collaboration in the shipbuilding sector and the expansion of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects.

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Defense Minister inspects the site of the 35th Division Recruit Training Battalion

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited the 35th Infantry Division Recruit Training Battalion on Thursday, November 20, where he inspected training sites and encouraged the soldiers.

Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited the training site where recruits were completing a 20 km march, just one week before finishing their training program, and personally encouraged them. He stated, "A genuine combat instinct cannot be fully conveyed through words or speeches alone; developing it through realistic training is both the destiny and a crucial mission of every soldier."

Minister Ahn then reviewed the recruit training system and development plans, including training for drone and counter-drone operations, and discussed improvements to the recruit training system in the context of reforms to the military structure that has been in place for 40 years.

Minister Ahn urged, "Since recruit training is the first step to becoming a soldier, instruct recruits with sincerity and attentiveness, not just logic."

Furthermore, he instructed, "From now on, drones must be treated as a second personal weapon. Be committed to establishing a drone training system so that recruit training serves as the foundation for cultivating 500,000 drone warriors."

Minister Ahn concluded, "The trust of the people must be earned starting here at the Recruit Training Battalion. Make every effort to nurture elite soldiers with a strong sense of mission and the capability to prevail in combat."

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Preparing for the future battlefield through innovation and cooperation: accelerating defense AI via the Defense AI Implementati...

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Date : 2025-11-28

The Defense Ministry held the 2025 Defense AI Implementation Review Meeting today (November 18) in the main conference room of its headquarters.

The meeting, chaired by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, was attended by around 30 officials, including the Chair of the Defense and Security Subcommittee of the Presidential Council on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Vice Chiefs of Staff of each military branch.

At the meeting, participants reviewed the progress of defense AI policies, discussed future development directions, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing defense AX (AI transformation).

So far, the Defense Ministry has held various discussions on the demonstration plan for implementing AI-based manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems and on improving private enterprises' access to defense data.

They reviewed defense tasks outlined in the "Republic of Korea AI Action Plan," discussed the defense AX implementation strategy, and examined key defense AX projects planned for 2026. Through these efforts, the Defense Ministry has strengthened its ability to move defense AI implementation forward.

The Defense Ministry will systematically manage the progress of defense AX, strengthen defense AI capabilities, and continue developing the defense AI ecosystem.

In the short term, the Ministry will use AI technology to improve administrative processes and promote innovation in infrastructure and the broader environment through projects such as the AX hub initiative, the AX-Sprint rapid commercialization program for AI applications, and defense AI talent development.

Also, in the long term, cultivating "AI policy staff" to support the defense minister will help modernize and transform the defense decision-making process.

Furthermore, "AI combat staff" will be established to assist commanders on the battlefield, and AI-enabled weapon systems will be continuously deployed to secure the core capabilities needed to ensure victory in future warfare.

Through the defense AI implementation review meeting and related efforts, the Defense Ministry plans to share its defense AI achievements within the military and with the broader public, with the goal of becoming an advanced, strong armed force trusted by the people.

Minister Ahn assessed, "Now is the golden window for defense AI development, and this review meeting has helped lay a solid foundation for advancing defense AI."

Minister Ahn stated, "To address the decline in troop numbers, the restructuring of units, personnel, and combat capabilities must be coordinated. In this process, AI is no longer optional but an essential element of military strength."

In addition, Minister Ahn said, "The Defense Ministry is committed to rapidly cultivating AI-based military power and disseminating its achievements both within and beyond the military to transform our forces into a smart, advanced, and strong military."

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Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OSCE Maxim Buyakevich at an OSCE Permanent Council meeting, November 27, 2025

27 November 2025 17:56

1981-27-11-2025

Certain NATO and EU member states' growing military

involvement in confrontation around Ukraine

Mr Chair,

The anti-Russia European countries continue to whip up military hysteria over Moscow and thwart nascent progress in the settlement of the Ukraine conflict. It seems that the Ukrainian issue is being deliberately used to divert their citizens' attention from failures in the economy and domestic policy.

In contrast with that, the policy of the current US administration is aimed at finding diplomatic solutions. While some forces are leaking information and plant fake stories to undermine the negotiation process and the agreements reached in Alaska, Russian diplomacy is making strenuous professional efforts and is not disclosing any details before official agreements are reached.

The European politicians who bet on inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia have been trapped by their own propaganda. They refuse to admit the obvious - that their arms deliveries to Ukraine have not helped it turn the tide of war, and their sanctions have not broken the Russian economy. Here is an interesting statement by US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: "The Europeans tell me, 'Oh, we are doing our 19th sanctions package.' In my mind ... if you're going to do something 19 times, you failed."

Instead of following the example of sensible European leaders, such as the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, the rabid leaders of Britain, France and Germany have deliberately put their stakes on drawing out the Ukraine conflict, and are derailing any substantive peace initiatives that take Russia's security interests into account. The Brussels bureaucrats are playing an unseemly role as well. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has aptly described the EU's "peaceful" efforts: "The EU has a very clear two-point plan: first, weaken Russia; second, support Ukraine." Looks like a "strong" plan.

The British authorities continue their policy of preventing peace. While the international community is looking for ways to deescalate the conflict, London is acting consistently and deliberately fuelling the war out of far from idealistic considerations. The British establishment has made support for the Kiev regime the cornerstone of its foreign policy, putting not only its financial resources but also political prestige on the line. At the same time, they completely disregard the sober assessment of the situation on the front line and the disastrous state of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. London has turned the conflict into a profitable business project. Military supplies provided by its companies, such as BAE Systems and Thales UK, have become the lifebuoy for the British economy. London is anticipating big profits from supplying drones to the conflict zone. The British government has also supported the illegal seizure of Russian assets. Its propaganda machine, including BBC, has been set to demonise Russia and create the necessary information background for long-term confrontation.

That aggressive foreign policy is a cover for a deep internal crisis. Britain is badly short of ideas about changing its socioeconomic situation and has no leaders on the scale of Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher who could offer a constructive agenda. At the end of the day, London is deliberately drawing out the conflict and profiting from the death of Ukrainians and Russians.

Germany has been consistently trying to scare its citizens, through Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, with an imminent war against Russia, having postponed that mythical attack several times. According to the newspaper Bild, Berlin is leading the alliance against Donald Trump's peace plan, and the office of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, judging by its statements, is advocating its plan of ending the war which actually implies Russia's surrender. Germany is being surprisingly short-sighted in its continued support of the Kiev regime in spite of the obvious facts. We would like to remind you that it was Ukraine's actions that have led to the destruction of critical energy infrastructure, on which the German industry depended. Nevertheless, Berlin is sending billions of euros to Kiev, disregarding the fact that a substantial part of these funds is embezzled by corrupt officials. In other words, Germany continues to defend those who are damaging its own national interests. This policy is not just illogical but is also evidence of the current German authorities' absolute lack of strategic vision.

The policy that France follows with regard to the Ukraine conflict is also a graphic example of strategic blindness, commitment to someone else's interests, and playing with fire. A onetime guarantor of the Minsk agreements, Paris later laid them to rest, confessing that it never had any intention to implement them. Instead of seeking a diplomatic settlement, the French leadership has opted for a military confrontation. The French leaders not only refer to Russia as an "enemy" but also in all seriousness speculate about sending French troops to Ukraine. This rhetoric is both irresponsible and divorced from reality as it overlooks the true causes of the conflict: NATO's unrelenting eastern expansion, the creation of a military threat near Russia's borders, and the coming to power in Kiev in 2014 of a nationalist regime bent on eradicating all things Russian. France is ready to "lose its children" and "suffer economically," to quote the November 18 remarks by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fabien Mandon, all that for the sake of the far-fetched goal of "containing Russia." That Paris is thinking of sending its troops to Ukraine reveals its total unawareness of the nature of current developments and its readiness to plunge the whole of Europe into the vortex of a direct clash. Instead of defending its national interests, France is thoughtlessly squandering its taxpayers' resources. It finances the Kiev regime, it has signed fantastic arms supply contracts, and now it is even playing with the idea of sending its soldiers for slaughter.

The real implications of this anti-Russia hysteria are highlighted by the example of Belgium. The so-called incidents with "Russian" drones have revealed the entire lengths of absurdity to which the European elites are ready to go in their Russophobic campaign. The Belgian authorities in the person of Defence Minister Theo Francken sounded the alarm bell on a "Russian threat," doing that with much pomp and fanfare. They urgently closed airports, convened the National Security Council, and were stoking an atmosphere of fear and hysteria. But, as it soon transpired, all that ballyhoo turned out to be a soap bubble. Independent journalists, displaying elementary professional skills, soon found out that the "Russian drones" were a police helicopter in one case and a DHL civilian plane in another.

These incidents can only demonstrate how shaky and untenable the entire structure of anti-Russia propaganda is. It is at odds even with its own logic. On the one hand, they claim that the Russian army is "ineffective" and "on its last legs," while on the other, they are scaring their populations with the Russian threat.

In the meantime, the Kiev regime, with support from its Western patrons, continues to perpetrate real, not imagined, crimes against civilians. Over the week from November 17 to 23, there were 53 civilian casualties as a result of deliberate Ukrainian attacks on civilian facilities in the Russian Federation. Seven persons died, 46, including 5 children, were wounded. A Ukrainian drone attacked a civilian car at the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka in the Belgorod Region, killing a married couple and wounding their four-year son. Three civilians died in a Ukrainian drone attack in Syzran, the Samara Region. Two boys aged 11 and 14 years stepped on Ukrainian landmines in the Lugansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic. A14-yearold child and two adults were injured as a Ukrainian drone hit their car in the Kherson Region. A 15-year teen was wounded in a drone attack in the Zaporozhye Region. An 80-year old resident of Energodar in the same region was wounded in the head by bomb splinters.

The Russian diplomacy will continue to communicate this truthful information to the world public. We will not allow these tragedies to be forgotten under the cover of Russophobic propaganda. The healthy forces in international politics, specifically the Global Majority countries, will be able to give a principled evaluation to these war crimes.

And finally, to reiterate: Our country is ready for a detailed discussion of the ways of settling of the crisis around Ukraine. This discussion must certainly take into account Russia's interests, since any negotiating construct will be unviable if they are overlooked. The special military operation will continue until it achieves all the goals set before it unless Russian diplomatic efforts meet with a truly constructive response.

Thank you for your time.

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Meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban

Vladimir Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Kremlin.

November 28, 2025

17:10

The Kremlin, Moscow

Participating in the meeting from the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. Representing Hungary were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Construction and Transport Janos Lazar, and Chief National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Hungary Marcell Biro.

* * *

Beginning of Russian-Hungarian talks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues.

Allow me to extend a very warm welcome to you here in Moscow.

It is a great pleasure to see you in person. We are in regular contact by phone and our teams are in constant communication. I am particularly pleased that, despite the undoubted challenges of the present time, our relationship remains strong and continues to move forward.

Ours is a relationship with a long and complex history, but today it is built on the strongest foundation of the best in our shared past, as well as on pragmatism - a pragmatic approach to our bilateral ties.

We have known each other for many years, and I know you first and foremost as a steadfast champion of Hungary's interests and the Hungarian people.

While our views on certain international issues may not always align, we have developed a relationship where we can speak with complete frankness and address any issues. This open dialogue allows us not only to address them but also to work together on finding solutions.

We are aware of your balanced position on the situation in Ukraine.

Turning to our bilateral relations, I must note with regret that last year we saw a decline in mutual trade. This was primarily due to external restrictions, but the scale of the decrease, 23 percent, is nonetheless significant.

That said, the outlook is promising. This year, we have already seen a modest recovery, with growth of over seven percent.

Our energy cooperation, of course, remains a cornerstone of our partnership, and there are several specific matters that we need to address.

Once again, we are delighted to have you with us. Welcome.

Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban (retranslated): Mr President,

First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to hold talks with you here today. This is the 14th time I have met with you in the capacity of prime minister.

I believe that we have accomplished a great deal, considering the current historical moment, for the development of interaction between our nations, and I sincerely hope that we will be able to achieve even more.

As Mr President knows, we are pursuing a sovereign foreign policy. We have been consistent in our policy towards Russia. We are cooperating in vital spheres and have not yielded to external pressure; we have not terminated our interaction in any of these vital spheres.

I would like to emphasise that stable Russian energy deliveries in the past, today, and in the future are the foundation of Hungary's energy security. We highly value the stability and predictability of Russian energy deliveries. Hungary is interested in maintaining an energy dialogue with your country, and today I would like to discuss this block of issues in detail.

Ukraine is a neighbour of Hungary, which is why Hungary fully feels the effects of the Ukrainian conflict, including a considerable economic impact, because economic cooperation is being hindered by the hostilities. This is true both for Europe and for us.

I would also like to reiterate what I told you during our previous meeting: Hungary is interested in peace, and we sincerely hope that the peace initiatives recently made public will eventually bring about peace.

Mr President, our meeting today offers an opportunity to reaffirm that Hungary is ready to provide a venue for such negotiations and to assist in the successful conclusion of that process.

I would like to thank you once again for meeting with us.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for your reaction to the possibility of my meeting with the US President in your country. The idea was put forward by Donald, who said, "We have good relations with Hungary, and both you and I have good relations with Viktor, so I suggest this option." We accepted it with pleasure, of course.

If there comes a moment in our negotiations when we will use Budapest as the venue, I would be glad to do so. I would like to thank you for your readiness to provide assistance.

<...>

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from Moscow. Kremlin. Putin television programme, November 28, 2025

28 November 2025 19:47

1988-28-11-2025

Question: How did the talks with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban proceed? To what extent was Donald Trump's peace plan discussed in detail?

Sergey Lavrov: President of Russia Vladimir Putin led the negotiations. We endeavoured to assist him at his request. I consider it a highly constructive discussion.

Question: Viktor Orban enjoys close relations with Donald Trump, who, in turn, holds him in high regard. Could it be inferred that following today's talks, Viktor Orban might speak with Donald Trump and relay the details? Might this be regarded as shuttle diplomacy?

Sergey Lavrov: I cannot speculate on the plans of the head of government of a sovereign state - our longstanding and valued partner.

There are no prohibitions - unlike in European countries, which repeatedly level claims and make assorted declarations. Viktor Orban does not coordinate his actions with Brussels. We never conduct ourselves in such a manner. We respect Hungary's position, just as we respect the position of any other country.

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Resistance groups condemn Israeli aggression against Syrian town

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 9:43 PM

A number of resistance groups have condemned Israel's recent cowardly aggression in the Syrian town of Beit Jinn and hailed the residents' "heroic ambush," which inflicted casualties on enemy soldiers.

At least 13 Syrian people, including five from one family, were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in Israeli strikes on Beit Jinn in the Damascus suburbs.

The casualties took place in a Thursday night Israeli attack by helicopters and drones on Beit Jinn after Israeli forces entered the town and were surrounded by local residents, prompting the outbreak of gunfire and confrontations.

Having been engaged in a two-hour fierce exchange of fire, the Israeli soldiers were forced to withdraw from Beit Jinn and reposition on the hill of Butt al-Warda on the outskirts of the town.

Israeli media acknowledged that six of the regime's forces were wounded in the armed clashes, including three seriously.

The Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine lauded the residents' resistance, calling it a powerful "security slap" to the aggressors and a clear message against occupation. They emphasized that the targeting of innocents, including children, reveals the true nature of the Israeli regime as a threat to the entire region.

The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) praised the "heroic operation" as a restoration of national dignity and reiterated the need for a unified front to support the resistance across the Levant.

Similarly, the Islamic Jihad Movement condemned the aggression, calling the occupation the root of regional instability, while commending the bravery of Beit Jinn's defenders.

Hamas denounced the Israeli aggression as part of a broader "policy of chaos," calling for immediate international intervention to halt these violations of law.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine described the aggression as part of ongoing crimes against the region and affirmed the sacred right to resistance.

The Islamic Group in Lebanon rejects Israeli accusations linking the group to activities in Beit Jinn.

The Group affirms that it operates exclusively within Lebanon and adheres strictly to the Lebanese ceasefire agreement with the occupation and condemns the Israeli aggression on Beit Jinn.

The political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement also condemns the Zionist aggression against civilians in Beit Jinn.

Ansarullah stated that the aggression is a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty and an expansion of the occupation.

These statements reflect a united front among various resistance factions in the region, reinforcing their commitment to opposing Israeli occupation and aggression.

The Israeli media declined to provide further details of the aggression on Beit Jinn, which has been witnessing a surge in the displacement of locals and movement towards neighboring villages following Israel's frequent acts of aggression.

Syria has condemned the repeated Israeli incursions as a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and UN resolutions and called on the international community to enforce compliance and ensure the occupying entity withdraws fully and adheres to the agreement.

Israel has conducted repeated acts of aggression across the Syrian territory following the collapse of Assad's government last year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his forces to push deeper into Syrian territory and seize several strategic locations.

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Syrian Alawites warn of retaliation against attacks targeting minority group

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 10:59 AM

The head of the Supreme Islamic Alawite Council in Syria and Abroad has warned that any attack targeting the minority community 'will not go unanswered' amid a new outbreak of sectarian violence triggered by HTSbacked militias.

Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal made the remarks on Thursday, two days after tens of thousands of Syrians protested in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, as well as in the neighboring provinces of Hama and Homs.

The demonstrators called for an end to repeated attacks on Alawitemajority neighborhoods and the killings and abductions of their residents.

In Latakia, reports said militants loyal to the ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) regime fired live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, seriously wounding one of them.

Ghazal said the repression of the anti-regime protests was not an isolated incident, but marked the end of an era of "silence and submission."

The Alawites will not accept an administration that "slaughters" them based on their identity, he emphasized, warning, "Any attack on the Alawite community will not go unanswered."

Ghazal also repeated calls for the Alawites' right to self-determination through federalism and political decentralization, as well as an end to the killings, and the release of thousands of detainees.

"We seek only what is right and nothing else," he added, stressing that there will be no compromise in this path.

The demonstrations were largely triggered by a deadly assault on Alawite civilians, carried out by HTS regime-backed tribal militias. The militias, linked to a Bedouin community, blamed the Alawites for the murder of a couple.

The attackers stormed the al-Muhajireen neighborhood in Homs, burning homes and shops, destroying cars, and firing indiscriminately at residents, killing at least two people and injuring dozens.

Since the fall of Assad's government in December 2024, the HTS-led administration, which enjoys unconditional backing by Western and the Persian Gulf Arab countries, has engaged in sectarian killings, kidnappings, and persecution across Syria.

Once affiliated with al-Qaeda and Daesh, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani seized power in Syria following a rapid onslaught by his militant group.

The HTS administration has reportedly incorporated thousands of foreign Takfiri militants into the country's new military.

The violence forms part of a pattern seen across Syria since Assad's fall. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported nearly 11,000 civilian deaths since militant factions led by HTS seized power in December until October.

It documented widespread abuses, including field executions, torture, kidnappings and indiscriminate attacks.

The Israeli regime, meanwhile, has escalated its own strikes across the country, exploiting Syria's post-Assad instability to grab more land from the Arab country.

Back in March, sectarian tensions escalated in Syria's coastal areas, leaving at least 1,400 people dead, according to HTS officials, most of them the Alawites.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) recorded more than 1,700 killings in the same regions.

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13 Syrians killed, 25 injured in Israeli aggression on Damascus countryside

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 8:42 AM

At least 13 Syrian people have been killed and more than two dozen others injured in Israeli strikes on the countryside of the capital Damascus amid the occupying regime's heightened incursions on the Arab country since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad and the rule of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants.

The casualties, as the Syrian TV reported on Friday, took place in an overnight Israeli attack by helicopters and drones on the town of Beit Jinn in the Damascus suburbs after Israeli forces entered the town and were surrounded by local residents, prompting the outbreak of gunfire and confrontations.

"The helicopters of the occupation army and its artillery shelled Beit Jinn, located on the foothills of Mount Hermon, southwest of Damascus, resulting in 13 martyrs and wounding 25 civilians," the report said, falling short of specifying the number of the injured and the scope of damage.

The Syrian News Channel  Al-Ikhbariyah Syria  confirmed that the attack coincided with Israeli soldiers entering the town of Beit Jinn as the surrounding areas were being shelled by the regime's artillery.

The news outlet underlined that the shelling came after clashes between local residents and a patrol of the Israeli occupation army that penetrated the southern town and "kidnapped" three young men.

Having been engaged in a two-hour fierce exchange of fire, the Israeli soldiers were forced to withdraw from Beit Jinn and reposition on the hill of Butt al-Warda on the outskirts of the town.

Israeli media acknowledged that six of the regime's forces were wounded in the armed clashes, including three seriously, saying the occupation army was subjected to a "sudden ambush" that confused the soldiers and led to the intervention of additional reserve units along with warplanes in an attempt to open a safe passage.

The Israeli media declined to provide further details of the aggression on Beit Jinn, which has been witnessing a surge in the displacement of locals and movement towards neighboring villages following Israel's frequent acts of aggression.

The violent raid came a day after Israeli forces carried out a new ground incursion into Umm al-Luqas village in the countryside of the southwestern city of Quneitra.

The official SANA news agency said that an Israeli unit of four vehicles entered the village, raided houses, and then withdrew.

Syria has condemned the repeated Israeli incursions as violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and UN resolutions and called on the international community to enforce compliance and ensure the occupying entity withdraws fully and adheres to the agreement.

Israel has conducted repeated acts of aggression across the Syrian territory following the collapse of Assad's government last year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his forces to push deeper into Syrian territory and seize several strategic locations.

Instead of resistance to the ongoing Israeli military operations, the HTS-led regime's lack of action and its normalization overtures to Tel Aviv appear to have given Israel greater leeway to expand its occupation and increase the intensity of its airstrikes.

Foreign-backed militants, led by HTS - a group that was previously affiliated with the al-Qaeda terrorist group - took control of Damascus and declared an end to Assad's rule last December.

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DPP authorities' act of 'currying favor with Japan to seek independence' is despicable: Chinese FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 28, 2025 04:26 PM

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference on Friday. At the conference, a reporter from the Global Times asked that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks have been opposed and criticized by the international community and insightful people in Japan. However, the Taiwan regional authorities have repeatedly put on gestures of supporting Takaichi. Not long ago, Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te expressed his so-called support by eating sushi, and Taiwan's external affairs department absurdly claimed that Chinese side's letter to the UN Secretary-General was "rude and unreasonable." What is the spokesperson's comment on this?

Responding to the question, Mao stated that Japan imposed colonial rule on the island of Taiwan for half a century, committing countless heinous crimes. The DPP authorities' act of "currying favor with Japan to seek independence" is despicable. Takaichi's remarks related to Taiwan interfered in China's internal affairs, sent a serious wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and endangered peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Mao further pointed out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China. Japan should profoundly reflect on its historical crimes, learn from historical lessons, abide by the one-China principle, and act cautiously on the Taiwan question. "We urge Japan to withdraw its erroneous remarks, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and honor its commitments to China with concrete actions," Mao said.

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ISLAMABAD, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and five others injured after a jeep plunged into a ravine in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, rescue officials said on Friday.

The accident occurred in the Havelian area of Abbottabad district when the vehicle, carrying 11 passengers, including schoolchildren, fell into the gorge in the Magri locality, Rescue 1122 said.

Seven people were taken to a local hospital, where two died of their injuries later. Three passengers died on the spot, according to the rescue agency. Two of the injured were shifted to Ayub Medical Complex due to their critical condition.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor road conditions and traffic rule violations. 
PLA Eastern Theater Command monitors New Zealand navy ship during Taiwan Straits transit

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 28, 2025 11:57 AM

In response to a Reuters report about a New Zealand naval ship's transit through the Taiwan Straits, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the New Zealand naval replenishment vessel Aotearoa transited the Taiwan Straits recently. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to monitor and track the vessel's passage throughout with effective response measures.

We firmly oppose certain countries stirring up trouble in the Taiwan Straits and sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces, Jiang said.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/11/28

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 a.m. Nov. 27 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Nov. 28 (Fri.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities

4 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1141128_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1141128_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/11/29

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 a.m. Nov. 28 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Nov. 29 (Sat.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities

26 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN ships and 2 offical ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 23 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central 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.

1141129_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1141129_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Denys Shmyhal visited the defenders of the Kherson region

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

27 November, 2025, 10:43 PM EET

Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, visited the warriors defending the Kherson region.

In particular, the Minister received a briefing from the Head of the State Special Transport Service on the deployment of anti-drone protection on the region's road network.

"We are reinforcing the protection of important logistics routes in frontline regions. According to the State Special Transport Service, the overall volume of completed works across the country stands at more than 78% of the plan," said Denys Shmyhal.

Units of the State Special Transport Service have received clear tasks regarding work volumes and priority sections. The goal is to protect all key routes that ensure the functioning and defense of frontline settlements, the Minister of Defence added.

In addition, he met with the command of the 34th Separate Coastal Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Accompanied by Major General Dmytro Deliatytskyi, Commander of the 30th Marine Corps, the Minister of Defence was briefed by the brigade commander on the current situation within the area of responsibility and the nature of enemy activity.

Denys Shmyhal awarded the warriors distinctions of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and thanked them for their resilience in repelling enemy attacks. The units are holding their designated defensive lines, and all attempts by russian forces to advance have been unsuccessful.

At the command post of the 39th Separate Coastal Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal was briefed by the brigade commander on the situation within the area of responsibility and the dynamics of combat operations.

An in-depth discussion on the security situation in the Kherson region followed.

"The brigade's units are confidently holding back the enemy, maintaining their designated defensive lines and accomplishing their assigned tasks. I thanked the service members for their courage and professionalism and presented distinctions to warriors who distinguished themselves during combat missions," the Minister of Defence said.

He also assessed the operational situation along the line of contact in the area of responsibility of the 40th Separate Coastal Defence Brigade. The unit's command reported on the current situation along the defensive lines, personnel sustainment levels, the dynamics of combat operations, and the execution of missions.

"We discussed the unit's support priorities and the operational responses required to address the challenges faced by the warriors. I presented distinctions to the service members. The brigade continues to hold its positions, inflicting significant losses on the enemy and demonstrating a high level of resilience. I thank the warriors for their bravery," Denys Shmyhal concluded.

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Ukraine Embassy in Manila rejects Russia's recruitment claim

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

November 28, 2025, 9:20 pm

MANILA -- The Ukraine Embassy in Manila on Friday rejected Russia's claim that certain entities are recruiting Filipino nationals to join Ukrainian troops in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

In a statement, the embassy described the claim as "baseless fabrication" and a part of "Russian propaganda" in Southeast Asia.

"We reject and refute the baseless fabrications of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the alleged recruitment of Filipino nationals to participate in hostilities on the side of Ukraine," it said.

These claims, it added, have no factual foundation and do not correspond to reality.

It also stated that such insinuation was not accidental, and could be part of a "systematic disinformation campaign" by the Russian Federation aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its Defense Forces.

Earlier, the embassy said Ukraine has caught a "similar Russian fake news about supposed recruitment" in South Korea and officially debunked it.

"Now, Russian propagandists have decided to spread another fabricated story in the Philippines. This demonstrates a deliberate focus of Russian propaganda on the states of Southeast Asia," it said.

The embassy said the Philippine-Ukraine relations remain rooted on mutual respect and trust.

"Ukraine and the Philippines enjoy strong, friendly, and dynamic bilateral relations built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to international law," it said.

"This was reaffirmed just yesterday during the telephone conversation between the Presidents of the two countries."

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Nov. 27 claimed that representatives of an American security company have "launched a campaign in the Philippines to recruit local citizens" for the Ukrainian army.

She alleged that recruits who sign contracts "are issued a Schengen work visa at the consular section of the German embassy in Manila" and would be transferred to other countries, including those within the European Union, such as Poland and Ukraine upon arrival in Germany.

The same claim was categorically denied by German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, who dismissed it as "baseless allegations."

He explained that Schengen visas do not entitle the holder to take up employment in the Schengen area, and that the embassy only issues work visa for jobs in Germany. (PNA)

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Germany denies Russia's claims of Filipino recruitment for Ukraine

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

November 28, 2025, 2:37 pm

MANILA -- The German Embassy in Manila on Friday denied Moscow's claim that it is issuing visas to Filipinos allegedly recruited by certain entities to fight for Ukraine in the ongoing war.

The Russian news agency TASS, in a Nov. 27 report, quoted Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying that representatives of an American security company have "launched a campaign in the Philippines to recruit local citizens" for the Ukrainian army.

Zakharova further alleged that recruits who sign contracts "are issued a Schengen work visa at the consular section of the German embassy in Manila" and are listed as employed by "Berlin-based private security companies."

She further stated that upon arrival in Germany, these supposed recruits are transferred to other countries, including those within the European Union, such as Poland and Ukraine.

"We strictly refuse and deny those baseless allegations," German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency.

The envoy also explained that Schengen visas do not entitle the holder to take up employment in the Schengen area.

"A national visa is required to take up employment. The embassy only issues visas for employment in Germany," he said.

As of this posting, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of the US and Ukraine in Manila have yet to issue official statements when asked to comment on the subject. (PNA)

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PBBM, Zelenskyy reaffirm ties; eye stronger agri, digitalization links

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

November 28, 2025, 8:05 am

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore deeper cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said the discussion with Zelenskyy reaffirmed the Philippines and Ukraine's bilateral relations and opened doors for expanded collaboration in priority sectors.

"I spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to reaffirm our warm relations and discuss areas where our countries can work together," Marcos said.

"We focused on cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization," he added.

Zelensky, in an X post on Thursday, said the Philippines has expressed interest in Ukraine's expertise and technologies.

"We agreed that our teams will follow up on all these matters in the near future," he said.

Zelenskyy also extended his condolences to the Philippines for the lives lost and the destruction caused by the recent typhoons.

He said he also briefed Marcos on Ukraine's joint work with the United States and other partners toward establishing a lasting peace.

He expressed appreciation for the Philippines' support for and clear stance on peace efforts and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the Philippines prepares to serve as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair in 2026, Marcos said he and Zelenskyy also discussed ways to enhance engagement between Ukraine and the 11-member regional bloc.

The Philippines and Ukraine established bilateral relations in 1992. (PNA)

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Zelensky's top aide resigns after anti-corruption police raid his home

Iran Press TV

Friday, 28 November 2025 2:56 PM

Zelensky's top aide, Andriy Yermak, has handed in his resignation hours after Ukraine's anti-corruption force raided his home, as corruption scandals tighten around the presidential circle.

Some ten officers from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) took part in the raid on Friday.

Yermak, officially the chief of staff to the president, is seen as Ukraine's second most powerful man and has been leading the Ukrainian delegation during recent talks in Geneva with Washington to end the war with Russia.

"Today, NABU and SAPO are indeed conducting procedural actions at my home. The investigators are not encountering any obstacles," Yermak said in a post on Telegram, claiming he was "fully cooperating" with the anti-corruption police.

Hours later, though, Zelensky announced Yermak's resignation in a video message.

The raid came days after US journalist Tucker Carlson accused the Wall Street Journal of withholding a corruption expose on Yermak.

In a post on X on Monday, Carlson alleged that senior editors at the newspaper, owned by Rupert Murdoch, are holding back evidence showing Yermak siphoned off "hundreds of millions" of dollars in US taxpayer funds intended for Ukraine.

Carlson further claimed that the WSJ's editorial leadership was aware of the alleged embezzlement but "has refused to publish the findings."

The latest development comes at a moment when Ukraine's own anti-corruption agencies are in the process of uncovering massive graft at the highest levels.

Earlier this month, the agencies exposed a sprawling $100 million energy-sector kickback scheme involving Timur Mindich, one of Zelensky's longtime business partners.

Mindich fled the country to avoid arrest, and Zelensky belatedly imposed sanctions on him after the scandal became impossible to contain.

Zelensky, who introduced sanctions against Mindich to exonerate himself, had tried and failed to roll back the powers of the prosecutor general's office amid the widening graft scandal that has shaken Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the scandal, argued that it shows Ukraine is run by a "criminal gang that holds power for personal enrichment" and ignores the interests of its citizens.

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Ukraine's Long-Distance Drones Take Toll On Russia's Oil Business -- And War Chest

By RFE/RL November 28, 2025

Ukraine's deep-strike drone campaign targeting Russia's oil and gas production facilities has already cost its enemy 10 percent of its refining capacity, according to industry experts -- and Kyiv is committed to stepping things up.

"Ten percent, it's not an astonishing number," says Tatiana Mitrova of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. "But it is still something that starts to be felt with the Russian domestic fuel crisis, with reduced oil refined products exports, and general tension inside the Russian oil sector."

Ukraine has invested heavily in new long-distance drone technology, putting out weapons such as the Lyutiy drone, which is capable of delivering explosives up to 2,000 kilometers from its secret launch site.

But Ukrainian drone units have also gained expertise at swarming targets with dozens of cheaper first-person-view (FPV) drones.

The technology advances are currently allowing Kyiv to hit key Russian oil and gas resources on an almost daily basis.

It has also committed to hitting the same refineries repeatedly, an essential strategy, says Mitrova, as Russia scrambles to rebuild and repair damage.

Kyiv has also struck at least half of Russia's 38 major production complexes and has forced Russia to reduce oil processing from 5.4 million barrels per day in July to just 5 million two months later.

Still, Mitrova points out, Russia operates the world's third-largest refining system and has substantial built in surplus capacity.

"It might take years before the result becomes really visible," she says, "so we are not talking about Russian refining collapsing anytime soon -- but exhausting its potential, it really started already."

Russian consumers have felt the pain of gasoline shortages and rationing, while gasoline exports have been banned. In addition, says Mitrova, Russia is now exporting more crude oil and less refined product, which substantially lessens its export revenues.

The importance of fossil fuels to Russia's economy can hardly be overstated, bringing in $100 billion annually. However, that number is roughly 20 percent lower than it was a year ago, say industry analysts at organizations such as the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

The nearly four-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine is funded heavily by Russian gas and oil sales abroad, which have made this sector the subject of growing waves of US and EU sanctions.

But it would be naive to assume that targeting Russian oil and gas, both economically and militarily, is likely to cause noticeable battlefield effects, says Mitrova, who points out the Russian Army is generally first in line when resources are limited.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he's a firm believer that hits on Russia's refineries are "the most effective sanctions -- the ones that work the fastest."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-targets-russian- oil-gas-infrastructure-analysis/33606305.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.

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Yermak Resigns After Ukrainian Anti-Graft Investigators Launch Surprise Search Of His Office

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 28, 2025

Andriy Yermak, the influential chief of staff of Ukraine's President, has resigned hours after the country's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) conducted searches in his office.

The resignation was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his regular video address to the Ukrainian people on November 28.

Zelenskyy said that he was "grateful" to Yermak, who had been leading the Ukrainian delegation for talks with the United States in Geneva last week about a potential settlement of the war in Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian position in the negotiation track has always been presented as it should be," Zelenskyy said. "It has always been a patriotic position. But I want there to be no rumors and speculation."

He added that he would hold consultations on November 29 with the chief of the General Staff, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and other officials on finding a replacement for Yermak.

"One hundred percent of our strength will be focused on the defense of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "Everyone must now act exactly like this, in the interests of our state, and defend our state. This is an unchanging principle. Meetings with the American side will take place in the near future."

Earlier in the day NABU said in a statementthat it was searching the Yermak's office and added that the "investigative actions are authorized and are being carried out as part of the investigation. Details to follow."

A correspondent for Ukrainian media outlet Ukrayinska Pravda reporting from the scene shared images of anti-corruption agency employees entering the government district in Kyiv, but did not provide further details.

Shortly afterward, Yermak's office confirmed that they were fully cooperating with the investigators.

"Today, NABU and SAPO are indeed conducting procedural actions at my home. The investigators are not encountering any obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officials. For my part, I am providing full cooperation," Yermak wrote on Telegram.

Yermak is considered to be one of the most powerful officials in Ukraine, but his position had become the subject of much speculation after Ukraine was rocked by a corruption scandal in recent weeks when it was revealed that funds meant for the country's vulnerable energy infrastructure have been siphoned off.

Several influential individuals with links to Zelenskyy have been implicated in the scheme. Ever since the corruption scandal broke, several Ukrainian lawmakers, including from Zelenskyy's own "Servant of the People" political faction had called for Yermak to step down.

Speaking ahead of the resignation, Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta Center for Political Studies in Kyiv, told RFE/RL that Zelenskyy faces "a difficult choice. Especially since Yermak is also the head of the delegation in negotiations with the United States regarding ending the war,".

"In my view, temporary removal would be the most balanced compromise option -- at least for the duration of the investigation," Fesenko concluded.

Answering a question from RFE/RL on the issue, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said "any investigations show that the anti-corruption bodies are in place and are allowed to function in Ukraine. The fight against corruption has been a central element of our enlargement package, which provides our general position on the matter. Let me stress that the fight against corruption is key for a country to join the European Union."

Ukraine applied to join the EU shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and is an official candidate country but is yet to start formal accession negotiations.

Meanwhile, in a recentinterviewwith The Atlantic, Yermak, said that ceding sovereign territory is off the table in Ukraine peace talks.

In the interview published on November 27, he stated that as long as Zelenskyy remains president, no one should expect Ukraine to give up any territory.

"Not a single sane person today would agree to a document that involves giving up territory," Yermak said, according to The Atlantic.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-corruption-nabu-search- yermak-office/33607673.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.

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HKSAR gov't rolls out plans to mourn victims, support families following residential fire

Xinhua) 10:55, November 29, 2025

HONG KONG, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Friday a series of mourning events to express deep sorrow for the victims of the residential fire that broke out on Wednesday in Tai Po, as post-disaster relief, investigation and financial support efforts are underway.

A working group deployed by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee left for Hong Kong in the early hours of Thursday. Upon arrival, the working group joined Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, to extend sympathies to the injured and residents affected by the fire.

The Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province and the fire brigade of Shenzhen City provided eight survey drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities and two drones capable of long-term power supply, which are believed to have facilitated on-site search and rescue operations in Wang Fuk Court, where the fire occurred.

MOURNING ARRANGEMENTS

The national flag and the HKSAR flag will be flown at half-mast at all government buildings and facilities across Hong Kong from Saturday to Monday, among other detailed arrangements.

During the three-day mourning period, principal HKSAR government officials will call off all non-essential public events. Meanwhile, all recreational and celebratory activities organized or funded by the HKSAR government will be either canceled or postponed depending on specific circumstances.

John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, will lead principal officials, non-official members of the Executive Council and civil servants in observing a three-minute silence at the HKSAR government headquarters at 8 a.m. on Saturday, paying tribute to the victims of the deadly blaze.

To enable the public to convey their condolences, the Home Affairs Department of the HKSAR government will set up condolence stations in all 18 districts of Hong Kong. People can sign condolence books at these stations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Saturday to Monday.

Firefighting and rescue operations for the residential fire were basically wrapped up on Friday morning. Up to now, death toll from the fire has jumped to 128, the HKSAR government said Friday.

Post-disaster relief and investigation work are currently underway. The HKSAR government will provide a condolence payment of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars (25,693.40 U.S. dollars) to the family of each victim in the residential area fire, Alice Mak Mei-kuen, secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR government, said on Friday.

Additionally, a living allowance of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars per household will be distributed starting next week, with registration processed through the "one social worker per household" assistance mechanism.

The HKSAR government has also rolled out an emergency cash grant of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars to each affected household since Thursday evening to address their urgent needs.

Also on Friday, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, convened a coordination meeting with financial regulators to enhance support for residents affected by the fire. He instructed the financial regulators to step up coordination and mobilise banks, insurance companies, Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) trustees and other financial institutions to provide timely and effective assistance to the affected residents.

RESCUE CHALLENGES

Chris Tang Ping-keung, secretary for security of the HKSAR government, on Friday afternoon provided the latest update on the Tai Po fire.

According to Tang, during the fire, police received a total of 467 requests for assistance regarding missing persons, some of which were duplicates. Among those missing, 39 were confirmed deceased, 35 were confirmed injured and sent to hospital, 110 were safe, and about 200 remained unaccounted for. These 200 included 89 bodies that could not be definitively identified.

Tang explained that while preliminary testing showed the scaffolding nets and protective nets around the buildings met fire-retardant standards, the foam panels surrounding the windows were highly flammable. Based on initial information, it is believed that the fire first broke out at the external netting on the lower levels of Wang Cheong House, which then ignited the foam panels. The flames spread rapidly upwards, reaching multiple floors, and within a short time extended to six other buildings in Wang Fuk Court.

The fire ignited foam panels attached to windows, causing glass to shatter, which further intensified the blaze and quickly spread it indoors. In a short span, both interior and exterior areas were engulfed, leading to the disaster. Additionally, the extreme heat caused bamboo scaffolding and nets to catch fire, with burning bamboo poles breaking off and falling, igniting other floors. The official cause of the fire remains under further investigation, Tang said.

Andy Yeung Yan-kin, director of Fire Services of the HKSAR government, said that on Nov. 27, the Fire Services Department dispatched a specialized fire prevention team to inspect the fire alarm systems in the eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court. They discovered that the fire alarms were not functioning effectively. In response, enforcement action will soon be taken.

Tang noted that the firefighting operation faced immense challenges. The fire spread with extraordinary speed, while collapsing scaffolding from upper levels blocked emergency vehicle exits and severely hindered firefighters' entry into the buildings. At times, the temperature on site exceeded 500 degrees Celsius, and the cramped indoor space greatly increased the difficulty of the work.

FIRE SERVICES

A total of 391 fire engine sorties, 185 ambulance sorties and 2,311 fire and ambulance personnel were dispatched. Twelve firefighters were injured, and Ho Wai-ho, from Sha Tin Fire Station, made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, said Andy Yeung.

Regarding online questions about why helicopters were not used, he stated that if helicopters dropped water bombs over the buildings, the water would not reach the fire site but only fall on the exterior of the buildings, which would not directly aid firefighting. Moreover, when helicopters approach buildings, they generate strong air currents that could cause the fire to spread faster and wider.

On questions about why taller ladder trucks were not used, he explained that ladder trucks require stabilizing outriggers on both sides, which must extend wider on the ground as the ladder height increases. A 100-meter ladder truck requires a 10-meter wide base, which cannot be accommodated on most roads in Hong Kong. The Fire Services Department currently uses 56-meter ladder trucks.

As for questions about why drones were not used to fight the fire, he said that drone firefighting is still in the exploratory trial stage. The amount of water drones can carry is relatively small, and given the situation of multiple units burning simultaneously, using drones to spray water would not be effective.

SPONTANEOUS SOLIDARITY

In the aftermath of the fire, all sectors of society have rallied to show profound care for the affected residents and frontline rescuers, with donations and various forms of assistance pouring in continuously.

Major enterprises and organizations have stepped up with generous contributions, including China Resources Group, ByteDance (Hong Kong) and numerous other companies that have donated substantial sums to aid the relief efforts.

Beyond financial support, practical assistance has also been rolled out: China Mobile Hong Kong is offering communication fee waivers, while Lalamove provides free logistics services for charitable organizations supporting the disaster zone.

Community groups such as the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations and Federation of Hong Kong Beijing organization have not only raised significant funds but also dispatched volunteers with supplies to the scene to deliver timely help.

As Hong Kong residents stand in spontaneous solidarity, the total amount of donations keeps rising. This warmth and mutual support will undoubtedly help the survivors navigate through this painful ordeal.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
KABUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Authorities have destroyed 100 tons of substandard petroleum products at the Islam Qala border customs facility in western Afghanistan's Herat Province, the local media outlet Tolonews reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the seized materials included unusable petrol and diesel that had been covertly transported into the country by smugglers using commercial vehicles over various periods of time.

The efforts to prevent the entry of low-grade or illegally imported fuel continue at border checkpoints across the country, the report said.

The Afghan government announced its plans last year to increase oil production from the Amu Darya Basin to 3,000 tons per day. 
Zelensky's Chief of Staff Yermak Resigns

Sputnik News

20251128

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that the head of his office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation.

"The chief of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation," Zelenskyy said in a video message published on Telegram.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed that it was searching Yermak's office as part of a widening graft probe targeting senior officials. Lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko (designated as an extremist in Russia) said that NABU was preparing to formally charge Yermak.

A high-profile corruption scandal unfolded in Ukraine earlier this month when NABU targeted a corruption scheme in Ukraine's energy sector involving one of Zelensky's closest associates, Timur Mindich. On November 11, NABU pressed charges against seven members of an alleged criminal ring behind the energy-related corruption scheme, including Mindich. On November 13, Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against Mindich and his chief financier, high-profile businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman. Former Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister German Galushchenko were dismissed due to their involvement in the corruption scandal, touted as the largest in Ukraine's history.

 Sputnik

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Russia Receiving Proposals Being Agreed On in Discussion of US Plan for Ukraine - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20251128

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is receiving the proposals that are being agreed upon as part of the discussion of the US settlement plan for Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

"We receive certain provisions that they coordinate [as part of the plan for Ukraine]," Peskov told Channel One.

Moscow will have the information about the agreed provisions of the US peace plan by the time Putin meets with the US delegation, Peskov said.

"For us... after all, the main thing is [US President Donald] Trump's peacekeeping mission and the efforts of his associates, which are currently underway, and we are preparing for these contacts," the spokesman added.

Earlier this week, Trump said on Truth Social that he had instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Suffers Over 1,710 Troop Losses Battling Russia in Pokrovsk, Dimitrov

Sputnik News

20251128

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost more than 1,710 soldiers in battles with Russian troops in the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) and Dimitrov area, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"Over the past week, in the area of the settlements of Pokrovsk and Dimitrov in the Donetsk People's Republic, the enemy lost over 1,710 servicepeople, a tank, 33 combat armored vehicles, 17 cars, and nine field artillery pieces," the ministry said in a statement.

Russian forces also repelled 54 Ukrainian attacks aimed at breaking the encirclement of a group of Ukrainian soldiers in Pokrovsk, the statement read.

Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated over 3,215 Ukrainian military personnel over the past week

has eliminated over 3,215 Ukrainian military personnel over the past week Russia's Yug battlegroup has eliminated over 1,650 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Ukraine has lost over 1,600 military personnel in battles with Russia's Vostok battlegroup

has eliminated over 1,650 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Ukraine has lost over 1,600 military personnel in battles with Russia's At the same time, Russia's Zapad battlegroup of forces has eliminated over 1,575 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week, the ministry added

of forces has eliminated over 1,575 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week, the ministry added Russian air defense systems have shot down 13 guided aerial bombs, 13 US-made HIMARS multiple launch rockets, five Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 1,664 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

Russian forces also launched one major strike and six massive strikes against Ukrainian defense industry complex facilities, associated fuel and energy facilities, and Ukrainian armed forces infrastructure over the past week

 Sputnik

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Sergiy Boyev discusses artillery ammunition supplies with Czech delegation

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

28 November, 2025, 10:01 AM EET

Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, met with Ales Vytecka, Director of the Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation Agency (AMOS) of the Czech Ministry of Defence.

The parties focused on matters concerning the implementation of the ammunition initiative for Ukraine. The delegations discussed delivery timelines and the quantities of ammunition available under the highest-priority categories.

Sergiy Boyev expressed gratitude to Czechia for its consistent support in providing Ukraine with artillery shells.

"Our priority is to obtain extended-range ammunition that provides Ukrainian warriors a decisive edge on the battlefield. Czechia is playing a vital role in the initiative that secures steady deliveries of shells for the Defence Forces," the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine underlined.

The Czech side also briefed on the details of its security assistance and the current status of ammunition contracting.

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Russia Is Eager for Ukraine to Make Mistakes; We Won't Make Any - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

28 November 2025 - 17:27

Dear Ukrainians!

Just now - over the past few days - I have already held nearly twenty conversations with our partners, and every single one of them says the same thing: we are impressed by how Ukraine is holding on under the current pressure, by how Ukraine keeps fighting in pursuit of peace for its people, and in truth, for everyone in Europe, at the very least in Europe. Today, I spoke with the President of Finland. Alex briefed me on what Russia conveyed, both formally and informally, and on the conditions Russia is putting forward. And now we are preparing for a meeting with the American side to discuss the steps needed to make peace a reality. And to ensure it is a dignified peace. And when all attention is focused on diplomacy and on defending ourselves in this war, we need internal strength. Internal strength is the foundation of our external unity and of our relations with the world.

And for that internal strength to exist, there must be no reasons to get distracted by anything other than defending Ukraine. I want no one to have any questions for Ukraine. So today, these are the next internal decisions.

First. There will be a reset of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The Head of the Office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation. I am grateful to Andriy for always representing Ukraine's position on the negotiation track exactly as it should be represented. It has always been a patriotic position. But I want to eliminate any rumors and speculation. As for the new Head of the Office - tomorrow I will hold consultations with those who may lead this institution.

Talks will take place soon, with our representatives present - including the Chief of the General Staff, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and our intelligence. And when we all face such an external challenge - war - we must remain strong internally. One hundred percent of our strength will be focused squarely on defending Ukraine. Everyone must now act in this very way - in the interests of our state - and defend our state. This principle remains unchanged. Meetings with the American side will be held very soon.

Second. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. I expect that Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, together with Members of Parliament, through dialogue and unity, will ensure three things for Ukraine. Most importantly - adopting the budget for 2026, which means ensuring our state's ability to defend itself, to fund our defense, to provide all social payments, and to sustain the resilience we need. This is what people need. I also expect candidates to be proposed for the Ministers of Energy and Justice. The current ministers must be evaluated in a way that allows absolutely clear conclusions - whether these officials meet the challenges of both this winter and this war.

Third. I spoke with the Security Service of Ukraine, asking them to carry out their own assessment of the situation within the law enforcement system and in the regions. Reports will follow soon, then my conclusions, and then the decisions. Too much negativity is coming from the regions. We agreed that the Security Service will provide me with the necessary information promptly.

And of course - the army. Our warriors are heroes. Our warriors are destroying the enemy, and this is the foundation of our ability to build diplomacy. There are issues that should have been resolved long ago. The Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, and Pavlo Palisa are already working on this, and for next week, I am preparing the relevant Staff meeting. Above all, we need a truly fair, rational distribution of personnel among brigades. The principles for doing this are already in place, and every combat brigade is talking about it. The decision will come.

I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends Ukraine now and always. I thank everyone who ensures that pressure is placed on Russia - on the cause of this war - and not on our state, not on our people, not on Ukrainians. Ukrainians must prevail. That is what matters most. Russia is eager for Ukraine to make mistakes. We won't make any. Our work goes on. Our struggle goes on. We have no right to fall short, no right to retreat or turn on one another. If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything - ourselves, Ukraine, and our future. We must stand together. We must hold our ground. There is no other choice. There will never be another Ukraine. We defend Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Avanguard / Vanguard

A flight test of an Avangard hypersonic weapon at Russian Testing Facility near Yasny village in Russia's Orenburg region failed on 28 Novembr 2025. Residents in the vicinity documented a missile's descent and explosive destruction. The missile was likely a UR-100N intercontinental ballistic missile carrying an Avangard hypersonic glide warhead. Militarnyi's assessment arrived at this conclusion after examining available video evidence. According to Astra, a distinctive purple smoke column ascended above Yasny city in Orenburg region, where the identically named launch facility operates. Local inhabitants attributed the phenomenon to an unsuccessful rocket launch, claiming the missile detonated while airborne.

Yasny is the location for a missile unit belonging to the 13th Missile Division under Russia's Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN). This represents one of eleven locations across Russian territory from which extended-range ground-based missiles, including nuclear-armed variants, can be deployed.

Video evidence reveals an onboard explosion occurred during the missile's flight phase, resulting in control loss and subsequent ground impact. The substantial orange cloud formation indicates involvement of a liquid-propellant rocket utilizing nitrogen-containing compounds as fuel.

The facility historically employed Soviet R-36M2 Voyevoda intercontinental ballistic missiles. Beginning in 2019, replacement operations commenced with the Avangard missile system featuring a guided hypersonic warhead. During 2022, one regiment within the 13th Division received Avangard system rearmament. Late 2024 Russian media reporting, citing Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev, indicated completion of the Yasnenskyi regiment's rearmament process. "In 2023, the Strategic Missile Forces completed the combat duty of missile regiments equipped with the Avangard missile system, putting into operation silo launchers under the control of Bugay unified command posts." the commander said.

RS-28 Sarmat involvement appeared improbable, as despite Russia's 2023 adoption announcement, this system continues experiencing numerous catastrophic test launch failures. Additionally, footage released by Russia's Defense Ministry in 2020 depicting Avangard complex loading operations clearly shows a characteristic UR-100N ICBM missile warhead configuration.

The Mach 27 Avangard hypersonic glider is fitted aboard Russian ICBMs including the UR-100N. Avangard is a strategic system with an intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a planning hypersonic winged combat unit. It is able to fly in dense layers of the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, maneuvering along the course and altitude and overcoming anti-missile defense. According to open sources, the guided hypersonic combat unit (head) of the Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile complex was created as part of the experimental design work "4202" by specialists of the NPO Mashinostroyenia Military Industrial Corporation (Reutov). Initially, the carrier of the strategic hypersonic weapon will be the UR-100N UTTH rocket, subsequently - the newest heavy rocket Sarmat.

Pavel Podvig of russianforces wrote 20 September 2020 that "Avangard is a system from the 1980s, which was kept on life support by NPOMash own funds. Decision to proceed with it was made only after ABM Treaty withdrawal. No investment was made before that." Vanguard was put on combat duty in December 2019. The first two UR-100N UTTX intercontinental ballistic missiles, equipped with the Avangard nuclear planning block, would be on pilot combat duty in late November - early December in the Dombarovsky division of the Strategic Missile Forces. TASS reported in October 2018 that a source in the defense industry stated that two Vanguard regiments, six missiles in silos in each, should enter combat duty in the RF Armed Forces.

The first regiment of the Avangard hypersonic complexes, which took up combat duty at the end of 2019 in the Orenburg region, will be brought up to full strength (six silo launchers) at the end of 2021. A source in the military-industrial complex told TASS on 23 December 2020. "The first regiment of the Yasnensky formation of the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces) will have six silo launchers by the end of next year. Thus, it will be brought up to full strength," the source said. The next two UR-100N UTTKh missiles with the Avangard hypersonic combat equipment could take up combat duty in one of the regiments of the Yasnensky Strategic Missile Forces formation on approximately 25 December 2020.

At a meeting of the expanded collegium of the military department, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the continuation of rearmament of this regiment for complexes with the Avangard hypersonic gliding wing units. According to the collection "Main Results of the Activities of the RF Armed Forces in 2012-2020", prepared by the RF Ministry of Defense, which is at the disposal of TASS, by the end of December four Avangard missile systems will be on alert. According to the collection, to date, five successful launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile with these hypersonic units had been carried out.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Professor Gerbert Yefremov, prominent missile and space-rocket designer, Honorary CEO, Honorary Chief Designer, Advisor for Science at the MIC NPO Mashinostroyenia, on Gunsmith Day, 19 September 2020. Putin said " ... for decades we were always in a position of having to catch up. You are well aware of that. This concerned nuclear weapons, then long-range strategic aviation, and later also intercontinental missiles, which specialists call delivery systems. This always put our nation in a very challenging and even precarious position. In fact, there were moments when we were threatened while we had nothing to respond with. In reality, let me reiterate, it was an obvious and dangerous violation of the strategic balance.

"And now, for the first time in our contemporary history, Russia has the most cutting-edge types of weapons that are far superior to all earlier and current weapons in terms of their power, capability, speed, and, which is crucial, precision. Nobody else in the world has this type of weapons, at least at the moment.

"In this connection, on Gunsmith Day, I congratulate the designers and manufacturers of the Peresvet laser system, Kinzhal hypersonic air missile, Poseidon nuclear-powered unmanned underwater system, Burevestnik unlimited-range cruise missile, Zircon navy-based hypersonic missile, and other types of weapons that are already delivered or will be delivered shortly to our army and navy.

"But the Avangard system has a special place among them as it has a manoeuvrable hypersonic block that moves at over 27 times the speed of sound and changes its trajectory both vertically and horizontally. The Avangard is not just a new system, it is a new type of strategic weapon.

"The US withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002 forced Russia to start designing hypersonic weapons. We had to do that in response to the US deployment of the strategic anti-missile system that potentially could actually neutralise and reduce to nothing all of our nuclear potential.

"Mr Yefremov, this has not happened thanks to you and your colleagues. I remember monitoring the launch of the first experimental gliding block in Plesetsk back in June 2001. That launch was a success.

"In the ensuing years we made every possible effort to achieve agreements with the US side on stopping work on the strategic anti-missile defence system or on its joint implementation in missile-threat directions, including with European countries' participation. However, all our attempts proved futile.

"In this context, in 2004 we launched large-scale work on implementing your ideas. We publicly informed everyone about that; I spoke about it publicly. To all appearances, no one believed us back then. They thought we would not be able to do it.

"In December 2018, the final launch was made. Thus all the testing was successfully completed.

"Mr Yefremov, since December 2019, the first strategic missile regiment with the Avangard system has been put on full combat alert.

This is a tremendous development in the country's life and ensuring its security, without any exaggeration. It is also undoubtedly a tremendous event in your life....

"Today is a holiday for all those who design Russia's weapons - it is a holiday of all weapons designers and producers, and on this day I signed an Executive Order on awarding you with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called with swords. You fully deserve this combat decoration. It is with crossed swords..."

Infrastructure construction for the first regiment equipped with the Avangard missile systems has been completed. This was reported on 22 May 2019 at the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation with reference to the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN), Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev. "Acceptance into service with the stationary and mobile fifth-generation missile systems Yars and Avangard continues. The infrastructure for launching a missile regiment with the Avangard complex, which will be on combat duty by the end of 2019, is deployed at the Yasnensky missile compound. years, "said Karakaev.

Earlier, the leading researcher at the Peter the Great Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces, Lieutenant-General of the Reserve Vladimir Zakharov said that the first regiment armed with the Avangard complex would take up combat duty until the end of 2019. For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about this weapon on 01 March 2019 in his message to the Federal Assembly. According to the Strategic Missile Forces, the Avangard complexes will take up combat duty in 2019 in the Dombarovsky unit in the Orenburg region. As noted by the Ministry of Defense, in total in 2019 year, 31 silo launchers of the Yars and Avant-garde missile systems are to take over combat duty.

Herbert Efremov, a design engineer for rocket and rocket and space technology, denied the statement of US President Donald Trump that the Russian Federation had created hypersonic weapons after receiving information about such technologies from the United States. "Trump said that Obama handed over these 'secrets' to the Russians. Only Barack Obama has been the President of the United States since 2009. Our experiments on these matters began in Soviet times, when Obama was a teenager," Yefremov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta 20 September 2020. The designer stressed that Obama went to school when the USSR was already experimenting with hypersound. The day before, Donald Trump said that Russia had received information on hypersonic weapons from the administration of former US President Barack Obama. In his opinion, the Russian Federation "stole this information."

The first Avangard missile systems with a hypersonic block will take up combat duty in 2019 in the Dombarovskiy unit (Orenburg Region), where the UR-100N 15A30 RS-18 / SS-19 STILLETO is stationed. This was announced 17 December 2018 in an interview with the newspaper of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation "Krasnaya Zvezda" by the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) Sergey Karakaev. "The first samples will be put on alert in the Dombarovsky rocket regiment next year," said the commander. The general added that the novelty and complexity of the new technology will not be an obstacle to the successful launch of the complex on combat duty.

Karakayev noted that with the adoption of Avangard into service, the groups combat capabilities will be substantially increased, primarily in overcoming the missile defense system and defeating important point targets. He recalled that the NPO Mashinostroeniya has already begun to create serial samples of Avangard missiles. As a source in the military-industrial complex told TASS at the end of October 2018, the directive deadline for putting the Avangard main regiment on combat duty is the end of 2019. Initially, according to the source, the regiment will consist of at least two complexes, but subsequently their number will increase to the regular number - six.

Pavel Podvig reported 29 October 2018 that "The first regiment will include two UR-100NUTTH/SS-19 missiles, each armed with a single boost-glide vehicle. ... Later the number of missiles in the regiment will be increased to six; a second regiment with six missiles is expected to be deployed by 2027..... the boost-glide vehicle was associated with UR-100NUTTH/SS-19 from the very beginning of the program in the 1980s, it used the missile during the tests, and will stay with it until the end. Russia got about 30 "dry" UR-100NUTTH missiles that it received from Ukraine - since these missiles have never been fueled they have a few decades of combat service in them."

The development of the Avangard hypersonic block almost ceased in 2014, but the developers convinced Putin to continue working and promised to achieve the required characteristics. This was announced on Friday by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov on the Russia-24 TV channel 28 December 2018. "This complex was born quite hard. Four years ago, at a meeting of the Supreme Commander, the question was to continue or close this work, because, unfortunately, this is a very difficult job ... I remember well how the Supreme Commander asked a direct question to the general designer and got enough convincing answer: Give us one more chance. And they used this chance, said Borisov.

Borisov noted that the test on 26 December 2018 was the third, it confirmed all the main declared characteristics.

This is not a plan, this is a stunt. This system is notionally intended to provide assured penetration of a thick nationwide anti-missile system intended as part of a splendid damage denial capability. The Americans might deploy such a system later on in the 21st Century, but no such deployment is in immediate prospect. In the early years of the Cold War, France based its nuclear posture on the "Moscow Criterion" - assuming that the assured destruction of Moscow would deter the Soviets. Now Moscow seems to assume that a not-implausible capability to destroy one or a few American cities would satisfy Russian assured destruction requirements. If so, the Moscow can eliminate the thousands of other nuclear weapons that are in excess of the prospective dozen Avanguard missiles deployed in two regiments.

The Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle flies 27 times faster than the speed of sound, making it impossible to intercept, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told Russias Zvezda television channel 28 December 2018. Borisov spoke a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw what he described as the conclusive successful test of the Avangard and hailed it as a reliable guarantee of Russias security for decades to come. The latest tests have shown that it has reached speeds close to 30 Machs. Practically at these speeds, no anti-missile can knock it down, Borisov said.

Mach 1.0 is the speed of sound in air, so a plane flying Mach 2.0 is flying twice as fast as the speed of sound. The speed of sound is not a constant, but depends on altitude (or actually the temperature at that altitude). The speed of sound is dependent on altitude, and ranges from a maximum of 340 meters/second [760 mph / 1225 km/hr] at sea level to a minimum 275 meters / second [615 mph / 990 km/hr] at an altitude of some 80 kilometers. Mach 27 at this altitude would be about 16,600 mph / 26,750 km/hr. Orbital velocity depends on the altitude of the satellite, but is about 17,500 miles/hr / 28,000 km/hr in low earth orbit.

Sergei Ivanov, a former Russian defence minister, said in televised comments that the Avangard constantly changes its course and altitude while it flies through the atmosphere, chaotically zigzagging on its path to its target, making it impossible to predict the weapon's location. He noted that Russia has a stockpile of several dozen such missiles, which are in a factory-mint condition and not filled with fuel, allowing them to serve for a long time to come. Ivanov added that they could be put in existing silos, reducing the costs of Avangard's deployment. "The Avangard has cost hundreds of times less than what the US has spent on its missile defence," Ivanov said. He noted that Russia began to develop the Avangard after 2002 when the US withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and began developing defences against ballistic missiles.

According to Alexey Leonkov, a former employee of the 30 Central Research Institute of Russia's Aerospace Force, the newest hypersonic missile , Avangard, which can travel at speeds up to Mach 20, makes US defenses totally useless because US counter-missiles can only travel at Mach 5. The missile is believed to be able to travel at 20 times the speed of sound, or just over 15,000 mph. That's nearly as fast as the space shuttle's atmospheric reentry speed of Mach 25, or 17,000 mph. "I think that this is an answer to the Americans on the missile defense systems they deploy in Europe. American interceptors, including the Aegis, can only travel at Mach 5. In order to catch up with a missile traveling at Mach 10, one must have an interceptor running at Mach 15. Americans don't have such a missile; they are helpless here," Leonkov told Sputnik 02 March 2018.

The first attempt to create hypersonic warheads was made in the USSR in the mid-1980s. However, due to technical difficulties, the project was closed. Only in the mid-1990s, NPO Mashinostroeniya resumed work on this subject, now under the designation product 4202. Tests started in the early 2000s, and the first public appearance of the future Avangard took place in 2004.

Then the Strategic Missile Forces for the first time since the collapse of the USSR conducted large-scale exercises. In their course, according to the then Chief of the General Staff, Yuri Baluyevsky, a unique spacecraft was tested, capable of flying at hypersonic speed and at the same time maneuvering both along the course and in height. According to the commander, this provided an opportunity to "bypass regional missile defense groups."

From prototypes to mass production, the path is not long. The launch of the product 4202 was preceded by a serious import substitution program, launched after 2014. I had to look for a replacement for the control system in Ukraine, which controls the flight of the USRA, hypersonic maneuver and targeting. Finally, on October 25, 2017, successful tests of the all-Russian Avangard passed. The device started from the starting area Dombarovsky in the Orenburg region and hit the target at the Kamchatka training ground Kura.

In mid-March 2018 it was reported that the newest hypersonic strategic missile system "Avangard" will be adopted for service no later than 2019. "Vanguard" with a hypersonic planning and maneuvering warhead has already been put into serial production. The strategic hypersonic missile system (RK) "Vanguard" of silo-based basing is included in the state armament program (GPO) until 2027, it will replace the mobile RK "Rubezh". Initially, it was planned to include both the Avangard and the Rubezh in the GPO, but later it became clear that there were not enough funds for the simultaneous financing of these two projects. Therefore, the final version of the new GPO included Avangard, as having more importance for ensuring the country's defense capability.

The newest hypersonic strategic missile system "Avangard" is planned to be adopted not later than 2019. This was reported by TASS on 15 March 2018, a source in the Russian military-industrial complex. "Complex Avangard after the release of the first series of planning combat units and in the case of a successful launch of a single missile with this combat equipment can be adopted at the end of 2018. The deadline for its adoption into service and deployment for combat duty is 2019" , - the interlocutor of the agency said. The source noted that with the adoption of "Avangard" the number of missile divisions in the combat composition of the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces) will not increase: the newest complexes will be used for the existing missile compounds.

Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov said that the military department had signed a contract for the production of the hypersonic strategic complex Avangard. For the first time on March 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin told about the missile complex "Avangard" with a winged maneuvering block in his message to the Federal Assembly. Later, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Sergei Karakaev, specified that the trials of Avangard had been successfully completed.

"Vanguard" - a strategic complex with an intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a planning hypersonic winged combat unit. According to open sources, "NPO Mashinostroenia" (Reutov, Moscow region) was developed, was tested since 2004. The combat unit is able to fly in dense layers of the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, maneuvering at the rate and height and overcoming any missile defense.

In the "President's Address to the Federal Assembly" on 01 March 2018, Putin stated "A real technological breakthrough is the creation of a strategic missile complex with a fundamentally new combat equipment - a planning wing unit, which has also been successfully tested. I repeat once again that we have repeatedly told our American and European partners - NATO members that we will take the necessary measures to neutralize the threats that arise for us in connection with the deployment of the US global missile defense system. They talked about this during the talks, and even publicly. Back in 2004, after the exercises of the strategic nuclear forces, during which the system was tested for the first time, about which I now speak, at a meeting with the press I said. It's embarrassing to quote, but just today it will be right.

"So it was said: "In the conditions of qualitative and quantitative growth of the military potential of other states of Russia, a breakthrough is needed in order to have the weapons and equipment of the new generation. In this regard, I can be pleased to inform you that as a result of the experiments conducted in these exercises, the experiments that have ended successfully, we finally became convinced and confirmed - in the near future, the newest technical complexes will be supplied to the arsenal of the Russian Army, the Strategic Missile Forces, which are able to hit targets at intercontinental depth with hypersonic speed and high accuracy, with the possibility of a deep maneuver both in height and course. I must say that in every word that has just sounded, every word matters. At present there are no such weapon systems in any country of the world.

"When moving towards the goal, the planning wing unit, as I said in 2004, carries out deep maneuvering, both lateral (several thousand kilometers) and height. This makes it absolutely invulnerable to any means of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense. The use of new composite materials has made it possible to solve the problem of a long-term controlled flight of a planning wing block practically under conditions of plasma formation. He goes to the goal as a meteorite, like a burning ball, like a fireball. The temperature on the surface of the product reaches 1600-2000 degrees Celsius, the winged unit at the same time is reliably controlled.

For obvious reasons, we can not show today the true appearance, the true appearance of this product. Even this now matters, serious significance. I think everyone understands this. But I assure you, all this is available and works well. Moreover, Russian industrial enterprises have started serial production of this system - this is another new type of strategic weapons in Russia. We called it the "Vanguard"."

In his annual state-of-the-nation address on 20 February 2019 to Russia's two-chamber parliament, President Vladimir Putin said "Just recently, it seemed inconceivable that Russia could make not just a breakthrough but also a high-tech breakthrough in defence. This was difficult, complex work. Much had to be restored or started from scratch It was necessary to break new ground and find bold, unique solutions. Nevertheless, this was done. It was done by our engineers, workers and scientists, including very young people that grew up with these projects. Let me repeat that I know all the details of this large-scale effort and I am completely justified in saying, for instance, that the development of the Avangard strategic hypersonic glide vehicle is tantamount to the launching of the world's first artificial satellite. And not just in terms of enhancing the countrys defence capability and security, although this is the primary goal, but in influencing the consolidation of our scientific potential and the development of unique technological assets."

Due to the stringent requirement of a high degree of accuracy for conventional vehicles, lifting re-entry can be used to attain the impact at the desired terminal flight path angle and speed and thus can potentially improve accuracy of the re-entry vehicle. The re-entry of a medium range and intermediate range vehicles is characterized by very high negative flight path angle and low re-entry speed as compared to a maneuverable re-entry vehicle or a common aero vehicle intended for an intercontinental range. Highly negative flight path angles at the re-entry impose high dynamic pressure as well as heat loads on the vehicle.

The design of flight control systems for high performance maneuvering reentry vehicles presents a significant challenge to the control systems designer. These vehicles typically have a much higher ballistic coefficient than piloted vehicles like as the Space Shuttle or proposed crew return vehicles such as the X-38. Moreover, the missions of high performance vehicles usually require a steeper reentry flight path angle, followed by a pull-out into level flight. These vehicles then must transit the entire atmosphere and robustly perform the maneuvers required for the mission. The vehicles must also be flown with small static margins in order to perform the required maneuvers, which can result in highly nonlinear aerodynamic characteristics that frequently transition from being aerodynamically stable to unstable as angle of attack increases. The control system design technique of dynamic inversion has been applied successfully to both high performance aircraft and low beta reentry vehicles.

It has been found that cross range capability of up to 35 km can be achieved with a lifting-body design within the heat rate and the dynamic pressure boundary at normal entry conditions. For shallow entry angle of -20 degree and intermediate ranges a cross range capability of up to 250 km can be attained for a lifting body design with less than 10 percent loss in overall range. The normal acceleration also remains within limits. The maneuvering capability could be used to complicate hit-to-kill or conventional warhead ballistic missile defense systems.

The MaRV/BMD terminal engagement scenario is partitioned into the tandem engagement subproblems of searching, tracking and discrimination, and interception, which are the various functions of the BMD system. For the MaRV search subproblem, which is typically a radar problem, the probability of acquisition is the performance measure of importance. In the MaRV tracking subproblem, which also is typically a radar problem, the tracking error is the performance measure of importance. The subproblem of MaRV discrimination is a classification or pattern recognition problem for which a measure of importance is the probability of correct discrimination or correct classification. The subproblem of MaRV interception is a guidance and control problem for which two measures of importance are the probability of interception, which is dependent on the definition of interception, and the miss distance. All of these performance measures are well established in the field of defense systems, and are sensitive to MaRV characteristics and trajectory evolution.

Missile defense interception of a mid-course trans-atmospheric warhead would confront similar considerations. The timeline would be at least an order of magnitude longer, the search and track subproblems might entail infra-red tracking systems, and discrimination would be much easier in the absence of credible decoys. The interception end game thus becomes a contest between the divert capabilities of the interceptor and the boost-glide vehicle. Understanding the potential maneuver parameters of the boost-glide vehicle would permit proper sizing of the interceptor divert propulsion.

As George Lewis points out, American exo-atmospheric"interceptors can only operate at altitudes above about 100 km, while almost all of the glide portion of a boost-glide weapons trajectory will take place at altitudes below 100 km, making intercepts by existing GBI or SM-3 interceptors essentially impossible. Even if a decision is made to develop a THAAD-ER system, which may be able to intercept down to altitudes of about 40 km, it may be difficult for it to intercept a highly maneuverable, intercontinental-range vehicle, and a large number of THAAD-ER systems might be needed to cover U.S. territory. In addition, the low-altitude and unpowered nature of the glide portion of a boost-glide weapons trajectory could pose severe problems for the U.S. early warning and missile defense sensors. It is possible that as the glide vehicle heats due to atmospheric friction, it may once again become visible to early warning satellites."

An attacker could prevent a missile defense system from intercepting nuclear warheads by using anti-simulation balloon decoys. An April 2000 study by the Union of Concerned Scientists noted that "The heavy balloon is spherical in shape, has a diameter of three meters, and is made of a laminate of a 0.001-inch-thick layer of aluminum foil and a 0.001-inch-thick layer of mylar (which gives it the same thickness as the NASA balloons). Balloons of roughly this size and thickness, and the gas used to inflate them, would weigh about 3 kilograms (6.5 pounds).... Considerably lighter balloons could be made by using thinner balloon materials. ... The total weight of the balloon, gas, and gas bottle would be about 500 grams (roughly 1 pound).... If we assume that a missile carrying a nuclear warhead could devote 100 kilograms of payload to the balloons, then the attacker could easily deploy dozens of balloons of various weights. " According to Ted Postol, "You can build decoys weighing literally ounces, deploy hundreds or thousands of them, and the radar would be saturated."

Two types of defenses are possible in midcourse: random subtractive and adaptive preferential. Random subtractive defenses would act in midcourse as in boost to subtract from the total number of objects in the threat. Even without discrimination, midcourse defenses can act preferentially. Modest numbers of adaptive preferential interceptors may be used efficiently whereas larger numbers of random subtractive interceptors may not. The midcourse interceptors may be deployed in an adaptive preferential manner to protect targets which are of high value, while ignoring objects that are not on trajectories that impact targets of value.

The bus that dispenses multiple actual warheads must act with precision, setting each one on a path towards an important target. Decoys, particularly large numbers of decoys, cannot be dispensed with such care or precision. Possibly all the decoys would be sprayed out soon after the bus entered midcourse, or possibly the decoys would dribble out during the dozen or so minutes of early midcourse. In any event, some fraction of the decoys would be on trajectories that would impact things the Americans held dear, while most would not.

The American population is urban. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 80.7 percent of the U.S. population lived in urban areas as of the 2010 Census. Just 486 urbanized areas accounted for 71.2 percent of the U.S. population, and the top 48 urbanized areas account for more than half of the entire urban population. A majority of the U.S. population lives in incorporated places or cities, although these areas only make up a small fraction of the U.S. land area, according to a report released 04 March 2015 by the U.S. Census Bureau. This report found that U.S. cities are home to 62.7 Percent of the U.S. Population, but comprised just 3.5 Percent of land area.

Thus, with a random spray of decoys, over 95% would be on trajectories taking them towards "relatively" uninhabited aim points, and many of the remainder would be on trajectories towards sparsely populated suburbs. American patriots might argue that even one nuclear weapon detonating over American solid is one too many. And Republicans might argue that any defense that failed to defend rural Red states was no defense at all, if all it did was defend Blue cities. But a determined attack might wish to do better than this, just as the French are determined to be able to destroy Moscow.

If the impact point prediction of an adaptive preferential defense could reduce the number of credible decoys from many hundred to a few dozen, the task of the defense become much more manageable. The task of missile defense might become merely difficult, rather than implausible. An while the defense might not provide a robust damage denial capability, it could constitute a not-implausible damage limitation capability.

This is where the Avanguard maneuvering reentry vehicle comes into play. Such a MaRV could be hidden in a balloon an a trajectory that would impact an uninhabited area. Upon reentry, the balloon would be torn away by atmospheric friction, and the MaRV would change course, heading towards a nearby city. Deeper analysis would disclose how much trajectory diversion the MaRV might produce, and thus what fraction of apparently "innocent" balloon decoys might hide such a MaRV.

In any event, this is not a threat against which the United States is presently seeking to defend. Such a defense would not be difficult, but it would require a small battery of interceptors [possibly a dozen or so THAAD] and a small radar [along the lines of the THAAD X-band radar]. The city's airport would be a logical location, and the total cost per emplacement would probably be of the order of half a billion dollars - $500 per head for a city of a million.

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Vancouver, November 28, 2025 - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") announces that in accordance with the terms of the US$5,000,000, US$4,000,000 and US$5,000,000 eight per cent convertible debentures issued to Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. ("Queen's Road Capital") on June 2, 2021, April 4, 2022 and September 2, 2022 (the "Convertible Debentures"), the Company has elected to issue 16,853 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") at a deemed price of US$6.23 (C$8.76) to Queen's Road Capital as payment for US$104,994 (C$147,632) in interest owing on the Convertible Debentures.

Under the terms of the Convertible Debentures, interest is payable quarterly, five per cent in cash and three per cent in shares, at the greater of: (i) the 20-day volume weighted average price prior to the interest payment date; or (ii) the Discounted Market Price (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V")).

The issuance of the Common Shares as payment for interest owing on the Convertible Debentures is subject to the terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures as well as the receipt of all requisite approvals, including, without limitation, the approval of the TSX-V.

About Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd.

Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. is a leading financier to the global resource sector. The company is a resource focused investment company, making investments in privately held and publicly traded resource companies.

It is intended that the company will acquire and hold securities for both long-term capital appreciation and short-term gains, with a focus on convertible debt securities and resource projects in advanced development or production located in safe jurisdictions.

Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the ticker: QRC.

About Los Andes Copper Ltd.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile's next major copper mine.

The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometers north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA.

Qualified Persons

Antony Amberg CGeol FGS, the Company's Chief Geologist, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com

Follow us on twitter @LosAndesCopper

Follow us on LinkedIn Los Andes Copper Ltd

Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information. Such Forward-Looking Information includes, without limitation, the timing of and ability to obtain TSX-V and other regulatory approvals and the prospects, details related to and timing of the Vizcachitas Project. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276305
Stearman Resources Inc. (CSE: STMN) ("Stearman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement of flow-through units (the "FT Units").

Under the First Tranche, the Company issued an aggregate of 7,125,000 FT Units at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,425,000. Each FT Unit is comprised of one flow-through common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued in connection with the First Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The FT Units will qualify as "flow-through shares" as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The gross proceeds of the First Tranche will be used to incur qualifying Canadian exploration expenses that will be renounced to purchasers of the FT Units in accordance with the Income Tax Act (Canada) and applicable regulations.

In connection with the First Tranche, the Company paid aggregate cash finder's fees totaling $69,300 and 326,500 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share at a price of $0.30 for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance.

Lester Esteban, the Company's CEO, commented, "the closing of this first flow-through tranche represents a meaningful milestone in advancing our uranium exploration agenda in the Athabasca Basin. Our team remains committed to structured, data-driven exploration, disciplined deployment of capital, and efficient execution of field programs. With planned operational work underway, 2026 is expected to be an active year for project development, and we look forward to providing shareholders with regular updates as we advance our portfolio."

About Stearman

Stearman Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company doing business as UraniumX Discovery Corp., singularly focused on advancing uranium discovery in Canada's Saskatchewan Athabasca Basin. Its core assets sit on the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, a premier global district known for hosting 10 of the world's top 15 highest-grade uranium deposits.

Murphy Lake Uranium Property is the Company's flagship, where Stearman is earning up to 70% through an option with F4 Uranium. Adjacent to the world-class Wollaston Domain, the property benefits from conductors, strong alteration, and proven 2022 drilling that intercepted anomalous radioactivity near the Basin's unconformity.

The Company also owns 100% of the Zoo Bay Uranium Project (15 claims; 19,850 ha), positioned near structural and magnetic features historically linked to uranium-thorium occurrences and conductivity corridors near Newnham Lake and neighbouring claims.

Stearman further holds a 100% interest in the NeoCore Uranium Property (6 claims; 13,012 ha), located 65 km southeast of McArthur River Mine, within a stable, high-grade mining district supported by mills, power, all-season roads, and established exploration infrastructure.

Exploration programs incorporate geophysics, drilling, and a research collaboration with University of Saskatchewan leveraging quartz-degradation analytics to sharpen target selection.

On Behalf of Stearman Resources Inc.

Lester Esteban, CEO

Contact:

Stearman Resources Inc.

Howard Milne, President

Email: hdmcap@shaw.ca

Telephone: (604) 377-8994

Website: www.stearmanresources.com

Forward Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, conditions, or developments the Company expects or anticipates may occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the First Tranche, the renunciation of qualifying Canadian exploration expenses to purchasers of the FT Units, the Company's exploration and development plans including proposed exploration programs at the Murphy Lake, Zoo Bay, and NeoCore properties, the potential for additional tranches of the flow-through financing, and the Company's general strategic, operational, and financial objectives. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", or variations of such words, and phrases such as "may", "could", "would", "should", or "will" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the Company's ability to incur and renounce qualifying Canadian exploration expenses as expected; risks related to mineral exploration and development; changes in commodity prices and market conditions; operational risks; uncertainties inherent to geological interpretations and exploration results; regulatory and permitting risks; reliance on key personnel; risks associated with future financings; and other risks described in the Company's public disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ 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 or revise any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES


Vancouver, November 28, 2025 - Blue Star Gold Corp. (TSXV: BAU) (OTCQB: BAUFF) (FSE: 5WP0) ("Blue Star" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases of October 30, 2025 and November 4, 2025, it has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement raising proceeds of $100,000 through the issuance of 400,000 flow-through common shares (each, a "FT Share") at $0.25 per FT Share (the "Private Placement"). The Company raised total proceeds of $1,350,000 in the Private Placement.

The FT Shares will qualify as flow-through shares for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company will renounce said expenditures to the investors for the taxation year ending December 31, 2025.

The Company paid finder's fees totaling $6,000 cash and 24,000 non-transferable finder's warrants (each a "Finder's Warrant") to a qualified arm's length party. Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable at $0.25 until November 28, 2027.

All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada expiring on March 29, 2026.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement of FT Shares to incur Canadian exploration expenses (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on its projects in Nunavut prior to December 31, 2026, and the net proceeds from the Private Placement of Shares for general working capital purposes.

The Private Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Blue Star Gold Corp.

Blue Star is a mineral exploration and development company focused in Nunavut, Canada. Blue Star's landholdings total over 300 square kilometres of highly prospective and underexplored mineral properties in the High Lake Greenstone Belt. The Company owns the Ulu Gold Project, comprised of the Ulu Mining Lease and Hood River Property, and the Roma Project. A significant high-grade gold resource exists at the Flood Zone deposit (Ulu Mining Lease), and numerous high-potential exploration targets (gold and critical minerals) occur throughout the Company's extensive landholdings, providing Blue Star with excellent resource growth potential. The site of the future deep-water port at Grays Bay is 40 - 100 km to the north of the properties, and the proposed route corridor for the all-weather Grays Bay Road passes close by the Roma and Ulu Gold Projects.

Blue Star is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol: BAU, the U.S. OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol: BAUFF, and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol: 5WP0. For information on the Company and its projects, please visit our website: www.bluestargold.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.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they 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 U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements.

This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT

CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276235
Gold X2 Mining Inc. (TSXV: AUXX) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: DF8) ("Gold X2") is pleased to announce that it has filed its third quarter interim financial statements and the accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Gold X2 Mining

Gold X2 is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $75 million of new capital and completed approximately 100,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 255,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au, contained within 38.96 million tonnes and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au, contained within 146.24 million tonnes. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldx2.com).

Neither the 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 release.


Zhu Junlin (2nd R) participates in a support activity for people with disabilities at a comprehensive service center for people with disabilities in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 25, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.

At the age of four, Zhu unfortunately contracted polio. Striving for self-reliance, she persisted in her education, career, and entrepreneurship.

At Sunflower Home for the Disabled, Zhu and her team provide services such as vocational training, rehabilitation, and care. They also partner with businesses to help individuals with disabilities find jobs nearby or work from home.

In 2025, Nanjing's first high-standard "accessible express hotel," advocated by Zhu, went into operation. She personally tested and measured every detail of the accessibility facilities in the hotel.

"Using one's life to influence others" is one of

Zhu's commitments. With proactive actions, she intends to help more people with disabilities identify their career paths. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (C) communicates with disabled individuals about the sales of handicrafts at the comprehensive service center for people with disabilities in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 25, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin gives a speech in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 27, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (front, C) attends a campus lecture event on stories of perseverance among people with disabilities in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 27, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (L) promotes handicrafts made by people with disabilities via live streaming in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 25, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

A disabled employee cleans an accessible restroom at an "accessible express hotel" for which Zhu Junlin had advocated in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin introduces to reporters accessible facilities inside a restroom at an "accessible express hotel" for which she had advocated in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (1st R) conducts a "life skills training" with disabled individuals, helping them integrate into daily life at Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (R) greets a person with disabilities at Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Jiangbei New District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

A staff member organizes the accessibility service desk at an "accessible express hotel" for which Zhu Junlin had advocated in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (L) communicates with a disabled individual who obtained employment opportunity at a delivery station she helped establish in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (R) inquires about the work conditions of a disabled employee at an "accessible express hotel" for which she had advocated in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 26, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013.(Xinhua/Li Bo)

Zhu Junlin (R) rehearses a speech at the Nanjing employment management center for people with disabilities in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 25, 2025. To help more people with disabilities step out of their homes and become self-sufficient, Zhu Junlin founded Sunflower Home for the Disabled in Nanjing in 2013. (Xinhua/Li Bo)
ZAGREB, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Antonija Jozic, prefect of the Pozega-Slavonia County in eastern Croatia, said she believed that the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will be able to complete a major expressway project on time.

Jozic attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the Pozega-Godinjak expressway project held on Nov. 11, along with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butkovic, Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin, and Ivica Budimir, the chief executive officer of the state-run road operator Croatian Roads.

The 14.75-km Pozega-Godinjak expressway project carries a value of 160 million euros (185.6 million U.S. dollars) and includes the construction of a tunnel, three overpasses, and six underpasses, which is expected to finish construction in four years.

"The project is technically challenging, but I believe that the CRBC will be able to complete it on time and with quality," Jozic told Xinhua, noting that the CRBC is the contractor that has successfully constructed the Peljesac Bridge, the largest infrastructure project in Croatian history.

According to Jozic, the expressway, once completed, will connect Pozega, the administrative and economic center of the Pozega-Slavonia County, to the highway network of Croatia. "It is truly significant because the residents of our county have been waiting for this project for years, and it will certainly boost the economic development of the entire region," she said. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) 
ANKARA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure reported that an empty oil tanker called Virat came under a second attack in the Black Sea on Saturday morning, sustaining minor damage.

According to the ministry, the tanker was struck early Saturday by "unmanned surface vessels" about 35 miles offshore near the Bosphorus Strait. "The vessel sustained minor damage to its starboard side above the waterline," the ministry said, noting that the ship remained stable and its crew was in good health.

The Saturday incident followed two attacks on Friday, when Virat was first targeted by unmanned surface vessels and another empty Russia-bound tanker, Kairos, caught fire after an explosion 28 miles off the Turkish coast. Turkish authorities said the explosion on Kairos was caused by "an external factor."

All 20 crew members on Virat and 25 on Kairos were reported safe. Firefighting and cooling operations continued aboard the 274-meter-long Kairos, en route from Egypt to Russia.

It remains unclear who was behind the attacks. Some media reports, citing unnamed sources, suggested that the two tankers were being used by Russia to export oil and were targeted by Ukraine. 
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Haiti - Diplomacy : New Ambassador of Haiti to the Bahamas





The Embassy of Haiti in the Bahamas informs that Dern Jovens Bonhomme, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Haiti, presented, Friday, November 28, 2025, his letters of credence, officially accrediting him to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, to Her Excellency Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General and representative of His Majesty King Charles III.



This protocol ceremony marks the official start of Bonhomme's mission in the Bahamas. Through this act, Haiti reaffirms its desire to strengthen its diplomatic presence within the Commonwealth and to consolidate bilateral relations in areas of common interest.



The new Ambassador Dern Jovens Bonhomme reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Haiti to promote dialogue between the two governments, to defend national interests and to work to expand Haitian-Bahamian cooperation, in a spirit of mutual respect, regional solidarity and lasting partnership.



He stressed that this accreditation opened a new phase of collaboration aimed in particular at deepening exchanges, developing joint initiatives and supporting the Haitian community established in the Bahamas.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The two leaders discussed the possibility of an in-person meeting, though no arrangements have been made, according to the report. It also noted that both the White House and the Venezuelan government declined to comment on the call.

According to reports, the United States on Nov. 24 formally designated Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization and imposed sanctions on the group, which it claimed is led by Maduro.

The Venezuelan side said in a statement that it opposed such a move, calling it a ridiculous lie aimed at illegally meddling in Venezuela's internal affairs.

The phone call, which involved U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, came days before the designation came into effect, said the NYT.

Two individuals close to the Venezuelan government also confirmed that a direct call between the two leaders had taken place, it added.

Citing an unnamed source, Axios reported on Monday that Trump has made up his mind to speak directly with Maduro. "There's more talk about talking and less talk about bombing," a source quoted by Axios said.

"Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him (Maduro) -- at this point. I wouldn't say never, but that's not the plan right now," one official familiar with the issue was quoted by Axios as saying.

According to the report, Trump's decision is an important milestone in his gunboat diplomacy aimed at Venezuela and could indicate that U.S. missile strikes or direct military action are not imminent.

In his Thanksgiving remarks to U.S. troops on Thursday night, Trump suggested that the United States could "very soon" take action by land against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

Since early September, the Pentagon has carried out more than 20 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and East Pacific, killing more than 80 people.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, a major aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean last week, intensifying U.S. military presence in the region to a level that has not been seen for at least three decades. The total troop strength reached approximately 15,000 personnel.

Senior U.S. military officials have also made frequent visits to the region, heightening concerns about potential U.S. military action against Venezuela.

On Thursday, Maduro addressed troops in a video message during a military event, calling for national unity and readiness to defend against foreign threats.

Since returning to office, Trump has increased pressure on Maduro and his allies, including by doubling the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest on narcoterrorism charges to 50 million U.S. dollars.

Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, accusing the United States of "fabricating" a pretext for a war aimed at regime change in Venezuela.

Recent reports from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration indicate that Venezuela is not a primary source of drugs entering the United States. 




Haiti - News : Zapping...





The US will review all Haitian green cards

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, at the instruction of President Donald Trump, all green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries considered to be of concern will be reviewed. The countries in question are : Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.



CAS denies rumors

Johny Raphael, Director General of the Social Assistance Fund (CAS), denied rumors of mass revocations at a press conference. He maintains that no CAS employee has been laid off. However, he acknowledges that some expired contracts have not been renewed, a measure that particularly affects contractors working abroad, all of whom are fully paid, without any arrears.



Electoral Calendar Unchanged

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), within its jurisdiction, will publish the Electoral Calendar https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46218-haiti-flash-official-calendar-of-upcoming-elections.html after the publication of the Electoral Decree in the official gazette, Le Moniteur. It should be noted that attempts by the Transitional Council to modify the electoral calendar have failed.



New York : An Annual Compas Day ?

Rita Joseph, City Councilor for Brooklyn's 40th Ward, introduced Resolution 987, aiming to officially recognize July 26 (the founding date of Tabou Combo in 1968) as Haitian Compas Day in all five boroughs of New York City.



Government Council Meeting Prior to Publication of the Electoral Decree

On Friday, November 28, 2025, a Government Council meeting was held with members of the Presidential Transitional Council (in the absence of Fritz Alphonse Jean and Edgard Leblanc Fils) to expedite the review of the draft electoral decree. The decree is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers on Monday, December 1st, 2025.



DCPJ: Drug Trafficking

The Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) has submitted a partial report to the Government Commissioner of Port-de-Paix and wishes to question several key figures in the investigation into the seizure of 1.045 kilograms of cocaine on July 13, 2025, on Ile de la Tortue (Tortuga Island) https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45331-icihaiti-turtle-island-seizure-of-more-than-a-ton-of-cocaine.html by the Bureau for Combating Drug Trafficking (BLTS) and the Departmental Unit for Maintaining Order (UDMO). The justice system is now seeking to identify all those involved in this trafficking.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The search, carried out by Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO), is part of a wider investigation into a $100 million kickback scheme involving the state nuclear energy firm Energoatom.

Andriy Yermak , Ukraines chief of staff and one of the countrys most powerful officials, resigned on Friday following a raid by anti-corruption investigators on his home and office in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the departure, announcing a restructuring of the presidential office.

Eight individuals have been formally charged in connection to the case, which centres on allegations of diverted funds during wartime energy projects.

Although Yermak has not been named as a suspect, speculation surrounding his potential knowledge of the scheme prompted calls for accountability from within Zelenskyys own party. Local media reported that laptops and mobile devices were seized during the operation.

Zelenskyy said he would begin consultations on a replacement on Saturday, stating in a televised address, The presidential office will be reorganised.

Yermak had long been considered Zelenskyys closest political associate. The pair met in 2011 and developed a working relationship during the 2019 presidential campaign. Since then, Yermak played a central role in foreign policy, peace talks, and internal political manoeuvres. He also led Ukraines delegation in recent negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva.

In a statement shared with media, Yermak maintained his innocence and said he intended to serve at the front. I am going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals. I am an honest and decent person, he reportedly told the New York Post.

His departure comes amid intensified US pressure on Kyiv to reach a ceasefire agreement with Russia. Ukraine and the US have exchanged proposals in recent weeks, with both sides meeting in Geneva to negotiate terms. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will now lead a new delegation to Washington.

EU officials have described the investigation as a demonstration of institutional integrity. These actions show that the anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine are doing their work, said enlargement spokesperson Guillaume Mercier during a press briefing in Brussels.

Zelenskyy has previously faced criticism for attempting to centralise oversight of anti-corruption agencies under the presidency. In July, parliament passed a controversial law limiting the independence of NABU and SAPO. Following mass protests and EU condemnation, the president reversed course and restored their autonomy.

The European Commission reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's democratic leadership, rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putins recent claim that Zelenskyy is no longer a legitimate head of state. President Zelenskyy is the democratically elected president of Ukraine, said a spokesperson.

Although Yermaks exit may be viewed by some as a reset for Kyiv, others warn of potential instability. A senior former official told The Guardian that Zelenskyys administration may struggle to function without his long-time aide. In theory its possible. In practice, I cant imagine it, the source said.

HT
ZAGREB, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A large fire broke out overnight in the attic of a building in Rijeka, the third-largest city in Croatia, leaving the body of an unidentified person at the scene, local media reported Saturday.

The local police confirmed the discovery and said an autopsy will be conducted once firefighters fully extinguish the blaze, Croatian Radiotelevision reported. Several residents sought medical attention for smoke inhalation.

Although the fire has been brought under control, smoke still billows from the building, and crews are continuing to work on the scene, it reported.

The scene is being secured by the police, and they will conduct an on-site investigation when conditions allow, it noted. 
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he will roll back the majority of executive orders "not directly signed" by former U.S. President Joe Biden, escalating his dispute over the use of autopens.

Without providing evidence, Trump wrote Friday on social media that 92 percent of these orders were signed with a so-called autopen, a mechanical signature aid. It remained unclear which documents are involved.

Trump noted he will cancel "all executive orders" and "anything else not directly signed" by Biden, adding that the people who "operated the autopen did so illegally." He further claimed that Biden "was not involved in the autopen process" and warned that if Biden said otherwise, he would face perjury charges.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

A Biden spokesperson declined to comment. Biden has previously denied that his aides used an autopen to sign pardons and commutations without his approval, reported The Wall Street Journal. 
KABUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and one injured when a car overturned in eastern Afghanistan's Logar province on Friday night, according to a statement from provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Ahmadullah Anas on Saturday.

The official attributed the accident to reckless driving, stating that the crash occurred in the provincial capital Pul-e-Alam.

This marks the fourth road accident reported in various parts of Afghanistan over the past four days, with a cumulative toll of 15 deaths and nearly twenty injuries.

According to local residents, deteriorating road conditions, the prevalence of outdated vehicles on congested highways, insufficient safety measures, and widespread non-compliance with traffic regulations are common factors contributing to fatal accidents in post-war Afghanistan. 
SHENZHEN, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A collaborative innovation base for emerging industries between China and ASEAN countries was officially launched on Friday, marking a new step toward deepening cross-regional cooperation in emerging technologies, rules and regulations, and industrial standards.

The China-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Demonstration Base for Emerging Industries was announced at the 2025 ASEAN-CHINA GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum, held in Shenzhen, a reform pioneer in south China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The two-day event attracted over 1,000 participants from government bodies, business associations and enterprises in China and ASEAN countries.

The first four demonstration bases will be established in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, forming a network to facilitate industrial cooperation and regulatory alignment.

During the forum, more than 20 cooperation projects were signed, covering sectors such as AI healthcare, distributed photovoltaic and cell therapy.

Against a backdrop of slowing global growth and rising protectionism, China and ASEAN countries are strengthening economic integration and have been each other's largest trading partners for five consecutive years, said Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre.

To emphasize the forum's role in fostering closer collaboration, he expressed his hope to build a tighter network for exchanges, deepen cooperation in areas such as digital intelligence, and deliver more tangible outcomes. 
HANGZHOU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- "Why not tie a slipknot?" A mechanical scientist proposed this simple idea to surgeons in a lab at east China's Zhejiang University.

That innovation, which seemed almost too straightforward, has now matured into a cover story this week in the journal Nature, titled "Knot Exactly," offering a potential solution to a persistent problem in robotic surgery: how to close a wound with exactly the right amount of force.

In robotic-assisted surgeries, surgeons tend to lose the tactile feedback, or the "feel" they rely on in traditional open surgery, to judge how tightly to pull a suture knot. A knot tied too loosely can lead to leaks; one tied too tightly can cut off the blood supply, causing tissue damage.

Instead of developing complex electronic sensors, an interdisciplinary team from Zhejiang University took inspiration from fundamental mechanics. Their solution, named "Sliputure," is a special suture with a pre-tied slipknot incorporated in it.

The principle is elegantly simple. The slipknot is designed to unravel at a specific, predetermined force. As a surgical robot pulls the suture tight, the slipknot holds until the precise optimal force is reached, at which point it releases.

The same action relays that specific force to the surgical permanent knot being tied nearby, so the robot halts with just the right amount of tension, according to the study.

"If a slipknot is tandem-linked to a dead knot on the same suture, they can share the tensile load," said Li Tiefeng, one of the study's corresponding authors.

The team prefabricated 500 slipknots, mined data from surgeons of every seniority level, across materials and styles, then modeled and spun hundreds of sutures, each carrying a unique knot that opens at a precise load. The slipknot mechanism demonstrated remarkable consistency, with a force-release precision of 95.4 percent across hundreds of tests.

In surgery, surgeons are allowed to choose the slipknot that best suits their case. The study shows that the invention has boosted novice surgeons' knot force accuracy by 121 percent, enabling them to tie knots indistinguishable from those of veterans.

In mouse bowel repairs, the device locked each knot at a shoelace-light 1.3 newtons, half the 2 to 3 newtons force of an unguided robot, sealing leaks without choking blood flow and accelerating healing.

In a rat colon injury model, the smart-suture group reached healthy healing 2 days earlier than controls and showed a richer blood supply. For surgical robotics, the team added vision-based detection: the moment the camera detects the slipknot release, the robotic arm stops itself -- automatically and without extra hardware.

The innovation is valuable for its simplicity and reliability. Unlike sensor-based systems, it requires no electricity, complex electronics, or computer algorithms, making it potentially cheaper, easier to sterilize, and usable in challenging environments, such as remote areas and even deep-sea or space missions.

The team also built a fully automated slip-knot line that churns out identical, shelf-ready sutures at scale. 
Chinese writers debut at Slovenia's premier book fair

Xinhua) 10:57, November 29, 2025

LJUBLJANA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua)-- A Chinese literary delegation took part in the 41st Slovenian Book Fair on Friday, marking the first time Chinese writers have joined the country's largest annual book event.

The delegation was led by Hu Bangsheng, Member of the Secretariat of the China Writers Association, and included five young Chinese authors known for their popular online novels - Su Dongning, Gao Dingwen, Huang Wei, Liu Qingxian and Liao Qunshi. During the event, the writers spoke to the audience and read excerpts from their works in Chinese.

"This is a great opportunity for us to learn how literature is developing in Slovenia and what Slovenian readers are interested in," Su Dongning told Xinhua on the sidelines of the fair. "We would like to explore possibilities for broader cooperation between Chinese and Slovenian publishers."

Su, a neurologist by profession, began writing at age 13 and has published more than 10 online novels. Two of her works have already been translated - one into Indonesian and another into English - and one has been adapted into a TV series.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hu said he hoped the visit would help promote deeper cultural and intellectual exchanges between the two countries. He noted that he was impressed by both the large number of visitors and the vibrant community of Slovenian writers, especially given the country's relatively small population.

The Chinese writers held a public round-table discussion and met with members of the Slovenian Writers' Association.

Slovenia has a population of about 2.1 million, and more than 50,000 visitors were expected to attend the seven-day book fair, which concludes on Sunday. This year's fair features 114 publishers and booksellers, offering around 300 events, including book launches and discussions with authors.

Marij Cuk, head of the Slovenian Writers' Association, told Xinhua that connections with Chinese writers are valuable because they "allow us to discover different worlds, different expressions, different people."

Literature, he said, is rooted in language - whether Chinese, Slovenian, or any other - and "every book, every verse, every metaphor helps us understand each other better."

Slovenian writer Dusan Merc, who presented his works in China in 2023, said strengthening ties with China serves Slovenia's broader interests. "We live in a multilateral world, so enhancing connections with China is in Slovenia's national interest," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
Professor Wang Juan from Peking University interpretes the symbolic significance and historical heritage of the "Horse" from the perspective of zodiac culture, during a media preview event in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 10-kg commemorative gold coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Professor Wang Hongwei from Tsinghua University introduces the commemorative coins he designed during a media preview event in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows commemorative coins to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 15-g commemorative platinum coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 1-kg commemorative gold coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 1-kg commemorative silver coin (front) to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

A participant takes a photo of a commemorative coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse during a media preview event in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows commemorative coins to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

A participant takes a photo of a commemorative coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse during a media preview event in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 500-g commemorative gold coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo shows a 150-g commemorative gold coin to celebrate the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2025. The People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins on Nov. 26 to celebrate 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The collection, comprising six gold, four silver and one platinum coin, is designated as legal tender in China.

A media preview event for the commemorative coins was held here on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
ISTANBUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- As dawn breaks over the Ulucak Mound in western Turkiye, the light reveals the traces of an early craft tradition. Among circular hearths, clay loaves and bone tools, archaeologists said they have found evidence of a major turning point in human history: a shift from basic survival to specialized production.

Earlier in November, researchers announced the discovery of an 8,000-year-old pottery workshop at the site. They said it is the earliest physical proof of organized ceramic production in Anatolia and challenges long-held ideas about how manufacturing began in the region.

But the findings are raising broader questions as well. They are reshaping theories about how early societies divided work by gender.

For years, many anthropologists argued that as communities became more complex, and as household crafts gave way to organized workshops, women lost influence and skilled trades became dominated by men. The discoveries at Ulucak suggest that in Neolithic Anatolia this divide was not so clear.

Ozlem Cevik, excavation director from Thrace University, said the 1,500-square-meter space is one of the oldest known workshops in the Near East.

Researchers have long believed that pottery became specialized around 6000 B.C., based on standardized clay mixtures. But until now, no direct evidence of such workshops had been found in the area stretching from northern Mesopotamia to Greece.

"The evidence is unmistakable," Cevik said, noting that the space was clearly a professional workshop, not a household area. It contains flat circular plates used as early rotating bases for shaping clay, bone spatulas for smoothing surfaces, and traces of red pigment and stone molds.

Forensic analysis has added a personal touch to the discovery. Fingerprints preserved in the fired clay belong to both men and women, directly challenging the idea that specialist pottery production was divided by gender.

"Handmade ceramics are usually linked to women, while wheel-made ceramics of the 4th millennium B.C. are associated with men," Cevik said. "But the Ulucak workshop shows there was no gender separation."

Evidence from a later period supports this broader view of women's roles. At nearby Yassitepe, a 5,000-year-old site where early villages had grown into cities, the clues shift from fingerprints to symbolism.

Zafer Derin, excavation director at Ege University, said the imagery on Yassitepe pottery challenges the idea that women's status declined as cities emerged. Large storage jars that held grain and liquids essential to the urban economy were often decorated with female motifs. Some jars served as burial containers, their forms symbolizing rebirth. Raised rings on others appear to reference female features, linking women with fertility and agricultural plenty.

While this does not prove who made the vessels, Derin noted that male-associated items tended to be smaller drinking cups. The contrast suggests that even as society urbanized, the female form remained the key symbol of storage, abundance, and daily survival.

Together, the findings at Ulucak and Yassitepe paint a more complex picture of early Anatolian life. From the fingerprints at the earlier site to the symbolic imagery at the later one, the evidence suggests that women played central roles in skilled production and spiritual life far longer than previously believed. 
SANAA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. drone strike on Saturday targeted a motorcycle in the Al-Husoon area of Al-Wadi district, east of central Yemen's Marib province, killing two alleged al-Qaida operatives, a local government security source told Xinhua.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two youths were from Al-Wadi district but did not provide their names.

The strike occurred amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Yemen, where U.S. drones have periodically targeted individuals believed to be affiliated with militant groups, including al-Qaida.

Neither the United States nor the internationally recognized Yemeni government has issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Marib, a strategic and oil-rich province, is under the control of the Yemeni government. Both al-Qaida and the Houthis have sought to expand their activities in the province since the civil war began in late 2014.

The province has recently seen heightened security measures amid reports of militia movements aimed at inciting chaos. 
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday reiterated his call for irreversible progress toward a two-state solution, in a message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

This year's International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is observed annually on Nov. 29, comes after two years of horrific suffering in Gaza, and the start of a much-needed ceasefire, Guterres said.

Noting that survivors are mourning the deaths of tens of thousands of friends and family; hunger, disease and trauma run rampant; injustice also continues in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem; and hundreds of humanitarians have been killed, the UN chief said: "In so many ways, this tragedy has tested the norms and laws that have guided the international community for generations."

"The killing of so many civilians, the repeated displacement of an entire population and the obstruction of humanitarian aid should never be acceptable under any circumstances," he underscored.

As the recent ceasefire offers "a glimmer of hope," "it is now vital that all parties respect it fully and work in good faith towards solutions that restore and uphold international law," the UN chief stressed, adding that lifesaving humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter Gaza at scale, and the international community must continue to stand firmly with UNRWA, the UN relief agency for Palestinians.

"I repeat my call for an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory ... and for irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders, on the basis of pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States," Guterres said.

"Let us stand in solidarity with their rights to dignity, justice and self-determination -- and work together to build a peaceful future for all," the UN secretary-general said.

In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of Nov. 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day in 1947, the General Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine. 
CARACAS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government on Saturday denounced the U.S. threat that "seeks to affect the sovereignty of its airspace," calling it "another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people."

In an official statement, Caracas rejected Washington's attempt to apply extraterritorial jurisdiction to Venezuela, saying the U.S. move threatens Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Amid heightening tensions between the two countries, U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed "in its entirety."

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social without elaboration.

The U.S. move amounts to an explicit threat of the use of force, prohibited under the UN Charter, the statement said.

Under the 1944 Chicago Convention, each state exercises exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory, the statement said, stressing Venezuela will not accept "orders, threats or interference" from any foreign power.

The statement appealed to the international community to firmly reject the "immoral act of aggression," adding that Venezuela will respond with legality and dignity. 
TUNIS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia on Saturday marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People with a ceremony at the International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis.

Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti hosted the event, which brought together Palestinian ambassador Rami Farouk Al-Qaddumi, UN Resident Coordinator Rana Taha, and members of the diplomatic corps, the Foreign Ministry said.

The ceremony opened with a documentary by Tunisian National Television on Palestinian resilience.

Nafti urged the international community to move from symbolic support to concrete steps to end the occupation and uphold international law. He reaffirmed Tunisia's support for Palestine's full UN membership.

Al-Qaddumi called for translating political recognition into the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, saying the cause remains a struggle for survival.

The event also featured an exhibition of archival materials on Palestinian identity and decades of hardship.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a UN observance held each year on Nov. 29. The date marks the anniversary of Resolution 181, adopted in 1947, which calls for the partition of Palestine into two states, one Arab and one Jewish. 
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for the Palestinian people on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

In a message, the prime minister said the government and people of Pakistan stand with Palestinians, who for decades have been denied their right to self-determination, had their land taken, and endured widespread violence.

Sharif praised the resilience of the Palestinian people, describing their courage as a testament to the human spirit.

Pakistan reiterated its commitment to a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question based on UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. The country supports the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"Today, and for always, Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with the Palestinian people and stands by them in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and peace," Sharif said. 
KABUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 200 individuals who had been struggling with drug addiction have made a full recovery and rejoined their families in Herat province, western Afghanistan, a local official said on Saturday.

The recovered addicts underwent a three-month medical treatment and rehabilitation program before reintegrating into their families, said Mawlawi Hayatullah Rouhani, provincial director of counter-narcotic directorate.

Over the past week, an additional 288 drug addicts were gathered and transferred to a rehabilitation center for treatment in Herat, Rouhani said.

The Afghan government has banned poppy cultivation and narcotics trafficking as part of a comprehensive initiative to eradicate drug abuse. 
MELBOURNE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Australia have decoded the molecular contents of blood's hidden "messenger" particles for the first time.

Scientists at Australia's Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have mapped the complete molecular blueprint of extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized particles in blood that act as the body's secret messengers, a media release of the Baker Institute said late Friday.

Researchers have long known EVs carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material reflecting their cells' health status. Isolating them from blood -- packed with cholesterol, antibodies, and other particles -- has remained a major scientific challenge, it said.

"These vesicles are like tiny envelopes sent between cells, delivering molecular updates about what's happening inside the body," said Alin Rai, postdoctoral fellow at the Baker Institute.

Using ultra-pure isolation and multi-omics profiling, the team identified 182 proteins and 52 lipids that define the core structure of EVs, plus pinpointing molecules that decode the body's cellular communication, according to the findings published in Nature Cell Biology.

The researchers have developed an open-access database, EVMap, to help scientists worldwide explore the molecular makeup of blood EVs.

"By decoding this molecular language, we can begin to read the body's own health reports," said Professor David Greening of the Baker Institute.

"We've already identified EV signatures linked to early heart disease, which could pave the way for simple blood tests that predict risk long before symptoms appear," Greening said. 
VIENTIANE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- As Laos prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on Dec. 2, a wave of color, pride, and national spirit is sweeping across the country.

Bustling avenues and public spaces have come alive with vibrant displays of the Lao national and Party flags, reflecting a deep sense of unity ahead of this historic milestone. In the Lao capital Vientiane, iconic landmarks and sacred sites are similarly adorned with colorful flags, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere befitting the occasion.

Many families are preparing for the celebration by decorating their homes, maintaining cleanliness, and displaying national and Party flags, reflecting a united spirit and pride while contributing to a lively and festive atmosphere ahead of the milestone.

Viphavan, a resident of Vientiane, has added to the festive atmosphere by decorating her home with Lao national flags and keeping her surroundings clean.

"During the celebration period, it's a wonderful time for us to clean and decorate our homes, working together with family members, which gives us a great sense of pride and joy," Viphavan told Xinhua on Saturday.

She explained that preparing for the celebration goes beyond simply putting up decorations. "Every detail, such as the flags, the flowers, keeping our surroundings tidy, reflects our respect for the history of our country," she said.

"When we hang these flags, we are honoring the country's history and expressing our hopes for the future."

Viphavan believes that everyone's contributions, no matter how small, help create a strong sense of unity, making the celebration truly lively and meaningful. She added that the 50th anniversary serves as a reminder of how far Laos has come.

In honor of the grand celebration, Laos is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary with a major parade, nationwide activities, and enhanced security measures.

The final rehearsal for the parade was held on Friday in Vientiane, with Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany and senior leaders in attendance. The rehearsal tested the readiness, coordination, and discipline of all participating units to ensure a flawless performance on Dec. 2. The parade will also highlight Laos' achievements over the past 50 years, showcasing the country's progress to both domestic and international guests.

"I am really excited about this year's celebration. I have noticed that the authorities have done an excellent job preparing various activities, especially the grand parade. I even saw photos of the drone display rehearsals circulating online, and I was amazed! I am looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes," said Soutchai, a resident of Vientiane.

"The whole city is buzzing with preparations, and you can feel the lively and festive atmosphere all around ahead of the National Day. The authorities' efforts in organizing these activities show how much they value our history and make us proud to be Lao," said Kob, an office worker in Vientiane.

The 50th anniversary celebration also highlights Laos' achievements over the past five decades. Phouphet, a 58-year-old resident of Savannakhet province, expressed pride in the country's development, particularly in areas such as infrastructure.

She said the celebration serves as a way to honor the accomplishments of past generations and reflect on national unity. Looking ahead, Phouphet expressed the hope for further progress, emphasizing Laos' strong potential to achieve even more in the years to come.

To ensure the safety of the celebration, the authorities will deploy more than 900 personnel to maintain order throughout Vientiane. Officers will be stationed at key locations to ensure that festivities proceed smoothly, while local security teams will coordinate with village authorities to strengthen community-based safety measures. Officials said these efforts aim to create a safe and stable environment as the capital prepares to welcome large crowds for the celebration.

Across the nation, authorities and the public are cleaning, decorating, hosting activities, and participating in community campaigns to mark the 50th anniversary, reflecting a spirit of unity and a meaningful, festive celebration. 
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PHNOM PENH, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and New Zealand on Saturday vowed to further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation for the benefits of the two countries and peoples.

The commitment was made during a meeting at the Peace Palace in the capital Phnom Penh between Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters, said a news release from the prime minister's spokesperson unit.

Both sides "discussed strengthening and expanding cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, education, agriculture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as promoting collaboration within regional and international frameworks", the press release said.

Meanwhile, Hun Manet said that Cambodia was eager to see stronger trade and investment relations between the two countries.

He also thanked New Zealand for its long-standing support for Cambodia's peace process and socio-economic development from the 1990s to the present.

For his part, Peters emphasized that New Zealand remained a long-standing partner of Cambodia and will continue to support, strengthen, and expand bilateral cooperation.

He thanked Cambodia for its support for New Zealand-ASEAN relations, particularly for endorsing the establishment of the "ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," which was officially announced during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia last month.

Peters arrived in Cambodia on Friday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn. 
Pittsfield is seeking Snow Angels to help senior citizens and others who may need assistance with snow removal.

Snow Angel Volunteers Needed in Pittsfield This Winter

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Pittsfield seeking volunteers for its third annual Snow Angels program.

The city created this program to help community members who have difficulty cleaning up sidewalks after a big snowstorm.

"It was created back in 2023 to help meet the need of those who live in our city, whether they're seniors, individuals with disabilities, or maybe they have limited mobility or don't have the financial means to hire someone to assist them with snow removal," said Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Vanbramer.

Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their properties in a timely manner. VanBramer said some homeowners may not have the means to do that and would call the city for help.

"The program kind of came out of it's always been the responsibility of property owners in the city to clear their sidewalks from snow within I believe it's 24 hours of snowstorm," she said. "So when winter approaches, we've been receiving phone calls and emails from seniors or the other individuals I mentioned, looking for assistance with snow removal."

The program is solely based on volunteers.

"We're trying at this moment, we put out the call for volunteers. So we're really hoping to recruit as many volunteers as we can to get the program going for the third year," Vanbramer said.

Last year, the city was only able to get 10 volunteers and had 25 neighbors in need; the year before, there were 15 volunteers but 51 people who called for help. So not every resident in need was able to be matched.

"This program is really dependent on having volunteers," VanBramer said. "So if we don't have enough, we may not be able to match everyone, or even maybe not run the program, depending on how many we get."

Volunteers are matched with a neighbor within a one-mile radius and who agrees to help remove snow within 24 hours of a snowstorm. The volunteers are required to bring their own tools to clear the snow.

"They kind of coordinate with their neighbor to figure out what needs they have, whether they need help plowing their driveway or shoveling a sidewalk, and they agree to help with whatever those needs are," Vanbramer said. "Within the 24-hour period, after a snowstorm or significant snowfall, I believe it's 6 inches or more of snow, they go out and help whoever they're matched with."

It's important for snow to be cleared from pathways and sidewalks. Snow blocked walkways can be dangerous for residents and emergency response vehicles to help if needed.

"Emergency responders and mail carriers or other delivery workers need access to people's home they need to reach to do what they need to do, and so it the program really aims to promote safety in our neighborhoods and ensure that those folks are able to access people's homes when they need to and children can get to school safely."

The city is asking for volunteers. Currently they have about three people who have signed up and need more. Once they have more volunteers the city will put out a sign up for neighbors who are in need. VanBramer is hoping to see about 15 people before she puts out the call.

She has seen many volunteers come back to help and is grateful for their efforts.

"We've had a lot of incredible volunteers in the past who, I think signed up because they were really wanting to help neighbors in their area where they live," she said. "They don't often do it for like the recognition. They just want to assist members of their community and just lend a helping hand."

Volunteers must be 18 years and older and will be required to sign a waiver for safety guidelines and responsibilities.
Laura Christensen, editor of DestinationWilliamstown.org, reviews data from the chamber's two email blasts at the Williamstown Chamber's annual meeting last week.

Williamstown Chamber Launching Coupon Initiative



The presentation included the new logo symbolizing Mount Greylock and the Hopper, the waterways and springs, the fall foliage, and, thought director Susan Briggs, an abstract open book paying tribute to education and Williams College. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce reflected on this past year's success and the launch of a new coupon sales promotion at its annual meeting last week at Greylock Works.

Executive Director Susan Briggs told members they would be getting a sample coupon in the mail before Thanksgiving to be prepared for the holiday weekend.

"It was a Tetris grouping of trying to get all of the information on it. We are so excited that the community is so interested in this and ready to go," she said. "As businesses, you can participate in any exhaustive of amounts of ways.

"As you look at the Holiday Walk this year, think about how you can or what you want, what you want it to be for your business."

Users can purchase a coupon for $50 and participating venues will determine what discounts they would give to coupon holders, such as a percentage off a purchase, a free item or other specials.

"The one thing that is a little tricky for the offers is that this card is good from today until June 30, and the card holder can use it as many times as they want," Briggs said. "So you have to make sure that the discount is sustainable."

The coupon card is geared to local shoppers and students rather than tourists.

"I'm really excited to see how the students and the students' families and our community really embraces this," she said. "We're hoping that it will really spur repeat business and keeping people shopping local."

The hope is to build this coupon initiative into something bigger in the next year. They are available at The Print Shop on Spring Street but is also on the Square site so the chamber is exploring the ability to buy it online using a QR code at various hotels and shops.

This winter will also see the return of the snowflakes on some of the light poles. The lighted decorations died last year but a new version has been ordered.

"We are really thrilled that Williams College, Amy's Cottage, Unlimited Nutrition and Chapter Two, and the Williamstown Community Chest all supported the effort to replace the snowflakes," said Briggs. There are 23 being installed this week with plans to order more and expand their placement next year.

Looking back on the past year, Laura Christensen, editor of DestinationWilliamstown.org , said the site has been grown about 9 percent in active users with the top pages "Eat," "Events" and "Stay" which is up by 145 percent. Briggs attributed the jump in hits to the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which has a link on its page to DestinationWilliamstown.

The two social media accounts have been steady, said Christensen, who has also taken on the communications director task for the town since Oct. 1.

DestinationWilliamstown and the chamber each puts out an email newsletter, with DestinationWilliamstown geared more toward tourists and covering the area 50 miles beyond.

"Whereas I tend to think of mine as 50 miles in, thinking of more hyperlocal," said Briggs, [Christensen's] trying to drive the tourists, giving the arts and culture spotlight for the week."

The chamber is also doing some print products, and advertising in publications in northern Connecticut, New York's Hudson Valley, Capital District and Saratoga area, and working with the Mohawk Trail Association.

Briggs said they'd also found that the Connecticut shore corridor is a customer, so have been doing some summer supplements and advertising in the Connecticut Pots.

"We're really looking at where our visitors are coming from, and getting it to them," she said.

She also reviewed some of the events over the past year like the Fourth of July celebration, community cookout and film festival, and thanked the volunteers from the Clark Art Institute, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Sweetwood, Williamstown Theatre Festival and the community for staffing the information booth on Spring Street.
KIEV/MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed after Russia launched airstrikes on Ukraine Saturday, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky wrote on Telegram that Russian forces launched waves of drones and missiles at Ukraine's energy infrastructure and civilian facilities overnight, causing extensive damage and fires in residential buildings.

He said the country was attacked by over 600 drones and 36 missiles.

The Russian defense ministry said in a statement the same day that the strike was conducted "in response to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia."

"The Russian Armed Forces conducted a large-scale strike using high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities that support their operations," the ministry said.

It added that all designated targets were hit and the objectives of the strike were achieved.

The Russian Armed Forces also destroyed a Ukrainian military airfield, and storage and launch sites for long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, it said. 
sabato 29 novembre 2025, 16:20

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This article is automatically translated

The lifeless body of Stefanie Pieper, a 31-year-old Austrian influencer missing for almost a week from Graz, was found in a wooded area near Maribor, Slovenia. The ex-boyfriend of the woman, the main suspect, reportedly led investigators to the discovery site after admitting involvement in her disappearance. According to local media, the man allegedly strangled his ex-partner, placed her body in a suitcase, and buried it in a forest across the border in Slovenian territory. Stefanie Pieper had disappeared about a week ago, with her last contact being the day she went missing, when she sent two messages to a friend, mentioning a suspicious figure in the stairwell of her building. From that moment, she was untraceable. The alleged murderer was arrested last Monday in Slovenia, near the Austrian border, close to his car which was found burned. On Friday, he was extradited to Austria and questioned by Styrian investigators, before whom he finally decided to cooperate, indicating the location of the woman's body. Meanwhile, investigations continue into two alleged accomplices: the suspect's brother and stepfather, arrested in Graz and currently in custody to prevent evidence tampering. The two have so far refused to make statements to investigators. Further details on the case will be released tomorrow by Slovenian police and prosecutors, who are working closely with Austrian authorities to complete the reconstruction of the events.
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A three-day mourning period began in Hong Kong after the deadliest fire in seven decades in the city killed 146 people, with more than 40 still missing three days after the tragedy.

The death toll rose on Sunday after investigators discovered more bodies after they completed a sweep of five of the burnt-out towers.

Police said some bodies had been discovered in the stairwells and on rooftops where residents had tried to flee.

Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested 11 people in connection with the fire that ripped through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in northern Tai Po district, engulfing eight tower blocks, each of them around 30 storeys high.

The inferno began on Wednesday afternoon and spread rapidly through seven of the eight 32-storey blocks at the complex, where renovation work was going on. The bamboo scaffolding and green mesh that wrapped the building helped the flames spread further.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but officials have launched a probe into possible corruption and the use of unsafe materials during renovations at the Wang Fuk Court complex.

The number of missing people has been scaled down from 200 to 150, a police official said on Saturday. The death toll remains 128, the official said, adding that the number may rise.

Hong Kong leader John Lee, other officials and civil servants, all dressed in black, stood in silence for three minutes early on Saturday outside the central government offices, where flags were lowered to half-mast.

National and Hong Kong flags at all government buildings and facilities will fly at half-mast until Monday, while officials cancelled all non-essential public engagements and postpone or scrap planned celebratory events.

open image in gallery Officials including Chief Executive of Hong Kong John Lee attend a ceremony at the Central Government Offices of Hong Kong to mourn victims killed in the deadly fire ( REUTERS )

Condolence books have been set up at 18 points around the former British colony for the public to pay their respects.

The death toll is expected to rise as police officers from the disaster victim identification unit enter one of the charred buildings to find possible remains.

Wearing white overalls, helmets and oxygen masks, dozens of officers picked their way over heaps of collapsed bamboo scaffolding and skirted wide pools of water left behind after firefighters spent days drenching the buildings in an effort to cool their smouldering interiors.

Only 39 of the 128 dead had been identified still Friday, officials said.

Many families still face the grim task of looking through the photographs to identify their loved ones while mourners gathered to lay flowers.

open image in gallery A woman in tears prays next to a local community centre after the deadly fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China ( REUTERS )

Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee has said the government would set up a HK$300m ($4m) fund to help residents while some of China's biggest listed companies have pledged donations.

Hundreds of volunteers have stepped in to support survivors, working in shifts through the night to collect, sort and deliver everything from nappies to hot meals.

They have organised themselves into teams to transport supplies and have set up a large makeshift support camp beside a shopping mall opposite the burned complex, offering aid to residents who have lost their homes.

The tragedy also swept up many of Hong Kongs domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines  a community of around 368,000 people, mostly women from low-income countries who live in often cramped quarters with their employers.

open image in gallery A view shows the buildings of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex after the deadly fire ( REUTERS )

Indonesia has confirmed that six of its citizens were among the dead. The Philippines said one worker is critically injured, another is missing, and 28 others are believed to live in the affected area but have not yet been accounted for.

Hong Kong's anti-graft body said it had arrested eight people on Friday, including an engineering consultant, a scaffolding subcontractor and an intermediary.

Earlier, police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of Prestige Construction, a firm identified by the government as doing maintenance on Wang Fuk Court for more than a year, on suspicion of manslaughter for using unsafe materials, including flammable foam boards blocking windows.

The fire is Hong Kong's deadliest since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse blaze, and has prompted comparisons to London's Grenfell Tower inferno, which killed 72 people in 2017.

Mainland China has, meanwhile, announced a sweeping fire safety inspection campaign for high-rise buildings across the country

Special attention will be paid to buildings undergoing external wall renovations and interior modifications, the ministry of emergency management said in a statement on Saturday.

"We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people's lives and property," the ministry said.

The campaign outlines four key inspection areas, including scrutiny of flammable materials used in external wall insulation systems, banned construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding, fire safety equipment, and emergency evacuation routes.
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A man was attacked by a bear in Japan while using a public toilet, local media reported on Friday, in the latest incident in a spate of record-breaking encounters across the country.

The 69-year-old security guard was mauled by a bear in the Gunma Prefecture, near Numata railway station, north of Tokyo, on Friday.

He sustained minor injuries to his leg after fighting the 1-1.5metre-tall bear, broadcaster NGK reported.

The security guard told the police said he saw the bear prying inside while exiting the public toilet. But he fell backwards when the animal launched an attack and fought it, kicking it with his legs.

The bear fled the scene while the man suffered injuries on his right leg. He fled to the nearby police post to report the incident.

The bathroom encounter came barely a month after another bear wandered into a grocery store in the same area, reportedly attacking someone in the car park before pinning a customer to the ground and tearing through food counters.

open image in gallery Bear bells are displayed for sale at a souvenir shop at Shirakawa-go, a popular tourist spot and one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, in Shirakawa village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, November 15, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato ( REUTERS )

The bear, about 1.4 metres-tall, rummaged through the shops fish and sushi displays before trampling a pile of avocados in the fruit aisle.

Since April, 13 people have been killed in bear attacks  the highest toll on record. Bear sightings this year have topped 100, compared with around 35 last year. Across Japan, a record 220 people have been injured by bears since April, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Two-thirds of this years fatalities have occurred in Akita and Iwate prefectures, where Japans military was deployed this week to help set and inspect traps after urgent requests from local authorities overwhelmed by incidents. Police have also launched a culling campaign after amended rules permitted them to use rifles to kill the animals.

open image in gallery Visitors take souvenir photos next to a bear warning sign at Shirakawa-go, a popular tourist spot and one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, in Shirakawa village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan ( REUTERS )

Riot police trained to use firearms against militants have additionally been sent to northern prefectures to assist local law enforcement in managing the surge in attacks, according to reports.

The rise in incidents has also pushed insurers to roll out new products targeting bear-related risks.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance said on Friday it will introduce coverage for businesses affected by bear intrusions, aimed at hotel and leisure operators and covering lost revenue as well as the cost of strengthening safety measures.

A subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings is offering support to local governments for emergency bear-hunting operations, with fees starting at 300,000 (1,470).

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based Blue Cross (Asia Pacific) Insurance has added extra bear-attack protection to its travel policies, citing climate change and shifting habitats that have increased the risk of encounters in destinations such as Japan.
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Rescue workers in Indonesia struggled on Saturday to reach victims in several devastated areas that were hit by an earthquake and floods, and authorities feared the confirmed death toll of 248 would rise further.

The areas were largely cut off by damaged roads and downed communications lines, and relief aircraft were delivering aid and supplies to the hard-hit district of Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra province and elsewhere in the region. Rescue efforts were also hampered by damaged bridges and roads and a lack of heavy equipment.

The National Disaster Management Agency, or BNPB, said rescuers in West Sumatras Agam district recovered more bodies, increasing the death toll to 248 with more than 500 people injured.

open image in gallery Indonesia Extreme Weather Landslides ( BASARNAS )

Monsoon rains over the past week caused rivers to burst their banks in North Sumatra province. The deluge tore through mountainside village, swept away people and submerged thousands of houses and buildings, the BNPB said. Nearly 3,000 displaced families fled to government shelters.

There was a desperate need for heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried under tons of mud and rocks in Agam district where rescuers retrieved more bodies, bringing the death toll to 74 in West Sumatra alone by Saturday, said Rahmat Lesmono from the local disaster office. Some 78 others were still missing in three villages in Agam.

Relatives wailed as they watched rescuers pull mud-caked bodies from a buried house in Agams Salareh Aia village.

open image in gallery Indonesia Extreme Weather Landslides ( BASARNAS )

Authorities struggled to get tractors and other heavy equipment over washed-out roads after torrential rains sent mud and rocks crashing onto the hilly hamlets in Aceh province. Hundreds of police, soldiers and residents dug through the debris with their bare hands, shovels and hoes as heavy rain hindered their efforts.

The death toll is believed to be increasing, since many bodies are still missing, while many have not been reached, said Suharyanto, the BNPB chief who like many Indonesians only uses one name.

Television reports showed two rescuers battling strong currents in a small rubber boat, moving toward a man clinging to a coconut tree.

Authorities in Aceh province said rescuers were having difficulty reaching victims. The stricken areas also needed relief supplies, fuel, fresh water and generators.

There are many challenges, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf said after declaring a state of emergency until Dec. 11 to address the disaster. We have to do many things soon, but conditions do not allow us to do so.

open image in gallery INDONESIA-TORMENTAS ( AP )

Local media said that flash floods in Bireuen district in Aceh caused nine bridges to collapse, paralyzing two-way transportation from North Sumatras Medan city to Banda Aceh and forcing residents to cross the river from village to village by boat.

It was the latest natural disaster to hit Indonesia, which is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

Seasonal rains frequently cause flooding and landslides in Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile flood plains.
OSLO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Saturday urged the international community to step up efforts to end the war in Gaza and advance a two-state solution, as Norway marked the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

In a statement, Eide extended his condolences "to all those who have lost loved ones; children, parents, siblings and friends," and underlined the scale of the civilian suffering caused by the conflict.

"Over the past two years, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and many more have been injured. The suffering has been immense. Millions have been displaced. The situation in the West Bank is also very serious. The occupation, settler violence, and settlement expansion are making the situation increasingly intolerable," he said.

Eide said the current fragile ceasefire in Gaza offered, for the first time in more than two years, "a glimmer of hope," but warned that it would require concerted international engagement to translate that opening into sustainable peace.

"It is crucial that the international community stands united and strongly engages in the work to bring this war to an end and secure a lasting, political solution," he said, stressing his advocacy for the two-state solution.

The foreign minister stressed that any credible peace effort must address the underlying drivers of the conflict, including the occupation of Palestinian territory, and ensure Palestinian ownership of political processes.

Norway, Eide said, as a long supporter of Palestine's social and economic development, is committed to that engagement. "Norway will contribute where we can, so that the Palestinians can once again see a way out of the war and hope for the future, and so that a Palestinian state can become a reality," he added. 
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Burkina Faso says it has refused a proposal from the Trump administration to accept deportees from the United States.

The West African country was asked whether it would accept non-citizens expelled by the U.S., in addition to its own nationals, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore said Thursday on national television.

Naturally, this proposal, which we deemed indecent at the time, is totally contrary to the value of dignity which is part of the very essence of the vision of Capt. Ibrahim Traore, he said, referring to the country's military ruler.

The remark came only a few hours after the U.S. Embassy in the capital Ouagadougou suspended most visa services for Burkina Faso residents, redirecting applications to its embassy in neighboring Togo. The embassy did not give a reason for the move.

Citing a U.S. diplomatic note accusing Burkinabe nationals of not complying with visa usage rules, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore called the move a possible pressure tactic and said, Burkina Faso is a land of dignity, not deportation.

The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou and Department of Homeland Security didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 40 deportees have been sent to Africa since July after the Trump administration struck largely secretive agreements with at least five African nations to take migrants under a new third-country deportation program. Rights groups and others have protested the program.

The U.S. has sent deportees to the small African nation of Eswatini, South Sudan, Rwanda and Ghana. It also has an agreement with Uganda, though no deportations there have been announced.

Six deportees are still detained in an unspecified facility in South Sudan, while Rwanda hasnt said where it is holding seven deportees. Eleven of the 14 deportees sent to Ghana last month sued the government there for holding them in what they described as terrible conditions at a military camp on the outskirts of the capital, Accra.

Human Rights Watch said last month the Trump administration offered financial incentives to some African countries to accept deportees. The rights group said it reviewed written agreements showing Eswatini will receive $5.1 million in U.S. funding for migration and border management while Rwanda will receive $7.5 million.
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Rachel Reeves has defended her 26bn Budget tax raid as fair and necessary, insisting the wealthy should share more of the economic burden.

The chancellor was accused of misleading the public on the state of the countrys finances to justify her tax hikes after she insisted she had to make hard choices, despite knowing her deficit had disappeared and that she instead had a 4.2bn surplus.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) now faces calls to investigate whether the Treasury misled the public about the scale of the financial repair job after the Scottish National Party (SNP) wrote to the watchdog asking it to look into claims of deliberately false and misleading briefings.

In an interview with The Guardian, Ms Reeves doubled down on her move to bring in 43 separate taxes and freeze income tax thresholds, dragging millions more into paying higher taxes, saying she was unwilling to make cuts.

I wasnt willing to cut public services, because people voted for change at the election, she said.

open image in gallery Reeves defended Keir Starmer amid leadership speculation ( PA Archive )

The chancellor insisted it should be the responsibility of Britains wealthy to take on the burden of rebuilding the countrys creaky public services, and denied that working-age people were being asked to carry more of the burden than pensioners after they were excluded from many of her new measures.

Its quite clear that the economic burden in the Budget was not about age. It was about wealth, she said. People who bear more of the burden are those with big incomes and assets so I dont accept that.

Well never get out of this problem of weak growth unless weve got investment in the economy, and were investing in things to boost our productivity.

The chancellor also addressed leadership speculation after a rocky few weeks for the prime minister, but insisted the party was behind Sir Keir Starmer.

We all know what happened in the last government, when they went through leaders and chancellors, she said. It was bad for the country.

Ahead of the Budget, warnings suggested that Ms Reeves could face a financial black hole of up to 20bn in meeting her self-imposed rule of not borrowing for day-to-day spending. And on 4 November, she signalled higher taxes were likely because of Donald Trumps tariff war and the Budget watchdogs expected downgrade of economic productivity.

But on Friday, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) revealed that it had informed the chancellor as early as 17 September that the gap was likely smaller than initially expected, and later said that it had disappeared, and instead there was a surplus.

Ms Reeves told The Guardian: People often talk about what chancellors do in their budget, but sometimes whats more important are the things you dont do. One of the things I didnt do was cut the investment that I put into capital spending, new schools and hospitals, new energy infrastructure, rail infrastructure.

open image in gallery Income tax thresholds are set to be frozen til 2030/31 ( PA )

It would have been the easiest thing to do to say the OBRs done this downgrade, you need to cut our cloth accordingly.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the revelation from the OBR showed Ms Reeves had lied to the public and called for her to be sacked.

But Downing Street rejected the claim that Ms Reeves had misled the public and the markets in the run-up to the Budget.

I dont accept that, the prime ministers official spokesman said. As she set out in the speech that she gave here (Downing Street), she talked about the challenges the country was facing and she set out her decisions incredibly clearly at the Budget.

But Paul Johnson, a former head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said: I think it [her 4 November press conference] probably was misleading.

He said her words were clearly intended to confirm what independent forecasters such as the National Institute of Economic and Social Research had been saying, after it predicted Ms Reeves would have to fill a multi-billion-pound black hole in the nations finances.

open image in gallery Unite leader Sharon Graham criticised the Budget (Jacob King/PA) ( PA Archive )

Mr Johnson said the speech was designed to confirm a narrative that there was a fiscal black hole that needed to be filled with significant tax rises. In fact, as she knew at the time, no such hole existed.

Meanwhile, Labours biggest union donor, Sharon Graham, the general secretary for Unite, has criticised Ms Reeves Budget and the watering down of the Employment Rights Bill in an interview with The Telegraph.

She warned that her members had noticed the underhand continuation of the shameful stealth tax represented by the freezing of income tax thresholds, which meant that working people were now unable to trust Labour.

On Labours U-turn on plans to give staff day-one protections against unfair dismissal, which many have criticised as a breach of the partys election manifesto, she said: Workers were promised stronger rights, particularly the outright ban on fire and rehire, an end to zero hours contracts and day one rights.

Those promises which were campaigned on, have failed to be delivered. Broken. Workers have been left unable to trust Labour.
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Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana have revealed the options under consideration for the new name of their political party, currently known as Your Party.

After months of indecision and confusion over the partys name, its members will use this weekends inaugural conference in Liverpool to vote on several options.

These include four options: Your Party, Our Party, Popular Alliance, and For The Many.

It comes after the crisis-hit party earlier this week ruled out having co-leaders, following a series of public spats between Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana.

At this weekends conference, members will vote on a new leadership model for the party, with options including a collective leadership model or backing a single leader.

But in the longer term, Your Party could look to bring back the option of co-leaders, with a member-led review of leadership structures exploring options of deputy leadership, co-leadership and the relationship with the partys leadership in Wales and Scotland once the party has been established in each nation.

It comes after a turbulent first few months for the party, marred by internal division, with a dispute between Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana resulting in a botched membership launch and threats of legal action.

open image in gallery Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn heads up Your Party with Zarah Sultana ( PA )

Ms Sultana complained she had been subjected to a sexist boys club after supporters were invited to officially sign up and give the party financial backing.

But Mr Corbyn described this as an unauthorised email and just hours later warned people in a statement posted on social media not to sign up via the link.

To make matters worse for the party, two of the MPs who helped to set up the outfit have now quit.

Last week, Iqbal Mohamed said in a statement that he had decided to leave Your Party and continue to serve his Dewsbury and Batley constituency as an Independent MP.

It comes after MP Adnan Hussain said earlier this month he was withdrawing from the partys steering process, citing concerns about factionalism and veiled prejudice against Muslims.

They had been among the six MPs helping to set up the party, alongside Mr Corbyn, Ms Sultana and independents Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan.

open image in gallery Sultana complained she had been subjected to a sexist boys club ( PA )

Blackburn MP Mr Hussain said earlier this month that he had initially agreed to support the foundation of Your Party because he believed in building a political home with mass appeal and a force capable of challenging the rise of far-right rhetoric.

But in a statement published on X/Twitter, he said he had been disillusioned by persistent infighting, factional competition, and a struggle for power, position and influence rather than a shared commitment to the common good.

This weeks conference  which will include speeches from both Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana  will also include political debates around the partys identity, including whether it should explicitly identify as socialist.
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In a dimly lit office nestled within the French National Institute for Art History, Sudanese archaeologist Shadia Abdrabo meticulously examines a photograph of pottery crafted in her homeland around 7,000 B.C.

Her fingers type a precise description of the Neolithic artefact into a spreadsheet, a small but vital act in a race against time.

As the devastating conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues to rage, Abdrabo, a curator from Sudans National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums (NCAM), is undertaking a year-long research grant in France.

Her singular mission is to construct an exhaustive online database of the African nations archaeological sites, museum collections, and historical archives.

The war, which erupted in April 2023, swiftly led to the looting and destruction of numerous museums.

While the full extent of what has been lost remains unclear, Abdrabo states that her urgent task is to ascertain precisely what has gone missing.

"We have to work fast to secure our collections. Weve already lost two museums and we dont want to lose more," Abdrabo told The Associated Press.

open image in gallery Abdrabo revealed how Sudan has already lost two museums ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

She confirmed that two regional museums in El Geneina and Nyala have been almost entirely obliterated. In Khartoum, the National Museum, which housed an estimated 100,000 objects before the conflict, was ransacked by militias who subsequently posted videos online showing their fighters inside the storeroom.

The National Museums collection spanned millennia, featuring pieces from prehistoric times, including artefacts from the Kerma Kingdom and the Napatan era, when Kushite kings governed the region.

It also held treasures from the Meroitic civilisation, responsible for Sudans pyramids, alongside later Christian and Islamic objects.

Among its most invaluable items were mummies dating back to 2,500 B.C., considered some of the worlds oldest and most archaeologically significant, as well as royal Kushite treasures.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has voiced grave concerns over reports of widespread plundering, stating that the "threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level."

Abdrabo expressed her profound sorrow, remarking, "My heart was broken, you know? Its not just objects that we lost. We lost research, we lost studies, we lost many things."

The conflicts personal toll on Abdrabo is immense. Last month, hundreds were killed and over 80,000 displaced following the RSFs capture of North Darfurs capital, El Fasher.

"Im from Nubia, from the north, an area filled with monuments, archaeological sites and ancient life," she explained. This region was once home to some of the worlds earliest kingdoms, rivalling ancient Egypt in power and wealth.

Abdrabo was working at the National Museum in Khartoum when the war began.

"We thought it would finish soon but then life started getting really difficult: not just the bombing, but there was no electricity, no water," she recounted. She fled north with her three sisters, first to Atbara, then to Abri, and eventually to Port Sudan.

During this tumultuous period, Abdrabo and her NCAM colleagues worked tirelessly to safeguard Sudans 11 museums and sites, some of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status.

Their efforts involved moving precious pieces to secure rooms and secret locations. However, Ali Nour, a Sudanese cultural heritage advocate, believes these protective measures were too slow.

open image in gallery Concerns have been raised about protective measures not being brought in quickly enough ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

"While applications were being drafted, sites were being emptied. While risk assessments were reviewed, entire archives vanished," Nour wrote in an article for the UK-based International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

In response, UNESCO has conducted inventories, trained police and customs officers to identify stolen antiquities, and appealed to collectors "to refrain from acquiring or taking part in the import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property from Sudan."

Yet, researcher Meryam Amarir notes that, unlike similar cultural emergencies in Afghanistan and Iraq, "Sudan has not benefited from strong media coverage denouncing the degradation and plundering of its cultural heritage. This lack of visibility has reduced the international response."

Ancient Sudan, through trade and military activity, maintained strong connections with Egypt, the Mediterranean world, and Mesopotamia, serving as a primary source of gold for the region, according to Geoff Emberling of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan.

"If were interested in these ancient cultures, then we have to be interested in Sudan," said Emberling, who is involved with the recently established Sudan Cultural Emergency Recovery Fund.

This task force, requested by NCAM, aims to unite institutions, scholars, and donors in urgent recovery efforts for Sudans heritage.

Emberling stressed the critical nature of Abdrabos work: "What Shadia Abdrabo is doing is urgently essential  establishing whats missing. And with a team of about 15 Sudanese now working in the museum in Khartoum to clean and restore what has been damaged, they will soon be able to compare what remains there now."

Abdrabo has secured funding until April 2026 to complete the data compilation and platform development, but she fears it may not be enough time.

The work is painstaking; some datasets arrive as spreadsheets, others as handwritten inventories or decades-old photographs. While colleagues at institutions like the Louvre and the British Museum offer support, she largely works alone.

"Im trying to finish this database but its a lot. Ive done about 20% of the work. Just for the national museums, Ive recorded 1,080 objects so far and then I have to do other museums, sites, archives I need to add pictures, ID numbers, coordinates" As winter descends on Paris, the crisis in Sudan remains Abdrabos driving force.

"We are working on tracking what has been looted," she stated, her voice heavy with emotion.

"I cry when I talk about this. My only goal and message is to bring back as much as possible, to do as much as I can for Sudan, but its not easy for us."

Beyond the direct conflict, the consequences of war, such as displaced populations and the presence of militias, further endanger the countrys heritage.

"Its not safe for the art to be in unsecure locations," she added, concluding with a stark reminder: "Until the war finishes we just dont know what is going to happen."
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Police in South Africa have confirmed the arrest of four men at a Johannesburg boarding gate, who were allegedly en route to Russia to fight in its military.

The individuals were apprehended on Friday, weeks after reports emerged of 17 other South African nationals becoming stranded in Ukraine, having been lured into mercenary forces with promises of lucrative contracts.

South African law strictly prohibits citizens from providing military assistance to foreign governments or participating in foreign armies without explicit authorisation.

"The arrests followed a tip-off from (Johannesburg airport police) regarding four males who were en route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates," the elite Hawks police unit said in a statement on Saturday.

"A preliminary investigation revealed that a South African female had allegedly been facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation military," it added.

open image in gallery It is illegal under South African law for citizens to provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies without authorisation ( AP )

The Hawks said the four suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday on suspicion of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into how the 17 men ended up fighting in Ukraine, amid ongoing efforts to bring them home.

Police have also said they will investigate Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, who was accused by her half-sister of being involved in luring those men to Russia under false pretences.

Zuma-Sambudla resigned as a member of parliament on Friday, but has not publicly responded to the allegations.
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American Airlines is expecting delays over the holidays as a major software issue grounds hundreds of planes.

The carrier told The Independent Friday that a software change has impacted 209 Airbus A320 jets, less than the 340 initially identified.

As of Friday night, fewer than 150 affected planes still need to have their software updated.

We expect the overwhelming majority of those [software updates] to be completed today and through the night, with only a handful remaining for completion tomorrow, American Airlines said.

The software issue comes at a chaotic time for airlines as 6 million U.S. travelers fly domestically over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association.

open image in gallery American Airlines is expecting delays over the holidays after a major software issue grounds hundreds of planes ( Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images )

Safety will always be our top priority, and we thank our customers for their patience during this unexpected event, the carrier said.

Delta Air Lines also expects some of its planes to be affected by the software issue.

"As safety comes before everything else, Delta will fully comply with a directive and expects any resulting operational impact to be limited," the carrier told USA TODAY.

open image in gallery The software issue comes as 6 million U.S. travelers take to the skies over the Thanksgiving holiday ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

In total, more than 3,700 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were delayed, and nearly 100 more were canceled on Friday, according to data from FlightAware.

This is the latest problem to hit American travelers after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history created mass delays and cancellations last month.

American Airlines was recently in the headlines after one of its planes, bound for Phoenix, had to make an emergency landing in Houston following reports of fumes in the cabin and flight deck.

Four flight attendants and one passenger were taken to the hospital as a precaution, American Airlines said.
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Millions are still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one month after the category 5 storm devastated the Caribbean.

At least 106 people died when the record-breaking tropical cyclone ripped through the region, leaving at least $10bn worth of damage in its wake.

The UN estimates that some six million people were impacted by flooding and 185mph winds after the storm of the century, made landfall at the end of October. At least 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba alone.

One month on, despite international efforts to help, agencies have told The Independent the situation on the ground is still catastrophic.

In Cuba, queues for fuel now last for days, food is scarce, and only 40 per cent of the country has electricity, with even major cities only getting between four and six hours per day, according to the International Federation for the Red Cross (IFRC). Fuel and power shortages are leading to severely disrupted lives, with people unable to refrigerate food.

open image in gallery Homes destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica ( Reuters )

Water shortages and viral diseases have spread like wildfire, Nicolas Segura, the IFRCs disaster risk management coordinator for Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, says.

There are 700 new cases of chikungunya every day, with over 50,000 people hospitalised with the condition caused by mosquitoes in the aftermath of the disaster.

The sea penetrated almost 100m to 200m in some places, Segura explains. Their houses were fully flooded and there is now an outbreak of arboviral diseases. There is zika, dengue, chikungunya.

The Red Cross operated through the eye of the hurricane as it made landfall on 29 October in Cuba. Segura describes scenes of utter destruction, including mighty trees snapped like branches and concrete houses flattened. Its like everything was cut with blades, he says.

open image in gallery At least 106 people were killed in the aftermath of the disaster ( AP )

Over 53,000 people have been unable to return to their homes, according to the United Nations, including 7,500 living in official shelters.

Segura says his teams are reaching 1,500 families, amounting to 5,050 individuals. But the number of people in need is over two million. Having launched a fundraising appeal to help 100,000 people for 15m, only 16 per cent of the necessary financial support has been raised. Sanctions are crippling the country, complicating matters further.

The mental health of children has also been affected. You can see the fear in their eyes when they tell you about the noise of the wind, he says. While psychosocial support and mental health activities have been provided for many young people, many are still struggling.

One 13-year-old told me that he felt guilty all the time for what had happened, Segura continues. He couldnt explain why, but he said: I dont know why it happened, but I know it was my fault. Its amazing how a few hours can leave such a lasting impact.

open image in gallery Cuba needs international support, the Red Cross has urged ( Nicolas Segura )

In Jamaica, experts have suggested that rebuilding and reconstruction could take over a decade, with over $10bn worth of damage wrought on the Caribbean island. At least 45 people were killed, and thousands have reportedly been left homeless.

Some of them only had the shirts on their backs, Kemsha Swaby, a national response coordinator for Project Hope, says. Over 40 per cent of Jamaicas health system was left with some damage, she adds.

When you drive along the road, on cell towers the metal has completely been twisted up, concrete light poles have just been smashed on the ground, she describes. There are wooden light poles completely cracked. Lush parts of Jamaica look like winter in the UK, as if all the leaves have fallen off.

Some people were forced to beg in the aftermath of the disaster.

open image in gallery A satellite image shows Hurricane Melissa churning through the Caribbean Sea ( Getty )

While Jamaica has had issues with poverty in some places over the years, you dont usually drive around and see people just with their hand out asking for water, asking for tarps, anything that you have so that they can try to survive, Swabe explains. In the immediate aftermath, that was the reality.

Diseases have been rampant on the island too, with some people dying in the days following Melissa making landfall.

Its not just the wind and water damage, but the hurricane also triggered post-disaster public health emergencies, including a leptospirosis outbreak, which has been linked to contaminated floodwaters, Swabe explains.

This is now responsible for confirmed cases and deaths in the weeks after the hurricane made landfall. Some tried to repair their houses and stepped on nails, and weve also had at least one or two confirmed deaths from tetanus.

open image in gallery An aerial view of destroyed buildings in Black River, St Elizabeth, Jamaica ( AFP via Getty )

At least 43 people were also killed in Haiti, where flooding was caused by the outer bands of the storm.

Segura says that a spirit of solidarity and resilience has helped keep people strong. But international support is needed.

Changing someones life is about giving them dignity, he says. People are eager to lead, they are eager to support each other. But they also need support in turn. They want to show the world who they really are, because they are incredible people.
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For a decade, Veronica Rosas has foregone the festive tradition of setting up a Christmas tree, the profound grief over her sons 2015 disappearance proving too overwhelming.

Before 16-year-old Diego vanished from a Mexico City suburb, the winter season was a cherished time for mother and son, marked by the joy of selecting natural trees and adorning them with Diegos beloved Mickey and Minnie Mouse figurines.

"Its been too hard and I have not been able to set up a tree," Ms Rosas explained, having recently joined other bereaved relatives to craft Christmas ornaments in poignant remembrance of their missing loved ones.

The gathering, hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Ecatepec  an area near the capital plagued by robbery, femicide, and other crimes  saw Ms Rosas and a dozen other families arrive clutching photographs of their relatives.

For several hours, these images were carefully affixed to old CDs and cardboard circles, then sprinkled with glitter.

Following a Mass and blessing by a priest, the completed ornaments were hung on a "tree of hope" inside the cathedral, where they will remain until 2 February.

"We want to draw attention to the crisis that were living," stated Ms Rosas, who has since founded an organisation supporting Mexicans sharing her pain. "Its a symbolic gesture that keeps whats happening in plain sight."

open image in gallery Christmas ornaments with photographs of the missing sit to dry before hanging on the Tree of Hope ( Associated Press/Ginnette Riquelme )

The mark of a disappearance

Official figures indicate that more than 133,000 people have disappeared in Mexico since 1952. Human trafficking, kidnapping, acts of retaliation and forced recruitment by cartel members are among the causes.

The phenomenon has affected Latin America for decades. In each country, many mothers, sons and sisters have made life-altering choices to search for their relatives  often because authorities fail to act or deliver answers.

This has been a Way of the Cross, said Marisol Rizo, referencing the biblical account of Jesus carrying the cross before his crucifixion. She has searched for her mother since 2012. Thirteen years have passed and we cant make authorities do their jobs.

She said her children were little when her mother vanished, and juggling motherhood while searching for her took a toll.

My mom always told me to take care of them, she said. But as I searched for her, I forgot about my children.

Rizo believes her father was responsible for her mothers disappearance in a country where at least 10 women or girls are killed because of their gender every day. He has denied any involvement.

open image in gallery A photograph of Ricardo Orozco, who disappeared on 19 August, 2016 in Tizayuca, Hidalgo state on a Christmas ornament ( Associated Press/Ginnette Riquelme )

Like numerous other relatives of the disappeared, Rizo navigates the winter season with sorrow rather than joy. She still remembers how, years ago, she spent days round Christmas posting flyers on the streets.

Its a common practice among people with disappeared relatives in Mexico. Each poster contains contact information, as well as the photo, name, distinguishing features and the date a person went missing.

On 24 December, I used to cry a lot, Rizo said. I could see happy people pouring out of shopping centers while I was posting flyers, dragging my sorrow.

Rizo's daughter, now 17, joined her in crafting round ornaments at the Ecatepec cathedral. Yet the memories sparked by seeing photos of her vanished mother felt almost unbearable.

These spheres represent a deep sadness to me, Rizo said. This is not the place where I would have wished to see a picture of my mom.

A long wait for compassion

In some cases, relatives of the disappeared have been dismayed by lack of support from religious leaders.

Catholic mothers like Rosas, overwhelmed with fear, sought comfort at their local parishes after their children vanished. But long-trusted priests sometimes rebuffed them.

open image in gallery Official figures indicate that more than 133,000 people have disappeared in Mexico since 1952 ( Associated Press/Ginnette Riquelme )

I remember when I arrived in a church five years ago, requesting a Mass for my daughter, and I was told We dont celebrate Mass for disappeared people, said Jaqueline Palmeros, who recently found her childs remains in Mexico City.

But I believe that the Church, which closed its doors to us for a long time, is an alternative path to access truth, justice, memory and repair, she added.

During a recent encounter with relatives of the disappeared, Bishop Javier Acero asked for forgiveness.

Representing Mexico Citys archdiocese, he has publicly supported victims of disappearances and holds a monthly meeting with relatives in need of spiritual support.

As church leaders, we recognize that at times we have not acted as we should  out of fear or out of not knowing how, Acero said. If we failed to receive you with the care you needed, if we did not pray as you asked us to, please forgive us.

A ministry of presence

Rosas attended the meeting alongside members of an ecumenical group that has offered spiritual shelter for years. Known as the church circle, it brings together nuns, an Anglican priest and several other pastors from different denominations.

Holding the mothers hands, the faith leaders routinely celebrate Mass in public squares ahead of protests demanding answers from the government.

They dress up in gloves and rubber boots to dig up pits where human remains may be. All year round, they post flyers of missing sons and daughters throughout Mexicos streets.

open image in gallery Holding the mothers hands, the faith leaders routinely celebrate Mass in public squares ahead of protests demanding answers from the government ( Associated Press/Ginnette Riquelme )

The Rev. Luis Alberto Sanchez is among them. With open arms, he welcomed relatives at the Ecatepec cathedral. There they shared breakfast and he sprayed lacquer on the newly made ornaments.

We cant remain silent, said Sanchez, whose own brother was kidnapped and killed. The voice of the disappeared, of those who have perished, needs to resound and say no more.

Rosas treasures his blessings and regards all members of the church circle as friends. She, too, has spent mournful Christmases searching for Diego, and they have supported her the whole time.

I wish for people belonging to all faith communities to congregate and replicate our model everywhere, she said. In that way, all families could get this constant presence of the church and the hope that we carry within our hearts.
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The Food and Drug Administration is planning to impose strict new vaccine regimens, claiming Covid-19 shots contributed to the deaths of at least ten children, according to a report.

In a Friday memo, obtained by the Washington Post and the New York Times, Vinay Prasad, the FDAs director of the vaccine division, told agency staff that the children had died after and because of the coronavirus vaccine. Their deaths were related to inflammation of the heart, known medically as myocarditis, he said.

This is a profound revelation, Prasad wrote. For the first time, the US FDA will acknowledge that COVID-19 vaccines have killed American children.

The memo didnt include the identities of the children or whether they suffered from other health problems. It also didnt mention the vaccine makers, according to reports.

The Independent has asked the FDA for more information.

open image in gallery The FDA laid out a new approach to vaccine approval, including claiming that children have killed American children ( REUTERS )

Officials concluded the deaths were linked to the vaccine after a "detailed analysis of deaths voluntarily reported to the VAERS system," Prasad wrote, according to a PBS NewsHour correspondent.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the FDA, is a long-term vaccine skeptic who once dubbed the Covid-19 vaccine the deadliest vaccine ever made."

Prasad also laid out new regulations for vaccine approvals as well as new rules for who gets vaccines and how often.

The agency will reconsider its annual flu vaccine framework, labeling the once-a-year guidance a catastrophe of low-quality evidence, and will reexamine whether Americans should be receiving multiple vaccines at the same time, Prasad said in the memo. There will also be tightened restrictions for authorizing new vaccines for pregnant women, he said.

I remain open to vigorous discussions and debate, Prasad wrote at the end of his email. He then added that staff members who disagreed with the foundation of these policies should submit their resignations.

open image in gallery HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the FDA, has been a longstanding vaccine skeptic and removed 17 sitting members of the CDCs vaccine panel in June ( AFP via Getty Images )

Jesse Goodman, who served in Prasads role from 2003 to 2009, told the Post that he believes the current vaccine guidelines are already quite strict.

Its not like these things are being approved without strong scientific evidence, Goodman told the outlet. Theyre being approved with strong scientific evidence.

The memo came less than a week before the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine committee is scheduled to meet. In June, Kennedy removed the committees sitting 17 members and replaced them in a move meant to restore public trust in vaccines, he said in a memo at the time.

Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told the Times that he believed the memo was intentionally fired off ahead of the scheduled meeting.

This is an irresponsible way to deal with a very critical public health issue like vaccination and adverse events, he said.

The meeting agenda states that the committee plans to discuss the childhood immunization schedule and the Hepatitis B vaccine.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared to send a cryptic message to President Donald Trump, warning him about one of the worst mistakes he will make.

The firebrand Georgia Republican, who was once a loyal ally of Trump, has been in a public feud with the president in recent weeks over issues including foreign policy and affordability.

She has become so fed up with Washington that she announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 2026, telling Americans, I refuse to be a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better. Greene will still qualify for her pension.

In an X post Friday morning, Greene talked about empty promises.

One of the worst mistakes you can ever make is over promise and under deliver, she said. It will leave people furious to the point they wont even appreciate the good things they received. Big promises have and still are being made

open image in gallery Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has appeared to send a cryptic message to President Donald Trump, warning him about 'one of the worst mistakes' he will make ( Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images )

The Independent has reached out to a representative of Greene for comment.

Greene didnt name anyone in the post or reference any particular issue, but it comes after Trump ranted on social media about immigration.

Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday, Even as we have progressed technologically, Immigration Policy has eroded those gains and living conditions for many.

Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation. Other than that, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for  You wont be here for long! the president said.

Trumps message against immigrants, including those living in the U.S. legally, comes after two National Guard members were shot, one fatally, in Washington, D.C., allegedly by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

open image in gallery Greene's message comes after Trump called for 'reverse migration' ( Win McNamee/Getty Images )

In response to the attack, Trump ordered a "rigorous reexamination" of all Green Cards issued to immigrants from "a country of concern.

While both Trump and Greene have hardline views on immigration, they differ when it comes to H-1B visas, a legal route for highly-skilled foreign workers to live in the U.S.

Greene announced on X earlier this month that she was introducing a bill to END the mass replacement of American workers by aggressively phasing out the H1B program.

But Trump has defended the program, telling Fox News Laura Ingraham, you also do have to bring in talent, days before Greenes announcement.

When Ingraham argued that there are plenty of talented people already in the U.S., Trump said, You dont have certain talents.

open image in gallery While both Trump and Greene have hardline views on immigration, they differ when it comes to H-1B visas ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

In a statement announcing her resignation, Greene mentioned her opposing stance to Trump on H-1B visas.

Through it all, I never changed or went back on my campaign promises and only disagreed in a few areas like my stance against H1-Bs replacing American jobs, Al state moratoriums, debt for life 50 year mortgage scams, standing strongly against all involvement in foreign wars, and demanding the release of the Epstein files, the congresswoman said.

Greene was also one of the few House Republicans who initially pushed to release government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before Trump gave his party his blessing to support the effort.
RIGA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") has maintained Latvia's credit rating at "A" with a stable outlook, according to an update released on Friday.

The Finance Ministry said the stable assessment reflects the Latvian government's continued adherence to a strict fiscal policy, keeping the state budget deficit and debt under control despite a planned increase in national defence spending during 2026-2027.

According to the rating agency, Latvia's general deficit, including an increase of defence spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2026, will average 3.8 percent of GDP annually from 2026 to 2028.

The agency expects the economy to grow by 1.5 percent in real terms this year and by 2.5 percent annually in 2026-2028, driven mainly by improved absorption of European Union funds in 2026 and public investments in infrastructure, security, and defence.

While the Latvian economy has been resilient to the initial impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, S&P warned that the protracted war poses challenges to the country's medium-term growth. It also noted that Latvia's location on NATO's eastern flank means security risks will hardly decrease even after the war ends.

Latvia's credit rating has stayed at the "A" level since S&P's previous review in May 2025. 
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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.
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President Donald Trump told airlines to consider Venezuelas airspace closed, days after he vowed to take action on land very soon.

Following dozens of strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean that have killed more than 80 people since September, Trump suggested to military service members in a Thanksgiving Day phone call that the U.S. would soon take action on land.

On Saturday, he urged the clearing of the airspace near the South American country. To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY, the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social Saturday morning.

Over the weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration also warned airlines to exercise caution when flying over Venezuela due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity.

Several airlines cancelled their flights as a result of the FAAs warning.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump informed airlines to consider Venezuelas airspace closed amid escalating tensions between the two nations ( AP )

Venezuela's government criticised Mr Trump's comments, describing them as a "colonialist threat" against the South American country's sovereignty and incompatible with international law.

The U.S. president's post "represents a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act, incompatible with the principles of international law," the statement said.

It called on the international community to reject what it described as an immoral act of aggression.

Residents in Caracas called the decision unfair.

"I think it's unfair because people need to travel to work, to do business, to see their family, and us Venezuelans aren't at fault for these situations," said Manuel Romero, a cooking assistant.

Carmen Castillo, a lawyer, said she worried that many people won't be able to visit their families outside Venezuela for the holidays.

"We're confined, here in Caracas, in Venezuela. Of course it affects us," she said.

Last week, the White House was reportedly considering having U.S. military planes drop leaflets  containing details about the $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Nicolas Maduro  over Caracas, Venezuelas capital, the Washington Post reported.

For months, the U.S. government has been building up a military presence in the region to curb what Trump administration officials call narco-terrorists and has also made it clear it wants to oust Maduro.

Maduro has been in power since 2013, following the death of Hugo Chavez. The U.S. is among more than 50 countries that have refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuelas head of state, claiming he lost the 2024 presidential election. The State Department has offered rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the Venezuelan president since 2020; the Trump administration raised the reward to $50 million this year.

The U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, which Trump alleges are fueled by Maduros government. Last month, the State Department designated Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, claiming it's headed by Maduro and other high-ranking members of his illegitimate regime.

Days before the State Department designated Maduro to be the leader of a foreign terrorist organization, Trump and Maduro spoke on the phone, suggesting they meet, the New York Times reported Friday. Sources also told Axios this week that Trump is planning on speaking directly with Maduro.

open image in gallery More than 80 people have been killed as the result of U.S. strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which Hegseth defended as lawful under both U.S. and international law ( US Southern Command )

Still, Trump has ramped up threats of military action against the country.

In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many, Trump said on his Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore.

You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon. We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country, he added.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the series of strikes against alleged drug-carrying vessels in a Friday social media post.

The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization, he wrote. The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.

Hegseth insisted the strikes were lawful as legal experts, former national security officials, and members of Congress have shared their concerns over the presidents claim that he has legal authority to launch extrajudicial killings against the alleged drug traffickers.

Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflictand approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command, the defense secretary wrote.

In September, Hegseth reportedly gave a verbal order to leave no survivors behind during the first such strike. When two survivors emerged from the wreckage, a Special Operations commander overseeing the attack ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseths instructions to kill everybody, sources told The Washington Post.
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A man fought to save his girlfriend from a fatal bull shark attack only to be nearly mauled to death by the animal himself.

Swiss tourists Livia Muhlheim, 25, and Lukas Schindler, 26, were swimming at a beach north of Sydney, Australia, when tragedy unfolded.

Ms Muhlheim was filming herself swimming with dolphins when she was attacked by the 10ft shark at dawn on Thursday. Bitten multiple times, she lost an arm in the assault at Kylies Beach.

Schindler managed to swim Ms Muhlheim back to shore and called emergency services, but suffered severe bites himself. A passerby likely saved his life by applying a makeshift tourniquet to his injured leg, authorities said.

open image in gallery Livia Muhlheim was killed by a shark ( LinkedIn )

Superintendent Joshua Smyth of New South Wales Ambulance praised the passerby who used clothing to help Schindler with his injury.

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. Schindler remains in hospital in a stable condition.

According to Muhlheims LinkedIn, she was a former synchronised swimmer and worked at a Zurich based wealth and asset management firm Bellecapital. Schindlers profile states he is a security supervisor for the World Economic Forum and is currently studying a Master of Arts at the University of St. Gallen.

A forensic assessment by shark scientists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries concluded that a large bull shark was likely involved in the attack.

open image in gallery A bull shark was likely involved in the attack (file photo) ( Wikimedia Commons )

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.

Shark specialists also 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.

Kylies and neighbouring beaches were closed following the fatal incident as five SMART drumlines, baited devices that alert contractors when a shark is hooked so it can be tagged and released, were deployed.
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Georgian authorities arrested a leader of an opposition party on Saturday on suspicion of attempted arson of a government building in the nations capital, Tbilisi.

The Interior Ministry claimed Aleksandre Elisashvili had broken into the building at dawn by smashing a window with a hammer, before pouring gasoline and attempting to set the court chancellery building alight.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the ministry stated Elisashvili, a former opposition MP, was carrying a firearm and injured a court bailiff during his arrest.

It published video footage which showed a handgun lying on the ground and a smashed window.

Elisashvili, 47, is a founder of the Citizens party, which is part of the Lelo-Strong Georgia coalition, one of Georgias three main opposition groups.

Those groupings are facing a ban by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has said it will soon file a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court to outlaw their activities.

A spokesperson for Lelo said the party had no contact with Elisashvili and did not comment further.

Once among the most democratic and pro-Western of the successor states to emerge from the Soviet Union, Georgia has become increasingly authoritarian since the start of the war in Ukraine, government critics say.

Aleksandre Elisashvili has been arrested on suspicion of arson ( AFP via Getty Images )

On Friday, street protesters in Tbilisi marked 365 days of continuous demonstrations against Georgian Dream, which has jailed nearly all opposition politicians and made nightly arrests of rallygoers outside parliament since last November, when the government said it was pausing accession talks to the European Union, an abrupt reversal of a longstanding national goal.

Ties with the European Union, which Georgia aspires to join, have come under growing strain over concerns of democratic backsliding in the South Caucasus nation, with Brussels saying Tbilisi is no longer on track to become a member.

Elisashvili, who was an MP until last year, participated in a brawl in parliament during a debate in April 2024 over a bill on "foreign agents", which government critics decried as a Russian-style law aimed at quashing civil society and dissent.

Amid a heated debate over the legislation, which ultimately passed, Elisashvili punched Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of Georgian Dream's parliamentary faction and a key force behind the bill, in the face while the latter was speaking from the despatch box.
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Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraines capital, Kyiv, killed at least two people in the early hours of Saturday, local officials have confirmed.

The deadly strikes occurred just ahead of a second round of peace negotiations, as a renewed US-led diplomatic effort to end the conflict gains momentum this week.

The Kyiv City Military Administration announced on its official Telegram channel that two people had died in the attacks.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that 15 people were wounded, adding that falling debris from intercepted Russian drones had struck residential buildings. He also noted that the western districts of Kyiv had experienced power cuts.

This latest bombardment of Kyiv comes as Ukrainian peace negotiators prepare to meet their US counterparts in Washington this weekend.

This information comes from an official within Ukraines presidential administration, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

open image in gallery Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 15 people were wounded and that falling debris from intercepted Russian drones had hit residential buildings ( AP )

A US delegation is subsequently expected to travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the latter half of next week.

The renewed diplomatic push follows a 28-point proposal for ending the nearly four-year war, released last week by Donald Trump. The plan, which was seen to heavily favour Russia, prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to swiftly engage with American negotiators.

European leaders, fearing for their own future as they face Russian aggression, scrambled to steer the negotiations towards accommodating their concerns.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday that his plan to end the war had been fine-tuned and that he was sending special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to meet with Putin, and the army secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials.

He suggested he could eventually meet with Putin and Mr Zelensky, but not until further progress has been made in negotiations.

open image in gallery The latest assault on Kyiv comes as Ukrainian peace negotiators are due to meet their US counterparts in America this weekend ( AP )

On Friday Mr Zelensky announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who was also the countrys lead negotiator in the talks with the US, after Mr Yermaks home was searched by anti-corruption investigators.

The unprecedented search at the heart of Ukraines government is a blow for the Ukrainian leader that could disrupt his negotiating strategy at a time when Kyiv is under intense US pressure to sign a peace deal.

On Saturday the office of the French president Emmanuel Macron announced that Mr Zelensky will visit Mr Macron in Paris on Monday, as the Ukrainian leader finds himself in the most difficult political and military situation since Russia's invasion in 2022.

The two leaders will discuss "the conditions of a just and durable peace", following talks in Geneva and the American peace plan, the Elysee Palace said. Mr Zelensky was last in Paris on 17 November.
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Donald Trump could recognise Russias illegal annexation of Crimea and other occupied territories in an appeasement of the Kremlins key demands for a peace deal, according to a report.

The US president is said to have sent special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Moscow with the expressed intention of offering Vladimir Putin US recognition of the occupied territories in return for a peace deal.

A source told The Telegraph: Its increasingly clear the Americans dont care about the European position. They say the Europeans can do whatever they want.

Russia has refused to budge on its maximalist demands for a deal to end their war in Ukraine. On Thursday, Putin said his forces would fight on until the last Ukrainian dies, in chilling comments that underlined Moscows reluctance to engage with the peace process. Meanwhile, Europe has been making the case to Washington that Kyiv must have territorial sovereignty and security guarantees in any agreement.

Putin said on Thursday that Washingtons legal recognition of Crimea and the Donbas as Russian would be in focus when Russian officials speak with Witkoff next week.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Ukraines top negotiator, Andriy Yermak, said in his swan song interview before resigning on Friday that Zelensky would never allow Ukraine to cede land to Russia and not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory.

open image in gallery Russia is demanding territory from Ukraine it has devastated throughout the course of the nearly four-year war ( AFP/Getty )

Ukraine has been engaging in attempts to find an agreeable solution to end the war, but has repeatedly ruled out handing over what it still holds of the Donbas, its eastern industrial heartland that is coveted by Putin. Zelenskys government is bound by its constitution not to give it up.

The original 28-point plan floated by the Trump administration suggested Washington could recognise Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk as de facto Russia. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be recognised de facto Russian along frozen frontlines.

Europe was incensed by the brash offer to effectively hand away Ukraines territory and shot back with a counterproposal last week that negotiations should start from frozen lines.

Kyiv and the US worked to iron out fundamental differences over the weekend and both delegations came away hailing progress. But Russia still has to agree to terms, and remains obstinate on the issue of giving back territory it has captured since the war began in February 2022.

"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 force. That's it, Putin said on Thursday.

open image in gallery Andriy Yermak (right) said Ukraines Zelensky (left) would never give up land before he resigned on Friday amid an anti-corruption probe ( Reuters )

The Kremlin said on Friday that Moscow is working on the assumption that it is negotiating a peace plan solely with the United States.

Russia also expects to have information on the agreed points of a proposed peace plan by the time Witkoff and his delegation arrives next week, Interfax reported.

Kyiv kept up the pressure on Friday as Russias defence ministry reported having shot down 136 drones over several regions including the annexed Crimean peninsula overnight. Damage to cars, residential buildings and houses was reported by local authorities in Russias Rostov and Voronezh regions.

Russia meanwhile continue to claim gains in and around the beleaguered city of Pokrovsk. Putin said on Thursday that Russian forces were now in control of 70 per cent of the vital transport hub. On Friday, the defence ministry said Ukrainian troops had been cleared from more than 6,500 buildings in the last week as fierce fighting raged.

Moscow has been trying to take full control of Pokrovsk since mid-2024 as part of its push to take the whole of the wider Donbas industrial region.
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Vladimir Putin knows exactly how to manipulate Donald Trump and has no intention of stopping the war in Ukraine despite the US presidents calls for peace, a top former White House aide warns.

Fiona Hill, a national security adviser during Mr Trumps first administration and an expert on Russia, regularly witnessed meetings between the two men.

In an exclusive interview with The Independents podcast World of Trouble, she reveals how Putin has got Trumps number and feels able to mock the US president to his face, relying on the language barrier to cover his teasing.

Ms Hill explains that Putin uses flattery to stroke Mr Trumps ego while continuing to do as he pleases in Ukraine: It is extremely difficult to see how Putin gives this up.

His whole economy, his whole society, his whole politics, his whole preservation of self revolves around having this war go on.

open image in gallery Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August ( AFP via Getty )

Her startling insight comes as Mr Trump claims tremendous progress has been made towards peace after days of frenetic diplomatic wrangling.

Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow early next week to discuss ending the war with an amended plan to halt hostilities drawn up with European leaders and Ukraine.

Putin has already pushed back on the prospect of a deal, saying Ukraine has to relinquish swathes of territory.

In an hour-long interview, Ms Hill, an Anglo-American and now fellow at thinktank the Brookings Institution, describes how Putin knows how Mr Trump can be flattered by simply being in the presence of world leaders.

The Russian president could not resist the temptation to tease him, which translators hid from a gullible Mr Trump.

Ms Hill, a fluent Russian speaker, tells how she witnessed members of Mr Trumps team hiding their amusement when the Russian president took the mickey out of The Don.

One of the classic cases for me was in one of the last meetings that I saw between Trump and Putin, which was at the G20 in Osaka, in Japan in 2019, she says.

Putin and Trump in the conversation were doing a bit of chest beating about nuclear missiles and about whether Russia was ahead of the United States.

open image in gallery Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev, left, and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff at talks in St Petersburg, Russia, in April ( Sputnik )

And then they were also both bragging about how much they were respectively doing for Israel... Putin was basically going on about what Russia was doing. And Trump was saying, well, no, theres no way that Russia is a bigger support of Israel than I am.

And [he] was talking about all the things that hed done for Israel the [recognition of the capital] to Jerusalem, a new embassy, et cetera, et cetera.

Trump was saying they named all these things after him [in Israel] and Putin said well then Donald, maybe they should just name the country after you?

The scene then took a bizarre turn.

Ms Hill continues: I almost like died laughing cause I could see Bolton, ambassador [John] Bolton, who was still the national security advisers moustache twitch.

Theyd got the point that basically, he [Trump] was being trolled.

Ms Hill explains that Putin often made similar jokes at Mr Trumps expense but that translators glossed over the language and intent shown by the Russian president.

It may not have been necessary. Notoriously thin-skinned Mr Trump has shown, in recent meetings with allies and his own cabinet that fawning to him, no matter how insincere, works.

So it was in Osaka.

open image in gallery In an exclusive interview with The Independents podcast World of Trouble, Fiona Hill reveals how Putin has got Trumps number ( The Independent )

Ms Hill describes how Mr Trump missed the jibe and the irony behind it. He took Putins statement that the name of Israel should change at face value.

Ignoring the way that Putin said it and the body language, the way he shifted in the seat, Mr Trump replied: Oh no that would be a bit too much that would be a bit too much.

Ms Hill, who is chancellor of Durham University, was a witness during the US Congress impeachment proceedings against Mr Trump in 2019 and is on record as saying that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, which first brought Mr Trump to power.

The Russians interests are frankly to delegitimise our entire presidency... The goal of the Russians [in 2016] was really to put whoever became the president, by trying to tip their hands on one side of the scale, under a cloud, she said in 2019.

Talks about potential peace plans have intensified in recent weeks, with the original 28-point plan widely criticised as being pro-Russian.

From day one of his presidency, Mr Trump attacked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who he does not see as an equal and accused him of starting a war with Russia. He did not. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and in full measure again in 2022.

But Ms Hill does not believe rumours and innuendo that suggest Mr Trump has been backing Russia against Ukraine because the US president is vulnerable to Russian blackmail.

She dismisses theories that Mr Trump, a multiple felon who has been found guilty in the US of sexual assault, could be blackmailed at all. Hes an open book  weve all got something on Trump!

After a lifetime of study of Russia and working with Mr Trump she has come to a more sinister conclusion about what gives Putin his edge and influence. She believes Mr Trump likes Putin because he sees the authoritarian Russian leader as an equal. And their relationship brings the US president prestige.

open image in gallery Trump shakes hand with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August ( Reuters )

It is a man crush. Its because Putins the badass. Hes what Trump would like to be, she says. Trump looks at people who are frankly in charge of everything, who have the kind of, basically, the bling. You know, theyre emblazoned in gold. And thats what he wants to be. And he believes that he is elevated in everybodys minds, by their association, by being in their company.

And thats what Putins got on him. Putins got his number. Putin realises he is a man with a very fragile ego, and that its somebody that can be manipulated in that way.

Trump himself is wanting to be recognised by absolutely everybody who matters.

And he only gets that he has the approval of people like President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia, the royal families of here, there and everywhere. For Trump, thats what really matters, thats the coin of the realm for him.
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A former US ambassador has urged Donald Trump to learn the lessons of history and not force through a bad Ukraine peace deal for the sake of it.

The US president is trying to get both Kyiv and Moscow to agree an end to the war and presented Ukraine with a 28-point plan after discussing it with Russia. Subsequent talks in Geneva have resulted in an alternate 19-point framework that Ukraine largely supports  but it remains to be seen whether the Kremlin is still on board.

Ukraines allies in Europe have expressed concern that Trump could force Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a bad peace deal in his rush to get any kind of agreement signed. Trump had initially given Ukraine until Thanksgiving to back his plan, before rowing back from the strict deadline.

Speaking at a briefing hosted by the US think-tank the Atlantic Council, experts monitoring the negotiations cautioned that a bad deal for Ukraine was also a strategic defeat for the free world.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin speak after delivering a joint press conference following a US-Russia summit in Anchorage, Alaska ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

While very different circumstances, some have drawn comparisons between Trumps eagerness to end US involvement in the Ukraine conflict with the rush to withdraw Nato forces from Afghanistan.

In February 2020, Trump signed a deal following protracted negotiations with the Taliban in Doha that he said would bring peace to that country under a democratic government.

Instead, after the subsequent Biden administration followed through with the deal and Nato forces were pulled out, the Talibans jihadist forces stormed the country and the former Nato-backed government collapsed in a matter of weeks.

The international community still does not recognise the legitimacy of the Taliban regime now installed in Kabul.

Daniel Fried, the former US ambassador to Poland who helped lead the Wests response to Moscows aggression against Ukraine after 2014s illegal annexation of Crimea, said the conflict in Europe and the Afghanistan war are not alike  but lessons can and should be learned.

open image in gallery US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban group's top political leader shack hands after signing a peace agreement between Taliban and US officials in Doha, Qatar in 2020 ( AP )

A bad framework, such as the happily-overtaken 28 points, could presage a strategic defeat for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the free world generally, he told The Independent. We seem to be past that point, perhaps because some within the administration recognised that failure in Ukraine could indeed become Trumps Big Defeat.

The lesson to be learned? Dont sign on to bad deals for the sake of signing something, he said.

Trump has been criticised for trying to push Ukraine into giving up territory to Russian aggression, but the fact is that any deal to end the war will likely require difficult compromises, says Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Councils Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

He says that with Russia occupying around 20 per cent of all Ukrainian territory, the ship of a just peace in the war has long since sailed.

Even in the bad 28-point plan that Russia appeared to back, Mr Kroenig says, there were elements that the negotiating teams can work with.

It was good that it said Ukraine should maintain sovereignty, good that it permitted EU membership, good that it permitted American security guarantees, which is really the most important part of the Nato guarantee, he said in the briefing.

open image in gallery Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, US secretary of the army Daniel Driscoll face the Ukrainian delegation at the US Mission in Geneva ( AFP via Getty Images )

He said the most important goal at this stage was to avoid a scenario that allows Putin to turn Ukraine into a puppet state. Thats critical, he says, because Putin doesn't respect European military power.

The Nato guarantee is good because it's an American guarantee. And a bilateral US defence treaty with its allies in the Indo-Pacific works just fine. Those are the kind of elements we would need in any deal, the former official from the Department of Defence and intelligence community from the Bush, Obama and previous Trump administration said.

Myroslava Gongadze, a journalist and foreign policy expert who is currently in Ukraine, said that while we dont know exactly what is in the new 19-point plan, there are two major bones of contention for Zelensky.

The American side is very concerned about possible leaks of that 19-point plan. So far we don't really have a clear understanding of what these 19 points look like. What I can say it's that the question of territorial guarantees and question of Nato membership is left to a Zelensky decision, the non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council said.

The Ukrainian side has alluded to these points when it says it largely supports the US framework, but that some issues must be discussed at the level of a leaders summit.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and other European leaders speak during the Coalition of the Willing Summit at The Elysee presidential Palace in Paris ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The changes made between the 28-point plan and the 19-point plan were all geared towards preventing a future Russian re-invasion, she says.

The point of this exercise [the Geneva talks] was not exactly to make an agreement but to throw out that 28-point plan, she says.

Fried says there is still hope that these negotiations can lead to a better deal for Ukraine and Europe. Things are swirling, things are moving fast, but the possibility of a decent outcome is there. It's a narrow, steep, and rough path, but that path does exist, he said.

The bad news is the Russians will not negotiate anything decent without being pressured. And it's still not clear whether the Trump administration is going to pressure the Russians sufficiently to get past Putin's predictable and (Sergei) Lavrov's predictable blocking, but they might, the ambassador said.

[We] don't know where we will end up, he added. Things are in motion. Stay tuned.
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The presidential palace in Kyiv is roiling. Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned as his office and home were raided by anti-corruption police and detectives on the trail of a 100m fraud.

The racket, which has already claimed the political heads of two ministers and sent a former business partner and close friend of Zelensky into exile and on the run outside the war-torn nation, is a strategic blow.

It proves, as if it were needed, how wide and deep and how cynical corruption goes. The missing funds were allegedly creamed off by Zelenskys cronies from contacts to fix and defend the Ukrainian energy sector, which has been under sustained Russian attacks for more than two years.

It comes as winter takes its icy grip on the country. It comes as people may be forced out of Ukraine not by war, but by cold, and it comes as Russia has made small gains on the eastern front.

open image in gallery Andriy Yermak, left, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio talk to the press as their consultations continue earlier this week ( Keystone/Martial Trezzini )

Zelenskys administration has been under attack by Russian trolls as illegitimate and corrupt. The Ukrainian president won landslide elections, and so did his party, so the former is an outright lie.

The latter issue cannot be argued. Money for war has been stolen by a group of powerful people. Their actions may have already resulted in Ukrainian deaths. Theyd be lucky to get off a treason rap.

But they have been arrested. They are or will be charged, and tried, sentenced and subjected to the full force of public law in Ukraine and were caught by a body specifically set up after Russias 2014 invasion to go after crooks in the system.

In short, the imperfect system appears to have worked. Ukraines government is functioning as it should.

Which is more than one can say for Russia where this kind of operation would only be possible if Putin had ordered it. Zelensky has no legal say over the anti-corruption police.

This is a very bad moment for Zelensky and for Ukraine. The departure of Yermak, who has taken the lead in most of the recent negotiations to get a ceasefire or even a peace deal, is a disaster for him.

Given that so many of the characters in the sordid drama of Operation Midas, as the probe is codenamed, are very close to Zelensky will imperil his standing at home and his status abroad.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky and head of presidential office Andriy Yermak walk, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in January ( Reuters )

Yermaks departure will warm the coldest hearts in the Kremlin. In Washington the strongly pro-Putin administration of Donald Trump will be certain to join Moscows efforts to undermine the legitimacy of Ukraines president.

Trump has, just like Putin, repeatedly demanded that Zelensky must seek re-election even though he is a wartime leader and no election can be legally held until peace has been achieved. Trump has demanded that he cede territory to Russia  he cannot do that legally either.

Putin meanwhile, says Zelenskys government is illegal. It isnt by any definition and this is a lie but its one that will suit the White Houses pro-Kremlin staff and their supreme leader.

But, as every Ukrainian will say, Zelensky is not Ukraine and Ukraine is not Zelensky. If he left office another leader would emerge  technically the speaker in the parliament is next in line.

Zelensky has been a great ambassador but theres no blind personality cult in Ukraine around him. Ukrainians have always been nonplussed by the fascination the outside world holds for their wartime leader.

Ukraine, unlike Russia, is not a one-man state. But that fascination can, and will, be weaponised against Kyiv.

Theres now blood in Ukraines water and the Kremlin can smell it.
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Soldiers fighting on Ukraines front lines see no change on the battlefield while peace talks continue back and forth between Kyiv, the Kremlin and the US, a Ukrainian filmmaker has said.

Mstyslav Chernov, the Academy Award-winning director of 20 Days in Mariupol, gave The Independent an insight into morale on the frontline after the limited release of his latest documentary, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, put him straight on the battlefield with Ukraines armed forces.

It comes as Ukrainian officials continue to negotiate peace terms after the US president Donald Trump put forward a deal to end the war which critics have described as being pro-Russian.

While US officials reopened dialogue with the Kremlin in February, Mr Chernov explained that global diplomacy has meant very little to those fighting for their life and homeland.

open image in gallery Chernov won an Oscar for his documentary 20 Days in Mariupol ( Jeff Vespa )

All these conversations, they don't get to the front line, to be clear, he says. There's very little interest [in] all of the political and geopolitical conversations that are happening around the world. There's very little trust in words. None of the words that were spoken since February 2025, all the big words, none of [them] have translated into actions that actually changed something on the battlefield. So there is a lot of scepticism around it.

He continues: What the soldiers see is if they're right now still fighting, they're going to get killed. It's very simple. You have an enemy. We have someone who's attacking you, and if you put your gun down, you're dead.

Mr Chernov himself remains sceptical that the Russian president Vladimir Putin will accept peace terms, as he observes the waning support for Ukraine from the Trump administration: I just don't see Russia, which is currently in a position that they feel that they are winning on the battlefield, agreeing to any peace terms.

open image in gallery All eyes were on Andriivka in 2023 as Ukraine launched a mission to recapture the village from Russian forces ( Mstyslav Chernov )

They're bigger than Ukraine, and they see that the US is not supporting Ukraine. And so, we're not supporting Ukraine enough  they feel emboldened. Because of that, they will never stop, because why would they? They are profiting from this war. And their population is profiting from this war.

Mr Chernovs latest documentary recorded Ukraines perilous attempts to recapture the village of Andriivka from Russian forces in 2023, weaving together original footage and intense army bodycam video of a battle in a barren wasteland. Mr Trumps latest peace deal would involve Ukraine ceding Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk to Russia. Mr Chernov reflected on Russias attempts to claim more territory  and on Mariupol, where his first Oscar-winning documentary was set.

He says: We think a lot about what is happening to occupied territories right now as Russia demands to occupy more and more cities. They demand that Ukraine should surrender Sloviansk and Kupiansk and Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk [...] In order to even start thinking about it. We should remember what happened to Mariupols people, what happened to Izium, what happened to Kherson. What happened is thousands of children were taken away and re-educated and right now are being taught how to fight against Ukraine.

open image in gallery Army bodycam footage was used in the making of 2000 Meters to Andriivka ( AP )

Mr Chernovs reflections come two weeks after Ukraines government revealed that Russia has forcibly mobilised more than 46,000 people from the occupied territories to fight against their fellow countrymen.

What we'll see in those occupied territories is what any colonial empire does, he adds. They occupy their outskirts. They enslave, they torture, they suppress people in the country they invaded, and they send them to fight for it. It's a perpetual imperialistic motion that we know was always happening for Russia.

He issued a stark warning about what might happen if Ukraine were forced to cede further territory, echoing what happened during the illegal occupation of Bucha for close to a month in the early stages of Russias full-scale invasion. Ukrainian officials reported that 458 bodies were recovered after the town was liberated, including nine children under the age of 18.

Give away another city, and there will be more of them. And there will be more tortures, there will be more forests with unmarked graves like the one in Izium, of people who have been killed by occupation. There will be more Buchas. Sloviansk is a very pro-Ukrainian city. If they just get in there without a fight, if they suddenly occupy it, we'll have Bucha again but on a bigger scale.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The two leaders discussed the possibility of an in-person meeting, though no arrangements have been made, according to the report. The report also noted that both the White House and the Venezuelan government declined to comment on the call.

The phone call, which involved U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, came days before a State Department designation came into effect. The designation labeled Maduro as the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, a foreign terrorist organization designated by the Trump administration, said the newspaper.

Two individuals close to the Venezuelan government also confirmed that a direct call between the two leaders had taken place, it added.

In his Thanksgiving remarks to U.S. troops on Thursday night, Trump suggested that the United States could "very soon" take action by land against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

"It's about 85 percent stopped by sea ... and we'll be starting to stop them by land," Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago estate. "Also, the land is easier, but that's going to start very soon."

Since early September, the Pentagon has carried out more than 20 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and East Pacific, killing more than 80 people abroad.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, a major aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean last week, intensifying U.S. military presence in the region that has not been seen for at least three decades.

Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, accusing the United States of "fabricating" a pretext for a war aimed at regime change in Venezuela. 
Close We are Russias next target warns Nato chief

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Europe should prepare for a war like our grandparents endured and rapidly boost defence spending to deter the threat of Russia, Natos secretary general has warned.

Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Mark Rutte said that Europe needed to be crystal clear that we are Russias next target - and that Nato is already in harms way.

I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many dont feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now, he said.

Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.

His comments come after Donald Trump says he exchanged "pretty strong words" with European leaders on a call discussing his proposal to end the Ukraine war.

Trump also said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has to be realistic about his countrys position on a peace plan, and said the US will make a determination depending on what they come back with.
Vladimir Putin knows exactly how to get Donald Trump on side, a former White House adviser who observed meetings between the pair has said.

In an hour-long interview, Fiona Hill told world affairs editor Sam Kiley how the Russian president is in tune with how his American counterpart can be flattered just by being around world leaders.

The fluent Russian speaker also recalled the moment Putin could not resist the temptation to tease Trump, which translators hid from the US president.

Listen and watch The Independents World of Trouble podcast in full above.
Two Russian sea tankers exploded into fireballs after they were hit by a coordinated Ukraine drone attack in the Black Sea.

The coordinated attacks are believed to have been carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and Ukraines navy on Friday (28 November), according to an official.

A streak of orange flames and black, billowing smoke can be seen coming from the ship after the strike.

Turkiye's rescue units rescued all 20 staff of the Kairos tanker ship, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs announced on US social media platform X.

The directorate said the empty Kairos tanker, en route to the port of Novoroski, Russia, caught fire due to an external factor 28 miles (45 kilometers) off Turkiye's coast.

Separately, the directorate said a tanker, named Virat, was reported to have been hit approximately 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea.
Actor Kate Gilmore: Im always jealous of my friends who have gone into normal jobs, who can get mortgages and go on holidays

Unlike many actors, Kate Gilmore never felt the need to have a back-up plan. Here, she talks about going on The Voice of Ireland at 18, working as a tour guide between roles and how Irish theatre has changed in the decade since Waking the Feminists

Kate Gilmore pictured at the Abbey Theatre. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Kirsty Blake Knox Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

Actor Kate Gilmore sinks her face into her hands in mock-shame. Oh, God, Lord above, she says. Now, thats something I would maybe go back and tell myself not to do. We are talking about her appearance on The Voice of Ireland back in 2012 when she was 18 years old.
Citywest riots were not led by far right but criminals are attracted to such groups, senior garda says

Special Detective Unit monitoring around 10 disparate far-right groups There is an attraction for people with criminal background to get involved

SDU boss Brian Woods chats to Ken Foy about CityWest riots

Ken Foy Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

The violent disorder that broke out last month at Citywest and the Dublin riots two years ago were not primarily driven by far-right elements, according to a senior garda.
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
They feared their little boy was going to die  Child (8) waits nearly two hours for ambulance after suffering horrific injury
American families on moving to Ireland: Being able to send the kids to school and know they will be safe is such a gift

Amid increasing concerns over gun violence, trans rights and the re-election of Donald Trump, the number of Americans moving to Ireland increased last year by 96pc to 9,600. We speak to some of them about why they left and deciding to make Ireland their new home

American families on moving to Ireland: Being able to send the kids to school and know they will be safe is such a gift

Kirsty Blake Knox Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

Ambrielle Ensell and her family started visiting Ireland in 2017. Ambrielle, who grew up in Washington State, found a holiday home in Co Laois while searching online, and booked it. From the moment they arrived in the country, they felt a sense of connection.
Kildare woman with painful bladder condition calls for toilet access law reform  Your dignity is taken away

No Wait Cards are issued to people with chronic and invisible illnesses that need access to a toilet because of their condition. However, as the card has no legal standing in Ireland, shops and businesses can still refuse someone access

Kildare South TD Mark Wall and campaigner Maria Crowe holding the proposed Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2025

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

Four years ago, Maria Crowes life changed forever when she was diagnosed with a painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis.
A clip of Israeli forces fatally shooting two Palestinian men emerges as settler violence also reaches new heights

Israeli soldiers detain two Palestinians during an operation in Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

In the short clip, first broadcast on Egyptian television, two Palestinian men, apparently unarmed, emerge from a partially destroyed building with their hands above their heads. Several officers order them to lie down.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. private space company SpaceX launched a new rideshare mission to space on Friday.

The mission, codenamed Transporter-15, lifted off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:44 a.m. Pacific Time (1844 GMT) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the U.S. state of California, according to SpaceX.

Following stage separation, the booster's first stage landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 30th flight for the first stage booster, it said.

On board the mission were 140 payloads, including cubesats, microsats, hosted payloads, and orbital transfer vehicles carrying 13 of those payloads to be deployed at a later time, said the company.

All payloads were destined for sun-synchronous orbit, it added.

SpaceX said on X that its rideshare program has now delivered over 1,400 payloads to orbit, through dedicated rideshare missions and other shared-launch opportunities. 
John Cushnahan: Loyalist terrorists tried to kill me because of Alliance Partys stance on Anglo-Irish Agreement

Forty years on, the truth of the Troubles and the lengths extremists went to target our party members must be told

Margaret Thatcher and Garret FitzGerald after signing the Anglo-Irish Agreement at Hillsborough Castle. Photo: Pacemaker

John Cushnahan Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

I recently attended a conference in Belfast to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985.
In his novel No Country for Old Men, Cormac McCarthy writes: You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.

A beleaguered Volodymyr Zelensky is unlikely to find solace in the words. The loss of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, over a burgeoning corruption scandal at a critical time in talks about ending the war must leave him feeling star-crossed.
Glencurran Cave in the Burren, County Clare, where the earliest directly dated wildcat (Felis silvestris) ever found in Ireland was discovered. Photo: Ken Williams

Archaeological excavations in County Clare led to the uncovering of Irelands first known wildcat from 5,500 years ago.

The bones, uncovered during archaeological excavations in Glencurran Cave in the Burren, County Clare, date to around 3600 BC (Neolithic).

This is the earliest directly dated wildcat (Felis silvestris) ever found in Ireland and it confirms the species lived on the island more than 5,500 years ago.

The discovery, by Dr Marion Dowd, an archaeologist at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), marks a breakthrough in understanding Irelands prehistoric wildlife and ecology.

Until now, no prehistoric cat remains in Ireland had been radiocarbon dated, leaving long-standing uncertainty over whether early finds represented wildcats or later domestic intrusions.

The research, published in the Journal of Irish Archaeology, also formed part of a major international study published in Science, which analysed ancient cat DNA across Europe.

During excavations, 39 bones belonging to an adult wildcat were discovered deep within Glencurran Cave. There were no cut marks or evidence of human interference, indicating the animal died naturally inside the cave.

39 bones belonging to an adult male wildcat were discovered deep within Glencurran Cave. Photo: Ken Williams

The bones were identified by zooarchaeologist Margaret McCarthy. Radiocarbon dating carried out at Queens University Belfast confirmed the remains were over 5,500 years old. Ancient DNA sequencing by Prof Claudio Ottoni and his team at the University of Rome Tor Vergata further verified the animal as a European wildcat, distinct from both modern domestic cats (Felis catus) and Near Eastern wildcats (F. lybica lybica).

The DNA also showed that the Glencurran wildcat was a male and belonged to an ancient European lineage, closely related to wildcats from Italy and Spain, rather than the modern Scottish population.

ATU's Dr Dowd said: This is the first time we can say with certainty that European wildcats lived in prehistoric Ireland. It transforms what we thought we knew about Irelands ancient wildlife.

Glencurran Cave in the Burren, County Clare, where the earliest directly dated wildcat (Felis silvestris) ever found in Ireland was discovered. Photo: Ken Williams

For decades, small numbers of cat bones were found on prehistoric sites, including the Mesolithic site of Lough Boora, Co. Offaly and the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange, Co. Meath, but without radiocarbon dating, it was impossible to confirm their age or species.

"This discovery finally gives us solid evidence that wildcats were here in the Neolithic. The ancient DNA results were especially exciting. To see this Irish wildcat grouping with animals from southern Europe tells us it belonged to a much older, wilder lineage than our domestic cats today," Dr Dowd added.

The findings raise new questions - were wildcats introduced by early hunter-gatherers during the Mesolithic period, or did they arrive thousands of years later with Neolithic farmers? How long did they survive in Ireland before extinction? And why are so few prehistoric cats remains known?

Dr Dowd explained: We simply dont know when wildcats arrived in Ireland or when they vanished. Medieval writers mention wildcats in the Irish landscape, but these may have been feral domestic cats. Confusion is also common with the pine marten-known in Irish as cat crainn, or cat of the trees".

European wildcat (Felis silvestris) by Luc Viatour, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0

"This find makes clear that we need to radiocarbon-date and analyse other cat bones from prehistoric sites across Ireland. Without radiocarbon dating and aDNA analyses, we cannot separate true prehistoric wildcats from later domestic cats".

Wildcat was once widespread across Europe but declined sharply from the 1700s due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic cats. As the domestic cat population grew, wildcat numbers plummeted. Wildcats prefer forest habitats and avoid humans, living mostly solitary, nocturnal lives. Although similar in size and appearance to domestic cats, they are a different species.

Further analyses of cat remains from other sites may ultimately reveal how wildcats reached Ireland, how they lived, and when and why they vanished from the Irish landscape.
Courts

Cork woman who signed false GAA cheques worth almost 28,000 to escape conviction

A Millstreet woman, who admitted to writing herself 54 cheques amounting to almost 28,000 while acting as juvenile secretary of a GAA club, will escape conviction if she abides by the terms of a probation bond over the coming year.
Kerry County Council bosses and councillors at the Excellence in Local Government awards night

Kerry County Council has received two local government awards for its work in Irish culture and urban revival.

The councils Blas Beo initiative took home the Celebrating Irish Language & Culture Award, while the Island of Geese regeneration project received the Urban Revival Award.

The Excellence in Local Government Awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland in partnership with the housing department, recognises innovation, leadership, and best practice across Irelands local authorities, with over 98 projects shortlisted nationwide.

The ceremony was held on November 27 and marked the 22nd year that awards have been running.

Blas Beo was developed at the cultural hub of Teach Siamsa, Finuge, and is a community-led programme that celebrates and strengthens the Irish language across North Kerry.

Adult learners keen to get speaking as Gaeilge took part in the Irish language scheme over a number of weeks earlier this year and received special certificates of participation.

The course was met with great enthusiasm by its participants and proved to be a tremendous success in improving the speaking ability of students.

The other winning project, the Island of Geese New Urban Quarter initiative, transformed the former brownfield site of the Old Denny Factory into the Island of Geese urban quarter in the centre of Tralee.

Guided by the towns masterplan, the project marks a significant step in Tralees regeneration.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley, paid tribute to the staff and management of Kerry County Council on securing two awards

He said they reflect the dedication and collaborative spirit of Council staff, partners, and local communities who continue to drive innovative projects across Kerry.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Sean Kelly MEP has warned there can be no decision on Ukraine without Ukraine and without Europes input and agreement.

The Ireland South MEP made the comments during a recent address to the Parliament in Strasbourg in a debate on the US plan to end the Russian war against Ukraine.

There is mounting concern among European Union member states that the US proposal  28 point plan  will result in the Trump administration pushing for an agreement that heavily favours Russia over Ukraine.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Appeasing bullies won't stop wars, said Mr Kelly, a member of the Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Yes, we need a plan to end this war, to end the destruction and the violence. But how we bring that about matters. This is not a surrender: there can be no decisions made without Ukraine and without Europe. Russia does not get to dictate the future security of Ukraine or of Europe.

Mr Kelly added that a fundamental principle is that borders cannot be changed by force. He said this remains paramount and under no ceasefire agreement should the front lines be frozen where they currently are.

He stated that creating peace by granting Russia all its demands is not the way we do business in Europe.

To do so would only encourage other authoritarian regimes to attack neighbouring countries in the sure knowledge that, for the sake of peace, they'd be given more land. And this would lead to more wars in due course, he said.

"We need a real peace plan, not a capitulation plan. Slava Ukraini!, Mr Kelly concluded.
Three Kerry TDs have given firm support for the allocation of 99.1m to the horse racing and greyhound racing industries in Ireland for 2026 during a recent Dail debate.

The money will be distributed in accordance with section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, with 80 per cent (79.3 million) going to Horse Racing Ireland, and 20 per cent (19.8 million) going to RCE.

Its estimated the Irish thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact of 2.46 billion, with racing and breeding attracting in excess of 550 million in foreign direct investment each year.

In terms of greyhound racing, the government stated it is satisfied that RCE remains fully committed to upholding the highest standards of greyhound racing welfare and integrity, with almost 2,500 inspections carried out in the past year. Moreover, 10 per cent of public funding is to be used to support welfare and safety in the greyhound industry.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae said on Friday and Saturday nights at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee, greyhounds are brought there and cared for after racing, highlighting the loving nature of the people who own them.

There are many people, including maybe some in this Chamber, who think this funding should not be made available. I remind them that people love their greyhounds, Minister Healy-Rae said.

There are people inside here [Chamber] who have no regard whatsoever for rural pursuits like that. They do not appreciate, for example, that track in Tralee and the way funds are raised there every week. It could be for our local hospital for cancer care or it could be for local schools, he said.

Fianna Fail Deputy Michael Cahill said he strongly supported the horse and greyhound racing industry citing the great meetings in Killarney and Listowel.

This provides a massive contribution to the local economy in Kerry and creates employment and enjoyment, said Deputy Cahill.

We have the best horse trainers, jockeys, greyhound owners and trainers, and supporters. There is no better place to go than a night at the dogs in Tralee. Equally, there is no better place to go than the September meeting in Listowel. A lot of people build a week's holidays around that particular week, Deputy Cahill added.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae said people must appreciate the level of money the horse racing industry brings to towns like Killarney and Listowel.

A huge amount of people come from all over Ireland and spend their money in Listowel and the local towns because they cannot all stay in Listowel for the week, he said.

We have to be honest and appreciate the colour and the fashion that the ladies bring to places like the Listowel races and Killarney races People with greyhounds are out in the morning, late in the evening, walking and exercising the dogs and exercising themselves, and they are a vital part of our community, he added.
Cllr Marie Casserly has sought permission for staff of Cliffoney National School staff be granted temporary permission to use the car park adjacent to the school, located on the old Health Centre site

The long-term future of the Cliffoney Health Care Centre site was raised by Cllr Marie Casserly at the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

She also requested that Cliffoney National School staff be granted temporary permission to use the car park adjacent to the school, located on the old health centre site.

The school sits directly on the N15 national primary route, where there is limited safe parking and no pedestrian crossing. Increased enrolment in recent years has further exacerbated traffic congestion and safety concerns for pupils, parents and staff.

Cllr Casserly highlighted that the school is landlocked on a busy national primary road, and that the former Health Centre site may represent a viable option for a future school extension should the HSE consider leasing or selling the property to the Department of Education.

In reply to the questions raised Cllr Casserly was informed that Primary Care Services confirmed in November 2024 that the Cliffoney Health Centre was surplus to requirements, following the relocation of all services to the recently completed Primary Care Centre in Grange.

In accordance with the HSE Property Protocol and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Circular 11/15 (Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets), the property was listed as surplus on the Office of Public Works Property Mapping Register Viewer on November 14, 2024. The building was made available for acquisition by other State bodies, including the Local Authority, but no State entity expressed interest.

The HSE subsequently progressed toward disposal of the property on the open market in line with Circular 17/16 (Policy for Property Acquisition and Disposal of Surplus Property) and the HSE Property Protocol. During this process, title-related issues arose, resulting in the suspension of the sale.

The HSE has advised that it is currently reviewing the long-term future of the site. Upon completion of this review, the HSE will engage with relevant external stakeholders to communicate the outcome.

Cllr Casserly has requested to be kept updated on the review process and has emphasised the importance of continued engagement between all stakeholders, including the HSE, the Department of Education, local authorities and the school community.

She stated that ongoing cooperation is essential to secure a positive outcome for the people of Cliffoney and to ensure the long-term safety and wellbeing of students and families in the village.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Wexford based sensory friendly fashion brand Sully & Juno had a successful outing at the Gradaim Gno na hEireann, a national awards scheme which recognises businesses that use Gaeilge in a meaningful and practical way with their customers.

The Wexford business managed to take home gold in all three categories in which they were nominated.

Having achieved bronze for Comharthaiocht and silver for both Margaiocht agus Brandail and Seirbhis i nGaeilge, one year later they made it a clean sweep of gold across the board.

Gaeilge has always been part of who we are but this year we made a conscious decision to elevate it and to weave it through everything we do, Sully & Juno co-founder Gillian de Faoite said. We refreshed our signage, changed how we welcome people into the shop, expanded our Gaeilge collection and created simple and friendly ways for customers and staff to enjoy the language together.

"To receive Gold in all three categories is something we are so proud of. It shows that when you honour Gaeilge, your community comes with you.

Sully & Junos Gaeilge collection are some of their best loved designs, bearing cheerful messages such as Biodh La Iontach (have a wonderful day), Tog go bog e (take it easy) and Na bac leo (dont mind them), in addition to their modern take on the Fainne ring traditionally worn by fluent speakers, the Liofa jumper.

Sully & Juno founders Gillian de Faoite and Nina Shelton.

This year I really embraced Gaeilge, the other founder Nina Shelton said. I have been learning new phrases and using them as often as I can.

"Gill has been so supportive and encouraging and it has made the whole experience really enjoyable. Seeing customers join in with such enthusiasm has strengthened our belief that Gaeilge belongs in everyday life and in the heart of our brand.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD at the official opening of Tobair Cormaic in Tagoat on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Tobair Cormaic in Tagoat on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Cllr Ger Carthy pictured with local residents Patricia Boyne, Coleen Flood, Marian Flood and Billy O'Reilly at the official opening of Tobair Cormaic in Tagoat on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

The first design-build housing scheme in Co Wexford has been officially opened by Housing Minister James Browne TD. Designed completely in-house by Wexford County Councils (WCC) architects, the 18-unit scheme in Tagoat was first proposed in 2019 but was thereafter delayed due to the presence of Japanese knotweed at the site.

However, all that was forgotten as Minister Browne visited his home county to cut the ribbon on Tobair Cormaic which was built by Enniscorthy company Kevin Thorpe Contractors.

Its fantastic to see these homes completed and residents moving in, I was here when they were being built and you could see the quality of craftsmanship that was going into them at the time, and you can see the result of that work today, said Minister Browne.

This is what its all about, providing homes for people to live safely and securely; this is now their community and they will go on to develop long-lasting relationships with their new neighbours.

Referencing the methodology used in delivering the houses, the Minister said the team at WCC was setting the standards for the rest of the country.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Tobair Cormaic in Tagoat on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

This scheme is an exemplar for the whole country on what we can produce  homes delivered at speed but with quality. And because theyre A-rated the residents dont have to worry about spending large amounts on keeping their homes warm, WCC is stepping up to the mark in delivering housing, if every county across the country was delivering at the same pace wed be challenging the housing crisis.

While Minister Browne was very complimentary of the team at WCC, including director of housing Carolyne Godkin and county architect Shay Howell, the chief executive said no-one within the organisation would be resting on their laurels as they sought to tackle the housing crisis.

We are committed to maximising our delivery here in Co Wexford and the targets set under Housing For All we see as the minimal number we can achieve, said Eddie Taaffe. Our target from 2022-26 was to build 1150 social houses between ourselves and the approved housing bodies, and were confident of delivering 1500 houses in that period, which would be 30 pc over our target.

"We look forward to delivering a similar number over the next five years and, in addition, we will continue to increase our supply of affordable housing; we hope to have a lot more of those schemes throughout the county available for purchase in the coming years, we will have more announcements to that end in the near future, particularly in the Gorey area.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD at the official opening of Tobair Cormaic in Tagoat on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

Cathaoirleach of WCC, Councillor Joe Sullivan praised the commitment of the members of the Rosslare Municipal District for their work in getting the project over the line, and said the overall landscape for housing had changed considerably during his time as a public representative.

When I first became a councillor in 2014 there was nothing being built, but now were delivering housing projects all over the county on a regular basis. This is a great day for the Rosslare district.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Formula 1s return to Lusail this weekend has brought its usual mix of high-speed heroics, but behind the spectacle sits a growing concern: tyres are taking a beating.

Pirelli is closely monitoring unexpected and significant tread damage after sharp gravel was dragged onto the racing line during Fridays running  debris that has already carved deep cuts into multiple sets.

With a Sprint and a full Grand Prix still ahead, the sports exclusive tyre supplier is keeping a watchful eye on what could become a defining safety story of the weekend.

Deep cuts spark immediate scrutiny

Pirelli chief engineer Simone Berra revealed on Friday that the damage was widespread and worrying in its depth.

"We had several cuts on the treads, all the corners [of the cars] affected," Berra explained. "This is mainly due to the gravel traps we have here.

The circuit added also three or four strips compared with last year and obviously the drivers, when they are pushing to the limit, they are bringing some gravel onto the race line and we have seen some quite deep gravel cuts."

Those cuts, Berra noted, reached perilously close to the tyres core.

"I've seen a couple of cuts that were quite deep, so they reached the construction, he said. They didn't cut any cords luckily, but obviously if you expose the construction and you pass continuously on this gravel then you can risk having a puncture."

Qualifying sessions, he insisted, are naturally the biggest risk zone.

"So in qualifying, sprint qualifying sessions, drivers are going through the limit much more than during the sprint and the race.

They stay a bit more on track during races, so it could be less of a concern during the sprint and Sunday during the race. But obviously, we want to keep our eyes open also on this matter."

Tyre life limits and potential interventions

The challenge comes on top of a pre-existing constraint: Pirelli has already capped each tyre set at 25 laps after last years high wear figures. With Lusails punishing high-speed bends generating enormous lateral forces, every additional risk factor matters.

Still, Berra stressed that the situation, while serious, has not yet reached crisis level.

"At the moment we are not, lets say, concerned," he said. "But obviously we need to take into account any possible implications during the sprint and during the race if the situation can create some issues on the tyre, or some punctures potentially."

If the gravel issue worsens, the FIA stands ready to step in  and Berra made it clear that race control wont hesitate to act.

"Obviously the FIA also will monitor the situation in terms of gravel on track, and they can possibly use a red flag or a Safety Car to clean the track," he concluded.

As the competitive storylines unfold  from Piastri on pole to Verstappen wrestling a reluctant Red Bull  the unseen battle beneath the cars could prove just as influential.

With deep gravel cuts already testing the limits of tyre durability, Pirelli and the FIA will be watching every lap with heightened vigilance.

Qatar Grand Prix - Sprint Qualifying results

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Wicklow passengers travelling on the Connolly to Rosslare train line are often left standing in the space between carriages.

A Wicklow Wexford TD has hit out at the continued overcrowding of trains in the region after receiving some correspondence from the Department of Transport that lacked any definitive resolution.

There have been long-running issues with capacity and infrequency of services on the Dublin to Rosslare train line, which stops in Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole, Wicklow town, Rathdrum and Arklow.

Having informed Transport Minister Darragh O Brien how north and southbound trains are regularly full, with commuters often left standing for the full journey, Minister of State Christopher O Sullivan came back to Deputy Malcom Byrne with a reply from both the Department and the National Transport Authority, (NTA) which he circulated in the Dail recently.

In relation to overcrowding currently being experienced on the Rosslare line, Iarnrod Eireann is operating all available fleet at the busiest times to meet record demand it is experiencing on all routes. As a result, there is currently no additional fleet available to further increase capacity on the Gorey-Wicklow to Dublin commuter services., the correspondence reads.

There is potential to examine the deployment of new rail fleet as it becomes available, including fleet released as a result of the entry into service of the new DART+ fleet. Iarnrod Eireann will keep options for future fleet deployment under review subject to NTA approval.

The correspondence also explains how Iarnrod Eireann is continuing work to extend the Dart line towards Wicklow town.

The NTA greater Dublin area transport strategy 2022-2042 adopted in 2023 included a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. Extending the Dart to Wicklow is also supported in the all-island strategic rail review published in July last year. This extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric carriages which arrived in Ireland in late 2024 and are currently undergoing testing.

The new battery-electric carriages will first be deployed on the busy northern commuter line from Dublin Connolly to Drogheda from 2027. As more carriages arrive, they can be deployed to extend services to and from Wicklow from around 2029 onwards. This should provide an improvement in capacity to the people of Wicklow.

Reference is also made to the ongoing work to expand the Dart network.

As part of this programme, DART+ coastal south involves an improvement to services on the existing line south of Dublin city with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones.

Stage 1 of the project will increase train frequency from two to three trains per hour from Bray to Greystones, while stage 2 will boost train frequency from six to 12 trains per hour between Dublin Connolly and Bray.

Last month, Iarnrod Eireann commenced a non-statutory public consultation on the emerging preferred option for stage 1 of DART+ costal south which will run until December.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne.

Responding to the update Deputy Byrne said there is little that would instil confidence that anything will change in the short term.

When it comes to challenges, we will face in the future, Irish Rail is spending huge sums of money on dealing with coastal erosion. Why not invest that money in ensuring that we have a proper rail line, even if we must move it further inland?

Deputy Byrne referenced the high volume of people who depend on the service every day.

Based on CSO statistics, 2,170 people commute from Gorey from Gorey daily for work purposes, from Arklow, 2,723, from Courtown, 1,050 and from Rathdrum, 544. That is 6,500 people commuting primarily along the M11 to Dublin every day for work purposes.

For those who have to commute an hour or more to get to either their place of work or study every day - significant numbers go to Dublin for study - as a proportion of the overall numbers moving, in Gorey, it is 19.2pc, in Arklow, it is 17.6pc, in Rathdrum, it is 23.8pc and in Courtown-Riverchapel, it is 25.1pc. We have a significant commuting population.

Deputy Byrne indicated the current service is not fit for purpose.

From Gorey, Arklow and Rathdrum, there are only six daily rail services. For towns equidistant from the capital such as Carlow, there are 11 services, from Drogheda or Dundalk, there are 16 and from Portlaoise there are 32.

"When I posed a question to Irish Rail, even though there are plans to extend to the DART to Wicklow, on what plans it had for the rail service south of Wicklow town, which would service Rathdrum, Arklow and Gorey, it only answered what it is doing in terms of the DART extension.

The Wicklow Wexford TD is seeking an urgent meeting with the Transport Minister to discuss the matter.

The clear message coming back to people in Wicklow and Wexford who commute by rail is that there is no plan in place whatsoever to try to alleviate the continuing problems. he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for two counties this weekend.

The warning will be valid from 2pm tomorrow until 9am on Monday morning and will cause persistent rain, heavy at times in the south, Met Eireann has confirmed.
Pope Leo condemns violence in the name of religion as he meets Middle-Eastern Christian leaders

The Pope is in Turkey on his first overseas trip as leader of the Catholic Church and met senior clerics in Iznik, formerly known as Nicaea, from where the Nicene Creed originated

Pope Leo is in Turkey. Photo: AP

Joshua McElwee Reuters Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

Pope Leo condemned violence in the name of religion at a landmark event with Christian leaders from across the Middle East, urging them during his first overseas trip as leader of the Catholic Church to overcome centuries of heated divisions.
Volodymyr Zelenskys former chief of staff said he will go to the front line and fight against Russia, just hours after resigning from his position amid a corruption probe.

Andriy Yermak, the presidents closest confidant, sent a message to an American journalist, saying: I am going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals. He apologised if he could no longer answer her calls.
Donald Trump says he will block migrants from third world after shooting

US president vows crackdown as National Guard attacker believed to be Afghan national

Donald Trump said he would end all federal benefits and subsidies for 'non-citizens'. Photo: AP

Alex Croft UK Independent Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 06:30

US president Donald Trump has vowed to permanently pause migration from all third world countries after a National Guard member was killed in an attack near the White House.




Filming for the new season is based in London, far from her home in Los Angeles, and the studios updated payment structure did not cover the cost of leaving her family for months. Her honesty has sparked a strong reaction online, opening up a wider conversation about how the industry treats actors with real-life responsibilities.



Claudia Black explains why she stepped away from Ahsoka season 2 Claudia Black confirmed she was invited back for Ahsoka Season 2, but the numbers did not line up. She said Disneys new system offered less support for relocation, even for actors already attached to returning roles.



( Image credit : JioHotstar | Claudia Black confirmed she was invited back for Ahsoka Season 2, but the numbers did not line up )



Claudia Black reveals she will not return as Mother Klothow in AHSOKA Season 2









Im going to be transparent. They picked up season two, picked me up with it, and then Disney, which is structuring things differently these days, could not pay me what I needed to be paid as a pic.twitter.com/IqcLLW9Xft







 Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) November 28, 2025 Claudia Black has stepped forward with a story that many working parents quietly face. The beloved Australian actress, known for Farscape, Stargate SG 1, and The Chronicles of Riddick, revealed that she will not return as Mother Klothow in Ahsoka Season 2 because Disney could not meet the support she needed as a single mother.Filming for the new season is based in London, far from her home in Los Angeles, and the studios updated payment structure did not cover the cost of leaving her family for months. Her honesty has sparked a strong reaction online, opening up a wider conversation about how the industry treats actors with real-life responsibilities.Claudia Black confirmed she was invited back for Ahsoka Season 2, but the numbers did not line up. She said Disneys new system offered less support for relocation, even for actors already attached to returning roles.Black explained that she could not leave her responsibilities at home without proper financial help. She said the decision was not creative, and she loved playing the eerie Nightsister leader Mother Klothow. In her words, it was very sad to walk away, because she had looked forward to growing the character after her short but memorable debut in Season 1.

What Mother Klothow meant to Ahsoka

( Image credit : JioHotstar | Mother Klothow appeared in the final chapters of Ahsoka Season 1 as one of the three Great Mothers on Peridea )

Disneys 'cost focused' era and industry reactions

No Claudia Black in Ahsoka S2?  why couldn't they pay the Great Mother a Great Salary pic.twitter.com/kW8laQpDEN







 Remi  (@ungimbaledlaser) November 28, 2025



Imagine being such cheapskates that you won't pay the GOAT Claudia Black enough money to stay on your Disney+ show pic.twitter.com/0SQn8xqjeQ







 emily prentiss' younger wife  (@navinquisition) November 28, 2025









What does it mean for Ahsoka Season 2? The main cast including Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Eman Esfandi is returning. More Thrawn scenes and more Nightsister magic remain part of the story, and Hayden Christensen is expected to appear again.



But without Black, the coven may shift in tone. Some viewers worry the mystery of the Great Mothers might feel thinner without her presence. Others simply wish she had been given the support needed to return.



( Image credit : X/@starwarsupdates | Claudia Black herself is moving on positively, with new roles ahead, including a major part in Spartacus: House of Ashur ) The main cast including Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Eman Esfandi is returning. More Thrawn scenes and more Nightsister magic remain part of the story, and Hayden Christensen is expected to appear again.But without Black, the coven may shift in tone. Some viewers worry the mystery of the Great Mothers might feel thinner without her presence. Others simply wish she had been given the support needed to return.

Fans reacted in surprise and frustration. One post that spread quickly read, Claudia is sci fi royalty, while another added, How is Disney not able to afford her? This is wild. Her exit added more pressure to Disneys ongoing cost cutting image, with many users saying the studio needs to pay people what they are worth.Mother Klothow appeared in the final chapters of Ahsoka Season 1 as one of the three Great Mothers on Peridea. Wrapped in red robes and heavy makeup, she used dark magic to help Grand Admiral Thrawn. Her scenes were brief but haunting, adding a new layer to the Nightsister mythology.Fans hoped Black would return because Klothow seemed central to Thrawns path back to Dathomir. Her absence now raises questions. The role may be recast, similar to how Baylan Skoll will have a new actor in Season 2. Still, many viewers said the choice feels like a missed chance for deeper Nightsister storytelling.Blacks experience reflects larger concerns surrounding Disneys recent budget push. The company has cut back on travel perks, reduced project counts, and renegotiated contracts at lower rates, even as its biggest franchises continue to expand.
Today show

Wicked: For Good

( Image credit : X/@ArianaToday | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's relationship under the spotlight. )

Ethan Slater Today interview sparks Ariana Grande breakup speculation

( Image credit : Instagram/ethanslater | Ethan Slater Today interview sparks Ariana Grande breakup speculation. )

Ariana Grande-Ethan Slater no public appearances intensify rumours

Wicked: For Good

TMZ

( Image credit : Instagram/arianagrande | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's private reunion after the event. )

Ethan Slater-Ariana Grande relationship timeline and context

Wicked

( Image credit : X/@petalsforego | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater met on the Wicked set in December 2022 and began dating after ending their previous marriages. )

Wicked For Good press tour strategy reveals deliberate distance

Elle

Ariana Grande-Ethan Slater future: waiting for confirmation

Wicked: For Good

Ethan Slater didn't confirm a breakup. He didn't deny one either. But during ainterview on November 21, thestar delivered a few carefully chosen words - and the internet exploded. Fans and media alike are now scrutinizing his every gesture, tone, and pause, searching for signs of cracks in one of Hollywood's most talked-about romances.Craig Melvin asked a simple, direct question: "What's it like working alongside your girlfriend every day?"Slater's response was anything but simple. He pivoted immediately, lavishing praise on the cast, calling Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande "incredible performers." Yet when it came to the personal, romantic side of the story? Silence."The entire cast is incredible," he said. Not a single word about Grande.To fans, this careful avoidance spoke volumes. Social media lit up with speculation, dissecting his expression, his posture, and the nearly imperceptible tension in his voice. Could this be the first hint of a split?The last time Slater and Grande were seen together publicly was April 2025. Since then, theyve been conspicuously absent from red carpets, premieres, and even social media posts.During thepress tour, the couple appeared separately at every event. No shared photos. No affectionate gestures. Just distance.Insiders insist the separation is logistical, not romantic -sources confirmed mid-November that they are still dating. But the optics tell a very different story, and fans are watching every move with feverish attention.Slater and Grande met on theset in December 2022 and began dating after ending their previous marriages. Grande's split from Dalton Gomez and Slater's separation from Lilly Jay made headlines, and their relationship went public in July 2023.Yet the once-frequent appearances and playful social media interactions have dwindled, leaving fans hungry for answers. Every gap, every silent month, every interview dodge fuels the swirling rumors.The couple's deliberate distance during the press tour has only added to the intrigue. Red carpet events saw them arrive separately, interview sets featured no side-by-side banter, and couple photos were completely avoided.Sources toldthe pair remains "quietly supportive" behind the scenes, but for the public, the optics read like a slow-motion unraveling. Every glance avoided, every step apart, every carefully staged solo photo - it's a masterclass in ambiguity.With thepress tour still underway, any official confirmation about their relationship may be intentionally delayed. Industry whispers suggest the couple might hold back personal announcements until the movie wraps, prioritizing the promotion over public speculation.
Investors have been swamped with headlines comparing todays market, particularly the artificial intelligence (AI) trade, to dot-com days. Big Short investor Michael Burry has also joined the AI bubble chorus, launching his Substack after deregistering Scion Asset Management. While comparing Nvidias (NVDA) price action over the last three years to that of Cisco (CSCO) in the late 1990s has been a pastime for many, the latest comparison has come in terms of dividend yield, with the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) dividend yield falling to lows last seen during the dot-com days.

To be sure, such comparisons are not totally out of place, and the frenzy toward AI is comparable to what we saw toward internet companies in the late 90s. There, however, is little denying that AI looks set to redefine numerous industries, just as the internet did. Another reality is that while the internet turned out to be perhaps bigger than what most thought, many companies of the dot-com era either went out of business or, as in the case of Intel (INTC) and Cisco, still trade below their all-time highs.

More News from Barchart

But several companies not only survived the dot-com bust, but thrived. Microsoft (MSFT), for instance, surpassed its 1999 peak in 2015 and has briefly jostled for the position of the worlds most valuable company. However, after a strong first half, Microsoft shares have looked weak and are down over 7% in the last three months, while the drawdown from the 2025 peak is just over 16%.

www.barchart.com

Microsofts Dividend Yield Is the Highest Among Magnificent 7 Peers

Microsofts dividend yield currently stands at 0.77%, which, although below historical averages, is the highest among its Magnificent 7 peers. Notably, MSFT shouldnt be singled out for having a dividend yield below historical averages, as the S&P 500s dividend yield has also fallen and is inching toward 1%.

Here, it is worth noting that dividend yield is a function of both the dividend and the stock price. While Microsoft is on the verge of becoming a Dividend Aristocrat after raising its dividend every year since initiation in 2003, the growth in stock price has more than outpaced dividend growth, pulling down the yield.

That said, I find Microsoft stock to be a good buy after the recent underperformance, with its relatively healthy dividend yield compared to Big Tech peers being a cherry on top.
American tourists walk in between the graves of U.S. military World War II victims at the Netherlands American Cemetery in the town of Margraten, southern Netherlands, in May 2005. Read more

While in Congress, and until the pandemic, I would visit SCI Graterford (now SCI Phoenix) each Veterans Day, spending time with its incarcerated veterans  many of them African American, given its proximity to Philadelphia  and their families.

The veterans initiated a formal ceremony during those visits.

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The first time it happened, a small group hummed the Battle Hymn of the Republic as about 200 veterans, each called by name, walked up, turned, and stood at attention. As the last name was called and the hymn ended, there was a moment of silence, when everyone was uncertain about what to do next.

Suddenly, a large group of nonveteran prisoners who had been watching stood up and clapped.

The pride I saw on the veterans faces that day mirrors what the annual Arlington National Cemeterys Veterans Day ceremony means for our nation.

But Veterans Day became less inclusive this year.

Dutch media reported that a pair of World War II memorial plaques at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in the town of Margraten were removed by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Commemorating the 172 African American soldiers buried there, the metal tablets were meant to be an enduring tribute to a group of Americans who were never to come home. The quiet removal of this part of the memorial caused some fury because the Dutch  knowing Black service members had been a crucial part of liberation from Nazi occupation  had initiated this recognition of their valor.

When the news of the removal broke, I was speaking at the U.S. Naval Academy (of which I am an alumnus), answering questions about what its like to be a sailor in politics  including the lasting significance of the academys mission to imbue midshipmen with the highest ideal of honor.

I mentioned the honor President Donald Trump did in referencing the Book of Exodus on the first day of Passover this year, when he noted, Every year at this time, Jewish families celebrate Gods liberation of the ancient Israelites from slavery. ... The president also recognized the strength of the Jewish people in the face of 1,832 anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded by the FBI in 2023 against their ethnicity.

In stark contrast, the week before Passover, our government ordered the removal of all books at the U.S. Naval Academy that gave any recognition to the historical enslavement of Black people in America, or the racism theyve confronted since. In 2023, the FBI recorded 3,027 hate crimes against Black people in our nation.

The need for us to remain on watch about the substance of these FBI stats is evident today, when the Navys sister maritime service, the U.S. Coast Guard, reversed its recent decision to declassify symbols of the persecution of both Jewish and Black Americans  the swastika and noose  as hate symbols after it became public.

Its why, for me, Americas government decision to ban books that honor the end of slavery by President Abraham Lincoln  as well as books chronicling the enduring strength of African Americans who still experience discrimination as their Jewish brethren do  is like banning the Book of Exodus.

So, in my comments at the Naval Academy, I recounted for the midshipmen that when I ran for U.S. Senate in 2010, I, too, had been banned.

The party boss of Philadelphia had called to let me know I couldnt attend any Democratic gatherings in the city because, he explained, the president and vice president, along with Pennsylvanias top political leaders, had endorsed my opponent.

Instead of going to those gatherings, I visited more than 200 African American churches, knowing of the appreciation in those congregations for what the military had offered in the decades after World War II  a place where Black youth were assured equal pay and healthcare, with training and education, along with a pension for those who stayed in.

Not perfect in all regards, assuredly. But its why when every churchs pastor inevitably asked: Is anyone new here? Please introduce yourself, Id stand and say: Im Joe Sestak, a congressman outside of Philadelphia, now running for Senate. But my real service to my country was in the U.S. Navy, where I learned the meaning of what Isaiah said to God when the Lord asked, Who will go for us; who will I send?

Not once did I need to give Isaiahs reply, as each congregation called out, Here am I; send me.

Years later, over breakfast, the party boss said he couldnt understand why the turnout in the citys predominantly Black wards was the highest anyone had ever seen for an off-year election.

Veterans Day became less inclusive this year.

There are numerous veteran plaques, memorials, and books dedicated to so many people from so many ethnic groups in America, as they should be  the military is the greatest of American mosaics: every culture, religion, race, gender (until the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Trumps transgender military ban), rural, urban, socioeconomic level, political persuasion, etc., come together in working units.

I used to end each Veterans Day, at night, at a gathering of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the nations oldest organization of Irish American Catholics. There, I would relate a Jewish teaching about two friends who sailed from the land of Israel centuries ago. In a foreign land, one was arrested as a spy. Sentenced to hang, he asked if he could return home to embrace his family one last time while his friend stayed in jail to ensure his return.

The judge agreed, but the accused man was late returning due to a storm at sea. Running off the gangplank, he saw they were just about to hang his friend, and he called out, Stop, Im the one to be hung. But his friend called back: No. You are too late. I will hang. They argued until the king overheard them and demanded to see them. He listened to each argue for himself to be the one to hang, then called out: Stop. I will forgive you both under one condition. That you two make me your third friend.

Thats what its like in the military. Each warrior, each veteran is a third friend.

I experienced this one evening in Iowa when I was running for president, and my mobile rang. It was one of the Graterford veterans to whom I had given my phone number. I wont ever forget his low, gravelly voice as he said: Joe, the guys have heard  youre running for president  and they want you to know  were going to organize Philadelphia for you.

Those incarcerated veterans still had that sense of possibility, the feeling they could do something for their country  because of their shared American story of having once worn the cloth of our nation.

President Trump, our commander in chief, shouldnt allow the ultimate sacrifice thats been made by any American to be forgotten or ignored. It is our solemn duty to put those plaques and books back where they belong  at the final resting place of a group of brave Americans who died far from home, and also where our future warriors are being trained.

We must offer honor where honor is due  and we should do so before another Veterans Day passes.

Joe Sestak is a former Navy vice admiral, former U.S congressman on the House Armed Services Committee, and director for defense policy, National Security Council Staff.
Toys, toys, toys  its that time of year where a fat man in a red outfit gets bombarded with heartfelt begging letters. But when kids ask Santa Claus for this seasons must-haves and Christmas crazes, do they have any idea how much more imagination and fewer HDMI cables were required for the toys under the tree a generation or two ago?

Of course they dont. They think that we oldies played with hoops and sticks and spinning tops back in our tragic offline childhoods. A time when space age futurism was embodied by the Sony Walkman, when an AAA battery signified hi-spec, and gender lines were not just entrenched, but had pink and blue barbed wire around them.

So, as gen Alpha posts their Santa letters asking for robot puppies and electronic baby dragons, franchised merch and wireless stuff that bleeps, lets take a trip down memory lane to an era of analogue Christmas mornings. Lets have a wallow in the warm mud of nostalgia.

Here, in no particular order, are some toy highlights  and for balance, some horrors  from bygone times.

Lego

Lego is among the timeless toys that haven't gone away

Lego hasnt gone away  its become even bigger.

Its been heavily rejigged, morphing with movie franchises, so that nowadays it likes to churn out insanely complicated kits where you can build your very own Lego model of the Death Star, or the Titanic. All you need is 1,020 for the Death Star, 670 for the Titanic, a year off work to assemble it, and a doctorate in quantum engineering. (Sigh.)

Remember when you could get a great big box of Lego with different sized rectangular bricks, a green base, and a few windows and doors? Half an hour later you were free-associating in the realms of Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Antoni Gaudi. Magic.

Meccano

Chances are youre too young to remember Meccano, which now regularly turns up in toy museums looking like about as much fun as playing with a haunted toolbox of rusty screwdrivers.

Peaking in the 1930s, it was marketed solely at boys  if you had XY chromosomes, and liked hydraulics, this was for you. Like Yorkie chocolate bars, girls were not invited.

See also: marbles, dinkies, and geeks.

Tiny Tears

Tiny Tears could drink, cry, and pee

A baby doll marketed at small girls which, when you poured liquid into its O-shaped mouth, immediately leaked it out another O-shaped orifice further south. Its other USP was that its eyes leaked water, and it could make a horrible crying-baby noise. Invented in the 1950s, the purpose of Tiny Tears was to remind female children of their future roles as unpaid nurturers, cleaners, and soothers.

See also: Betsy Wetsy, trad wives.

Sindy, Barbie, Bratz

Bratz were aimed at less maternal girls.

For the less maternal small girl  because not all female five-year-olds wanted to do mummy roleplay with a leaky humanoid  were the more heavily sexualised options.

From Barbie of the boomer generation, permanently on tip-toe thanks to her unfeasibly large bosoms and unfeasibly high heels, to gen Zs Bratz collection which arrived in 2001  looking like theyd just escaped juvenile detention to form a raunchy girl band  these dress-up dolls were a lot more fun than incontinent plastic babies.

Only Sindy was slightly more girl-next-door, although her wholesomeness was her undoing  today her popularity lies largely with creepy doll collectors. How we loved them, with the fanatic passion of small girls, creating our plastic fantastic pink Barbie and Sindy worlds, frequently cross-pollinated with My Little Pony and Action Man.

See also: Spice Girl dolls and Anna and Happytime.

Action Man

Seven year-old John Rider examines a display of Action Man toys in 1966. Picture: Leonard Burt/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

This model of hyper-masculinity with his swivel eyes, fuzzy buzz cut, and worrying air of PTSD, Action Man delighted 70s and 80s small boys, who loved nothing more than battering him, flinging him into outer space, and freaking out when he was co-opted into a Sindy wedding scene, where he would have had to beat up Barbies metrosexual Ken. Tragically, Action Mans militaristic masculinity was his undoing  he was discontinued in 2006, after 40 years of lonely testosterone-fuelled posturing.

See also: GI Joe and incels.

Space Hoppers, Clackers

Before we began putting crash helmets on toddlers, outdoor play involved a frisson of jeopardy. Space hoppers  giant, orange, unstable  provided untold joy and all-over bruising, as did clackers, which served no purpose other than to create a satisfying clacking noise and the kind of facial injury associated with a billiard ball in the eye socket. Marvellous.

See also: hula hoops, skipping ropes, jumping elastics, and health and safety killjoys.

Simon

Cutting edge in 1978, the circular memory game succeeded because of its infuriating simplicity  four colours flashing on a primitive console, with the players job to remember in which order. Still available today on mainstream sites, rather than as a collectors item.

See also: Nintendo Wii (20062013) which was frankly rubbish, designed to get kids off the sofa to exercise without getting them out of the house. Pointless.

Spirograph, Etch A Sketch

The simplicity behind Etch A Sketchs idea means that 65 years after it first went on sale in 1960, kids are still keen  because its magic. You draw some little grey lines, give it a shake, and marvel at how the little grey lines disappear.

And repeat. Then once youd developed better hand eye co-ordination, you moved onto Spirograph (invented by an engineer in 1965  based on an 1827 idea from another engineer  and still on sale now) where you created elaborate fractal patterns using overlapping plastic circular templates and a thin felt tip pen locked in place. You needed a steady hand, but the results looked like theyd been created by a machine, rather than an eight-year-old. Brilliant for kids who couldnt draw.

See also: Uni-Draw, where you could draw girls and ponies again using over-lapping plastic templates, but which never quite turned out like the pictures on the box promised.

Sylvanian Families, My Little Pony

My Little Pony has a strong LGBTQIA aesthetic

The Sylvanians, non-threatening collectable mammals available in a soothing palette of pastel colours, remain popular with children  mostly girls  who may have been intimidated by the whole high heels and gravity-defying bosoms agenda of Barbie.

Around since 1985, Sylvanians continue to appeal to the sweetly wholesome homemaker child, whereas the My Little Pony stable, available since 1982, has a far stronger LGBTQIA aesthetic, with fabulous rainbow colours, swishy manes and tails, and a keen but niche adult following, the Bronies. Because Friendship is Magic.

Care Bears, Cabbage Patch Dolls

Every generation has their must-have yet pointless collectible craze. At least Care Bears, who originated from an American greeting card in 1981, were straightforwardly cute, if ridiculously overpriced.

The far uglier Cabbage Patch Dolls, foisted upon us in 1978, heavily exploited their USP  you didnt buy one, you adopted it. Time magazine speculated that their wild popularity tied in with a common adoption fantasy prevalent in six- to 12-year-olds  that their real parents are royalty/ wizards, etc.

In the US, the craze led to the Cabbage Patch Doll Riots of 1983  actual violence in major department stores.

See also: Kewpie Dolls, Polly Pocket, Beanie Babies, Furbies, and Jelly Cats.

Rubiks Cube

Rubick's Cube

Deserves its own entry, given its global domination and continued existence. Invented in Hungary in 1974 by Mr Rubik, the worlds most irritating toy divided the world into two groups  those smug ones who could do it, and the rest of us who rolled our eyes and declared it boring after we had spent hours of futile twisting and clicking. Still on sale now, because nerds never tire of it.

Operation

In an era of novelty board games, this one allowed small children to practice keyhole surgery, creating all kinds of medical malpractice hilarity.

Remember gingerly removing the patients funny bone, broken heart, wishbone, stomach butterflies, and Adams apple with a tweezers? Touch the metal sides of the incision and the patients nose buzzed red, presumably killing him.

What fun.

See also: Buckaroo, Mousetrap, hand-eye co-ordination, and fine motor skills.

Snakes and Ladders

For fans of more traditional two-dimensional board games, Snakes and Ladders provided  and continues to provide  the perfect balance of dice-rolling jeopardy and basic counting skills to make it inclusive for all. Although quite dull for anyone who could count beyond 10.

See also: Ludo, Connect Four, and draughts.

Scalextric

A Scalextric race gaming set.

First made when an engineer added an electric motor to a tiny tin car, Scalextric has been equally thrilling and frustrating (mostly male) children since 1956. Squeal as the cars whizz jerkily around the badly clipped-together track; howl in exasperation as your car shoots into orbit when it rounds a curve at speed, or stops dead because the track circuit is wonky.

See also: train sets, and always needing an adult to help.

Fuzzy Felt, Pegboards

A remnant of more innocent times, when children could entertain themselves for hours by sticking pieces of animal-shaped felt onto a Velcro-like board. Or by fashioning crude stick people, trees, and flowers by shoving coloured plastic pegs into tiny holes on a plastic board.

See also: plasticine, walkie talkies made of two tin cans joined by a bit of string, and conkers.

Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi was a global craze

A year after its release in Japan in 1996, Tamagotchi  Egg Watch  had become a global craze. Looking after your digital pet meant feeding it, keeping it happy, and training it  via three buttons on the small egg-like console you kept about your person. Keeping your Tamagotchi alive became your raison detre. If you let it die, you were never going to get a real life pet. Not even a gerbil.

Pokemon

Pokemon became a collectable trading card series

Another craze originating in Japan began on GameBoy in 1996, featuring a collection of anthropomorphic creatures  Pocket Monsters, or Pokemon  before becoming a collectable trading card series (Gotta catch em all!).

This became a global Pokemania craze, peaking between 1998 and 2000. Then in 2016, Pokemon Go happened  a collaboration between Pokemon and Google Maps, where players, using augmented reality, could chase down their Pokemons using their phones in what afficionados call raids. So if you ever see a group of individuals  almost always adults  bunched together in some random urban setting, furiously stabbing at their phone screens, chances are they are Pokemon fans on a raid.

Slime

Slime (1976) was a gelatinous emerald-green goo

Few substances have caused such simultaneous revulsion and delight as the gelatinous emerald-green goo which first became available in 1976, sold in small green plastic rubbish bins. We poured it, we squished it, we rubbed it in each others hair. We squealed, we dripped it from our eyeballs. We bought the pink variety, the one that came with worms. Then the glittery stuff, but nothing beat the original green.

In 2018, a Which? report found eight out of 11 slime varieties on sale had unsafe levels of boron that can cause skin irritation or make your limbs fall off or something. Bah humbug.

The Slinky

The Slinky: The most enduring toys of all

And finally, perhaps the most enduring toys of all  the slinky. Not even anthropomorphic with googly eyes or plush fur  just a coil of metal that goes downstairs by itself. Invented by a naval engineer in 1943, its still hypnotising children  and adults  today, with its uncanny ability to harness gravity. No batteries required.

See also: Jenga  Swahili for to build  which also uses nothing but gravity. What next  the return of the hoop and stick?
A voluntary group which supports homeless people has appealed for help for rough sleepers, including an autistic girl currently living in a tent on the streets of Dublin.

A Lending Hand is appealing for support as temperatures dip to -2C in parts of Dublin.

We have so many homeless people like the autistic girl living in a tent, who, for one reason or another, cannot access emergency accommodation. We feel we have exhausted most avenues in trying to work with the people who can provide beds. We have had radio silence now for three weeks," the organisation's founder said.

Keira Gill was speaking as new figures show 250 beds have been made available for homeless people in Dublin as part of the cold weather strategy.

The Department of Housing said the initiative to help rough sleepers was now in full operation across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds where needed.

The arrangements, which started in November, are to ensure that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather, a spokesperson said.

The cold-weather arrangements are typically introduced in November, they added.

"These beds are temporary in nature, and it is a matter for individual local authorities to determine the number of beds required and the period of their operation."

The department said it contacted the regional lead authorities in September to ensure all local authorities were aware of their responsibilities when it comes to rough sleepers and that funding has been made available.

In Dublin alone, where the majority of rough sleepers reside, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive activated its cold weather strategy, which provides a total of 250 new permanent beds.

An additional 76 beds can be activated as part of the extreme weather emergency protocol when a weather warning is triggered," the department spokesperson added.

However, Ms Gill said: Putting on 200 beds during the day between 10am and 10pm is fine, but after 10pm, there is no way for anyone to access emergency accommodation as we have been trying for weeks. The freephone closes then, and there are no beds.
When I was a kid, the holiday season began when the Toys R Us catalogue showed up in the mail, or maybe inserted into the Sunday Boston Globe.

That catalogue showed basically every toy and game we might ask for over the holiday season. Pretty much every kid in the nation had the same experience, and if you were lucky, you might get to visit a Toys R Us to make your holiday wish list.

The toy brand was everywhere. It seemed like part of the community that would always be there. That, however, was not the case.

Toys R Us died for a variety of reasons. It took on a ton of debt due to a leveraged buyout, which undermined its ability to adapt to a changing retail environment. Had the chain pivoted to an experiential model, leaned into collectible games that need a place for people to play them, and made other changes, perhaps it would still be a national player today.

Instead. Toys R Us never evolved, and Walmart and Target both carried toys, often at lower prices. Those giants, along with Amazon, helped the weakened toy chain toward its death by a thousand paper cuts.

A brand that seemingly every child loved, which was once a must-visit store if you needed toys, had become irrelevant, cash-strapped, and in 2017 was liquidated after it failed to reorganize under a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Toys R Us was a cautionary tale about retail complacency. As the former general manager of a large independent toy store, I can credibly say that a model could have been found to save the chain.

Yes, Target and Walmart took customers away from the store I ran, but those chains also ignored expensive harder--harder-to-sell board games and collectible miniature games. Had Toys R Us pivoted, something its leveraged buyout cash crunch made difficult, there were clearly ways it could have competed.

Toys R Us, however, was not the only tragedy of American retail. Sears was an even bigger fall as the company went from being America's largest retailer  essentially the Walmart, Target, and Amazon of its day  to a sad relic clinging to existence.

What happened to Sears

Sears' fall from operating around 3,000 stores globally and being the dominant brand in U.S. retail took time and incredible mismanagement.

In 2018, after it had emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Sears had just under 700 stores and about 68,000 employees. The chain was about one third the size it was at its peak, but it was still a major retailer.

To put things into perspective, Sears total revenues fell from $36.1 billion in 2013 to $16.7 billion in 2018, according to Sears Holdings Corporations 2018 Form 10K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A surgeon who has been volunteering in Gaza since the start of the current conflict has said he has witnessed the clearest evidence of war crimes, citing the deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

Professor Nick Maynard, a consultant gastrointestinal surgeon at Oxford University Hospital in the UK, has volunteered in Gaza over the past two decades with Medical Aid for Palestinians.

A regular visitor to his wifes native Kinsale, Dr Maynard spoke to the Irish Examiner ahead of a public talk he will give in Co Clare this weekend.

He said he had been privileged to lead the first UK emergency medical team into Gaza two months after the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, in which some 1,200 Israeli citizens were killed and 254 hostages taken, sparking the latest bombardment of the region.

Since then, in the region of 70,000 people are estimated to have been killed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the besieged enclave.

This week, Amnesty International warned Israel was still committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreed last month.

The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, after two years of war.

The ceasefire risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal, said Amnestys secretary general Agnes Callamard.

But while Israeli authorities and forces have reduced the scale of their attacks and allowed limited amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the world must not be fooled. Israels genocide is not over.

Dr Maynard spoke of the horrors he has witnessed in Gaza.

Ive seen babies whove been shot. Ive seen babies whove lost their limbs. Ive seen multiple young teenage boys whove been deliberately shot by the Israeli military and shot in specific parts of the body on specific days, he said.

This clustering of injuries was so striking it cannot possibly be coincidence.

"And all of us who witnessed it felt it could only be a form of target practice that they were saying Right, today, lads, were going to shoot them in the head. Tomorrow, well shoot them in the chest. On Saturday night, well shoot them in the testicles'."

He said he had witnessed extreme malnutrition, with babies dying because of the lack of formula feed.

I remember a little baby called Zaynab who was seven months old, who died when I was there because there was no there was no formula feed to give her. All the nurses could give her was water with sugar in it, which has no nutritional value.

Dr Maynard said four days before Zaynab died, American doctors had come to Gaza with formula feed in their luggage, and the Israeli border guards removed every container.

They say they remove anything that could be used as a weapon. Im really struggling to think what purpose could formula feed have other than feed babies. Its obscene, deliberate starvation, a war crime."

Conditions in Gaza are worse than can be imagined from television news reports, he said, with the areas in the north of the Gaza Strip and around Gaza City almost uninhabitable.

If you ever saw the Mad Max films of yesteryear, the post-apocalyptic landscape in those areas, it is exactly like that. As far as you can see, its just rubble, mass destruction.

'I often join the Cork people in their march every single Saturday. Theyve marched every Saturday since October 7, which is wonderful, and they need to continue doing that.'

The majority of the population has now been displaced, he said, and are living in their hundreds of thousands in Al-Mawasi, a previously unoccupied desert coastal area from Deir al-Balah down to Rafah now filled with thousands of makeshift tents.

The word tents doesnt really do it justice, theyre for the most part tarpaulin sheets, canvas covers, which are, of course, all being destroyed in the severe rains which have taken place in recent weeks."

He said he feels despair whenever he goes to Gaza, and a fear he will never see Gazan friends alive again.

"You feel an extreme anger that the world is allowing this to happen, you feel a complete incomprehension about how humans can treat other humans like this."

Dr Maynard said he was blown away by the pressure Irish people have placed on their Government.

I spend a lot of time in Cork, in Kinsale, and I often join the Cork people in their march every single Saturday. Theyve marched every Saturday since October 7, which is wonderful, and they need to continue doing that, he said.

The Irish Government can do more. Theyre doing more than the UK government, of course, but they could put a lot more pressure on the US government, and at the end of the day, the US government could stop this completely overnight.

It was, frankly, bizarre that Donald Trump should be campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize when he could have stopped it the minute he came into power, when the minute he took over the US presidency. Indeed, Biden could have stopped it two years ago, he said.

"The US have it within their power to stop this overnight, and they have failed to do so."

The 1948 UN genocide convention defines genocide as any of five acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

In December 2024, Amnesty concluded Israel was committing genocide in Gaza by three of those acts  including deliberately inflicting on Palestinians conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.

In an update on Thursday, Amnesty said: Israel continues to severely restrict the entry of supplies and the restoration of services essential for the survival of the civilian population.

Despite a reduction in scale of attacks, and some limited improvements, there has been no meaningful change in the conditions Israel is inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza and no evidence to indicate that Israels intent has changed.

The Israeli foreign ministry has consistently rejected allegations of genocide, describing them as entirely false, fabricated and based on lies.
Older people desperately in need of nursing home beds are being sent far from home and family while a 250m project for seven new nursing homes has stalled, leaving observers baffled.

The new buildings appear ready, some with beds in place, but despite being promised for completion by November 2024, not a single resident has moved in yet.

Only two of the seven have been handed over to the HSE to start preparing for opening.

When the issue was reported this week by the Irish Examiner and Radio Kerry in a joint investigation, shock was expressed locally, where the individual delays are part of a bigger problem.

Units in Killarney, Midleton, Cork City and Clonmel, as well as Thomastown, Athlone and Ardee, will deliver 530 beds. However, it is believed few are additional beds in a system already pushed for space  but rather replace older homes.

Investment and costs

The innovative public-private partnership between the HSE and a joint venture company consisting of John Sisk & Sons with Equitix was launched with great fanfare in December 2022.

It was backed with 250m from the European Investment Bank, Bank of Ireland and NORD/LB.

The HSE nationally will lease the homes from the company for an annual payment of 24m over 25 years  totaling 600m.

It will not pay for the use of the facility until the building is handed over, HSE Southwest confirmed.

Homely features include family overnight stay rooms, hairdressing space, sun-rooms and a focus on dementia care.

In May 2023, the project won an award at the prestigious Global Partnership Awards for innovation and meeting targets.

Families still waiting

The largest units are in Killarney, with 130 beds, and St Finbarrs in Cork City, with 105 beds.

Maria Moloney, Labour councillor for Killarney, has been asking about local delays for months.

Ive been pushing for information on that, but when I heard there are seven of them I thought what are they doing, she said.

This should be a good news story for Government but its turning into a nightmare.

She asked the HSE just weeks ago at its Regional Health Forum if fire safety issues were behind the delay.

Its written response said: The information requested in regard to issues causing delays is deemed commercially sensitive and therefore this information cannot be released.

In one case, a family told her a relative was sent to Tipperary for care.

They do send people out of the county, she said, adding she knows the HSE tried to keep people within a county, saying Kerry is a vast county.

She knows another older person living a stones throw from the new unit, who travels more than 24km instead to Castleisland to visit a relative. This person does not have a car.

These are replacement beds for nursing and respite care at Columbanus hospital and the district hospital. The HSE has told her it is doing a feasibility study for a new primary care centre at these sites.

Social Democrats councillor for Kinsale-Bandon Ann Bambury has been aware of the delays through discussions at the forum.

She pointed out bed shortages across the whole county are an urgent public health need.

In one case, an elderly man living seven miles from a public nursing home had to move 25 miles away to another home due to shortages, she said.

We have 25 beds in Bandon, four of which are for respite and there is fierce demand as well for respite, she said.

New nursing home built in Killarney under a PPP between the HSE on one side and Sisk/Equitix on the other.

She is bringing forward a council motion calling for more community nursing home beds next week.

She raised staffing as another concern for the new units, saying already: "Nursing directors [in homes] are telling me agency staff are 30% to 40% of their staff now."

The ESRI this month estimated Ireland needs between 2,456 and 3,287 extra nursing home beds by 2040.

Another forum member, Labour's Peter Horgan, was told by the HSE it had just 80 short-stay beds this month for Cork.

These offer respite, dementia respite, rehabilitation, convalescence, palliative care, assessment and transitional care.

There are only four in Castletownbere community hospital and two at Cois Abhainn in Youghal.

Demand is so high the HSE also pays privately for beds in Cobh, Mallow and St Lukes home in Cork City.

Mr Hogan said older patients could be stuck in hospital longer than necessary because of the shortages.

Its a lack of dignity for the person and family seeking respite, he said. I know there are measures to ramp up but we need to utilise all sections of older care now in preparation for the inevitable aging population.

Delays also add to bed pressures in hospitals, he said. People want to enter respite facilities and nursing home support in or as close as possible to the areas theyve lived in and known. Sending someone from the city to Fermoy, for instance, when theres no familial link isnt a runner for the family, he said.

The private view

Nursing Homes Ireland has long campaigned for more nursing home beds, especially in rural areas and small towns.

Chief executive Tadhg Daly said: "People are leaving their own communities.

"If you have a resident who is 85, the chances are their spouse or partner is of a similar vintage, so expecting them to travel 30 or 40km is a stretch as well."

He believes the ESRI projections mean 1,000 additional beds are needed every year.

Of the 250m project he said: "The big issue really I think is these are not new beds and the cost is not cheap."

"Its an expensive way of providing the beds, theres no doubt, noting the cost per bed is high.

We would argue if the Fair Deal was adjusted and if it addressed the true cost of care, you would get more built by the private and voluntary sector, he said.

You wont see that in the short-term. It is costing the State multiples of that, and the delays as well.

Dementia care will also be offered by these new homes, with residents in groups. Thomastown will offer two 10-bed groups, for example.

Mr Daly welcomed this smaller unit living as definitely a positive.

Timelines

Despite the units being offered as a package, it seems each HSE region faces different delivery dates.

In Cork and Kerry, none have been handed over yet.

The handover is a complex commercial and legal process and remains under active management by the HSE nationally, a spokeswoman said.

Each nursing home has to be registered with Hiqa as a first step. Hiqa advises this should be applied for six months before residents are expected.

The HSE spokeswoman could not say when residents would move in, but staff planning has started.

Minister of state for older people Kieran O Donnell told an Oireachtas committee recently he expected to see residents in Killarney by March.

The Midleton unit is expected to be complete by the end of December, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill told Noel McCarthy, Fine Gael TD for Cork East.

She also said: "There have been delays in completion of the overall CNU PPP programme and all parties are engaging to address the outstanding items."

Construction at Clonmel is expected to finish by March and open for residents by June, HSE Dublin and Southeast said.

However, it also said this was an estimate based on current progress and is subject to change. Staff interviews have taken place.

At Thomastown, it is actively working with the PPP company for access before the end of December. Hiring has started.

The unit at Ardee was handed to HSE Dublin and Northeast on November 17.

The plan is for the community nursing unit to be operational by mid-2026, a spokesman said.

The Athlone unit was handed to HSE Dublin and Midlands on October 30. Final snagging will run to December 5, it said.

Residents are expected to move in by June. It had a pre-registration meeting with Hiqa on Monday.

A spokeswoman for Equitix said it had no comment to make. A spokesman for John Sisk & Sons also said for now it was not commenting.

Implications

These individual nursing homes might not carry the financial impact of the new childrens hospital, however, the need for care is just as urgent for older people.

The delays come on top of the long wait for changes to funding homecare, another source of frustration for families. The PPP plan was widely welcomed when announced, but the question is when can older people move in?
Back in July, when the Government announced the revised National Development Plan, I was somewhat disappointed.

You see, as a veteran of hundreds of government announcements in my time in journalism, I have become something of a fan of CGI images of things that would probably never be built. It helps one imagine what could have been or might be.

However, the current Government decided that the newer version of the plan would simply be a statement of the money which was available rather than individual projects, with individual departments set to prioritise their own projects and announce them in due course. In July, it was touted as the largest investment in infrastructure in the history of the State and includes over 200bn in infrastructure investment over the next decade.

It was announced that in the face of the housing crisis, the Department of Housing will receive the largest capital budget allocation, with just under 36bn allocated over the next five years. Of this, 28.3bn will fund housing development, while 7.6bn will support the construction of essential water infrastructure across the country.

Additionally, 2bn in equity funding will be provided to Uisce Eireann to help to deliver the ambitious target of 300,000 additional homes by 2030 and a further 2.5bn in equity funding will go to the utility for large-scale water projects between now and 2030.

As is the way of these announcements, though, much of the focus was on the Department of Transport, which will also receive substantial funding, with 22.3bn allocated over five years. When people think of capital investment, they most closely associate it with the likes of transport projects such as large roads and Metrolink.

So attention was focused on Wednesdays announcement of the sectoral plan for the Department of Transport coming as news broke that 19 residents living near the proposed Metrolink terminus at Charlemont St in Dublin had sought a judicial review of the project, potentially delaying its construction.

Speaking as he launched his departments plan, transport minister Darragh OBrien said it would be a stretch to see the Metrolink begin construction in 2027 and that it was hard to quantify the possible impact of the judicial review on the construction timeline.

This may delay it for a matter of months and its still open for people to reflect on the decision that theyve taken to judicially review this project, said Mr OBrien.

The judicial review was cited by many in the Government as an example of why so many of those projects which had been launched in the glossy Project Ireland 2040 document and then re-launched as the National Development Plan 2021-2030 at an event in Pairc Ui Chaoimh have not been realised.

Tanaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and minister of state Sean Canney announcing details of the revised National Development Plan in July. File picture

The issue certainly isnt funding  the new National Development Plan has been revised due to an influx of cash in recent years  and everyone in politics says it couldnt possibly be political will, so it has to be the process. Judicial reviews, objections, Nimbyism, and public opposition are the reasons why the countrys large-scale public transport infrastructure still feels decades behind where it is.

The Governments message is clear: its not us, its you.

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers, who chairs the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, will this week bring forward his proposals for speeding up the delivery of infrastructure. These proposals have been touted as bulldozing bureaucracy, ending red tape, overhauling the system, and pushing the nuclear button by various reports and briefings. At a Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, Mr Chambers said we are hostages to process, who have gold-plated processes beyond EU requirements and we need to meet investment with reform. He said that he intends to bring forward two pieces of legislation  the critical infrastructure bill and emergency powers to cut process timelines, as well as standardising judicial reviews.

However, the impact of judicial reviews is a matter of some contention. In a piece this week for The Irish Times, housing lecturer Lorcan Sirr cited figures from the Dublin Democratic Planning Alliance which show that just 0.22% of all planning applications result in a judicial review, of which the State loses 79% of the time.

While Conor OConnell of the Construction Industry Federation said earlier this month that the rate of review in Ireland is more than five times that in the UK, Mr Sirr also points out that figures compiled by solicitor Fred Logue show that, in 2024, developers, landowners, and public authorities took 32% of all judicial reviews with the public taking 52%.

In a response to Mr Sirr, Pat Farrell of Irish Institutional Property said that the issue is not the mere existence of the review, its the sheer unpredictability, the slow pace, and the fact that a single challenge can derail years of detailed planning work, often resulting in millions of euro in lost investment in badly needed new homes and critical infrastructure.

In the case of Metrolink, the judicial review could delay it by months, but that assumes that anyone believed the project would have been on time in the first place and it is clear that there are issues with the speed of processing involved in major projects in Ireland, regardless of where you land on the cause. We simply do not deliver critical infrastructure quickly enough.

Even the National Broadband Plan, which will come in on time and under budget by the looks of things, was a torture to get to the starting line and claimed the scalp of a Cabinet minister, Denis Naughten.

Which is why heads (including that of this writer) were turned by many in the west of Dublin when the sectoral plan was announced. Because the Dart+ South West plan, which would electrify around 20km of train lines from Celbridge to Heuston and into Drumcondra through the Phoenix Park tunnel, has been delayed.

Originally due to be operational by the end of the decade, this weeks document suggests it wont begin construction until 2030 at the earliest. That is despite the plan having planning permission, facing no judicial reviews or objections, and running through the heart of two strategic development zones, Adamstown and Clonburris, which are due to deliver tens of thousands of new homes in the coming years.

Indeed, on the day after the plan was published, developer Evara trumpeted that it had received planning permission for 877 new homes in Adamstown, close to the train station, which will benefit from the forthcoming Dart+ South West. Maybe, but not for a while.

The current train line can carry 5,000 people a day, but has overcrowded rush hour services and no weekend trains, but thousands of homes have been planned to go alongside existing communities.

Asked why the plan has been delayed, Mr OBrien said that he has to manage the projects within the capital that I have, to be realistic but said that both Dart+ South West and the Finglas extension of the Luas might begin next year, that timelines in the document are indicative, which begs the question why they exist at all if they are fungible.

But the whole document begs the question of why projects which can be delivered in a short enough timeframe are being delayed when nobody would argue that existing levels of infrastructure are adequate.

If public objection and legal delay are such a big issue, why not then take the lower-hanging fruit? Between cost, climate, and development, it seems counterintuitive to prioritise our most complex projects, for which the Government needs new laws and regulations to even bring to the table, over things that should have been done years ago.

But, look, at least we have a lot of nice CGI images.
Charges against the man accused of shooting two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder after one of the soldiers died, while the US government announced a halt to all asylum decisions.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, were taken to hospital in critical condition after the Wednesday afternoon shooting near the White House.

Mr Trump announced on Thursday evening that Ms Beckstrom had died.

Members of the National Guard patrol in front of the Lincoln Memorial (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

US Attorney Jeanine Pirros office said the charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, now include one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Ms Beckstrom and Mr Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting mission that federalised the Washington DC police force.

The president has also deployed or tried to deploy National Guard members to other cities to assist with his mass deportation efforts, but has faced court challenges.

Mr Trump called the shooting a terrorist attack and criticised the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with US forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the country.

The president has said he wants to permanently pause migration from poorer nations and expel millions of immigrants from the country.

The director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a post on the social platform X that all asylum decisions will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.

In an interview on Fox News, Ms Pirro said there are many charges to come beyond the upgraded murder charge.

She said her heart goes out to the family of Ms Beckstrom, who volunteered to serve and ended up being shot ambush-style on the cold streets of Washington DC.

Ms Pirro said officials have been working around the clock to determine the suspects motive.

National Guard members, from left, Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (US Attorneys Office via AP)

Investigators are executing warrants in the state of Washington, where Lakanwal lived, and other parts of the country.

Defence secretary Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops in the nations capital on Friday and led them in a prayer for Ms Beckstrom and Mr Wolfe.

Some of you may have known her, Mr Hegseth said of Ms Beckstrom.

Obviously a beautiful human being and a great American willing to serve her country brutally targeted.

Mr Hegseth said he and his wife briefly visited Mr Wolfe on Thursday night to be there, lay hands on him, pray over him.

Mr Wolfe remains in very critical condition, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey said on Friday.

He ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Ms Beckstroms death.

Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state, Mr Morrisey said.
Russian drone and missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital killed at least two people in the early hours of Saturday, officials in Kyiv said.

The attacks came just before a second round of peace negotiations was set to begin, as a renewed US-led push to end the war gathers steam.

Writing on its official Telegram channel, the Kyiv City Military Administration said two people were killed in the strikes.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 15 people were wounded, noting that falling debris from intercepted Russian drones hit residential buildings. He also said the western part of Kyiv had lost power.

Firefighters put out a blaze after a drone hit a residential building in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The latest assault on Kyiv came as Ukrainian peace negotiators are due to meet their US counterparts in America this weekend, according to an official in Ukraines presidential administration.

A US delegation is then expected to travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the second half of next week.

US President Donald Trump last week released a plan for ending the nearly four-year war.

The 28-point proposal heavily favoured Russia, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to quickly engage with American negotiators.

European leaders, fearing for their own future facing Russian aggression, scrambled to steer the negotiations towards accommodating their concerns.

A rescuer searches for victims after a drone hit a residential building in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Mr Trump said on Tuesday that his plan to end the war had been fine-tuned and that he is sending envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to meet Mr Putin and army secretary Dan Driscoll to meet Ukrainian officials.

He suggested he could eventually meet Mr Putin and Mr Zelenskyy, but not until further progress has been made in negotiations.

Mr Zelenskyy announced on Friday the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who was also the countrys lead negotiator in the talks with the US, after Mr Yermaks residence was searched by anti-corruption investigators.

The unprecedented search at the heart of Ukraines government was a blow for the Ukrainian leader that risked disrupting his negotiating strategy at a time when Kyiv is under intense US pressure to sign a peace deal.
Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is to be closed in its entirety.

Trump, in a Truth Social post said: To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Venezuelas communications ministry, which handles all press inquiries for the government, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Trumps post.

The US defense department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean have been under way for months, along with a US military buildup in the region, and Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela.

The president told military service members this week that the US would very soon begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.

Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned major airlines of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around the South American country.

Venezuela revoked operating rights for six major international airlines that had suspended flights to the country after the FAA warning.

The Trump administration has accused the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, of involvement in drug trafficking, a charge he has denied.

Maduro, in power since 2013, has said that Trump is seeking to oust him and that Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist any such attempt.

US forces in the region have so far focused on counter-narcotics operations, although the assembled firepower far outweighs anything needed for them.

They have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, killing at least 83 people.

- The Guardian and Reuters
The first candidate, AMP-105, is a first-in-class oncology peptide targeting tumor proliferation and metastasis, representing a novel mechanism of action with broad clinical potential. Early studies have shown anti-tumor activity across multiple cancer types. The second candidate, AMP-109, is a peptide-coupled docetaxel with improved selectivity and bioavailability, targeting lung, colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancers. It is designed to reduce docetaxel-induced toxicity and has the potential to improve the efficacy and safety of current Taxane therapies. Lastly, the third candidate is AMP-107, which is a noninvasive eye-drop therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Offering a patient-friendly alternative to injectable treatments and the potential to improve treatment adherence and quality of life.

This performance was primarily driven by sustained momentum in our core products, BAQSIMI and Primatene MIST. BAQSIMI delivered $53.6 million in total sales, up 14% year-over-year. This growth was driven by seasonal demand and expanded sales execution through our partnership with MannKind sales force. Additionally, total revenue from Primatene MIST increased by 11% year-over-year, validating persistent consumer engagement in the OTC respiratory space as the product consistently sees a positive growth trend. Turning to our proprietary pipeline. I'm excited to highlight a significant expansion this quarter, fueled by exclusive in-licensing agreement with Nanjing Anji Biotechnology, securing U.S. and Canadian rights to 3 early-stage novel peptide candidates targeting high-growth markets across oncology and ophthalmology.

Dan Dischner: Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining Amphastar's Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call. I'm pleased to share that the company delivered another strong quarter, underscoring the continued success of our vertically integrated strategy and steadfast commitment to science-driven innovation. Our performance this quarter was anchored by 3 core pillars: strong commercial execution, the strategic expansion of our pipeline and focused regulatory progress, all reinforcing our long-term growth trajectory. For the third quarter, Amphastar achieved net revenues of $191.8 million with GAAP net income of $17.3 million (sic) [ $17.4 million ] or $0.37 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income was $44.6 million (sic) [ $44.7 million ] or $0.93 per diluted share.

Story Continues

AMP-107 has the potential to be the first non-injectable [indiscernible] endothelial growth factor receptor or anti-VEGFR eye drop in a $9.4 billion market. These newly added assets broaden our pipeline beyond diabetes and complex generics, unlocking a combined market opportunity of over $60 billion. To capitalize on this growth, our U.S. manufacturing expansion will quadruple production capacity at our Rancho Cucamonga headquarters, strengthening operational agility and positioning us to capture greater value across our portfolio. Our investment in domestic capacity reflects a strategic commitment to resilience and scalability as we navigate an increasingly dynamic landscape. We are delighted to share that we are well positioned to reach our target of proprietary products comprising 50% of our pipeline by 2026.

Shifting our discussion to our regulatory initiatives. We made meaningful progress this quarter, highlighted by FDA approval of iron sucrose injection or AMP-002, which is now commercially available as one of the generic options in the United States. This milestone expands patient access to affordable therapies while contributing to our revenue growth. During this quarter, iron sucrose injection generated total sales of $2.4 million. Beyond these launches, we continue to advance several high-impact regulatory programs across our portfolio. For our AMP-007 inhalation filing, we are on track for a launch in mid-2026, with the potential to be the first-to-market generic in a $1.5 billion addressable market.

We're also pleased to report that our generic teriparatide product, AMP-015, is also on track for a launch in the first half of 2026. Additionally, our GLP-1 ANDA, AMP-018 is on schedule for a 2027 launch. The obesity and diabetes markets continue to attract significant competition. And as a result, we expect the commercial opportunity to be limited, and we will focus on maintaining cost and quality leadership in this space. And finally, our insulin aspart BLA or AMP-004, is moving steadily towards a launch in 2027. The recent approval of biosimilars in this space helps derisk the opportunity by establishing a proven pathway for market acceptance and adoption.

Collectively, these programs position us to expand patient access and deliver sustainable growth across multiple high-demand therapeutic areas in the coming years. I will now turn the call over to Bill Peters, our CFO and Executive Vice President of Finance, for a more detailed financial review of the third quarter.

William Peters: Thank you, Dan. Revenues for the third quarter increased slightly to $191.8 million from $191.2 million in the previous year period. BAQSIMI recorded its highest quarterly sales ever, growing $53.6 million compared to the prior year period of $40.4 million, and Amphastar assumed full commercialization responsibility globally at the beginning of 2025. Keep in mind that during the same period last year, Eli Lilly had BAQSIMI sales of $6.4 million. Therefore, total BAQSIMI sales for the period grew by 14%. Primatene MIST sales grew 11% to $28.8 million in the third quarter compared to $26.1 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to our increased marketing efforts.

Glucagon injection sales declined 49% to $13.6 million from $26.8 million, primarily due to a decrease in unit volumes and increased competition and a shift to ready-to-use glucagon products such as BAQSIMI. Epinephrine sales decreased 12% to $18.8 million from $21.3 million in the prior-year period due to increased competition on our multi-dose vial product. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in unit volume for our epinephrine prefilled syringe as a result of increased demand caused by shortages from other suppliers during the quarter. Sales of lidocaine decreased 19% to $12.9 million from $15.9 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to a decrease in unit volumes as a result of other suppliers returning to historical distribution levels.

Other pharmaceutical product sales increased to $64.1 million from $58.3 million, primarily due to a $4.7 million increase in sales of Albuterol during the period as well as $2.4 million in sales of iron sucrose injection, which we launched in August 2025. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in unit volumes of enoxaparin and dextrose, primarily due to increased competition. Cost of revenues decreased -- or increased to $93.2 million from $89.3 million, with gross margins declining to 51.4% from 53.3% in the previous year's period. BAQSIMI sales made by Lilly in the prior year were recorded under the transition service agreement with Lilly and were booked at 100% gross margin.

With the completion of the transition to Amphastar, cost of revenue for all products shipped are included in this line, which negatively impacts margin rate. Additionally, pricing declines as well as a decrease in unit volumes due to competition for both our glucagon kit and epinephrine multi-dose vial products negatively impacted margins. Because of these trends, management implemented cost control measures across the business, mitigating the impact of pricing pressures. Selling, distribution and marketing expenses increased 28% to $11.5 million from $9 million in the previous year's period due to the sales and marketing efforts related to BAQSIMI, including the co-promotion agreement with MannKind as well as sales and marketing efforts related to Primatene MIST.

General and administrative spending increased to $39.5 million from $14.8 million, primarily driven by a litigation provision related to a recent jury verdict in a civil case against the company. While we plan to appeal the decision, accounting standards require us to book provision for the full amount, net of applicable insurance coverage. Research and development expenditures increased 6% to $22.4 million from $21.1 million in the prior year period due to the $5.25 million upfront payment we made to Nanjing Anji Biotechnology to license 3 peptide products for our proprietary product portfolio. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in material and supply expenses. Nonoperating expenses decreased to $3.8 million from $9.4 million, primarily due to currency fluctuations.

Net income decreased to $17.4 million or $0.37 per share in the third quarter from $40.4 million or $0.78 per share in the third quarter of 2024. Adjusted net income decreased to $44.7 million or $0.93 per share compared to an adjusted net income of $49.6 million or $0.96 per share in the third quarter of last year. Adjusted earnings exclude amortization, equity compensation, impairments of long-lived assets and certain onetime events, including the aforementioned litigation provision that was recorded this quarter. In the third quarter, we had cash flow from operations of approximately $52.6 million. We used a portion of our cash on hand to buy back $4.9 million worth of shares.

I will now turn the call back over to Dan.

Dan Dischner: Thank you, Bill, for the update. In summary, Amphastar's performance this quarter reflects the power of our integrated strategy and our commitment to long-term transformative growth. We demonstrated enduring commercial momentum with strong performance from our leading proprietary products, BAQSIMI and Primatene MIST. We advanced our regulatory pipeline with the approval and launch of iron sucrose injection, alongside steady progress on our interchangeable insulin aspart BLA. Furthermore, we strategically enriched our proprietary portfolio with novel peptide candidates in high-growth indications across oncology and ophthalmology. These achievements underscore our unique combination of scientific innovation, U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities and deep commercial expertise.

With a disciplined focus on proprietary product development and a robust R&D engine powered by our advanced technology, we believe we are positioned to accelerate into the next phase of sustainable growth and value creation. Thank you for your continued support and for joining us today. With that, we will now take your questions. Operator?

Operator: [Operator Instructions] First question we have comes from Serge Belanger of Needham & Co.

Serge Belanger: First one for Bill. Now that we're 3 quarters in for this year, any updated thoughts on your informal guide for a flat year-over-year top line and maybe more importantly, a double-digit growth for -- a return to double-digit growth for next year? And then secondly, on iron sucrose, you've now been in the market for a couple of months. So maybe just highlight or give us an idea of how big the opportunity can be for you, given the competition and your manufacturing capacity for the product.

William Peters: Yes. So we still believe that we can get to flat this year based on some outperformance by BAQSIMI and Primatene MIST and some other factors. And then next year, what we're looking at is probably either high single-digit to low double-digit growth rates. So we'll talk a little bit more about that in the next call. And on iron sucrose, I think the best way to look at that is that we had $2.4 million this quarter, which is about half a quarter. And that's probably a good run rate for the time being on a go-forward basis.

Operator: The next question we have comes from Dennis Ding of Jefferies.

Unknown Analyst: This is [indiscernible] for Dennis. We would like to ask if there's any updates on 007. And what about the communication with FDA? Has the shutdown impacted that process at all? And also, would you like to comment on the FDA bandwidth to handle these applications, especially given the shutdown situation?

Tony Marrs: Sure. This is Tony. For our AMP-007, we continue to have engagement with the agency on it. Given the nature of the combination and complex products like this, this is kind of the due course for these type of products. And as a result, we've aligned our guidance more precisely around the anticipated launch date, as you'll see there. And we've done this because we believe it offers a more meaningful and actionable reference point for the analysts. As far as the bandwidth from the agency, we have seen just slight delays in interaction, not necessarily directly related to any delays in products, just maybe taking a little bit longer to respond to questions.

But this hasn't resulted directly to anything that we've seen as far as [indiscernible].

Operator: The next question we have comes from Jason Gerberry of Bank of America.

Pavan Patel: This is Pavan Patel on for Jason Gerberry. The first on generic Venofer, maybe can you just speak to the competitive dynamics? Just wondering, why it seems like the competitor generic Venofer that's launched seems to have garnered a little bit more market share since the start of the launch? And what are the key pushes and pulls in working with these dialysis centers? I'm just trying to think through if there are any levers such as contracting or anything else that you can pull in order to increase the run rate headed into 2026. And then maybe as you look towards 2026, it sounds like high single-digit to double-digit growth is the new sort of commentary there.

And I'm just wondering, is that baking in all of the pipeline assets that you've talked about in terms of AMP-007, generic Forteo, generic GLP-1 and insulin -- maybe not the insulin as [ pricing 2027 ], but is that all on a nominal basis? Or is there any risk adjusting that's going on there?

William Peters: Yes. So for the iron sucrose question, so our goal is to launch it with a profitable price portfolio and hit points where we can have a nice margin on this. So we may not have gone as aggressively in some areas where there's some lower margin. Also, I think we were -- while we had some supply initially, I think that we were not we didn't have enough supply at the beginning of the quarter, but we were by the end of the quarter. But I still think the initial guidance I gave a little while ago, which was we were in for half a quarter, that's probably the run rate to look at on a going-forward basis.

I think that's the best way to look at that. As far as the guidance for next year, we do risk adjust our guidance. But I will say that the insulin product and also the GLP-1, we've assumed that those do not launch until 2027. So they're not in the guidance for next year.

Operator: The next question we have comes from Ekaterina Knyazkova of JPMorgan.

Ekaterina Knyazkova: So just on the licensing you did with Nanjing Anji, just elaborate a bit more on what brought you to that portfolio of assets initially and just your level of excitement, both about the science and the potential commercial opportunity. And kind of a related question, but just on business development more broadly, just level of appetite of doing more deals kind of going forward and maybe your preference between doing something more with more clinical risk like you just did or something kind of closer to BAQSIMI that's more commercial stage.

William Peters: Yes. When we looked at this opportunity in working with Anji and these products, this is something that's been a long -- part of our long-term plan, and that is to get more into branded products. As we've gone along over the years, we've had that toolbox that's been very effective for us, immunogenicity, preclinical animal studies, doing a lot of work in these early development has helped us considerably. And so when we looked at this opportunity, it seemed like a very good fit. All of the pieces were in place for us to be able to actually do the development of these type of products.

Dan Dischner: And as far as business development on a going-forward basis, I would say that we're -- now that we have some early-stage assets and with some commercial assets, I think what we would be looking for primarily is either assets that are already commercialized or very late-stage R&D assets.

William Peters: Now one other thing too, a level of excitement about these products. We're very, very excited about them. We've seen some early data for us on some of these animal models that it looks very encouraging for, as Dan had mentioned, some broad -- potentially broad applications for some of these cancer treatments. It seems very exciting for us to have.

Operator: The next question we have comes from David Amsellem of Piper Sandler.

David Amsellem: Two for me. One on insulin aspart, what's the competitive landscape going to look like in your view, once you're in a position to launch in '27? And how are you thinking about just the size of that opportunity and how impactful that could be to your portfolio? That's number one. And then secondly, on Primatene MIST, I noticed that your one Orange Book patent expires in '26. Are you expecting competition there? How are you thinking about exclusivity for that product?

William Peters: As far as the insulin aspart goes, we do -- we had originally hoped that we'd be there first or second, but it's likely to be 3 or more competitors in that market. So -- but it's a large market and a lot of volume. So there's a couple of things going for us there, which are we make the API ourselves and we also make finished product ourselves. And with a large volume market like that, it's going to really help our cost structure to get another high-volume product like that out here will affect our overall cost structure.

So we still see that as being a good market that we can have strong sales and it would be something that will move the needle for our company. So it's not just another launch. On Primatene MIST, yes, the patent for the current product does expire next year. Two things on that. One, we don't know of any competition, but generic competition, but not that there won't be because there always could be. But we also have been saying all along that we think it's unlikely that we get competition early on because of this product being -- because it's an OTC product, a lot of the sales will stay with the brand.

So if there's a generic come in, we assume that the brand gets half the market anyway. Of the other half of the market, if there was generic, we would also launch our own generic version of it and probably capture half the generic market. So any competitor would be limited to 1/4 of the market, and it has to cut the price at half or more to get any of that market share. So we're talking maybe it's a $10 million, $12 million sales market, and it's also now not a high-margin product. So it's a low-margin product.

So spending $10-plus million to get to that low margin -- low sales, low-margin product, we don't think is a great idea for most players. So we don't see that as being a big opportunity for generics. We think it's not the most likely target for generics to go after. And then secondly, we've also discussed how we are working on a follow-on product that has an even lower global warming propellant. And so we're working with the FDA right now. We've already filed one patent on that and are working on some others as we plan to get that product moving forward. We'll probably give some more information about timing of that next year.

Operator: The final question we have comes from Ben Burnett of Wells Fargo.

Benjamin Burnett: I want to go back and ask a follow-up question around the in-licensed products that you just got. I wonder if you could maybe just kind of map out for us sort of the market or the regulatory and development path? And is there -- are one of these is -- could one maybe be developed before the other or have a shorter path to market? Like how do you see sort of the timing there?

William Peters: Yes. What I could say about this, these will be new chemical products. So these would be going through the routine new product, new chemical entity pathway from the agency. We do -- from a prioritization, we have some that we think might be a little bit easier than others. And it's kind of early for us to give any kind of prioritization guidance on that. On others, then it's going to be some animal studies that we'll have to do and followed by some human studies, obviously, kind of the normal pathway that you would expect. How much prioritization the agency gives in that remains to be seen.

We're very encouraged by some of the early data, and we think perhaps the agency will, too, which will help expedite the approval process of that. But we're still early in it, and we're still kind of evaluating some of the preclinical data that we're getting, although we're very encouraged by it.

Dan Dischner: And one thing I'd like to add to that is that this has been a plan of ours for a while. As we've illustrated in our presentation, our intent was always to get our pipeline to be 50% proprietary. So we've staffed up. We have the resources to work on all of these independently at the same time. And as we start hitting our stride with them, and we'll have a better outlook on how we'll report it and when we'll report it and what we'll report going forward.

Benjamin Burnett: Okay. Great. And if I could just maybe follow up with a BAQSIMI question, I guess what is your estimate for kind of the share of the ready-to-use market that you have? And I think -- I feel like in the past, you've talked about the glucagon market as potentially expanding. Curious if you're still seeing that? And if so, kind of what are sort of the drivers of that?

William Peters: Yes. So right now, depending on the month, we usually have between 55% and 60% of the ready-to-use market, and that's how we're defining that segment of the market. And we have said that the glucagon market is expanding. And going back to the data on that, which was when we purchased BAQSIMI, only 10% of people who were on insulin were getting a glucagon script filled. And at that time, the Diabetes Association recommended that every person who is on insulin get a glucagon script filled. We've seen that increase pretty steadily, and we're now up to 12% of people getting a glucagon script filled.

So it has increased pretty significantly, but we think that there's a lot of opportunity for that number to keep increasing. Therefore, we're very excited about the long-term cash flows from this product and long-term growth of that product. We're still have our forecast of peak sales of $250 million to $275 million. So -- and we think that, that's very achievable. So we're still excited about this, and BAQSIMI is our #1 growth product for next year.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. I would now like to turn the floor back over to Dan Dischner for closing comments. Please go ahead, sir.

Dan Dischner: Thank you, operator. Thank you all for joining us today. We remain excited about closing 2025 on a positive trajectory and remain focused on delivering innovation and value as we enter 2026. I look forward to sharing updates next year. Have a great day.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, that then concludes today's conference. Thank you for joining us. You may now disconnect your lines.

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Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at:

Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Israeli military forces made a raid into Syria on Friday that from what I can gather turned into a disaster for them. Israeli troops mounted an assault on the hamlet of Beit Jinn southeast of Damascus, where they maintained that three members of the Lebanon-based Islamic Group (al-Jama`ah al-Islamiyyah) constituted a danger to Israel.

After the Israeli troops and troop carriers came into the small town, they came under heavy fire and six servicemen and officers were wounded, three seriously. The Israelis then bombarded the village with artillery and called in air strikes on it, killing 13 Syrian townspeople and wounding 24. Syrias foreign minister denounced the Israeli killing of innocent women and children after, he said, the town predictably put up resistance to being invaded.

He has a point. If a foreign country sent troops into a small town in Alabama or Kentucky to kidnap some Americans it felt were hostile to it, I can only imagine they would take heavy shotgun fire to say the least.

The Israelis say they succeeded in kidnapping two Islamic Group members. It isnt clear to me whether the Lebanese Islamic Group party had established a constituency among Syrian Sunnis near the border with Lebanon, so that they were local Syrians, or whether the Dawn paramilitary had sent over Lebanese cadres to Beit Jinn.

Lebanons Islamic Group is a small Sunni fundamentalist party based mainly in Tripoli and Beirut. Its origins go back to an organization called Servants of the All-Merciful active in the 1950s and early 1960s. The Islamic Group has a civil wing as a political party and participates in Lebanese civil life and politics, even getting a representative elected to the 130-member Lebanese parliament.

Although it is typically characterized by Israeli, European and American reporters as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, I do not believe that is an accurate characterization. It was heavily influenced by the Brotherhoods pamphleteers, but it never had a reporting line back to Cairo and was always a tub on its own bottom. Its actual origins go back to Sunni Muslim organizing and reformist thinking in 20th century Lebanon. That is, it is local.

Or by check:

Juan Cole

P. O. Box 4218,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548

USA

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Moreover, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood formally gave up political violence in the early 1970s when President Anwar El Sadat let its leadership out of jail and allied with them against the Arab left cultivated by his predecessor, Gamal Abdel Nasser. The Lebanese Islamic Group has a small militia, called Dawn. Presumably the Israelis were targeting Dawn commandos who oppose the Israeli genocide in Gaza and have sympathies with Hamas, also a Sunni fundamentalist organization.

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Center for Lebanese Studies published an interesting paper by scholars Nader Ahmad and Nada Al Maghlouth in 2016 on the possibilities of Lebanese political and administrative reform, in which they surveyed the countrys political parties. Here is some of what they say about the small Islamic Group:

The study reveals that the majority of political parties internal administrations and control agencies, with the exception of Al-jamaah, can be described as highly centralised and dependent on the authority and vision of the president and his often appointed executive board.

That is, the Islamic Group is the most internally democratic of the Lebanese political parties. The authors add, perhaps due to its religious character and the absence of a national political founder, Al-jamaah appeared to be more democratic compared to other political parties when it comes to their internal administration as well as human resources management. A higher value was placed on abstract rules and regulations when it comes to their organisational behavior within the administrative configurations of the party, and which to a large extent reflected the partys dedication to work with parliamentary committees on administrative development.

They found Lebanese political parties opaque and unwilling to share their internal thinking on electoral strategy and reform, with the exception of the Islamic Group, which was open and transparent. It was one of a handful of parties that sought decentralization of Lebanese politics as a key reform. Both the right wing Phalangist Party, which had been modeled on Spanish and Italian fascism and which appeals to a minority of Lebanese Christians, and the right wing Sunni Muslim fundamentalist Islamic Group saw decentralization as an opportunity to achieve a higher level of administrative accountability and equal development by freeing administrative decision-making from the influence of the Council of Ministers as well as its Secretary General and will circumvent the need for sectarian quotas on administrative posts.

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The Islamic Group also promoted administrative decentralization as a means to facilitate accountability. According to Al-jamaah, when local affairs are administered by an elected local body, through the Municipal Council or otherwise, these people can be held accountable by those who elected them . . . They also argued that centralized decision-making facilitates unequal development  particularly in instances when particular ministers are biased towards their regions. Decentralization means that each region can develop itself independently as per a shared centralized mechanism . . .

To some extent, they are promoting the interests of Sunni-majority Tripoli in the north of Lebanon, versus the central government in Beirut.

One reads in the secondary literature that the Islamic Group wants to impose Sunni canon law on all Lebanon, and they are being called militants. But it isnt what the party told these researchers. The Islamic Group argued that the biggest barrier to reform is sectarian politics. They asserted that religions in Lebanon are meant to enrich it and not to create barriers in communication between the Lebanese people, and they believe that the problem lies in using those religions for political ends. They also argued that sectarian politics is more similar to feudalism than it it to sectarian representation. Under the banner of sectarian representation, sectarian leaders transform into feudal lords who realistically end up neglecting their sects . . . [they] claimed that this is why their main focus is creating the largest possible dialogue between the Lebanese people to reach the abolishment of the sectarian system.

Finally, the partys internal governance appears to be among the more democratic of any political party in the Middle East: Elections are held for most of the positions in the party, so each sector concerned elects its own representative, whether at the administrative level  at the level of regional offices . . . There are two types of positions in the party, the first, which is larger and voluntary, is not compensated. The second type of position is filled by full-time members, and Al-jamaah relies on an employment system involving job descriptions and specifications based on which members are employed to particular positions. High-ranking executive members are all volunteers and are elected.

The Islamic Group isnt well studied, but I found these few research findings from a decade ago interesting because they contradict the glib image purveyed in the Western press about them. None of this is to say that the partys paramilitary wing consists of nice guys or that they have been uninvolved in planning violence toward Israel. But then Christian fundamentalists in the US Republican Party have been planning violence on other countries for decades.



Painting of Tripoli, Lebanon. Via Picryl. Public Domain.

Israeli military forces have been attacking Syria since last Decembers Muslim fundamentalist revolution, attempting to degrade the countrys military capacities by bombing naval vessels, port facilities, and military bases. This constant barrage of Israeli bombings has been pursued even though the new government in Damascus has been recognized by the United States and says it wants correct relations with Israel. That is, Israeli attacks on Syria are not a response to a clear and immediate danger emanating from that country but are an opportunistic attempt to weaken a neighbor so as to dominate it geopolitically.

The attack on Beit Jinn, however, was the largest Israeli troop incursion of the past year.

The Israelis have also taken on the old role of the British Empire in the 19th century, which declared itself the protector of the Druze and Jewish minorities in the Middle East as a way of interfering in the domestic affairs of the Ottoman Empire. Thus, Israeli forces invaded southern Syria, ostensibly to protect Druze villages from ascendant Sunni fundamentalist militias. Since Israels own small Druze minority serves in the Israeli military and saw action in Gaza against Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus incursion on behalf of the Druze played well in Israeli domestic politics.
( Middle East Monitor )  The Arab world is standing at a precipice. Climate change is accelerating at twice the global average across the region. Water scarcity threatens to erase up to 14 per cent of GDP by 2050. Illiteracy and failing education systems leave millions unprepared for the AI revolution already reshaping economies elsewhere. Yet, still, Arab leaders siphon billions into Swiss banks, insulating their families while leaving their nations exposed to the coming storm.

This is not a prophecy of decline but rather a description of decline already happening. An investment of up to 4 per cent of GDP per year is made to secure climate resilience and meet targets for reducing emissions, yet corruption ensures these funds never materialize. Productivity in agriculture could decline up to 30 per cent, displacing millions of people and destabilizing food systems.

Climate collapse as destiny

The temperatures in Iraq are rising seven times faster than the global average. In Saudi Arabia, by the 2050s, there will be nearly 20 heat waves annually, each lasting an average of 10 days. Under a high-emissions scenario, Saudi GDP is expected to contract by more than 12 per cent by 2050. Coastal cities from Alexandria to Basra face rising seas, while adaptation projects remain underfunded, delayed, or siphoned off by corrupt procurement.

A one-meter rise in sea levels will affect 3.2 per cent of the population, and 1.49 per cent of GDP. Leaders build vanity projectstowers, islands, and stadiumsthat will be swallowed by the very climate they deny.

Illiteracy in the age of AI

The AI revolution is not waiting for the Arab societies to catch up. Western economies embed AI into logistics, healthcare, and education, multiplying productivity. Meanwhile, in the Arab countries, the illiteracy rate stands at about 21 percent, higher than the global average of about 13 per cent. An estimated 26 per cent of females in the Arab countries alone represents the highest illiteracy rate in the world.

Illiteracy is not a mere statistic; in the age of AI, it is a foreclosure on the future. Without foundational skills, regional youth will be locked out of the digital economy, condemned to unemployment or precarious labor. In developing and emerging countries, the number of children and youth without basic foundational literacy skills continues to grow by an estimated 20 per cent per year.

Corruption compounds the tragedy. It raids education budgets, underpays teachers, and leaves schools crumbling while incompetent education ministers are lost, not knowing what to do.

Corruption as the great accelerant

The Arab world is not poor; it is plundered. In 2024, the average corruption score of the Arab States reached an all-time low of 34, way below the global average of 43. Only five Arab countries obtained scores above 50 out of 100: the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia with rates of 68, 59, and 59 per cent, respectively, plus Oman at 55 and Bahrain at 53.

The centralized power of the authoritarian leadership has fostered systemic corruption across government practices. Oil wealth, aid packages, and development loans vanish into offshore accounts. The IMF and World Bank reiterate at every opportunity that climate finance and AI investment need credible governance. Yet, as it happens, that is precisely what Arab elites have yet to put into place with proficiency.

Billions stolen and hidden in Swiss banks could have been invested in desalination plants, AI research centers, or literacy campaigns. Instead, they finance palaces, yachts, and foreign real estate portfolios.

The coming migration wave

About 9 per cent of the population residing in coastal areas in the Arab States region lives at altitudes of 5 meters or less above sea level. The extreme droughts in Iraq have displaced as many as 23,364 families as of March 2024. By 2050, millions may be forced from coastal zones and drought-stricken interiors. Where will they go? Europe, which is already fortifying its borders, will not absorb them. The Gulf states will not welcome climate refugees from their own region. The Arab world risks becoming a zone of permanent displacement.

AI of dependency, not liberation

Without sovereign strategies, the Arab states will consume AI as they consume oil technology: imported, expensive, and controlled by others. Western firms will dominate language models, data governance, and compute infrastructure. Arab societies will be reduced to passive users rather than producers. Innovation will stagnate, dependency deepens, and sovereignty will erode.

The irony is brutal: a region that once gave the world algebra, astronomy, and philosophy risks turning into a digital colony.

A call to shame

Arab leaders need to be confronted with the reality that their corruption is not only immoral but also existential. Every dollar stolen is a desalination plant not built, a literacy program not funded, an AI lab not established. Every billion hidden abroad is one billion denied to the children who will inherit a hotter, harsher, more unstable Arab world.



Photo of Baghdad, January 2025, by Tatiana Mokhova on Unsplash

As Transparency Internationals Middle East and North Africa Regional Advisor warned, civil society organizations are the backbone of social accountability, driving change and shaping the national, regional and global agendas. They must be empowered, not sidelined and silenced.

The Arab world does not lack resources. It lacks integrity. It does not lack warnings. It lacks will.

Conclusion: The vanishing horizon

A 2C change in global mean temperature could cause a decline of 10 to 30 per cent in global GDP in 2050, with disproportionate losses falling on the Arab world. On current trends, the region will be poorer, hotter, hungrier, and more dependent than at any time in modern history during the second half of this century.

Its leaders will live in exile, their fortunes secure, while their nations collapse under the weight of climate shocks and technological exclusion. The Arab worlds horizon is disappearing. Unless leaders act nowagainst corruption, against illiteracy, against climate denialthe region will not simply fall behind. It will fall apart.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Jasim Al-Azzawi has worked for several media organisations, including MBC, Abu Dhabi TV, and Aljazeera English as a news anchor, program presenter, and Executive Producer. He has covered significant conflicts, interviewed world leaders, and taught media courses.

Via Middle East Monitor
The US military conducted a follow-up strike on a boat in the Caribbean that it believed to be ferrying drugs, killing survivors of an initial missile attack, US media reported Friday.

Prior to the operation, the troops had been given a directive from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to kill everyone on board, the Washington Post and CNN both reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the operation.

"The order was to kill everybody," one of the sources told the Post.

The alleged incident occurred on September 2 during the first publicized strike in a series of attacks against boats in both the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that Washington claims were trafficking drugs in international waters.

President Donald Trump's administration has not offered evidence to back up the allegations behind its campaign, which has killed at least 83 people, according to an AFP tally of publicly released figures.

On September 2, the US military saw two survivors of an initial strike clinging to the burning vessel, then proceeded to strike them again, the Washington Post reported.

After the September 2 strike, protocols were changed to rescue any survivors, the Post added.

According to CNN, it was not clear whether Hegseth knew there were survivors before the second strike was carried out.

The Intercept initially reported on the follow-up attack on September 10.

On Friday, Hegseth posted on social media that "current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law", responding to what he called "fake news," though he did not specifically mention the September operation.

The US Justice Department has defended the strikes as consistent with the law of armed conflict and the government has signaled it will continue the operations.

Responding to the Washington Post report on Friday, Democratic congressman Seth Moulton said on X that the "killing of survivors is blatantly illegal."

"Mark my words: It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder," said the Marine veteran.

The Pentagon has told Congress the United States is in "armed conflict" with Latin American drug cartels, designating them as terrorist groups and describing suspected smugglers as "unlawful combatants."

The report comes in the midst of political furor over a video released by Democratic members of Congress this month, addressing the military and saying troops have the right to refuse illegal orders.

Though they did not specify which orders they were referring to, Trump has labeled the group of lawmakers "traitors."

UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk has urged Washington to investigate the strikes' legality, saying there was "strong evidence" they constitute "extrajudicial" killings.

des/ceg/lb

X
A former member of a Gambian death squad suspected of killing AFP's correspondent in the west African country in 2004 was arrested on Saturday in neighbouring Senegal, the Gambian government said.

Gambian authorities said Sanna Manjang served in the notorious "Junglers" paramilitary unit, which ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh used to crush opposition to his eccentric and brutal rule.

At hearings dealing with abuses committed during Jammeh's more than two decades in power, Manjang was accused of being one of the murderers of longtime AFP journalist Deyda Hydara, who was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of the capital Banjul on December 16, 2004.

"Sanna Manjang... who has been implicated in serious human rights violations during the administration of former President Yahya Jammeh, was apprehended in the early hours of this morning in the Casamance Region of southern Senegal," a Gambian government statement said.

Manjang, who has been on the run since Jammeh was forced into exile in January 2017, will now be repatriated to The Gambia to face trial, the statement added.

His arrest was the fruit of cooperation between the Senegalese and Gambian authorities, the government said.

Hydara, a father-of-four who was in his 60s at the time of his murder, had worked for AFP since 1974, first as a translator and then as a journalist.

Co-founder of the independent newspaper The Point, he was often critical of the government, elite corruption and attacks on press freedom.

A 2006 report by The Gambia's secret services shed no light on the circumstances of his death.

It was only after Jammeh was forced out of the country that the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) looking into crimes committed during his rule uncovered details of Hydara's murder.

Former Jungler member Malick Jatta testified to the TRRC in July 2019 that he, along with Manjang and another paramilitary, had fired at the journalist.

Another Jungler involved in Hydara's murder, hitman Bai Lowe, was jailed for life in Germany for his role in the unit, with the top court rejecting his appeal in 2024.

The Junglers worked independently of the regular army, and the death squad has long been accused of extrajudicial killings and torture by the United Nations and rights groups.

Jammeh, who came to power after a 1994 coup, was forced to flee to Equatorial Guinea after losing a presidential election in December 2016 to opposition leader Adama Barrow.

The Gambia's government has vowed to arrest Jammeh if he ever sets foot in the country again.
MILAN  Giorgio Armani SpA has a new board of directors, established in accordance with the late designers wishes, the group said Friday.

The new board comprises eight members, selected by the Armani Foundation and the designers heirs, and includes some familiar faces in the industry. They are chairman Pantaleo, known as Leo, DellOrco; Armanis niece Silvana and his nephew Andrea Camerana; chief executive officer and managing director Giuseppe Marsocci; Marco Bizzarri; former Armani top executive John Hooks; Federico Marchetti, and Angelo Moratti. The latter four do not have operational roles in the company.

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The new BoD of Giorgio Armani SpA includes family members and the CEO, all longtime collaborators of Mr. Armani, alongside independent professionals of recognized competence and experience, stated DellOrco. This provides the best assurance for continuing, enhancing, and updating Mr. Armanis vision of beauty, business model, and ethical values built over 50 years, enabling us to effectively face market challenges and opportunities.

DellOrco and Marsoccis roles were confirmed.

In a statement, the company said that the board will operate in accordance with the founding principles defined by Mr. Armani, which are safeguarded by the Giorgio Armani Foundation, that, it is established will be always holding a stake of no less than 30 percent in the companys capital, regardless of potential future developments, such as the entry of new shareholders or a public listing.

The members of the Armani Foundation are DellOrco as chairman, Camerana; partner of Rothschild & Co. Irving Bellotti; notary Elena Terrenghi,and Andrea Silvestri.

Andrea Camerana, Federico Marchetti and Giuseppe Marsocci

In October, Marsocci was named to lead the fashion group, along with his simultaneous appointment to the board of directors. As CEO, he succeeded Armani, who was also chairman of the group he founded five decades ago. Marsocci has more than 35 years of international experience in the fashion and luxury sector, 23 of which have been within the Armani Group. Since 2019 he has held the role of deputy managing director and global chief commercial officer.

Marchetti was the first non-family member to join Armanis board in 2020 and was reappointed for another three years in 2022. Marchetti founded Yoox and spearheaded the merger with Net-a-porter. In 2021 Marchetti exited the Yoox Net-a-porter Group and was appointed chair of the fashion task force as part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative that the-then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, launched during the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2020. The Armani Group is part of the SMI task force.
Management agency Gold Medalist, which represents actor Kim Soo Hyun, is once again facing increased scrutiny for another abrupt change in leadership.

CEO Ahn Sung Soo has left the company, marking the second sudden executive departure in under a year for the agency.

According to a report from TenAsia, Ahn left his position roughly two months ago. He had previously appeared alongside Kim Soo Hyun at the actor's press conference on March 31 at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

The report added that he has since been replaced by an executive with previous experience at Hanwha, representing a significant change in internal leadership when the agency is already under pressure.

The shift in management comes at a time when Gold Medalist continues to deal with the unresolved issues surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron.

Ahn, who joined earlier this year, has stepped down after nine months in the company. Koreaboo noted increasing public interest over his departure timing with consideration of the ongoing disputes.

This is not the first leadership change that is linked to Kim Soo Hyun-related matters. Before the public controversy of the actor surfaced, another executive, referred to as A, from the company also stepped down late last year.

That executive handled the negotiations over compensation in relation to Kim Sae Ron's drunk driving incident. According to the source, "It is said that at the time, A understood Kim Sae Ron's difficult situation and, despite not recovering the loaned funds, tried to prevent gift tax from being imposed."

The situation escalated from the accusations that Kim Soo Hyun had been dating the late actress for six years, starting when she was a minor. He had previously denied having a relationship with her. He later claimed the two "dated after she became an adult."

Matters worsened when Kim Sae Ron was discovered dead in her house in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, Kim Soo Hyun's birthday. The legal battle between the actor and the late actress's family has continued to increase public concern and media attention.

With the internal reshuffling at Gold Medalist coming amidst all the legal and public disputes, both TenAsia and Koreaboo report that the agency will continue to face challenges in stabilizing its leadership while navigating one of the most turbulent periods.
Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Venture Global is undervalued by 30.4%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio , or discover 920 more undervalued stocks based on cash flows .

Based on all cash flow projections and appropriate discount rates, the calculated intrinsic value per share is $10.71. This represents a 30.4% discount compared to the current share price, indicating the stock is undervalued according to DCF analysis.

For Venture Global, the DCF model uses a 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity approach. The companys latest reported Free Cash Flow is a negative $10.7 Billion, reflecting heavy investments or challenging market conditions. Analyst forecasts suggest continued negative cash flows for the next few years, but projections show a significant turnaround, with an expected Free Cash Flow of $1.5 Billion by 2029. Beyond 2029, estimates are extrapolated, and by 2035 Venture Global could generate upwards of $4 Billion per year in Free Cash Flow.

The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model estimates a companys value by projecting its future cash flows and discounting them back to todays dollars. This method gives investors an idea of what Venture Global may truly be worth based on real, expected cash generation over time.

With a solid valuation score of 5 out of 6 , Venture Global checks most of the boxes for being undervalued. However, there is more to this story than just the score. Next, we will break down the main valuation methods, and at the end, reveal what might be the smartest way to look at the companys value.

Recent news has centered on Venture Globals major strategic projects and regulatory developments, with investors reacting to updates about new export contracts and shifting regulatory landscapes. Together, these headlines have contributed to the stocks sharp recent swings, adding both excitement and uncertainty to the mix.

After a volatile stretch, Venture Globals share price rose 2.9% over the last week, but is still down 15.2% for the month and a stark 68.9% so far this year, catching the attention of value hunters and risk-watchers alike.

Thinking about whether Venture Global might be undervalued right now? You are not alone if you want a clearer picture of what you are really getting for your money with this stock.

Story Continues

Approach 2: Venture Global Price vs Earnings (PE)

The Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratio is a favored valuation tool for analyzing profitable companies, as it shows how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of a companys earnings. A lower PE can signal an undervalued company, while a higher PE might indicate optimism about future growth or lower risks.

Growth expectations and risk profile are major factors influencing what a normal or fair PE ratio should be. Companies with faster expected earnings growth or lower business risks usually justify higher PE multiples because investors are willing to pay a premium for promising prospects or stability.

Venture Global currently trades at a PE ratio of 8.8x. This is considerably below both the Oil and Gas industry average of 13.4x and the average among similar peers at 22.0x. On the surface, this low PE suggests that the stock might be undervalued relative to both its sector and close competitors.

Simply Wall St introduces the Fair Ratio, a proprietary valuation benchmark that considers not just peer and industry comparisons but also factors in Venture Globals expected earnings growth, profit margins, market cap, sector characteristics, and risk profile. This makes the Fair Ratio a more rounded reference point for assessing value.

With a Fair Ratio of 11.2x, Venture Globals actual PE is still notably lower. This indicates that, accounting for all key drivers, the stock is trading below its intrinsic valuation level based on its true prospects and risks.

Result: UNDERVALUED

NYSE:VG PE Ratio as at Nov 2025

PE ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Discover 1443 companies where insiders are betting big on explosive growth.

Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Venture Global Narrative

Earlier we mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. Let's introduce you to Narratives. A Narrative is a simple, intuitive approach that lets investors connect the company's story, your perspective about Venture Global's future, with the underlying numbers such as fair value, revenue forecasts, earnings, and profit margins.

Narratives bridge the gap between what you believe and what you see in the data. This helps you map your view of Venture Globals potential to a real financial forecast and resulting fair value. On Simply Wall St's Community page, used by millions of investors, Narratives are an accessible tool for anyone who wants to invest with more insight and confidence.

This approach empowers you to make smarter decisions by showing how your assumed fair value compares to the current share price, and it is continuously updated whenever news or financial results change. With Narratives, one investor might see Venture Globals fair value at $25 based on aggressive growth, while another could set it at $8 reflecting more cautious expectations. Narratives make it easier to decide when to buy or sell based on your unique perspective and the latest market information.

Do you think there's more to the story for Venture Global? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!

NYSE:VG Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include VG.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
By Rebecca Black, PA

Gardai have issued an appeal for information about the decapitation of a stag in Co Dublin.

The headless body of the stag, which was part of the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, was found on Thursday morning, according to Fingal County Council.

In a statement, the council said the stag had been killed overnight by intruders who had broken into the park.

It was part of the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate (Fingal County Council)

The discovery was made when staff went to feed the herd of Irish red deer, they said.

The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd.

Mayor of Fingal Tom OLeary described the incident as shocking.

Gardai, along with National Parks and Wildlife Service, are investigating the incident is believed to have happened in the early hours of Thursday.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have information about this incident to come forward.

They have also asked that anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Newbridge Demesne between 12am and 2.30am on November 27th to contact the Garda investigation team.

In particular they wish to speak with any person who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from between 12am and 2.30am on Thursday on the following roads  R126, Cobbes Lane and Turvey Avenue  around Newbridge Demense to make it available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone who observed any activity in the area of the Newbridge Demesne boundary at the time and/or anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station 01 6664700, the Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is one of the best low volatility large cap stocks to invest in. Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) received a rating update from Bank of America Securities analyst Antoine Prevot on November 25, who reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and set a p5,400.00 price target.

Jefferies Raises Unilever (UL) Price Target but Keeps Underperform Rating

The company reported its fiscal Q3 2025 results on October 23, announcing an underlying sales growth of 3.9% (4.0% excluding Ice Cream), along with volume growth of 1.5% (1.7% excluding Ice Cream). In addition, Power Brands experienced an underlying sales growth of 4.4%, with volume growth of 1.7%.

The results reflect that Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) continued to outperform in developed markets in fiscal Q3, supported by its solid innovation program, and stepped up its emerging markets performance with a return to growth in China and Indonesia. It added that growth was broad based across all the companys Business Groups, and was driven by its Power Brands.

In addition, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) plans to complete the Demerger of the Ice Cream business by years end, creating a simpler Unilever with a sharper focus and structurally higher margin profile. The companys outlook for the full year 2025 remains unchanged, and it expects underlying sales growth to be within its range of 3% to 5%. Despite subdued market conditions, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) expects second-half growth to be ahead of the first half.

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company that operates through five segments: Personal Care, Nutrition, Beauty and Well-Being, Home Care, and Ice Cream. Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) offers over 400 brands worldwide. Its Beauty & Well-being segment includes skin care, hair care, and prestige beauty, while the Personal Care segment includes oral care products, deodorant, and skin cleansing. The Home Care segment manages fabric care and cleaning products.

While we acknowledge the potential of UL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Ottoline Spearman

Gardai seized 622,000 in cash and arrested three men in Dublin on Friday.

The Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau conducted searches at two separate business premises in Dublin city centre and North Dublin as part of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime activity under Operation Tara.

During the course of this operation 622,000 in cash was recovered along with a number of digital devices of evidential value.

Gardai also arrested three males - one in his 30s, two in their 40s - who are currently detained under Section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda Stations in Dublin.

Following the operation, Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis who is in charge of Organised & Serious Crime said: "This significant seizure of cash is further evidence of our ongoing collaboration with international partners and targeting of the facilitators and enablers who launder the vast sums of cash generated from casual drug use.

"The Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau alone has seized in excess of 3 million in cash during 2025, and continues to disrupt and dismantle identified national priority high-risk criminal networks, in our efforts to make our communities safer.
TWO teenagers from Kildare are featured in the latest edition of a book detailing 30 cancer survivor stories.

CanTeen Ireland, the national support group for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who have or had cancer, celebrates its 35-year milestone with the launch of the third editor of their book, Bad Times, Good Times - Teenage Cancer, Our Story.

Two members of CanTeen from Kildare who have written their story in the book - Zion Ebokolle (17) from Naas who had a brain tumour, and Kevin Vaskov (19) from Rathangan who had Hodgkins Lymphoma.

At around nine or 10 years old, Zion started experiencing double vision.

Then, by November 2021, when he was 12 years old, he began experiencing dizziness and an increased need to drink water.

So after multiple tests and many doctors not believing something was wrong, Zion went to Temple Street hospital where he stayed for a month.

He was then diagnosed with a germinoma after many MRI scans, a biopsy, spinal fluid extraction and daily blood samples.

He was then transferred to Crumlin where he began his chemo, and he had to travel to Germany for radiotherapy.

Kevin was diagnosed with cancer on 13 November 2023.

He could not go to school or see his friends, as he was immunocompromised with his treatment.

He underwent two rounds of treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, but he has had a transplant and is now cancer free and trying to rebuild his life.

The book contains some of CanTeens members personal experiences and how they are getting on with life now and it aims to help teenagers with cancer to remind them that they are not alone.

Each chapter has a unique title and tells a unique and personal story from Aoibh Maguires The Neck of Ya! to Danny Currans My Journey Through Cancer and The Ugly Truth and a Beautiful Lie by Mariosa Grace Churchard to The book of Zion by Zion Ebokolle.

CanTeen Manager of Services, Evelyn Griffith, said: We are deeply grateful to our members for courageously sharing their stories and experiences of living with cancer. Their voices bring strength, hope, and authenticity to every page.

In todays world cancer is a commonplace illness that affects thousands of people, and in teenagers (16 to 24), the most commonly diagnosed cancers are brain cancer and CNS tumours. In Ireland, there are on average 369 new cases of cancer diagnosed per year (191 at ages 0-15, 178 at ages 16-24).

While incidence rates are low, they have increased over the past 20 years.

With scientific advancements, better medical treatments, and early detection, the survival rate is positive and has increased to almost 90 per cent in 16- to 24-year-olds over the past ten years.

Founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of health care professionals, CanTeen supports, develops, and empowers young people with cancer.

CanTeen currently has 250 members across Ireland and regularly arranges meet-ups, weekends away, drama sessions and much more. CanTeen recognises the importance of siblings and friends, and so members can bring a brother, sister or friend with them to have some fun away from the check-ups and hospital appointments. CanTeen also runs support meetings where everyone can get the chance to talk and share their stories about cancer, as well as publishing age-appropriate content and information on cancer especially for teenagers. CanTeen is the only support group in Ireland specifically for young people with cancer.
Fianna Fail TDs for Carlow-Kilkenny John McGuinness and Peter Chap Cleere have criticised Uisce Eireann and called for action in what Deputy McGuinness called a shocking and disgraceful failure to respond to public concerns regarding the water infrastructure in Inistioge and surrounding communities.

Deputy McGuinness attended a public meeting in Inistioge earlier this month, where residents expressed frustration at the ongoing deterioration of water services, lack of investment and delays affecting water and wastewater upgrades.

The turnout was huge, and rightly so, Deputy McGuinness said. This community has been struggling with water issues for years.

There is chronic underinvestment, ongoing pollution concerns and young couples are being denied planning permission because the water and wastewater symptoms are simply not fit for purpose. The people of Inistioge deserve better.

Deputy Cleere raised the issue in a Dail debate this week saying the village is being strangled at the moment because there is a lack of infrastructure there, and a huge issue regarding the wastewater treatment plant, which absolutely needs to be upgraded.

It has been on the Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council list for the past number of years. It has been ranked second but demoted to fourth and fifth. In order for this village to grow and help the schools, GAA clubs, the pubs and the shops, we need this wastewater treatment upgraded.

I implore the Minister to do everything he can to get this treatment plant upgraded as soon as possible and as a massive priority for this Government," he added.

Deputy McGuinness stated that he raised all issues from the public meeting directly with Uisce Eireann shortly after, but no reply has yet been received.

READ NEXT: National award for Kilkenny Volunteer Centre

I am absolutely disgusted that Uisce Eireann has failed to respond, he said. Their inefficiency and their total lack of understanding of the gravity of this matter is unacceptable.

This is a State-funded entity that cant even answer basic queries about failing infrastructure, raw sewage discharges, or overdue investment. Residents are left in limbo, and the environmental impacts continue unchecked, he outlined.

Deputy McGuinness also raised the issues with Kilkenny County Council and is demanding urgent action from Uisce Eireann on two fronts.

These are urgent improvements to the Inistioge water supply, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and clear movement on the 5.2 million allocated for works in Bennettsbridge, Woodstock and other areas of Kilkenny.

The people of Inistioge and the surrounding villages deserve a functioning, continuous and safe water supply, he said.

Families trying to build homes are being refused planning permission because Irish Water has failed to deliver. Local businesses and tourism are being held back. This cannot continue, he concluded.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Windgap resident Roisin Browne was named Student of the Year at the Carlow College, St Patricks conferring ceremony on Friday.

She was graduating from the BA (Hons) in English & History with First-Class honours, but was also honoured with the prestigious James Fintan Lalor Student of the Year Award awarded for outstanding academic achievement and contribution to college life.

Carlow College, St Patricks conferred 139 students at its annual graduation ceremony in the historic Carlow Cathedral. The event marked a proud moment for the college community, as students from across all undergraduate programmes received their degrees in front of family, friends, faculty, and invited guests.

Roisin was over the moon to receive the award. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS

Theres a real sense of community in the college itself, it doesnt feel like theres a huge disparity between students and lecturers," she said. "Its provided me with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue a level 9 masters."



Roisin is currently a MA student at UCD, studying Archives & Records Management. In addition to Roisin, 12 students from Kilkenny graduated including Daragh O Faolain, from Kilkenny City, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities. Daragh was also recognised for the best final-year dissertation in the Arts and Humanities, receiving the Rev Dr John Cummins Interdisciplinary Prize. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Philosophy at UCD.

This years ceremony was particularly significant as it celebrated the first graduating class from the BA (Hons) in Psychology, a PSI-accredited programme launched in 2022. Castlecomer resident, Kelly Coogan, was among the 23 pioneering students from this cohort who have completed a rigorous academic journey and are now equipped to pursue further study or careers in psychology and related fields.

The event was presided over by Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh, College President and Bishop Denis Nulty, Chair of the Governing Body was also in attendance.



Daragh O Faolain, from Kilkenny City, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities, with Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh

Dr Margaret Murphy, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, congratulated the graduates: The Class of 2025 represents the heart of Carlow Colleges mission  to foster critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. We are especially proud to celebrate the first graduates from our Psychology programme, who have set a strong foundation for future cohorts.

The graduates, who hail from 14 counties across Ireland as well as internationally from Greece and the Czech Republic, were presented with their parchments by College President, Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh.

As College President, it is my pleasure and privilege to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of all of our graduates. They have been part of our journey over the past three to four years and we wish them the very best as they continue on their own individual paths, said Fr O Maoldhomhnaigh.

The College extends its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2025 and looks forward to supporting future cohorts.
The ongoing lack of investment into Kilkennys MacDonagh Railway Station is continuing to cause considerable inconvenience to commuters and those who wish to travel by rail.

The basic issues appear to centre around a lack of funding to carry out essential works.

There were celebrations, and rightly so, a number of years ago when MacDonagh Train Station was recognised as Irelands First Age Friendly Train Station. Additions such as two age-friendly parking spaces and the new connecting ramp to MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, were welcome additions.

However, juxtapose that with a lift that has not been operational in 18 years, and jam-packed carriages with no available seats, and its easy to see why rail travel remains a non-runner for some older people or those with mobility issues.

There remains a capacity issue on the rail service between Heuston Station and Waterford, with Kilkenny being the problem. In 2009, the platform capacity was reduced to just six carriages. It is hard to fathom why the Minister for Transport has not deemed the station worthy of funding to rectify this crippling restriction.

Anyone who has been on trains coming back from Dublin in the afternoon or early evening will be aware of how seriously overcrowded those services are people standing right through the aisles of carriages, or hemmed in sitting on the floors blocking access and egress, nowhere to go.

It has been pointed out previously that visitors from the UK and mainland Europe are shocked when they first encounter our anaemic public transport system. If we are to be serious about giving people the option, a major upgrade of this type of basic infrastructure is paramount.

It is high time the Government commit to improving public transport and reducing our reliance on the private car. The best time to invest in public transport infrastructure was years ago; the second-best time is now.

READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is among the 10 Best Drone Stocks to Buy Right Now. On November 26, the company announced that it had secured a contract worth $4.7 billion from the U.S. Army to manufacture AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for international clients, of which 96 units will be produced for Poland.

The Boeing Company (BA) Secures $4.7 Billion Contract To Build AH-64E Apache Helicopters For International Clients

Pixabay/Public Domain

This is the largest contract in terms of volume for the aircraft outside of the United States, with deliveries scheduled to take place in 2028. According to a press release by Boeing, the Polish military has already begun training pilots and maintainers for the aircraft.

Last year, the Polish Ministry of National Defense signed an agreement with the company, which will see the local industry play an important role in the fleets maintenance and support, while Boeing will be responsible for developing training programs.

Christina Upah, Vice President of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)s Attack Helicopter Programs, stated the following on the award:

This important agreement allows us to begin building one of the largest and most formidable Apache fleets that the world has ever seen. Working closely with the Polish Armed Forces, were focused on disciplined execution to help enhance Polands defense capabilities and keep up with the strong demand for the most advanced attack helicopter.

The helicopter award follows a $2.47 billion contract by the United States Air Force earlier in the week for 15 additional KC-46A Tankers.

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is a leading aerospace company that manufactures commercial airplanes, space systems, and defense equipment for customers in over 150 countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of BA 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: 8 Best Small-Cap Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Most Undervalued Stocks Under $20.

Disclosure: None.
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A wintry mix transitioning into rain could cause patchy slushy or slick spots in mid-Missouri Saturday morning. KOMU 8 has issued a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday morning due to the possible impacts to travel.

KOMU 8 First Alert Weather is tracking the system. Follow KOMU 8 First Alert Weather and download the KOMU 8 Weather app to stay up to date on the forecast.

Avoid travel, but use these tips to prepare your vehicle

Drivers are strongly urged to limit travel during winter weather. If travel is necessary, the American Automobile Association recommends drivers ensure their vehicle and tires are prepared to drive on wintery roads.

Here's how AAA recommends preparing your vehicle:

Ensure your vehicle's battery health

Ensure proper air pressure and tread depth in tires

Maintain at least a half tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times

Maintain the condition of wiper blades

Make sure all lights work properly and are on to stay visible to other drivers

In addition to preventive maintenance, AAA suggests having a winter emergency kit in vehicles. Here's what should be in it:

Abrasive materials such as salt, sand or cat litter to gain traction on ice

Jumper cables

Snow shovels, ice scrapers and brushes,

Winter clothing and blankets for all passengers

A flashlight

Any necessary medication

A phone charger

Bottled water and nonperishable food

How to see Missouri winter road conditions

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Traffic and road conditions in Missouri Via Missouri Department of Transportation Traveler Information Map

Missouri road conditions are available 24/7 on the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org on desktop and mobile devices. Drivers can also find road conditions by following MoDOT on Facebook and X or by calling 888-275-6636 to speak with a customer service representative.

Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends drivers increase following distance to at least five seconds from other cars, because stopping quickly on roads during severe weather can be hazardous and even impossible. Elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and roadways that appear wet could be icy. MSHP also recommends to not use your cruise control feature during winter weather.

Troopers with MSHP urge drivers to pay attention to weather conditions and to avoid travel. When traveling, ensure vehicles are clean of snow, use headlights to increase visibility, and reduce speeds for ice or snow.

What to do if you're in a minor crash or slide-off

Should you be involved in a minor crash or slide off the road, the Missouri Department of Transportation says to remain in your vehicle with the seat belt buckled, and the American Red Cross provides these tips:

Winter weather safety checklist from the Red Cross Tips for staying safe on the road, at home and more during winter weather conditions and storms

Stay in the vehicle and wait for help.

Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help, such as a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.

Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour with the heater on. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.

Do light exercises to keep up circulation, such as clapping your hands and moving your arms and legs occasionally.

If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.

Huddle together for warmth. You can wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat, in addition to blankets from your emergency kit.

Avoid overexertion  shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

The MSHP emergency number is *55 on cell phones, and when called the nearest troop headquarters will be notified. Troopers will be available to assist during emergencies.
We came across a bullish thesis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Company on CompoundingLabs Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on BMY. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company's share was trading at $49 recently. BMYs trailing and forward P/E were 16.6 and 8 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

10 Pharmacist Shortage Countries in Need of Pharmacists in 2017

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY) appears modestly undervalued following its recent earnings release, with valuation work suggesting the stock trades at about a 20% discount to fair value. If the price adjusts to intrinsic value within three years, it could deliver an estimated annual alpha of roughly 7%. The companys long-term story reflects a transition-driven growth model supported by acquisitions and product lifecycle management. From 2015 to 2018, BMYs revenue remained steady at around $1922 billion as it streamlined operations after divestitures.

The pivotal shift came in 2020 with the Celgene acquisition, which lifted revenue sharply from approximately $26 billion to $42.5 billion by adding high-margin oncology drugs such as Revlimid and Pomalyst. Since then, growth has normalized, with 20212024 sales hovering near $4648 billion, as continued strength from Eliquis and Opdivo offsets declines in Revlimid due to generic competition. Over the past decade, the companys compound annual growth rate stands at about 12%, though organic growth excluding Celgene is closer to the low- to mid-single digits.

The valuation model assumes a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 6.7%, a 10.8x EBITDA exit multiple, and reinvestment driven by the most recent sales-to-capital ratio. Based on these assumptions, enterprise value is estimated at approximately $155 billion, implying an intrinsic share value between $47 and $59, versus the current ~$46 level. Despite modest undervaluation, the author prefers to wait for a deeper discount before entry, citing limited growth visibility and execution risk.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) by Magnus Ofstad in March 2025, which highlighted the companys high-risk, high-reward setup driven by Cobenfys potential in Alzheimers treatment. The companys stock has depreciated approximately by 22% since our coverage. This is because the thesis didnt play out. CompoundingLab shares a similar view but emphasizes valuation realism and capital discipline.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 67 hedge fund portfolios held BMY at the end of the second quarter which was 69 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of BMY 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.
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Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

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. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of G Capital Berhad ( KLSE:GCAP ) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Story Continues

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.7%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 11%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM9.6m (1 + 3.7%)  (11% 3.7%) = RM131m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM131m ( 1 + 11%)10= RM45m

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 RM78m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.2, the company appears about fair value at a 2.8% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

KLSE:GCAP Discounted Cash Flow November 29th 2025

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at G Capital Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.275. 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 G Capital Berhad

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. 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. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For G Capital Berhad, we've compiled three fundamental items you should further research:

Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for G Capital Berhad you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit unpleasant. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
A LONG-RUNNING Laois charity has issued a warning about bogus collectors, who have been calling door-to-door over the past few days.

PATH Portlaoise Action to Homelessness received reports that people are calling house to house in the Mountrath area, selling tickets on behalf of the charity.

This is not us and nothing to do with us, the charity said on social media.

Gardai have been informed about the fake collectors and residents are urged to be vigilant.

In a warning on its Facebook page on Thursday, PATH said: There are reports that people are calling house to house in the Mountrath area, selling tickets on behalf of us here at PATH.

The guards have been informed. We NEVER ask anyone to sell tickets for us house to house anywhere ever.

The group that was set up to feed those who are sleeping rough travel to Dublin every weekend with food, clothes and toiletries for people living on the streets and also help local people.
TIMES STAFF WRITER

To childless couples, Georgia Tann was a salvation. From 1924 to 1950, Tann headed the Tennessee Childrens Home Society, a highly respected adoption agency. During her tenure, permanent homes were found for more than 5,000 babies. Joan Crawford, Mary Pickford and Dick Powell and June Allyson were just a few of the famous people who received their children from the home. But Tann guarded a deep, dark secret: a vast majority of these children were actually stolen from their natural parents.

Lifetimes new movie, Stolen Babies, premiering Thursday, dramatizes this shocking true story. Lea Thompson stars in the drama as a county welfare agent who works closely with the society, only to discover the illegality in adoption procedures; Mary Tyler Moore plays Tann.

Executive producer Kim Moses interest in Tann was sparked when she read an article about her in a newspaper. But when she contacted the welfare department, the governors office and the public relations office of Tennessee, everyone disavowed knowledge of Tann. I felt that was curious, since it covered such a long period of time, Moses says. I think it is really a mar on the state of Tennessee. It is something they are not happy about, so they really dont want to make it a part of that history.

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So Moses and her partners, Ian Sander and J. Moses, began doing independent research. They found a social worker in Tennessee who had taken over the home after Tann died of cancer in 1950, and was responsible for writing the current laws to protect adopted children.

She was the first one to be suspicious of Georgia Tann because she was putting together statistics (on adoptions), Moses says. There was a high percentage of children in the adoption system in Tennessee from (a certain) county who had mental problems. There were repetitive adoptions. People would bring them back because of their behavior.

Though there also were a number of Tennessee families awaiting children, there were large numbers of out-of-state adoptions. In Tennessee, adoptions were free, but Tann was able to charge any amount for out-of-state adoptions.

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Why would they be adopting so many children from out of state when in Tennessee they were still waiting for children? Sander says.

The stolen children came mainly from poor, uneducated families.

Many of the homes they were adopted to were financially very well off, Moses says, even though they were not from good backgrounds. There was this story where they was a little girl who was adopted out to a wealthy family, and she ate garbage because they didnt feed her. But then there were other children who did get to college.

Tanns rule endured, Sander says, because of the Tennessee political machine. She worked with Judge Camille Kelly to legally get the children away from their natural parents.

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When there was a judge who went up against them, he found himself absolutely exiled on the bench, Sander says. There was a flu epidemic and 40 children died because (Tann) wouldnt give them penicillin because she thought it was too expensive. When a doctor tried to uncover that, he found himself out of a job.

No one was ever prosecuted for the illegal adoptions. Tann destroyed many of the adoption records. She died before she was brought to trial; Kelly resigned her post.

Mary Tyler Moore was drawn to the project because she felt that Tann was a fascinating character. I wanted to play that character because I am sure she was a product of her time, says Moore, who is almost unrecognizable as the matronly Tann. If you have a choice between raising a child in a wealthy home with little love, or a poor home with a lot of love, there is no question the children would do better in the wealthy home. That was the conventional wisdom.

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Tann was the daughter of a doctor who was from the wrong side of the tracks. She was not accepted by Tennessee society, so she used this position for power, Moore says. She had leverage to work her way into the place she wanted to be. With Camille Kelly, they would look at somebody--a worker who was temporarily unable to support his family. They would take the children under the guise of temporarily protecting them, and then send them out for adoption. Because of the disclosure laws at the time, once that family was back on its feet and came looking for the children, they couldnt trace them. It was a heinous thing.

Thompson, who plays the idealistic social worker, says Stolen Babies is all about class. It was really about the poor versus the rich, Thompson says. There was a heavy class system in the South--the poor white trash and the rich people. I totally see both sides of the coin, because I have really rich friends and they cant have babies and when a woman wants a baby, man, it is like an intense physical desire.

Stolen Babies, Moore says, is an important piece not just because it shows how Tann persuaded herself that she was in the right but because it reveals how people can convince themselves that they are right in all areas of life, when they are really doing terrible things. I am almost saying, dont be so sure of yourself, no matter what you are doing. Look very carefully at your motives and the outcome and be aware of other peoples opinions before you take action.

Stolen Babies premieres Thursday at 9 p.m. and repeats Saturday at 6 p.m. on Lifetime.
China is taking new steps to strengthen its crackdown on crypto payments as regulators warn that digital assets are once again creating risks in the countrys financial system. Officials say trading activity has resurfaced despite earlier restrictions, and they are now preparing stronger enforcement to curb the use of crypto and stablecoins in payments and transfers.

Growing Pressure From Regulators

Chinas central bank, the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC), recently held talks with key government agencies to review the rise of virtual currency activity. The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Cyberspace Administration, and several other departments.

They agreed that although the 2021 ban pushed crypto trading underground, the market has been active again. Now, the market has more scams, illegal fundraising schemes, and unregulated cross-border transactions.

Officials repeated that digital assets are not legal tenders and cannot circulate as currency inside the country. They warned that using them for payments or investments constitutes an illegal financial act.

For context, some stablecoins were a major concern because their anonymous nature makes it harder to identify users and trace funds.

Regulators said this creates space for fraud and makes it more difficult to control financial risks. Meanwhile, in an earlier update, Coinspeaker reported that China was moving towards lifting its crypto ban and allowing yuan-backed stablecoins.

However, it is worth mentioning that the agencies have now called for tighter coordination to monitor money flows. They want clearer systems to track suspicious transfers and to stop companies or individuals from using digital assets to bypass restrictions.

Stablecoins Draw Extra Attention

It is important to mention that the renewed focus comes as some state-linked companies explore new digital payment models.

PetroChina recently revealed that it was studying the use of stablecoins for certain cross-border deals. The company is paying close attention to Hong Kongs new digital settlement framework to see whether it can speed up international payments.

This interest has added to concerns among mainland regulators who want to maintain strict control over money flows.

Earlier in the year, Chinas securities regulator reportedly asked several major brokerages in Hong Kong to pause their tokenization plans. This move showed that Beijing is cautious not only about activity on the mainland but also about the growth of digital assets in nearby markets.

Still, parts of the government are studying the idea of yuan-backed stablecoins. For example, Coinspeaker reported that after the Trump Stablecoin Act was officially signed, Chinese regulators began weighing in on stablecoins.
Walgreens is recalling more than 41,000 bottles of its nasal spray due to contamination with bacteria commonly found in raw milk. Canva

You might want to double-check the brand of nasal spray you buy at Walgreens as cold and flu season ramps up.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recalling 41,328 bottles of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol due to the presence of a bacteria commonly found in raw milk, according to the FDA.

READ MORE: Nasal wash sold at Walmart and Amazon recalled for potentially causing life-threatening infection, throw out ASAP

According to the FDA, the recall was classified as a Class II recall, where a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

READ MORE: FDA recalls over 89K bottles of nasal spray that may cause adverse medical effects during flu season, throw out ASAP

Heres what to know about what products are affected and what you should do if you have one of these products.

What Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray products are affected?

According to the FDA, the 1.5-ounce bottles of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray products with the following lot numbers and expiration dates are affected:

Lot #: 71409, Expires: Feb. 28, 2027; Lot #: 71861, Expires: Aug. 31, 2027.

What should you do if you have the Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol in your medicine cabinet?

Consumers with the product should stop using it immediately or not use it if the product has been unopened.

Instead, consumers should return the nasal sprays to their local Walgreens for a full refund.
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Stating the very obvious here, but Disney vacations arent cheap. Any savings count, and right now Sams Club is delivering one of the few ways to knock a few bucks off your trip to the House of Mouse.

Members can grab a $200 Disney gift card for $190 as part of its Black Friday savings event.

Check out our Black Friday guide, which well be live updating all day long with new deals and predicted sell outs!

Disney $200 Email Delivery Gift Card $200 NOW $190 The wholesaler is offering $10 off the gift card's face value, which can be used for virtually anything you'll need for a U.S. based Disney vacation. Discounted gift cards are nowhere to be found  including Disney Store, even during Black Friday  so don't wait to snatch up this Sam's Club members-only perk. Limited to a max of 4 per order - 4 per membership. Buy now for Black Friday

What to know to grab the Disney deal ASAP:

Price: $190 for a $200 Disney gift card

Limit: 4 per order, 4 per membership

Delivery: Email (digital)

Membership required: ($50/year, currently $25) or Basic Club ($50/year, currently $25) or Plus ($110/year, currently $70)

These gift cards can be used for nearly every U.S.-based Disney experience  Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Store locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. Theyre also redeemable online at DisneyStore.com and can even cover Disney+ or Disney Bundle subscriptions when purchased through DisneyPlus.com.

Why act fast?

Discounted Disney gift cards are rare and tend to sell out quickly whenever they appear. With this offer ending soon and stock already moving fast, its a smart way to prepay for your next Disney adventure or gift a Disney fan with something magical!

More Sams Club Black Friday deals
PAW Patrol is on a roll!

A PAW Patrol Christmas sees the whole gang is celebrating the holidays in the North Pole, taking a little holiday trip away from Adventure Bay to save the day.

If youre enjoying your own family time over the holiday weekend with your kids, chances are youre looking for something good to watch.

A PAW Patrol Christmas is the perfect special for the whole family. The new special was released on Friday, Nov. 28, on CBS at 8/7c (and was available to stream live on Paramount+ for Premium subscribers).

If you dont have CBS or Paramount+, you can still watch this for free! You can sign up for a free trial of Fubo and get $30 off your first month once the trial ends. Or you can sign up for DIRECTVs five-day free trial.

In this hour-long special, the pups have to work together to save Christmas after Santa gets sick with a cold. They head up to the North Pole to save the day, only to learn that Mayor Humdinger has hatched a nefarious plan and is trying to steal all of the gifts. The special feature includes original and classic holiday songs.

Chase, Skye, Marshall, Rubble, Rocky and Zuma arent going to let Santa down on their watch!

How to watch A PAW Patrol Christmas (for free)

Paramount+: You can get both Paramount+ Essential (normally $7.99/month) or Paramount+ Premium for $2.99 (normally $12.99) for two months during this limited-time Black Friday offer. This promotion ends on Dec. 2.

Fubo: Fubo has a free trial and once that ends, youll be able to get $30 off your first month. After that, Fubo costs $84.99/month with the Pro Plan to get channels like ABC, CBS, ESPN, FOX and more.

DIRECTV: Get a 5-day free trial of DIRECTV, then sign up with plans currently $40 off. You can pick your plan based on your viewing pleasures, with discounted monthly rates starting at just $49.99.
A man who owed maintenance signed over his Range Rover at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

The man (38), who cannot be named due to the nature of the proceedings, appeared before the court in connection with maintenance arrears.

Garda Paul Dooley said the man was brought to court on a warrant as he was over 40,000 in arrears to his ex wife.

Solicitor Thomasina Connell said Judge Andrew Cody had been dealing with the case. She said the mans arrears amounted to 43,000 and his 2020 Range Rover was to be signed over to my client.

If you would ask this gentleman to sign it that will bring some clarity in terms of the arrears, she told Judge Susan Fay. She said the Range Rover was worth between 30,000 and 35,000.

The man said I dont understand how Irish law works. He said the money owed was from 2024 and he said he was stopped from working. He also said it was a company car.

If I was working I would pay the money, the man said.

Ms Connell said the man was to hand over the car.

The man said he had no NCT and no insurance on the car since March.

My client is working but she cant do it all on her own, said Ms Connell.

She said it was potentially the highest ever amount of arrears she had dealt with and she again asked the judge to direct the man to sign over the vehicle as she had the paper work in court.

The man agreed to sign the paper work and he gave a key to Ms Connell and told her where the car was.

Judge Fay adjourned the case to a later family law date at Portlaoise District Court.
Laois Sinn Fein have announced the upcoming launch of 'Our Martin', the latest book about Martin McGuinness by author James McVeigh.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Laois Sinn Fein Cathaoirleach, Aaron Kelly, said: "The event is open to all, and attendees are warmly invited to participate in what will be both a literary and community occasion. The book explores the life and legacy of Martin McGuinness and is a powerful story of political struggle and personal conviction."

Mr Kelly is hopeful of a good turnout and he said he would have met Martin McGuinness on occasion over the years. The best way to describe him is a legend really, he said.

Mr Kelly said Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack will be one of the speakers on the night.

The evening will feature a personal appearance by the author James McVeigh, who will be signing copies of his new book.

Mr McVeigh is a lifelong Irish republican who served two terms of imprisonment during the troubles. He was the last Officer Commanding of the IRA prisoners in the H-Blocks before they were closed in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. While in the H-Blocks he studied with the Open University, graduating with an honours degree in History. On release he went on to complete a masters degree in Human Rights at Queens University Belfast.

He is the author of two Irish history books, Executed: Tom Williams and the IRA and Goodbye, Dearest Heart: The Story of Lieutenant General Joseph McKelvey 1898-1922. He recently published his first novel Stolen Faith (OBrien Press), an historical thriller based on Irelands mother and baby homes scandal.

READ ALSO: Over 600,000 in CLAR funding for Laois

The night will also include contributions from guest speakers offering reflections on the themes of 'Our Martin' and refreshments will be served after the formal proceedings.

The event will take place in the Heritage Centre, Clonaslee on Thursday, December 4 at 7.30pm.
The Tanaiste Simon Harris says Laois will get the bypass roads it needs, despite the county getting zero money out of the 24.3 billion announced to be spent in the next five years.

Laois TD Brian Stanley has this week urged the Tanaiste to reconsider Laois to get some of the money announced in the National Development Plan review, speaking in the Dail on Thursday, November 27.

A number of bypasses are needed in County Laois but it looks like the whole county was bypassed for funding. The

Tanaiste was down there this week last year, exactly 52 weeks ago, canvassing for the general election. Huge housing developments are needed in Laois. There has been rapid population growth in the county. It has been one of the top three counties in terms of population growth in the last five years. There is huge pent-up demand for housing and for infrastructure, but we cannot have the housing without the infrastructure," he said.

He points to the Mountmellick relief road and the Portlaoise northern orbital route around Fairgreen in particular.

"There is no point projecting huge growth for a county unless the infrastructure goes in along with it. At the moment, with regard to the N80, trucks from the west and everywhere else have to wind their way through the narrow streets of Mountmellick and around the junction at Pearse Street, Patrick Street and the Square, which the Tanaiste saw for himself. In Portlaoise, they have to go in under the railway bridge, which they sometimes get caught under, and in by the roundabout in the centre of the town. The road from the Mountmellick Road across has to be connected with the motorway on the north-eastern side of Portlaoise.

"Now, the local authorities are being asked to zone huge tracts of land. Without it being serviced, this land will be useless. People will have to get in and out by helicopter because there will not be roads. The infrastructure is required, or it will stall these housing projects. It is not possible to build 1,200 or 1,300 houses per year unless these projects go ahead.

"To open up all that land, particularly across the north and west of Portlaoise, the northern orbital route is required. Water services need to be expanded according to Uisce Eireann and the document I have here... shows where they are needed throughout the county.

"Graiguecullen, Borris-in-Ossory, Ballinakill, The Swan and Timahoe need wastewater improvements, while Portarlington, Durrow, Mountrath, Stradbally, Rathdowney and Ballylinan need expansion in water supply. It is critical that we have this

infrastructure for the council and private developers to be able to provide the housing.

"I appeal to the Tanaiste to go back to the drawing board with this. I heard him say there may be other measures to come. There is a list on the back page of this National Development document and, as he knows, when something is not listed on that, it is going to be a battle to do it. I ask the Tanaiste to make sure that happens and that the promises made before the

election are kept," Dep Stanley said in Dai Eireann.

The Tanaiste in reply said that Deputy Willie Aird who he canvassed with in Mountmellick will keep the promise that the then Taoiseach made to prioritise the town's bypass.

"They are promises that Deputy Aird is going to keep and he will work with the Deputy constructively in relation to that as well because we have a lot of work we need to do to deliver for the people of Laois and the midlands. The Deputy makes constructive and fair points. We obviously have to put the infrastructure in place to enable the housing capacity to be delivered.

"The Minister for Transport was at pains to say... that this list is not exhaustive. It lists a number of projects that will be delivered. There will also be an annual Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, capital plan and we expect that plan to come early in the new year.

"There will also be opportunities, specifically in relation to the housing point, to look at how we can work with the likes of the housing activation office.

There will be many further opportunities, including in relation to the TII capital plan. We will work very constructively with Laois Deputies in this House and also with the local authority."

He said money is not what is stopping new water and wastewater connections.

"Capital funding is not now the constraint in relation to Uisce Eireann. We have provided Uisce Eireann with billions of euro in additional funding. The capacity constraint here is the planning and regulatory systems and how we can actually get things done more quickly. I will work constructively in relation to the water and wastewater projects that are needed in Laois.

"I also look forward to next February when the rules change to finally bring a bit of common sense and allow developers on small-scale or relatively small-scale housing developments to put in their own wastewater infrastructure. I believe this will open up huge housing opportunities in many rural towns and villages," the Tanaiste Simon Harris told the Laois TD.

However Laois County Council says that unless Laois roads are placed in the National Development Plan review 2025 - 2030, progress is "unlikely".

Director of Services Simon Walton gave an response to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the Department of Transport said this week that they should be engaging with the TII.

"Laois County Council made a submission to the review of the National Development Plan, seeking the inclusion of both the N80 Mountmellick By-Pass and the N80 Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route in the updated National Development Plan 2026 to 2030.

"Neither of these Schemes are listed in the Transport Sectoral Investment Plan, recently published.

"Laois County Council will continue to engage with all stakeholders with a view to progress on both Schemes. However, until both are listed as specific objectives in the National Development Plan, meaningful progress is unlikely," Mr Walton said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport, responding to a query on the status of both Laois road plans, had told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the council should engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

"The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport lists major new national roads projects over 200 million to be advanced to construction over the remainder of the decade. Neither the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route nor the Mountmellick Bypass are in that category.

Read next: Gardai arrest Laois lorry driver for 'string' of offences

" There are a number of additional projects listed in the Appendix to the sectoral plan which are to be developed in the coming year, included in which is a Bypass and Relief Road Programme. With regard to the progression of projects such as these, it is important to point out that it is for the local authority (in this case Laois County Council), in the first instance, to engage with TII. Departmental officials and TII will give any proposal for the progression of these projects full consideration.

"All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
A Laois TD has called for the abolishment of Ireland's two-tier healthcare system, arguing that 'constant price hikes' of health insurance is 'crucifying' Laois pensioners and renters.

Speaking in the Dail during a debate on private health insurance legislation, Independent Deputy Brian Stanley argued that over 1.5 million Irish people are 'forgotten about' by the healthcare system, while Ireland is one of the richest nations in Europe.

The cost of private health insurance puts a huge burden on people, in particular, it puts a huge burden on pensioners, who feel they have no choice. People feel compelled to take up private health insurance because of the delays and inefficiencies in our public system," Deputy Stanley argued.

Pictured: Laois locals suffering due to health insurance hikes, says Laois TD. File photo

"I have dealt with pensioners who are on 280 a week and are paying 40 to 60 for private health insurance. We are seeing several hikes in the one year.

We have a market model. While we are stuck with having to use private health insurance, there are flaws in this approach. It is based on profit rather than medical need. It is a two-tier system," he said.

The Deputy said that each week, he sees examples of Laois locals in need of urgent medical care or surgery, such as hip replacements.

"The scandal of the two-tier system is that in spite of what the proclamation read out in 1916 said about treating everyone equally, these people are being told that, if they pay, they can be brought in next week but, if they cannot pay, they will have to sit there for two or three years," he said.

"I have seen several examples of that. That is what we need to change."

The Deputy recalled comments made by former Minister for Health Mary Harney, who called for Ireland to adopt either the Boston healthcare model or the Berlin model.

"What she meant was that we would go with the American Health model. Previous speakers have said that we should go with the Thatcherite private model. That is the system in America. How has that worked out? You have to be a millionaire to get treatment," Deputy Stanley slammed.

Pictured: Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise campus, file photo

"Are we seriously being told we should go down the route of the American model where you have to be a millionaire, or very close to it, before you can get your appendix taken out or something else done? That is not where we need to go. We need to look after people.

"Some 2.53 million people have private health insurance. A total of 1.57 million have medical card cover. However, we have 1.3 million who have neither - that is 1.3 million people without proper healthcare of any kind. Some of them may have a GP-

only card, which I acknowledge is a help, but it is still a long way off," he shared.

"These are the same people who cannot get on a local authority housing waiting list. They cannot get a mortgage - and if they do get a mortgage, they are crucified trying to pay it out of their wages.

Most likely, they are paying for a car to travel to work. If they are in private rented accommodation, they are really at the mercy of a wild west system. They are trapped in a very difficult place. On top of all of that, they do not have medical cover. They ask me why they are being left out the whole time," the Laois TD said.

Deputy Stanley called for the implementation of Slaintecare.

"We are an outlier in Europe. We do not have a national health system comparable to other north European countries. Per head of population, we are counted as one of the richest countries.

"We do need to move to a single-tier system to ensure the people I referred to at the outset do not feel compelled to pay 40 to 60 a week," Deputy Stanley finished.
The Irish agricultural land market in 2025 has been one of the tightest in years, according to Jordan Auctioneers annual review.

Despite rising borrowing costs, softer commodity prices, and continued uncertainty in farming policy, values remained firm across most regions a resilience underpinned by deep-rooted demand and a chronic shortage of supply.

Theres always demand for good land that hasnt changed in a century, says Clive Kavanagh, Director at Jordan Auctioneers.

What has changed is the sheer lack of it coming to the open market.

Between January and November 2025, the volume of land brought to the open market fell by an estimated 1012% compared with the same period last year.

Long-term leasing continues to divert holdings away from the sale market, with many landowners opting for stable rental returns.

Leasing has become the default option, Kavanagh explains. It suits owners, but it starves the market. When a good block of land comes up for sale, you can be sure theres a queue waiting.

This sustained scarcity has ensured that prices remained strong despite a notable drop-in transaction activity. Demand throughout the year was led overwhelmingly by established family farmers, often looking to consolidate or expand.

Institutional or investment-led buyers were again limited.

Land isnt a speculative asset to most buyers, Kavanagh says. Its productive, its tangible and for many, its personal. Most people are only a generation removed from the farm.

Harvest 2025 delivered strong yields across cereals and grass, but market returns lagged. Barley averaged 160 to 170 per tonne, levels last seen in the mid-1980s. Milk prices fluctuated between 42 to 46 cent per litre, steady but outpaced by rising costs.

Yields were good, but the cheque at the end wasnt, Kavanagh comments.

Fuel, fertiliser, feed, labour everything is up. Farmers felt that pressure right through the year.

As 2026 approaches, Jordan Auctioneers sees strong demand but no significant increase in supply on the horizon. Prices for good-quality land are therefore expected to remain steady.

Unless something happens to bring more land to the market, I dont see prices softening, Kavanagh says. Demand is simply too strong, and good land is too scarce. 

Reflecting on more than twenty years in the sector, he adds: "The first thing many successful business owners buy even when the numbers dont add up is land. Its in the Irish DNA. Combine that instinct with ambitious farmers and the enduring appeal of a physical asset, and you get a furnace-like market.
A Kildare North TD has demanded speaking time in the Dail to oppose a decision to stall vital investment in Kildares public transport.

Deputy Aidan Farrelly (SD) said he was angry and disappointed after news that the Government will postpone construction of Dart + South West (which was intended to bring the DART to Hazelhatch station) until, at the earliest, 2030.

Its beyond irony that at a time when Kildare TDs have been receiving numerous emails from people frustrated and burnt out from never ending delays and cancellations in all forms of public and private transport, the Government has decided to pause plans to make life easier for them, he said.

This project was shovel ready - planning permission was all sorted and it was expected to start work in the new year.

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I know I sound like a broken record, but there is a simple fact that successive governments have failed to grasp - the population of Kildare has doubled in the past 30 years, more so in the northern half of the county  and a lot of these new residents move here with the intention of commuting to and from Dublin.

We are hearing numerous stories of cancelled or full buses, cancelled trains or passengers never getting a seat, ghost buses with nobody on them going to and from all the wrong places, or people sitting in their cars for hours on end just to travel 20kms.

Thats not to mention a lack of joined up thinking in terms of connecting services.

The DART+ South West was the first bit of good news in years for commuters from the Celbridge area, as well as those further along the line in Sallins and Naas  and now thats gone.

Deputy Farrelly said pushing the project down the line  beyond the lifetime of the current government  calls its future into question.

The matter, he stated, "isnt just a serious quality of life issue", but has the capacity to inflict significant economic damage on our county.

Its time the Government wakes up and begins to understand the needs of people in Kildare generally and their transport needs in particular, he concluded.
CME Group has halted trading across its Globex platform, affecting a wide range of contracts tied to stocks and crypto. The temporary suspension is due to a cooling issue at CyrusOne data centres, a statement on its website read.

Support is working to resolve the issue in the near term and will advise clients of Pre-Open details as soon as they are available, the CME team wrote.

CyrusOne operates over 55 data centres across the US, Europe and Japan, Reuters noted. The outage has impacted all futures and options contracts on its Globex platform.

Traders React to CME Outage, Says Its a Nightmare

One trader, who declined to identify, told Reuters that the halt is a nightmare.

The CME Group informed traders just before the outage, affecting all futures and options contracts, including major currency pairs.

One user posted on X, asking the firm to cancel losses for any stuck trades.

Further, traders reported that crude oil and palm oil contracts stopped moving during the interruption. Meanwhile, crypto traders took the brunt too as Bitcoin and Ethereum futures on CME went offline during the halt.

The trading halt interrupted active sessions in Asia, especially when liquidity was already thin due to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

Its been a very slow day here in Asia after the Thanksgiving holiday and this hasnt helped at all, more so given there is interest to transact at the end of what has been a volatile month, market analyst Tony Sycamore told Reuters.

Bitcoin Slumps Below $91K, Contrasts With 8.32% Weekly Gain

Meanwhile, Bitcoin fell 0.55% to $90,896 over 24h, contrasting with an 8.32% weekly gain. The slight decrease is attributed to $13.4 billion BTC options expiry squeeze.

Approximately 147,000 BTC options expired on November 28, favoring bearish bets.

Besides, BTC tested $91,800 resistance three times in 24h but failed to hold, triggering automated sell orders. The largest crypto is currently trading at $91,24, at press time, per CoinMarketCap data.

Read original story CME Group Halts Trading, Cites Cooling System Failure at Data Centres by Sujha Sundararajan at Cryptonews.com
Electronic vapes rose to prominence as a method for smokers to kick the habit but have now become popular in their own right with children and young people picking up vapes having never smoked a cigarette in their lives.

Two young students from Kildare have shared their personal journey of becoming heavily addicted to vaping having never picked up smoking.

A 22-year-old woman from Kildare, who has requested to remain anonymous, started sharing her story by saying:

"I properly started vaping when I was 18, in 2021, but I tried it for the first time when I was 16, during Covid....ironically I always said that I would never touch cigarettes but that all changed when vapes became a massive thing.

"It started when I was out drinking with my friends and at house parties. I would be out and would have a couple of drinks and ask my friends if I could borrow theirs, just to try it and see if I liked it.

"Then I finished my Leaving Cert and went out drinking more frequently so then started using the vapes more.

"Instead of annoying my friends asking for their vape every five minutes, the most logical thing to do was buy my own, but only to use it when I was out drinking.

"That idea didnt last very long. I would go out, buy a vape, have an amazing night, and in the morning I would wake up hungover, realise I still had a vape and use it, because it needed to be used up.

"That was the start of a very slippery slope that would begin my five-year period of becoming addicted to vaping. After one vape was finished, sure, I would just buy another vape to have, just in case, and then another, and another.

"I wanted to try the different flavours and different brands started to pop up in the shops, IVG, Lost Marys. Around the same time, all my friends started to vape too and we were doing it every time we met," the young woman said.

She admits to never questioning the impact: "None of us really understood the lasting effects this little habit would have. We were young and naive and, God forbid, thought we were cool! Before I knew it, I was spending a ridiculous amount of money, so I swapped to a reusable vape where you just buy the pods and I was 'saving so much money! This is great'.

READ NEXT: 'He is a trooper' - Kildare family's first Christmas at home with baby boy after illness fight

"Collectively, I would say that I have spent into the thousands on feeding this addiction. I am a college student and only work part time on the weekends. I have noticed that when I get my wages, I will budget for my vape liquid, as the idea of going without a vape makes me anxious and nervous at the thought," she continued.

The woman said that she started out spending nearly 60 a week on disposable vapes until she switched to rechargeable vapes.

"Before the new tax on vapes came into effect at the end of October, I was spending on average 20 a week. Now, since the new tax, for a pack of two pods, it is costing me 25, or nearly 50 a week. As a college student, this is an insane amount of money to spend, but, that unfortunately is the reality of being addicted."

The young student said that vaping now makes her concerned for her health and that she notices herself getting out of breath very easily. She also finds herself coughing more often and after an extensive amount of vaping her chest feels like it's tightening.

"During health appointments, I get the disappointing stares from doctors and nurses when they ask the question, 'Do you smoke?' and I embarrassingly answer 'Yes, well I vape.'

The woman said that recently she went on a long haul flight and decided to wear compression socks due to the known risk of blood clots when you vape.

"The fact that I had to take this precautionary measure to protect my health from the side effects of vaping is honestly depressing.

"The anxiety, stress, and being overall agitation takes its toll when I do not have a vape or if I have had to go an extended period of time without it," she told us.

The woman said that she 1000% regrets vaping and if she could go back and slap her younger self, she "would in a heartbeat."

She added: "I would shake her and tell her to throw it away and never look back. Every time I vape, I regret that first pull of a vape I had so many years ago, all because I was curious.

"I have to lie to my family still and I try to sneak outside for a vape so none of my family can see. Vaping will forever be my biggest regret and burden of my life.

"Every day, it slowly starts to consume more and more of my life and starts to become attached to me just like my limbs."

While trying to quit in the past, the young student said that she managed to go max 3-5 days without falling back down the slippery slope that is vaping.

Another young student from Kildare (22) named Chloe started vaping when she was 16 years old in secondary school.

"I was especially influenced by the visually appealing tricks you could do, like blowing os and ghost inhale, and I didnt think about the fact that it contains nicotine."

The young woman said she smokes nearly 24/7 and gets cravings after about an hour of not using it, and would start to feel irritable without it.

"Its embarrassing and no ones fault but my own. I got highly addicted after I started using disposable vapes which mainly only come in the highest legal strength in Ireland  20MG. It worries me a lot about how much I vape and I know I need to find an alternative to quit."

Chloe spends about 22 a week on vapes and said she has cut down a good bit recently with being occupied in college and work.

She said that now she is in college and working part-time, its been more difficult to afford it and said she would leave herself with nothing sometimes to buy a new vape.

When asked if she has noticed any health problems, Chloe referenced a time she was sent to A&E with a bad lung infection after a party holiday, and the doctor warned her to quit vaping.

"About three years ago I suffered from a really bad lung infection after being on a party holiday. I ended up having to go to A&E. I had a cough that wouldnt go away and it got more intense after a couple of days with lung pain.

"I didnt vape during this time because I physically couldnt and this led me to quitting for three weeks after being on medication.

"Unfortunately my cravings got the better of me and someone offered me some of their vape and I started using disposable vapes again.

"Ill always regret starting again, especially after being so sick. Even the doctor told me to stop vaping and I didnt. I worry about the effects it will have on me in a few years to come. I just wish I never started because it feels impossible to quit, especially when Im constantly surrounded by it."

Chloe said that it has also affected her fitness levels and she can't run very far or walk very fast without losing her breath.

"The worst thing is that I have always despised the idea of smoking and still would never smoke, so I dont know why I thought itd be a good idea to start vaping when its probably going to be worse in the long-term.

"The addiction side of it really creeps up on you and you dont realise how addicted you actually are until you dont have a vape within your reach.

"To anyone who has just started or is thinking of trying it: dont be fooled by the colours, the flavours, the smell or the cool tricks. Its inevitable that it will have an effect on everything from your mood to your physical health.

"Ive tried to quit many times. When I was younger my mam would catch me with it, but even the fear of her catching me again wouldnt stop me from quitting.

"Ive tried going cold turkey and it simply doesnt work for me because the cravings I get are too strong. Ive tried cutting down my usage but it just makes me crave it more as well as trying to throw it away, Ill just buy another one.

"Its especially hard to quit when it has become so normalised to vape everywhere and anywhere. When youre constantly in that sort of environment it makes it so difficult to quit. I think the next step I should take is getting a nicotine alternative to vaping."

Mark Murphy from the Irish Heart Foundation told Kildare Live: "We would be quite concerned with the emergence and the rise of youth vaping over the past few years and now what we're seeing is there's an explosion of youth use of nicotine like nicotine pouches and we know from research that nearly one in three teenagers aged 15 to 16 have vaped and about 15% of them vape regularly and the most common age of initiation of vaping among young people is 14 years of age.

"This is really concerning because while we know that vapes are safer than cigarettes, they are not harm-free and we don't know what the long-term impact of vaping is and there have been studies such as a 2019 study published in the European Heart Journal, it showed that e-cigarette use can actually damage the brain, the heart, blood vessels and lungs and we know from a lot of research that adolescents who use vapes are up to five times more likely to move on to smoking.

"Vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet and we know from research, from US research, from the FDA, that nicotine use among adolescents can actually affect adolescent brain development.
Julie Masino thought she was saving Cracker Barrel. Instead, she nearly destroyed it.

The CEO, who came from Taco Bell and Starbucks with a reputation as an innovator, sat down with podcaster Glenn Beck on Nov. 20 and admitted what many executives won't: "I feel like I've been fired by America (1)."

Must Read

Beck's response was blunt: "That's probably worse."

Masino was brought in to modernize the 660-location chain and attract younger diners. She updated the menu with items like Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and started remodeling the dark, antique-filled restaurants with lighter walls and more comfortable seating.

Then, in August 2025, she made the decision that would haunt her: simplifying Cracker Barrel's logo.

The backlash was swift and brutal.

Customers said 'absolutely not'

The new logo removed the chain's longtime mascot, an overall-clad man leaning on a barrel, and dropped the words Old Country Store. Fans who had grown up with Cracker Barrel's rustic Americana aesthetic flooded social media, calling the redesign bland and accusing the company of abandoning its roots. Even President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy.

"Our values, our traditions: that's what Cracker Barrel represents to us," Masino told Beck, her voice full of regret. "The story of America is on the walls. And they thought  we were saying that we didnt care about that, and that was not the intent." The company had tested the new design in only four out of 660 locations. The damage was done.

Within a week, Cracker Barrel (NYSE:CBRL) reversed course and brought back the old logo.The companys stocktook major dive, at one point falling by $94 million in a single day. By early September, the company suspended all restaurant remodels and posted a message on its website titled "We Hear You (2)."

"Your Old Country Store is Here to Stay," the announcement declared. "We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel."

But apologies don't pay the bills.

Read More: Are you richer than you think? 5 clear signs youre punching way above the average American

The real cost of getting it wrong

In the wake of the dust-up, Cracker Barrel warned that store traffic would likely drop between 7% and 8% in its fiscal first quarter. For the full 2026 fiscal year, the company projected declines of 4% to 7% (the company will report first quarter results on Dec. 9).
Person paying at restaurant with card. - SeventyFour/Shutterstock

Folks in the upper class love credit cards. Many of them even pay thousands of dollars a year for highly exclusive cards like the American Express Centurion. But according to an analysis from the Motley Fool on how rich Americans use credit cards, individuals with net worths over $1 million are less likely to have cash-back cards compared to the average American. According to the analysis, only 59% of upper-class individuals have a cash-back card compared to 72% of Americans with net worths under $1 million.

Cash-back credit cards have become the most common type of credit cards by operating on a simple but effective strategy. Every time someone swipes their card for a purchase, the bank pays you a percentage of the money spent. Besides allowing you to redeem your cash at the end of the statement cycle, these cards also provide little-known perks like rental car insurance or mobile phone protection. But for rich Americans, the possibility of earning a couple hundred dollars a year in cash-back is not enticing or beneficial to their wealth. Instead, they opt for cards with rewards that better suit their lifestyle.

Read more: Here's The Average Credit Score For People By Age

The cards 'upper class' people carry in their wallets

Person booking vacation with credit card. - sitthiphong/Shutterstock

While they may not have cash-back cards, upper-class people have a variety of other cards in their wallets. According to The Motley Fool, rich Americans are more likely to have travel rewards cards and ones with a sign-up bonus when compared to the average person. While they might seem like a random pairing of credit cards, they are a more strategic option than getting cash-back rewards. Travel cards, for example, allow individuals to redeem their points for luxury upgrades like flight upgrades, free hotel nights, or discounted airfare. These rewards may have high redemption costs, but rich individuals are more likely to use credit cards for the majority of their purchases, making such rewards more attainable.

Credit cards with sign-up bonuses are also part of a strategy used by the wealthy to maximize their rewards. Known as credit card churning, individuals with good finances and credit will consistently open new credit cards just to qualify for their lofty sign-up bonuses. For example, the American Express Platinum, the second most expensive credit card, has a sign-up bonus of 175,000 Membership Rewards points, which can be used for travel or converted to $3,500, according to ThePointsGuy. So, while rich Americans may be less likely to have cash-back credit cards, they still benefit from lucrative rewards in other ways.

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Read the original article on Money Digest.
AN UNINSURED motorist was advised to send a prayer to Saint Anthony after he told a judge he had misplaced his driving licence and could not produce it in court.

Shane Dillon, aged 31, who has an address at Hillview Drive in Charleville, Cork was before Kilmallock Court, arising from motoring offences which were detected in County Limerick earlier this year.

Judge Patricia Harney was told the defendant was stopped by Garda Michael O'Leary on April 12, last and that he was not insured to drive the vehicle in question. He also failed to produce his licence to gardai when stopped.

Solicitor Michael O'Donnell said his client's partner owns the vehicle and that any disqualification would have "a very serious effect" on him. Mr Dillon, the court heard, has two previous convictions for relatively minor offences, dating back a number of years.

Mr O'Donnell said the 31-year-old was accompanied by two passengers on the day - both of whom suffer from medical issues.

READ MORE: On-the-run Limerick prisoner is back behind bars for Christmas

Having considered the matter and noting the submissions, Judge Harney said: "I won't disqualify him but if it happens again then I'll have no discretion in doing so".

The defendant was convicted and fined 500 for the insurance offence.

When asked to produce his licence to the court registrar, Mr Dillon failed to do so stating he did not have it with him and that he had "misplaced" it. Judge Harney then warned him that he will need to prove he has it sooner rather than later. "It might be worth sending a prayer to St Anthony," she commented.

The driving licence matter was adjourned to next month to allow Mr Dillon to produce the licence to Garda O'Leary as soon as possible.
A MEMBER of the XY gang involved in a city-wide feud - who is currently serving a sentence after being caught red-handed with over 1 million in cash and drugs - was before Limerick Circuit Court for effectively washing money.

James Curtis, aged 54, of Reiska, Kilcommon, Thurles, pleaded guilty to participating in or facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation.

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Judge Colin Daly outlined the facts of the case, heard on an earlier date.

Gardai were involved in an investigation of an organised criminal gang. For the purpose of the sentencing hearing they are being referred to as the XY gang, said Judge Daly. He said as part of a garda investigation into the XY gang, under Operation Coronation, an Audi car purchased in Omagh, Northern Ireland came on their radar.

It appears that the vehicle was purchased with proceeds of crime and the import duty was also paid with the proceeds of crime by the accused.

It appears he made an appointment with an NCT center in Limerick to enable the registration of the vehicle on September 28, 2020. The amount of money involved in the transaction at the NCT centre is considered to be a relatively modest 7,217, said Judge Daly.

The Judge said Curtis was effectively washing money.

It left them with a valuable asset that could then be sold for what might be termed clean money or legitimised money, said Judge Daly, who accepted opinion evidence from Detective Inspector Ronan McDonagh that Curtis is a member of the XY gang.

Judge Daly said one month after this offence, Curtis was caught red-handed with 647,000 worth of cocaine and 376,550 in cash. The Court of Appeal handed down a 10-year jail sentence after his original term of imprisonment was deemed to be too lenient.

The sentencing court considered his role in the gang as providing logistical assistance, not being at the bottom rung, not being the top rung and I will draw a similar conclusion.

The gang are principally members of one family and are in a feud with another family which has become a city-wide feud. The gang are involved in the illegal sale of drugs which appears to be quite lucrative for them, said Judge Daly.

Curtis is legitimising money - the proceeds of criminal conduct - which is necessary for the gang to continue engaging in criminality and to thrive, he said.

Judge Daly, in mitigation, took into account Curtis plea of guilty, his age, personal circumstances and that he is doing well in prison.

Judge Daly, who imposed a five-year jail sentence, said a person helping these organisations can expect a serious sentence upon conviction. The five-year sentence is concurrent to the 10 years in jail that Curtis is currently serving.
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Irish police have issued an appeal for information about the decapitation of a stag in Co Dublin.

The headless body of the stag, which was part of the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, was found on Thursday morning, according to Fingal County Council.

In a statement, the council said the stag had been killed overnight by intruders who had broken into the park.

The discovery was made when staff went to feed the herd of Irish red deer, they said.

The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd.

Mayor of Fingal Tom OLeary described the incident as shocking.

Gardai, along with Irelands National Parks and Wildlife Service are investigating the incident is believed to have happened in the early hours of Thursday.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have information about this incident to come forward.

They have also asked that anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Newbridge Demesne between 12am and 2.30am on November 27 to contact the Garda investigation team.

In particular they wish to speak with any person who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from between 12am and 2.30am on Thursday on the following roads  R126, Cobbes Lane and Turvey Avenue  around Newbridge Demense to make it available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone who observed any activity in the area of the Newbridge Demesne boundary at the time and/or anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station 01 6664700, the Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
By Tim Kelly, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Tim Hepher

TOKYO/NEW DELHI/PARIS, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Global airlines scrambled to fix a software glitch on Airbus A320 jets on Saturday as a partial recall by the European planemaker halted hundreds of flights in Asia and Europe and threatened U.S. travel over the busiest weekend of the year.

Airlines worked through the night after global regulators told them to remedy the problem before resuming flights. Several carriers on Saturday said they had finished or nearly completed the fix to their fleets, including American Airlines, Air India, Delta Air Lines and Hungarys Wizz Air. Many reported no impact on operations.

The overnight effort by airlines appeared to help head off the worst-case scenario and capped the number of flight delays in Asia and Europe. In the U.S., which will face high demand after the Thanksgiving holiday period, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that impacted U.S. carriers "have reported great progress, and are on track to meet the deadline of this Sunday at midnight to complete the work."

He said on X that travellers "SHOULD NOT expect any major disruptions."

Asia-based aviation analyst Brendan Sobie said the update was "not as chaotic as some people might think," although "it does create some short-term headaches for operations."

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury apologised to airlines and passengers after the surprise recall of 6,000 planes or more than half of the global A320-family fleet, which recently overtook the Boeing 737 as the industry's most-delivered model.

"I want to sincerely apologise to our airline customers and passengers who are impacted now," Faury posted on LinkedIn.

Friday's alert followed an unintended loss of altitude on an October 30 JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, which injured 10 passengers, according to France's BEA accident agency, which is probing the incident.

AIRBUS RECALL LUCKY TIMING FOR SOME AIRLINES

The alert landed at a time of day when many European airlines and Asian airlines are winding down their schedules, which mostly do not require the short- to medium-haul jets like the A320 to be flying at night, leaving time for repairs.

In the United States, however, it came during the day ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel weekend.

Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi carrier Flyadeal, said that the recall had hit late in the evening, which had avoided more serious disruption. The airline said it had fixed all 13 affected jets and would resume normal operations by midnight.

"It was a great team effort but our luck also held up in the timing," Greenway told Reuters.

Airlines must revert to a previous version of software in a computer that helps determine the nose angle of the affected jets and in some cases must also change the hardware itself, mainly on older planes in service.

By Saturday, Airbus was telling airlines that repairs to some of the A320 jets affected may be less burdensome than first thought, industry sources said, with fewer than the original estimate of 1,000 needing the time-consuming hardware changes.

Even so, industry executives said the abrupt action was a rare and potentially costly headache at a time when maintenance is under pressure worldwide from labour and parts shortages.

There were also unresolved questions about the impact of solar flare radiation blamed for the JetBlue incident, which is being treated by French investigators as an "incident," the lowest of three categories of potential safety emergency.

"Any operational challenges that come at short notice and affecting a large part of your operation is tough to deal with," said UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland.

FIX IS SIMPLE BUT NECESSARY

The fix must be completed before the planes can fly again with passengers, a process needing two to three hours per jet.

Globally, there are about 11,300 of the single-aisle jets in service, including 6,440 of the core A320 model. Those include some of the largest and busiest low-cost carriers.

Tracker data from Cirium and FlightAware showed most global airports operating with good-to-moderate levels of delays.

Wizz Air said updates had been implemented overnight on all its affected jets. The European low-fare airline had already been hit hard by groundings caused by long waiting times for engine repairs rather than safety concerns.

AirAsia, one of the world's largest A320 customers, said it aimed to complete fixes in 48 hours.

India's aviation regulator said on Saturday budget giant IndiGo had completed the reset on 184 out of 200 aircraft while Air India had done 69 of 113 impacted planes. Both were expected to complete the process on Saturday.

Taiwan, meanwhile, said around two-thirds of the 67 A320 and A321 aircraft operated by the island's carriers were affected.

ANA Holdings cancelled 95 flights on Saturday, affecting 13,500 travellers. Japan's biggest airline and affiliates such as Peach Aviation operate the most Airbus A320 jets in the country.

Rival Japan Airlines has a mostly Boeing fleet and does not fly the A320.

Jetstar, the budget carrier of Australia's flag carrier Qantas, said some of its flights would be affected.

South Korea's Transport Ministry said upgrades to 42 aircraft there were expected to be completed by Sunday morning.

American Airlines, the world's largest A320 operator, said 209 of its 480 jets needed the fix, below initial estimates, most of which it expected to complete by Saturday.

U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines are also among the biggest A320-family operators.

Although Thanksgiving is critical for airlines in the United States, Strickland said the financial impact for European carriers would be cushioned by the fact that the recall happened during a lull before end-year holidays and the ski season.
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus on 29 November flagged a potential solar radiation risk and that could corrupt data critical to flight control systems in its A320 fleet  around 6,000 aircraft  currently in service, leading to major airlines worldwide undertaking software updates for their aircrafts and affecting services.

In its statement, Airbus, which is part of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), said it is working proactively with authorities to implement the necessary software and hardware protections to safeguard operations.

According to PTI sources, around 200250 aircraft in India could be affected. The update primarily requires rolling back to previous software, and aircraft must undergo this change before they are cleared to fly again, Reuters reported citing an airline bulletin.

IndiGo, Air India say services on track despite delays In an official statement, a spokesperson for IndiGo said that the airline is undertaking all required inspections and updates to its A320 aircraft, adding that no services have been cancelled during the process.

IndiGo is undertaking all required inspections and updates to its A320 family aircraft in full accordance with directives issued by EASA and Airbus. Working closely with both organisations, a total of 200 of our aircraft were identified for these checks, the airline said.

We are pleased to confirm that the required actions have already been completed on 160 aircraft by 12:00 IST, and inspections on the remaining aircraft are progressing well and will be completed within the timeline. We would also like to confirm that no flights have been cancelled as a result of these checks. However, a few flights may experience minimal delays, it added.

Also Read | DGCA directs grounding of Airbus jets pending software fix

Air India in an update late on 29 November confirmed that it has completed 90% of the necessary updates and is on track to cover the entire A320 fleet within timeline. It added that engineering and ground staff ensured no cancellations of flights and that the impact on schedules was minimal.

Air India has successfully completed the reset on over 90% of its operating A320 family aircraft that were impacted by EASA and Airbus requirement for a software realignment. We expect to cover the entire fleet within the timeline prescribed by EASA, with safety remaining our top priority, it stated on X.

Further, passengers have been directed to check for updates on their latest flight status on the website here  https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html or contact the 247 Call Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 before heading to the airport.

The Tata-run airlines' low-cost carrier Air India Express also said that most of its fleet is not affected, the global guidance will still cause delays and cancellations. In a statement, the spokesperson added that precautionary safety actions on majority of the airline's Airbus A320 fleet has been completed.

We have completed the precautionary safety actions on the majority of our Airbus A320 fleet, with the remaining aircraft on track for completion within the advised timeline. This has been achieved with minimal impact on operations through the coordinated efforts of our engineering, operations, and flight safety teams. Air India Express continues to work closely with Airbus and the relevant authorities, reaffirming our commitment to safe and reliable operations, the spokesperson said.

Notably, Akasa Air and SpiceJet do not have any Airbus or A320s in their fleet.

What has the DGCA said? The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has in its own directive banned the use of multiple Airbus aircraft models following concerns about a safety risk posed by the company's software update.

The directive covers 338 jets, 56% (189 aircraft) of which have already received the software upgrade by Saturday afternoon, DGCA added.

The models of Airbus aircraft flagged include: A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319- 171N, A319-173N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320- 216, A320- 231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320- 273N, A321-211, A321- 212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-252N, A321- 253N, A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321- 272N, A321-271NX and A321-272NX.

The authority had noted that potentially impacted aircraft must complete the software / hardware updates and complete mandatory inspection before they are cleared to fly again. Thus, airlines are required to finish the process as soon as possible to mitigate disruptions.

Also Read | A month to go before Navi Mumbai airport opens: Guide to all airlines operating

Do passengers need to worry about safety? Since the updates are being undertaken proactively as a potential risk was identified, and it is being addressed in real time, there is a very low possibility of safety issues.

The EASA said that Airbus has requested airline operators to install a serviceable Elevator Aileron Computer in the affected aircraft. The ELAC transmits side-stick commands to the rear elevators.

Notably, the EASAs compliance cut-off for Indian carriers is 5.30 am on 30 November. All aircraft must acquire the required ELAC upgrade or remain grounded until the modification is completed and certified. Notably, since the domestic airlines have notified near completion of the process, delays are expected to taper off in due time by the deadline.
MILAN, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Italy's economy ministry on Saturday said it had acted properly in placing shares in bailed-out bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) with two key investors who are now at the centre of an investigation by Milan prosecutors.

"The ministry always acted in compliance with rules and standard practices," a Treasury official said.

Italy's MPS, its chief executive and its top two shareholders are facing an investigation in Milan in relation to the Tuscan bank's takeover of Mediobanca, judicial sources told Reuters on Thursday.

Prosecutors have been looking into whether the two investors and the bank acted in coordination while keeping supervisory authorities and investors in the dark.

MPS and the two shareholders, Italian tycoon Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone and holding company Delfin, have denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence the investigation will exonerate them.

After bailing out MPS in 2017, Italy in November 2023 started re-privatising the bank by placing blocks of shares on the market to cut its 68% holding, in line with commitments taken with European Union authorities.

The final placement took place in November 2024 and brought onboard as shareholders Caltagirone and Delfin, alongside mid-sized bank Banco BPM and fund manager Anima .

Caltagirone and Delfin told markets watchdog Consob they had been sounded out by the ministry ahead of that sale in relation to a plan by the Treasury to create a core of more stable domestic shareholders in MPS, a judicial document reviewed by Reuters showed on Saturday.

The first two share placements brought in as shareholders dozens of international investment funds.

The judicial document showed the ministry told Consob there had been no previous contacts with the investors that took part in the November 2024 placement.
An employee carries a branded paper bag inside the Delivery Hero AG headquarter offices in Berlin, Germany.

Delivery Hero SE is facing pressure from several large shareholders to conduct a strategic review amid increasing consolidation in the food-delivery industry, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Investors including Hong Kong hedge fund Aspex Management, which is Delivery Heros second-biggest shareholder with a stake of more than 5%, are pushing management to consider a sale of the company or parts of its business, the people said. The pressure comes amid weak stock performance for Delivery Hero, whose shares have fallen about 50% over the past year and nearly 90% from a 2021 peak.

Shares of Delivery Hero jumped as much as 15% in Friday morning trading. They were up 13% at 11:53 a.m. in Frankfurt, putting the company on track for the biggest daily gain in more than four months and giving it a market value of 5.9 billion ($6.9 billion).

Singapore-based Broad Peak Investment Advisers, Switzerlands PSquared Asset Management and at least one large US fund have separately expressed their frustration with what they see as Delivery Heros lack of progress in streamlining its loss-making operations and boosting shareholder value, some of the people said. Although Delivery Hero has unsuccessfully tried to shed businesses including the sale of its Taiwan unit to Uber Technologies Inc., the investors are calling for a broader strategic approach to trimming its portfolio, they said.

This is the first real concrete sign of pressure on the management and supervisory boards to act, Barclays Plc analysts led by Andrew Ross wrote in a research note Friday. Our sense from speaking to the investor community in recent weeks is that the sentiment around a strategic review and asset sales being needed is shared relatively broadly.

Delivery Hero or some of its units could attract interest from competitors like Chinese internet giant Meituan, Singapores Grab Holdings Ltd. or Uber if they were put up for sale, according to the people. Delivery Heros Korean business Baedal Minjok, which is the countrys biggest food delivery app, is among the assets seen as particularly attractive.

Disgruntled investors that own more than 5% of Delivery Hero could call for a shareholder meeting and withdraw support for the companys management under German regulations. While such a vote is largely symbolic, losing a shareholder confidence vote can be seen as a black mark for executives.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, has become one of the latest high-profile Indians to own a Tesla after the Elon Musk-run company set its foortsteps in the country. Vijay Shekhar Sharma earlier this week took the delivery of the much sought-after Tesla Model Y as the company opened its store in Gurugram.

While Sharma did not make any announcement about his Tesla Model Y purchase, pictures of the Paytm CEO taking its delivery flooded the social media.

Also Read | Teslas first dedicated centre in India offers a streamlined EV ownership model

Vijay Shekhar Sharma buys Tesla Model Y The Tesla Model Y purchased by Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma comes in the colour Glacier Blue.

He is also one of the original 2016 Model 3 reservation holders, when Tesla had not even opened a store in India.

The luxury car was delivered to the Paytm CEO by Tesla India head Sharad Agarwal.

Tesla Model Y price in India, specifications The ex-showroom price for the Tesla Model Y in India starts at 59.89 lakh for the base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model and goes up to 67.89 lakh for the Long Range RWD variant.

The base RWD model has a 64kWh battery with a claimed range of 500km, while the Long Range version has a 84.2kWh battery with a claimed range of 661 kilometres.

Tesla now open in Gurugram Tesla India announced 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 new centre at Orchid Business Park will offer retail, after-sales service, delivery and charging, all from one location.

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 cenre 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.

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.
Numbers talk



7,280 crore: The outlay for scheme aimed at promoting the manufacture of rare earth permanent magnets approved by the Union cabinet on Wednesday. Amid Chinas stronghold, the scheme aims to make India self-reliant in rare earth magnet manufacturing in the next three to four years.



$13.5 billion: The amount Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) joint venture and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will invest on building data centres, which are in high demand due to increasing usage of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. This pushes total investment announcements into data centres this year to nearly $60 billion, Mint reported.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marked a major milestone in Indian cinema as it felicitated superstar Rajinikanth, who has completed 50 years in cinema. Fondly known as 'Thalaivar' by his fans, the 74-year-old was presented a shawl and memento by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr L Murugan, as well as actor Ranveer Singh.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government, Rajinikanth stated that 50 years felt more like 10-15 years to him as he loves cinema and acting. Even if there are 100 births, I would like to be born as Rajnikanth, he said, according to an official statement.

Rajinikanth poses with family members Ahead of the IFFI closing ceremony on November 28, Rajinikanth's daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth, shared a photograph on Instagram of the family. The picture shows the actor, his wife Latha and both their daughters - Aishwarya and Soundarya.

Donning a dark blue shirt and grey trousers, Rajinikanth looked delighted for the prestigious ceremony. "Together at @iffigoa," Soundarya wrote in the caption along with multiple red heart emojis.

Besides them, Rajinikanths grandsons, Yatra Raja and Linga, were also present for the special occasion.

The felicitation was part of the IFFI closing ceremony. Rajinikanth has been recognised for his unmatchable contribution to Indian cinema, not only to Tamil films but also to Hindi, Telugu and Kannada movies.

Having starred in more than 170 films in the past five decades, Rajinikanth has received numerous accolades, which include the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2020), Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2016).

Decoding Rajinikanth's IFFI 2025 look The film festival was held in Goa from November 20-28. Gracing the red carpet with his family members, Rajinikanth was seen wearing a white dhoti and shirt as he posed for cameras at the venue.

Notably, Aishwaryas directorial project, Lal Salaam, was screened as part of the Retrospective Rajinikanth segment at the film festival.

This year, Rajinikanth was seen in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, which also featured Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj among others. In 2024, he had an extended cameo in Lal Salaam and also starred in Vettaiyan.

Rajinikanth is currently working on Jailer 2, which is a sequel to the 2023 hit film of the same name and will mark his return as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.

FAQs 1. When and where was IFFI 2025 held? The film festival took place in Goa from November 20 to 28.

2. Why was Rajinikanth felicitated at IFFI 2025? The legendary actor was honoured for completing 50 years in Indian cinema.
Panjim (Goa) [India], November 29 (ANI): Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui lauded the 56th International Film Festival of India for maintaining its "credibility" in promoting cinema.

While talking to the media at the sidelines of the IFFI 2025, Nawazuddin called IFFI a "prestigious" film festival of India.

He said, "These types of film festivals are very important in India. IFFI is a very prestigious film festival which is supported by our government. It has maintained its credibility over the years. I hope the local films are promoted more in film festivals, which our government is already doing."

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on Friday, with renowned dignitaries such as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, megastar Rajinikanth, Ranveer Singh and Kantara actor-director Rishab Shetty in attendance.

Cinema icon Rajinikanth received a lifetime achievement award at the closing ceremony of the IFFI in Goa on Friday, marking 50 years of his illustrious career in the film industry.

The 74-year-old actor was welcomed with a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept the honour and also reflected on his journey, which he said felt far shorter than it sounds.

Calling the milestone emotional and deeply meaningful, Rajinikanth said his "five decades in cinema" felt like they passed in just a few years.

In an emotional moment, he shared that he would choose the same life again if given the chance, saying that "50 years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years... If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and Rajinikanth."

As for Nawazuddin, the actor was last seen in the film 'Thamma', which also starred Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role.
Los Angeles [US], November 29 (ANI): Sean Combs, who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence at the federal correctional institution FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, helped organise and personally fund Thanksgiving meals for fellow inmates, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

According to the publication, Combs, through his representative, told TMZ that he worked with an internal inmate group known as the Bankroll Bosses to organise the initiative. He explained that the effort was driven by a desire to uplift morale during the holiday season, calling Thanksgiving a time about "making sure other people eat."

With no access to proper kitchen equipment, Combs and other inmates purchased ingredients from the prison commissary and spent two days preparing the food. Using only ID cards to cut ingredients and without stoves or microwaves, they managed to distribute full Thanksgiving meals, including turkey roast, mashed potatoes, corn and dessert to every housing unit at Fort Dix.

"Thanksgiving, to me, is about making sure other people eat," Combs told TMZ. "Everybody misses their family. People get depressed during the holidays. We just wanted to come together as a family and do our own thing."According to THR, Combs, who was transferred to Fort Dix in October, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison earlier this year after being found guilty on two counts of violating the Mann Act. Along with prison time, he was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine and to undergo five years of supervised release upon release.
An Israeli military raid in a village in southern Syria erupted into deadly clashes early Friday, deepening a rift between the two neighbors as Israel moves to secure its northern borders.

Israels military said its troops entered the area of Beit Jinn, less than 10 miles from the border, to apprehend two suspected militants when they came under fire. Syrias state-owned media said at least 13 people were killed in the ensuing shootout. Israels military said six of its soldiers were injured, three of them severely.

The violence underscored the challenges that remain across Israels frontiers, even as a fragile cease-fire takes hold in Gaza and fighting there subsides. In the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in the countrys south, Israel has aggressively carved out buffer zones around its territory, including in Lebanon and southern Syria.

Syrias government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led a lightning rebel offensive that overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad late last year, has spoken sharply against Israels military maneuvers in the countrys south.

When the Assad regime collapsed a year ago, Israels military moved quickly to gain a foothold by occupying a 155-square-mile buffer zone between the two countries. Israeli officials since then have said their troops could remain in Syria for an extended period.

Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes to take out remnants of Assads military apparatus, and established outposts from which its troops could patrol the area. It has demanded that the new Syrian government maintain a demilitarized zone south of the capital, and struck its military headquarters in Damascus in July in what it said was an effort to defend the Druze minority, which has strong ties to Israel, from sectarian attacks.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials visited the buffer zone and met with troops, signaling that Israel isnt planning to withdraw anytime soon. The visit drew sharp condemnation from Syrias foreign ministry, which called it illegal and a serious violation of the nations sovereignty.

The message there was clearly that although Syria is trying to reposition itself and theres support for Sharaas vision, there are still red lines," said Nir Boms, a Syria researcher at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Not generally, and especially not after Oct. 7, we do not want to see armed militias in the vicinity of the border," he said.

Discord between Israel and the new leaders in Damascus have been a point of frustration for the U.S., which has embraced Sharaa on the back of his pledges to reform the government and unify a nation fractured by years of civil war. U.S.-brokered negotiations toward a security agreement between Syria and Israel appear stalled.

The incident on Friday was among the deadliest in the area since the Assad regime collapsed. The bloodshed caused outrage among Syrians, who view Israel as an aggressor. One problem is that Syrians themselves dont see small anti-Israel groups as a threat to them, per se," said Joel Parker, also a Syria researcher at Tel Aviv University. So when Israel invades, they feel like Israel is the problem, not local militants," he said.

Israels military said troops acted on intelligence to arrest two suspected members of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, a militant group that it said cooperates with U.S.-designated terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. It said the group maintains military sites in southern Lebanon as well as terror infrastructure along the Lebanon-Syria border, where Beit Jinn is located. It called the group a significant terror presence."

Israels military said the suspects were involved in planting bombs and planning rocket attacks against Israel. It said its troops came under fire after the men were apprehended, and they fired back. It said several suspects were detained and brought to Israel, and that a number of others were eliminated.

Analysts said that ultimately, Israel and Syrias new leaders still have some common ground, but Israels propensity for acting unilaterally makes cooperation difficult. We have partners in Syria with whom we can work," said Boms, the researcher. But what needs to happen is a security framework that will guarantee that we have good intentions, goodwill."

Write to Feliz Solomon at feliz.solomon@wsj.com
A 28-point plan and President Vladimir Putins response to it have offered some of the best clues yet to a fundamental question bedeviling peace talks: What does the Russian leader want?

The plan, which has been revised since it was leaked last week, drew pushback from Ukraine and its supporters in Congress and Europe for hewing to Moscows uncompromising vision for a postwar settlement. Still, Putin has shown little interest in signing it.

On Thursday, he described the proposal as a list of questionseach one requiring hard work to resolveand he made one of his most explicit demands yet for the territory that has been at the center of negotiations.

When Ukrainian troops leave the territories they hold, then the fighting will stop," Putin said. If they dont, then well achieve that through military means."

Ukraine has vowed to never cede territory to Russia. But the problem for Ukraine and many of its Western backers is that Russias stated goals extend far beyond conquering eastern Ukrainean impression that was only reinforced by elements of the 28-point plan.

Putins statements suggest that ultimately the Russian leader wants to deprive Ukraine of its sovereignty, restore Moscows influence over Kyiv and roll back the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations encroachment into a region that Russia sees as its sphere of influence. That would mean any agreement that doesnt satisfy Putins core objectives would likely be a prelude to a new invasion aimed at securing them.

Anything that prevents a future war is unacceptable for Putin," said Russian economist Konstantin Sonin, a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. There is no future for Russia which does not involve continuing to fight for Ukraine until Ukraine is fully integrated into Russia."

The 28-point plan was revised this week after senior Trump administration officials met with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow next week for another round of negotiations.

Witkoff drafted the plan with input from Kremlin confidant Kirill Dmitriev. A transcript of a call published by Bloomberg News this week showed Witkoff advised a top Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, on how Putin should approach a conversation with Trump.

In the call, Witkoff suggested to Ushakov that territory in eastern Ukraine might be the key to unlocking a peace deal. Me to you, I know what its going to take to get a peace deal done. Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere," he said.

The plan Witkoff drafted called for limiting the size of Ukraines military, blocking its path to joining NATO and prohibiting the alliances troops from stepping foot on Kyivs territory. But Putins own words indicate Moscow is interested in much more.

Putin has often referred to the root causes" of the conflict. He invokes centurieslong historical grievances to justify the invasion and advance claims that any moves by Kyiv toward the West are a historical aberration.

In essays and speeches throughout his quarter-century rule, Putin has described modern Ukraine as an artificial construct created by early Soviet leaders and said Ukrainians and Russians are one people. In an essay he published in July 2021, which was made mandatory reading for all Russian soldiers and is now seen as the prelude to his invasion of Ukraine the following year, he lamented Ukraines drift away from Russia and promised to reverse it.

The formation of an ethnically pure Ukrainian state, aggressive toward Russia, is comparable in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us," he wrote.

Putin describes Ukraine as part of a single historical and spiritual space" with Russia. In a February 2022 speech announcing the invasion, he said Ukraine had been hijacked by hostile forces intent on wiping out the Russian speakers living in its eastern provinces. He singled out the diminishing influence of the Russian-backed Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

The 28-point plan would oblige Ukraine to adopt rules on the protection of linguistic minorities and religious tolerance, a clear nod to Putins complaints. It would also compel Kyiv to roll back many restrictions placed on the use of Russian in public spaces.

Prominent Russian figures have helped broadcast Putins narrative, among them Alexander Dugin, whom some call Putins brain" because he long promoted ideas Putin ultimately adopted.

In a recent post on Telegram, Dugin described work under way for mass treatment and psychological rehabilitation" of Ukrainians. Ukraine will be entirely ours within at most two yearsquite possibly much sooner," Dugin wrote on Telegram on Sunday. There will no longer be even the slightest trace of sovereignty there, since Ukrainians are absolutely incapable of using it."

A draft treaty the Kremlin drew up with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul in the spring of 2022, which was ultimately not agreed upon, provided a clue to the concessions Russia might try to force from Ukraine if Western military support dries up and Moscows forces continue to make significant territorial gains.

That draft treaty, which Putin has cited as a starting point for talks, included a ban on heavy weaponry for Ukraine and would render it a permanently neutral state that doesnt participate in military blocs." It capped its armed forces at 85,000 troops, less than 10% of its current strength, and set limits on its long-range weapons. The newly modified U.S. initiative caps the military at 800,000 and includes no restriction on missiles.

There are provisions in the U.S.-backed proposalsuch as ceding all of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and assurances that Ukraine wont host foreign troops on its soilthat could make the deal palatable to Putin.

Putin is signaling that if Russias battlefield advance continues, he wont need to win Ukrainian-held territory through diplomacy because his forces will eventually seize it. His generals have been inflating their successes on the battlefield in Ukraines east, where they now appear poised to take two large cities. Armed-forces chief Valery Gerasimov told Putin during a meeting with top officers last week that Russia is advancing across all fronts and has seized the city of Kupyansk, even though Ukraine still partially controls it.

If the developments we witnessed in Kupyansk unfold in other areas, the collapse of the front will be inevitable," Putin said in comments about the U.S. peace plan on Thursday, arguing that Ukraine and Europe were hobbling the efforts.

Western officials say more than 250,000 Russian soldiers have died fighting in Ukraine, but generous army salaries and a pervasive narrative of sacrifice have blunted the societal impact of those losses.

Ultimately, analysts say, Putin is hoping to clinch a grand geopolitical bargain that secures his control over Ukrainedealing with the U.S. over the heads of European and Ukrainian officials. Sergey Radchenko, a Russian historian and professor of history at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, compares the current moment with the post-World War II period when Joseph Stalin, in Yalta, sought U.S. agreement to divide Europe into spheres of influence.

If you think of the future of Ukraine as being decided effectively by the United States and Russia, bypassing the Europeans, you can see the outlines of Yalta in that," Radchenko said.

Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com
President Trump is pushing for an intensified reverse migration" agenda across his administration, seeking to broaden a crackdown on millions of immigrants from poorer countries in the U.S. following the killing of a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard.

Trump and top aides have made clear in recent days they are seeking to remove many legal immigrants who were born in countries the White House deems high risk," in addition to those who are in the country illegally.

Even as we have progressed technologically, Immigration Policy has eroded those gains and living conditions for many. I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover," Trump wrote on Truth Social, hours after he had announced the death Thursday of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom in a Thanksgiving call to members of the military.

Beckstrom and another member of the West Virginia National Guard were shot Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Federal prosecutors said they plan to charge Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021 following the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul, with first-degree murder.

Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation, Trump wrote on social media.

Top administration officials were quick to echo his call. The stakes have never been higher, and the goal has never been more clear: Remigration now," the Department of Homeland Security posted on social media Friday morning.

The statements are some of Trumps broadest pronouncements on his immigration goals and focus in either of his presidential terms. They were made after his advisers had spent recent weeks preparing to expand its crackdown on legal immigration, focusing particularly on people from primarily Muslim countries.

Then came the shooting. By Thursday, top officials had set at least three specific actions framed as a response.

The Department of Homeland Security said it had immediately and indefinitely stopped processing all immigration requests relating to people from Afghanistan, pending further review of security and vetting protocols."

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director Joe Edlow said the administration will also expand existing sweeping restrictions around 19 countries it deems high risk," meaning that anyone in the U.S. from those countries who applies for a green card will now most likely be denied.

Since June, people from those countries had been largely prevented from traveling to the United States. The administration had banned any entry by citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Citizens of another seven countries were blocked from permanently immigrating to the U.S., or for applying for tourist or student visas.

As of Thursday, coming from any of those countries will be considered a significantly negative factor" affecting a green-card application, similar to having committed a crime. American lives come first," said Edlow, in announcing the new guidance for USCIS officers.

Days before the shooting, DHS had internally launched a similar review of all refugee cases approved during the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the matter.

That review separately will reopen the immigration cases of hundreds of thousands of refugees who faced extensive vetting abroad before they were allowed to move to the U.S., meaning they could lose permanent legal status they had already been granted.

Write to Louise Radnofsky at louise.radnofsky@wsj.com and Michelle Hackman at michelle.hackman@wsj.com
NEW DELHI : Global air travel experienced a sudden hiccup after aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE ordered repairs to its popular A320-family fleet. Nearly 6,000 jetsabout half of all A320-family aircraft in operation worldwidewere grounded for a mandatory software update, reportedly triggered by solar radiation.

In India, 338 A320 aircraft operated by IndiGo (200) and the Air India group (138) were identified for this urgent software update.

What necessitated the software update?

The push for an immediate software update began after a JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark on 30 October developed a serious mid-air issue. The aircraft reportedly suffered a sudden, uncommanded drop in altitude, forcing the crew to divert and make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida.

Airbus traced the issue to a flight-control system called ELAC (Elevator and Aileron Computer), which sends commands from the pilots side-stick to the elevators on the tail, controlling the aircrafts pitch or nose angle. Simply put, the ELAC acts as a messenger between the pilots joystick and the tail, telling the plane how to climb or descend.

Airbus said the incident revealed that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

How does solar radiation impact flight controls?

According to SKYbrary Aviation, an electronic repository on flight operations and safety, solar radiation is the radiant energy and particles (photons, protons, electrons) emitted by the Sun, including visible light, ultraviolet rays, and infrared radiation. In aviation, solar radiation can generate additional atmospheric radiation capable of interfering with aircraft electronicsa phenomenon known as a bit flip".

Such interference can corrupt data in sensitive flight control computers, potentially causing uncommanded manoeuvres and safety risks.

C.S. Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, noted that the severity of radiation directly correlates with the likelihood of electronic interference. Recent incidents, like the JetBlue flight that abruptly lost altitude, prompted urgent software updates and global recalls for thousands of Airbus jets. He commended Airbus for detecting the issue early and prioritizing flight safety.

Whats the fix?

The solution involves rolling the aircraft back to an earlier software version, which must be completed before the affected jets can return to service, according to Airbuss bulletin to airlines.

For most planes, experts said the update takes only two to three hours. However, a small number of jets may also require hardware replacement to support the updated software, which could keep them grounded for longer.

Mark D. Martin, chief executive of aviation safety specialist Martin Consulting, explained that the update requires a dongle to be connected to the aircraft, a process that takes 2-4 hours. It can often be completed between flying schedules.

What's the impact on India?

In India, 338 Airbus A320-family aircraft require this software update, including 200 from IndiGo, 113 from Air India, and 25 from Air India Express. Across these three airlines, the total number of commercial A320-family aircraft in the country is 567, but not all need an upgrade.

On Saturday, the country's civil aviation regulator ordered airlines not to operate certain Airbus aircraftA319, A320, and A321until the urgent software or hardware updates mandated by Airbus were completed. The software upgrades are likely to be over by the weekend.

Only four Air India Express flights were cancelled as of 10am Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

By 5pm, nearly 80% (270) of the affected fleet had received software upgrades, including 184 aircraft from IndiGo, 69 from Air India, and 17 from Air India Express. Two other carriers, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, operate Boeing aircraft, which are unaffected.

The three airlines will complete the upgrades by the end of the day, said the regulators evening report.

A spot check has been carried out on the fleet, and compliance has been verified, said a senior DGCA official on condition of anonymity.

Also Read | Mint Explainer: Why Apple is fighting India penalties based on global turnover

Martin noted that the DGCA acted promptly in issuing procedures, ensuring a safety first" approach. Both Air India and IndiGo stated they are complying with the DGCA directive, prioritizing passenger safety.
Bank holiday today: Banks across India will remain open today, November 29, 2025, since it is the fifth Saturday of the month. According to the Reserve Bank of India region-wise holiday calendar (RBI) for the fiscal year 2025-26, Banks are typically closed on weekends, except on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month.

All scheduled and non-scheduled banks will observe public holiday on the second and fourth Saturdays, RBI said.

When is the next bank holiday? The next bank holiday is tomorrow, November 30, 2025, since it is a Sunday. For the month of November, there are no upcoming bank holidays except for weekend holidays. Notably, banks in the Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland regions will be closed for the State Inauguration Day and Indigenous Faith Day. Hence, banks will be closed for two consecutive days in these regions.

What services are available on a bank holiday? Customers should note that banks typically offer online banking services across the country to ensure uninterrupted access to banking services, even on bank holidays. These services can be used for convenient financial transactions.

When are banks closed? The RBI designates bank holidays in various parts of the country to mark national, religious, and regional observances. Hence, bank holidays vary across regions. In addition to festivities, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as all Sundays, of the month.

When were banks closed this month? Banks were scheduled to remain closed for five days in November, excluding weekends. Some of the bank holidays in this month included Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartika Purnima.

November 1 Banks were closed in Karnataka for Kannada Rajyothsava, the day dedicated to the 1956 merger of Kannada-speaking regions to form the state of Karnataka. Additionally, banks were closed in Dehradun as the region celebrated Igas-Bagwal, also known as Budhi Deepawali.

November 5  Banks were closed for festivities including Guru Nanak Jayanti, Kartika Purnima and Rahas Purnima in regions such as Aizawl, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla and Srinagar.

November 6  Banks in Shillong were closed for Nongkrem Dance. It is a five-day Khasi festival, during which men and women perform traditional dances, and goat sacrifice ceremony also takes place.

November 7  All banks were shut in Shillong on this day in observance of the Wangala Festival. On this day, tribals offer sacrifices to please their main deity, Saljong or the Sun God.

November 8  Kanakadasa Jayanthi was observed in Bengaluru, hence banks in the region were closed on this day. This day is dedicated to the birth anniversary of poet and social reformer Shri Kanakadasa.
President Donald Trump administration has invested over $10 billion of taxpayer funds in private companies deemed crucial to national security.

What Happened: The New York Times has revealed that the government has been acquiring minority stakes in at least nine private companies over the past six months. The sectors targeted include steel, minerals, nuclear energy, and semiconductors.

The primary motivation behind these investments is national security concerns and a drive to lessen Americas reliance on foreign nations like China for key resources.

The governments growing portfolio also includes options to acquire future stakes in these companies. While some officials are hopeful that these equity stakes will yield returns for taxpayers, the certainty of this outcome remains uncertain, reports the outlet.

Many of these companies are currently grappling with financial difficulties, and profitability could be years away.

Also Read: Trump Family Crypto Business Nabs $26 Million Profit From Quarter-Billion Ethereum Stake

This unusual government intervention in the private market has sparked concerns about transparency, potential favoritism, corruption, market distortions, and the risk of taxpayer funds being lost should these investments fail.

Despite these concerns, the Trump administration stands by its strategy. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that the administrations targeted equity stakes ensure that taxpayers get a good deal and that it encourages further investment by the private sector.

Why It Matters: This approach by the Trump administration is a significant departure from previous administrations and traditional Republican thinking, which typically leans on the power of the free market to determine winners and losers. Instead, the administration has chosen to take equity stakes in companies, a move that is incredibly rare.

However, this shift towards more government intervention in industries has seen growing support from officials across party lines, primarily due to Chinas dominance in strategic industries.

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Indias aviation regulator on Saturday asked airlines not to fly A320-family aircraft pending mandatory modifications and software fixes, after aeroplane maker Airbus warned that solar radiation could corrupt flight-control data on many in-service jets.

The directive covers 338 jets, 80% (270 aircraft) of which have already received the software upgrade by Saturday evening, said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

InterGlobe Aviation-owned IndiGo, Indias largest airline by market share and Airbus biggest customer in the country, has completed the software upgrade on 184 of its 200 affected jets, according to the DGCA. A total of 363 aeroplanes of IndiGo's 417 aircraft belong to the A320 family.

Also Read | IndiGo signs contract with Airbus to confirm its order for 30 additional A350-90

While Tata group-owned Air India has completed upgrades on 69 of its 113 impacted aircraft, its subsidiary, Air India Express, has fixed 17 of its 25 affected jets. Air India has 133 Airbus jets in a 187-aircraft fleet, and Air India Express operates 31 A320-family aircraft in a fleet of 110.

Akasa Air and SpiceJet do not have any Airbus or A320s in their fleet.

Air India Express reported four cancellations, while Air India and IndiGo had none, the regulator said.

The software upgrade across all impacted aircraft is expected to be completed by Sunday.

The DGCA directive On Saturday morning, the regulator issued a mandatory safety directive for Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, requiring airlines to immediately fix the ELAC (Elevator Aileron Computer) flight-control system, which transmits side-stick commands to the rear elevators.

This is to be ensured that no person shall operate the product which falls under the applicability of this mandatory modification except those which are in accordance with the compliance to requirement of mandatory modification (s)/applicable Airworthiness Directive(s), the DGCA said in its order.

The software upgrade issue emerged after Airbus said Friday that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to flight controls, affecting a significant number of in-service A320-family aircraft, its most widely used variant.

It also said that it has collaborated with aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT), in order to implement available software and/or hardware protection and ensure the fleet is safe to fly. This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Also Read | Boeing under scrutiny again after Air India crash: How it fares against Airbus

Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers, it said.

The EASA said that Airbus has requested airline operators to install a serviceable ELAC in the affected aircraft.

The European safety agency has directed that the issue be addressed before the next flight operated by the impacted aircraft, by replacing or modifying the affected software or hardware.
MUMBAI: Once focused on low-margin active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), Indias bulk drug manufacturers are stepping up their ambitions. Several are now pouring capital into research and development (R&D) to court global drugmakers for contract development and manufacturing work.

The shift reflects both ambition and timing. While APIs remain a mainstay, firms are now building capabilities in niche molecules, drug discovery, development and scaled manufacturing, as global companies look to derisk supply chains away from China. According to a JM Financial analysis, China accounts for about 13% of the global CRDMO market.

Also Read | Why the drug regulator is cracking down on small pharma companies

Some have already won early business with global innovators, but analysts say most still lack the scale and track record to compete globally.

Investor enthusiasm, however, suggests the market is betting on change.

Indias contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) have seen sharp traction over the past two years on the back of the China-plus-one narrative, reflected in the lofty valuations enjoyed by market leaders.

Divis Laboratories, for instance, is Indias second-largest pharma company by market capitalization despite being smaller than several diversified drugmakers. Its shares have risen 8% over the past year, outpacing the Nifty Pharma indexs 5.5% gain.

Research-focused contract manufacturers have also drawn investor attention. Anthem Biosciences and Sai Life Sciences both made strong market debuts in the past year; Anthem is now trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 69.14, while Sai Life Sciences trades at 64.27.

In contrast, legacy players such as Dr Reddys Laboratories and Cipla Ltd are trading at PE ratios of 18.16 and 22.72, respectively.

A February report on Indias CRDMO industry by BCG-IPSO noted that the industry is at a tipping point, with massive headroom to grow, fuelled by competitive advantage in small molecule capabilities, faster startup time, focus on quality and cost advantage."

The Indian CRDMO industry remains small, about $3-3.5 billion, or just 2-3% of the $145-billion global market, according to the BCG-IPSO report. It is, however, expanding rapidly. The report estimated that the domestic sector could reach $22-25 billion by 2035 as companies build capabilities to rival Chinese incumbents.

Key Takeaways Several of India's bulk drug makers are investing heavily in R&D and expanding into drug discovery, development, and scaled manufacturing.

Global pharma companies seeking to diversify away from China are creating new opportunities for Indian firms.

CDMO-focused companies such as Divis, Anthem Biosciences, and Sai Life Sciences are enjoying premium valuations and strong market interest, far ahead of legacy pharma players.

Companies like Supriya Lifesciences, Granules India, and Jubilant Biosys are investing in new facilities, acquiring capabilities, and reorganizing business units to pitch end-to-end CDMO services.

Analysts caution that most Indian firms need greater scale, deeper track records, and proven ability to rapidly scale production to win large mandates from global innovators.

Scaling up

That expansion is already underway.

Mumbai-based Supriya Lifesciences has been investing in R&D for niche molecules and has planned an initial 350 crore capital expenditure (capex) for a new facility in Patalganga, alongside upgrades at other sites. The company expects its first large contract to contribute 25-30 crore this fiscal, with another anaesthetics partnership poised to scale to around 70 crore annually.

Also Read | Bulk drug makers to benefit from price stability but need to improve efficiency

When you are fully backward integrated, there are a lot of opportunities because a lot of innovators or large multinationals want to now move their manufacturing base from China or Europe to Indian companies. So, that is how we started getting CMO opportunities," managing director Saloni Wagh told Mint.

Granules India is making a similar push. The company acquired Swiss CDMO Senn Chemicals AG in February and launched Ascelis Peptides, a global subsidiary focused on peptide-based therapeutics and CDMO services. Though peptides account for just 2% of its 12,970-crore second-quarter revenue, interest is rising.

Recent interactions at major industry eventshave reinforced growing interest from leading innovator pharma companies, emerging biotech, and cosmetic peptides customers. We are seeing multiple feasibility programs, new inquiries, and renewed discussion with several global innovators," chief strategy officer Sanjay Kumar told investors in November.

Others are restructuring to tighten their pitch.

Jubilant Pharmova recently transferred its API business to its wholly-owned Jubilant Biosys subsidiary, which already houses drug discovery and CRDMO operations. The goal is to offer a seamless path from discovery to clinical trials and later commercial scale.

The market needs somebody who can support a molecule end to end," said Tushar Gupta, COO of Jubilant Biosys-CRDMO. The company has brought on four big-pharma customers since last year and expects both its discovery and API-CDMO businesses to grow about 20% annually over the next five years. Biosys, which has five facilities, is investing more than $120 million in a new Karnataka site expected to increase its discovery capacity 2.5x.

Supriya Lifesciences, which currently focuses on generic APIs, is also building R&D talent for innovative products. It has established an R&D hub aimed at developing new APIs and formulations, though Wagh noted the effort is at least two years away from bearing fruit.

The challenge

Yet the climb toward global competitiveness remains steep.

Usually global innovators prefer when you have a good track record in the CDMO space and if you have good scale - when overnight if the innovator asks you to scale up production capacity, they can do it overnight as well," said Tausif Shaikh, pharma analyst at BNP Paribas.

Companies like Divis Laboratories and Neuland Laboratories have already made the leap, evolving beyond generic API makers into a custom synthesis specialists, with such offerings now accounting for more than half their revenues.

For most firms, early acquisitions and capex are less a reset of competitive dynamics and more a way to diversify, Shaikh said.

He added that the China-plus-one narrative and the expected benefits of the proposed US Biosecure Act, which aims to prohibit American government and contractors from working with specific Chinese firms, have been well flagged in the market recently, alongside a surge in requests for proposals. These, however, have not yet shown up in financials.
MUMBAI : The Street is gravitating towards speciality chemical manufacturers that supply contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) makers, as uncertainty looms over the broader chemicals sector.

The reason, according to experts, is that suppliers to pharma companies enjoy clearer growth visibility, far less competition, and stronger margins than industry-linked speciality and agro-chemical businesses that dominate the country's chemicals landscape.

Intermediates tied to new chemical entities require complex synthesis, rigorous regulatory oversight, and long qualification cycles. In such cases, speed matters far more than cost, and these inherent barriers deepen customer stickiness, said Vikash Agarwalla, managing director and partner at global consulting giant Boston Consulting Group.

Scaling a business that serves pharma CDMOs is inherently slow, as companies enter into contracts early in the drug's discovery phase and grow with the molecule, noted Deepak Jain, chief executive and managing director of Jubilant Ingrevia. Its a game of patience, but a high-margin, sticky business."

Also Read | 5 beaten down specialty chemical stocks poised to make a comeback soon

This gives CDMO suppliers stronger pricing power and better earnings visibility than commodity-style speciality chemicals businesses, Agarwalla added.

Mints September-quarter earnings analysis also shows the trend. A pack of 10 pharma-linked speciality chemical and CDMO-adjacent companies posted about 7% year-on-year growth in sales, outpacing the non-pharma cohorts modest 4% uptick in Q2FY26.

Pharma-linked chemical firms are growing off a low base, supported by some big CDMO tailwinds: geopolitical shifts, supply-chain diversification, near shoring and increasing pricing pressures on big pharma," said Agarwalla.

Ergo, pharma-linked speciality chemical sales have climbed for three straight quarters, while the wider chemicals pack has slowed, Mints analysis showed. As a result, net profit for pharma-linked firms jumped 46% on-year, albeit helped by higher non-core income, while the non-pharma group managed only a 9% rise.

Experts attributed this performance gap to the countrys rapidly expanding CDMO ecosystem, which is driving sales growth for its chemical suppliers.

Nuvama Institutional Equities noted that the CDMO segment grew the fastest in its pharma portfolio, at 23% on-year in the second quarter. This was driven by a doubling of Neuland Laboratories custom manufacturing services business, with Divis Laboratories and Jubilant Pharmova also posting 23-28% growth in contractual development and manufacturing services.

Moreover, with India holding just 2-3% of the $145-billion global CDMO market, according to a February Boston Consulting Group report, Agarwalla sees ample headroom for expansion. The domestic CDMO space has grown about 15% annually to $3.5 billion over six years, and he expects 15-20% yearly growth through 2035, supported by supply-chain diversification away from China, Indias improving cost competitiveness, and a rising late-stage clinical pipeline.

Key drivers

The US Biosecure Act, revived in October, could drive business from China to India if it is passed, noted experts. The bill prohibits the US government and contractors from working with certain Chinese companies.

Also Read | Four Indian pharma stocks that may be hit by US pharma tariff threat

Consequently, Swarnendu Bhushan, co-head of institutional research at stock broker PL Capital, expects pharma-linked speciality chemical suppliers to sustain growth, unlike the broader chemicals sector, which is still reeling under global pressures.

The Donald Trump-led US administration's 50% tariffs on organic chemicals, speciality organics, and agrochemical intermediates have eroded Indias price competitiveness, forcing exporters to either absorb the hit or lose orders to local suppliers. At the same time, Chinese agrochemical plants are running at just 60-65% utilization, flooding the market with oversupply and dragging down realizations despite a volume recovery, noted Bhushan.

In addition, soft European industrial and construction demand is worsening the slowdown in the chemicals sector. Falling global prices are keeping margins under pressure for commodity-style and industry-linked speciality chemicals, said experts.

However, Mints analysis showed that net profit margins for pharma-linked chemical companies remain broadly similar to those of their non-pharma peers, at about 11% compared to 10% in the September quarter.

This is because not all pharma intermediate suppliers participate in the CDMO space. Several players tied to generic intermediates clock mid-teen or lower margins and remain vulnerable to foreign dumping, noted Boston Consulting Groups Agarwalla.

By contrast, CDMO-linked businesses enjoy structurally stronger margins, as innovator pharma supply chains are steadier and intermediates account for only a small share of final drug costs. That lowers price sensitivity and gives suppliers greater pricing power, translating into 25-30% Ebitda margins, Agarwalla said. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization.

However, volumes coming from the CDMO sub-segment remain small, said PL Capitals Bhushan. If the quantity does not scale up, then the margin also gets impacted," he said.

Future pipeline

Still, overall volume pick-up in speciality pharma has outpaced most other segments, said Jain of Jubilant Ingrevia. Meanwhile, newer categories such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals are growing quickly, he added.

A number of speciality chemical players are sharpening their focus on the pharma segment, said PL Capitals Bhushan.

Jubilant Ingrevia has built a pipeline of over 10 new molecules across speciality segments, like pharma, cosmetics, and agrochemicals, which is expected to add 1,200 crore of peak annual revenues in the coming years. It has plans to add 10 more to the pipeline in the next 6-9 months, Jain said.

Even Acutaas Chemicals is upbeat on its CDMO pipeline, which spans pharma intermediates and multi-step custom synthesis work, noted Kotak Institutional Equities in a 25 November report.

While individual CDMO projects may be small and margins hinge on volume ramp-up for pharma-linked chemical intermediates, the industrys shift is unmistakable, said Agarwalla. CDMO-linked intermediates offer a far more resilient path in a chemicals sector struggling with global price pressure and uneven demand."

Also Read | Why the drug regulator is cracking down on small pharma companies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast changing the way we live and work. But, as the discussions about whether AI is the right fit for all professional careers ripen, the age-old discipline of architecture stands at a critical juncture. Can the art of planning, designing and overseeing structures  a practice described as the mother of all art forms  remain human when algorithms can render customised blueprints within a matter of seconds?

This question formed the core of the latest special edition of The Alt View, presented by Mint in collaboration with the Council of Architecture (COA). The episode, filmed at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), brought together young architects, students and veteran practitioners, including the COA President Prof Abhay Vinayak Purohit, to debate the future of architecture, the value of tradition and the capabilities and limitations that the use of AI brings.

Watch the full debate among students below,

The human element The consensus among the young designers was clear. While AI can bring a lot of utility, it lacks the emotional and psychological depth required for true architectural innovation. For them, architecture is not just technical planning, but a form of storytelling.

There is a humanness to every structure. AI can replicate a building, but AI cannot give that human touch to any building whatsoever, said a budding architect. Another student highlighted the core curriculum that distinguishes the human architect from the machine and said: AI has no emotions... We study about psychology and sociology in architecture, so it is there to know about what the user is thinking and what they are feeling and considering their emotions as well. AI cant do that.

The participants agreed that an architects role is to ensure that a structure possesses both aesthetic and functional sense, a quality goes far beyond data processing. As another student defined it: Architecture is a poetic and storytelling entity.

The overarching view was that AI can be used as a helping tool, but it cannot be a generating tool. This is because it relies on trained data models and lacks human empathy, experience or emotion.

Bridging the gaps The discussion moved to the timeless engineering and sustainable practices embedded in Indias architectural heritage. Structures like the Taj Mahal and ancient temples were cited as examples of design that were both magnificent and structurally ingenious.

One participant noted the subtle, yet critical, engineering genius of the Taj Mahals minarets:

The pillars that are there are tilted slightly, so even if there is an earthquake, they do not damage the building.

This heritage provides a lesson in sincere, non-cosmetic design. The architects stressed that 15th-century structures were often inherently sustainable  built organically with local materials to harmonise with the environment. Modern architects, they argued, have a duty to move beyond superficial eco-friendliness to embrace sustainable, sincere level design. Prof Charanjit Singh Shah, a renowned architect with 55 years of experience observed: The tool today may be different, but if you can sensitise with the five elements, you can create organic architecture.

The conversation also touched on the necessity of regulation in maintaining a shared public space. While excessive regulations can stifle creativity, they also ensure a collective identity for a place, preventing chaotic individuality. Too much individuality isnt really great for a collective identity of a place, Shruti Dimri, another experienced architect. This means an architect must balance personal creativity with a rational understanding of social and urban planning needs, a nuanced approach that requires human judgement.

Design thinking as a life skill The most compelling defence of the profession was the unique mental discipline it instils. The panellists stressed that the demands of architectural education  the constant deadlines, complex problem-solving, and critical feedback  sharpen vital life skills far beyond drafting plans.

The concept of Design Thinking was highlighted as a method that transcends the studio, teaching patience, time management, and a relentless drive for perfection.

As one student candidly articulated the personal growth derived from the profession, I am a very aggressive person, but designing already, we get patient, so when we deal with our work like that, then we can also deal with people. This discipline cultivates an ever-evolving quality of dissatisfaction, which is a constant search for perfectionism, whether in designing a skyscraper or managing ones daily routine.

In conclusion, The Alt View confirmed that the rising generation of Indian architects views their career not just as a job, but as an opportunity to shape our country. They are fully aware of AIs power, but remain confident that the combination of deep human emotion and psychological insights ensures the architects role remains secure, relevant, and essentially human.
MUMBAI : From a WhatsApp-based reseller platform a decade ago, Meeshos journey to become the countrys first multi-category online retailer to debut on the bourses underscores the untapped potential for growth beyond the top-tier cities.

In a sector that faces frequent disruptions, Meesho has managed to stay relevant by investing in technology and new businesses, the companys senior executives told Mint in an interview. And structural pivots over the past six years have made it ready for an initial public offering (IPO), they said.

The company has been growing at a steady pace and has been cash-flow positive over the past few years, according to co-founder and chief executive officer Vidit Aatrey.

Also Read | Meesho in talks for pre-IPO placement ahead of listing next month

I believe there are many, many benefits of going public. Not just in being able to attract the right talent, but creating value for the stakeholders we have been associated with like consumers, sellers, merchants and logistics partners," he said. We believe it's the right thing to do for the company to basically build now in public, and we also feel that we are now in the right stage to go public."

The ten-year-old online marketplace, founded by Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, is backed by investors including Elevation Capital, Peak XV, Y Combinator, Softbank, B Capital and Fidelity, among others. The retailer largely focuses on sellers and buyers in smaller cities.

In 2021, Meesho made its first pivot to a full-fledged e-commerce business model, while continuing to focus on affordable goods for mass customers outside of major cities. That has helped it hold its ground even as rivals Flipkart and Amazon expanded aggressively outside of urban centres. In April last year, Amazon launched the Bazaar vertical for sellers to list non-branded apparel and other products for below 600 apiece, squarely targeting Meeshos core value proposition. This month, Amazon spun Bazaar out as a separate app across several developing markets.

Meesho is also facing the rapid growth of quick commerce in non-grocery items, including home goods and apparel, and these companies are scaling up in smaller cities where Meesho thrives.

Bernstein estimates quick commerce to be a $350 billion market by FY30, growing at an annualized rate of about 18%. Besides groceries, packaged food, meat and dairy, its definition of quick-commerce categories includes personal care, home care and apparel. And, the research firm is optimistic about Meesho.

Value retailers like Meesho will continue to succeed by focusing on high volumes and low prices, catering to the 420 million customers of "Emerging India" who make up 30% of India's consumer base and account for 41% of total household spending, analysts at Bernstein wrote in a report earlier this month.

Betting on tech

Aatrey is betting on the companys investment in technology to future-proof it against disruptions. Technology continues to evolve. And we are a technology company, so we have always stayed ahead of most people in terms of investing very, very aggressively behind technology," he said.

Meesho has built a logistics platform Valmo, where all kinds and sizes of logistics companies can come online and serve the merchants. It was not possible earlier, and we have seen that innovation is helped by the ecosystem a lot. Recently, we also kind of launched a content commerce platform providing opportunities for influencers to monetize their audience. And we have seen that scale very well. We are doing a lot of work as part of our edge to bets."

Valmo has reduced Meeshos dependence on third-party logistics service providers. Unlike Firstcrys ExpressBees, an independent company that provides logistics services to other clients, Meesho is not looking to externalize Valmo.

I think it will continue to be captive. It's a core part of our value proposition, and we will keep it within the ecosystem," Aatrey said. All the benefits accrue to the ecosystem. So, we have no plans to externalize it ever."

The company's focus on technology won't change, he said.

We have continued to evolve, invest, and we will continue doing it even after going public," said Aatrey. Actually, nothing changes for us. Being public or private doesn't change that. If you are not investing a lot in technology, you'll stay behind."

Eyeing $5.8 billion valuation

On Friday, Meesho announced its price band for the upcoming IPO at 105-111 per share, valuing it at the upper end at $5.8 billion, a 15% mark-up to its peak valuation of $5 billion it fetched in 2021.

The objective function for us as part of the IPO was to get the base of long-term aligned shareholders to have the highest quality investors, which we believe we will be able to attract with this issue," said Dhiresh Bansal, chief financial officer, Meesho.

However, Meeshos offer is yet another instance of new-age companies pricing the IPOs conservatively to leave enough on the table for the incoming investors. The company scaled down the size of the share sale by existing investors in the offer-for-sale (OFS) component by almost 50%.

All of the shareholders that were selling, or most of them which hold large stakes, wanted to sell the bare minimum that was needed for us to meet the regulatory threshold of 10%," said Bansal, adding that they remain committed to the long-term vision of the company. The capital markets regulator mandates companies going public to sell a minimum of 10% stake.

Meesho seeks to raise 4,250 crore via fresh share sale, while public shareholders will be selling 10.55 crore equity shares via an offer-for-sale. A large part of the fresh capital will be allocated towards hiring, strengthening the tech stack, and inorganic growth activities, Bansal said.

Shareholders selling part of their stake in the IPO are Elevation Capital, Peak XV Partners, Golden Summit, Y Combinator, and the promoters. The promoters own 18.5% of Meesho, while other shareholders hold 81.50% the stake. The companys largest shareholders include Elevation Capital (15.11% stake), Prosus' Naspers Ventures (12.34%), and Peak XV Partners (11.3%), followed by Softbank-owned SVF II Meerkat (9.3%) and WestBridge Crossover Fund (3.92%).

The company reduced its losses to 700.7 crore for the six months ended September 2025 from 2,512.9 crore a year earlier. Revenue rose 29.40% to 5,577.5 crore during the period. Its operating revenue rose 23% year-on-year to 9,389.9 crore in the financial year ended March.

Big Tech threat

Meeshos other main source of revenue is advertising services on the platform. However, Big Tech firms are rapidly making inroads into the online shopping experience. For instance, OpenAIs ChatGPT debuted a new Shopping Research feature this week, allowing users to ask the app to recommend products tailored to their needs and personality, drawing on current and past information the user may have shared with the platform.

Google, too, introduced AI tools allowing users to shop conversationally through its search business. These offerings from deep-pocketed Big Tech rivals may threaten the very traffic of shoppers headed to dedicated e-commerce platforms such as Meesho.

Homegrown rivals are also building tools to combat the rise of AI-led shopping activity. For instance, Flipkart-owned Myntra debuted an AI shopping assistant on the platform in 2023 using Azure OpenAI, a tool offered jointly by Microsoft and OpenAI.

LLMs and with generative AI, there is a way to reimagine that shopping experience," said Sanjeev Barnwal, co-founder and chief technology officer of Meesho. We are already investing in that. A large part of our chats and a decent part of our voice calls [in customer support] are already automated by AI. We are trying to reimagine the shopping experience using generative AI and make it extremely simple for consumers."

Meeshos core customers prefer to use simple, intuitive apps, such as WhatsApp, which are universal to the smartphone experience in India, Barnwal said. And, he added, shopping searches from AI platforms still account for only a fraction of total online shopping traffic in India.

Creator Bet

Meesho is monetising creators on the platform, offering a chance to smaller influencers and local sellers to make money and drive sales.

We now have more than 50,000 creators who are actually making income while selling products for our sellers," Barnwal said. Influencers having a lot of followers and views and not being able to monetise that following has been a big problem for a while."

In the last 12 months, Meesho has generated more than 1,200 crore of net order value from the influencers on its platform, Aatrey said.

Despite the demise of content-led commerce firms like The Good Glamm Group, creators are heavily influencing online shopping. About 2.5 million creators in India are responsible for $300-400 billion of consumer spending in the country, a number that is expected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, according to a May report by Boston Consulting Group. However, only 8-10% of these creators are actually able to monetise their following, although fashion and beautyMeeshos mainstayare the most promising among these categories.
In a quiet corner of Delhis otherwise teeming GK-1 N Block Market, is Roots by Rural Mitra. Roots is the cafe; Rural Mitra, the farm that feeds it. The menu follows the season, shifting with what the soil can sustain and the climate allows. Ingredients shine under the careful supervision of chef-owner Meenakshi Kumar.

The former lawyer found her way back to food through discomfort. After nearly a decade in Thailand, first studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok and then working with chef Gaggan Anand at his eponymous restaurant in the city, she returned to India in 2019. Once home, the produce felt unfamiliar. I developed gut inflammation and sensitivities Id never experienced before," she says. It made her pause and rethink what she was eating.

She began to grow her own foodspinach, tomatoes, basil and coriander, among others first in terrace beds at home, with guidance from Edible Routes, a Delhi-based organisation that sets up organic kitchen gardens. The modest success soon moved to an acre of land her father had bought in Noida, now known as Rural Mitra.

The early experiments were as technical as they were humbling. Soil tests at Delhis AES Laboratories revealed high sulphurgood for tomatoes and bok choybut poor nitrogen and organic matter. These findings, though gleaned from a small patch of land, echo a bigger reality.
It takes three page flips to realise that restaurateur Camellia Panjabis latest book, Vegetables: The Indian Way (Penguin Random House), is not a mere recipe book. The first clue lies here in the contents. The sections are divided on the basis of where vegetables grow: under the ground, under water, on the ground, on shrubs and vines, on trees.

The second lies in the introduction, where she tells us about the refugee beginnings of restaurants in India, and includes anecdotes about liquor laws, before taking us through her journey with restaurants in India and abroad. And the third is in the first chapter called Vegetables. Here Panjabi expands on her categorisation system, talking about how we often combine a root vegetable with a sun-kissed vegetable", getting into the sensibility and wisdom of this practice through the lens of nutrition, flavour, gut health, naturopathy, and Ayurveda.

For instance, Panjabi points out how root veggies are carbohydrate dense, and can contain minerals and amino acids. Leafy greens benefit from exposure to sunlight, and so contain folates and other vitamins. Combining vegetables from various grown environments gives us a wider spectrum of not only flavour and texture, but also nutrients. We do this intuitively across Indian cuisine, as in the case with methi aloo or as seen in Panjabis book, sai bhaji, a Sindhi preparation.

View Full Image Camellia Panjabi.

This unique dish has great health properties, combining leafy greens, root vegetables, and on-the-ground vegetables, together with lentils," writes Panjabi in the book. Each of the 30 vegetables covered in the book gets an introduction by way of its health properties, the beliefs and practices around it, and even its contraindications, accompanied by lush photos.

Also Read | Cookbook authors pick their favourite food books

Our elders used to be more curious about how a variety of foods were served at a meal, including pickles and fresh chutneys," says Panjabi, who is in her 80s. They each had a purpose. Modern Indians relying on takeaway or part-time cooks dont consider these aspects."

Camellia Panjabi, who joined the Taj Group in the 1970s and worked with them for three decades, brought Golden Dragon and street food (among many other concepts) to The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. She changed the way we look at and eat Chinese food, indeed, eating out in general. If we have Chindian street stalls, and burgeoning pan-Asian QSRs, we have Panjabi to thank. In her second home, London, she is known as the restaurateur famous for popularising Indian cuisines through her brands such as Chutney Mary, Veeraswamy and Bombay Brasserie (she recently sold her restaurant group MW Eat to Canadian financial firm Fairfax). Vegetables is her second cookbook, and it comes 30 years after her first one, 50 Great Curries of India.

Vegetables contains 120 recipes, collected over decades. Panjabi first listed all the produce she wanted to cover, then narrowed down to the regions of the country shed had their tastiest interpretations, as well as the best traditional recipes for classics such as black dal or palak saag. She got chef friends to test each of the recipes, to arrive at the final selection.

View Full Image The book cover.

It took many years," she says on the phone from her home in London. Its an eclectic collection from across the country and its many kitchens. Beetroot goes from raita to halwa, potato preparations come from Maharashtra, Bengal and Tamil Nadu, turnips get caramelised and curried. There is a makhana kheer and a kaju makhana curry. There is also a cauliflower bhaji cooked with its tender leaves. When was the last time that we considered cauliflower to be a stunning main course?," she says. Like a gobi pulao? Or a Manchurian? (Both recipes are in the book.) Or a shalgam (turnip) curry or suran (yam) curry? Or even the stunning chillies in a Bhutanese cheese curry? We need to look at vegetables, chillies and unripe fruit dishes differently."

The book is precise, specific, informed and approachable. The Phool Gobhi aur Gobhi Patta for instance, starts like this: If we are able to buy cauliflower with leaves, its such a pity to throw the leaves away. They can be cooked together to make a really nice healthy dish. This recipe looks more difficult than it really isits just a question of cooking in two pans simultaneously. Cauliflower is a stubborn vegetable to cook, so it takes a bit of time, but you will be happy with the result.

Reasons have to be given to the reader on why these recipes work. I want people to become aware medically, nutritionally aware, when they read the book. They must know why, for instance, Indias largest cooking oil is mustard, and yet it is banned across Europe and America for commercial reasons. Or why the Tamil people eat tamarind every day in the summer," says Panjabi.

In recent years, there has been a huge uptick in the number of vegetarian cookbooks by Indian-origin authors across the world. There is a reason for this, she says. Apart from triggers of income and health (chicken and fish is expensive, red meat gives you cancer, mums are trying to make better lunch boxes, there has been a general movement towards vegetarianism"), the generation learning to cook for themselves today has not grown up with grandmothers at home, and so they didnt quite learn how to cook vegetables.

When I talk to my TamBram friends, for instance, they have (a repertoire of) five dishes," she says. They dont really have any knowledge. My Gujju friends are eating everything besan: gatta, sev tameta nu shaak , papad nu shaak. There is a lack of knowledge on how to handle veggies. Indians by and large dont know their food actually because it is too large a subcontinent to say I know the food of India."

This is where Vegetables offers hand-holding for novice cooks. Each recipe not only works but also hits the spot.

So much of Indian cookings andaaz se (guesstimating) philosophy comes from spending time in the kitchen, and this practice is what helps cooks develop an instinctual grasp of flavour in the first place. I believe recipes are a blueprint," says Panjabi. For those who are cooking for the first time, it may be advisable to follow a recipe. After that I think people can adapt it to their taste."

Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi writes on food, travel, and design. She posts as @roshnibajajsanghvi on Instagram, and @roshnibajaj on X.
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has said that cross-trade between the Union territory and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC) falls under the ambit of intra-state trade and are bound by the GST Act.

A bench of Justices Sanjeev Kumar and Sanjay Parihar observed that the areas presently under the de-facto control of Pakistan are legally a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The court made the observation while hearing writ petitions filed by traders who were engaged in trade with people across the LoC during 2017 to 2019, including barter and supply transactions.

In their plea, the petitioners had challenged the show-cause notices issued by tax authorities demanding GST. They challenged the territorial and supply classification on various grounds.

Also Read | Change in GST law needed for benefit of producer states: TS Singh Deo

J&K HC dismisses plea The two-judge division bench at the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court dismissed the batch of pleas that challenged the show-cause notices issued under the GST Act. Cross-LoC trade has now been barred after the 2019 Pulwama attack.

It is not disputed by learned counsel appearing on either side that the area of the State presently under de-facto control of Pakistan is part of territories of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Therefore, in the instant case the location of the suppliers and the place of supply of goods were within the then State of Jammu Kashmir (now Union Territory) and, therefore, the cross-LoC trade affected by the petitioners during the tax period in question was nothing but an intra-state trade, the bench said.

Also Read | How FMCG and appliance makers plan to pass on GST benefits to consumers

The court also found that the petitioners had prima facie suppressed the material facts as they were aware of the fact that the government had not issued any specific notification under Section 11 of the CGST Act of 2017 exempting cross-LoC barter trade from tax.

They were also aware that these supplies whether inward or outward were intra-state supplies and subject to GST in terms of section 7 of the CGST Act 2017. It was the responsibility of the petitioners to self-assess and discharge their GST liability at the time of filing GST returns properly, the bench said.

Dismissing the batch of petitions, the court said, In the face of availability of equally efficacious remedy provided under the statute, we are not inclined to entertain these petitions and rather would relegate the petitioners to the statutory remedies available under the CGST Act of 2017.

Counsel for the petitioners submitted that the trade from Islamabad-Uri and from Rawalakot (PoK) to Chakkan-da-Bagh (Poonch), as mutually agreed by India and Pakistan, was a barter trade, and there was no exchange of currency.

The petitioners contended that they had treated cross-LoC trade as a zero-rated sale, attracting no sales tax.
The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast. IMD further warned of heavy rainfall at isolated spots, likely over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu districts, and the Puducherry-Karaikal region.

Also Read | Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE: Cyclone leaves a devastated Sri Lanka behind

Strong winds and rainfall have already hit the coastal areas of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.

Watch video here:

As reported by ANI, on preparations related to Cyclone Ditwah, Joint Collector of Nellore, Mogili Venkateswarlu said, ...Most areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were affected by this cyclone, but in Nellore district, only moderate rains occurred today. All district-level staff have been alerted, and various departments have taken precautionary measures. Guidance has been issued to district-level officers, and all departments are ensuring necessary precautions.

In Tamil Nadus Thoothukudi district, heavy rainfall has caused excess water from the city and nearby areas to drain toward the Port Trust coastline and merge with the sea, which has been unusually rough.

Strong sea activity has pushed large amounts of marine algae and other seabed vegetation ashore. The district administration has urged residents to remain cautious amid the heavy rain and turbulent sea conditions and to avoid coastal areas unless necessary.

Also Read | Sri Lanka declares state of emergency to tackle disaster relief operation

IMD has stated that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to move North-Northwest (NNW) and will approach the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh coasts by tomorrow.

The cyclone will come within 25 km of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has set up 6000 camps all over the state, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran said on Saturday.

"We have placed as many camps for people to stay in the cyclone-affected areas. As of now, we have set up 6000 camps all over Tamil Nadu, but people have come in very small numbers... Rain (clouds) is now moving from Ramanathapuram district towards the coastal districts, and there is not much impact due to the rain," KKSSR Ramachandran said.

The Minister further informed that rainwater has affected the paddy cultivation in the delta districts of the Cauvery River. The Minister said that the government will also provide compensation to farmers.

"In the Delta Districts, paddy cultivation is affected due to flooding from rainwater. We expect it to drain within 2 days, and once it does, we will calculate the loss and provide compensation to farmers," he said.

The Minister further informed that 28 teams of both NDRF and SDRF have been deployed to provide relief to civilians.

"We have 28 teams of both NDRF and SDRF deployed. We have asked an extra 10 teams. They are also coming through the flight now. We have also asked the Coast Guard for help if any disaster happens," he said.

Cyclone Ditwah, which is expected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Tomorrow evening, has killed 123 people in Sri Lanka with another 130 reported missing.

The extreme weather system has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes across the country, sending almost 44,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Saturday.
Former IPS officer and former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has made consecutive posts about Delhi's worsening air crisis. In a post on social media platform X, Bedi suggested, how about installation of air purifiers in govt offices and residences at govt cost get banned?

With AQI readings across Delhi-NCR remaining in very poor to severe categories for the past few weeks, the former IPS officer turned her social-media feed into a steady stream of posts, urging government intervention to tackle the pollution.

Outside Govt offices can we have a board / indicator if office and official residence is using an air purifier? And at whose cost? Whose money? Unless those in position breathe the same air, a sense of emergency will not dawn.. Bedi posted on Saturday.

The former IPS officer's string of posts comes a day after she made an emotional plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi  recalling his leadership style during her administrative tenure in Puducherry.

Kiran Bedi's SOS to PM Modi Kiran Bedi suggested that PM Modi conduct periodic, structured virtual meetings with the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of Delhis neighbouring states to monitor progress on pollution control:

Sir your zoom meet with these five neighbouring CMs periodically, along with Chief Secretaries, with fixed schedule even just once a month, to report progress, will stop the situation to worsen. It will give us hope because we will know its under your oversight. People can heave a sense of relief.

Delhi AQI today Delhis overall air quality remained in the very poor category on Saturday morning, with an AQI reading of 332. Saturday's figures are marginally lower than Fridays Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 369, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 9 am bulletin data showed.

According to CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Locals express concern With the AQI hovering around 400 for almost two weeks now, locals have expressed concern about their health, saying they are experiencing breathing difficulties and eye itching due to deteriorating air quality. Some even expressed concern about volcanic ash that might come from Ethiopia after the volcanic eruption.
Key Points

Dutch Bros and Starbucks share more DNA than they seem.

Scaling broista enthusiasm nationally will decide whether Dutch Bros compounds or stalls.

Execution will determine the destiny of this up-and-coming food company.

These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires 

Starbucks turned a simple cup of coffee into a global empire -- a business built on habit, consistency, and scale. But the next great coffee story may look very different.

Enter Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS), the fast-growing, drive-thru-focused chain from Oregon that's quickly building a loyal following across the U.S. With more than 1,000 shops and plans to reach many more thousands over time, the company's growth story has investors asking a big question:

Can Dutch Bros follow Starbucks' steady compounding path -- or is it more likely to hit the same growing pains that tripped up Shake Shack?

Image source: Getty Images.

Two different playbooks

Starbucks built its brand around what founder Howard Schultz called "the third place" -- a warm, social cafe between home and work. Dutch Bros flipped that idea on its head. Nearly all its shops are drive-thru only, designed for convenience, speed, and connection through cheerful "broistas."

That model gives Dutch Bros a different cost and growth profile. A typical shop costs about $1.7 million to build, likely much cheaper than opening a full Starbucks cafe, and can pay back within two years. The trade-off is a smaller average unit volume, but faster store-level returns and a nimble expansion model that fits suburban and small-town America.

Culturally, Dutch Bros also plays in a different lane. About 80% of sales come from cold and energy drinks, not hot coffee. Its focus on personalization and upbeat service has turned it into a lifestyle brand for younger consumers -- a demographic Starbucks once dominated but now competes harder to retain.

Where Dutch Bros could follow the Starbucks playbook

The bullish case is straightforward: Dutch Bros still has a huge runway ahead. With 1,043 stores today and a target of 7,000 nationwide, the company's footprint remains heavily concentrated in the western U.S., leaving ample room for expansion eastward.

Same-store sales are growing in the mid-single digits in 2025, a continuation from its 2024 performance. At the same time, shop-level margins near 30% and a consistent profitability since 2024 suggest Dutch Bros is learning to scale efficiently.

That combination -- expanding stores and improving unit economics -- is what turned Starbucks into a compounding machine. If Dutch Bros can maintain its distinctive culture, control costs, and replicate success across markets, it could follow a similar trajectory, albeit on a smaller scale.
NEW DELHI : The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill slated for the winter session of Parliament is likely to provide for emergency arbitration and redefine arbitration to include proceedings through electronic, audio-video means, according to two people aware of the development.

Emergency arbitration allows a party to seek immediate interim relief, even before an arbitral tribunal is created. The draft bill, circulated for comments in October 2024, included both these provisions, including one that allows arbitration institutions to provide emergency arbitrators.

The addition of electronic audio-video means in the definition of arbitration was also a part of the draft bill.

This amendment will be the fourth change to the 1996 Arbitration & Conciliation Act.

Also Read | India preps to meet 6x surge in battery storage demand by 2047

There has been a lot of work on emergency arbitration, like case analysis on major precedents," said one of the people cited above, requesting anonymity.

One of the cases analysed was 2021s Supreme Court judgement in Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC vs Future Retail Ltd & others, which forms the bedrock of emergency arbitration in the countrys arbitration jurisprudence.

The apex court ruled that an emergency arbitrator is an arbitrator, and awards decreed by that emergency arbitrator are enforceable. Amazon had initiated emergency arbitration in the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in this case.

Email queries sent to the Union law and justice ministry on Thursday remained unanswered.

Key Takeaways The amendment will likely provide explicit legal backing for emergency arbitration.

Codifying emergency arbitration will resolve the current legislative gap, ensuring that interim awards passed by an emergency arbitrator have clear legal sanction and enforceability in India.

The bill is set to formally include electronic, audio-video means within the definition of arbitration, legitimizing and encouraging technology-enabled dispute resolution.

The changes reflect India's strategy to move away from ad-hoc processes and bolster institutional arbitration to establish itself as a competitive global arbitration hub, similar to Singapore.

The duties and powers of emergency arbitrators will be governed by the Arbitration Council of India, which, however, despite being legislated in 2019, has not yet been formed, posing a potential implementation hurdle.

Domain experts have previously suggested the inclusion of emergency arbitration provisions. A high-level committee for arbitration reforms, chaired by former law secretary T.K. Viswanathan, suggested in 2024 that emergency arbitration be added to Indias arbitration law.

Need for emergency arbitration

According to the high-level committee report, emergency arbitrators are required to meet the demand for swift interim and conservatory measures in commercial disputes. This mechanism allows a party needing urgent relief to seek it immediately, without having to wait for the standard formation of an arbitral tribunal.

Although various arbitral institutions in India permit the use of emergency arbitrators, the awards they issue are currently not explicitly authorized by law, the report said. The lack of statutory recognition for emergency awards is viewed as a significant hindrance to their enforcement.

The Union governments draft bill, however, stated that the powers and duties of emergency arbitrators will be notified by the Arbitration Council of India (ACI).

The setting up of ACI was introduced in the 2019 amendment as a body to create the rules of procedure for arbitration, as well as guidelines for arbitrators.

But the ACI has yet to be created.

The changes in the definition of arbitration, which include electronic means, are likely to impact dispute resolution by reducing the time taken to reach a decision.

From our point of view, the biggest catalyst for transformative evolution of ODR (online dispute resolution) has been the recognition and legitimization of technology-enabled dispute resolution mechanisms by courts across the country," said Mohammad Asad Saeed, who works on public policy at Presolv360, an ODR service provider.

He said that tech-enabled dispute resolution has taken off in various cases, including those related to capital markets, as well as for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In June 2024, the Union government advised all government agencies, including state bodies, to shift domestic public procurement contracts valued over 10 crore from arbitration to mediation to curb high costs and long timelines.

The amendment to India's arbitration law assumes importance as high costs, long timelines, and issues related to court intervention have persisted for a long time. India is keen to bolster institutional arbitration, that is, arbitration where procedures are determined by a specialised institution, over ad-hoc arbitration, where everything is decided by parties to the dispute.

Promoting institutional arbitration is central to becoming a global arbitration hub, based on Singapore's model of setting up the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), which attracts a significant share of arbitration matters in the world.

The recognition of emergency arbitration in the 2024 draft bill expedites dispute resolution by ensuring that urgent interim relief is accessible within the arbitral framework itself, without being diverted into overburdened court processes", said Divya Swamy, partner at D&Y Law Chambers.
J-K: Neighbour offers to gift land parcel after journalist's family loses home in Jammu demolition drive

A day after the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) razed the home of a journalists father during an anti-encroachment operation, a Hindu neighbour stepped forward on Friday, offering a plot of land to the family so they can rebuild their house, as reported by PTI.

The demolition in Jammu city has triggered a political storm, with leaders from various parties visiting the site, voicing support for the displaced families, and accusing the authorities of carrying out selective enforcement.

Kuldeep Kumar, accompanied by his daughter Tanya, offered a five-marla plot to the family of the journalist in Jammu's Transport Nagar area. "I am gifting five marlas of land through my daughter to the family so that my brother can rebuild his house," Kumar told reporters, adding that he would also assist in the construction.

View full Image Jammu: People stand near the damaged house of a journalist after it was demolished by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), in Jammu, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_28_2025_000440B) ( PTI )

View full Image Jammu: Family members inspect the damaged house of a Journalist after being demolished by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), in Jammu, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_28_2025_000439A) ( PTI )

The video of his gift deed to affected family went viral on social media, drawing much praise.

Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina, who visited the area and met affected families, termed the demolition "selective" and assured full support to the residents.

I was pained to see this. Our Prime Minister believes in giving houses to the poor, not demolishing them. We will ensure all help, he said, calling Kuldeep Kumar's gesture a symbol of Jammu and Kashmirs harmony.

Raina blamed the elected government for the action, saying, The Lieutenant Governor has not used the bulldozer. I spoke to him and he said no such orders were issued. Where did the order come from? I wont politicise it.

The journalist said the demolished structure belonged to his father, and the family had lived there for 40 years. "No notice was served. It was selective targeting. Where were the authorities all this time?" he questioned.

During an anti-encroachment operation on Thursday, the JDA used bulldozers to demolish unauthorised structures in the Transport Nagar area under tight police security.

Residents, however, asserted that they had lived there for nearly 40 years and were removed without any prior warning. Jammu and Kashmir Congress working president Raman Bhalla visited the site, criticised the JDAs actions, and called for accountability.

"Such things should not happen. Due legal process must be followed, and people must be heard. This is an atrocity," he said.

Selective demolition? A delegation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), headed by senior leader Varinder Singh Sonu, also visited the site and labelled the action a selective demolition.

Was only this three-marla house an encroachment? What about big land grabbers? This is shameful, Sonu said.

Saying Chief Minister Omar Abdullah exercises direct control over the JDA as the housing minister, Sonu said the National Conference (NC) government has put salt on the wounds of people, who expected the elected government to heal their scars.

He questioned why action was limited to small landholders. "If encroachments must be removed, remove them from everywhere, including those by the most influential people. You call a three-marla owner a land grabber, but what about palatial houses on hundreds of kanals?" he questioned.

According to the JDA, the demolition drive is part of ongoing efforts to clear encroachments from its land across Jammu. The Jammu and Kashmir government recently said in the assembly that over 16,000 kanals of JDA land is under encroachment in Jammu, PTI reported.

"The total JDA land under encroachment is 16,212 kanals and two marlas. In respect of Jammu Municipal Corporation, eight kanals and 16 marlas of land at Chatha are under encroachment," read the written reply by the chief minister in the assembly.

Some portion of land was transferred to the JDA along with pre-existing encroachments, it added.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) addressed a letter to the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, almost three days after tensions escalated outside the EC office in Kolkata. In a letter dated 28 November, it directed West Bengal's top law enforcement officials to ensure safety and security of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and other poll officials involved in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across the state.

Urging concerned authorities to make robust security measures to prevent any intimidation of election personnel, the letter said, The Commission is concerned about the safety and security of the Booth Level Officers and other field functionaries engaged in SIR work and therefore directs that all possible measures shall be taken by the police authorities to ensure safety and security of these officers and staff."

It further added, "It shall be ensured that there is no perceptible atmosphere of fear, threat and undue influence on these field functionaries and that no untoward incident occurs at any place.

The call for enhanced security measures comes after 24 November security breach at the central Kolkata building where protesters opposed the SIR exercise.

View full Image SIR enumeration process in West Bengal will be completed on December 4.

Role and responsibility of Special Roll Observer Emphasising that BLOs must not be subjected to pressure, threats or interference from political party workers, the letter states, "In exercise of the powers conferred on it by Article 324 (6) of the Constitution of India, the Election Commission of India hereby appoints you as its Special Roll Observer in connection with work relating to Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in the State of West Bengal.

With reference to Article 324 (6) of the Constitution, the ECI appointed DGP as the Special Roll Observer. Detailing the responsibilities that come with this new post, ECI said Special Roll Observer must oversee that the SIR exercise is aligning with the Commission's directives and sought regular inputs for smooth continuity of the process.

It added, As a Special Roll Observer, you will oversee that the process of Special Intensive Revision is strictly as per the directions of the Commission issued vide order dated 27th October, 2025, to ensure that no eligible person is left out from enrolment and that no ineligible elector is included.

In view of security of officials, the ECI instructed that the CEO's office be relocated. To prevent any future disruptions, the Kolkata Police Commissioner has been asked to ensure full protection of the current premises and also of the new designated office.

Meanwhile, ECI directed all District Election Officers (DEOs) to expedite the process of setting up of new polling stations in slum areas, high-rise residential buildings and gated colonies.
Heavy rains continue to lash Tamil Nadu as cyclone Ditwah braces for landfall on 30 November. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions across the state on Saturday.

The Education Department circular states, The Meteorological Department has said that there will be heavy rain in the coastal districts and adjoining districts on Saturday (today). Therefore, all schools across Tamil Nadu will be closed on Saturday (today). No special classes should be held in schools."

Even Pondicherry Central University postponed all the exams slated for 29 November amid India Meteorological Department's (IMD) red alert for heavy rains.

The Pondicherry Central University notification states, As per the communication received from the Coast Guard District, Puducherry and in continuation of the Advisory- Circular dated November 27, it is hereby notified that all classes and examinations scheduled on November 29 shall stands postponed. The revised schedule for the deferred examinations will be communicated in due course.

View full Image Pondicherry Central University defers exams

Also Read | Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE: Cyclone leaves a devastated Sri Lanka behind

Notably, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu are on IMD's red alert today for heavy rains. Waterlogging was reported in several low-lying areas and streets and roads were inundated due to heavy downpour in the wake of cyclonic storm.

A number of Tamil Nadu districts are on IMD's orange alert today, including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Ranipet. Besides these, Karaikal area is also on IMD's orange alert.

At 8:30 AM on 29 November, the cyclonic storm lay centred near latitude 9.6N and longitude 80.7E, about 80 km east of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 140 km southeast of Vedaranniyam (India), 170 km south-southeast of Karaikal (India), 280 km south-southeast of Puducherry (India) and 380 km south of #Chennai (India). It moved north-northwestwards with the speed of 8 kmph during past 6 hours and is set to reach Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning of 30 November.

Also Read | 123 dead, several missing in Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc
West Bengal on Saturday renamed its Raj Bhavan in Kolkata as Lok Bhavan in line with a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose did the honours in Kolkata to mark the symbolic shift by removing the word Raj from its walls and replaced it with Lok.

In a statement, the Governor said, On 27.03.2023, Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu handed over a symbolic key of the then Raj Bhavan to Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the request of the undersigned, heralding a new era of people's Raj Bhavan - The Jana Raj Bhavan.

The statement further read that the move comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification issued on 25 November.

"It is hereby notified that the name of the holdings of "Raj Bhavan" in Kolkata, Flagstaff House and Darjeeling, has hereby been modified and renamed as "Lok Bhavan"," it said.

The changes are being implemented with immediate effect.

The Raj Bhavan, now renamed as Lok Bhavan, serves as the governor's official residence and also houses his office.

There has been a decision by the Government of India which has been conveyed through a notification issued by the Home Ministry that all Raj Bhavans will be named Lok Bhavans...Two years back, I requested the President to hand over a symbolic key of the Raj Bhavan to the elected Chief Minister and declare Raj Bhavan as Jana Raj Bhavan. This idea was discussed in the Governor's Conference. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for all Raj Bhavans to become accessible to the people...Raj Bhavan is renamed not only for the sake of a name, but it is also the spirit behind it that is important. This asserts the sovereignty of the people, which is enshrined in the Constitution of India. This is also a message to the new generation, Bose told ANI after changing the name formally.

Why was Raj Bhavan renamed? In a post on X, Governor CV Ananda Bose said that the Jana Raj Bhavan concept was prompted by the need to serve people and their aspirations.

The 'Jana Raj Bhavan' conceptualisation by the then Raj Bhavan, Kolkata, was prompted by the urge to make the establishment alive to the needs of the people, their aspirations and hopes, their problems and challenges. Simultaneously, the imposing edifice was to shed its aura of 'awe and fear' and be open to people from all walks of life, he said.

Over the past three years, several constructive people-centric programmes have been initiated, Bose said.

A key element of the Jana Raj Bhavan initiative was its proactive role in the service of people -- to be with them whenever such a need arose. Across the length and breadth of West Bengal, whenever there was a situation of exigency -- be it violence, natural calamity, or even complaints of atrocities, Jana Raj Bhavan reached out to those in need, he said.

Also Read | Governor Ananda Bose asks Mamata Banerjee to call emergency Cabinet meet

"In tune with the transformational and inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that has ensured participation of people across all segments of society in the onward spectacular march towards Viksit Bharat, Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas across the country have been uniformly decided to be renamed as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas respectively, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 25 November, 2025," Bose added.
Many airlines in the United States have been impacted after Airbus issued an alert on Friday, warning that as many as 6,000 active A320 aircraft might need immediate repairs, a development that threatens major disruptions during the busiest travel weekend of the year.

This setback appears to be one the biggest recalls affecting Airbus in its 55-year history and comes just weeks after the A320 surpassed the Boeing 737 as the most-delivered aircraft model, Reuters reported earlier.

Here's full list of impacted airlines Airlines from the United States have already warned the flyers that the repairs could potentially cause flight delays or cancellations, though some airlines maintain that the disruptions are likely to be limited.

 American Airlines: The US carrier notified its passengers on Friday that it expects some operational delays due to the software change. It initially said that the issue impacted around 340 aircraft at the carrier, but after getting more clarity from Airbus, American Airlines informed that 209 A320 family aircraft are affected, far fewer than first thought.

As of 6 pm CT (0000 GMT), fewer than 150 aircraft still needed to be updated, American told Reuters. The airline expects most of the remaining work to be completed overnight, with only a small number of planes left to update for Saturday.

 United Airlines: This airline said that only six aircrafts in its fleet have been impacted by the disruption. It also expects limited disruption to a few of the airline's flights.

 Alaska Air: This Washington-based carrier has clarified that it is not experiencing any disruptions from the Airbus software fix, and operations will continue as usual unless any further notice is given.

Why is the software fix required in Airbus? The Airbus aircraft, which is heavily used by commercial airlines around the world had to go through an urgent fix after a software issue contributed to a sudden drop in altitude of a JetBlue plane last month, the manufacturer and European aviation safety regulators said on Friday.

Airbus said an analysis of the JetBlue incident revealed that intense solar radiation may have corrupted data critical to the functioning of flight controls on the A320 family of aircraft.

Also Read | American Airlines says Airbus A320 software issue to impact 340 aircraft

At least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured and taken to the hospital after the JetBlue incident on board the flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey. The plane was later diverted to Tampa, Florida, AP reported.

EU aviation body issues directive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), an apex body under the European Union has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD), requiring the operators of Airbus A320 to address the issue that occurred on JetBlue flight 1230 on 30 October.
Bomb threat halted all departures to Philadelphia International on Friday (local time) for some time, according to US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Reuters reported. It later said the ground stop was lifted after security event got resolved.

The FAAs advisory offered no additional information regarding the bomb threat. The airport has not yet responded to agency's request for comment.

Earlier this month, several other US airports also received bomb threats that were later determined to be unfounded. In early November, operations at Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly paused following a bomb threat targeting a United Airlines aircraft. The FBI said at the time that it had investigated the report and found no hazardous materials.

That same day, a Delta flight departing from LaGuardia International Airport was evacuated before takeoff due to reports of a bomb threat.

CISF introduces revised posting policy for Parliament security Meanwhile, to enhance security arrangements at the Parliament House Complex (PHC) in India, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has implemented a revised posting policy as part of its broader capability-building effort aimed at boosting operational readiness and continuity.

According to senior CISF officials cited by ANI, the updated policy increases the tenure of personnel assigned to Parliament security from three to four years, with an additional one-year extension may be granted". Officials familiar with the decision, a first for the CISF in the context of protecting any government facility, said that to maintain both continuity and operational freshness, a fixed proportion of the sanctioned strength will be rotated annually as part of the revised structure".

Also Read | 4 California schools receive bomb threats; Fullerton campuses on lockdown

The revamped system is intended to enhance personnels understanding of Parliament-specific procedures and boost the overall effectiveness of security operations at the core of Indias democratic institutions.

The CISF told ANI, As part of its ongoing capability enhancement, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has introduced a revised posting policy specific to Parliament security duties. Under the new framework, the tenure of personnel has been extended from the existing three years to four years, with a possible extension of one additional year based on suitability.
Chicago weather alert: A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 am on Sunday affecting the travel by road and air as heavy snowfall is expected to create hazardous travel conditions.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago, the bulk of the accumulating snow will fall roughly between 12 to 8 PM (CST).

Travelling across the region may get affected as accumulating snow will continue through tonight, creating hazardous travel conditions. The highest snowfall rates will occur this afternoon into early this evening.

There will be several chances for light accumulating snow next week. The first chance will be late Monday afternoon into Monday night, when at least a few inches of snow accumulation is possible which may affect both the Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning commutes, said NWS.

Locally higher amounts possible northwest of the Ottawa to Aurora to Waukegan line.

What to expect  Prolonged accumulating show.

 Highest rates around 1" per hour and greatest travel impacts expected this afternoon into early evening (12-8pm CST).

Expected impact  Snow covered roads, very low visibility and hazardous travel.

What to do?  Drive slow and don't crowd the plow.

 Consider altering or postponing travel plan.

 If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

View full Image .

Stay vigilant, urges Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds In a post on X, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said that the state is expecting severe winter weather lasting through Saturday.

As we continue to celebrate with our families and friends this holiday weekend, please closely monitor the weather conditions and follow all travel and safety guidelines. Stay vigilant and be weather aware!

Flights cancelled

According to Bloomberg, several flights have been canceled in and around Chicago and OHare International Airport is the hardest hit.

As of 6 am in New York, 656 flights in and around the US have been canceled, with 518 starting or ending in Chicago, according to airline tracking service , said the report sighting FlightAware.

Forecast for other parts The NWS said that the major winter storm over the central/northern Plains will spread eastward into the Midwest and Great Lakes region this weekend with widespread heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions.

Snowfall rates exceeding 1"/hour are expected, especially through the day Saturday, leading to storm total accumulations between 6-12".

"The combination of heavy snow rates along with gusty winds will create dangerous travel conditions due to limited visibility and snow-covered roadways. The snow should taper off from west to east overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday (local time) that he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former Honduran president who was convicted in 2024 of drug-trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Trump said his decision on social media by posting that according to many people that I greatly respect, Hernandez was treated very harshly and unfairly.

Who is Juan Orlando Hernandez? What are the charges against him? In March 2024, Hernandez was convicted in a U.S. court for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, after serving two terms as president of Honduras, a Central American nation of around 10 million people.

He has been appealing the conviction while serving his sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton, in West Virginia.

Following Trump's pardon statement, Hernandez's wife and children gathered on the steps of their Tegucigalpa home, kneeling in prayer and giving thanks for his return after nearly four years apart. This was the same residence from which Honduran authorities removed him in 2022, shortly after he left office, before extraditing him to the U.S. for trial.

View full Image Ana Garcia, center, wife of former Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez and his daughters Daniela, left, and Isabela raise their fists in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would pardon Hernandez, who is serving a 45-year prison sentence for helping import cocaine to the United States. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) ( AP )

Garcia said they had just been able to speak with Hernandez and tell him the news. Garcia thanked Trump, saying that Trump had corrected an injustice, maintaining that Hernandezs prosecution was a coordinated plot by drug traffickers and the radical left to seek revenge against the former president.

She said they had not been told exactly when Hernandez would return, but said we hope that in the coming days.

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude for Trump's actions.

A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras," Stabile said. "Thank you President Trump for making sure that justice was served. We look forward to President Hernandezs triumphant return to Honduras.

The post was part of a broader message by Trump backing Nasry Tito Asfura for Honduras' presidency, with Trump saying the U.S. would be supportive of the country if he wins. But if Asfura loses the election this Sunday, Trump posted that the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.

Asfura, 67, is making his second run for president for the conservative National Party. He was the mayor of Tegucigalpa and has pledged to solve Honduras infrastructure needs. But he has previously been accused of embezzling public funds, allegations that he denies.

In addition to Asfura, there are two other likely contenders for Honduras' presidency: Rixi Moncada, who served as the finance and later defense secretary before leaving to run for president for the incumbent democratic socialist Libre party, and Salvador Nasralla, a former television personality who is making his fourth bid for the presidency, this time as the candidate for the Liberal Party.

What did Trump say? Trump has framed Honduras' election as a trial for democracy, suggesting in a separate Truth Social post that if Asfura loses, the country could go the way of Venezuela and fall under the influence of that country's leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro has maintained a left-leaning political stance while taking a pragmatic and cooperative approach toward the U.S. administration. She has hosted visits from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Army Gen, AP reported.

Laura Richardson, formerly commander of U.S. Southern Command, and has stepped back from earlier threats to end Honduras' extradition treaty and military cooperation with the United States. Under her leadership, Honduras has also managed the return of its citizens deported from the U.S. and served as a transit point for deported Venezuelans, who were subsequently taken to Venezuela.

Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch admirer of Trump, also gave his support to Asfura in Honduras on Friday.

I fully support Tito Asfura, who is the candidate who best represents the opposition to the leftist tyrants who have destroyed Honduras, the libertarian president said on his X account.
Amid US President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrants and H-1B visas, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, has announced the reintroduction of the HIRE Act to increase the number of H-1B visas available each year from 65,000 to 130,000.

The legislation  High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE Act)  which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the availability of H-1B non-immigrant visas  aims to expand access to high-skilled talent from around the world, while growing the domestic workforce.

The bill has been supported by ITServe Alliance, the association of IT services organizations.

To build the jobs and industries of tomorrow, America must stay at the forefront of innovation by strengthening our own workforce while continuing to welcome top talent from around the globe, Krishnamoorthi said in a statement.

The Congressman says that the HIRE Act advances both goals by boosting STEM education in elementary and secondary schools and by expanding the annual supply of H-1B visas to 130,000.

He further stated that by ensuring employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, they can create good-paying jobs and secure Americas leadership in the technologies of the future.

Earlier this week, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Trump does not support American workers being replaced and is committed to protecting American jobs.

She added that Trump has a nuanced, commonsense approach on the H-1B visa issue.

Also Read | US halts visa issuance for Afghan passport holders, tightens screening

On September 19, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 (approximately 88 lakh) one-time fee on H-1B visa, which companies pay to sponsor applicants. The proclamation announced restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers.

Later, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the USD 100,000 fee will not apply to applicants seeking a change of status or 'extension of stay'.

Following the announcement, the Department of Labor (DOL) also launched Project Firewall to look into 175 potential abuses of the H-1B visa programme to protect American jobs.

Also Read | Amid immigration crackdown, Trump says Saudi investors can bring own workers

According to the USCIS, Indians comprise an estimated 71% of all approved H-1B applications in recent years.

Earlier this month, in a keynote address to a business gathering at a Saudi investment conference, Trump defended his stance on H-1B visas, but hinted at making rare exception for Saudi investors, saying they can bring their own workers to the US who in turn can teach Americans.
(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.

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.

A production line at semiconductor company Nexperia in Hamburg. (Reuters)

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)
Amid anti-drug operations, US President Donald Trump on Saturday declares airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety.

To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter, said Trump in a post on X.

Trump's declaration came a day after Trump said that efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking by land would begin 'very soon'.

Addressing a Texas-based Air Force bombing unit, Trump, reading from prepared remarks, said: "In recent weeks, you've been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many."

Elaborating on US efforts to halt drug trafficking, Trump said, "We've almost stopped  it's about 85 percent stopped by sea."

"You probably noticed that people aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land," he said.

"Also the land is easier, but that's going to start very soon," he added.

Several of the US military groups that Trump addressed via video conferencing to mark the Thanksgiving holiday, were actively participating in his anti-drug operation.

Since September, the US military has carried out a series of airstrikes against boats it claims were trafficking drugs in international waters, without offering evidence to back up its claims.

The strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have killed at least 83 people.

On November 11, escalating a military buildup that Venezuela has warned could trigger a full-blown conflict, US aircraft carrier strike group arrived in the Latin America region on Tuesday.
Three days after the horrifying shooting near the White House, a striking image captured by CBS shows two West Virginia National Guard members lying on the sidewalk as authorities assist them after they were gunned down by an Afghan national suspect. Both were shot in an ambush attack, with Trump confirming that one of them had died.

CBS News footage showed the two soldiers lying motionless on the ground, surrounded by numerous law enforcement officers, including police and Secret Service agents, amid the chaos.

A nearby bus stop was also struck during the ambush-style attack, scattering shards of glass across the area. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remained hospitalised and fighting for his life as of Friday evening.

Beckstrom, a native of Webster Springs, W.Va., was remembered by her loved ones on Friday as the sweetest girl with a heart of gold". Fellow West Virginia native Wolfe, from Martinsville, remained in critical condition on Friday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey stated.

View full Image National Guard soldiers gather near a crime scene after a shooting in downtown Washington, DC, on November 26, 2025. ( AFP )

The two service members were in Washington, DC, as part of President Trumps deployment of troops to cities facing increasing crime.

Also Read | US halts visa issuance for Afghan passport holders, tightens screening

Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal was injured after another National Guard member returned fire, stopping his violent attack. Lakanwal arrived in the US with his family in 2021 after fleeing his war-torn Middle Eastern homeland, where he had served in an elite unit with connections to the CIA.

Federal prosecutors stated that he is facing first-degree murder and related charges, the New York Post report noted. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans to pursue the death penalty against him.

Flags across the state are being flown at half-staff to honour Beckstroms memory.

Also Read | Full list of crackdowns Trump has announced since White House shooting

Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, DC, stated that additional charges are expected against 29-year-old Lakanwal, who migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan during Joe Bidens administration.

The Washington Post reported that the upgraded first-degree murder charges, replacing the initial assault charges, increase the likelihood that Lakanwal could face the death penalty.

Trump says he will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries Meanwhile, Trump said that he would permanently pause migration from all "third-world countries" to allow the US system to terminate illegal admissions into the United States.

Trump took to Truth Social and said, I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Biden's Autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country.
Torrential rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have killed 123 people across Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre said Saturday. Another 130 people have been reported missing by the agency till 9 am.

More than 200,000 people from 61,000 families have been affected by the disaster, it said.

However, Central Provinces Kandy relief officials said the death toll could be much higher as the toll in the Kandy district itself had reached more than 50 by late Friday night and remained unverified officially.

Badulla in the central hills is another district badly hit by landslides with many people missing and over 35 dead.

The flooding situation in low-lying areas worsened on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for those living along the banks of the Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean from Colombo.

The Kelani burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds of people to move to temporary shelters, the DMC said.

Also Read | Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE: Strong waves close in on Puducherry rail tracks

Sri Lanka: Weather update Rains have subsided in most parts of the island country, including the capital, but parts of the island's north were experiencing showers due to the residual effects of Cyclone Ditwah.

The weather system is moving away from the island towards neighbouring India, the DMC said.

The weather bureau said more rains over 200 mm were expected to fall, although Ditwah may exit the island by late Saturday.

Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah wreaked havoc, causing floods and landslides that left a trail of destruction and damage to infrastructure.

Cyclone Ditwah: When and where will the cyclone make its landfall? Cyclone Ditwah is expected to make landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh between the evening of November 29 and the morning of November 30.

The impact of the cyclone is expected to be widespread and will be felt on 30 November in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read | Cyclone Ditwah: India sends relief materials to Sri Lanka under Op Sagar Bandhu

Operation Sagar Bandhu India on Friday launched Operation Sagar Bandhu' to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis, and the first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

The Indian Air Force on Saturday delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and eight tonnes of equipment to Sri Lanka to assist those displaced by devastating floods.

They also promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindon Air Base on the night of intervening night of Friday and Saturday, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and eight tonnes of equipment.

Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities, it said.
HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has raised questions about corruption and negligence in the renovations of the apartment complex where at least 128 people died.

An intense fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong's northern suburbs Wednesday afternoon, with flames covering seven of the eight towers. The complex was home to some 4,800 residents, some of whom had raised safety concerns about the renovations more than year before the fire.

Police on Wednesday arrested three men from a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. They were released on bail but then arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the authority said Saturday night, pointing to their leadership role in the renovations. ICAC had also previously arrested seven men and one woman associated with the project.

Police have not identified the company where the suspects worked, but documents posted to the homeowners associations website showed that the Prestige Construction & Engineering Company was in charge of renovations. Police have seized boxes of documents from the company, where phones rang unanswered Thursday.

Officials also said they were investigating the materials used, both the netting on the scaffolding and the foam panels covering windows, and their role in the blaze.

For almost a year, some residents at the Wang Fuk Court complex had been raising safety concerns to Hong Kong authorities about the scaffolding materials being used in the renovation project, according to documents reviewed by the AP, specifically about the netting that covered the scaffolding.

Hong Kongs labor department in a statement on Saturday confirmed it had received such complaints, adding that officials had carried out 16 inspections of Wang Fuk Courts renovation project since July 2024, and had warned contractors multiple times in writing that they must ensure they met fire safety requirements. The city even carried out an inspection as late as one week before the fire.

The labor department said it had reviewed the product quality certificate of the netting and that it was in line with standards, but that the safety netting had not been the previous target of inspections.

Preliminary investigations showed the fire started on a lower-level scaffolding net of one of the buildings. It then spread rapidly as the foam panels caught fire, said Chris Tang, the city's secretary for security. Police also said they had been looking at the highly flammable foam panels.

The blaze ignited the foam panels, causing the glass to shatter and leading to a swift intensification of the fire and its spread into the interior spaces, Tang said.

The labor department said later on Saturday that three prosecutions were brought against the company over breaches of safety regulations for working at height in the construction and convictions in two of the cases resulted in fines of totaling 30,000 Hong Kong dollars ($3,850). The company also was fined three times in 2023 for separate violations unrelated to the Tai Po project.

First responders also found that some fire alarms in the complex, which housed many older people, did not sound when tested, said Andy Yeung, the director of Hong Kong Fire Services. He did not specify how many were not working or if any of the others were.

It took firefighters a day to bring the fire under control, and it was not fully extinguished until Friday morning  some 40 hours after it started.

Crews prioritized apartments from which they had received emergency calls during the blaze but were unable to reach in the hours that the fire burned out of control, Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services, told reporters.

Twelve firefighters were among the 79 people injured in the blaze, and one firefighter was killed.

Even two days after the fire began, smoke continued to drift out of the charred skeletons of the buildings from the occasional flare-up.

While more bodies might be recovered, authorities said, crews have finished their search for anyone living trapped inside.

Authorities said Saturday they need to identify 44 more bodies out of the 128 recovered. About 150 people remain unaccounted for.

The dead included two Indonesian migrant workers, the Indonesian foreign ministry said Thursday. About 11 other migrants from the country who were working as domestic helpers in the apartment complex remain missing, Indonesian Consul General Yul Edison said Friday.

Near the site of the fire, Sara Yu held the hand of her 2-year-old son, Dominic, as they each placed a single white rose into a growing cluster of the flowers in a small childrens playground.

I brought the kids here because I want them to understand that living in this world is something to be cherished, she said, holding back tears.

Outside a building close to the scene of the fire where family members came to identify loved ones from photographs, people placed bouquets of white roses, lilies and carnations. More than 128 innocent lives, what did they do wrong? asked a sign placed among the flowers.

The city lowered flags to half staff in mourning, and Chief Executive John Lee, led a three-minute silence Saturday from the government headquarters with officials all dressed in black.

The fire was the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades. A 1996 fire in a commercial building in Kowloon killed 41 people. A warehouse fire in 1948 killed 176 people, according to the South China Morning Post.

___
Chennai Airport officials announced on Saturday that 54 flights across various districts of Tamil Nadu have been cancelled due to Cyclone Ditwah, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the southern and central regions.

As a precaution, 16 flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi, Madurai and Trichy, along with 16 return flights from these cities to Chennai, were suspended. In comparison, 22 flights from Madurai, Trichy and Puducherry to Bengaluru and Hyderabad were also cancelled.

With weather conditions continuing to worsen, authorities further stated that all small aircraft operations at airports in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Thoothukudi and surrounding areas will remain suspended from Sunday morning until night.

300 Indian passengers stranded in Colombo Around 300 passengers  including nearly 150 Tamilians travelling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka  have been stuck at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport for the past three days after Cyclone Ditwah led to the cancellation of several flights to Chennai, PTI reported.

Stranded travellers claim they have been left without sufficient food, water, or basic amenities as severe weather continues to disrupt airport operations.

Taking cognisance of the distress faced by those stranded, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed the Public Department Secretary to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Colombo.

Officials have since held discussions with Indian High Commission authorities to ensure the safe return of Tamilians stuck in Sri Lanka. The government has also sought timely assistance for passengers facing hardship at the airport.

IndiGo issues travel advisory In a post on X, IndiGo said, As Cyclone Ditwah continues to move westwards, its associated rainfall and wind patterns are now affecting parts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. As a result, flights to and from Colombo, Jaffna, Pondicherry, Tuticorin, Trichy, Chennai and Madurai may experience disruptions.

Sri Lanka declares state of emergency Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency throughout the island in view of the emergency situation that has emerged due to the devastation caused by floods.

According to an official gazette dated Friday and released on Saturday, the state of emergency has been declared throughout the island.

On Friday, at an all-party meeting, the opposition leaders called for the state of emergency to be declared. The doctors trade union, in a letter addressed to Dissanayake, underscored the need to impose a state of emergency.

The regulations are expected to expedite the relief coordination and rescue operations.

India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu Meanwhile, India has expanded its humanitarian outreach to Sri Lanka, which Cyclone Ditwah has severely impacted. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of relief material landed in Colombo on Saturday as part of the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Also Read | Cyclone Ditwah: India sends relief materials to Sri Lanka under Op Sagar Bandhu

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stated that another Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 has reached Colombo as part of India's ongoing humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, at a time when the island nation is dealing with the escalating fallout of Cyclone Ditwah.

Sharing the update on X, Jaishankar noted that the aircraft arrived with "9 tons relief material" and "2 Urban Search & Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel." He also wrote that A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!

The Indian Air Force said in a late-night post on Thursday that "Operation Sagar Bandhu" was activated once the scale of destruction became evident. The IAF stated that a C-130 and an IL-76 were sent from Hindan during the night of "28/29 November 2025", transporting 21 tonnes of relief items, more than 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of specialised equipment to Colombo, forming a significant part of the initial emergency response.

The Air Force added that the consignment includes vital rations and essential stores required for immediate humanitarian assistance in the worst-affected districts. Officials said the quick mobilisation aims to reinforce Sri Lankan agencies working to stabilise affected areas and restore critical services.

Heavy rainfall lashes Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which entered the open sea inching towards Tamil Nadu coast, lashed the coastal areas and the Cauvery delta districts on Saturday.

A tourist van got stranded in an area marooned near a canal in Ramanthapuram district. The occupants, however, had a providential escape as they managed to step out through the rear door.

The district administration has cautioned residents to avoid going out unless necessary, citing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Tourists have also been advised to avoid Dhanushkodi, located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island near Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, as a safety measure.

Meanwhile, several regions across the state  including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru, Pattukottai, Cuddalore, and parts of Chennai  have experienced intense rainfall.
A sudden software update at 6,000 operational Airbus A320 aircraft has forced airlines worldwide to scramble, with the company alerting operators on Friday of immediate repairs, right in the middle of the year's busiest travel weekend.

This setback, which appears to be one the biggest recalls affecting Airbus in its 55-year history, comes after a software issue caused a sudden drop in altitude of a JetBlue plane last month, the manufacturer and European aviation safety regulators said on Friday.

Airbus said an analysis of the JetBlue incident revealed that intense solar radiation may have corrupted data essential to the aircraft's flight-control systems, leading to the malfunction on the A320, AP reported.

Was anyone injured in the October incident? No casualties were reported in the JetBlue incident which happened on 30 October, but at least 15 passengers were injured and taken to the hospital after the aircraft experienced the malfunction mid-air.

The plane, which was travelling from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was later diverted to Tampa, Florida.

As a result of the disruption, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), an apex body under the European Union has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD), requiring the operators of Airbus A320 to address the issue on priority.

Disruptions in flight schedules worldwide EASA and multiple airlines have already warned the flyers that the repairs could potentially cause flight delays or cancellations, though some carriers maintain that the disruptions are likely to be limited.

In Japan, All Nippon Airways, which operates more than 30 planes, canceled 65 domestic flights, scheduled to operate on Saturday. The company also said that additional cancellations on Sunday were possible.

American Airlines has about 480 planes from the A320 family, of which 209 have been impacted. The repair should take about two hours for many aircraft and updates are expected to be completed for the overwhelming majority on Friday, the airline said. A few others will be finished on Saturday, AP reported.

Whereas, Alaska Air has notified that it is not experiencing any disruptions from the Airbus software fix, and operations will continue as usual.

Will Indian airlines be impacted by the disruption? Many airlines in India, including Air India, Air India Express and Indigo have also alerted their passengers about possible disruptions.

Air India said Airbuss directive will require a software/hardware realignment for part of its fleet, leading to longer turnaround times and delays. The airline has already reset over 40% of affected aircraft and expects to complete the rest within the timeline prescribed by EASA.

Also Read | What IndiGo, Air India flyers must know after Airbus software alert amid delays

Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, noted that while most of its aircraft will not be affected, the global guidance will still cause delays and cancellations.

The Indian budget airline Indigo said it is actively carrying out the mandated updates, adding that some flights may experience some slight schedule changes as it completes the precautionary updates", as per Reuters.

All about Airbus Airbus is one of the world's largest aircraft manufactures, competing closely with Boeing. Its A320 series is the main rival to Boeings 737, according to AP.

The aircraft, which is heavily used by commercial airlines around the world, is originally registered in Netherlands but has its main headquarters in France.
Amid rumours of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's death, Senator Khurram Zeeshan, affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed that the ex-PMs photo is withheld as it could change entire scenario of Pakistan. He shared that PTI party members have been told that Imran Khan is fine and is currently lodged in Adiala jail.

Imran Khan, who is the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has been in jail since August 2023 in multiple cases.

On being asked why no photos of Imran Khan have been released since his incarceration, he said, Imran Khan is so popular that a single picture of him would change the entire scenario of Pakistan. The ruling dispensation in Pakistan appears threatened.

The comments of the Pakistani Senator comes days after Imran Khan's three sisters demanded an impartial probe into an alleged 'brutal' police assault on them and supporters of the jailed Pakistani former prime minister outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi last week.

...The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan's family, and his lawyers are not being allowed to meet him. This is a complete violation of human rights, and he is being forced to work on their terms...We have been given a guarantee that he is fine and is currently lodged in Adiala jail, the Pakistani Senator further told ANI on Saturday.

How did rumours about Imran Khan's death start? Recent reports circulating on social media claim that the former Pakistani prime minister has been kept in isolation for 22 days, with no family visits allowed in the past three weeks despite court orders. Some unverified posts also alleged that Khan's final rites will be held in Rawalpindi tomorrow, though no official confirmation was issued.

On Wednesday, 26 November, Khan's sisters wrote a letter to Punjab police chief Usman Anwar, claiming that the violence inflicted on them was brutal and orchestrated and carried out by policemen without provocation", reported news wire PTI.

What Imran Khan's sisters said? Noreen Niazi  one among the three sisters of Imran Khan who wrote to Punjab police chief  criticised the Pakistan government, claiming police in the country have been given a free hand to deal with those supporting Imran Khan.

Niazi alleged that police have been allowed to "beat up" people, including children, women, and the elderly, without the fear of facing any consequences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday congratulated Australian PM Anthony Albanese on his wedding with Jodie Haydon. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life, along with a clip from Haydon and Albanese's wedding.

Albanese married his partner Jodie Haydon in a small ceremony at the prime ministers official residence in Canberra on Saturday  making him the first Aussie PM to get married while in office.

The Australian PM's wedding comes after the final sitting day of the Australian parliament for 2025 on Friday, and six months on from Albaneses landslide re-election victory.

Earlier this month, Albanese had hailed ties between India and Australia as a very strong one  when he and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting in Johannesburg  on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit.

PM Modi and Anthony Albanese's meeting During the meeting on November 21, Albanese expressed condolences over the Red Fort terrorist attack and the bus crash in Saudi Arabia, in which several Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives.

We have much to discuss, and our relationship is very strong. I think the economic relationship we can strengthen further, and our defence and security ties are also very important going forward. And I look forward to our discussion today, Albanese had said that time.

PM Anthony Albanese's wedding on Saturday is his second marriage after his 19-year marriage to his first wife, former NSW politician Carmel Tebbutt, ended in 2019, as per ABC News. He has one son, Nathan, from his previous marriage.

The wedding took place on Saturday afternoon at Albaneses official residence, the Lodge, witnessed by a small group of close family and friends, including Albaneses son, Nathan, and Haydons parents, Bill and Pauline.

Who is Jodie Haydon? According to a report by ABC News, Jodie Haydon and Albanese have been together for five years.
Ukraine hit Russia's two civilian tankers, Kairos and Viral, used by Moscow to export oil while skirting Western sanctions with marine drones in the Black Sea, an official from the SBU security service said on Saturday, Reuters reported.

The joint operation to hit the so-called shadow fleet vessels was run by the SBU and Ukraine's navy, the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The SBU official said both tankers - identified as the Kairos and Virat - were empty and on their way to the port of Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil terminal. Video (footage) shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation, the official said.

Watch videos here:

Here's what Turkey's minister said Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said that rescue teams initially received information suggesting the Kairos* might have struck a mine, but were later informed that the explosion had occurred on the Virat, AP reported.

Our crews indicate that there were explosions on the other ship and that these were also caused by external interference, Uraloglu told broadcaster NTV early Saturday. The first things that come to mind for external interference could be a mine, a missile, a marine vessel or a drone. We dont have definitive information on this.

He later told reporters that the captain of the Virat tanker had issued a distress call over a drone attack.

The incidents took place within Turkeys exclusive economic zone, he said, noting that Turkish authorities were in contact with their counterparts to prevent a recurrence and to ensure navigational safety. He did not provide further details.

Ukraine has previously targeted Russian shipping According to OpenSanctions, a database that monitors individuals and entities linked to sanctions evasion, the vessels are part of a shadow fleet used to bypass restrictions placed on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

While Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian ships during the conflict  often using explosive-laden naval drones, its operations have mostly remained confined to the northern Black Sea.

The Gambian-flagged Kairos caught fire in the Black Sea approximately 28 nautical miles (52 kilometres) off the coast of Turkeys Kocaeli province, Turkeys Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said. It was sailing empty toward Russias Novorossiysk port.

Also Read | India's Russian oil binge to end in December as sanctions bite

Within an hour, the maritime authority reported that a second tanker, Virat, was struck while sailing in the Black Sea about 35 nautical miles (64 kilometers) off the Turkish coast. It did not provide further details.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to assist. All 20 crew members aboard the Virat were safe, although heavy smoke was reported in the engine room, the maritime authority said.

All 25 crew aboard the Kairos were safely evacuated, Kocaeli Gov. Ilhami Aktas said.

Both tankers were under sanctions The VesselFinder showed the Virat was anchored north of the Bosphorus, not far from its current position, on Nov. 4. The Kairos last position was on Nov. 26 south of the Dardanelles Strait, which connects the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

The United States sanctioned the Virat in January this year, followed by the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, according to the OpenSanctions website. Similarly, the EU sanctioned Kairos in July this year, followed by the U.K. and Switzerland.

The shadow tanker fleet continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the Kremlin, bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners and poses significant environmental threats, OpenSanctions says on its website entry on the Kairos, AP reported.

Virat and Kairos According to OpenSanctions, the Virat, built in 2018, engages in irregular and high-risk shipping practices and has previously operated under the flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia, and Panama.

The Kairos, constructed in 2002, has sailed under the flags of Panama, Greece, and Liberia. Ukraines military intelligence agency, the GUR, notes on its website that both vessels frequent Russian ports and have a pattern of switching off their automatic identification systems, which broadcast a ships location.

They have also docked at ports in China, Turkey and India, among other locations.

Ukraine has consistently called for tougher international measures for Russia's 'shadow fleet', which it says is helping Moscow export vast quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that a delegation headed by security council secretary Rustem Umerov was on its way to the United States to continue talks on an agreement to end Russia's war.

In 2022, Umerov headed Ukraine's State Property Fund, but was best known for negotiating with Russia and for organising successful prisoner exchanges, BBC had reported earlier. Umerov stepped in as charge of the Ukrainian delegation after Zelensky's powerful chief of staff Andriy Yermak abruptly resigned on Friday  just hours after anti-corruption investigators searched his apartment.

Zelensky, in a social media post on X said he expected that the results of previous meetings with the US in Geneva, which took place last weekend, would now be "hammered out" on Sunday.

Who is Rustem Umerov? Rustem Umerov replaced Andriy Yermak as Ukraine security council secretary. Though not entirely unfamiliar to Ukrainian politics, Umerov  reportedly  has rarely been in the public eye. Born in exile, the Crimean Tatar is an active member of the ethnic community.

Rustem Umerov came into politics in 2019 when he ran for parliament with the reformist "Holos" party, which he later left to become a government official.

Before that he worked in the private sector, first in telecoms and later in investment.

What Zelensky said? Speaking about the peace talks, Zelensky posted on X that Rustem had already delivered a report on Saturday.

"Rustem delivered a report today, and the task is clear: to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war," Zelensky wrote on X.

Meanwhile, hours after his resignation, Yermak told the New York Post hours after his resignation that he was "going to the front". I am an honest and decent person, he said.

Yermak was the key interlocutor with Kyivs Western allies and was widely seen as the second-most powerful man in the Ukrainian government, mentioned a report by Politico.

The planned talks in Florida come after the Trump administration put forward a 28-point peace plan that has been criticised by Ukraine and European allies for being too favourable to Russia.

US-backed peace deal on Tuesday, 25 November, US President Donald Trump claimed that negotiations to end the RussiaUkraine war are nearing completion, announcing parallel missions to Moscow and Kyiv as part of a push to finalise a proposed US-drafted peace plan.
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Tensions inside Nexperia have sharpened after its parent company, Wingtech Technology, publicly accused the Dutch head office of deception and obstruction, deepening a corporate conflict that has already disrupted wafer flows and raised concerns among major automotive and industrial customers.

The latest confrontation followed a public letter from Nexperias headquarters in Nijmegen urging its Chinese subsidiary to resume communications, which it claimed had stalled despite repeated calls, emails, and proposed meetings. Wingtech and the Dongguan-based unit rejected that account in a statement on Thursday, November 27, and said the real issue was the Dutch offices suspension of wafer shipments and its decision to cut Chinese employees off from internal IT systems.

Wingtech, which acquired Nexperia in 2019, said that it was seeking the restoration of what it described as its lawful control and shareholder rights. The company recently argued that regaining formal authority over Nexperias operations is the prerequisite for stabilising global supply chains. It also accused the Dutch management of trying to engineer a non-Chinese supply chain structure that would permanently exclude Wingtech from decision-making.

The Dutch headquarters disputed that claim and reiterated that it had made repeated and multiple attempts to engage with the Chinese unit. Its letter called for constructive talks to restore operational stability and ensure customers were not caught in the middle. Dutch management also defended its plan to invest $300 million into expanding capacity at Nexperias Malaysian site. Nexperia China countered that the investment was intended to shift much of the companys output overseas and isolate the Dongguan facility, which handles a significant share of the firms assembly and test work.

Despite the breakdown between the two sides, Nexperia China said it had shipped 7.4 billion components to more than 500 customers worldwide since October. It maintained that wafer supply interruptions originated in the Netherlands rather than through any refusal to engage.

The dispute escalated enough for Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to raise the issue in two separate video conferences this week with German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic. Chinese officials said both sides agreed that internal talks between Nexperia Netherlands and Nexperia China should resume promptly and produce a long-term solution.
Dear reader,

The Centre has launched a sweeping overhaul of Indias labour laws by merging 29 old regulations into four modern codes. The move aims to bring over 400 million workers under stronger social security, clearer wage rules, and better workplace protections.

The Centre and states are at various stages of rolling out rules. As labour is a concurrent subject, both the Centre and each state and Union territory (UT) will need to notify the rules before a consultation window opens, and only thereafter will the code become operational in the states.

Sectors from tech to textiles have welcomed the reform but expect some short-term adjustments.

The obvious question now is how the new wage definition will affect take-home pay and benefits.

At least half of an employees cost-to-company will now be treated as wages, which means gratuity calculations will rise sharply while provident fund contributions stay capped at the existing limit. Gratuity based on the new formula already applies and will boost payouts for anyone exiting after 21 November. Fixed-term employees also become eligible for gratuity after one year. Most people will not see an immediate change in take-home pay, although those earning below the PF ceiling may notice a slight dip.

Curious whether these sweeping labour changes will translate into real jobs and real protection? Dive into Ajit Ranades piece for the clarity and context the debate needs.



On to the best of Mints work from this week:

LICs voting record raises red flags over consistency LICs voting patterns show a striking divergence: while it approved every Reliance Industries proposal and nearly all Adani Group resolutions since April 2022, it frequently rejected similar matters elsewhere. The insurer backed 63 RIL resolutions and 351 of 368 Adani proposals, even supporting qualified financials that it had abstained from previously. Yet, it opposed comparable items at firms such as Titan, Bajaj Finserv, Pidilite, and Coromandel. Experts say the inconsistencies, spanning director reappointments, governance concerns and audit qualifications, undermine LICs stewardship code and fiduciary responsibility.

Digital payments stay strong after Diwali Indias consumption momentum appears to be holding beyond the festive peak, with daily digital spends in November averaging 96,017 crore, higher than in October and September. UPI dominates 94% of all digital payments by value, buoyed by rising grocery, electronics, and restaurant spends. Experts say weddings, travel, and year-end purchases should keep demand elevated through January. Some of the surge, however, comes from non-consumption flows: IPO investments, debt repayments and digital gold purchases. Still, economists and industry executives see sustained on-ground spending, helped by GST cuts and deeper UPI adoption across smaller cities.

Bengalurus QSR engine sputters as consumers trade up and rents soar Bengaluru, once a dependable growth market for QSR chains, is losing steam as footfalls weaken, rents surge, and younger consumers flock to gourmet cafes and fast-casual formats. Dominos, McDonalds, and Barbeque Nation all flagged slowing or declining sales in the city, even as other metros offset the slump. Analysts say premiumization, cloud-kitchen competition and skyrocketing rents, up over 30% in areas like Indiranagar, are hurting unit economics. Tech workers, battling rising living costs, now spend less on weekday QSR meals and splurge on premium dining instead.

Sebi widens its scrutiny to commodity derivatives Sebi is turning its spotlight to the commodity derivatives market after cracking down on equity derivatives, asking top brokers to submit three-and-a-half years of client profit-and-loss data for trades in gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas. The move mirrors Sebis concerns in equities, where over 90% of retail traders incurred substantial losses, although losses in commodities are expected to be smaller, given the segments significantly lower turnover. With MCX dominating the market and activity still in its early stages, CDS has just 1% of the equities client base; brokers worry that curbs similar to those on equity derivatives could stifle a market that is still gaining traction.

Why IPOs remain a minefield for investors IPOs promise riches but often deliver reality checks. Sellers always know more than buyers, and nowhere is this information gap wider than in new listings. Indias recent startup IPO wave shows this clearly: a few stars like Zomato, Ather, and Groww created massive wealth, but many hyped names like Lenskart, DevX, Firstcry, and Mobikwik have slumped despite sky-high subscription. Heavy retail bidding has repeatedly signalled weak future returns, while strong employee participation has been a far better indicator of quality. Ultimately, valuation and fundamentals and not grey-market frenzy, decide which IPOs soar and which burn early believers. Read this Long Story to understand how to pick new IPOs for your portfolio.

TCS and Wipro hit by fresh US patent lawsuits TCS and Wipro are facing new US patent infringement suits just weeks apart, adding legal pressure as both battle slowing revenue. Calibrate Networks has accused TCS of misusing its software-rebranding patent, while Mobility Workx claims Wipro violated three telecom and 5G testing patents. The cases reflect rising IP scrutiny as Indian IT firms push deeper into platform, cloud, and AI products, areas where patented technologies abound. With recent billion-dollar disputes involving TCS, Hexaware, and Infosys still unfolding, experts warn that repeated IP challenges could hurt client confidence at a time when the sector already struggles with weak demand.

Indias data-centre boom accelerated on Wednesday as a Reliance Industries joint venture with Brookfield and Digital Realty announced an $11 billion plan to build a 1GW campus in Visakhapatnam, paired with L&Ts $2.5 billion push for five centres totalling at least 300MW. The $13.5 billion surge lifts 2025s commitments to nearly $60 billion as companies race to serve exploding AI demand. Vizag alone now has over $26 billion pledged, enough to exceed Indias current 1.4GW capacity. Conglomerates are positioning data centres as long-term utilities anchored in renewable power, sovereign AI needs and local storage mandates, making Indian giants the landlords and global cloud players their tenants.

Indias rare-earth pivot deepens as magnet imports slump Indias permanent magnet imports plunged 56% in April-September FY26 as Chinas export curbs and a strategic industry shift away from heavy rare earths reshaped supply chains. Automakers are rapidly adopting light rare-earth magnets and even ferrite alternatives to reduce dependence on China, which still accounts for 88% of imports. Firms like Bajaj Auto, Sona Comstar, Ola Electric, and Ather are redesigning motors, validating rare-earth-free technologies and broadening suppliers after last years production shocks. A 7,300 crore domestic magnet manufacturing scheme is set to accelerate this transition, though experts caution it will take 2-3 years before India meaningfully reduces reliance on Chinese imports.
The power struggle in Karnataka is in focus after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar's recent figurative exchange of words on promises about a rotational leadership deal after the Congress came to power in the state in 2023. Amid speculation over the power-sharing formula and Congress high command call, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar met briefly at the CM residence for breakfast.

Shivakumar was seen greeting Siddaramaiah at his residence. The chief minister's legal advisor AS Ponnanna was also present during the breakfast between the two leaders.

After the meeting, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar took to their social media handles. Siddaramaiah said, Had breakfast with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar this morning and had a brief conversation.

Shivakumar said, Met Honble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnatakas priorities and the road ahead.

To settle the ongoing crisis concerning the states leadership, Congress high command urged the two leaders to arrive at a resolution to the ongoing tussle through discussion.

Asserting that there is no change in his stance, the chief minister in a post on X said, The high command has called DK Shivakumar. They had called me as well. They told both of us to meet and talk. So I invited him for breakfast. When he comes there, we will discuss everything."

CM Siddaramaiah emphasised, I will act as per what the party seniors have said. If the high command calls me to New Delhi, I will go.

Shivakumar making a cryptic reference to a promise  specifically to his claim on Monday about a secret deal anchored by the Congress leadership after the party won to power in Karnataka in 2023.

According to the secret deal anchored by the Congress leadership, the chief minister was apparently supposed to relinquish his post to his deputy after completion of two-and-a-half years term on November 20, 2025. Since then, Shivakumars supporters are demanding a change in power, alleging that it is time for Siddaramaiah to leave the post and keep his promise.

Also Read | Did Siddaramaiah take a dig at Shivakumar amid CM seat tussle? See cryptic post

Following Shivakumar's cryptic reference to the promise, Siddaramaiah in a post on X said, Mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years, asserting that he would be chief minister for a full term of five years.

The concerning power-sharing issue will be discussed by the central leaders after the party's strategy group meeting on November 30 ahead of commencement of winter session of Parliament. Senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will attend the meeting.
In a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the MCD bypolls, senior leader and former two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta switched to the BJP on Saturday. Gupta, who had also served as AAP's national spokesperson and headed its Karnataka unit, joined the BJP in the presence of Delhi state president Virendra Sachdeva.

Sachdeva welcomed Gupta into the BJP fold by offering him the party's stole, said a statement released by the Delhi BJP.

The Delhi BJP president said that the AAP leaders were now listing shortcomings and problems in Delhi that were all created during the 12-year rule of their party, and yet they were questioning an eight-month-old government of the BJP.

Gupta alleged that the biggest reason behind the downfall of the AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was treating workers in a use and throw manner.

According to the statement, While joining the BJP, Rajesh Gupta became emotional as he recalled his contributions to AAP, the mockery he received in return, and the behaviour of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. He even broke down in tears.

Watch the video here:

When AAP was founded, many prominent individuals enthusiastically joined hands with Arvind Kejriwal, but he betrayed everyone, and one by one, they all chose to leave him, Gupta said in the statement.

Today, unfortunately, I have also joined that list, he added.

He claimed that in the Ashok Vihar ward, AAP has given a ticket to a person for the bypoll who has been issued a notice by the party itself.

He further said, "Despite my years of sincerity, honesty and loyalty, when I raised concerns, the party president wasn't even ready to talk to me. This is the situation when the party is neither in power in the Delhi government nor in the MCD.

Treating workers as 'use and throw' is the biggest reason behind Arvind Kejriwal and AAP's decline," Gupta claimed.

The Delhi BJP chief said that Rajesh Gupta had created a distinct identity for himself as a responsible MLA, but Arvind Kejriwal failed to value that identity. He added that the way Kejriwal is missing from Delhi after losing the Assembly polls and the circumstances under which he left demand close examination.

Sachdeva said that with Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia missing entirely, AAP leaders Atishi and Gopal Rai are merely making "special appearances" in Delhi, referring to campaigning for bypolls to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Saturday asserted that there are no differences between the two senior leaders of Congress and agenda is 2028 amid power tussle in Karnataka's political landscape. Siddaramaiah had invited Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for breakfast to his Cauvery residence to discuss certain concerning issues amid power-struggle for CM post.

He said, The breakfast was good. We didn't talk about anything there. We just had breakfast. DKS came to our house today...DKS invited me to his house.

Emphasising that upcoming 2028 Assembly elections are on agenda, he stated, "There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future," ANI reported.

Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future,  ANI quoted Siddaramaiah as saying.

Alleging that BJP and JDS are making false allegations, he added, "The BJP and JDS have a habit of making false allegations. The BJP and JDS have made statements that they will bring a no-confidence motion. They are only 60, and the JDS is 18. They cannot match our numbers. We are 140. This is a futile exercise. We will confront their false allegations."

Asserting that there is no confusion, he further noted, We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion.

Will DK Shivakumar take over CM post after next Assembly elections? During the much-anticipated breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah urged DK Shivakumar to take over the chief minister post after the next Assembly elections in the state in 2028, Hindustan Times reported citing sources. Amid speculation over leadership change in the state, both leaders stuck to their positions during the meeting.

The contentious issue surfaced after Siddaramaiah-led state government completed two-and-a-half years in power on November 20. Notably, Siddaramaiah assumed the CM post back in 2023 and a rotational CM arrangement or power-sharing deal was reportedly agreed upon according to which the chief minister was apparently supposed to relinquish his post to his deputy after completion of half tenure.

As per this secret deal anchored by the Congress leadership, DK Shivakumar was supposed to take over the CM role after Siddaramaiah completed half of his tenure. Amid the buzz over a possible leadership change, Siddaramaiah tried to settle matters following orders of high command to discuss the issue. Hence, he invited his deputy over for breakfast this morning ahead of commencement of winter session of Parliament from 1 December.

Also Read | Did Siddaramaiah take a dig at Shivakumar amid CM seat tussle? See cryptic post
PARIS  In a dimly lit office in a corner of the French National Institute for Art History, Sudanese archaeologist Shadia Abdrabo studies a photograph of pottery made in her country around 7,000 B.C. She carefully types a description of the Neolithic artifact into a spreadsheet.

As the war between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces rages on, the curator from Sudans National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums is on a yearlong research grant in France with one mission: to build an online database of the African nations archaeological sites, museum collections and historical archives.

Soon after the war in Sudan started, in April 2023, museums were looted and destroyed. Its unclear what exactly went missing, but Abdrabo says her task is to find out  and time is of the essence.

We have to work fast to secure our collections. Weve already lost two museums and we dont want to lose more, Abdrabo told The Associated Press.

She says two regional museums in El Geneina and Nyala were almost completely destroyed, while in Khartoum, the National Museum  which held an estimated 100,000 objects before the war  was ransacked by militias who posted videos online of their fighters inside the storeroom.

The National Museum had pieces dating back to prehistoric times, including from the Kerma Kingdom and the Napatan era when Kushite kings ruled the region as well as from the Meroitic civilization that built Sudans pyramids. Other galleries displayed later Christian and Islamic objects.

Among its most valuable items were mummies dating back to 2,500 B.C., some of the oldest and most archaeologically significant in the world as well as royal Kushite treasures.

UNESCO raised the alarm on reports of plundering saying the threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level.

My heart was broken, you know? Its not just objects that we lost. We lost research, we lost studies, we lost many things, Abdrabo said.

Last month, hundreds of people were left dead and more than 80,000 others forced into displacement after the capture of North Darfurs capital, El Fasher, by the RSF. For Abdrabo the work is deeply personal.

Im from Nubia, from the north, an area filled with monuments, archaeological sites and ancient life, she said. The region was home to some of the worlds earliest kingdoms that rivaled ancient Egypt in power and wealth.

She was working at the national museum in the capital Khartoum when the war started.

We thought it would finish soon  but then life started getting really difficult: not just the bombing, but there was no electricity, no water, she said. With her three sisters, she fled north  first to Atbara, then to Abri, and eventually to Port Sudan.

During that time, Abdrabo and her NCAM colleagues worked tirelessly to try and protect Sudans 11 museums and sites  some designated with UNESCO World Heritage status  moving pieces to safe rooms and secret locations.

But efforts to protect Sudans art were too slow, said Ali Nour, a Sudanese cultural heritage advocate.

While applications were being drafted, sites were being emptied. While risk assessments were reviewed, entire archives vanished, Nour wrote in an article for the U.K.-based International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

UNESCO said it carried out inventories, trained police and customs officers to recognize stolen antiquities, while appealing to collectors to refrain from acquiring or taking part in the import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property from Sudan.

But, unlike similar cultural emergencies that followed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, "Sudan has not benefited from strong media coverage denouncing the degradation and plundering of its cultural heritage,'' according to researcher Meryam Amarir. This lack of visibility has reduced the international response.

Ancient Sudan was connected, through trade and military activity, with Egypt, the Mediterranean world and Mesopotamia, and was the source of much of the gold available in the region, according to Geoff Emberling of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan.

If were interested in these ancient cultures, then we have to be interested in Sudan, said Emberling, who is involved with the recently established Sudan Cultural Emergency Recovery Fund.

The task force, requested by NCAM, aims to unite institutions, scholars, and donors around the urgent recovery efforts of Sudans heritage.

What Shadia Abdrabo is doing is urgently essential  establishing whats missing, Emberling told the . And with a team of about 15 Sudanese now working in the museum in Khartoum to clean and restore what has been damaged, they will soon be able to compare what remains there now.

Abdrabo has funding until April 2026 to finish compiling the data and building a platform, but she worries it wont be enough time.

The work is painstaking. Some datasets arrive as spreadsheets, others as handwritten inventories or photographs taken decades ago. Colleagues at the Louvre, the British Museum and others lend support but she works mostly alone.

Im trying to finish this database but its a lot. Ive done about 20% of the work. Just for the national museums, Ive recorded 1,080 objects so far  and then I have to do other museums, sites, archives I need to add pictures, ID numbers, coordinates 

As the winter settles over Paris, the crisis in Sudan drives Abdrabo.

We are working on tracking what has been looted, she said. I cry when I talk about this. My only goal and message is to bring back as much as possible, to do as much as I can for Sudan, but its not easy for us.

Its not just the war itself, but the consequences of it that could affect the countrys heritage: militias, people displaced its not safe for the art to be in unsecure locations, she added.

Until the war finishes we just dont know what is going to happen.
OpenAI and Google have introduced fresh restrictions on their free AI-generation tools, citing unprecedented demand over the holiday weekend. The move affects users of OpenAIs video model Sora as well as Googles new Nano Banana Pro image system and the wider Gemini 3 Pro suite.

OpenAI pulls back on Sora generation volumes OpenAIs head of Sora, Bill Peebles, confirmed the new limits in a post on X on Friday, saying:were setting usage limits for free users to 6 gens/day. chatgpt plus and pro users have unchanged limits, and everybody can purchase additional gens as needed. our gpus are melting, and we want to let as many people access sora as possible!

The cap means anyone hoping to experiment with AI-video this weekend will have to use their daily allowance carefully. Paid subscribers remain unaffected, while those who need more can buy extra generations.

Google introduces stricter Nano Banana Pro limits Google has made similar changes. Nano Banana Pro, the companys next-generation image model launched earlier this month, now restricts free users to two images per day, down from three. The shift was first spotted by 9to5Google, with Google warning that limits may fluctuate without notice depending on server load and overall usage.

The company appears to be tightening access to Gemini 3 Pro as well. When the model was introduced, free users received up to five prompts per day and up to three image generations via Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image). Those allowances mirrored the limits on Gemini 2.5 Pro before the upgrade.

Gemini 3 Pro access becomes basic Over the past several days, Google has revised the guidance again. Free users are now offered only Basic access, where daily limits may change frequently when using Thinking with 3 Pro. While the language is ambiguous, the broader trend across the industry points toward reduced access as demand surges.

Also Read | Google AI Studio reveals 10 Nano Banana Pro tricks that will change your images

Reinforcing that interpretation, Google has implemented a firm cap of 2 images / day on Nano Banana Pro. The company notes that Image generation & editing is in high demand. Limits may change frequently and will reset daily.

A broader pattern of holiday-week pressure The simultaneous tightening by both OpenAI and Google reflects the immense strain placed on GPU resources as users flock to newly released generative models. While paying subscribers continue to receive priority access, casual users may find themselves limited until demand stabilises.
People in the small town of Possagno in northern Italy were taken aback by the sight of a red halo-like ring hovering above their town on November 17. Interestingly, this is not the first time that such a phenomenon has been observed in this town.

According to Live Science, a similar red ring appeared in the sky in March 2023. A photographer named Valter Binotto captured the occurrence of this mysterious light on both occasions. This time around, the light appeared in the sky around 10:45 PM local time. The light was fainter this time around, but still clear enough for those in the city to view it.

What were these red rings? As mysterious as this ring of light may have looked, it has been reasonably explained to be a natural phenomenon by scientists. According to Live Science, which quoted spaceweather.com, these rings are a rare phenomenon called "emission of light and very low-frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources," or ELVEs.

They result from powerful lightning bolts giving off electromagnetic pulses towards space, which collide with the ionosphere, where the atmosphere is in an ionized state. These pulses excite nitrogen molecules there, which gives off red light. Usually, the ELVEs last for one-thousandth of a second and hence, are not visible to the naked eye.

Binotto informed that on this occasion, the bolt of lightning that caused the ELVEs to appear was around 303 kilo-amperes, making it 10 to 30 times more powerful than the average discharge during thunderstorms.

How was this ELVE captured? The photographer, Valter Binotto, informed spaceweather.com, that he was actually hunting for photographs of sprites, which are electrical discharges that occur above storms, in the upper atmosphere. However, he ended up shooting an even rarer phenomenon.

I didn't capture any sprites, but fortunately, I managed to capture this Elve!" Binotto said. As per space.com, the equipment he used was a Sony A7S with a 20 mm f/1.8 lens at ISO 51,200. The video from which the photo was taken was recorded at 25 frames per second.

According to Live Science, the reason this phenomenon has been captured in this small Italian town is not because of its location. Instead, it is purely due to the skill of the photographer who set out to picture the sky. It has allowed this city in the foothills of the Alps to gain some recognition.

FAQs Which city of Italy witnessed the appearance of an ELVE on November 17? Possagno, a small town in northern Italy with a population of just 2,200, was where the phenomenon was captured.

What is an ELVE? It is the emission of light and very low-frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources.
Temperatures will be below freezing Friday night, so, it's time to crank up the heat  but you need to make sure that you stay safe in the process.

Three things can be used to heat up an area; you can use an H-VAC unit, a propane torch, or a space heater.

When is it safe to burn in Hamilton County? Rain is in the forecast for this weekend, but this does not necessarily mean it is safe to burn anything outside.

Jim Hill, owner of Jim Hill Heating & Air in Ringgold, Georgia, says before using your H-VAC unit, you will want to clean and inspect it.

"The main parts that fail, you know, through the summer. Capacitors, contactors, Hill lists. "It's kind of like a lawn mower battery; you got to buy one every other summer."

How to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and safely this winter Local technician says Its best to change your HVAC filter every time you get your electric bill to keep up with it.

Hill says capacitors are sold at Ace Hardware, and they are inexpensive and easy to put in. You should have your H-VAC unit looked at once a year. If you have a pet, you need to have it looked at twice a year. If you have not yet used it, you may smell some burning the first time.

"That's where it's burning the dust off. That's normal, that's normal, that happens every year, smell. But, if that lasts more than five to ten minutes, you want to turn it off, and you want to call one of us," Hill encourages.

Hill warns against using propane heaters inside your home - they only should be used in a well-ventilated area. Also, you should not use a propane torch to cook food.

Space heaters are very dangerous because they can start a fire.

The kids knock them over; they're on extension cords. But you use what you've got to use to stay warm," Hill says.

It's important to not use extension cords and to not leave space heaters running when you are not at home. It is safest to keep them against the wall and away from curtains, kids, and pets.

Hill adds you will want to leave kerosene outside and not on top of your heater.

Having a carbon monoxide detector prevents CO poisoning especially if you have a gas appliance. Check to see if the detector has batteries or if it is plugged into the wall. It is best to keep it in the master bedroom.

And, that's the best forty-dollar investment you can make because you can't replace your kids," Hill expresses.

As a reminder, only use a space heater if it's absolutely necessary and keep objects away from it if you have to do so.
Eni, through its joint venture company Azule Energy, has inaugurated the New Gas Consortium (NGC) gas treatment plant in Soyo, northern Angola.

The facility is said to be Angolas first non-associated gas development.

It comes with a processing capacity of approximately 400 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and 20,000 barrels per day of condensate.

The gas is sourced from the offshore Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, treated, and then supplied to the Angola LNG plant for export and domestic consumption.

Angolas President, Joao Goncalves Lourenco, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo, and Angolas National Oil and Gas Agency (ANPG) chairman, Paulino Jeronimo, attended the inauguration ceremony.

The NGC project was operated by Eni before the formation of Azule Energy, a 50:50 joint venture with bp and now the operator of the NGC.

Commissioning of the gas treatment plant was achieved 24 months after the ground-breaking ceremony in October 2023 and six months ahead of the sanctioned schedule.

Azule Energy holds a 37.4% interest with the other consortium partners: Cabinda Gulf Oil Company with a 31% share, Sonangol E&P with 19.8% and TotalEnergies with 11.8%. ANPG serves as the National Concessionaire.

Eni said the NGC project supports energy diversification and responsible resource development in Angola.

The project also promotes growth in other key sectors such as fertiliser production for agriculture.

Last month, Eni finalised an agreement with Argentinas state-owned YPF to advance a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the Vaca Muerta field in northern Patagonia, Argentina.

The agreement was formalised after Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi met with Argentinas President, Javier Milei, in Buenos Aires to discuss existing and future projects.

After the meeting, Descalzi and YPFs president and CEO, Horacio Marin, signed the final technical project description for the LNG phase of the Argentina LNG project.

"Eni, Azule Energy commission gas treatment plant in Soyo, Angola " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.






Jennifer McCabe has been appointed as principal of Cnoc Mhuire, Granard where she will succeed Pauline McBrien who served in the role for eight years.

Ms McCabe, who lives in Killoe, will officially commence her tenure as principal from next Monday, September 1.

She joined the teaching staff of Cnoc Mhuire in 2017, having previously worked as an English and Geography teacher in St. Raphaela's, Stillorgan, Co Dublin for nine years.

Ms McCabe brings a wealth of experience to her new role and she also has experience working with the SEC, NIPT and the PDST, further broadening and enriching her professional experience.

Ms McCabe paid tribute to recently retired principal, Ms Pauline McBrien. I would like to sincerely thank Ms McBrien for her dedication to Cnoc Mhuire and I hope to continue her good work in the years ahead.

Ms McCabe continued, I am honoured to lead a CEIST school and to continue the proud legacy of the Mercy Sisters.

Personally, it is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team here at Cnoc Mhuire. Guided by our CEIST ethos, we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where students mature, build confidence, and show respect for others.

We encourage them to reach their academic potential, use their talents to benefit others, and to engage fully in the life of the school  academically, spiritually, and socially.

I am looking forward to the road ahead, particularly in guiding the schools extension in partnership with the Department of Education and Science.

Announcing the news, the Board of Management stated, The Board of Management is delighted to appoint Ms Jennifer McCabe, B.A, PGCE, M.Ed, to the position of Principal of Cnoc Mhuire Granard from September 1.

She has served as AP1 Programmes Coordinator for the past five years and previously held the role of Digital Coordinator.

She has been a positive and enthusiastic role model for her students and prides herself on helping them to develop both academically and personally.

The Board of Management on behalf of the school community wishes Jennifer every success in her new role.

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A man who was on a suspended sentence at the time he was caught for driving offences has been returned to prison by Longford Circuit Criminal Court.

Joe Mears of 1 Richmond Street, Longford, was originally convicted by Judge Keenan Johnson on a charge of possession for sale or supply and given a 5 year sentence - suspended for 7 years.

He was also convicted on a charge of violent disorder where he was given a two year sentence - suspended for ten years.

A number of strict terms were attached to both, including that he keep the peace and remain in legitimate employment.

In March 2023 however, Mr Mears was arrested and charged for road traffic offences. As he was on a suspended sentence, these triggering offences consequently brought the matter back before the court.

The court heard how on March 14, 2023, Mr Mears was found driving without a licence or insurance and was convicted on July 11, 2024.

On August 25 this year, he was arrested for a Section 6 Public Order offence and was due to appear at Blanchardstown District Court.

When he failed to attend, a warrant for his arrest was issued on September 4, and executed on October 14.

The matter was adjourned to November 18, and when Mr Mears failed to appear again, a further bench warrant was issued.

When Mr Mears barrister Niall Flynn raised the fact that he had been given a suspended sentence with strict conditions, the main one being that he was to hold gainful employment, Mr Mears replied that he did have a job but that it had ceased last March.

The court heard that the employer in question had found himself before the courts with his own difficulties and that Mr Mears had gone on to secure employment in Pitstop on the Athlone Road.

Addressing the court, Mr Mears said, I would like to say to the judge, I've never got in trouble since 2017.

It was at this point the defendant was interrupted by his barrister, Mr Flynn, who laughed tensely as he cautioned, think about that now, Mr Mears! before reminding his client, there was a violent disorder on Main Street and a road traffic matter in March 2023, so it's not quite accurate for you to say you've never gotten in trouble since 2017.

I never went back into things like drugs though reasoned Mr Mears.

Matters took a turn when, during cross examination by Barrister for the State, Shane Geraghty, Mr Mears was asked why he did not attend court on September 4.

I got mixed up with the dates. I rang the court as well. I told them I had to go to Tullamore with the child he explained.

On September 4? Mr Geraghty asked. Where were you?

I was  Mr Mears began, ...on the fourth?

...of September, yes, where were you? Mr Geraghty persisted.

Oh on the 4th of September? I was over in Salou, he replied.

Following an exchange with the court in which Mr Mears claimed to have informed a Dublin Garda about the holiday, Judge Connolly questioned why he had not volunteered this information earlier.

After taking a break to listen to the court audio recording, specifically where the subject of Salou had arose during cross examination, Judge Connolly said he was not satisfied that Mr Mears had actively misled the court.

He said, It could have been either - to give him the bounce of the ball, but the fact of the matter is that he was sentenced in respect to very serious matters, a violent disorder and a Section 15 drugs matter, which are both very, very serious offences.

The Judge added that Mr Mears had, for those offences, received the indulgence of the court on both occasions when he was given a suspended sentence.

Then we come to the matter of the evidence today, Judge Connolly continued. All sorts of excuses were given for the two recent bench warrants, only for the court to learn under cross-examination that on one of the dates where a warrant was taken, Mr Mears was in fact on holiday in Salou.

It seems that Mr Mears has time to go on holidays but doesn't have time to attend court or any regular work. So I'm entirely satisfied that Mr Mears has given this court the run-around, and that merry run-around ends today.

I'm sorry it has to end so brutally given the very decent and fulsome letter that was provided to the court by his partner, and I do take into consideration that there are children at home to be cared for and that it's coming up to Christmas. I accept all of that, but I'm not willing to tolerate Mr Mears any longer and the hammer must fall today.

Judge Connolly said he would revoke the 10 year suspension and impose the 2 year sentence that was originally handed down by the court. The final 6 months, suspended for a period of 2 years.

He went on to then revoke the 7 year period of suspension and impose the original 5 year sentence, with the final 3 years and 6 months suspended. He directed that both sentences run concurrently.

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US Charge dAffaires Joshua Harris (Center-right) and Consul General Gwendolyn Green (Center-left) meet with Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Electricity Kamal Mohmmad Salih (Far right) in Erbil, Iraq, on November 26. A key gas field was attacked the same day. (US Consulate General Erbil on X)

The important Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq was attacked by kamikaze drones on the evening of November 26. It is the latest attack on the facility, which has been targeted by drones a dozen times in the last several years.

A drone attack targeted a storage tank at the Khor Mor gas field late on Wednesday night, causing a blaze that took several hours to be brought under control. The attack also caused a widespread power outage, the Kurdish Rudaw Media Network noted on November 28. US and other officials have condemned the attack, which set the gas field on fire. The Pearl Consortium, which holds the rights to develop the field, had recently boosted capacity at the site.

The Khor Mor gas field is located in Sulimaniyeh province, near the border between the autonomous Kurdistan Region and Iraqs federally controlled province of Kirkuk. Thus, it is within range of rockets or drones that could have been launched by Iranian-backed militia groups who operate in the rest of the country.

Before the November 26 attack, there was an alert at the same gas field due to drone threats overnight between November 23 and 24.

The attack comes at an important time for Iraq as Iraqi parties are jockeying for control in the wake of the November 11 parliamentary elections. Iranian-backed militias played a key role in the election, fielding numerous candidates, as they have in the past. The attack also comes after the Kurdistan Region said it had seen an increasing electrical power supply. Attacks on Iraqi Kurdistans oilfields are recurrent and often lead to a halt of supplies, with local officials pointing to Iran-backed militias as a likely sourceacting against US interests in the region, Al Arabiya noted.

A committee headed by [Iraqi Interior Minister] Abdul-Amir Shammari, with members including the head of the intelligence agency and the interior minister of the Kurdistan Region, and with the support of the global coalition, is investigating the attack on Khor Mor field, Sabah al Numan, spokesperson for Iraqs commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said on November 28.

Newly appointed US Envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya posted on November 27 that armed groups operating illegally and driven by hostile foreign agendas carried out an attack yesterday on the Khor Mor gas field. He added that the government of Iraq must identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Let it be unequivocal: there is no place for such armed groups in a fully sovereign Iraq. The United States will fully support these efforts. Every illegal armed group and supporter will be tracked, confronted, and held accountable. Savaya also said the US would work to support a strong Kurdistan within a united and stable Iraq.

The US Consulate in Erbil also condemned the attack, noting that it is the latest in a spate of attempts by malign actors to undermine Iraqs stability and to target American investments in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We are prepared to lend support to efforts to protect this critical infrastructure. In addition, the consulate said that Iraqi sovereignty should mean that all weapons, especially drones, missiles, and rockets, are brought under state control.

The attack on the gas field came hours after the US Charge dAffaires Joshua Harris and Consul General Gwendolyn Green had posted about meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Electricity Kamal Mohmmad Salih to discuss US energy priorities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

The attack has sparked a wave of condemnation. The UN Mission in Iraq stated that the incident harms the economic infrastructure of the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq but also sends negative messages, primarily against the Iraqi federal system. Turkeys Foreign Ministry and Irans Consulate in Erbil both condemned the attack, along with various Iraqi political parties, including the Shiite Coordination Framework.

The attack has led to discussions about why the gas field is being targeted, and Kurdish political leaders and commentators are calling for increased security to counter drones and other threats. Kurdistan Democratic Party head Masoud Barzani, an influential leader in the region and the former president of the KRG, said the time has come to take serious and practical steps against these aggressions and unjust attacks, to put an end to them, and to punish those responsible.

Rudaw reported that the US was offering protection in the wake of the attack, but the details of the support it can provide are still unclear.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Gravis Robotics, a Zurich-based startup that is turning heavyweight construction machines into autonomous robots, has raised $23 million to expand its operations in the U.K., U.S., and EU. The funding was led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures, with participation from Pear VC, Imad, Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, and Holcim. Gravis plans to use the funds to build more machines and expand partnerships with construction firms.

Founded in 2022, Gravis is trying to solve one of the construction industrys key problemsa looming talent shortage. A large proportion of skilled machine operators are nearing retirement, and not enough younger workers are entering the field to replace them, co-founder and CEO Ryan Luke Johns told Fortune.

Theres a massive peak in demand for renewable, resilient infrastructure, which means we need more operatorsand there just isnt enough, he said. Its not a sexy job. Its not a job that any young person really wants to go into.

Across the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., governments are building wind farms and grid infrastructure to meet cleanenergy goals, tech companies are rushing to construct huge data centers to power AI, and cities desperately need more housing. The talent shortage threatens to slow all of this, potentially driving up costs and stretching timelines on projects that power everything from renewable energy to the servers running ChatGPT.

The autonomous construction equipment market is in demand, partly driven by this surge in infrastructure development projects. The industry was valued at $8.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at over 7.5% annually through 2032, according to Global Market Insights.

Part of the reason construction work is becoming increasingly unattractive for humans is that operators face a high risk of injury. Johns told Fortune that Gravis technology aims to address such concerns by reducing risky tasks, like surveying or marking out work areas, while keeping humans in control. The company adds cameras, sensors, and AI to existing excavators, loaders, and other heavy machines so they can operate autonomously or with remote guidance via Gravis Slate tablet.

Our technology is actually bringing other young people to want to do this job, he added. Because youre looking at a tablet, instead of sitting behind joysticks.

Gravis machines are already in use in seven countries across four continents, including Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. The company has worked with clients including Holcim, Taylor Woodrow, and HD Hyundai. In the U.K., Gravis has been conducting trials of autonomous excavation with Taylor Woodrow at Manchester Airport.
Fatboy Slim performs onstage during Latitude at Henham Park on July 26, 2025 in Southwold, England. (Photo by Robin Little/Redferns via Getty Images) Redferns

Fans of two beloved artists will finally get some satisfaction now that theyve reached an agreement to release a mash-up of their best-loved songs.

English DJ Fatboy Slim announced Friday that Satisfaction Skank would be released for streaming and limited-edition red vinyl.

The song is a mashup of Fatboy Slims 1998 dance floor classic The Rockafeller Skank and The Rolling Stones "(I Cant Get No) Satisfaction.

The former song, in case youre searching your memory banks, features the lyrics Right about now, funk soul brother. Check it out now, funk soul brother.

Possibly one of my greatest mashups, Fatboy Slim (born Norman Cook) said in a Behind the Tune video last year. The one that could never be released. Theres ongoing negotiations with the Rolling Stones. And Mick, if youre watching this, call me and we can talk.

The 12-inch single, released on 140-gram vinyl with an etched logo on the B-side, is available for purchase on Fatboy Slims Bandcamp page. It has a suggested price of GBP25, or about US$33.

The platform allows users to pay what they want for an artists products. The song is also available for full download and streaming in MP3 and FLAC formats at GBP1.50, or about US$1.99.

The accompanying press material for the singles release makes the most of the artists respective histories.

More than 60 years ago, Keith Richards wrote the iconic riff to (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction in the middle of the night on a home tape recorder while The Rolling Stones were on tour in Clearwater, Florida, the history noted.

Four decades after that eureka moment, Norman Cook playfully fused his then-fresh hit The Rockafeller Skank - the trailblazing single from Youve Come a Long Way Baby - with Keith Richards iconic Satisfaction guitar riff and Mick Jaggers rebellious lyrics and vocal into something more than the sum of its parts, it continued.

The I Cant Get No' chant was used as a secret weapon for his early Fatboy Slim DJ sets across America., The mashup left audiences unsure whether Fatboy Slim was a band, a DJ, or something entirely new," it concluded.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction), which was named one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine and added to the National Recording Registry at the U.S. Library of Congress.

The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Fatboy Slims other hits include Weapon of Choice, which is famed for its video featuring actor Christopher Walken.
Indigenous actor Elaine Miles was interrogated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, after they called her Oregon tribal identification fake." (Getty Images) Maxine Bernstein

Indigenous actor Elaine Miles was interrogated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, after they called her Oregon tribal identification fake, according to the Seattle Times.

Miles, known for her role as Marilyn Whirlwind in the drama series Northern Exposure, was stopped by four masked men while she was walking to a bus stop near Bear Creek Village shopping centre in Redmond, Washington.

When they asked for her ID, Miles, a Pendleton, Oregon, native, gave them her card, which came from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the Times reported.

When the men did not believe Miles tribal ID was legitimate, she told them to call the phone number for the Umatilla Tribal enrollment office on the back of the card.

Call it, the actor said.

When they didnt, she took out her phone to call the office herself, at which point the agents tried to seize her phone, The Seattle Times reported. Shortly after, one of the agents called an SUV and the group drove away.

No names or badge numbers were provided by the agents, Miles said, according to the media outlet.

The actor said that her son and uncle were previously detained by ICE officers who did not initially accept their tribal IDs. They were both later released.

DHS responds

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told MassLive in an emailed statement that the allegations that DHS law enforcement officers engage in racial profiling are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE.

What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S. NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity. Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, DHS law enforcement uses reasonable suspicion to make arrests. If and when we do encounter individuals subject to arrest, our law enforcement is trained to ask a series of well-determined questions to determine status and removability."

McLaughlin added that ICE stopped and encountered Miles on Nov. 3 while investigating a vehicle registered to an illegal alien.

DHS emphasized that Miles was never arrested and any claim that ICE questioned her tribal ID are false adding that ICE agents are trained to recognize tribal IDs and accept them as proof of status.
Sen. Peter Durant speaks at the State House's front gate on Jan. 9 about legislation he intends to file aimed at repealing some or all of the 2024 gun law reforms. (SAM DORAN / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE) State House News Service

A central Massachusetts lawmaker has called on the Healey administration to stop weaponizing a statewide housing law after a local school district got caught in the crossfire.

The criticism from Sen. Peter Durant, R-Worcester/Hampshire, came after he learned Wachusett Regional High School had been denied money from a state grant program that teaches students budget and money-management skills.

The high schools application for $3,200 from the states Credit for Life program was denied because officials in Holden have not yet complied with the MBTA Communities Law, which requires multi-family housing construction along mass transit lines.

Earlier this year, residents in Holden, one of five feeder towns for the high school, shot down an effort to bring the community into compliance with the law, according to Spectrum News.

The community is set for another vote on the law, signed by GOP Gov. Charlie Baker, in February.

Using a regional high school as leverage in a disagreement with one of the towns in the district is the wrong approach and an overreach of state authority, Durant said in a Facebook post.

Punishing them because one district community is in a policy dispute with the administration is not only unfair, it sets a troubling precedent of tying educational funding to unrelated grant funds, rather than basing it on the needs of students, the Spencer lawmaker said.

Holden Town Manager Peter Lukes argued that schools shouldnt be punished for the actions of their feeder communities.

Wachusett is a separate body and it shouldnt be impacted by what we do, Lukes said, adding that students from four other towns are being hurt by this decision.

In all, four schools across the state have been denied funding from the nearly $285,000 available for the Credit for Life programs, Durant said.

Two schools in Hanover and one in Dracut were denied because their communities arent in compliance with the housing law, Durant said.

I urge the administration to reconsider this decision and work directly with local officials to address compliance concerns without penalizing an entire school district. Our focus should remain on ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed, not using them as a bargaining chip in broader policy debates, Durant said.

The Healey administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District (L), and her U.S. House colleagues speak during a news conference outside the U.S Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Screen Capture

Since the second Trump administration took power in January, its engaged in a direct attack on Black Americans, and its impacts are piling up, according to a sprawling new report.

The new Blackout Report by the nonprofit Onyx Impact details 15,723 distinct impact pointseach one an instance in which Black opportunities, lives, or histories have been directly attacked" its authors asserted.

The harm is concrete and undeniable. Black businesses and entrepreneurs are being pushed out of jobs and contracts ... [and] students are learning warped and incomplete history, the reports authors wrote.

Protections against discrimination are being slashed. Pathways to health, education, and opportunity are being blocked, they continued.

The report found that, among other things:

6,769 federal datasets at agencies ranging from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, to the U.S. Justice Department have been erased.

More than 591 Black books were banned in 2025 across six states. The removed titles include works by Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Ibram X. Kendi, according to Axios

More than $3.4 billion in federal grants were cut or frozen for programs that increased health, education and opportunity for the nations Black Americans.

When datasets or historical materials disappear, it becomes harder to see, and fix, racial disparities," Maya Wiley, who leads the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, told Axios.

The report highlighted cuts to programs that address public health threats for Black Americans, including Sickle Cell Disease

The report found that the Trump administration had terminated at least 14 major federal grants, totaling more than $9.4 million, to fund research and treatment for Sickle Cell Disease, which is a major health issue for Black Americans.

The report also pointed to what its authors described as historic employment reductions, starting in February of this year, that have resulted in the highest Black unemployment rate since 2021.

The report found that 306,000 Black women have lost their jobs this year, with the cuts coming from both federal agencies and the private sector.

In Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, has called steady public attention to the exit of Black women from the job market.

This is a glaring red flag for the entire economy, Pressley said during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in September. And it is damning evidence of [President] Donald Trumps fiscally irresponsible and chaotic economic policies.

The Republican White Houses purges of the federal government and its attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs have helped push the unemployment rate higher among Black women, Pressley argued at the time.

Onyx Impact said it conducted its research between May and September of this year, describing it as the most comprehensive to date.

This report provides communities, journalists, and allies with a framework to track and counter these attacks. If they are not combated, significant economic, social, and civil rights progress may be lost for generations, the reports authors said.
A drier, sunnier Saturday is on the way after a windy and snowy Friday in many parts of Massachusetts.

Scattered snow showers are expected to last through the afternoon and end by the early evening, the National Weather Service said. No impacts to travel are expected.

While most of the state should only see very light amounts of snow, NWS said parts of Western Massachusetts could see up to 2-5 inches of snow by the end of Friday.

As a result, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the northern part of the Berkshires until 10 p.m.

The advisory applies to Eagle Bridge, North Adams, Pittsfield, Dalton, Stephentown, Hancock, Berlin, Hoosick Falls and Florida. The chance of precipitation is 60% in most of these communities.

As the snow fades away, NWS said it will still be breezy and rather cold Friday night.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the high 20s to low 30s across the state while gusty winds continue. However, these winds will not be as strong as they were during the day.

Forecasters expect wind gusts to drop from up to 40 mph to 30 mph. These gusts will bring wind chills into the teens to 20s overnight as well.

Saturday will continue to be cold, but not as windy as Friday, with temperature highs in the upper 30s to low 40s.

Temperatures will warm up on Sunday before dropping again by Monday. Sunday could also see some wet weather before another chance of snow returns on Tuesday, NWS said.
Nina Katz, a Longmeadow native, this week finished two years of service as a sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces. (Photo provided by Nina Katz) Staff

On Thanksgiving Day 2023, Nina Katzs parents prayed for her safety. That day, the 24-year-old from Longmeadow had been drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces and was at war with the terrorist group Hamas.

After two years of fearing for her life, the family is grateful that this Thanksgiving was her last day of active duty with the Israeli military. She joins the Army reserves Sunday and will conclude her service Dec. 18.

Im both proud and thankful because shes been fighting in a war for her entire two years of service, said Katzs mother, Rabbi Amy Wallk, who lives in Longmeadow and leads Temple Beth El in Springfield.

Katz is the youngest of three children and a graduate of Longmeadow High School. She dropped out of a graphic design program at the University of Kansas and traveled to Israel in August 2023. She became a dual citizen of Israel and the United States.

She arrived two months before Hamas sparked all-out war with Israel by crossing into the country from Gaza, murdering 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 250 hostages.

I joined the Army because I want to help this country. Im really proud of Israel and want to do good for it, Katz told The Republican by phone from her apartment in Herzliya, a coastal city north of Tel Aviv.

In these two years, Katz learned to lead others in uniform. She patrolled the West Bank, deterred attacks on Israelis and engaged in search and rescue operations. She deepened both her love for Israel and her wish that the country be an example to others.

Im very critical of Israel. I want to make sure this country is making the right decisions. It was so important to me to get the hostages home, she said.

On her days off, she would often spend Saturday nights demonstrating in Hostage Square, urging the Israeli government to bring home the hostages.

Governments are made of people and because I care so much about how the world, Jews and Israeli citizens view Israel, Im not going to give up and move back to America. I need to keep Israel in check, she said.

Early rise in service

Though drafted as an ordinary soldier, commanders recognized Katzs ability to command. She completed a four-month training program and was chosen to lead a unit based in the West Bank. Katz became a platoon sergeant, heading a search and rescue team of 30 men and women.

The gravity of her rank and responsibility weighed on her.

I had a really tough time mentally. It was very challenging for me, she said. It is so much responsibility, and its a job that is 24/7. If I make a mistake, this affects someones life. Thats a lot of pressure. I never had that much responsibility in my life.

There were so many times where I would be crying, and Id be like, What am I even doing here? I cant do this. Its not worth it, she said.

Nina Katz, a Longmeadow native, with fellow leaders in their military unit with the Israeli Defense Forces. (Photo provided by Nina Katz) Staff

Katz spent most of her time in the West Bank, home to more than 2.7 million people, including Israelis and Palestinians, who are mostly separated into three zones. While Israel and the Palestinian Authority govern different areas, the IDF keeps an eye on everyone.

Part of Katzs mission was to preempt or quell attacks on Israelis.

Its not fun to wake up people in the middle of the night with a gun aimed at their head, even if they have done terrible things, which a lot of them have, she said.

Israeli troops make their presence known by brandishing their assault rifles and patrolling the area in military vehicles.

We go into these Arab villages, and the point of us going in there is, Dont forget the IDF is here. Dont cause problems. A big part of the work in the West Bank is making our presence known, she said.

Hostage release, but no relief

When Hamas released the remaining hostages Oct. 13, the world breathed a sigh of relief and Israelis celebrated. But Katz and her troops went on heightened alert because, by terms of the agreement, Israel had set free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

I remember the day they started releasing the hostages. It was a very intense time in the Army, because as these living hostages were getting released, the terrorists were let go in my area. Everyone was on high alert, she recalls.

Kenneth Katz, of Enfield, is Ninas father. Before she left for Israel two years ago, he told her to serve her country and fellow soldiers first  and then look out for herself.

After she was gone, he never stopped worrying; he said he kept his phone on at all times and never ignored a call in the middle of the night.

If I get a text or phone call at some ridiculous hour, I answer it. Im nervous about what that call might mean. Thats just part of being a parent who has a child in a war zone, he told The Republican.

There are people out there who wish to do her and her fellow soldiers harm, and that makes it a nerve-wracking situation, he said.

Saving lives in rubble

When President Donald Trump ordered B-2 stealth bombers and F-35 stealth fighters on a bunker-busting raid against Irans nuclear weapons program in June, the Islamic nation responded by firing ballistic missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar and at targets in Israel.

About a week before Iran launched its attack, Israeli intelligence got word of the impending assault, according to Katz. She said commanders dispatched her unit to an area near Tel Aviv. They trained during the day and slept on the floor of a school at night, waiting for sirens that would indicate an imminent attack.

When sirens go off, if youre a civilian, you go to your bomb shelter. If youre a search and rescue soldier, that means get ready to go. The missiles were terrifying, she said.

Nina Katz, right, with her M16 assault rifle and a fellow soldier on an Israeli Defense Forces transport. Katz, a Longmeadow native, this week finished two years of service as a sergeant in the IDF. (Photo provided by Nina Katz) Staff

At the time, the Iranian assault was seen as largely symbolic and mostly ineffective. Israels Iron Dome missile defense system  along with U.S. assistance  blew up most of the incoming missiles. The death toll was reported to be between 16 and 24 people, with nearly 600 injured.

The missiles that did break through landed with devastating effect, hitting targets around Tel Aviv and Haifa.

As buildings crumbled under the force of the attack, Katz and her unit began sifting through debris, looking for survivors and recovering the dead.

The Iran missile attack was the only time Ive actually been afraid, she said.

Katz said her unit included a doctor to treat the injured and an engineer to devise ways of lifting concrete walls that trapped and crushed victims. Sometimes soldiers raised the walls, other times they blasted away at them with heavy power equipment including chainsaws and hammers.

The search and rescue work is so important, even if its just a body, and the persons not living. To be able to rescue them and for them to have a proper burial, its incredibly meaningful, said Katz.

War weary

War has taken a toll on Katz. The equipment  boots, guns, her helmet and ceramic bullet proof vest  have weighed on her. My back and my hips are not thanking me, she said.

Katz said she had not been shot at  and did not shoot anyone. She fired rounds from her M16 assault rifle into the air when people hurled rocks or explosive Molotov cocktails at her unit.

She said she called her parents as often as she could, trying to keep them calm by sharing few details about the danger she faced.

My parents are not the kind of people to freak out. But they might be freaking out, and they just dont tell me, Katz said with a laugh.

I dont freak out, her father said during an interview. No situation has ever improved by freaking out. Everything needs to be focused on positive action.

Katz said he tried to support his daughter by raising money from family and friends to buy helmets for her unit. They were not well-equipped with protective gear, so we raised money to outfit them with proper equipment, he said.

Wallk said she displayed American and Israeli flags on her pulpit and pictures of the hostages outside her temple during the war, praying for them all, especially her daughter. And when the news was too horrible to watch, she shut it out.

Nina Katz, right, with her mother, Rabbi Amy Wallk, in Israel, where Katz just finished a two-year stint as a sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces. (Photo provided by Nina Katz) Staff

I do a very good job compartmentalizing. One way Ive dealt with the anxiety is to try and put it out of my mind as much as I possibly can. Because Ive never served in the army, theres a certain naivete about (what she is facing) and thats very much a blessing, she said.

When Katz left Longmeadow, she was a college student. In war, she ran military operations. Her ascension didnt surprise her mother.

Nina has always been a leader, but she grew into her courage. She was actually a timid little girl, said Wallk.

Nina really understands the complexity of this war. She sees things Israel does that she doesnt approve of. She also sees ways in which many Palestinians and Hamas foster hate, but she doesnt allow herself to hate. Nina has always had a remarkably high emotional intelligence, said Wallk.

When Katz was on-duty, she would work 17 straight days and then go home to a four-day rest in her apartment with three other female soldiers.

New life in Israel

Katz will be home for the holidays but plans a quick return to Israel. She wants to tour southeast Asia for several months before looking for a job in human services.

She has completed her active duty but will be obliged to serve again if the IDF recalls her.

As her father celebrates Thanksgiving, he is grateful she survived two years of war.

Im thankful she and her fellow soldiers came through this safely. They served with honor and did their duty for their country, he said. Im very proud for having raised her to do this.

Katz went to Israel several times as a child and young adult. That is when she began to love the land of her ancestors. Today, she is not the same woman who left Longmeadow two years ago.

I used to complain about things I cant believe I ever complained about. I took for granted a comfy bed, my moms cooking, being young and not having any responsibilities, she said. I definitely have a greater appreciation of life in general, even if its just putting my phone away and having time to read.
WESTFIELD  On Thanksgiving morning, seven teams of dedicated volunteers gathered at the Westfield Senior Center to deliver 135 turkey dinners to older adults in Westfield who are homebound or lack family supports living in the area.

Meals were prepared by the Council On Aging kitchen staff and volunteers. In addition to the meal, each recipient received the gift of an armchair caddie, handmade by the Senior Centers Piecemakers Quilting Group.
Erris Credit Union celebrated becoming the first organisation in Erris to achieve the status of Autism Friendly Champion earlier this month. In conjunction with Belmullet Autism Friendly Town Committee, the staff of the credit union have undertaken training and made adjustments to their premises to ensure the provision of a more inclusive service for its members. They have installed a privacy pod where members can conduct their business in a quiet space, and have created a walk through video of the building so members know what to expect before visiting, which is available on their social media.

This achievement is not just an award, it is a milestone for Belmullet and a meaningful step towards creating a more understanding and inclusive community. While Erris Credit Union is the first Autism Friendly Champion in Erris, many other businesses and organisations within the barony are also committed to becoming more inclusive and are currently partaking in training and creating changes with the support of Belmullet Autism Friendly Town Committee (BAFT).

Emily Togher, BAFT chairperson, has welcomed this achievement and said We are very proud to recognise our first Autism Friendly Champion in the Erris area, Erris Credit Union. Their commitment to accessibility, understanding and community leadership sets a powerful example for every business in our town. By taking these meaningful steps, by incorporating minor accommodations into their workplace, they are helping to build a community where autistic individuals and their families feel welcomed, supported and understood.

Its hugely encouraging to see an organisation like Erris Credit Union make a meaningful effort in becoming an Autism Friendly Champion for the Belmullet Autism Friendly Town initiative, William Nestor, Asiam Autism Friendly Towns Manager. Credit Unions are an integral part of the local fabric of a community and we hope many more champions follow in their footsteps in the locality. Making sensory, predictability and communication adaptations to meet the needs of the autistic community, as well as taking training on autism understanding and acceptance, is the essence of the AFT programme, which is now being delivered to 49 communities across the country by AsIAm - Irelands Autism Charity. We look forward to continuing in working with the incredible volunteers and advocates of the Belmullet AFT Committee as they journey their way towards securing Autism Friendly status for the community.

Belmullet Autism Friendly Town is a voluntary committee which came together with the aim of helping Erris become a more inclusive place for members of the community and visitors alike. If you would like more information, or would like to get involved, please contact belmulletautismfriendlytown@gmail.com or contact us through our social media Belmullet Autism Friendly Town on Instagram and Facebook.

Pictured above from left to right: Natasha Walsh ( Erris Credit Union), Eva Cassidy (Belmullet Autism Friendly Town), Fionnula Meenaghan (Belmullet Autism Friendly Town), Ita Walker (Belmullet Autism Friendly Town), Olivia Munnelly (Erris Credit Union), Jackie Lindsay (Erris Credit Union).

READ MORE: Three Mayo students secure awards at Mary Immaculate College Ceremony
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Scalare Partners Holdings Limited (ASX:SCP), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

Scalare Partners Holdings Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Founding Partner Nicholas Roberts bought AU$174k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.12 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.11). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.

While Scalare Partners Holdings insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

See our latest analysis for Scalare Partners Holdings

ASX:SCP Insider Trading Volume November 28th 2025

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of undervalued small cap companies that insiders are buying.

Scalare Partners Holdings Insiders Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at Scalare Partners Holdings. Not only was there no selling that we can see, but they collectively bought AU$345k worth of shares. That shows some optimism about the company's future.

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Scalare Partners Holdings insiders own 39% of the company, worth about AU$6.0m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.
Major fetal malformations can be diagnosed up to 40.4% by first-trimester anatomical scans, advancing the prenatal care.

TOP INSIGHT Did You Know?

Detailed first-trimester #ultrasound help detect #fetal_defects of spinal cord, limbs, and #heart than normal 16-week pregnancy scan. Call for a standardized #national_policy to improve anomaly detection. #congenital_defects #trimester #pregnancy_scan #obstetrics #first_trimester #medindia

  Trusted Source

Impact of first-trimester ultrasound on early detection of major fetal anomalies: Nationwide population-based study of over 1 million pregnancies



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Quantifying the Benefit of Detailed Early Scans

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Call for a National Standardized Policy

Impact of first-trimester ultrasound on early detection of major fetal anomalies: Nationwide population-based study of over 1 million pregnancies - (https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004709)

, particularly in spinal cord, heart, or limbs.The data was suggested by a new study led by Aris Papageorghiou (University of Oxford, UK) and published inThe findings contrast with current practice in England, where pregnant women used to have a 12-week ultrasound scan for fetal age and a 20-week scan in second trimester to detect congenital anomalies .(While first trimester scans are becoming more common in England, currently there is no policy recommending earlier evaluations, and it is unknown whether these screens will result in earlier diagnosis of anomalies.In the new study, Papageorghiou and his colleagues looked at data from a nationwide survey of first trimester ultrasound protocols across England and the diagnoses of 14 major fetal anomalies from more than 1 million pregnancies occurring between April 2017 and March 2019.They found thatSome anomalies, like acrania, where the skull does not form, were commonly found early regardless of policy, while others, like heart defects or limb abnormalities, were more likely to be picked up only in hospitals that did perform detailed first trimester scans.Overall,While current practices vary considerably across England, the study provides evidence that systematic first trimester screening could improve the timeliness of anomaly detection across the population. The researchers conclude that a national policy requiring detailed first trimester ultrasounds could ensure equitable and effective prenatal care for all pregnant people.Dr. Jehan Karim, lead researcher, notes, .Prof Aris Papageorghiou adds, A single, focused first-trimester ultrasound scan brings the diagnosis of major fetal conditions forward by weeks; this gives families time to consider and expand clinical options.However,. Our findings are clear: an organized first-trimester scan is the most effective step to improve prenatal detection across the NHS (National Health Service).Source-Eurekalert
As the world prepares fora powerful new UNAIDS report titledDecades of progress in the global HIV response are at risk due to a severe funding crisis. Nevertheless, nations, communities, and health systems continue to show that).The year 2025 has brought one of the most serious setbacks in HIV history. A dramatic drop in international funding and declining global solidarity has disrupted prevention programmes, community-led services, and access to lifesaving HIV treatment  especially in low- and middle-income regions most affected by the epidemic.Key impacts include:However, the report emphasizes that these shocks can be reversed  but only with urgent global commitment.Despite disruptions, the global community has made remarkable long-term progress! (Despite limited funding, communities and health workers continue to lead the fight. The report highlights major bright spots:Grassroots group HIV refers to community-based organizations that work to support people with HIV/AIDS through education, advocacy, and direct services. These groups often focus onThese groups often reach people that the formal health system cannot.The next decade will define whether the world achieves the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.UNAIDS is now crafting the, which will:The strategy will beinvolving:The message is clear:). Whats needed is solidarity, renewed investment, and an unwavering commitment to leave no one behind.Source-Medindia

Did You Know? Globally, 712 children are newly infected with #HIV every single day -a reminder that urgent action can still save millions. #worldaidsday AIDS #medindia

The 2025 UNAIDS report reveals a funding crisis but shows that ending AIDS is still achievable through solidarity and innovation.

World AIDS Day 2025: A Turning Point in the Fight Against HIV

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the global HIV response in crisis in 2025?

A: Because of major funding cuts and declining global solidarity, which have disrupted HIV testing, prevention, and access to treatment in many high-burden countries.

Q: Are we still making progress against HIV despite the setbacks?

A: Yes. Although there has been significant long-term progressafewer new infections, improved access to treatment, and a decline in AIDS-related fatalitiesacurrent disruptions jeopardise these gains.

Q: Why are community groups important in the AIDS response?

A: Grassroots organizations reach out. The formal health system frequently does not provide condoms, harm reduction, counselling, stigma reduction, or life-saving support.

Q: What is the Global AIDS Strategy 2026a2031?

A: Itas UNAIDSa upcoming roadmap to help end AIDS by 2030, focusing on innovation, equity, and community leadership, and involving governments, scientists, civil society, and people living with HIV.
Delve deep into the nature's design for survival. Highly rarefied sugars in seal milk offer insights for human health and development.

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Seal milk oligosaccharides rival human milk complexity and exhibit functional dynamics during lactation



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TOP INSIGHT Did You Know?

Lurking breakthrough in wild marine mammals! Scientists derived complex #milk_sugars from #wild_seal milk, that can regulate #human_immune_cells' response to dangers. #marine_biology #milk_research #biochemistry #immunology #medindia

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Tracking Milk Composition Throughout Lactation

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How Seal Sugars Regulate Human Immune Cells

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Unveiling the Powerful Properties in Seal Milk Against Bacteria

Seal milk oligosaccharides rival human milk complexity and exhibit functional dynamics during lactation - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66075-2)

A new study confirms that. These specialized sugars are more complex than scientists previously assumed.The discovery was made by researchers at the University of Gothenburg..(The study provides key insights for designing better infant formula. The findings also establish that these distinct sugars can regulate human immune cells' response to threats or disease-causing bacteria. The study was published inOur analysis shows that grey seal milk is extraordinary. We identified 332 different sugar molecules, or sugars, compared to about 250 in breast milk. says Daniel Bojar, senior lecturer in bioinformatics.Two-thirds were completely unknown previously. Some of these molecules had a previously unseen size of 28 sugar units, which exceeds the largest known sugar units in breast milk, which are 18 units in size, says Daniel Bojar.Oligosaccharides are a type of sugars found in the milk of all mammals that contributes to the development and health of offspring. These sugars have important functions, including protecting against viruses and bacteria, cultivating the initial flora of the body's microorganisms and promoting the development of the stomach and intestinal tract.Despite their importance,For the first time, we have been able to analyze the milk sugars in the milk of a wild mammal throughout the entire lactation period. This is important because the composition of the milk changes as the calf gets older, says Daniel Bojar.Milk was collected on several occasions from five wild grey seals off the coast of Scotland throughout their lactation period.The sugars bind to various proteins found in, for example,. We have tested.The findings suggest that wild marine mammals, which are exposed to extreme environmental stresses and high exposure to external dangers, have developed a complex milk to protect their rapidly growing young, says Daniel Bojar.This analysis also showed that several of the sugar molecules have powerful properties against disease-causing bacteria.The research paves the way for the discovery of new bioactive compounds with potential applications in infant nutrition, infection control and immune system support.In the future,The study highlights. Our research group is the only one in the world to analyse milk sugars from these uncharacterized mammals using mass spectrometry in that depth. We have done this for ten different mammals, and we find unique sugar molecules every time. We will continue. We have milk from another 20 mammals in the freezer, says Daniel Bojar.Source-Eurekalert
Fed QT ends December 1. Photo by BeInCrypto

More than 90% of the world's central banks have cut rates or held them steady for 12 straight months, a pattern rarely seen in the past 35 years. This easing cycle has produced 316 rate cuts over two years, topping even the 313 seen during the 20082010 financial crisis.

Despite this global expansion of liquidity, Bitcoin has decoupled from growth in the money supply since mid-2025. This trend prompts questions about when the leading cryptocurrency will respond to the influx of capital.

Unprecedented Monetary Easing Since the Pandemic

Global monetary policy has entered its most aggressive easing phase since the COVID-19 pandemic, based on data from The Kobeissi Letter. Fewer than 10% of central banks have increased rates, with most cutting or maintaining policy. This trend has persisted for a year, marking a rare global monetary pivot.

The extent of this easing is clear when looking at cumulative rate cuts. From 2023 through early 2025, central banks in both developed and emerging markets have cut rates 316 timessurpassing the 313 cuts between 2008 and 2010, when the global financial system was under severe duress.

Chart showing the percentage of central banks that have cut or held rates over the last 6 months. Source: The Kobeissi Letter

Historically, coordinated monetary easing has preceded notable increases in asset prices, especially in risk assets such as stocks and cryptocurrencies. Yet Bitcoins response to this liquidity wave has been much more muted than in previous cycles. While earlier research found a 0.94 correlation between Bitcoin's price and the global M2 money supply (from May 2013 to July 2024), that connection appears temporarily weakened now.

This decoupling raises questions about timing and market drivers. Analysts observe that Bitcoin often lags global liquidity increases by 60 to 70 days. Should this historical pattern persist, the ongoing monetary expansion could delay a Bitcoin rally until late 2025 or 2026.

2026 Financial Shock Scenario

Market watchers outline a possible scenario unfolding through 2028, with 2026 as a turning point. This matches the historical cycles described by the Benner Cycle, a 19th-century market timing model that has surprisingly forecast many financial pivots.

The Benner Cycle chart highlights 2026 as a year of 'good times' and a potential market peak. Source: Quinten Francois

According to market analyst NoLimitGains, several global stress points are converging toward 2026. Fault lines include US Treasury funding issues, Japans yen carry-trade risk, and Chinas heavy credit leverage. Disruption along any of these would create global shocks, but simultaneous problems could drive a systemic crisis.

Phase one is defined by a Treasury funding shock, possibly triggered by weak US bond auctions. The US faces record debt issuance in 2026 as deficits grow and foreign demand declines. Weak auctions and fading indirect bids echo the UKs 2022 gilt crisis. Dollar surges, liquidity disappears, Japan intervenes, yuan drops, credit spreads widen, risk assets sell off, etc.
Every morning over breakfast in early 1942, the infamous German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel received a classified intelligence briefing. The reports detailed British troop positions, supply routes, convoy schedules and operational plans across North Africa  intelligence so precise that Rommel called it "die gute Quelle," the good source.

His source wasn't a spy within British command. It was an American embedded with the British.

Col. Bonner Fellers, the U.S. military attache in Cairo, had no idea his detailed reports to Washington were feeding intel to the Desert Fox. Italian intelligence had stolen the codes Fellers used to transmit his dispatches, and for six critical months, every assessment he sent became a hindrance for Allied forces.

The Italian Secret Service Breaks Into the American Embassy

In September 1941, three months before Pearl Harbor, Italian spies executed one of World War II's most successful intelligence operations. An American embassy worker in Rome, Loris Gherardi, stole a set of keys and passed them to Italy's Servizio Informazioni Militare, Italys wartime intelligence agency.

Gen. Cesare Ame, head of Italian military intelligence, later recalled the operation wasn't difficult: "All I had to do was reach for the American Embassy key from my office wall."

Under the cover of darkness, Italian agents entered the embassy, photographed every page of the Black Code  the cipher system American diplomats and attaches used worldwide  and returned the codebook within two hours. The Americans never knew what happened.

Brig. Gen. Bonner F. Fellers unintentionally became one of the Axis most useful intelligence sources during the North African Campaign in 1942. After Italy stole secret American codes used for international communications, the Axis were able to read his reports while he was embedded with British forces in North Africa. (Wikimedia Commons)

An American in Cairo and His Intelligence Leaks

When Fellers arrived in Egypt in October 1940, British commanders saw an opportunity. Desperate for American support, they gave the West Point graduate unparalleled access to information about their Mediterranean operations, including detailed briefings on troop movements, supply convoys and battle plans. The plan was to prove the success of British efforts in the region to inspire the American public to enter the war.

However, Fellers voiced concerns about the Black Code's security, noting the system was old, but his superiors ignored his objections. He sent everything he learned from the British back to Washington, where President Franklin Roosevelt, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and intelligence chiefs read his assessments.

So did the Axis.

Within eight hours of his first transmission, Italian cryptographers decoded Fellers' reports. They passed the information to Italian commanders in Rome, who then transmitted the data to Rommel and Axis forces in North Africa. From December 1941 through June 1942, Rommel received these detailed intelligence reports on British strengths, positions, losses, reinforcements, supply situations and plans.

The Germans nicknamed Fellers "the little fellers," a play on his name. Rommel simply called him the good source.

British tanker Kentucky in flames on 15 June 1942 after being shelled by Italian destroyers and cruisers during Operation Harpoon. Axis forces were able to read Allied intelligence reports from Egypt, giving them the ability to ambush and maul the convoy before they reached Malta. (Wikimedia Commons)

Axis Successes and the Cost in Blood

The intelligence leak helped ensure some of Rommel's greatest victories.

In January 1942, Fellers reported that 270 aircraft and antiaircraft guns were being withdrawn from North Africa to reinforce British forces in the Far East. With this knowledge, Rommel launched a counteroffensive that recaptured Benghazi and pushed the British back to Gazala.

The leaked intelligence proved most devastating during Operation Julius in June 1942, when the British attempted to resupply Malta with two simultaneous convoys. Intelligence about both operations had been unwittingly revealed to the Axis by Fellers' reports.

On June 11, Fellers sent report No. 11119 detailing the entire operation: convoy routes, escort strengths, timing and planned commando raids on Axis airfields to support the convoys. Berlin and Rome moved to counter every element of the British plan.

The commandos and paratroopers came under intense fire as garrisons at the Axis airfields were put on alert. No Axis aircraft were destroyed.

Operation Vigorous sailed from Alexandria with 11 merchant ships. After four days of attacks by aircraft, torpedo boats and submarines, with the Italian battle fleet closing in, the convoy turned back. One cruiser and three destroyers were lost, along with two merchant vessels.

Operation Harpoon fared only slightly better. Of six merchant ships that left Gibraltar, only two reached Malta after Italian cruisers and aircraft decimated the convoy. The destroyer HMS Bedouin and three merchantmen were sunk. While the minuscule delivery of oil and supplies helped ensure Malta's survival, the cost in lives and material was staggering.

While the convoys were being mauled, Rommel launched his Gazala offensive on May 26, considered the greatest victory of his career. By June 21, Tobruk fell, with 32,000 Commonwealth troops captured  the largest British surrender after Singapore.

Seeing the British reeling from these setbacks, Rommel launched his forces deep into the Egyptian desert.

British soldiers captured and guarded by Italian soldiers in Libya during the North African Campaign. The Allies were unaware their intelligence leaks were accessed and read by Rommel during the campaign, leading to several stunning losses. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Intelligence Leak Gets Plugged

British intelligence detected suspicious Axis signals as early as January 1942, including one citing "a source in Egypt." Whenever an air patrol left an airfield or a convoy sortied into the Mediterranean, Axis planes and ships seemed to appear. The British quickly deduced that the source in Egypt had access to highly sensitive information that no ordinary spy would be able to decode. In June 1942, the British informed Washington that their secret codes had been compromised.

On June 29, Fellers switched to a new code system, ending the leak. The intelligence advantage during the North African Campaign shifted when British codebreakers at Bletchley Park exposed Axis communications while cutting off Rommel's source. Almost overnight, Rommel became the one who was unable to submit secure intelligence reports while losing his greatest advantage over the British.

Fellers was silently removed from the region after the scandal, though he was promoted to Brigadier General and even awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his reporting in Egypt.

Without the good source, Rommel's advance stalled at El Alamein. By November, the Afrika Korps was in full retreat as the Allies closed in on both sides of North Africa.

British Crusader tank passes a burning German Panzer IV tank knocked out during Operation Crusader, North Africa. Following the discovery of the intelligence leak, the British were able to rout Rommel's Afrika Korps. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Worst Intelligence Leak of WWII

Fellers never faced any official blame for the disaster. When he returned to Washington in July 1942, Roosevelt even invited him to the White House.

"Consistent with his previous reporting through 1942, Fellers argued for robust and expeditious reinforcement of British forces in the Middle East," helping influence Roosevelt's decision to support Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa.

While historians debate the effects of his reporting on the campaign, they also note a unique irony: Fellers' overly pessimistic assessments of British capabilities may have ultimately helped the Allies. His reports, many of which decried the British as ill-supplied and ineffective, convinced Rommel to overextend his supply lines in a drive toward Alexandria  a move that contributed to his defeat when the good source went silent.

His anti-British reporting and Rommel's stunning successes during that time also influenced the American decision to supply new Sherman tanks and supplies to the British before their victory at El Alamein. It also encouraged Roosevelt and his commanders to focus on defeating the Axis in Europe first, over Japan.

Fellers went on to serve with the Office of Strategic Services and later under Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific. After the war, he played a controversial role in protecting Emperor Hirohito from war crimes prosecution.

The Black Code disaster remains one of World War II's most consequential intelligence failures  a reminder that accurate intelligence reports mean nothing if the enemy is reading over your shoulder. Even today, Russian and Ukrainian forces have learned this lesson the hard way as intel is shared via social media, mobile phones, and new technologies, giving enemy forces new ways to access intel.






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CertainTeed Concrete Siding: A Comprehensive Guide to Fiber Cement Cladding

1. Why CertainTeed Concrete Siding Has Good Characteristics

CertainTeed fiber cement siding, often referred to as concrete siding, possesses several superior characteristics stemming from its composition and manufacturing. Primarily composed of Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water, this composite material achieves exceptional durability. It resists common issues plaguing wood, such as rot, termites, and warping, while outperforming vinyl in impact resistance and dimensional stability.

The inherent fire resistance of cement-based products provides enhanced safety, often achieving Class A fire ratings. Furthermore, CertainTeed employs proprietary formulations and finishes that enhance weather resistance, protecting structures from moisture intrusion, UV radiation degradation, and freeze-thaw cycles. The dense nature of fiber cement also contributes to excellent noise reduction properties and provides a stable substrate for long-lasting, factory-applied finishes that mimic wood grain, stone, or stucco authentically.

2. What Is CertainTeed Concrete Siding?

CertainTeed concrete siding is technically a fiber cement product. It is a composite building material manufactured by combining Portland cement, silica sand, cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp, and water. This mixture is formed under high pressure and heat to create dense, resilient boards or planks used for exterior cladding. Despite the common industry reference to concrete siding, it differs from solid concrete panels.

CertainTeed offers a diverse range of fiber cement siding products under brands like WeatherBoards and Monogram. These products come in various profiles such as clapboard, shingles, shakes, and vertical panels, catering to diverse architectural styles. The material is valued for its ability to replicate the look of natural wood, cedar shakes, or masonry without the associated maintenance or susceptibility to pests and decay.

3. How CertainTeed Concrete Siding Was Produced?

The production of CertainTeed fiber cement siding involves a sophisticated, multi-stage process. It begins with the precise blending of raw materials: Portland cement, silica sand, cellulose fibers, and water. This mixture forms a slurry, which is then fed into a Hatschek machine or similar automated forming equipment. Here, thin layers of the slurry are deposited onto a moving felt, dewatered, and consolidated under pressure to form a continuous green sheet.

This green sheet is then cut to specific sizes and profiles based on the desired end product (e.g., lap siding planks, shingles). The cut pieces undergo a critical curing phase in high-pressure steam autoclaves. Autoclaving accelerates the cement hydration process, resulting in a dense, chemically stable matrix with enhanced strength and durability. After curing, the boards are dried, sanded for smoothness, and primed or finished with high-quality factory-applied coatings for color and texture. Strict quality control ensures dimensional accuracy and performance consistency. Innovations in material science continue to enhance these products, much like advancements seen in carbon fiber reinforcement for concrete.

4. What Are The Application Fields of CertainTeed Concrete Siding?

CertainTeed fiber cement siding finds extensive application across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings due to its versatility and performance. In residential construction, it is the cladding of choice for new homes and renovations, particularly favored for its aesthetic flexibility and low maintenance on single-family dwellings, multi-family units, and townhouses.

Its durability and fire resistance make it suitable for commercial applications like retail buildings, offices, and hospitality venues. Educational facilities and healthcare buildings benefit from its longevity and reduced lifecycle costs. The material performs well in diverse climatic zones, from coastal regions susceptible to salt spray and high humidity to areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Its stability and resistance to impact also make it ideal for high-traffic or exposed locations. The quest for high-performance building materials extends beyond siding, influencing areas like metal 3D printing for specialized components.

5. How To Choose A Good CertainTeed Concrete Siding

Selecting the right CertainTeed fiber cement siding involves evaluating several factors. First, consider the specific product line and profile that best suits the architectural style and aesthetic goals (e.g., WeatherBoards for traditional lap siding, Monogram for upscale appearances). Evaluate the finish options: factory-applied finishes offer superior longevity and warranty coverage compared to field-applied paints.

Assess performance characteristics relevant to the buildings location: impact resistance ratings (like ASTM C1629), moisture absorption rates, and wind resistance ratings. Review the warranty terms, including coverage duration for finish, material, and labor. Ensure the chosen product is installed by a CertainTeed-certified contractor following the manufacturers detailed installation guidelines to guarantee performance and maintain warranty validity. Proper flashing and moisture management details are crucial. Durability is paramount, similar to selecting alumina ceramic for demanding applications.

6. What Does People Also Ask About CertainTeed Concrete Siding

Common questions about CertainTeed fiber cement siding often concern maintenance, longevity, and comparisons. People frequently ask about required upkeep. While significantly lower maintenance than wood, periodic cleaning (typically with mild soap and water) is recommended to remove dirt and debris. Factory-finished products may require repainting after 10-15 years, depending on climate and exposure.

Another frequent query relates to lifespan. Properly installed and maintained CertainTeed siding can last 50 years or more. Comparisons to vinyl siding often highlight fiber cements superior resistance to impact, fading, and wind, as well as its more authentic appearance. Concerns about moisture focus on proper installation techniques to prevent water intrusion behind the siding, emphasizing the importance of vapor barriers and flashing. Questions about environmental impact touch upon the products composition (containing recycled content), durability reducing replacement needs, and compliance with green building standards. The manufacturing process involves high temperatures, akin to those used in silicon carbide crucible production.

Tags: CertainTeed siding, fiber cement siding, concrete siding, WeatherBoards, Monogram siding, durable cladding, low maintenance siding, fire resistant siding, exterior cladding, building materials







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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the best low volatility large cap stocks to invest in. On November 24, Guggenheim lifted the price target on Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to $35 from $33 while keeping a Buy rating on the stock.

Pfizers (PFE) Pipeline and Dividend Yield Make it a Compelling Income Stock

The firm told investors that Pfizer Inc.s (NYSE:PFE) acquisition of Metsera, Inc. marks a a wise strategic move in order to gain traction amid the rapid growth dynamics of the obesity market, especially after the recent setbacks experienced by the companys oral GLP-1 programs.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) announced the successful acquisition of Metsera, Inc. on November 13, stating that the acquisition brings highly differentiated clinical-stage obesity candidates with potential to reshape the treatment landscape.

Management added that the acquisition positions Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to lead in one of the most high-growth and dynamic therapeutic areas, complementing and transforming its Internal Medicine portfolio by adding a number of promising therapeutic candidates.

These include MET-097i, a weekly and monthly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) about to begin Phase 3 development; MET-233i, a monthly amylin analog candidate being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with MET-097i in Phase 1 development; an oral GLP-1 RA candidate in Phase 1 development; and additional preclinical nutrient-stimulated hormone therapeutics.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a global biopharmaceutical company that manufactures, develops, markets, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It advances wellness, prevention, treatment, and cures in developing and emerging markets.

While we acknowledge the potential of PFE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Veteran infielder Dayan Viciedo has signed a contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars for the 2026 season, per an announcement from the BayStars.

Viciedo, now 36, is a Cuban slugger who played in parts of five seasons in the majors with the White Sox from 2010 to 2014. Considered to be among the leagues best prospects after hitting well in the Cuban National Series as a teenager before defecting to play in the majors, Viciedo impressed in a 38-game cup of coffee when he hit .308/.321/.519 across 106 plate appearances for the White Sox in 2010. That seemed to portend a promising future, but Viciedo wouldnt enjoy a full season at the big league level in 2012. In parts of three seasons as a big league regular for the White Sox, he hit just .250/.294/.425 with a wRC+ of 95.

While he did flash consistent 20-homer pop with the bat, Viciedo was held back by a free-swinging approach that led him to walk in just 5.3% of his trips to the plate during his years as a regular. A 95 wRC+ is hardly unplayable at the big league level, but Viciedo primarily played the outfield corners during his time with the White Sox and received poor grades for his fielding on the grass. Given that, it was hardly a surprise when the White Sox cut him loose prior to the 2015 season. He spent 2015 in the As and White Sox farm systems before making the jump to NPBs Chunichi Dragons in 2016.

Viciedo has done quite well for himself overseas. In 1001 NPB games over the years, hes managed to hit .287/.352/.458 with 141 career homers. Things began to take a turn for the worse for Viciedo in recent years, however, as he began to struggle in Central League play. After difficult back-to-back seasons for the Dragons in 2023 and 24, Viciedo actually departed Japan and signed with the Mexican Leagues Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos. In 38 games for his new club, Viciedo looked like his old self and slashed .276/.359/.462 with eight homers.

That was enough to catch the attention of the BayStars, and he signed with them back in July to finish out the 2025 season in Japan. He hit .259/.322/.383 in 43 Central League games last year and now will return to the BayStars for a full season in 2026 as he looks to re-establish himself in NPB. He was joined by former big leaguers Mike Ford, Tyler Austin, and Yoshi Tsutsugo in the BayStars lineup during the 2025 season. While Viciedo played primarily the outfield corners during his time in the majors, hes primarily been a first baseman in NPB and will likely fill a first base/DH role for the BayStars in 2026.
The Marlins are gearing up for what could be their busiest offseason in years, as all indication point to at least some willingness to spend in free agency this winter coming off a 79-win campaign in 2025 where the team enjoyed the emergence of players like Kyle Stowers and Jakob Marsee as valuable pieces. At the same time, theyve got plenty of holes that could make it difficult to compete in what figures to be a stacked NL East next year with the Mets, Phillies, and Braves all expected to try and improve this winter.

That leaves Miami in a difficult spot where they figure to simultaneously try and improve while also building for the future. That could leave the team hesitant to deal away some players that were looked at as likely trade assets even a few months ago. According to Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout of Fish on First, right-handers Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara are hardly locks to be traded this winter. Alcantara, in particular, is someone that the organization expects to still be in Miami on Opening Day.

Theres certainly some logic in that, as the 2022 NL Cy Young award winner was one of the leagues best pitchers in the not-too-distant past. A season where Alcantara pitched to a 5.36 ERA across 31 starts surely lowered his value, but if the Marlins still believe in the 30-year-old theres no reason to sell low. Thats especially true because hes one of the few players on the Marlins roster making significant money. There have been some indications recently that the Marlins could be worried about a potential grievance from the MLBPA due to their lack of spending, and trading Alcantara away would be counterproductive to any efforts to prove that the club is using revenue sharing dollars on the on-field product.

That leaves 27-year-old Cabrera as the more likely piece to move of the pair, though Barral and Azout both note that the Marlins would need to receive an overwhelming return to pull the trigger on a trade. Thats a sensible stance to take. Cabrera enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, with a 3.53 ERA and 3.83 FIP across 26 starts. He struck out 25.8% of his opponents against a walk rate of just 8.3% this year, and his fastball average 97.0 mph on the radar gun, the fastest velocity of his career so far. A young starter on the upswing with three years of team control would surely be one of the hottest commodities on the trade market, and the Marlins have no reason to rush a trade for that reason. The Mets and Cubs were among the teams connected to Cabrera when he was on the market over the summer, and both appear to be in the market for rotation help again this winter.

Trading an impact starter may not necessarily be in the cards for Miami this winter, and if they dont theyll retain a frightening on-paper rotation of Alcantara, Cabrera, Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett, and Ryan Weathers with players like Max Meyer, Robby Snelling, Janson Junk, and Ryan Gusto providing depth behind that group. Theres enough health questions within that group of arms that its not impossible to fit another starter into the mix, and theres been previous connections drawn between the Marlins and right-hander Michael King. Barral and Azout suggest that a reunion with the clubs 12th-round pick from the 2016 draft is highly unlikely, however.

Thats perhaps not too much of a surprise. While King is coming off a down season where he made just 15 starts due to shoulder issues, MLBTR predicted that hed land a four-year, $80MM contract in free agency this offseason. That would be quite a step up for a Marlins team that hasnt spent much beyond the $53MM contract they gave to Avisail Garcia back in 2021 in recent years, at least via free agency. Adding a player like King at that sort of price tag would be a bold move, especially given the fact that the starting rotation is already a strength for the club. The Cubs and Orioles have both been tied to King in free agency this offseason already, and more teams are surely interested in the right-hander after he flashed ace-level potential with the Padres in 2024.
At the polls in November, voters in two Michigan border communities, Niles Township and Menominee, passed ballot initiatives to block or limit new marijuana shops.

In the Upper Peninsulas Menominee, where eight shops already exist in the town of about 8,500 along the Wisconsin border, residents voted to cap the number of stores at nine.

After Niles Township voters green-lit marijuana commerce in November 2024, voters reversed their stance and passed a complete ban on retailers this election.

The results reflect residents unease over fears that an influx of profit-driven cannabis shops could reshape their communities in an effort to capitalize on lucrative cross-border sales.

Now, officials and residents in both communities are bracing for expected lawsuits. MLive covered the election results, impact and reactions in a story published earlier this month.

Related: A Michigan town was on track to become a marijuana mecca until voters shut it down

These are five takeaways from MLives reporting on the issue:

1. Put the toothpaste back in the tube

Menominee and Niles Township previously approved ordinances allowing an unlimited number of cannabis retailers. Officials in both communities said they worried that setting a cap could trigger lawsuits by left-out cannabis companies, which has occurred in other Michigan municipalities. Instead, they hoped zoning rules would limit how many shops could open.

With the new limitations put in place by voters, Menominee Councilman Michael DeDamos said it looks a lot like were trying to put the toothpaste back into the tube, and now its going to cost us some lawsuits.

2. The Niles Township about-face

Niles Township residents have been inconsistent with their stance on marijuana.

In 2019, Niles Township officials passed an ordinance banning marijuana business. In 2022, voters rejected a ballot initiative to overturn that ban. In November 2024, about 52% of voters passed a ballot initiative to allow marijuana. The passage required the township to issue a minimum of four retailer licenses.

After elected officials offered unlimited licensing, nearly 30 applications were accepted and the first stores were slated to open next year.

Numerous businesses entered into agreements to purchase property and began making other preparations before 58% of voters passed the new ban on all marijuana businesses.

3. Outside interests

Ballot initiatives were created to give citizens greater control over their own governance. But they can also be coopted by outside interests.

In Niles Township, the ban was largely funded by entities linked to Levels Cannabis, a shop that operates in a neighboring community. Levels Cannabis stood to potentially lose business if competition opened in Niles Township. Campaign finance records reviewed by MLive show that nearly $400,000 was spent on the initiative.

Financing behind the Menominee initiative, named Defending Menominee, is foggy.

The filing documents list the address of a law firm in Lansing and a treasurer with a Kalamazoo address. When contacted by MLive, a representative of the law firm said his office was hired to file paperwork and handle accounting on behalf of the ballot initiative organizers. He declined to reveal who that was.

Campaign finance records reveal at least $40,000 was spent on the effort by a consulting business named Grassroots Midwest. Representatives for Grassroots Midwest didnt respond to MLive requests for comment.

Attorney Kevin Blair, who represented Defending Menominee during litigation that was resolved in October, didnt respond to MLive inquiries regarding who hired him.

4. The Wild Bills Tobacco link

The funding behind the marijuana ban in Niles Township leads to Wild Bills Tobacco, a Michigan-based tobacco retailer that operates in five states.

Mazin Samona, the founder of Wild Bills Tobacco, is listed as an organizer for Oasis Wellness Center of Niles, which owns Levels Cannabis. Level Up Ventures, for which Samona is the registered agent, paid for the ballot initiatives petition circulation, legal fees and mailers totaling over $280,000.

5. Lawsuits

As of Nov. 26, MLive could not identify any lawsuits filed in response to the Niles Township pot ban. MLive spoke with multiple property owners who entered into purchase agreements with marijuana companies, but those deals were contingent on the businesses receiving retail licenses.

Theres going to be lawsuits, Im pretty sure, said James Jorgenson, who planned to sell his former motorcycle shop to a cannabis business and retire. I have a feeling theres a whole bunch of stuff coming.

Following the election, Puff Cannabis, which has been trying to open a shop in Menominee, sued the city for $20 million over claims that officials are improperly withholding their business license.

Puff Cannabis is one of two businesses now vying for the final available license.

In previous litigation, Menominee entered into a settlement agreement that gave preferential licensing commitments to nine businesses, including Highwire Farms, which has yet to open.

DeDamos said if the city isnt able to issue a license to Highwire Farms that could be considered a breach of the settlement agreement.
The Grand Rapids Griffins extended the best start in franchise history and collected 4,500 stuffed animals in their 25th annual Teddy Bear Toss, which will be donated to the Billy Bear Hug Foundation. (Nicolas Carrillo/Grand Rapids Griffins)

John Leonard scored his league-leading 14th goal, and the Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the Iowa Wild 3-2 Friday at Van Andel Arena to extend the best start in franchise history.

The Griffins improved to 15-1-0-1 (31 points) and an AHL-best percentage of .912 points. Their 8-1-0 start at home is their best since 2009-10 (8-0).

Eduards Tralmaks scored his fourth goal in three games and extended his points streak to four games. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard recorded two assists for his third consecutive multi-point game. Antti Tuomisto picked up a pair of assists and has six points in three games.

Carter Gylander made 28 saves for his fourth victory in a row.

Iowa dropped to 5-13-0-1 (11 points). The teams meet again Sunday at Van Andel Arena (4 p.m.).
BEAVER ISLAND, MI  Historic preservation students found unique building materials in the walls of one of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Michigan: horsehair and straw. And it was all part of the history lesson.

Its shocking how good of condition the building is in, despite all of the wind that it takes and the weather that it endures, said Aidan Thomas, 23, of Traverse City.

The Beaver Head Lighthouse on the south end of Beaver Island was first built in 1858, prior to the American Civil War era. Today the historic landmark is undergoing restoration to prevent deterioration from time and weather.

Thomas and fellow graduate students from Eastern Michigan University spent a week during this past summer helping with multiple historic restoration projects at the lighthouse on the south end of Beaver Island.

This was the third summer in four years that EMU students pitched in with hands-on restoration efforts at the historic site on the far-flung island in northern Lake Michigan.

4 1 / 4 Beaver Head Lighthouse tower

The students restored about a dozen of the original double-hung wooden windows. They chipped away decayed mortar from the exterior brickwork and replaced it with period-style lime-based mortar, a process called tuckpointing. They also scraped away sloughing interior walls and restored them with classic lath and plaster.

Steven Hilberg, 23, of Southgate, was part of the student team working on repairs to the interior of the lighthouse building. He said the job began with removing the old plaster that was failing after decades of moisture damage.

Lot of horsehair came out, which is awesome. Its kind of fun to see how they used whatever they could find around the lighthouse. So, there was horsehair, hay, straw, things like that, just kind of in the plaster mixture, Hilberg said.

Student Donna Avina, 23, of California, said she especially enjoyed her work on the history interpretation team. The students worked on an informational kiosk for the site and created a plan to establish the building as a museum with displays of furniture and lighthouse history.

My favorite part was looking through furniture and picking out what was appropriate for the time period, especially for the family that we were trying to interpret, which we went with the last keeper of the house and their family, Avina said.

That entailed walking around the lighthouse and looking at furniture that was already there that we could potentially use, to going to a barn on the island that has a bunch of donated historical objects from people around the island, she said.

Since 1999, the university has hosted historic preservation summer field schools for EMU students at various locations around the state, said Professor Dan Bonenberger.

The project may even return to Beaver Island again in the next year or two, he said.

Related: After 153 years, a Beaver Island beacon still lights the way

Bonenberger said the field school could continue working on the lighthouse and help with historic surveying of Beaver Islands many notched log cabins and barns.

We feel like weve just scratched the surface, he said. Its such a fascinating place to be.

Lori Taylor-Blitz works as the executive director of the Beaver Island Historical Society, which has a five-year plan for ongoing restoration work at the lighthouse. She quickly learned how important the historic landmark is to the island community when hired in 2017.

Its a significant cultural asset that was really just degrading, Taylor-Blitz said. There was community concern, where the citizens would come in and talk to me about their concerns about this preservation issue.

Related: Beaver Island designated Michigans only international dark sky sanctuary

She said in addition to the help from EMU students, the island-based nonprofit organization has a dedicated roster of volunteers whove regularly spent time working on historic restoration projects at the lighthouse.

Like today they were down there, and they are getting a quote together for me for materials to finish the vestibule project. They have been working on refinishing the doors, all the doors, Taylor-Blitz said in late September.

She said another example is an engineer who replaced the glass windows at the top of the tower. And there have also been major charitable contributions, like a $25,000 grant from a major foundation for a special display case for the historic Fresnel lens.

The historic society continues to accept donations for the ongoing restoration work at the lighthouse and other historic sites on Beaver Island.
Each year in Southwest Michigan, fatal drug overdoses claim more lives than fatal car crashes and homicides combined. (Photo/MSP) MSP

BENTON HARBOR, MI - A two-month drug and trafficking investigation ended with search warrants executed at an apartment complex in Southwest Michigan.

On Nov. 25, Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) detectives and Berrien County Sheriffs Tactical Response Unit seized 86 grams of methamphetamine, a combined 33 grams of fentanyl and heroin, a digital scale, and other drug trafficking materials.

Police said a 30-year-old Benton Harbor man was arrested on Territorial Road at the COGIC Village Apartments. He was booked at the Berrien County Jail on charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin; maintaining a drug house; and tampering with evidence.

Each year in Southwest Michigan, fatal drug overdoses claim more lives than fatal car crashes and homicides combined, the news release said.

For substance use treatment information, call Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health at 800-781-0353.

SWET is funded in part by the Michigan HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne JAG grant.
WAYNE COUNTY, MI - A man is in critical condition after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a domestic violence dispute in a suburb of Detroit.

On Nov. 28 at approximately 7:20 p.m., Brownstown Police Officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Ingram, near Pennsylvania and Inkster, in reference to a felony domestic violence incident.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the alleged victim and witnesses and confirmed that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the attached garage, according to the news release.

Police said they encountered the suspect in the garage, where they identified a weapon in his hand. They maintained a safe position while awaiting additional units and began developing a plan to safely take the suspect into custody.

Before officers could execute the plan, the suspect advanced toward the officers and assaulted one of them with a hatchet. That officer fired at and struck the suspect, stopping the assault, police said.

The officers immediately rendered medical aid until the Brownstown Fire Department arrived to continue emergency medical care and transport the suspect to a local hospital.

He is in critical condition at this time, police said.

In accordance with departmental policy, the Michigan State Police (MSP) has been requested to conduct the investigation.

Investigators are on scene, and the incident remains under active review with no further details available at this time. No further details are available at this time.

Police ask for the publics patience as they work with MSP to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. They want to thank the responding officers.

We want to thank the responding officers, dispatchers, fire personnel, and investigators for their professionalism during this difficult and complex incident, Brownstown Police stated.
Local officials say theres no backup plan if HUD cuts $7 million from programs serving chronically homeless and vulnerable populations in Kent County. Pictured is a file photo of items from members of the homeless community at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. (MLive file photo) Cory Morse | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Around 700 people in Kent County could lose access to temporary or long-term housing programs if a federal policy change is made permanent, according to the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness.

The change could impact 70% of the Kent Countys Continuum of Care (CoC) funding for such programs - or about $7 million - according to Courtney Myers-Keaton, the Grand Rapids coalitions CoC director.

The CoC program provides nonprofits and state and local governments with funds to help end homelessness, offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Myers-Keaton said her group coordinates applications for CoC funding by dozens of homeless assistance agencies in Kent County.

That money is then distributed to serve about 1,000 Kent County residents receiving either temporary or permanent housing assistance.

Now, the majority of those dollars are at risk, Myers-Keaton said, and some people in projects now funded might lose their housing altogether.

If the federal policy change isnt walked back, county officials say theres not enough funding on hand to fill the gaps.

Gustavo Perez, director of Kent Countys Community Action department, said there would be a huge void with not enough community or county dollars to replace funding for rent and utility support programs.

The countys hub for housing programs, Kent County Community Action offers funding and other supports to area groups providing homeless assistance programs.

Theres not enough resources as it is, Perez said.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released policy changes, described as monumental reforms to the CoC program.

The federal changes, first reported by POLITICO, would significantly cut funding for permanent housing programs. It would instead move more than half of 2026 funding to transitional housing assistance with some work or service requirements.

About 170,000 people nationwide could be at risk of experiencing homelessness because of the cuts, according to internal HUD documentation obtained by POLITICO.

That includes around 7,000 Michigan families, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, whos now suing HUD over the policy change.

Last year, Michigan received more than $100 million through the CoC grant program, according to Nessels office.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner wrote that the change would align with a Trump administration executive order, restore accountability to homelessness programs and promote  self-sufficiency among vulnerable Americans.

But Myers-Keaton said it would also put Kent County projects at risk.

This year, the countys total cost of temporary and long-term housing programs is around $10.2 million.

The federal funding order would limit the money that could go to those projects to 30% of the countys total funds, approximately $3.25 million. Another $6.95 million would be eliminated or redirected.

This would reduce our ability to maintain the current projects and force cuts across programs, leaving people without housing options, Myers-Keaton wrote in a statement to local partners.

The funding announcement also includes a requirement that 70% of projects be competed, meaning applicants must submit proposals for evaluation.

Turner wrote that the change would end the status quo that automatically renewed funding without measuring success.

Historically, Myers-Keaton said around 90% of the countys projects were considered safe when her group made its funding requests, divided into two tiers based on community need and performance.

The second tier, more at-risk funding, was around 7 to 10% of the total.

We perform very well, she said, and weve had good scores within our program competition process.

But the federal change would make the countys tier one, or safe funding, only around 30%.

Myers-Keaton said projects now competing for funding could be more at risk because of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) provisions.

Projects would have to rework themselves, she said, or risk losing points.

Kind of what were gleaning from all of this is that they are not aligned with a lot of our systems values, and they expect us to align with theirs, she said.

A HUD spokesperson said in an emailed statement to MLive that the agency stands by its Continuum of Care reforms.

The homelessness assistance policies of the Biden era were an abject failure, they wrote, adding that the policies harmed the vulnerable people that HUD intends to serve through the grant program.

This new framework is the first step toward righting those failures with increased funding for those high performing programs that have demonstrated real success and accountability, the spokesperson wrote.

Myers-Keaton said the projects that could be impacted range from short-term rental assistance to long-term housing services.

One example is a rapid rehousing program that provides an average of six months of rental assistance for folks who just need a little bit extra time to get back on their feet.

Theyre trying to increase their income, she said. Theyre working with case management to  get better jobs  and throughout that process, they start to gradually wean off their rental assistance.

Another program, permanent supportive housing, is for people experiencing chronic homelessness, Myers-Keaton said.

Those are really vulnerable individuals in our community that have been experiencing homelessness for an extended period of time, she said, often a year or more.

These individuals have disabilities that are generally going to prevent them from increasing their income significantly, and some have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness within the past three years, she said.

In addition to providing housing, the program pairs them with support services, like substance use disorder or mental health treatment.

If those programs are put at risk, Myers-Keaton said Kent County could be without vital services that help provide long-term stability.

We come at this from a housing first approach, she said, meaning that people need housing before they can address anything else in their life. How can we expect somebody to get a job if they dont have a house to live in? How can we expect them to become sober if theyre kept in the same environment that led them to addiction in the first place.

Perez said Kent Countys programs have made strides over the last few years to address chronic homelessness.

As resourceful and collaborative as we are, this would be a significant blow to all the work thats been happening, he said. Philanthropy isnt going to come up with funding to fill the gap.

In addition to fewer projects having the guarantee of future funding, Myers-Keaton said some projects will face funding gaps.

The application for the next grant cycle will close on Jan. 14, but the anticipated award date isnt until May 1, leaving projects with contracts ending in January through April without funding for much of the first half of 2026 and during some of the coldest months of the year.

We could see an increase in homelessness as a result, she said, because were not able to provide assistance. If we cant get people into housing, that means more folks are going to be occupying shelters and staying on the streets.

With some programs facing up to four months unfunded, Myers-Keaton said they wont be able to pay rent. Landlords who participate in rental assistance programs could become disenfranchised and be less likely to want to work with the Grand Rapids coalition in the future.

It hurts their pocketbook, too, she said. Its going to hurt businesses.

Myers-Keaton said the coalition and other groups nationwide have already been advocating against the change to Congress, requesting a one-year extension of existing contracts.

Congress had already voted that we could just renew our current contracts for one year and then we would have another program competition in 2026, she said. That was a decision that was made in 2024. This administration decided that they wanted to go ahead and have the program competition anyways, even though we werent supposed to have one this year.

On Nov. 13, over 40 Senate Democrats sent a letter to Turner criticising the change. U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, was among those who signed on.

On Oct. 28, before it was formally announced, 22 House Republicans also sent a letter requesting the grants be renewed so programs would not be destabilized. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, was among those who signed.

Neither Slotkin nor Bergman had responded to a request for comment as of the time of publishing.
America has a debt problem, and it appears to be getting worse.

According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the total debt burden for American households reached a record of $18.59 trillion in Q3 2025, an increase of $197 billion from the previous quarter (1).

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Mortgages remained the largest slice of this total burden at $13.07 trillion, or roughly 70% of all household debt. After that, auto loans reached $1.66 trillion, student loans totaled $1.65 trillion, and credit card balances stood at $1.23 trillion.

With such a high national debt figure, its getting harder to find Americans who arent paying off a loan these days. Debt.org recently found that 90% of Americans carry some form of debt (2). Meanwhile, the average cumulative debt amount for an American is now roughly $104,755, according to Experian (3).

On the face of it, all of these stats really dont paint a pretty picture of American purchasing power. And while theres a lot to cringe at in this new report, there are also a few nuances to factor into the equation.

Whats really behind Americas $18.59 trillion debt

Even though mortgages are the main driver of debt, the rise in credit card debt and student loans are arguably more worrying.

For starters, mortgage delinquencies are stabilizing at a low rate (4). That leads the Fed to believe balance sheets at many American homes remain relatively robust even as debt climbs.

Secondly, the combination of high student loan debt and credit card payments suggests younger and lower-income borrowers are struggling the most in this economy. The current delinquency rate for student loans is 9.4 %, which is up from 7.8% in Q1 of 2025.

Granted, federal studentloan payments were paused during the pandemic, and some missed payments during that time werent reported to credit bureaus until recently. Even though this recent spike in student-loan delinquencies is eye-catching, theres a reporting lag that slightly skews the results.

Still, the combination of higher delinquency rates in student loans and rising credit card debt signals to serious stress points, strongly supporting the idea of a K-shaped economy.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The General Wood Shop, an LGBTQ bar in downtown Grand Rapids that prided itself on creating a space where everyone felt welcome, safe and celebrated, is closing.

Together, we built more than a bar; we built a community we will always be proud of, according to a social media post announcing the bars closure.

The cocktail bar, 507 Bridge St. NW, was opened in July 2023 by Alberto Garza and Jeff Steinpor. The General Wood Shop described itself as an intimate and stylish cocktail bar that was curated with the queer community in mind.

This means sassy drink names, splashes of glitz and glam, and events for every flavor, according to its website.

The social media post did not say why the General Wood Shop was closing, and a representative of the business could not immediately be reached for comment.

In August 2024, General Manager Calvin Paige spoke with MLive about the bars food menu, which included a mix of Spanish, Mexican and Asian cuisine, as well as the space the business had carved out in the LGBTQ community.

We want to make something memorable like whoa where else am I going to get something like that, Paige said. We want to make sure the food and the drinks that we are offering are worth the price you are paying.

At the time, he said the General Wood Shop had a partnership with the Grand Rapids Pride Center and the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation. A percentage of the proceeds from selected items went to both organizations, Paige said.

We will treat everyone with the utmost respect, protection and everything we can while they are in our establishment, Paige said. Its important to be vocal. If anyone comes in looking for resources, we point them in the right direction - the Pride Center, the Trans Center, whatever they need.

Paige said the business held its first major Pride event in 2024 called Babylon Bridge that took five months to plan and involved a marketing team. To prepare for the event, staff decorated the business with plants to create an overgrown vine feeling, he said.

It was cool to see people who were committed to something fun and just seeing how it brought together all of the different communities, Paige said. It made me tear up at points. It was very beautiful.

In its social media post, the General Wood Shop thanked its team for their creativity, warmth, and dedication.

They poured their hearts into this space and made it come alive, the post said. We are so grateful for everything they brought to this place and to each other.

The post added, Although we are heartbroken to close, we will forever be thankful for the memories, friendships, and moments we shared together. Thank you for making General Wood Shop unforgettable.
A new proposed Raising Cane's in Walker is among the projects approved by Grand Rapids-area city planners this month. (Advance Local file photo) Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A popular fast-food chicken eatery is planning to add another location in the Grand Rapids area.

The new Raising Canes location was among several new developments that were discussed by city planners in the area this month.

Several projects went before local planning commissions for various stages of approval in November. The projects are all in various stages of planning, and construction timelines are contingent on final approval from the local municipality.

Here is a look at five projects that went before city planners this month.

New Raising Canes gets greenlight from city planners

On Nov. 19, the Walker Planning Commission approved a special land use and final area site plan for the proposed new Raising Canes, which will be built on the site of a vacant former TGI Fridays at 3179 Alpine Ave. NW.

The project was proposed by Texas-based developer Benchmark Design Group on behalf of Raising Canes Restaurants, LLC.

The vacant TGI Fridays building will be demolished next summer, and a new 3,100-square-foot restaurant will be built in its place. It will be roughly the same distance from Alpine Road as the current building, but it will be about 40% the size of the former TGI Fridays, according to the project application.

The site will be maintained and operated by Raising Canes but will remain under the ownership of Geenan Dekock Properties, LLC, according to the application.

The construction of the project will happen in one phase, starting by July 2026.

The restaurant will have indoor dining, a patio and two drive-thru lanes. Roughly 75% of Raising Canes business is drive-thru, said Andrew Snodgrass, a project engineer from Benchmark Design Group.

The company is efficient with its drive-thru operations, which Snodgrass called the bread and butter of Raising Canes. The average drive-thru time is 2 minutes and 28 seconds. The company will work with local police to establish traffic control when necessary.

There will be two driveway access points onto the property, from Alpine Avenue and from the existing shopping center at the northwest corner of the property.

Planning commissioners mostly discussed the signage of the proposed project during the Nov. 19 meeting. The developer agreed to remove one rear-facing sign on the west side of the property from the proposal.

New neighborhood with 22 single-family homes approved

Walker planning commissioners approved the site plans for a new neighborhood development that was previously tabled twice due to concerns about the road design.

The project, proposed by applicant Riverbend North LLC, will build a new neighborhood with 22 single-family homes on nearly 19 acres of vacant farmland at 4715 Riverbend Drive SW in Walker.

The approved site plans are slightly scaled back from the original 24-unit neighborhood that went before commissioners back in August. At the time, residents voiced concerns about the layout of the proposed neighborhood  specifically, the fact that the proposed new road had two, tight 90-degree angles, which residents feared would cause traffic safety concerns and limit emergency access.

The commission voted to table the project in August, and again in September, to give developers more time to create a new layout with softer curves.

As a result, developers removed two of the proposed homes, creating space to round out the bends in the street.

City Engineer Scott Conners said the new alignment is much-preferred and that engineering staff are comfortable with the new design.

The new street will be called Moelker Avenue and will connect to Riverbend Drive and Fendwood Street.

The planning commission already approved a rezoning request for the property in August.

Massive 216-unit residential development moves forward in Kentwood

On Nov. 10, the Kentwood Planning Commission granted several approvals for a planned 216-unit residential development that will be located near the corner of Wing Avenue SE and 52nd Street SE.

The project, called Breton Ravines, is being planned on 77 acres at 2720 and 2854 52nd Street and 5491 Wing Avenue.

Allen Edwin Homes, a Portage-based home building company, is planning to build a variety of homes in the residential development, including 24 single-family detached homes, 14 attached townhome units, and 178 detached units with front-loading garages. Sixty-nine units will be rentals.

This month, the project received three approvals from the planning commission:

Amendment to the precise plat to include the extension of Breton Avenue south from 52nd Street to connect with 60th Street

Preliminary site plan approval for 139 condominiums as part of Phases 2-6

Final site plan approval for Phase 1 of the project

Construction of Phase 1 will start in 2026, according to planning commission documents. It will include the construction of 69 rental homes, including 24 alley-load homes, six rear-load townhomes and 39 detached homes. Ten of the rental units will be designated for households at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Phase 1 will also include the construction of Breton Avenue from 52nd Street to existing Breton Avenue.

The homes will primarily be two-stories each, with floor plans ranging from 1,450 to 2,085 square feet. A majority of the homes will have four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

The development was first approved by the city in 2024, although Community Development Director Lisa Golder noted that it was not previously reviewed as a site condominium. She said that the purpose of the current review was to consider the preliminary site condominium layout, which establishes how Phases 2-6 will be divided.

Construction of the remaining homes in the Breton Ravines development will be phased out through 2031, according to a timeline in the applicants project narrative.

Planned subdivision moves forward in Wyoming

The Wyoming Planning Commission approved the site plan for a new 205-home subdivision on Nov. 18.

The new neighborhood will be built on 38 acres of land at 3738 52nd St. SW, near the intersection of 52nd Street SW and Wilson Avenue SW. Paramount Development Corporation is the applicant behind the project, which will be located by Grandvilles Grand View Elementary School.

The applicant is planning to begin Phase 1 of the project, which will build 20 townhome buildings totaling 102 units on 16 acres on the northeastern portion of the property. This plan will also include the development of the public street, two private drives, public parking along the greenspace areas, as well as the proposed detention for the townhome and plat development.

The overall development will have a variety of housing sizes, including 35 homes with 70-foot-wide lots and 46 homes with 50-foot-wide lots, according to site plans presented to the planning commission.

The 38.1-acre site currently has a vacant, single-family residence on it. The sale of the property to Paramount Development Corporation was expected to close in October, the site plans said.

The land was rezoned by the city for the project this summer. The development was previously met with opposition from some residents, who worried the new neighborhood would create traffic backups on 52nd Street, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day. The city received a petition with over 80 signatures from a condo association to the east of the proposed development.

A traffic study conducted by the city found that the proposed development would not negatively impact traffic volumes and flow in the area.

Church expansion approved in Ada

The Ada Township Planning Commission considered a special use permit request from Redeemer Presbyterian Church for a building addition on Nov. 20.

The church is planning to add a 3,240-square-foot addition to its existing classroom wing for a new church classroom, youth ministry and activity space, and storage areas. The existing church building at 8611 Fulton St. E, is approximately 20,280 square feet.

The expansion will extend the church further towards the southeast, roughly parallel to Fulton Street, according to the project memo reviewed by the planning commission.

The project was approved on Thursday by the planning commission, said Planning Director John Said.
Harbor Transit's new red Lakeshore Trolley will be running a free hour-long "Laker Loop" in Spring Lake and Fruitport this summer starting at the Holiday Inn.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Harbor Transit has announced a new community-focused initiative offering free rides to and from food pantries within its service area.

From now through Dec. 31, riders can opt in for no-cost trips to any food pantry within Harbor Transits service area by scheduling a ride through the Lakeshore Go mobile app or by calling Harbor Transits dispatch center.

The initiative is open to all community members, with no eligibility requirements beyond traveling to or from a food pantry.

We know the holidays can be an especially challenging time for many in our community, said Scott Borg, executive director. By providing free, reliable transportation to local food pantries, we hope to ease some of that burden and support the well-being of our neighbors.

The initiative comes after the transportation company hosted a Cans-n-Coats drive on Nov. 21 in Grand Haven.

All collected items are distributed to local food pantries and partner organizations to support residents facing both food insecurity and the challenges of colder weather.

Harbor Transit hopes to expand the impact of community support systems and ensure a united approach to addressing food insecurity.

Since 1975, Harbor Transit has provided quality public transportation services to the Tri-Cities Community.

Now with a 55-square-mile service area and a fleet of 29 accessible vehicles, the company is dedicated to serving the Grand Haven, Grand Haven Township, Ferrysburg, Village of Spring Lake, and Spring Lake Township communities.

Were grateful for the incredible work already being done throughout the Tri-Cities area, Borg added. Our goal is to complement those efforts and work hand-in-hand with community partners to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need.

Food Pantries Hours of Operation

Monday

All Shores Community Church, 9 a.m. to Noon, 15550 Cleveland.

Ferrysburg Community Church 9:30AM-Noon, 17785 Mohawk Drive.

Tuesday

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - St Patricks Catholic Church, 920 Fulton, Grand Haven.

5 to 8 p.m. - 1st Reformed Church, 300 Washington Ave, Grand Haven.

Thursday

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - St. Marys Catholic Church, 421 E Exchange.

Friday

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 760 Savidge St.

For more information or to schedule a free ride to a food pantry, residents are encouraged to call Harbor Transit at (616) 842-3200 or visit harbortransit.org.
A view of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College sign in this Saginaw News file image. Anthony Cepak/The Saginaw News The Saginaw News

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI  Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College will transform its academic support system with a nearly $650,000 state grant aimed at helping students succeed in their coursework and complete their degrees, officials said.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) awarded the College Success Grant to the Mount Pleasant-based institution, which will use the funding to convert its Writing Center into a comprehensive Student Success Center. The expanded facility will provide assistance across multiple subjects including writing, math, science and English, officials said.

High-quality academic support is one of the strongest predictors of whether students stay on track and complete their programs, Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, said in a statement. By building a coordinated system of learning resources and early-transition programs, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College is helping students gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate their postsecondary education.

The grant will fund several initiatives at the tribal college. The school plans to expand its Learning Assistant program and launch a Summer Bridge program to help new students adjust to college-level coursework. Faculty members will also participate in the Michigan College Access Network Gateway Course Redesign, starting with English and math courses.

This funding allows us to make a lasting investment in student success, Amanda Flaugher, who oversees the project at the college, said in a statement. By creating a centralized Student Success Center and hiring full-time Learning Assistants, we can provide consistent, high-quality support that helps our students thrive.

The award marks the first time the college has applied for and received a Student Success Grant. The funding represents part of a broader $45 million statewide Student Success Grant program through which Michigan institutions are expanding tutoring, improving transfer pathways, redesigning foundational courses, and strengthening evidence-based practices that help students succeed.
Saturday and Sunday snowfall amounts are expected to reach 8 or more inches in West Michigan. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Consumers Energy says its pre-staging nearly 200 crews across Michigan in preparation for a second round of winter weather expected to impact the state Saturday and Sunday, following storms that knocked out power to more than 60,000 customers earlier in the week.

Crews worked through the Thanksgiving holiday to restore service after high winds hit the state Wednesday. The utility has since restored power to all affected customers and is now preparing for significant snowfall forecast for the remainder of the holiday weekend.

We want our customers to know that we continue to stand ready throughout the weekend to restore power as safely and quickly as possible, said Norm Kapala, Consumers Energys vice president of grid operations. Our line workers and other field crews are ready to be deployed into impacted communities, and were gathering trucks and essential materials to assist with any restoration efforts.

Snow is expected to accumulate slowly statewide, with higher amounts forecast for the West Michigan lakeshore. Blowing and drifting snow could reduce visibility and create difficult travel conditions.

The utility is urging people to pay attention to travel advisories and winter weather watches and warnings. Consumers Energy also asked the public to keep a safe distance from crews working in the field to restore power.

The company recommends residents prepare by:

Charging electronic devices

Having emergency batteries or charging stations available

Assembling an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, water, canned food, and blankets

Ensure they have enough medication, baby supplies, and pet food if needed

Consumers Energy advises unplugging sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, and printers and turning off power strips. The utility also recommends having a food safety plan in case of outages, including knowing how long food can remain safe without power.

Customers can report outages and sign up for restoration updates at ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter or through the Consumers Energy mobile app.
A winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall across the Lower Peninsula. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Snowfall rates are expected to intensify tonight as a winter storm system engulfs Michigan, with nearly a foot of snow expected in some areas by early Sunday.

The snowfall totals are expected to be the highest in West Michigan. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has done a great job putting together a city-by-city table showing how much snow is forecast, and when those inches will accumulate.

Here is the snowfall forecast list by city:

Some areas could see 10+ inches of snow as a winter storm marches across Michigan on Saturday and early Sunday. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Kalamazoo could be the snowfall winner if it gets the nearly 12 inches thats expected. Battle Creek and Holland are both looking to top 10 inches of snow, while Grand Rapids is forecast to come in just under that mark. Lansing could see 8 inches, while Muskegon is expected to get 9. Jackson could have more than 7 inches of snow.

And for almost all those cities, the time window from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday is when were expected to see the heaviest snowfall.

Thats also when the roads are expected to be at their worst.

The NWS included a caution for motorists in its Winter Storm Warning, which is covering a huge area of the Lower Peninsula today:

Persons should delay all travel if possible, the NWS staff said. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.

Heres the now forecast for Northern Michigan, as provided by the National Weather Service meteorologists in Gaylord:

Here is the snow forecast for the Upper Peninsula, as provided by the National Weather Service meteorologists in Marquette:
Palak Vij

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M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.

The announcement comes after Putul was chosen for a special showcase at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, demonstrating its widespread appeal.

M Snehanjali

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Randeep Hooda and wife Lin Laishram announce pregnancy as they celebrate their second wedding anniversary: " A little wild one on the way"

M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.

The couple chose a deeply meaningful day for the reveal  November 29, which also marks their second wedding anniversary, making the moment even more special.

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(Reuters) -India's Adani Group plans to invest up to $5 billion in Alphabet-owned Google's India AI data centre project, an executive said on Friday, as it seeks to cash in on booming demand for data capacity in the world's most populous nation.

In October, Google said it would invest $15 billion over five years to set up an artificial intelligence data centre in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, its biggest investment in India.

AI requires enormous computing power, pushing demand for specialised data centres that enable thousands of chips to be linked in clusters.

Adani Group CFO Jugeshinder Singh said the Google project could mean an investment of up to $5 billion for Adani Connex - a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and private data centre operator EdgeConneX.

"It's not just Google, there are a lot of parties that would like to work with us, especially when the data centre capacity goes to gigawatt and higher," Singh told reporters on Friday.

Google has committed to spending about $85 billion this year to expand data centre capacity as tech companies invest heavily in infrastructure to meet the booming demand for AI services.

Indian billionaires Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani have also unveiled investments in building data centre capacity.

The data centre campus in the port city of Visakhapatnam will have an initial power capacity of 1 gigawatt.

($1 = 89.3660 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi and Dhwani Pandya; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Rangeela returns to theatres; 'It's silly and childish to think of a remake,' says Urmila Matondkar

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IFFI 2025: Rajinikanth poses with family ahead of the closing ceremony in Goa

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Manjiri Patil is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering science, health, lifestyle, and general news in digital newsroom.

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AI at warp speed: Why over 1,000 Amazon employees say the companys strategy is a danger

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Adani Group seeks up to $5 billion investment in Google data center to join AI boom

The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad

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IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express warn of possible delays over issue with A320 aircraft

Some 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft must urgently replace control software vulnerable to solar radiation after an incident in the United States involving a JetBlue aircraft at the end of October, a spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer told AFP

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SoftBank-backed Meesho set to seek up to $605 million via IPO

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UWM Holdings Corporation is a leading wholesale mortgage lender in the United States, leveraging scale and technology to support independent mortgage brokers nationwide. The companys strategy centers on high-volume, efficient loan processing and a focus on conforming and government-backed products. It generates revenue primarily from originating, selling, and servicing mortgage loans. UWMs competitive advantage lies in its exclusive wholesale channel, enabling broad market reach and operational efficiency. In addition to serving independent mortgage brokers, the firm also serves their clients, targeting homebuyers and homeowners seeking mortgage financing solutions.

What is the market context for the transactions pricing and timing? Shares were priced at around $5.74 per share for this transaction, while the market closed at $5.85 on Friday. Over the past year, UWM Holdings Corporation shares declined by 11%, well underperforming the S&P 500's 14% gain in the same period.

How does the transaction compare to the insider's historical selling activity? Ishbias late-November sales are consistent with the steady selling pattern he has maintained for months; earlier this fall he regularly sold blocks of roughly 1.11.2 million shares, and this months 1.6 million-share disposal remains well within that cadence rather than representing an acceleration or a structurally larger reduction in exposure

How significant was the reduction in direct holdings as a result of this transaction? The sale represented a disposal of around 35% of Ishbia's indirect ownership, reducing his direct holdings from approximately 4.7 million to 3.1 millin shares. Nevertheless, Ishbia still indirectly owns 1.3 billion derivative securities, which make up the bulk of his holdings.

The transaction value is based on the weighted average sale price of $5.74; the post-transaction value is based on the latest market close.

Mat Ishbia, President and CEO of UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC), reported the open-market sale of 1.6 million shares of the major wholesale mortgage lender between Wednesday and Friday, according to a SEC Form 4 filing .

Though UWMC's stock has lagged the broader market, the company just posted loan origination volume of $41.7 billion in the third quarterits largest quarterly originations in four years.

Story Continues

Foolish Take

Ishbias latest sale matters less for its size than for what it signals about insider behavior during a pivotal stretch for UWM. The company is posting its strongest operating momentum in yearsthird-quarter originations hit $41.7 billion, revenue climbed to $843 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $211 million, marking one of UWMs most profitable periods since 2021. Against that backdrop, the CEO sold 1.6 million shares between Wednesday and Friday at prices ranging from $5.60 to $5.85, trimming his indirect stake to about 3.1 million shares. Ishbia owns these shares indirectly through SFS Corp, of which he is the CEO, sole director, and shareholder. The trades were sold pursuant to a trading plan adopted in March.



But the scale needs context: Ishbia still indirectly controls 1.3 billion derivative securities, which continue to represent the overwhelming majority of his economic exposure. The recent salesabout 11.2 million shares this month alonetherefore likely reflect portfolio management rather than a meaningful shift in long-term alignment, especially given that the transactions were made under a trading plan.



For investors, sustained operating progress is the more material signal. UWMs gain margin expanded to 130 bps, refinance volume accelerated, and liquidity totaled $3 billion at quarter-end. If the wholesale channel continues gaining share and UWM executes on servicing in-house next year, fundamentalsnot insider activityshould remain the primary driver of long-run value.

Glossary

Insider trading: Buying or selling a companys stock by individuals with access to non-public, material information about the company.

Open-market sale: The sale of securities on a public exchange, available to all investors, rather than through private transactions.

SEC Form 4: A required filing disclosing changes in ownership of a companys securities by insiders, such as executives or directors.

Direct ownership: Shares held in an individuals own name, as opposed to indirect holdings through trusts or entities.

Outstanding shares: The total number of a companys shares currently held by all shareholders, including insiders and the public.

Weighted average sale price: The average price per share received in a transaction, weighted by the number of shares sold at each price.

Voting stake: The proportion of voting rights an investor holds in a company, typically based on share ownership.

Economic stake: The financial interest an investor has in a company, reflecting potential gains or losses from ownership.

Wholesale lending channel: A business model where loans are originated through third-party brokers rather than directly to consumers.

Conforming loan: A mortgage that meets the criteria set by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Government-backed loan: A mortgage insured or guaranteed by a government agency, such as FHA or VA loans.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.



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Inside Billionaire Mat Ishbia's Latest $9 Million UWM Stock Sale was originally published by The Motley Fool
SEBI bars Prabhudas Lilladher from taking new clients for 7 days over compliance lapses

SEBI bars Prabhudas Lilladher from taking new clients for 7 days over compliance lapses

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Rs 10,000 SIP or Rs 1.2 lakh lump sum yearly: Which strategy is better for wealth creation?

Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol.

By combining SIPs, lump sum investments, and tactical top-ups, you can create a winning formula.

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'Cannot see anything, ': AAIB report reveals pilots last words in Kedarnath crash, flags safety gaps

The Bell 407 aircraft, registered VT-BKA, was returning from Kedarnath when it encountered sudden, dense cloud cover. (File photo)

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Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM) is a global energy and chemical company that explores for, produces, and sells crude oil and natural gas.

It is set to report its Q4 2025 earnings on Jan. 30. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post EPS of $1.67, unchanged from the figure in the prior-year period. According to Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to reach $80.88 billion, down from $83.43 billion a year earlier.

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If You Bought Exxon Mobil Stock 10 Years Ago

The company's stock traded at approximately $81.88 per share 10 years ago. If you had invested $10,000, you could have bought roughly 122 shares. Currently, shares trade at $117.08, meaning your investment's value could have grown to $14,299 from stock price appreciation alone. However, Exxon Mobil also paid dividends during these 10 years.

Exxon Mobil's dividend yield is currently 3.52%. Over the last 10 years, it has paid about $37.62 in dividends per share, which means you could have made $4,594 from dividends alone.

Summing up $14,299 and $4,594, we end up with the final value of your investment, which is $18,893. This is how much you could have made if you had invested $10,000 in Exxon Mobil stock 10 years ago. This means a total return of 88.93%. However, this figure is significantly less than the S&P 500 total return for the same period, which was 276.10%.

Trending: Bill Gates Says Climate Change Needs to Be Solved'  This Award-Winning Building Material Is Tackling It Head-On

What Could The Next 10 Years Bring?

Exxon Mobil has a consensus rating of "Overweight" and a price target of $128.59 based on the ratings of 24 analysts. The price target implies nearly 10% potential upside from the current stock price.

The company on Oct. 31 announced its Q3 2025 earnings, posting adjusted EPS of $1.88, beating the consensus estimate of $1.82, while revenues of $85.29 billion came in below the consensus of $87.70 billion, as reported by Benzinga.

"We delivered the highest earnings per share weve had compared to other quarters in a similar oil-price environment. In Guyana, we broke records with quarterly production surpassing 700,000 barrels per day, and started up the Yellowtail development four months early and under budget. In the Permian, we also set another production record of nearly 1.7 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, while continuing to expand the use of proprietary technologies like our lightweight proppant that improves well recoveries by up to 20%," said CEO Darren Woods.
DKS stresses loyalty, unity with Siddaramaiah after breakfast meet, says 'we abide by the high command'

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EDs first-ever raids along the IndiaMyanmar border have uncovered a meth network that allegedly misused Indians GST credentials to buy drug chemicals and launder money

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In Uttar Pradesh, a Class 12 student gives his school a new staffer: an AI robot named Sophie | Watch video

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Daing, who runs a local news portal, claimed the demolition was carried out without prior notice and described it as selective targeting, alleging it was linked to his reporting on sensitive issues, including cross-border drug trafficking.

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India has begun groundwork on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a 2035 air-defence and counter-drone shield for cities and critical assets, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.

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'No differences between us': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says no rift with Shivakumar, eyes 2028 polls

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister hosted the Deputy CM at his official residence over breakfast.

Deblina Halder

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Accused in the Red Fort blast case, face covered, while being produced at the Patiala House Court, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

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JetBlue has announced plans to launch new daily summer seasonal flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Milan and Barcelona, starting in April and May 2026, with tickets available from November 20, 2025.

This move not only expands JetBlues transatlantic network, but also strengthens its role as Bostons leading leisure airline by connecting New England travelers to two of Europes most sought-after destinations.

Well consider how JetBlues expansion into Milan and Barcelona could influence its outlook for revenue growth and network optimization.

Explore 28 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research.

JetBlue Airways Investment Narrative Recap

To be a JetBlue shareholder, you need to believe in the ongoing rebound of leisure travel, the airlines ability to capture premium demand, and its push for network optimization. The newly announced European routes from Boston should add to JetBlues competitive appeal, but they are unlikely to materially offset the companys most pressing challenge right now: persistent margin pressure from weak demand in travel troughs and elevated competition, especially for transatlantic flights.

Of recent announcements, JetBlues Q4 operating guidance is especially relevant. Management expects available seat miles to decline and operating costs to rise (excluding fuel), reiterating uncertainty around near-term revenue growth and the need to balance expanding its network with maintaining healthy margins, especially in light of new international routes.

However, investors should also be aware that without stronger evidence of sustainable demand outside of high seasons, JetBlues expanded European network could heighten exposure to margin volatility if...

Read the full narrative on JetBlue Airways (it's free!)

JetBlue Airways' outlook anticipates $10.6 billion in revenue and $728.0 million in earnings by 2028. This scenario is based on a 5.1% annual revenue growth rate and a $1.114 billion increase in earnings from the current -$386.0 million.

Uncover how JetBlue Airways' forecasts yield a $4.65 fair value, in line with its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

JBLU Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

Simply Wall St Community members provided eight fair value estimates for JetBlue, ranging from US$3 to an outlier at US$340.49 per share. While these community valuations span an immense range, the companys ongoing exposure to volatile demand means your view on future travel trends could be a key factor for your outlook.
Rise of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement 1980s: How temple mobilisation and yatras turned Ayodhya into a national political campaign

From a localized conflict, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement transformed into a national religious-political movement by the close of the decade of the 1980s.

Deblina Halder

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'What kind of mentality is this?': BJP leader Narottam Mishra criticises Jamiat chief Madani's speech in Bhopal

Chhabi Kala

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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 top cout bench says it was necessary, in the larger public interest, to examine how private universities were created.

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Bengaluru gets first look at Kamath x Musk podcast  early screening sparks buzz

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Alphabets stock surge pushes Larry Page to second place among the worlds richest

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Finally, our LTV to CAC remains above 9x, enabled by strong retention, disciplined capital allocation and efficient distribution, which are embedded in our vertically integrated business model and company culture. During today's presentation, we will review both of Karooooo's operating segments, Cartrack and Karooooo Logistics. Cartrack is our SaaS operations management platform. Cartrack operates at scale and has a very attractive financial profile. Cartrack's operating momentum is the primary driver of Karooooo's growth and strong financial performance. In Q2, Cartrack delivered strong results, highlighted by accelerating subscription revenue growth in South Africa and Europe and robust growth in Southeast Asia. These results reflect the early returns from the strategic investments we've made in expanding our sales capacity in recent quarters.

Our platform supports approximately 2.5 million subscribers across more than 125,000 businesses in South Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe, spanning a diverse set of industries. Importantly, our financial model is anchored by accelerating growth, high-margin subscription revenue, exceptional commercial ARR retention and powerful unit economics. Our Q2 FY '26 annual recurring revenue, or ARR, increased 20% to ZAR 4,806 million and on a U.S. dollar basis, increased 21% to USD 272 million. Our commercial customer retention rate remains at 95% and subscription revenue accounted for 98% of Cartrack revenue. We continue to scale our proprietary data assets, now generating more than 275 billion valuable data points monthly, which we leverage to deliver impactful insights and value to our customers.

Carmen Calisto: Thanks, Paul. Welcome to Karooooo's Q2 FY '26 Financial Results Presentation. For those new to Karooooo, we operate a SaaS platform for connected vehicles and mobile assets that enables businesses to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve safety and ensure compliance. We help businesses simplify decision-making to optimize their physical operations. We serve a large underpenetrated market with strong sustained demand driven by digital transformation, a constant need to improve operational efficiency and an increasing focus on safety and compliance. We are a founder-led business with a strong financial profile, a proven track record of execution excellence and a cultural focus on disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency.

Continua a leggere

In Q2, Cartrack generated approximately ZAR 1.2 billion in subscription revenue, an increase of 20% or 21% on a U.S. dollar basis. Notably, Cartrack subscription revenue accelerated again this quarter. Year-to-date, Cartrack subscription revenue has increased 19% compared to 15% in FY '25. Cartrack's operating profit margin was a healthy 29% in Q2. Karooooo Logistics is our rapidly growing delivery-as-a-service offering that empowers large enterprise customers to scale their e-commerce and logistics operations. Karooooo Logistics continues to demonstrate strong growth and operating momentum, while delivering real value for our enterprise customers. We report Karooooo Logistics separately, as the delivery as a service financial profile differs from Cartrack SaaS financial profile.

Karooooo Logistics is strategically important to us as it empowers our customers to scale their e-commerce and logistics operations through a capital-light model, while driving high Cartrack customer retention. We continue to profitably scale the Karooooo Logistics business. In Q2, Karooooo Logistics Delivery-as-a-Service revenue reached ZAR 139 million, an increase of 38% or 39% on a U.S. dollar basis. Karooooo Logistics revenue growth accelerated in Q2 due to an increase in e-commerce orders. Given Karooooo Logistics' robust revenue growth, we are very excited about the long-term growth opportunity. In Q2, Karooooo delivered strong consolidated financial results.

Total revenue of ZAR 1,344 million increased 21%, subscription revenue of ZAR 1,182 million increased 20%, operating profit of ZAR 356 million increased 18% and total subscribers of approximately 2.5 million increased 15%. Cartrack subscription revenue growth of 20% and operating profit margin of 29% underpinned our stellar financial performance in Q2. Q2 continued our track record of delivering profitable growth at scale. In Q2, we were a rule of 60 company, when adding our Cartrack subscription revenue growth of 20% and our Cartrack adjusted EBITDA margin of 46%.

Before detailing our Q2 financial and operational accomplishments, we want to take a moment to underscore our distinctive financial profile, something that is exceptionally rare in the public markets, particularly among small cap companies. We believe we are amongst a select few SaaS companies operating at a rule of 50 plus based on calendar year 2025 Gap Street estimates. Within a SaaS universe of approximately 150 companies, we believe we are the only small cap company operating at this level. Being part of this elite group reflects our unwavering commitment to disciplined and profitable growth.

In addition, with an essentially unchanged share count over the last few years and no stock-based compensation, growth in free cash flow translates to higher per share value given the lack of dilution. This is another important factor that distinguishes Karooooo's financial profile from many peers. Moving on to our Q2 financial and operational highlights. In Q2, SaaS ARR accelerated to 20% compared to Q1 FY '26 growth of 18%. Cartrack subscription revenue growth accelerated to 20% compared to Q1 FY '26 growth of 19%, highlighted by 18% growth in South Africa and 27% growth in Europe. Cartrack's total subscribers increased 15%, driven by continued healthy growth in South Africa, Europe and Asia.

We also delivered net additions of 71,000 in Q2. Cartrack's operating profit margin was a healthy 29% and benefited from disciplined expense management. We remained a rule of 60 company and our balance sheet remains strong and unleveraged. We ended the quarter with net cash and cash equivalents of ZAR 393 million. Our healthy subscription gross margin, efficient customer acquisition and attractive commercial customer ARR retention rate continue to drive our healthy unit economics. In Q2, our subscription growth margin was 72%, our LTV to CAC ratio remained above 9x and our commercial customer ARR retention rate was 95%. We are also experiencing attractive ARR growth with our retained customers.

It's noteworthy that we accelerated our subscription revenue growth from 15% in Q2 last year to 20% this quarter, while maintaining strong unit economics. We remain committed to profitable growth as we pursue the expansive growth opportunity ahead of us. We ended Q2 with approximately 1.9 million subscribers in South Africa, an increase of 15%. South Africa subscription revenue comprised 71% of our total subscription revenue and South Africa subscription revenue growth accelerated to 18%. We are encouraged by the strong teams that we are building to accelerate organic growth, broaden our customer base and increase product adoption in the region.

We are starting to see an acceleration in subscription revenue growth, driven by the strong adoption of video and Cartrack tag by our existing customers and customer expansion. We remain committed to building our distribution capabilities to service the demand for our products from both new and existing customers. We continue to see a compelling market opportunity in South Africa and are excited about the value we will deliver to our customers. We ended Q2 with approximately 303,000 subscribers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with most of the subscribers in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia and the Middle East comprised 16% of total subscription revenue, and Southeast Asia and the Middle East subscription revenue growth increased 26%.

As the second largest contributor to group revenue, Southeast Asia continues to present the most compelling growth opportunity for the group in the medium to long term and is our fastest-growing segment on a constant currency basis. In September 2024, we started a drive to increase sales and marketing in Southeast Asia, and we intend to increase our sales headcount by 70% by February 2026 compared to February 2025. Southeast Asia is a vast under-penetrated market for sophisticated fleet management and video-based solutions, and we are very well positioned to capitalize on the opportunity. We ended Q2 with approximately 216,000 subscribers in Europe, an increase of 19%.

Europe comprised 10% of our total subscription revenue and European subscription revenue accelerated to 27%. We continue to accelerate our organic growth, expand our customer base and increase our distribution capabilities. We have partnered with leading OEMs to provide easy access to our platform, seamlessly integrating their connected vehicle data to our platform through application programming interfaces. We expect these partnerships to contribute to our results in the medium to long term. In addition, we are experiencing encouraging demand for our proprietary compliance technology in the region, as customers seek to simplify compliance with evolving legislation and enforcement.

In Q2, Karooooo Logistics continued to build scale and delivered revenue of ZAR 139 million, an increase of 38% and an 8% operating profit margin. Growth in e-commerce orders drove the acceleration in Karooooo Logistics' revenue growth. Karooooo Logistics supports our strong financial performance by immersing our platform into large customers' operations, contributing to strong customer retention. Karooooo Logistics also enables us to learn about the operational and logistics challenges confronting our large customers. We see a large opportunity for Karooooo Logistics going forward as large businesses seek to increase their e-commerce offerings and optimize their logistics capabilities through a capital-light model. In Q2, we continued to make good progress with our FY '26 priorities.

First, we continue to strengthen our leadership position in South Africa by selling our video solutions and Cartrack tag to our existing customer base. This initiative continues to demonstrate early traction. Second, we continue to expand our distribution footprint in Asia and Europe. We are seeing success in expanding our teams in the region. Finally, we continue to work with our customers globally to drive broader engagement with our platform and to capture the growing demand for video capabilities, including AI video.

Capital allocation is a fundamental part of our culture, and we aim to remain disciplined with our capital allocation strategy, rooted in a 20-year culture of profitable growth at scale and prudent financial management, key drivers of long-term shareholder value. Our capital allocation framework is unchanged and prioritizes organic growth and innovation. Our paramount priority is investing in organic growth and product innovation given our strong unit economics, sustained profitability and large market opportunity. Returning capital to shareholders. At current growth rates, our business generated significant excess cash. With our strong balance sheet and net cash position, we aim to return surplus cash to shareholders, when we cannot efficiently invest it for growth, primarily through an annual dividend.

As to avoid doubt, management prioritizes growth over dividends. Strategic M&A. We take a prudent and strategic approach to M&A. We view M&A as a tool to accelerate time to market in key geographies, expand our product portfolio or strengthen our competitive position. However, given our compelling organic growth, customer-centric culture and attractive unit economics, we set a high bar for any potential acquisitions. Ultimately, we see it as our responsibility to allocate capital thoughtfully always with the goal of maximizing long-term shareholder returns. I will now hand over to Hoeshin, who will discuss our Q2 financial performance.

Hoeshin Goy: Thank you, Carmen. I will now discuss Karooooo financial performance for quarter 2 FY 2026. Please note, my comments will refer to year-over-year comparisons unless we state otherwise. Our proven and profitable SaaS business model continued to deliver strong results in quarter 2. Karooooo's total subscription revenue increased 20% to ZAR 1,182 million, operating profit increased 18% to ZAR 356 million and adjusted earnings per share increased 13% to ZAR 8.28. In this quarter, our earnings were impacted by withholding tax from dividend payment made by the subsidiaries to the holding company and our continued investment in sales and marketing. We will now focus on Cartrack's financial performance, which is fueled by SaaS revenue momentum.

In quarter 2, Cartrack revenue increased 20% to ZAR 1,204 million, and Cartrack subscription revenue increased 20% to ZAR 1,180 million. Subscription revenue comprised 98% of Cartrack's total revenue. Quarter 2 ARR increased 20% in rand and 21% in U.S. dollar. As you can see from the trend of the charts, Cartrack has a proven track record of scaling in varying macroeconomic conditions given our consistent execution, resilient subscription revenue model and attractive historic retention rates. In quarter 2, Cartrack experienced healthy customer acquisition. Quarter 2 subscriber increased 15% to approximately 2.5 million. Subscription revenue increased 20% to ZAR 1,180 million, and operating profit increased 18% to ZAR 344 million.

Quarter 2 SaaS ARR accelerated to 20% compared to 18% in quarter 1 FY 2026. We believe the acceleration in SaaS ARR reflects the underlying momentum in the business and signals that our strategic initiatives are gaining traction. Total subscriber growth also remained healthy at 15%. Cartrack experienced solid customer acquisition with healthy net subscriber addition of 70,740 in this quarter. The pace of net subscriber additions reflects our focus on selling video and Cartrack tag to existing customers, while we also build our distribution capabilities to execute on the full market opportunities. Cartrack continued to grow its subscription revenue across geographies with growth acceleration in South Africa and Europe. South Africa subscription revenue growth accelerated to 18%.

Europe subscription revenue growth accelerated to 27%. Asia and Middle East subscription revenue growth increased to 26%. This region was our fastest-growing region on a constant currency basis. The healthy growth across regions reflects our execution track records and provide a solid foundation for continued growth. Karooooo delivered strong operating profit growth of 18% in quarter 2 FY 2026. While earnings in this quarter include higher tax expense related to dividend withholding tax and our continued investment in sales and marketing, our adjusted earnings per share increased 13% to ZAR 8.28. Cartrack increased its earnings per share contribution by 13% to ZAR 8.07. Karooooo Logistics earnings per share contribution increased 17% to ZAR 0.21.

On a year-to-date basis, our adjusted free cash flow increased 44% to ZAR 358 million, underscoring the strength of our operating model. As we pursue accelerated growth, we expect free cash flow to reflect our upfront investment for growth. While quarterly fluctuations may occur due to working capital movements and growth-oriented investment, we remain confident in our ability to consistently generate meaningful free cash flow. Karooooo's consistent free cash flow generation show our disciplined capital allocation strategy and position us well for future growth. Our balance sheet reflects our track record of growth at scale, profitability and cash generation. Our net cash on hand plus cash in bank fixed deposits was ZAR 393 million.

Debtors collection days remain healthy at 31 days and are within our historical norms. In August, we paid a total cash dividend of approximately $38.6 million to our shareholders, which equates to a dividend of $1.25 per share. We believe that our ability to generate healthy cash flow is sustainable given our annuity business model, coupled with our track record of consistent execution and success. We believe Karooooo remains strongly positioned for growth as we operate in an expanding and largely underpenetrated market, fueled by robust and sustained customer demand. This demand is driven by a heightened focus on digitalization, the need to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs and increasing attention to safety in physical operations.

So far, in FY 2026, we have accelerated Cartrack subscription revenue growth by expanding our distribution footprint in existing markets, driving broader platform adoptions and capitalizing on growing demand for video solutions. We are encouraged by our positive performance as evidenced by Cartrack subscription revenue growth of 20% in quarter 2 and is in line with our guidance for the year. On a year-to-date basis, Cartrack subscription revenue growth has accelerated to 19% and the business has delivered a 29% operating profit margin reflecting strong execution, while investing in sales and marketing capacity to support future growth. With continued investment in sales, marketing and infrastructure, we believe we are well positioned to achieve our FY 2026 growth ambitions.

Accordingly, excluding the cost of secondary offering, our FY 2026 outlook remain unchanged. In closing, the underlying acceleration in the business reflects the strength of our operating model and early traction from strategic investment in sales capacity and customer acquisition. We have made deliberate choice to invest and enhance our distribution footprint, and we are beginning to see those efforts materialize. With continued execution, disciplined investment and growing regional momentum, we believe that we are well positioned to deliver profitable long-term growth. With that, I will turn the presentation over to Zak Calisto for Q&A.

Isaias Jose Calisto: Hello, everyone. I just have a problem with my platform here. Good morning and good afternoon to everybody. Thank you, everybody, for joining us. I'll just go through all the questions. The first question is from Dylan Becker from William Blair. You talked about safety adoption and expansion helping drive acceleration. Subscriber additions remain healthy, but can you talk about the tax rates you're seeing on some of your newer offerings? If you're seeing greater willingness for customers to adopt multiple products upfront? And how is the supporting in the ARPU piece of the growth algorithm? So, Dylan, we've grown our ARPU by 4%, and that's our full ARPU across all the different geographies.

Our initial target was to be able to grow ARPU this year in South Africa by 10%, which should lead to around 6% for the group. And if you take -- if we take it on a monthly basis at the end of Q1, I think we are behind, but as at the end of Q2, we're more or less in line with our expectations. And the key factor in the bottleneck to adoption is our ability to have sufficient teams to deal with onboarding both new customers and to be able to cross-sell our new products. So I think all in all, we are pleased with the progress we've made. Next question from Dylan.

Maintaining healthy unit economics while adding capacity across territories, remind us how to think about new rep ramp contribution as well as your views on where sales capacity sits today versus demand? I think, Dylan, it talks a little bit back to the previous question. And I think at the end of the day, I think we're experiencing much more demand than we can deliver. And it really is -- the bottleneck really is about building our teams to be able to deliver. And we're getting good momentum. But as you know, Dylan, it's never good enough. I think, there's definitely room to build teams faster. Another question from Dylan.

South African subscription revenue remains impressive, given the scale of business there. Maybe a sense of how you think about drivers of momentum in the market and how that supports conviction in the overall subscription durability, opportunity to lean more in the multiple product cross-sell in markets outside of South Africa? I think fundamentally, Dylan, we ran out of space just before COVID, then we had plans to build a new building, so we could build out teams. Then COVID came, we couldn't build the building. And we only moved into the new building in September last year.

And we have been in the last year really focused in recruiting and building teams, and we are building the teams in South Africa quite quickly. I think we've got a really good team in both training and in both recruitment. And I think we're making really good momentum, and we need these teams for new customer acquisitions and to cross-sell and add additional products to our customers. So I think we've still got a long way to go before these teams mature.

And hopefully, with the new initiatives that we're dealing with AI, we will probably be able to allocate a lot of jobs already to AI and be able to be under less pressure to add more people and just to relocate the current people, which have already got a lot of business knowledge into new departments. And the next question comes from Alex from Raymond James. What did you see from vision attach rate by geo? And how does this look for the new customers versus back to base sale? Are you landing with video with a higher percentage of new subscribers?

And I think it's still quite early days, Alex, and I think we still have a lot to build. But I think most of our sales at this point in time are really coming from our existing customer base. But -- and I would say that we're only getting about video sales today is probably only about 10% of our sales. We have a lot to build in terms of teams, and it goes back to what I said to Dylan. We're not there in terms of being able to have the proper distribution that we want to have, but the building of our teams is going according to plan.

On Cartrack gross margin, how is -- how is the change in mix shift towards videos cross-sell impacting gross margins? So our gross margin has typically been in the region of about 70% to 74%. And if you look at in this specific quarter, you'll see our cost of sales actually went up a bit higher than our subscription, and that brought our margin down compared to the previous margin that we had a year ago of 74%. I think this year, it was at 72%, and that's going to be because we had increased cost of sales.

But nothing out of our historical norm, but it does -- there is this adjustment between the 30% growth and the 20% in the top line. But our gross profit margin is in keeping with our historical past. I'm hoping, I've actually answered your question. So video, I don't believe is having an impact on gross profit margins because of the way we do our pricing, the way our unit economy, and what we typically do have is if the 1 factor that can affect the top line is, if there's expenses in the unit economics, to talk a bit further about this, is whether you're paying out in salaries or whether you're paying it out in commissions.

But the unit economics is the same. So what we've seen is an increase in payments and commissions that affects your cost of sales, but your fundamental unit economics has remained the same. Hopefully, I've answered the question, but I can talk you through it if necessary after this. A question from Sinan from Amber Road. You mentioned improving your sales force productivity in the earnings release. How did the new sales reps compared to the existing base of sales reps today? And how fast are they improving? Fundamentally, Sinan, we're always bringing on new people. And clearly, newcomers never perform as well as the well-established salespeople that have been with us for many years. So nothing has changed.

We expect newcomers to go through a learning curve. A question from [indiscernible]. Great performance. It's good to see the improved Cartrack ARPU growth. The Cartrack subscriber net adds was below last year, what contributed to the slowdown? I think fundamentally, [ Claire ], we are more focused on growing our subscription revenue as opposed to subscribers because we're busy cross-selling. And we haven't got sufficient people to do both.

So there's been quite a lot of focus of our salespeople dealing with our cross-selling to our customers with the new products, and it really is just -- it really just boils down to having sufficient people to execute at all the opportunities that we do have, and our bottleneck is people at the end of the day. The next question from [ Ablee ]. How long do you expect the elevated operating expenses related to geographic expansion and increased headcount to persist before normalization? I think the reality the word normalization doesn't really exist in our business, not at this stage because we believe there's a huge TAM opportunity.

And we will be investing in infrastructure, in OpEx and in sales. And it's just -- we all have different levers where we'll expense and invest at different times and it all depends how fast we're executing, where we need to spend the money. But I think fundamentally, we've got a very strong track record of disciplined capital allocation. We're very prudent with our money and the unit economics have remained very strong. And I personally look more at our unit economics than the IFRS here now. So I think fundamentally, nothing has changed in terms of the way we allocate capital, I would say, for the last 20 years. The next question from Roy from Morgan Stanley.

Estimated market penetration in each region? I think, South Africa, Roy, it's always a [ thumb sack ]. I'm not certain about these numbers. South Africa is probably a market penetration of about 35%. If you look at Europe, I think penetration rates there could be around 20%, 25%. I'm not sure, Roy. So whatever I give you, it really is a personal view, I don't think it's necessarily factual. And when we look at Asia, I think the penetration rate there is probably low, probably under 10%. That's what I believe. But we've got 3 levers and opportunity, Roy?

The one is to grow our customer acquisition; the other one is to be able to sell new features on our SaaS platform, which we typically do not do. We don't -- every time we do it, we add a new stack to our platform or new features. We don't then go try and raise ARPU based on new features. And the third one is to actually add new products, which we'd be busy doing right now with the Cartrack tag and the video, that's obviously new hardware with different costs. And obviously, we work out the unit economics behind these new products.

And clearly, on adding these products, that does increase the ARPU on the customer based on -- but at the same time, it does come with additional costs, both in cost of sales and operational cost, but majority is cost of sales. I've got another question from Sinan from Amber Road. If your bottleneck is people, can AI help in scaling your go-to-market efforts? And I think it's -- AI, it's a bit of hype word. And there's a lot of things where AI can be used, and it's extremely efficient. But you normally find that the downside when AI doesn't work can cause you more damage than when it does work.

So there's a lot of -- we're obviously playing around with a lot of tools. We're doing a lot of things ourselves in terms -- and when I talk about AI, I talk about the broad market products that are existing and are coming to market. So there's a lot of really impressive stuff. We've tried a lot of stuff. We've had to pull it back because it's not -- when it works, it's fine, but when it doesn't work, it creates havoc and can actually create quite a lot of customer unhappiness. And the markets we're in typically have got a very low tolerance to be speaking to machines.

In some markets like the U.S., people are quite used to not speaking to humans. But in a place like South Africa or Europe, people really do not want to be talking to machines. And -- so it's a process. I think we'll get there, and AI will definitely get there. I think that's all the questions for today. I want to thank everybody, and thank you for attending. Goodbye. Bye-bye.

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SIM binding in India: What it means for WhatsApp, Telegram users and why the government wants it

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Police and ICAC investigations are continuing, with more arrests possible as evidence is gathered from site inspections, procurement records and contractor communications.

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A drone strike on a Chinese-linked gold mine in Tajikistan has killed three Chinese workers, with Tajikistan blaming groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan targeting the Taliban.

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L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) is among the 10 Best Drone Stocks to Buy Right Now. On November 18, the company announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EDGE Group to expand their partnership in the United Arab Emirates.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX) and EDGE Group Expand Defense Partnership in the UAE

The two companies will collaborate on research and development related to AI and autonomy and deliver solutions that enhance the UAEs defense capabilities. The partnership will also aid in expanding L3Harris presence in the Middle East, which has been serving clients in the UAE for the past 35 years.

Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) was quoted as saying the following in a press release on the agreement:

Partnerships are a hallmark of our Trusted Disruptor strategy, and EDGE is the kind of disruptive innovator were seeking to collaborate with. Together, well accelerate the development and delivery of the advanced solutions the UAE needs to confront emerging threats.

In other news, on the same day, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) broke ground on a new solid rocket motor production facility in Arkansas. The company plans on investing $400 million in the campus, which is being seen as a major expansion in the U.S., as demand for solid rocket motors rises due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) provides end-to-end technology solutions connecting the air, land, space, sea, and cyber domains in national security.

While we acknowledge the potential of LHX 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: 8 Best Small-Cap Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Most Undervalued Stocks Under $20.

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Volodymyr Zelenskiy sends Rustem Umerov to US as Kyiv pushes fresh peace talks after power shake-up

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November 29, 2025 Trump Pardons Drug Smuggler, Threatens Venezuela Trumps South America policy is getting more ridiculous by the day. Yesterday he announced a pardon for the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is serving a 45-year sentence for partnering with drug traffickers who had allegedly shipped 400 tons of cocaine to the United States. He also endorsed a right wing candidate Nasry Tito Asfura for Sundays election in Honduras. Asfura belongs to the same party as Hernandez. This is unlikely (archived) to have the effect that Trump desires: The reaction to Mr. Trumps pardon in Honduras was one of shock, and many wondered how it would play into the elections this weekend. It will obviously stir up the same powerful negative sentiment seen in the 2021 elections that pushed Juan Orlando out of power, said Leonardo Pineda, a Honduran analyst, who said that by linking the conservative candidate, Mr. Asfura, with Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Trump could actually hurt his chances of winning. While pardoning a convicted drug smuggler on one day Trump uses the next one to threatening Venezuela for alleged drug smuggling for which there is no evidence. A week ago the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Notice To Air Man (NOTAM) for Venezuela: The alert speaks of a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela. Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground, the FAA notice states. The warning is for the Maiquetia Flight Information Region which includes Venezuelan airspace and parts of the southern Caribbean  such as Colombia, Guyana, Brazil, and Trinidad. Venezuela responded by revoking operation rights for airlines which were following that advice. Today Trump made an explicit threat to all airplanes in Venezuelan airspace: Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump  Nov 29, 2025, 12:43 UTC To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP But is he going to do? Order the military to shoot down random passenger planes? Before that Trump had announced land operations in Venezuela: President Trump suggested Thursday the United States will very soon take action against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers on land after weeks of repeated strikes in Caribbean waters. In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many, Trump told military personnel in remarks on Thanksgiving. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore. You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also, he continued. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon. We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country, Trump added. The threat is empty. There is no real option for a military land operation in Venezuela. All Trump assertions about Venezuela, its alleged terrorist gangs and drug smuggling are completely bogus. This is not at all about drugs but about stealing the huge oil reserve Venzuela has: [Oil] is at the heart of the matter, Colombian President Gustavo Petro told CNN in an interview published Wednesday. So, thats a negotiation about oil. I believe that is [President] Trumps logic. Hes not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking, added the South American president, who last month was sanctioned by the Trump administration. Just a week ago Trump had a phone call (archived) with the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in which he presumably tried to press him into resigning: The United States has built up a substantial military presence in the Caribbean aimed at Venezuela. Administration officials have said their goal is to deter drug smuggling, but have also made clear that they want to see Mr. Maduro removed from power, possibly by force. The New York Times reported in October that Mr. Maduro had offered the United States a significant stake in the countrys oil fields, along with a host of other opportunities for American companies, in an effort to defuse tensions. But Mr. Maduro sought to remain in power, and the U.S. officials cut off those discussions early last month. The Trump administration has falsely claimed (archived) that two criminal organizations in Venezuela, Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles, are involved in drug trafficking while being controlled by President Maduro: Henrique Capriles, an opposition figure, former governor and presidential candidate who has been marginalized in recent years, said in an interview that while Tren de Aragua is a dangerous gang, the idea that it was controlled by Mr. Maduro amounts to science fiction.



Regarding Tren de Aragua, drug trade experts point out that it originated in a prison in Venezuelas Aragua state and American intelligence agencies circulated findings in February that the gang was not controlled by the Venezuelan government. Its leader is thought to be Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, who escaped from the prison.



[N]o evidence has been found that Tren de Aragua is engaged in cross-border drug trafficking, according to Insight Crime, a research group focused on organized crime. When real drug smuggling occurred in Venezuela it was directed and controlled by the CIA: [E]xperts who have analyzed the Venezuelan drug trade for decades say the Cartel de los Soles is not a literal organization but shorthand for drug trafficking in the armed forces. That phenomenon is not unique to Venezuela, afflicting democratic and authoritarian countries alike in the Americas.



The origins of using the term Cartel de los Soles to describe illicit military activities stretch back to an era well before Mr. Maduro became president in 2013. The term gained traction after a 1993 scandal when the C.I.A. worked with the Venezuelan military to send a ton of cocaine to the United States in a bid to infiltrate Colombian cartels. The whole Trump South America policy is not about drugs or Venezuela but about U.S. control over the whole continent with the help of right-wing proxy leaders. Meanwhile the U.S. military continues to strike random fisherman near Venezuela (archived) with drones and missiles. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has given verbal orders to kill anyone who survives a first strike (archived): The longer the U.S. surveillance aircraft followed the boat, the more confident intelligence analysts watching from command centers became that the 11 people on board were ferrying drugs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a spoken directive, according to two people with direct knowledge of the operation. The order was to kill everybody, one of them said.



Some current and former U.S. officials and law-of-war experts have said that the Pentagons lethal campaign  which has killed more than 80 people to date  is unlawful and may expose those most directly involved to future prosecution. Hegseth had overruled the most senior military lawyer of the U.S. Southern Command who had called the strikes illegal: The JAG at Southern Command specifically expressed concern that strikes against people on boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, whom administration officials call narco-terrorists, could amount to extrajudicial killings, the six sources said, and therefore legally expose service members involved in the operations.



There have been other signs of disagreement within the administration over the strikes. The head of Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, plans to step down after less than a year in a job that typically lasts about three years. Holsey announced in October that he will depart next month. Eleven people in a boat is by the way a sure sign that these were not drug smuggler but most likely illegal migrants: Current and former officials within the U.S. military and DEA have expressed doubt that all 11 people aboard the first vessel were complicit in trafficking. The boat in question, a go-fast vessel with four motors, is common in the region and would typically be manned by a small crew  perhaps one mechanic, a driver or two, and another person focused on security, one DEA official said. More people on board means less room for drugs to sell, the official explained. I still very much doubt that Trump will order military strikes on Venezuela. Chances are high that any such operation would end in a quagmire. It would lessen the chances of any other policy success he might want to have. Comments
A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. 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.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model .

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad ( KLSE:SCIPACK ) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Story Continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond 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) = RM38m (1 + 3.7%)  (8.5% 3.7%) = RM818m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM818m ( 1 + 8.5%)10= RM362m

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 RM574m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM1.4, the company appears about fair value at a 12% 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.

KLSE:SCIPACK Discounted Cash Flow November 29th 2025

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) 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 Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad

SWOT Analysis for Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Packaging market.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine SCIPACK's earnings prospects.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by earnings.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for 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. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad, we've put together three fundamental aspects you should further research:

Risks: You should be aware of the 2 warning signs for Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad (1 shouldn't be ignored!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Yves here. It appears the press has been doing Trump a favor on the deportation front. I had been under the impression that the Administration was pointedly sparing business operators, particularly large businesses such as hotel chains and major food processors such as meatpackers. Rather than thuggish ICE raid, a fast way to crack down on illegal migration would be to make it less attractive by pursuing those who hire undocumented workers.

This article indicates, however, that the immigration crackdown has also disrupted farms and other ag industry players, as well as damaging farmers via trade wars that lead to foreign buyers shunning their output, most notably China with soyabeans.

By Tevis Garrett Graddy-Lovelace, Provost Associate Professor of Environment, Development and Health, American University School of International Service. Originally published at The Conversation

The U.S. government has caused massive food waste during President Donald Trumps second term. Policies such as immigration raids, tariff changes and temporary and permanent cuts to food assistance programs have left farmers short of workers and money, food rotting in fields and warehouses, and millions of Americans hungry. And that doesnt even include the administrations actual destruction of edible food.

The U.S. government estimates that more than 47 million people in America dont have enough food to eat  even with federal and state governments spending hundreds of billions of dollars a year on programs to help them.

Yet, huge amounts of food  on average in the U.S., as much as 40% of it  rots before being eaten. That amount is equivalent to 120 billion meals a year: more than twice as many meals as would be needed to feed those 47 million hungry Americans three times a day for an entire year.

This colossal waste has enormous economic costs and renders useless all the water and resources used to grow the food. In addition, as it rots, the wasted food emits in the U.S. alone over 4 million metric tons of methane  a heat-trapping greenhouse gas.

As a scholar of wasted food, I have watched this problem worsen since Trump began his second term in January 2025. Despite this administrations claim of streamlining the government to make its operations more efficient, a range of recent federal policies have, in fact, exacerbated food wastage.

Immigration Policy

Supplying fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables and dairy, requires skilled workers on tight timelines to ensureripeness, freshness and high quality.

The Trump administrations widespread efforts to arrest and deport immigrants have sent Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Border Patrol and other agencies into hundreds of agricultural fields, meat processing plants and food production and distribution sites. Supported by billions of taxpayer dollars, they have arrested thousands of food workers and farmworkers  with lethal consequences at times.

Dozens of raids have not only violated immigrants human rights and torn families apart: They have jeopardized the national food supply. Farmworkers already work physically hard jobs for low wages. In legitimate fear for their lives and liberty, reports indicate that in some places 70% of people harvesting, processing and distributing food stopped showing up to work by mid-2025.

News reports have identified many instances where crops have been left to rot in abandoned fields. Even the U.S. Department of Labor declared in October 2025 that aggressive farm raids drive farmworkers into hiding, leave substantial amounts of food unharvested and thus pose a risk of supply shock-induced food shortages.

Foreign Aid Cuts

When the Trump administration all but shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development in early 2025, the agency had 500 tons of ready-to-eat, high-energy biscuits worth US$800,000, stored to distribute to starving people around the world who had been displaced by violence or natural disasters. With no staff to distribute the biscuits, they expired while sitting in a warehouse in Dubai.

Incinerating the out-of-date biscuits reportedly cost an additional $125,000.

An additional 70,000 tons of USAID food aid may also have been destroyed.

Tariffs

In the late 20th century, as globalized trade patterns grew, U.S. farmers struggled with agricultural prices below their production costs. Yet tariffs in the first Trump administration did not protect small farms.

And the tariffs imposed in early 2025, after Trump regained the White House, severed U.S. soybean trade with China for months. Meanwhile, theres nowhere to store the mountains of soybeans. An October 2025 agreement may resume some activity, but at lower price levels and a slower pace than before, as China looks to Brazil and Argentina to meet its vast demand.

Though the soybeans were intended to feed the Chinese pig industry, not humans, the specter of waste looms both in terms of the potential spoilage of soybeans and the actual human food that could have been grown in their place.

Other Efforts Lead to More Waste

Since taking office, the second Trump administration has taken many steps aimed at efficiency that actually boosted food waste. Mass firings of food safety personnel risks even more outbreaks of foodborne diseases, tainted imports, and agricultural pathogens  which can erupt into crises requiring mass destruction, for instance, of nearly 35,000 turkeys with bird flu in Utah.

In addition, the administration canceled a popular program that helped schools and food banks buy food from local farmers, though many of the crops had already been planted when the cancellation announcement was made. That food had to find new buyers or risk being wasted, too. And the farmers were unable to count on a key revenue source to keep their farms afloat.

Also, the administration slashed funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency that helped food producers, restaurants and households recover from disasters  including restoring power to food-storage refrigeration.

The fall 2025 government shutdown left the governments major food aid program, SNAP, in limbo for weeks, derailing communities ability to meet their basic needs. Grocers, who benefit substantially from SNAP funds, announced discounts for SNAP recipients  to help them afford food and to keep food supplies moving before they rotted. The Department of Agriculture ordered them not to, saying SNAP customers must pay the same prices as other customers.

Food waste did not start with the Trump administration. But the administrations policies  though they claim to be seeking efficiency  have compounded voluminous waste at a time of growing need. This Thanksgiving, think about wasted food  as a problem, and as a symptom of larger problems.

American University School of International Service masters student Laurel Levin contributed to the writing of this article.
Apocalyptic warnings mask a prosperous reality at COP30

UN climate chief Simon Stiell used famine warnings to open the COP30 conference, claims disputed by long-term data.

Historical data shows natural famines have been nearly eliminated, with modern hunger primarily caused by conflict and political ideology.

Scientific bodies like the IPCC find little evidence of worsening trends for droughts, cyclones and other extreme weather events.

Rising atmospheric CO2 has contributed to global greening and increased agricultural yields, complicating alarmist narratives.

Critics argue the Net Zero agenda, by targeting hydrocarbons, threatens the very fertilizers and conditions that prevent widespread famine.

In the Amazonian city of Belem, where the United Nations convened its COP30 climate conference, a familiar narrative of impending doom was deployed. UN climate chief Simon Stiell opened the proceedings with dire warnings that government inaction would lead to megadroughts, famines and millions of climate refugees. This apocalyptic rhetoric, however, stands in stark contrast to decades of global data showing a dramatic decline in famine mortality and a planet that is, in many ways, becoming greener and more agriculturally productive, raising questions about the use of fear to advance a specific political and economic agenda.

The myth of the modern famine

The central pillar of Stiells argumentthat climate change is causing widespread faminecollapses under historical scrutiny. Over the last century, and particularly in the last 25 years, natural famines caused primarily by environmental factors have become exceedingly rare. The United Nations own data, from its State of Food Security and Nutrition Report, classifies contemporary famine conditions as limited to active war zones. The great famines of the modern era, such as the tens of millions of deaths during Chinas Great Leap Forward, were not products of weather but of disastrous political ideology. The current narrative alarmingly parallels these failed policies by targeting the hydrocarbon-based fertilizers and CO2-enriched atmosphere that have been instrumental in feeding a growing global population.

Science fails to support the hysteria

Despite relentless claims of a climate-driven uptick in extreme weather, the scientific evidence remains far less conclusive than the rhetoric at COP30 suggests. The UNs own Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly stated it has low confidence in the emergence of trends for drought frequency, and it detects similarly minimal change in trends for cyclones, floods and wildfires. This scientific restraint is often ignored by activists and officials. Recent research, including work by Professor Gianluca Alimonti, has reinforced that there are no statistically significant worsening trends for many key climate impacts, while highlighting humanitys successful adaptation to environmental challenges.

The unspoken benefits of a carbon-rich world

A critical element omitted from the COP30 dialogue is the documented benefit of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. Peer-reviewed studies, including one recently published in Nature Plants, show that the Amazon rainforest and other global biomass are gorging on the gas of life, with trees growing significantly faster. This CO2 fertilization effect has led to global greening, de-desertification in marginal areas like the sub-Saharan Sahel, and higher crop yields. Plants grown in CO2-enriched environments also use water more efficiently, enhancing their resilience to periodic dry spells. This reality presents a fundamental contradiction to the alarmist vision of a planet spiraling into barrenness.

The true cost of the Net Zero fantasy

The push for Net Zero emissions, as championed at forums like COP30, represents a modern Great Leap Forward with potentially catastrophic consequences. By seeking to eliminate the hydrocarbon economy that provides fertilizer, modern farming and energy, this agenda directly threatens the foundation of global food security. The political and media elites promoting this transition often ignore the scientific data that contradicts their narrative, instead relying on emotional appeals and fear. The construction of the conference itself, which required the felling of an estimated 100,000 rainforest trees to accommodate attendees, served as a potent symbol of the hypocrisy and sinister inconsistencies at the heart of the movement.

A manufactured crisis for a political end

The collapse of productive dialogue at COP30 under the weight of its own contradictions reveals a deeper truth. The climate crisis, as presented by its most vocal proponents, relies on a manufactured hysteria that is disconnected from empirical data. The warnings of climate-driven famine are not a reflection of reality but a political tool to justify a radical restructuring of the global economy and a curtailment of personal freedoms. As the evidence of a greener, more productive planet accumulates, the choice becomes clear: embrace a future of innovation and abundance based on factual science, or submit to a dystopian fantasy of scarcity and control, all to solve a problem that is not unfolding as predicted.

Sources for this article include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

TheGuardian.com

WHO.int
Nov 29 (Reuters) - Micron Technology will invest 1.5 trillion yen ($9.6 billion) to build a new plant in Hiroshima in western Japan to produce advanced high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, the Nikkei reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The U.S. chipmaker aims to start construction at an existing site in May next year and begin shipments around 2028, with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry providing up to 500 billion yen for the project, the Nikkei said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

To revive its aging semiconductor industry, Japan's government is offering generous subsidies to lure investment from foreign chip makers such as Micron and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). It is also funding the construction of a plant that will mass produce advanced logic chips using IBM technology.

Demand for HBM chips is being driven by the growth of artificial intelligence and data centre investment.

The expansion of its plant in Hiroshima will help Micron diversify production away from Taiwan and compete with market leader SK Hynix, the Nikkei said.

($1 = 156.1500 yen)

(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru and Tim Kelly in Tokyo; Editing by William Mallard and Tom Hogue)
Iowa schools overhaul curriculum: Fetal development lessons replace gender identity policies

Iowa will require schools to teach students in grades 512 about prenatal development "starting at fertilization," using approved visual aidsexcluding materials from pro-abortion groups.

The state is removing "gender identity" as a protected class in school policies, replacing it with "gender theory," aligning with conservative efforts to limit discussions on gender and sexuality in schools.

Advocacy groups like Inspired Life argue parentsnot schoolsshould guide children's understanding of gender, while critics warn the changes marginalize transgender students.

The fetal development curriculum supports Iowa's pro-life stance, aiming to shift public opinion on abortion, while the removal of gender identity protections follows broader Republican-led education reforms.

New rules grant Iowa's HHS authority to investigate abuse by school staff, requiring termination of guilty employees amid heightened scrutiny over misconduct in schools.

In a sweeping shift for public education, Iowa's State Board of Education is finalizing rules that will require schools to teach students about fetal development while removing references to "gender identity" from policies.

The changes, set for public review on Dec. 30, follow contentious legislative battles over parental rights, science-based education and the role of schools in shaping students' views on gender and human life.

The proposed rules mandate that students in grades 5 through 12 learn about prenatal development "starting at fertilization" using visual aidsprovided they do not originate from pro-abortion organizations. Simultaneously, the board is revising policies to comply with a new state law that strips "gender identity" as a protected class under Iowa's Civil Rights Act, replacing it with "gender theory" in school codes.

Parental rights vs. school authority

The move has drawn sharp reactions from advocacy groups on both sides. Inspired Life, a Christian organization, praised the gender policy revisions, stating that parentsnot schoolsshould guide children's understanding of gender and sexuality.

"Parents are responsible for guiding their children's understanding of gender and sexuality according to their values and their beliefs," the group previously argued, emphasizing that schools should prioritize core academics like math and science.

Critics, however, warn that the changes marginalize transgender students. Jordan Mix, director of educational programming with Iowa Safe Schools, told KCCI that the policy sends a harmful message: "It really sends the message to our students that their gender identity is something to hide or to keep private and not something that is just merely a part of who they are."

Science, policy and the abortion debate

The fetal development curriculum aligns with Iowa's broader pro-life legislative push, reinforcing the argument that life begins at conception. Similar initiatives, like Live Action's "Baby Olivia" project, aim to shift public opinion by presenting biological facts to young audiences. Supporters argue that early education on human development could reduce future support for abortiona strategy gaining traction in conservative states.

Meanwhile, the removal of "gender identity" protections follows national trends where Republican-led states have restricted discussions on gender and sexuality in schools. The Trump administration previously sought to depoliticize education by cutting federal funding for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, while the Biden White House had expanded Title IX protections for transgender studentsa policy now reversed in Iowa.

New oversight for school abuse cases

In a separate but related move, the board approved rules granting the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) authority to investigate abuse cases involving school employees. Under the new guidelines, HHS will handle allegations of physical or sexual abuse by staff, volunteers or vendors occurring during school hours or activities. Schools must terminate any employee found guilty of abuse, though districts retain authority over complaints that don't meet HHS thresholds.

The changes come amid heightened scrutiny over school safety and accountability, particularly following high-profile cases of misconduct in educational settings.

For BrightU.AI's Enoch, the debate reflects a broader national divide over what schools should teachand who should decide. For supporters, the changes restore parental authority and scientific clarity. For opponents, they risk erasing protections for vulnerable students. Either way, Iowa's classrooms are poised to become the next battleground in America's culture wars.

Iowa's latest education reforms underscore a deepening ideological rift over the role of schools in shaping young minds. By mandating lessons on fetal development and rolling back gender identity protections, the state has positioned itself at the forefront of conservative education policya move that will likely inspire similar efforts nationwide. As the rules near final approval, the Dec. 30 hearing may offer the last chance for public input before Iowa's schools undergo a significant transformation.

Watch the video below that talks about experiments on children under the guise of gender diversity.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

KCCI.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Palestines economy suffers worst ever collapse, erasing decades of development

A UN report describes the Palestinian economy as experiencing one of the worst recorded collapses globally, reversing 22 years of progress in less than two years due to intense conflict and long-standing restrictions.

The overall economy has shrunk back to its 2010 size, and the average individual's prosperity (GDP per capita) has plummeted to the level of 2003. Gaza's situation is extreme, with its economy nearly wiped out and its average income falling to one of the lowest in the world.

The economic freefall is a direct result of overwhelming physical destruction, with an estimated 70% of Gaza's buildings damaged or destroyed, and severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods that choke off all economic activity.

The Palestinian Authority is in a fiscal crisis, unable to pay salaries or provide services, partly because Israel has withheld billions in tax revenues. Reconstruction is estimated to cost over $70 billion and could take decades, even with international aid.

For ordinary Palestinians, this translates into a daily struggle for survival, profound loss and exhaustion. With livelihoods destroyed and no clear path to recovery, the foundations of a normal life have been shattered for generations to come.

Two years of war and restrictions have triggered an unprecedented economic breakdown, reversing 22 years of progress and trapping Palestinians in a deepening crisis.

A new United Nations (UN) report has delivered a stark assessment of the economic devastation in Palestine, describing it as the sharpest collapse ever recorded, a direct consequence of two years of intense military conflict and a long-standing system of restrictions.

The report from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published on Tuesday, Nov. 25, states that the Palestinian economy has not only contracted but has entered a state of near-total breakdown. This has effectively reversed decades of developmental progress, leaving the occupied territories in a state of severe fiscal and social fragility.

The scale of the collapse is historic. UNCTAD places it among the 10 worst global economic collapses since 1960, noting that Gaza's case stands out as the most severe.

The economic gains of the last 22 years have been wiped out in less than two years. By the end of 2024, the overall economic output, or GDP, had fallen back to its 2010 level. More tellingly, GDP per capita, a key measure of average individual prosperity, had plummeted to its 2003 level.

The situation in Gaza is described as extreme. Its economy shrank by a catastrophic 87% over 2023 and 2024, with GDP per capita dropping to a mere $161. This is one of the lowest figures in the world, representing just 4.6% of the economic level in the occupied West Bank.

This economic freefall is rooted in overwhelming physical destruction and systemic constraints. UN satellite analysis recorded more than 174,500 damaged structures in Gaza between November 2023 and April 2025, which is approximately 70% of all buildings in the enclave. The losses are comprehensive  spanning factories, commercial areas, hospitals, schools and the core infrastructure for electricity, water and communications.

Compounding this destruction are the harsh restrictions on movement and trade. The report cites limited entry of goods and productive inputs, along with recurrent military operations, as the primary drivers of the collapse. These factors have choked economic activity, leading the UN to conclude that the entire population has fallen into multidimensional poverty.

Fiscal crisis and a decades-long recovery

The Palestinian Authority (PA), which according to BrightU.AI's Enoch is the governing body in parts of the occupied territories, is facing a paralyzing fiscal crisis. Plummeting revenues and Israels withholding of $1.76 billion in Palestinian tax revenues between 2019 and 2025 have left the PA unable to pay salaries or maintain essential public services.

This comes at a time when extraordinary public spending is needed to repair infrastructure and address a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. The West Bank is also experiencing its most severe downturn on record, plagued by illegal settlement expansion, settler attacks, and tight movement controls that undermine economic activity for over 3.3 million people.

UNCTAD estimates that reconstruction and recovery in Gaza will require more than $70 billion. Even with substantial international aid, the report warns that returning to pre-war economic levels could take decades.

For ordinary Palestinians, these economic indicators translate into a daily struggle for survival and a profound loss of normalcy. The story of Faiq Ajour, a 29-year-old from Gaza City, illustrates the human toll. Having lost 30 members of his extended family in the war and seen his wife severely injured, Ajour has been displaced multiple times in a futile search for safety.

Ajour describes a life where the recent ceasefire has offered little reprieve, with frequent bombardments turning life "upside down without warning." Once a clothing trader, he has lost his livelihood and now sits at home with no sign of work or reconstruction.

"We are exhausted," lamented Ajour. "Life in Gaza is 99% dead."

The dream of rebuilding a normal life seems distant. With Israel refusing to end its military campaign fully and the future governance of Gaza shrouded in uncertainty, Palestinians are trapped in a state of limbo. The economic collapse, as the UN report makes clear, is not just a temporary setback  but a catastrophic reversal that has shattered the foundations of Palestinian society for generations to come.

Watch this short documentary about famine in Gaza.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

AlJazeera.com

BrightU.AI

Brighteon.com
Russia escalates drone war as Ukraine conflict spirals into protracted bloodshed

Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack of the war479 drones and 20 missilesin retaliation for Ukraine's earlier strikes on Russian air bases, killing at least six and injuring dozens.

Despite the escalating violence, Russia and Ukraine carried out a rare prisoner exchange, even as peace talks remain stalled and both sides refuse to concede ground.

The Kremlin's assault, partly involving Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted military sites near NATO territory and aimed to avenge damage from Ukraine's June 1 drone attack on Russian warplanes.

The conflict continues a cycle of intensifying tit-for-tat strikes, with both nations conducting deep attacks and civilians suffering mounting casualties and infrastructural devastation.

Diplomatic effortsincluding U.S. outreach and cautious European engagementremain uncertain, while analysts warn that Russia's growing reliance on drone warfare increases risks to civilians and prolongs the war.

The skies over Ukraine erupted in flames overnight as Russia launched its largest drone and missile assault since the war began, retaliating for Ukraine's audacious strikes on Russian air bases earlier this month. In a relentless barrage, Moscow fired 479 drones and 20 missiles, turning Ukrainian cities into battlegrounds while Kyiv's air defenses scrambled to intercept the onslaught. The attack left at least six dead, dozens wounded and critical infrastructure in ruinsyet even as the violence escalated, both sides engaged in a rare prisoner exchange, swapping wounded soldiers and younger captives in a fleeting moment of cooperation amid the carnage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the scale of the assault but offered few details, stating, "The process is quite complicated, there are many sensitive details, negotiations continue virtually every day." Despite these diplomatic murmurs, peace talks remain frozen, with Russia rejecting Kyiv's demands for an unconditional ceasefire. For civilians like Tetiana Lytvyn, whose relatives remain missing, the war's toll transcends battlefield statistics. "The war might end," she said, "but for those of us with family still missing, the war will never be over until they come home."

Russia's retaliation: A message of ruthless resolve

The Kremlin's massive drone strike was a direct response to Ukraine's June 1 attack, which saw 117 Ukrainian drones penetrate Russian airspace, damaging up to 20 warplanes, including nuclear-capable bombers. While Moscow downplayed the losses, military analysts and even pro-Russian bloggers acknowledged significant damagea humiliation the Kremlin could not ignore. In a calculated escalation, Russian forces zeroed in on a military airfield near Dubno, just 60 kilometers from NATO-member Poland, signaling Moscow's willingness to push the conflict to the brink of wider escalation.

The attack relied heavily on Iranian-made Shahed dronescheap, expendable loitering munitions designed to overwhelm defenses. Yet Ukraine's improving interception rates, bolstered by Western-supplied air defenses, managed to down 277 drones and 19 missiles, though at least 10 slipped through, striking their targets. One civilian was injured, but the psychological impact was far greater, reinforcing fears that Russia's war machine remains undeterred by sanctions or diplomatic pressure.

A cycle of escalation with no end in sight

The conflict has devolved into a war of attrition, with neither side willing to back down. Just days before the drone onslaught, Russia launched another massive missile barrage on June 6, targeting Ukrainian defense factories, drone production sites and military training centers. The Kremlin framed the strikes as retaliation, insisting only military assets were hityet civilian casualties mounted, with at least seven killed and 120 injured, including children.

Ukraine, meanwhile, continues its own long-range drone operations, striking deep into Russian territory. On Tuesday, a Ukrainian drone attack in Taganrog killed three and damaged homes and industrial sites, prompting Moscow to claim it had intercepted 249 drones over Russia and occupied Crimea. The tit-for-tat strikes underscore a grim reality: neither side can deliver a knockout blow, yet neither is willing to cease hostilities.

Peace talks or prolonged suffering?

Behind the scenes, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, marking Washington's latest attempt to broker a ceasefire. A U.S. official familiar with the talks described them as exploratory, with Ukraine informed but no concrete timeline for progress. Zelensky, meanwhile, urged Western allies to unify diplomatic pressure on Moscow, warning that fractured support would only embolden Putin.

European leaders remain cautious. French President Emmanuel Macron called the emerging peace proposal "positive" but warned against any deal that would leave Ukraine defenseless. "Only Ukraine can decide what compromises it is willing to make," he stressed, casting doubt on Moscow's sincerity.

Yet as diplomats talk, the war grinds on. Kyiv residents awoke to explosions, their apartments shattered by debris. Ninety-year-old Liubov Petrivna surveyed her ruined home and voiced the despair of millions: "I don't believe peace will come. Russia wants only destruction."

With winter tightening its grip and energy infrastructure under fire, Ukraine faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Russiadespite its lossesshows no sign of relenting. The war has become a test of endurance, with civilians paying the highest price. As the world watches, the question remains: How much longer before either side breaks?

For now, the answer is written in fire across the skies of Ukraine.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the escalation of drone warfare by Russia in Ukraine signals a dangerous shift toward more indiscriminate and lethal tactics, potentially leading to further civilian casualties and prolonging the conflict. This move underscores the urgent need for international intervention and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.

Watch the video below about Russia surprising Kyiv with new attacks.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

BrightU.AI

Brighteon.com
UN condemns Israel: Civilian death toll in Lebanon rose to 127 since November 2024 ceasefire

Despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have killed 127 civilians (per UN verified counts), including 13 in a Palestinian refugee camp, with Lebanon reporting 331 total fatalities. The UN warns of potential war crimes due to attacks on non-military sites.

Over 64,000 Lebanese remain displaced, with Israel constructing a border wall encroaching on Lebanese land, blocking civilian returns. The UN condemns this as a violation of rights.

The UN calls for impartial investigations into strikes like Ain al-Hilweh, where 11 children died, citing no evidence of militant activity despite Israel's claims of targeting Hamas.

Linked to Gaza's war (53,000+ Palestinian deaths), tensions risk a full-scale invasion of Lebanon. The UN General Assembly passed a non-binding ceasefire resolution, but negotiations remain stalled.

The UN urges diplomatic solutions over military escalation, stressing that only a permanent cessation of hostilities can protect civilians. Meanwhile, Lebanon's civilians endure relentless violence with no justice.

The United Nations has issued a stern condemnation of Israel's military actions in Lebanon, revealing that at least 127 civilians have been killed by Israeli strikes since a ceasefire agreement took effect a year ago.

Despite the Nov. 27, 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, hostilities have persisted, with Israeli airstrikes intensifying in recent weeks. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that this ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two parties, marking a temporary halt to hostilities following a month-long escalation.

The decentralized engine adds that the November 2024 ceasefire was a temporary measure, designed to provide a breathing space for both sides to reassess their strategies and address their domestic concerns. It did not address the underlying issues or resolve the long-standing disputes between Israel and Hezbollah.

The UN Human Rights Office emphasized that the attacks, many targeting civilian infrastructure, violate international humanitarian law and demanded immediate investigations. One of the deadliest incidents occurred last week when an Israeli strike hit the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, killing 13 civilians, including 11 children, and wounding dozens. The UN's latest figures stem from verified civilian deaths, though officials warn the actual toll may be higher.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated at a Geneva press briefing: "Almost a year since the ceasefire was agreed, we continue to witness increasing attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian objects in Lebanon, coupled with alarming threats of a wider, intensified offensive."

Israel claimed the Ain al-Hilweh strike targeted a Hamas training facility. However, the UN found no evidence of militant activity among the victims.

Lebanon's humanitarian crisis deepens

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 331 fatalities since the ceasefire began, though it did not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Over 945 people have been wounded, while 64,000 Lebanese remain displaced due to ongoing hostilities and Israeli-imposed barriers.

Israel has constructed a wall encroaching into Lebanese territory, blocking access to 4,000 square meters of land. The UN criticized the move, stating it violates the right of displaced civilians to return home.

The UN also demanded "prompt and impartial investigations" into the Ain al-Hilweh attack and other potential war crimes. "All the fatalities we have documented as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military's attack may have violated international humanitarian law," Al-Kheetan said.

Israel has defended its operations, claiming over 350 Hezbollah operatives have been killed since the ceasefire, alongside hundreds of targeted strikes on militant infrastructure. However, the UN insists that civilian casualties and destruction of non-military sites  such as homes, roads and factories indicate reckless disregard for international law.

The conflict in Lebanon remains intertwined with Israel's war in Gaza, where over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. The UN General Assembly recently passed a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, supported by surprising votes from Germany and Ukraine, signaling growing global frustration with Israel's military campaigns.

With negotiations stalled and fears of a full-scale Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, the situation threatens to spiral further out of control. As the ceasefire's one-year anniversary passes, the UN urged all parties to "comply with the truce in good faith" and prioritize diplomatic solutions over military escalation.

"A genuine path toward a permanent cessation of hostilities is the only way to protect the human rights of civilians on both sides," Al-Kheetan emphasized. For now, Lebanon's civilians remain caught in the crossfire, with no justice in sight for the lives already lost.

Watch this video about Israel bombing southern Lebanon.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

News.Antiwar.com

JPost.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

OHCHR.org

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Washington secures strategic Caribbean foothold as Dominican Republic allows U.S. forces LIMITED access

The Dominican Republic has agreed to allow U.S. forces restricted access for refueling and logistical operations, including KC-135 tanker aircraft for maritime patrols and C-130 Hercules cargo planes for disaster relief and reconnaissance.

Dominican President Luis Abinader emphasized the temporary nature of the deal, citing a tenfold increase in drug seizures due to U.S. collaboration. However, critics suspect broader geopolitical motives, particularly against Venezuela.

The agreement follows U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine's meetings in Trinidad and Tobago, raising concerns about escalating pressure on Venezuela. Trinidad's PM denied discussing Venezuela-based operations, but analysts note Trump's hardline stance against Caracas.

Past U.S. military interventions in Latin America (e.g., Panama 1989) began similarly as "security partnerships," fueling regional distrust. Critics warn this agreement could lead to deeper militarization rather than genuine sovereignty.

While the Dominican government highlights benefits like improved disaster response, lack of public scrutiny and pending U.S. radar requests (e.g., Grenada) raise transparency concerns. The deal may set a precedent for expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.

In a move signaling deepening U.S. military involvement in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced a limited agreement granting American forces access to restricted areas for refueling and logistical operations.

The pact was unveiled on Wednesday, Nov. 26, alongside U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at San Isidro Air Base. It marks the first public accord with a regional ally as Washington intensifies its campaign against drug trafficking  a campaign critics warn may mask broader geopolitical ambitions targeting Venezuela. The technically narrow but strategically significant agreement permits U.S. KC-135 tanker aircraft to support maritime patrols and refuel partner nations' planes, while C-130 Hercules cargo planes will assist in disaster relief and reconnaissance.

Abinader emphasized the arrangement's temporary nature, framing it as essential to counter narcotics networks that have exploited the island nation for decades. "No country can confront this threat alone," he declared, citing a tenfold increase in drug seizures over five years through U.S. collaboration.

Yet the deal's timing raises pointed questions. Hegseth's visit followed Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine's meetings in Trinidad and Tobago  another nation near Venezuela  with Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. While she previously endorsed violent U.S. strikes against drug traffickers, Persad-Bissessar denied discussing Venezuela as a base for operations. Regional analysts, however, note the Trump administration's unrelenting pressure on Caracas  including unconfirmed reports of troop deployment considerations.

Santo Domingo signs deal: The Caribbean's new flashpoint

Hegseth, praising the Dominican Republic's "leadership," insisted the mission targets transnational crime, not sovereignty. "We know where [traffickers] are leaving from, what they're bringing, and who they represent," he asserted, vowing strict adherence to Dominican laws.

Skeptics, however, recall historical precedents. U.S. military interventions in Latin America, from the 1989 Panama invasion to Cold War-era proxy conflicts, often began with similarly framed security partnerships.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the U.S. and Latin America share a relationship marked by admiration for American progress but deep resentment over historical exploitation, interference and humiliation  fueling both cooperation and resistance. Meanwhile, drug cartels and militarized institutions further destabilize the region, complicating efforts toward sovereignty and equitable development.

The Dominican government's detailed statement outlined practical benefits, including enhanced aeromedical evacuation capacity  a nod to the Caribbean's vulnerability to hurricanes. But the absence of public questioning at the announcement, coupled with Grenada's pending decision on a U.S. radar installation request, fuels concerns over transparency.

As Abinader's administration balances domestic skepticism against the lure of U.S. resources, the agreement may test the limits of collaboration in a region long wary of foreign militarization. With the U.S. military presence now at a generational high in the Caribbean, the Dominican accord sets a template Washington hopes to replicate. Whether it strengthens regional security or becomes another flashpoint in the volatile geopolitics of the Americas remains to be seen.

Watch Venezuelan Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samuel Moncada warning that "nuclear-capable assets" have been deployed to the Caribbean.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

PBS.org

LeMonde.fr

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Indonesia launches massive oil and gas exploration push, invites global investors to develop 108 untapped basins

Indonesia aims to nearly double its crude oil production to one million barrels per day (bpd) by 2029, targeting 108 untapped oil and gas basins to reverse its decade-long decline in hydrocarbon output.

The government has introduced streamlined licensing (Govt. Regulation No. 28/2025) and 75 new oil/gas blocks to attract global investors, with nine already awarded.

Plans include Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), waterflooding and reactivating inactive wells to maximize output, alongside infrastructure expansions like pipelines and refineries.

The Perkasa Working Area contract (228M barrels oil + 1.3T cubic feet gas) was signed, featuring a 300K bonus and 2.25M firm commitment, signaling strong interest.

Despite hurdles like deepwater exploration complexity and infrastructure gaps, success could reduce ASEAN reliance on Middle Eastern/Russian energy and bolster Indonesia's energy sovereignty.

In a bold move to revitalize its energy sector, Indonesia has unveiled an ambitious plan to unlock 108 untapped oil and gas basins across its vast archipelago, aiming to nearly double its crude oil production to one million barrels per day (bpd) by 2029.

The initiative, announced by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, seeks to reverse Indonesia's decade-long decline in hydrocarbon output and reduce reliance on imports. Currently, Southeast Asia's largest economy produces only 600,000 bpd, a far cry from its peak production years.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, hydrocarbons are a large group of organic compounds composed solely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms, with the general chemical formula CnH2n+2, where "n" is the number of carbon atoms. They are categorized into several subgroups based on their structure and properties. The majority of hydrocarbons in use today are derived from fossil fuels, such as petroleum, natural gas and coal. These fuels are formed from the remains of ancient organisms and are found in deposits beneath the Earth's surface.

Out of 128 identified basins, only 20 have been developed, leaving vast hydrocarbon reserves unexplored. The government is now prioritizing advanced 2D and 3D seismic surveys to attract global investors and accelerate exploration.

"Our shared vision is clear. By 2029, Indonesia will achieve its production target of one million barrels of oil per day, boost energy security and advance sustainable development," Yuliot declared at the Grand Launching of Indonesia Oil and Gas Exploration (IONGE) 2025 in Jakarta.

Regulatory reforms and investment incentives

To streamline investment, Indonesia has introduced Government Regulation No. 28/2025 on Risk-Based Business Licensing and Ministerial Regulation No. 14/2025, ensuring transparent cooperation frameworks for upstream projects.

The government has also prepared 75 oil and gas blocks across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua and offshore regions. Nine have already been awarded, with more expected through auctions and direct assignments.

Key strategies include:

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and waterflood techniques to maximize output from mature fields.

Optimizing inactive wells for short- and medium-term gains.

Accelerating infrastructure, including pipelines, refinery expansions and storage facilities.

During the event, Indonesia signed a contract for the Perkasa Working Area, estimated to hold 228 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) and 1.3 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas. The deal includes a 300,000-signature bonus and 2.25 million in firm commitments, showcasing strong investor interest.

IONGE 2025: A global showcase for Indonesia's energy future

The IONGE 2025 summit, attended by 500+ participantsincluding oil majors, financial institutions and research bodiesaims to position Indonesia as a premier exploration destination. Key highlights include:

Prospectivity catalogs and updated geophysical data.

IONGE digital platform, offering centralized investment and regulatory updates.

Technical panels on fiscal policies, exploration challenges and infrastructure needs.

Despite the enthusiasm, hurdles remain:

Deepwater and frontier basin complexities requiring cutting-edge technology.

Infrastructure gaps in remote regions.

Market volatility impacting long-term investment decisions.

Yet, success could reshape ASEAN energy security, reducing regional dependence on Middle Eastern and Russian supplies.

Indonesia's aggressive push to develop its 108 untapped basins marks one of the most significant upstream opportunities in Asia. With regulatory reforms, strategic partnerships and global investor outreach, Jakarta aims to reclaim its status as a major hydrocarbon producerwhile securing its energy future.

As Yuliot emphasized: "With collaboration and innovation, we can accelerate exploration investments, strengthen energy security and build a sustainable energy future for Indonesia."

The world will be watching closelyas will energy marketsto see if this gamble pays off.

Watch the video below about OPEC+ announcing a sharp cut to global oil production.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

OilPrice.com

BrightU.ai

AsiaToday.id

DiscoveryAlert.com.au

VOI.id

Brighteon.com
Navys year-long silence on plutonium detection sparks outrage in San Francisco community

The U.S. Navy delayed alerting the public to airborne plutonium detection for nearly a year.

The radioactive plutonium was found at the contaminated Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.

This failure deepens distrust in a community with a history of environmental injustice.

Plutonium-239 is extremely lethal, with inhalation almost certain to cause cancer.

The incident casts doubt on ambitious redevelopment plans for the toxic Superfund site.

Residents of San Franciscos Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood are confronting a disturbing reality after learning that the U.S. Navy detected dangerous, airborne plutonium at a contaminated shipyard nearly a year before informing the public. The failure to promptly disclose the radioactive threat has ignited outrage and deepened distrust in a community already burdened by a history of environmental injustice and government cover-ups.

The navy found plutonium-239 in air samples at the 866-acre Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in November 2024. City health officials, however, were not alerted until October 2025, an eleven-month delay that the navy has since apologized for. The radioactive material was detected in an area adjacent to a residential neighborhood filled with condominiums and a public park.

This incident marks the latest in a long series of controversies at the Superfund site, a location so polluted it is designated among the nation's most toxic. The shipyard was used as a staging ground for nuclear weapons testing in the mid-20th century, and an estimated 2,000 grams of plutonium-239, one of the most lethal substances on Earth, is believed to be present at the location.

Secrecy and cover-ups

Public trust is further eroded by the navys history with the site. In 2023, the navy and a contractor were accused of falsifying test results for another radioactive substance, strontium-90. This pattern of behavior leads to a critical question, as posed by Steve Castleman, supervising attorney of Berkeley Laws Environmental Law Clinic: Can you trust them to report this honestly?

The navys environmental coordinator overseeing the clean-up, Michael Pound, publicly acknowledged the failure. Ive spent a fair amount of time up here getting to know the community, getting to know your concerns, transparency and trust, and on this issue we did not do a good job, Pound told a community meeting.

The health stakes of contamination

The health implications of the discovery are severe. Plutonium-239 is a key component in nuclear weapons. Air exposure can cause cellular damage and radiation sickness, and the inhalation of just one-millionth of an ounce will cause cancer with a virtual 100% statistical certainty.

The navys own testing found a sample with plutonium levels two times higher than the federal action threshold. While the navy claims a subsequent test showed a non-detect and that exposure levels are safe, it has not yet provided the full data to the public to support this assertion. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated it has requested all of the data used by the navy so our agency could verify the findings ourselves.

This discovery throws a dark shadow over ambitious plans to redevelop Hunters Point with up to 10,000 housing units and new commercial districts. One parcel has already been turned over to developers, and residents there have long reported clusters of cancer and other health problems they believe are linked to unremediated contamination.

The decades-long effort to clean Hunters Point has been filled with failures. The navy initially tried to clean irradiated ships with brooms in the 1950s, and later sandblasted them, spreading contaminated grit across the yard. Jeff Ruch, senior counsel with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, notes that several thousand tons of radioactive grit that have never been accounted for were buried. Where was it buried? The navy doesnt know and it doesnt want to look.

For lifelong residents like Arieann Harrison, who had already tested positive for plutonium exposure through a community biomonitoring foundation, the navys latest finding is an unsettling validation. I feel very validated, Harrison said. Now that those naysayers know that this is really a real thing.

This eleven-month silence on a plutonium threat is more than a bureaucratic misstep. It is a profound breach of the publics right to know what risks they are facing in their own neighborhoods, reinforcing a painful legacy where the promise of urban renewal is built upon a foundation of concealed contamination and broken trust.

Sources for this article include:

TheGuardian.com

KRON4.com

KQED.org
Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) is one of the AI Stocks on the Markets Radar. On November 24, Needham reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $80.00 following their attendance at Blocks investor day in San Francisco. Firm analysts are supportive of the stock based on Blocks growth strategy, AI roadmap, and capital return plans.

Needham highlighted several key takeaways from the investor day, coming away with better clarity on Blocks growth strategy and GTM strategy. The standout insights have particularly been the companys new products and AI initiatives.

On the Cash App side, the company announced new Neighborhoods and Moneybot products, while on the Square division side, new capabilities were revealed including Managerbot, an AI agent designed for restaurant operators.

The firm also highlighted plans for sales expansion to drive growth in upmarket segments and international market, along with a share repurchase program.

It further announced a new $5 billion share repurchase program and intends to return 80% of non-GAAP FCF to investors. Currently trading at a reasonable ~9x EV/FY26 EBITDA, we believe the risk-reward is favorable. As such, we reiterate our BUY rating and $80 target.

Block, Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) is a financial technology company.

While we acknowledge the potential of XYZ 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 AI Stocks in Focus on Wall Street and 10 Hot AI Stocks to Keep on Your Radar

Disclosure: None.
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SMU Office of Research Governance & Administration  Associate Professor Yasmin Ortiga chats with Filipino nurses for a living. The sociologist at Singapore Management University (SMU) tends to ask them about their hopes and dreams, why they uprooted themselves to go work in a hospital miles away from their home in the Philippines, often leaving young children behind. Every conversation builds up her research on international migration.

Of late, the chats have thrown up cases of these migrant nurses choosing to bypass Singapore, which relies on Filipinos for over half of its foreign registered nurses. A blip or a notable shift in migration patterns? That is one of the questions Professor Ortiga seeks to answer in her latest research, "Tracing Nurse Trajectories: Multinational Migration Amid Global Competition".

The proposal, which has received a Ministry of Education (MOE) Academic Research Fund (AcRF) Tier 2 grant, will be the first to quantitatively trace the diverse global pathways of migrant nurses, providing information such as time spent in each place, in relation to factors including age and social class.

"We know there is major competition for nurses. This project is basically about proving empirically that this competition has a way of moving nurses towards one place and keeping them away from others," Professor Ortiga told SMU's Office of Research Governance & Administration (ORGA) in an interview.

Illuminating the "middle space"

Steering away from conventional thinking in migration studies that an individual moves for personal reasons to a foreign place, her project will consider myriad external factors as well as the concept of some places being "stepping stones" before the individual settles down in a desired destination. This so-called "middle space" is what Professor Ortiga will scrutinise.

"Often, there's this black box in the middle. For a long time, scholars didn't try to understand how people move across borders, who handles their paperwork, and who gave them the idea to move to this place rather than another. Now, we know that there is a middle space of recruiters, brokers, state officials and other migrants who also influence that decision," she explained.

"We've never really recognised this middle space in terms of how it shapes migration patterns. There has been more research on brokers in recent years, but even then, a lot of the focus has been on how brokers move people from Point A to Point B, it's always a single origin and a single destination."

The reality, she said, is "a global marketplace, where everyone is competing for the same pool of labor".

Mixed-method research for new knowledge

This three-year project will produce new data to enrich migration studies.

To capture Filipino migrant nurses' actual movements across borders alongside significant policy changes, Professor Ortiga will use the Event History Calendar, a survey instrument that allows researchers to reconstruct significant events in a respondent's life history. The target is to survey around 2,400 Filipino nurses who have either worked or are currently working in Singapore  an established stepping-stone destination  and the United Kingdom (UK), a "desired" end-destination known to offer higher wages and the possibility of permanent residency. Comparing these two pathways will enable the project team to determine how changes in a desired destination affects nurse trajectories towards another.

To investigate how actors within the "middle space of migration" work, the team will conduct in-depth interviews with 50 state officials, brokers, hospital administrators, and nursing school owners, all from Singapore, the Philippines and the UK. This will shed light on the kinds of strategies formulated and implemented in a bid to influence nurses' career decisions.

For insight into the nurses' perspectives, the team will use the "digital story completion method", a popular approach in the medical humanities. Around 100 nurses, who are either working in or had passed through Singapore, will go online to read the beginning of a hypothetical scenario or so-called "story stem", and then complete the story in their own words by typing in their responses. The project team will then analyse the completed stories to see how nurses' responses change when variables change.

This will mark the first time that the digital story completion method is being implemented in Singapore, having enjoyed success in other research sites, said Professor Ortiga.

Impact on stepping-stone countries like Singapore

Professor Ortiga believes the project will help policymakers who are facing growing competition for the migrants they need to meet their population's burgeoning demand for healthcare workers. Singapore is a prime example: Not only does it have to fend off other "stepping stones"  such as Kuwait and Japan  for migrant nurses, it is also feeling the heat from desired destinations that have started relaxing their formerly-stringent criteria. So there is a fight for numbers, as well as for the creme de la creme.

"If you look at the numbers, Singapore is still able to recruit nurses from the Philippines, but my question is, 'Who is coming?' My hunch is, it's not the best nurses," said Professor Ortiga. "The most experienced nurses that come from the Philippines' best nursing schools  they are the ones more likely to skip to their desired destination."

One strategy is to craft state policies and programmes geared towards attracting overseas nursing talent, she said. Another is for Singapore to play to its advantage of proximity.

"What I hear from my interviewees is that it's very hard to get time off as a nurse in Singapore: Very heavy workload, stressful job. So some of them do wonder, what's the point of being so close if I don't get to fly home anyway; I might as well work in Saudi Arabia, where they give me free housing, or go straight to the UK." In short, offer work-life balance to the migrant nurse, too, says the sociologist with her ear firmly to the ground.
5 Jharkhand migrants stranded in Cameroon to return home on Tuesday

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 19:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Ranchi, Nov 29 (PTI) Five migrant workers from Jharkhand stranded in the central African country of Cameroon and facing financial problems due to the denial of salary will return home on Tuesday, officials said.

Team leader of the State Migrant Control Room (Labour department) Shikha Lakra told PTI that the matter was brought before the Labour department by a social activist Sikander Ali, and after talks with Indian Embassy officials in Cameroon and completion of all formalities, the workers have their flight tickets booked for return to India.

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We got in touch with the Indian Embassy and shared all the documents of the workers and the employers (a Mumbai-based private company). The Indian Embassy got in touch with the local authorities and managed to clear the five months pending salaries of each of the five workers. The flight tickets of the workers have been booked on Monday for their return to Mumbai. The flight will land on Tuesday," said Lakra.

The workers will then return to their home town by rail route at their own expense.

The workers had shared a video narrating their ordeal due to non-payment of salaries for five months, which was causing problems in accommodation and food to social activist Sikander Ali, who has been working for the cause of migrant workers.

The social activist got in touch with the Labour department.

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All the five workers had been hired by a Mumbai-based multinational private company for transmission line laying work in Cameroon and had alleged that they had not been paid salaries for the last five months. The workers and their families had been spending sleepless nights and are happy with the governments efforts in bringing them back," said Ali.

The five stranded workers are Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar and Dilon Mahato, all under the Vishnugarh police station area of Hazaribagh district and Dilchand Mahato of Dumri in Giridih district. PTI ANB RG

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First Published: November 29, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds 5 Jharkhand migrants stranded in Cameroon to return home on Tuesday

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North Koreas notorious cybercrime unit, Lazarus Group, is suspected of orchestrating a major cryptocurrency breach that drained roughly $30.6 million from South Koreas largest exchange, Upbit.

Key Takeaways:

North Koreas Lazarus Group is suspected of stealing about $30.6 million from Upbit.

Upbit operator Dunamu said it will fully reimburse users and has halted transactions.

Officials say the stolen funds were rapidly laundered through multiple wallets, a tactic Lazarus has used in past.

Authorities are preparing to conduct an on-site inspection at the exchange, following signs that the attack may be tied to the same actors behind previous intrusions attributed to Lazarus, Yonhap News reported, citing government and industry sources.

The group has previously been linked to crypto thefts aimed at generating revenue for Pyongyang amid persistent foreign currency shortages.

Dunamu to Reimburse Users After $30M Solana-Linked Hack at Upbit

Upbits operator, Dunamu, confirmed that Solana-linked assets worth 44.5 billion won were transferred to an unauthorized wallet on Thursday.

The company said it will reimburse users in full using its own reserves and moved quickly to halt withdrawals and deposits as internal checks were launched.

Investigators said the techniques used in the breach closely resembled the 2019 incident in which attackers allegedly stole 58 billion won in Ethereum from the same platform.

Officials believe this time the hackers may have bypassed core infrastructure by impersonating administrators or compromising internal accounts to authorize the withdrawal.

Security officials said the funds were swiftly moved through wallets associated with other platforms, indicating an attempt to obscure transaction trails through laundering tactics that Lazarus has used in past operations.

It is their standard approach to scatter tokens across multiple networks to break tracking, one official said.

Analysts noted that Lazarus has repeatedly targeted high-profile crypto platforms to maximize impact and exposure, suggesting the attack may have been deliberately staged to exploit heightened public attention.

Earlier this month, South Korea said it may reconsider its sanctions approach toward North Korea after new US measures connected Pyongyangs crypto theft operations to the funding of its weapons programs.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na said Seoul could review sanctions as a measure if they are really needed, stressing close coordination with Washington to counter North Koreas growing cyber and digital threats.
Ex-CJ of Patna HC Narasimha Reddy visits Constitution Day Photo Exhibition

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Hyderabad, Nov 29 (PTI) Former Chief Justice of Patna High Court and Justice L Narasimha Reddy visited a Photo Exhibition on Constitution Day organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) here, in collaboration with the Keshav Memorial Educational Society, on Saturday Justice Reddy was accompanied by Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, CBC.

Justice Reddy viewed the information panels on Constitution Day and Vandemataram @150, appreciating the efforts to present the constitutional themes in an informative manner for students.

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Addressing the students of Keshav Memorial College of Law (KMCL), Justice Narasimha Reddy highlighted the significance of the Constitution, calling it the outcome of the remarkable work of the Drafting Committee led by B. R. Ambedkar, an official release said.

He said that the flexibility of the Constitution is its greatest strength, enabling it to adapt to evolving societal needs whether in technology, justice delivery, administration, or welfare, it said. PTI SJR SJR ROH

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First Published: November 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

News agency-feeds Ex-CJ of Patna HC Narasimha Reddy visits Constitution Day Photo Exhibition

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Kerala: Man sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment in bribery case

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 19:45 IST

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Kottayam (Kerala), Nov 29 (PTI) A court here on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for accepting a bribe to grant a building permit.

Kottayam Vigilance Court judge KV Rajanish sentenced Martin Antony, a former Assistant Engineer at the Kumaranalloor Zonal Office of Kottayam Municipality and currently serving in Budhanoor Grama Panchayat, to seven years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakhs.

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He was found guilty under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act for accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 in 2014.

According to the prosecution, the complainant had applied for a permit to construct a hotel building on his land at Neelimangalam in Kumaranalloor.

Initially, the application was submitted to the Kumaranalloor Grama Panchayat, which was later merged with the Kottayam Municipality, and the file was subsequently transferred there, officials said.

Antony, who was handling the file at the Kumaranalloor Zonal Office, allegedly demanded Rs 15,000 from the complainant for clearing the permit file.

He was caught red-handed by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) while accepting the bribe, officials said.

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Antony was remanded to the Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail.

Public Prosecutor K K Sreekanth appeared for the VACB. PTI TBA SSK TBA SSK ROH

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First Published: November 29, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds Kerala: Man sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment in bribery case

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Op Sagar Bandhu: IAF deploys C-130, IL-76 aircraft to extend aid to Sri Lanka

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 13:00 IST

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New Delhi, Nov 29 (PTI) The IAF has deployed two transport aircraft  C-130 and IL-76  carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material as part of Indias humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

New Delhi launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

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Operation Sagar Bandhu | Humanitarian Assistance. In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Saturday.

The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air Base on the night of 28/29 Nov 2025, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo," it said.

Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities, officials said.

Reaffirming the spirit of Neighbourhood first, India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of need," the IAF said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a post on X on Saturday also shared an update on Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with: 9 Tons Relief Material 2 Urban Search and Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel," he said.

A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way! India Sri Lanka.

#OperationSagarBandhu continues," the EAM added.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the first tranche of relief materials were handed after the consignments were transported by Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri.

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More than 50 people have been killed in Sri Lanka due to floods and landslides.

More than 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been hit by the extreme weather conditions, according to Sri Lankan authorities. PTI KND OZ OZ

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First Published: November 29, 2025, 13:00 IST

News agency-feeds Op Sagar Bandhu: IAF deploys C-130, IL-76 aircraft to extend aid to Sri Lanka

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Pisces Horoscope Today, November 29, 2025

Curated By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:05 IST

Pisces Daily Horoscope, November 29, 2025: Ganesha predicts sudden business gains, health caution, and possible family marriage approval.

Pisces Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for meena rashi on November 29 2025. (AI generated image)

Pisces Daily Horoscope Today, November 29 2025: Ganesha says today, there is a possibility of sudden financial gain in your business, due to which you will be successful in solving the pending problems with some of your money, but today you will have to control your eating habits; otherwise, you will face some problems. Stomach-related problems can cause trouble, which can even take the form of a major disease, so be careful today. Students today will have to concentrate and start preparing for the exam; only then will they be able to achieve success. Today in the evening, you will spend some part of your money on the service of the poor, which will give you mental peace. Today, you may also get approval for the marriage proposal of any of your family members, which will keep the family members happy.

Positive  Today brings you respect, promotion, and career success. Your creativity and imagination will bring you exceptional success in your professional life. An increased interest in spiritual subjects will bring you peace of mind. There are chances of making new plans that will prove beneficial in the future.

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Negative  Excessive emotionality or idealism may cause you to become disconnected from the practical world. Avoid negative thoughts and focus on introspection. Maintain complete transparency in financial transactions, as there is a risk of fraud. Avoid the habit of shifting your work onto others. Do not be careless about your health. Avoid hasty decisions.

Business  New plans and promotions are possible in the workplace. Professions related to art, media, and healthcare will see particular success. There will be benefits in matters related to government work or senior officials. Employed people may receive a promotion or a senior position. Maintaining continuity in your career and business is essential.

Finance  Today will be a challenging day financially. There may be some loss in your financial matters. Take special care while investing and stay away from any kind of risky deals. Today is not a favorable day for lending or borrowing money. Control your expenses and avoid wasteful expenditures. If you are in business, avoid starting any new project or plan today. Employed people should also be prepared for any additional expenses today. Be cautious and work wisely; this will help you reduce the possible losses. Take your decisions in financial matters thoughtfully and avoid any kind of haste. If you are thinking of changing your job, then the time will be favorable for you.

Love  Love and emotional depth will increase in your married life. Maintain open and polite communication with your partner. There will be an atmosphere of happiness and affection in the family.

Health Minor problems like foot pain or waterborne diseases may occur. Pay attention to your health. Meditate to avoid stress.

Lucky Color- Sky Blue

Lucky Number- 4

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(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, ... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 07:05 IST

News astrology Pisces Horoscope Today, November 29, 2025

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A320 Safety Alert: DGCA Grounds Aircraft, 338 Flights Hit; IndiGo, Air India Rush To Apply Fix

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 14:19 IST

Given the size of the fleets and the availability of replacement aircraft, passengers should expect a rolling impact on schedules.

The move prompted Indias largest airlines, IndiGo and Air India, to warn passengers of delays and longer turnaround times.

Indias civil aviation regulator issued a fresh update amid global disruptions linked to a flight-control module issue in Airbus A320-family aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said a total of 338 flights in India have been affected so far, with 189 aircraft already updated with the required software fix and cleared to resume commercial operations.

The DGCAs urgent safety order requires airlines to inspect and replace a critical flight-control computer on a wide range of A320-family aircraft. The directive grounds any aircraft equipped with the affected component until the mandatory modification is complete. The move follows a technical alert from Airbus and an Emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which flagged a potential malfunction in the aircrafts Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC).

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The development prompted Indias largest operators- IndiGo and Air India- to warn passengers of delays and longer turnaround times as fleets undergo software resets and in some cases, hardware replacements.

Whats Happening: Technical Problem Behind Directive

The DGCA order centres on the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), part of the A320 series primary flight-control system. The ELAC manages pitch and roll, two critical axes governing an aircrafts stability. Airbus identified a possible malfunction in the ELAC B L104 variant after a recent incident in which an A320 experienced an uncommanded and limited pitch-down event". The autopilot remained engaged and the flight continued safely but the behaviour triggered immediate investigation.

EASAs emergency directive warns that, left uncorrected, the issue could cause uncommanded elevator movement, in extreme cases risking loads that exceed the aircrafts structural limits. As a preventive measure, regulators have ordered the immediate installation of a safer, serviceable ELAC unit before the next flight.

India has adopted the same requirement, applying it to nearly all variants of the A319, A320 and A321 families- both CEO and NEO- covering all affected serial numbers identified globally.

What Airlines Are Saying: Delays And Turnaround Changes Expected

IndiGo, which has 200 aircraft identified for checks, said that 160 have already been updated, and the remaining work is progressing well" and will be completed within the prescribed timelines. The airline said no flights have been cancelled, though minimal delays" remain possible as resets continue.

Air India said it has completed the reset on over 40% of its affected aircraft and expects to finish the remainder within EASAs deadline. The airline said there is no major impact on schedule integrity but some flights may be slightly delayed or rescheduled."

Both carriers have deployed engineering teams and altered rotation plans to absorb the impact but given the fleet sizes involved, intermittent delays are likely across major metros.

What This Means For Passengers: Will Flights Be Cancelled Or Grounded?

The DGCA has made its position clear: no affected aircraft may operate until it has passed the mandatory inspection or modification. Jets already equipped with the newer ELAC model can continue flying while those awaiting the update may face temporary grounding.

Airlines are expected to swap aircraft where possible, adjust schedules and reassign crews to minimise disruption. However, passengers should anticipate delays, gate changes and short-notice rescheduling as airlines work through the required resets. Mass cancellations are unlikely but on-time performance will remain under pressure.

Should Passengers Be Worried About Safety?

No. The directive is preventive not reactive. Regulators often act with extreme caution when even limited anomalies appear in flight-control computers. The A320 involved in the initial event landed safely and the global directive reflects a standard precautionary approach to ensure uniform safety compliance.

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What Happens If Airlines Miss EASA Deadline?

EASAs compliance cut-off for Indian carriers is 5:30AM tomorrow. Any aircraft that has not received the required ELAC upgrade by that time will have to remain grounded until the modification is completed and certified. With the majority of Indian aircraft already updated or in progress, airlines are racing to complete the remaining tasks before the deadline.

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 29, 2025, 10:25 IST

News business A320 Safety Alert: DGCA Grounds Aircraft, 338 Flights Hit; IndiGo, Air India Rush To Apply Fix

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No Person Shall Operate...: Regulator Issues A320 Directive As Air India, IndiGo Warn Of Delays

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 12:06 IST

The regulator instructed Indian operators to comply strictly with the timelines and procedures specified by EASA, without deviation.

Air India said that it has made significant progress on the required fix.

Indias aviation regulator issued an urgent safety directive mandating the inspection and replacement of a key flight-control component across a wide range of Airbus A320-family aircraft operated in the country. The order, released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requires airlines to carry out immediate action on the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), a critical system that governs the aircrafts pitch and roll functions.

This comes after Air India and IndiGo both warned passengers of delays and extended turnaround times following a technical advisory from Airbus. The DGCA directive follows an emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The regulator instructed Indian operators to comply strictly with the timelines and procedures specified by EASA, without deviation.

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Are All Variants Of A320 Family Used In India Covered In Directive?

The order applies to a long list of Airbus models commonly used in Indian commercial aviation, including the A319, A320 and A321 families across both CEO and NEO variants. All serial numbers of these aircraft types fall under the mandatory action, indicating a widespread safety concern and a modification requirement that affects most Indian carriers operating Airbus narrow-body fleets.

What Air India And IndiGo Said?

Air India, in an advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), said it was aware of the directive from Airbus affecting the in-service A320-family fleet.

This will result in a software/hardware realignment on a part of our fleet, leading to longer turnaround time and delays to our scheduled operations," the airline said.

#ImportantAdvisoryWe are aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in-service across airline operators. This will result in a software/hardware realignment on a part of our fleet, leading to longer turnaround time and delays to our  Air India (@airindia) November 28, 2025

IndiGo confirmed that Airbus had issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet and added that it was proactively completing the mandated updates with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols" while warning that some flights may experience schedule changes.

Safety comes first. Always. Airbus has issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet. We are proactively completing the mandated updates on our aircraft with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols. While we work through these precautionary  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 28, 2025

What Is The Technical Concern?

The targeted component- the Elevator Aileron Computer- is part of the aircrafts Flight Control system (ATA 27) and plays a vital role in ensuring stable and safe flight by managing control-surface movements.

According to the EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive, the action was triggered after an Airbus A320 experienced an uncommanded and limited pitch-down event" during flight. The autopilot stayed engaged but investigators found preliminary evidence of a malfunction in the ELAC B L104 unit. EASA warned that if not corrected, the fault could in the worst case lead to uncommanded elevator movement" severe enough to risk exceeding the aircrafts structural limits, prompting the mandatory replacement of the affected computer.

The DGCA directive does not specify the exact nature of the technical issue but mandatory replacement orders of this kind typically follow the identification of a potential failure mode that could compromise safe operation, prompting regulators to demand immediate action.

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Will Aircraft Be Grounded Until Compliance Is Confirmed?

Yes. The DGCA made it clear that no aircraft covered under the applicability of the directive may operate unless the required inspection or modification has been completed. Airlines have been instructed to notify all relevant operational divisions immediately and to update their Master Mandatory Modification Lists to reflect the new requirement.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 09:26 IST

News business No Person Shall Operate...: Regulator Issues A320 Directive As Air India, IndiGo Warn Of Delays

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'Only Minimal Delays': IndiGo Says No Flight Cancelled, A320 Safety Checks Nearly Completed

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 13:58 IST

IndiGo said it is working closely with EASA and Airbus to ensure full compliance as part of a global safety directive affecting A320-family jets.

IndiGo stressed that operations remain largely unaffected.

IndiGo said it has made rapid progress on the mandatory inspections and software updates required for its Airbus A320-family aircraft following directives issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus.

A spokesperson for the airline said 200 aircraft in IndiGos fleet were identified for the checks.

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The required actions have already been completed on 160 aircraft by 12:00 IST and inspections on the remaining aircraft are progressing well and will be completed within the timeline," the spokesperson said.

The airline stressed that operations remain largely unaffected.

We would also like to confirm that no flights have been cancelled as a result of these checks. However, a few flights may experience minimal delays," the spokesperson added.

IndiGo said it is working closely with EASA and Airbus to ensure full compliance as part of a global safety directive affecting A320-family jets. The checks were triggered after a recent technical advisory related to the aircrafts flight-control system, with airlines worldwide required to complete updates within a prescribed schedule.

The airline said it has deployed additional operational support to manage any minor disruptions and keep passengers informed.

What Air India Said On Safety Checks

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Air India issued a statement earlier saying it had not cancelled any flights due to the Airbus directive. The airline said it had already completed the reset on over 40% of its affected A320-family aircraft and expected to finish the remainder within the EASA-prescribed timeline. While acknowledging that some flights may be slightly delayed or rescheduled," Air India said the overall impact on its network was minimal and that airport teams were assisting passengers as needed.

IndiGo and Air India are among the largest operators of A320-family aircraft globally, making India one of the most affected markets under the EASAAirbus technical advisory. The checks were triggered by an incident involving a JetBlue A320, after which Airbus recommended precautionary updates to correct a potential flight-control vulnerability.

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 29, 2025, 13:55 IST

News business 'Only Minimal Delays': IndiGo Says No Flight Cancelled, A320 Safety Checks Nearly Completed

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The Vastu Hiccup: Why South-Facing Apartments In Bengaluru Take Longer To Sell

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 11:42 IST

While south-facing homes are not officially avoided, they continue to face hesitation in both primary sales and resale markets across large parts of the city.

This is why many south-facing units remain held by owners as rental investments rather than traded assets. The home functions perfectly well, but the exit option feels constrained. (Image: Canva)

Bengalurus real estate market often presents itself as rational and data-driven, shaped by IT salaries, infrastructure growth and long-term investments. Yet, beneath the spreadsheets and site visits, belief systems quietly influence buying decisions. Among the strongest of these is orientation-linked Vastu belief, especially when it comes to south-facing apartments.

While south-facing homes are not officially avoided, they continue to face hesitation in both primary sales and resale markets across large parts of the city.

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The Buyer Psychology at Play

In Bengaluru, property purchases are rarely made by individuals alone. Parents, elders and extended family opinions play a major role, particularly for first-time buyers taking on long EMIs. Within this environment, Vastu Shastra often carries weight even among buyers who publicly claim neutrality.

Most buyers may not fully believe that a south-facing home brings misfortune. But they worry about two things: future resale and family comfort. The question is rarely Is this bad for me?" and more often Will someone else reject this later?" That uncertainty becomes decisive.

South-Facing Apartments Are Not Unsold, They Are Slower

Contrary to popular perception, south-facing units are not abandoned or unliveable. They do sell, get occupied and are routinely rented out. However, across many Bengaluru projects, they typically receive fewer enquiries, involve longer negotiation cycles and close later in the sales timeline.

Developers and brokers quietly acknowledge that buyers tend to bargain harder for these units. Price corrections are common, not because of construction quality or layout, but because of perceived future liquidity risk.

This effect becomes sharper in areas dominated by investors rather than end-users, such as Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur and parts of North Bengaluru. In these markets, resale value matters more than personal comfort, and beliefs influencing demand directly affect cash flow expectations.

Where Vacancies Become Visible

One of the most noticeable outcomes of this bias is uneven occupancy within completed apartment complexes. It is common to see entire vertical stacks of south-facing units remain darker or longer vacant while other orientations fill up quickly.

This does not mean residents actively reject living there. In many cases, these units eventually get rented without much resistance, as tenants prioritise sunlight, ventilation and affordability over facing direction. But owners looking to sell often wait longer, unwilling to drop prices immediately.

Over time, this creates a visual pattern that reinforces the belief further, making south-facing flats appear undesirable even though the underlying reason is resale hesitation, not habitability.

Resale Is the Real Challenge

Resale is where the impact of Vastu beliefs becomes most evident. A buyer who is open-minded today still anticipates the preferences of tomorrows buyer. If there is any doubt that a future buyer might hesitate due to orientation, the current buyer either demands a lower entry price or walks away.

This is why many south-facing units remain held by owners as rental investments rather than traded assets. The home functions perfectly well, but the exit option feels constrained.

How Builders Have Adapted  Quietly

Importantly, developers do not advertise avoidance of south-facing units, nor do they openly promote Vastu as a core design philosophy. Instead, years of market feedback have influenced planning decisions.

In many newer projects, builders attempt to ensure that apartment entrances align with north or east-facing preferences even when the building orientation itself is fixed. Corridors, door placements and circulation layouts are planned in ways that reduce buyer resistance, particularly for mass-market housing.

This shift is not ideological. It is transactional. Builders design to minimise hesitation and shorten sales cycles.

Why Bengaluru Feels This More Strongly

The influence of Vastu on apartments is more pronounced in Bengaluru than in many other metros for several reasons. The city has a large base of first-generation homeowners, strong cultural continuity from plotted housing norms, and a salaried buyer population deeply sensitive to resale timelines.

Unlike land parcels, where overall plot orientation dominates discussion, apartments subdivide belief into unit-level preferences. This makes orientation feel personal rather than abstract.

South-facing apartments in Bengaluru are not bad homes. They are liveable, rentable and often good value for money. What limits them is not functionality, but perception-driven market behaviour.

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As long as a significant section of buyers plans purchases with resale anxiety in mind, orientation preferences will continue to affect demand patterns.

In Bengalurus property market, belief does not operate in opposition to economics. It quietly shapes it.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 11:42 IST

News business real-estate The Vastu Hiccup: Why South-Facing Apartments In Bengaluru Take Longer To Sell

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Muslim Cleric Confronted For Refusing To Chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' In Arunachal Pradesh

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 15:04 IST

A video from Naharlaguns Jama Masjid shows two APIYO leaders demanding the cleric chant Bharat Mata ki Jai, sparking debate on nationalism and religious freedom.

Screen grab from the video. (Image: X)

A heated exchange inside Naharlaguns Jama Masjid in Arunachal Pradesh has sparked widespread discussion after a video surfaced showing members of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Association (APIYO) demanding that the mosques cleric chant Bharat Mata ki Jai."

The video, shot on November 27, shows APIYO leaders Tapor Meying and Taro Sonam Liyak confronting the cleric as onlookers gather and tensions rise.

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In the video, the cleric responds to their demand by saying India Zindabad", but the APIYO representatives insist he must use the slogan they are asking for. At one point, Liyak escalates the confrontation with the remark, Not every Muslim is a terrorist but why is every terrorist a Muslim?" The cleric stands firm, telling them, India Zindabad hi kaafi hai. Bharat Mata ki Jai nahi bolenge hum," adding that he is willing to say Hindustan ki Jai" or India ki Jai" but not Bharat Mata," explaining that a person has only one real mother."

This clash comes in the backdrop of APIYOs ongoing month-long campaign against what it claims is increasing illegal immigration into the state. The organisation had earlier announced a bandh on November 25 over the alleged illegal construction of the Jama Masjid near the Naharlagun helipad, though it was withdrawn after the Home Department assured them of action.

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During the confrontation, APIYO members also questioned the clerics identity and immigration status, alleging he could be a Bangladeshi national who entered Arunachal Pradesh without the mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP), required under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873.

The viral video has triggered intense debates locally, touching on themes of nationalism, religious freedom, and the nature of APIYOs activism. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More

Location : Itanagar, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 15:04 IST

News cities Muslim Cleric Confronted For Refusing To Chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' In Arunachal Pradesh

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BMWs, Mercedes, Land Rovers Seized In SBI Car Loan Scam In Pune: ED

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 20:10 IST

ED seized BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover cars in Pune after raids linked to a major State Bank of India car loan fraud.

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Investigators believe the use of a third-party account may have been an attempt to hide the real source of the money

Multiple high-end luxury vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes-Benz cars and Land Rovers, were seized during coordinated raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a major State Bank of India (SBI) car loan fraud case, officials said on Saturday.

The investigation agency searched 12 residential and office premises of loan borrowers and car dealers in Pune and seized incriminating documents.

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The ED probe found that the accused procured high-value car loans by using forged documents, thereby defrauding the bank.

The Enforcement Directorates Mumbai Zonal Office carried out search operations on November 25 and 26 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The searches were also directed at the then-branch manager of SBI, Amar Kulkarni.

The searches resulted in the identification of several immovable properties acquired by the borrowers, along with the recovery of incriminating documents and the seizure of multiple high-end cars from their premises under Section 17 of the PMLA, 2002.

The ED initiated an investigation based on FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation, ACB, Pune and Shivajinagar Police Station, Pune, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

It was alleged that Kulkarni, during his tenure as Chief Manager of SBIs University Road Branch in Pune between 2017 and 2019, misused his official position and entered into a criminal conspiracy with Aditya Sethia, an Auto Loan Counsellor at the bank, and certain borrowers to cheat SBI by fraudulently processing and recommending high-value car loans.

Public servant Amar Kulkarni, in pursuance of the said conspiracy, improperly and dishonestly processed and recommended the high-value car loan proposals of the accused borrowers in violation of the lending policy of the bank without verification of the said bogus/forged documents, according to the ED.

In several cases, the ED said, forged quotations with inflated values were submitted to the bank to artificially raise the margin component of the loans, which were subsequently sanctioned on the basis of fake documents.

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During investigation and consequent search proceedings, it was gathered that various high-value cars, including BMW, Volvo, Mercedes and Land Rover, were purchased by borrowers based on fake documents in conspiracy with the loan agent and the branch manager of SBI.

(With inputs from IANS)

First Published: November 29, 2025, 20:10 IST

News pune BMWs, Mercedes, Land Rovers Seized In SBI Car Loan Scam In Pune: ED

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Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is among the 10 Best Drone Stocks to Buy Right Now. On November 18, Matthew Akers, an analyst at BNP Paribas Exane, initiated coverage of the stock on a bullish note, assigning an Outperform rating and a price target of $710.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) Anticipates Europe Growth Even After Ukraine, Russia Cease Hostilities

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Separately, during an interview with Reuters last week, the companys head of global business development, Steve OBryan, said that he expects continued growth in Europe even after Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire.

While he did not provide specific figures, OBryan anticipates that countries in the region will restore their depleting arsenal amid a realization that current levels of stockpile were insufficient for a similar conflict in the future. He further said that the expansion will be driven by partnerships, without requiring the company to increase its local presence.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has a workforce of around 2,200 in Europe, representing just over 2% of its global staff. It is collaborating with Rheinmetall on the F-35 fuselage and earlier this month announced signing an agreement with MBDA in Germany to strengthen Germanys air and missile defense capabilities.

During his talk, OBryan also mentioned encouraging prospects from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region amid heightened tensions, while adding that the pause in hostilities in Gaza had so far not affected demand for weapons, and that a similar trend is expected in Europe.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is one of the largest defense contractors in the world. It is engaged in the design, development, integration, and maintenance of advanced systems across aeronautics, space, defense electronics, and mission solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of NOC 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: 8 Best Small-Cap Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Most Undervalued Stocks Under $20.

Disclosure: None.
BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2026 Datesheet Out; Check Matric, Inter Schedule Here

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 16:59 IST

BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2026 Date: Intermediate exams are set to take place from February 2 to 13, 2026. Matriculation exams will commence on February 17 and end on February 25.

Students set to appear for the BSEB 10th, 12th exam 2026 can check on the official website at biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in.(Representative image/File)

BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2026 Date: The Bihar School Examination Board has announced the schedule for the Intermediate and Matriculation Board Exams in 2026. Intermediate exams are set to take place from February 2 to February 13, 2026. Meanwhile, Matriculation exams will commence on February 17 and will continue until February 25.

The Bihar Board has also notified that students who missed the application process for the Intermediate Board Examination 2026 can apply from November 29 to December 3, 2025. A late fee will be required if they submit their forms during this period.

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  , 2026             :-(i)    29.11.2025  03.12.2025         , Bihar School Examination Board (@officialbseb) November 29, 2025

Students set to appear for the BSEB 10th, 12th exam 2026 can check on the official website at biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. The first shift will be held from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm (with 15-minute cool-off time), while the second shift will run from 2 pm to 5:15 pm. The Class 10 practical and internal assessments will be conducted in January 2026, ahead of the theory papers.

Bihar Board Chairman Anand Kishore has released the annual examination calendar for 2026 and provided details about compartmental and special examinations. He stated that compartmental exams will be conducted between April and May for students who could not attend the board exams or whose results were unsatisfactory.

Bihar Board Exam Date Sheet 2026: How To Download?

 Visit the official Bihar Board website, biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in.

 Click on the Student Section tab.

 Select the Examination Schedule option.

 Choose the relevant link, Bihar Board Matric Time Table 2026 (for Class 10) or Bihar Board Intermediate Time Table 2026 (for Class 12).

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 The Bihar Board Exam Time Table 2026 PDF will appear on the screen. Download the file and save it for future reference.

Alongside the exam dates announcement, the Bihar Board has revealed that students can now obtain all exam-related information via an AI chatbot. This marks the first time the Bihar Board is integrating modern technology such as artificial intelligence into its examination system.

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 29, 2025, 16:59 IST

News education-career BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2026 Datesheet Out; Check Matric, Inter Schedule Here

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Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26: Private Schools Prioritise Distance, Siblings

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 12:12 IST

Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26: Application forms will be available from December 4, with the first list of selected candidates out on January 23.

All recognised unaided private schools must upload their admission criteria and points for open seats by November 28. (Representative/File Photo)

As private schools in Delhi disclose their nursery admission criteria for the 2026-27 academic year, distance emerges as the most significant factor, with some schools assigning up to 80 points out of 100.

Indraprastha International School in Dwarka allocates 55 points to applicants within 0-12 km, 45 points for 12-15 km, and 35 points for those beyond 15 km. Additionally, 15 points each are given for siblings, alumni, and staff wards, reported PTI.

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Tagore International School in East of Kailash awards 50 points to children within a 4-km radius or covered by school transport. For first-born children, it grants 30 points and 20 for second-born, along with 10 points each for siblings, alumni, and staff wards.

Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL International School in Dwarka, highlights that their criteria also focus on distance, sibling preference, alumni connection, and staff wards, emphasising proximity as a practical factor and the importance of long-term family associations.

Darbari Lal DAV Model School in Pitampura gives 80 points for applicants within 0-2 km, 70 points for 2-5 km, and 60 points for 5-8 km, with sibling and alumni categories carrying 10 points each.

New Green Field School in Alaknanda allocates 60 points for distance, 10 for siblings, and 15 each for parent alumni and first-born male child or girl child categories, PTI reported.

Amity International School in Saket assigns 30 points for neighbourhood or distance, 20 for siblings and staff wards, and 30 for alumni.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has released the full admission schedule. Application forms will be available from December 4, with the first list of selected candidates out on January 23. The revised structure includes Nursery and KG in the foundational stage, followed by Class 1.

NK Bagrodia Public School in Rohini allocates 70 points for neighbourhood, with specific points for various distance ranges. Siblings and staff wards get 20 points, and alumni 10 points.

Sanskrit Public School in Chanakyapuri assigns 30 points for distance, 25 points each for siblings and parent alumni.

St. Michaels Senior Secondary School on Pusa Road prioritises practising Christian minority applicants with 40 points, followed by 30 points for distance, 20 for alumni, and 10 for siblings.

For the 2026-27 year, children must meet specific age criteria for Nursery, KG, and Class 1 as of March 31, 2026, with potential age relaxation of up to one month at the schools discretion.

All recognised unaided private schools must upload their admission criteria and points for open seats by November 28. The deadline for form submission is December 27. Schools must upload applicant details by January 9 and release point allocations by January 16. The second list will be out on February 9. Parents can seek clarification between January 24 and February 3, with the entire process concluding on March 19.

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A district-level monitoring cell will ensure compliance. The DoE reiterates that schools must not use criteria previously abolished by the department and must follow the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Schools are instructed to clearly display point distribution on their websites and upload details of selected students. Any draw of lots must be conducted in the presence of parents and recorded.

The DoE reminds schools that only a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 25 is allowed, with no capitation fee or compulsory purchase of prospectuses permitted.

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 29, 2025, 12:12 IST

News education-career Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26: Private Schools Prioritise Distance, Siblings

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Delhi Pollution: Are Schools Open Or Closed On Monday? Check Latest Updates

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 16:35 IST

Starting Monday (December 1, 2025), children up to grade 5 will attend in-person classes, and the hybrid mode will be suspended until further notice.

Vehicles ply on the Gurugram-Delhi Expressway amid low visibility. (PTI Photo)

Delhi, the nations capital, is now being dubbed the pollution capital. Pollution levels in Delhi and nearby areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, collectively known as the NCR, have consistently ranged between 300-400 and sometimes even higher. For the past month, residents of Delhi have been grappling with various pollution-related issues. In response, the Delhi government shifted classes up to the fifth grade to online mode for one week.

However, with no updated orders from the Delhi government, schools transitioned to a hybrid mode, allowing students to attend classes in person or study from home. Despite the pollution levels remaining unchanged, restrictions under GRAP 3 have been lifted, causing confusion about school schedules.

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Pollution in Delhi has led to common problems like eye irritation, headaches, colds, coughs, stomach aches, and vomiting among both children and adults. Doctors warn that Delhis pollution is significantly impacting mental health.

Many schools have informed parents about the resumption of regular classes on Monday. Starting December 1, 2025, children up to grade 5 will attend in-person classes, and the hybrid mode will be suspended until further notice.

Delhi Pollution In Very Poor Category

Recent visuals shared by ANI from Anand Vihar and Dhaula Kuan reveal a thick layer of smog blanketing the city. Delhi has spent over 15 days in the very poor category this month, as Novembers air quality continues to deteriorate each day. This situation follows weeks of rising pollution levels in Delhi since Diwali. On Thursday, the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) daily bulletin recorded the citys 24-hour average AQI at 377 at 4 PM. By 8 PM, the AQI had climbed to 381, firmly in the very poor" category.

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Guidelines For Children

Missing school for extended periods isnt feasible, but self-care is crucial during this harsh weather. Children should wear N95 masks to school to protect themselves from pollution. Schools may also suspend outdoor activities for an extended period, keeping children indoors to avoid exposure to outside air. If your child experiences any health issues, consult a doctor immediately.

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 29, 2025, 16:29 IST

News education-career Delhi Pollution: Are Schools Open Or Closed On Monday? Check Latest Updates

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5 Visits In 30 Days: Why BJPs Bhupendra Yadav Is Quietly Camping In Bengal

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 10:21 IST

The BJPs backroom strategist has visited poll-bound West Bengal at least five times in the last one month to firm up poll strategy

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Bhupendra Yadav may not be a regular media face like Dharmendra Pradhan, but he understands the power of communication. (PTI)

Having delivered Gujarat in a tough time and swung Madhya Pradesh from an anti-incumbency mood, BJP general secretary and Union minister Bhupendra Yadav has received probably the toughest assignment of his careerto deliver West Bengal as BJPs election in-charge of the state.

While Yadav has mostly shunned the local media and not held any big-ticket outreach among the cadre, he isnt sitting idle either. Between attending COP in Baku as environment minister and attending Cabinet meetings in Delhi, the BJPs backroom strategist has visited poll-bound West Bengal at least five times in the last one month.

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OCTOBER 24

Yadav came to Kolkata for a day of brainstorming and election micro-strategy when he drove straight from Kolkata airport to BJPs Salt Lake party office where he was locked in through the day with the states top leadership. Sources say the meeting went on till so late that Yadav reached the airport at the eleventh hour.

In the meeting, in which state in-charge Sunil Bansal was also in attendance, Yadav is believed to have stressed on the need for an awareness campaign on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). According to sources, the BJP then planned to set up awareness camps across the border districts of West Bengal to inform people about the provisions of CAA in the run-up to the election. The primary aim of these camps is to assist people with CAA registration and clear misconceptions surrounding the law.

OCTOBER 31

Within seven days, Yadav was back in Kolkata. However, this time he was in the city for a brainstorming session with the likes of BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, and party leader Agnimitra Paul among others.

If CAA awareness drive was his focus last time, this time it was SIR. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls undertaken by the Election Commission, and how aggressively the ruling TMC is opposing it, featured in that discussion, say sources. The issue of alleged illegal entry of Bangladeshis in Bengal was also discussed, News18 has learnt. During his stay, it was Yadavs idea to raise the matter of alleged threat of TMC Cooch Behar district chairman to a BLO after which the Bengal BJP shot off a letter to the CEO of the poll body.

NOVEMBER 6-9

In the beginning of November, Yadav came to Bengal with time in his hand and this time he went beyond Kolkata. On November 6, he went to two BJP district officesSreerampur and Howrah Rural. On 7th, he went to Barasat before coming back to the Salt Lake office of the party. On 8th, he kept just one visitRanaghatwhich is 85 kms from Kolkata but takes more than two hours by road. The idea wasnt to just touch-and-go but spend time and understand organisational flaws, if any. The next day, he visited Baruipur34 kms from Kolkatabefore flying back to Delhi with the collated knowledge.

His choice of places suggests focus on districts like Nadia, Hoogly, and North 24 Parganas which clutter around Kolkata and did not yield a respectable vote share for the BJP in the 2021 assembly election. The idea seems to be cleartarget urban and semi-urban voters around Kolkata where the BJP hasnt meaningfully breached the bastion.

NOVEMBER 14

For the BJP, November 14 is not just any calendar date; it was the date when Bihars result was announced in which the NDA swept back to power with a brute majority. Almost simultaneously, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav were appointed election in-charges of Bihar and Bengal. After the result was clear, the weight on Yadavs shoulder became heavier.

As the BJP HQ at 6A, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, was getting decked up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive and deliver the customary victory speech, Yadav landed at the Kolkata airport at 3.15pm to attend the Bengal BJPs core committee meeting. By 4pm, he was at the Salt Lake office where the state leadership and state in-charges were huddled.

As he periodically does, Yadav checked on the progress of BJPs communication strategy and progress over issues like poor law-and-order situation, alleged corruption, and illegal immigration that the BJP thinks matter to voters.

As Yadav and his colleagues were clicked going through bundles of pages on the evening of November 14, the prime minister turned the attention towards Bengal, saying: Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and will create path of victory for BJP".

NOVEMBER 27-28

A day after chairing a high-level meeting to make Delhi-NCR region green, Yadav flew straight to Bengals Durgapur area where he camped overnight. He spent the day at the BJPs district office. Next morning, he went to nearby Asansol and spent the day there. By late evening, he reached Salt Lake office where a meeting was about to begin.

Sources told News18 that Yadav set the tone of the meeting and left for Delhi by 9pm. But BJP did not wind up. The party carried out what it called a Media Training Exercise where guests were Bansal, Tripuras former CM and state election co-incharge Biplab Deb, BJPs national IT Cell head and Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya, along with Samik Bhattacharya, BJPs state president.

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Yadav may not be a regular media face like Dharmendra Pradhan, but he understands the power of communication. BJPs media panelists were given to do lists and what not to do basics through powerpoint presentation on a large screen.

BJPs state media co-incharge Keya Ghosh says it shows the party is very serious" about Bengal. The corruption, infiltrations, and law-and-order breakdowns have upset people. We as a political party come in here to assure that those ills will be defeated. Yadav, along with Biplab Deb, Sunil Bansal and lakhs of silent cadres, will ensure that. He is a team player," says Ghosh.

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 29, 2025, 10:21 IST

News elections 5 Visits In 30 Days: Why BJPs Bhupendra Yadav Is Quietly Camping In Bengal

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Delhi MCD By-Election: Political Parties Gear Up For First Major Face-Off Since Assembly Verdict

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 18:35 IST

The bypolls are being closely watched as the BJP and AAP face off again for the first time after the assembly verdict, in which the BJP secured 48 of the 70 seats.

Delhi MCD Bypolls | Representative Image

Voting for bypolls in 12 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be held on Sunday, marking the first major political contest in the capital since the BJPs emphatic victory in the February assembly elections.

Polling will take place from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm across 580 booths set up at 143 locations, the Delhi State Election Commission said.

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A total of 2,320 polling personnel, supported by 2,265 security staff, 580 Home Guards and 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

Fifty-one candidates, including 26 women, are contesting the bypolls. The BJP has fielded eight women candidates, followed by AAP with six and the Congress with five.

The bypolls are being closely watched as the BJP and AAP face off again for the first time after the assembly verdict, in which the BJP secured 48 of the 70 seats and returned to power in Delhi after 27 years, unseating AAP.

Of the 12 wards going to polls, nine were previously held by the BJP and three by AAP.

For the BJP, the contest is particularly significant in wards such as Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B.

Shalimar Bagh B was earlier represented by Rekha Gupta, who vacated the seat after winning the assembly election and becoming chief minister.

Dwarka B was formerly held by West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat.

AAP, now in opposition, aims to claw back space in the civic body, though the party suffered a setback hours before polling when senior leader and two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta defected to the BJP.

Officials said voting will be monitored through live webcasting for real-time oversight. Polling stations will also feature QR codes enabling voters to instantly submit feedback after casting their ballot.

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Each ward will have one Model Polling Booth as well as a Pink Booth" staffed entirely by women to encourage inclusive and comfortable voting.

The Election Commission has set up 10 strong room-cum-counting centres to store sealed EVMs after polling concludes. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 18:35 IST

News elections Delhi MCD By-Election: Political Parties Gear Up For First Major Face-Off Since Assembly Verdict

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How Pakistans History Of Coups And Assassinations Shapes The Silence Around Imran Khan

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 15:30 IST

Pakistan has lived through versions of this moment before: leaders removed by force or violence, governments toppled, and a military establishment that outlasts them all.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters carry a poster of their leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. (AFP)

Pakistans present crisis over Imran Khans whereabouts may feel unprecedented, but its contours are achingly familiar: a jailed civilian leader, an information vacuum, rumours of elimination, and a state apparatus unwilling to offer even basic transparency.

As rumours swirl that the former prime minister has been tortured, gravely injured or killed inside Rawalpindis Adiala Jail, the country is not encountering something new; it is revisiting the oldest script in its political playbook, where civilian leaders are weakened, isolated or eliminated while the military power structure remains intact.

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For days, Pakistani authorities have denied the rumours, yet refused to produce Khan in public, even as his sisters say they were pushed, beaten and dragged outside Adiala when they sought permission to see him. Their appeals for access have only deepened the sense that something is being concealed.

That anxiety rests not just on speculation, but on Khans own words. In 2024, he warned from jail that if anything happens to me", Pakistans army chief must be held accountable. In a May op-ed in The Telegraph, he accused the military establishment under Asim Munir of using every tactic" to erase his party from national politics and wrote that Munir would bear responsibility if any harm befell him or his wife. All that is left for them is to now murder me I would prefer death over slavery," he declared, a message that now loops back into the present panic.

This is not hysteria. It is historical memory. Pakistan is a country where no prime minister has ever completed a full term, where coups have repeatedly decided the fate of governments, and where civilian leaders have vanished from the political map through assassinations, judicial executions, mysterious crashes and targeted killings.

In such a system, a jailed former prime minister held incommunicado does not spark disbelief, it revives a long and well-documented pattern.

A System Where Civilian Leaders Rarely Survive The State

In 1958, the country witnessed its first military coup when Governor-General Iskander Mirza imposed martial law and appointed General Ayub Khan as the chief martial law administrator. Within weeks, Ayub removed Mirza, exiled him, and installed himself as president. That moment established the template for how power would be transferred in the decades to come.

In 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq seized power from Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He kept Bhutto under house arrest, imposed martial law, suspended the constitution and banned political parties. In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf toppled Nawaz Sharif in another coup, took control of the state, and later elevated himself to president.

Each intervention signalled the same principle: elected leaders serve only until they trouble the establishment.

That power hierarchy has framed every major political death in Pakistan.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: The Coup, The Trial And The Hanging

The BhuttoZia era remains the most direct historical parallel to todays anxiety. In July 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq ousted Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and placed him behind bars. What followed was a sequence Pakistanis now recognise: a jailed prime minister isolated from supporters, a contentious trial, relentless pressure on institutions, and a verdict widely seen as engineered.

Bhutto was convicted in a political murder case and hanged on April 4, 1979, inside Rawalpindi Jail. Decades later, Pakistans Supreme Court itself termed the proceedings unfair". For many, it was a judicial assassination.

Benazir Bhutto: Assassinated In The Garrison City

In December 2007, two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi after leaving an election rally. Shots were fired at her, and seconds later a suicide bomber detonated explosives, killing her and more than 20 others. Her death unfolded in the heart of Pakistans military establishment, the same city where her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, had been imprisoned and executed three decades earlier.

The attack did not come without warning. Just a few months earlier, in October 2007, Bhutto had survived one of the deadliest political attacks in Pakistans history when her Karachi homecoming convoy was targeted by a suicide bombing that killed around 139 people. That attempted assassination signalled the scale of threat she faced on her return to politics, yet she continued campaigning in an increasingly volatile environment.

A later United Nations investigation sharply criticised the Musharraf government for failing to provide adequate security and for obstructing the inquiry that followed. The crime scene was washed down within hours, destroying crucial forensic evidence. While various groups were blamed, no influential individual or institution has ever been held accountable.

Assassination Attempt On Imran Khan

Even Imran Khan has been on this list. In November 2022, during his long march in Wazirabad, he survived an assassination attempt in which he was shot in the leg. His immediate allegation that powerful state actors were involved became part of the larger narrative of political violence operating within Pakistans system.

A Political System Built On Coups, Not Continuity

The coups of 1958, 1977 and 1999 were not aberrations. They were turning points that entrenched the belief that political outcomes in Pakistan are shaped not by elections but by the militarys decisions.

This architecture still shapes the present. Imran Khan, like Bhutto before him, sits in Adiala Jail under a power structure dominated by the army chief. Asim Munir is widely described as the most powerful figure in the state. Under the newly passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Munir now enjoys lifetime immunity and expanded constitutional authority.

A Country Where Political Deaths Are Not Extraordinary

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Whether the current rumours about Imran Khan prove true or false is almost secondary. What matters is that they are plausible in a system where civilian leaders have been assassinated at rallies, hanged after disputed convictions, killed in custody, or removed through coups and judicial manoeuvring.

The real story is not the rumour itself , it is the history that makes such a rumour instantly believable.

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 29, 2025, 15:27 IST

News explainers How Pakistans History Of Coups And Assassinations Shapes The Silence Around Imran Khan

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Inside The Autopen Uproar: Why Trump Says Biden's Orders Don't Count | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 11:34 IST

Trump has often sought to drum up outrage over Bidens alleged use of autopen to sign pardons and executive orders, accusing him of being too senile to govern while in power

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A framed photo of US President Donald Trump hangs next to a picture of an autopen to represent former President Joe Biden in White House. (AFP)

In a legally uncertain move, US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his favourite attack line against his predecessor and said all documents signed by autopen under Joe Biden were terminated". Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect," Trump said on social media.

The US President has often sought to drum up outrage over Bidens alleged use of autopen to sign pardons, executive orders and other documents, accusing the latter of being too senile" to govern while in power.

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I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally."

Various autopen systems have been used by previous presidents, but Trump has said their use under Biden proves the then-president was mentally incapacitated and not in control of the White House.

Biden was 82 when he left office, while Trump is 79 and due to leave office in January 2029. In his last days in office, Biden issued pardons for people targeted by Trump, including Bidens own son, lawmakers who probed Trump, a military general who had criticised Trump and the countrys top Covid-19 expert.

News18 takes a look at the controversy, how the autopen came to be used and what Trumps latest move means.

What Is An Autopen?

Essentially a robotised pen, an autopen is a mechanical device that replicates a persons signature using real ink. According to The Guardian, the device has been used by multiple US presidents over decades, dating as far back as the early 19th century.

The Justice Department in 2005 said the President does not need to sign a bill by hand and can direct an official to affix the Presidents signature to such a Bill, for example by autopen".

In 2011, The New York Times reported that Barack Obama had become the first president to sign a bill by autopen while in Europe. Paper versions are still sometimes flown to the president for signing, AFP reported.

Why Has Trump Renewed His Attack?

Under Bidens presidency, the autopen was used to sign many executive orders and directives though theres no public record of how many documents were signed by the autopen. However, according to Al Jazeera, the exact scale of useand whether each order reflected Bidens deliberate, informed approvalhas become a matter of heated political debate.

Critics from Team Trump argue that widespread autopen use during Bidens tenure amounts to delegation of presidential power in a way that undermines accountability.

For his part, Biden has defended his record. According to The Guardian, in 2025 he stated that he made every decision" and that use of the autopen only reflected convenience or practicality, not a shirking of his responsibilities.

However, his political opponents have built the perception that the autopen might have been used to bypass proper oversight or to rubber-stamp orders without direct presidential involvement.

On Friday, while cancelling the orders, Trump also threatened legal consequences, saying if Biden claims he personally authorised the signatures, then he would face perjury charges. In his public message, the US President framed the move as rectifying what he described as an illegal delegation of presidential sign-off.

The Legal View

A majority of legal analysts remain sceptical of Trumps plan, mainly because autopen signatures have long been accepted as legitimate under US law, provided the President authorised their use. The Guardian explains that by that logic, simply being not personally present" to sign doesnt automatically invalidate a document.

More importantly, there is no clear legal mechanism that allows a new president to retroactively annul all executive orders of a predecessor simply on the basis that they used an autopen. Also, past presidents (from Jefferson to recent ones) have used autopen routinely, undermining the idea that its use automatically signals illicit delegation or improper governance.

Whats At Stake Behind The Row?

Though the idea is far-fetched, if accepted, Trumps move could throw into question the legal validity of many past executive orders and directives, potentially upending policies, regulations, and pardons enacted under Bidens presidency.

The controversy also illustrates how administrative tools like the autopen can be reframed as symbols of deeper concerns about mental fitness, transparency, and accountability.

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If courts or Congress dont resolve the dispute, the uncertainty could undermine public confidence in the stability of US executive-branch actions.

(With AFP, AP inputs)

About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 29, 2025, 11:34 IST

News explainers Inside The Autopen Uproar: Why Trump Says Biden's Orders Don't Count | Explained

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Why Asim Munir Remains Immune To Action, Accountability Amid Rising Speculation Over Imran Khan

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 11:23 IST

Pakistans former prime ministers condition remains unclear, but the 27th Amendment ensures the army chiefs authority and immunity remain firmly intact

Imran Khans supporters have already started demanding that he be freed from Adiala Jail as they fear a threat to his life. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

For days, Pakistan has been swirling with rumours that former prime minister Imran Khan has been tortured, gravely injured or even killed inside Rawalpindis Adiala Jail. Officials keep insisting he is safe and secure", but they have not produced him in public or allowed recent family or legal visits, despite court orders. That information vacuum has collided with an extraordinary security build-up around the prison, deepening public suspicion.

Adiala has been placed under one of the highest alerts in recent years. Intelligence sources told News18 the prison could be attacked anytime". Around 2,500 additional personnel have been deployed around the jail; new check-posts have come up in the Dahgal area, at multiple jail gates, Factory Naka and the Gorakhpur belt of Rawalpindi.

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Police and paramilitary units are in full anti-riot gear, carrying both rubber and live ammunition, tear-gas launchers, shields and batons. Similar alerts have gone out for Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore and Mach Central Jail near Quetta, where other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and activists are held.

All this is happening as Khans party, PTI, prepares nationwide protests outside Adiala and the Islamabad High Court, and as the question Where is Imran Khan?" grows louder.

In an ordinary constitutional set-up, any harm to a former prime minister in custody would almost automatically raise the prospect of an inquiry that leads right up the security chain of command. In todays Pakistan, that chain stops at a man whose position has just been rewritten into the Constitution in a way that makes him extremely hard to touch: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

On Thursday, 27 November, Munir took charge as Pakistans first Chief of Defence Forces, or CDF, a post created by the controversial 27th Amendment to the 1973 Constitution. The amendment was cleared by the National Assembly on 12 November, passed by the Senate on 13 November, and signed into law the same day by President Asif Ali Zardari. It does far more than change military designations. It rewires how power, oversight and accountability work at the very top of the state.

What The 27th Amendment Actually Changed

At the heart of the amendment is a complete restructuring of Pakistans higher defence set-up. Article 243 has been altered to create the office of Chief of Defence Forces, a new apex military post that will always be held by the serving army chief. The CDF now stands formally above the heads of the air force and navy and is explicitly described as commanding all three services.

The earlier post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, created in the mid-1970s as a tri-services coordinating role, has been abolished, effective upon the retirement of General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on 27 November.

This is not just about status. Control of the overall tri-services framework has been shifted from the President and Cabinet to the CDF. For the first time, the already dominant army chief is placed unambiguously at the apex of Pakistans military structure by constitutional design.

The amendment also introduces a new position responsible for Pakistans nuclear forces: the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The prime minister will formally appoint this commander, but only from among army generals and on the advice of the army chief or CDF.

In practice, that means the army, and ultimately Munir, will have a decisive say in who runs Islamabads nuclear arsenal, diminishing the collective character of the National Command Authority.

Alongside this restructuring of the command chain, the amendment confers sweeping personal protections on top military brass. Officers elevated to five-star ranks  such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force or Admiral of the Fleet  are guaranteed that they will retain their rank, privileges and uniform for life. They can be removed only through a process akin to impeachment, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority. The same package extends to the air force and navy chiefs in connection with their roles in recent operations.

Crucially, these five-star officers receive explicit constitutional immunity. The legal protections go further than those available to the president or prime minister under Article 248. Once an officer enters this category, he acquires lifelong protection from criminal prosecution or civil proceedings for acts performed in office, unless Parliament itself first strips that immunity. The bar for such a move is deliberately high.

At the same time, the amendment is part of a broader effort to reshape the judiciarys role. It establishes a Federal Constitutional Court to hear all constitutional matters, including interpretation of the basic law and disputes between the federation and provinces. This shifts constitutional review away from the Supreme Court, demoting it from its role as the final arbiter on constitutional questions.

The head of the new court outranks the Chief Justice of Pakistan in protocol and serves until the age of 68, three years longer than a Supreme Court judge.

Earlier changes had already curbed the Supreme Courts powers, including its ability to take suo motu notice. Critics say the accumulated effect is to bring constitutional review closer to the executive, which itself functions in close alignment with the military establishment.

Several judges who had clashed with the government or raised concerns about military overreach have already stepped aside or spoken of the Supreme Court being effectively abolished" in its traditional role. The net result is a system in which challenging the legal foundations of the 27th Amendment, or testing actions taken under its cover, becomes far more difficult.

Munirs New Role As CDF And Why It Matters Now

Within this new framework, Asim Munir is not just another army chief. He has been promoted to Field Marshal, given a fresh five-year tenure as Chief of Defence Forces, and placed in a position where he sits formally above the air and naval chiefs. Before the amendment, his term had already been extended once, from the usual three years to five, taking his retirement date to 27 November 2027. The CDF appointment resets that clock; he is now guaranteed to remain at the apex of the military structure until at least 2030, with the door open to reappointment beyond that if the political leadership agrees.

The nuclear command and key high-command appointments are now routed through structures he effectively controls. The planned post of Vice Chief of Army Staff, for example, will be filled on the CDFs recommendation before being approved by the federal government, significantly reducing civilian discretion.

On top of this, Munirs five-star status brings the lifetime immunity described in the amendment. Even when he eventually steps down from active command, he will keep his rank, his privileges and a constitutional shield that places him above ordinary legal processes. Any attempt to question his actions in office, whether through criminal law or civil litigation, would be blocked unless Parliament first lifts that immunity with a two-thirds vote.

How This Insulates Him Even If Imran Khan Is Harmed In Jail

It is this combination of structural authority and personal protection that makes the 27th Amendment central to any discussion of Imran Khans fate in custody.

If the worst rumours around Adiala Jail were to come true and Khan were to be seriously harmed or killed, public and political pressure would inevitably focus on who controlled the security grid and who benefitted from his extended isolation. In previous eras, that could have led to probes that, at least on paper, might have reached the highest levels of the military and the state.

Under the new arrangement, the man at the top of that pyramid sits behind several layers of constitutional insulation. Any serious attempt to hold Munir accountable through the courts would run straight into the protections granted to five-star officers, and any constitutional challenge to the amendment itself would be heard not by the old Supreme Court but by a newly created Constitutional Court whose architecture has been shaped by the same ruling coalition that pushed the amendment through.

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In other words, the 27th Amendment has been crafted in such a way that even an extreme political shock, such as custodial harm to Pakistans most popular opposition leader, is unlikely to shake the man who now sits at the apex of the countrys security system.

While the streets churn over Imran Khans condition and Adiala remains on lockdown, the Constitution has already been rewritten to ensure that Asim Munirs position remains almost entirely beyond reach.

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 29, 2025, 11:19 IST

News explainers Why Asim Munir Remains Immune To Action, Accountability Amid Rising Speculation Over Imran Khan

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Air India, IndiGo Issue Advisories As Cyclone Ditwah Batters Southern Routes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 21:50 IST

Cyclone Ditwah disrupts flights in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka. Air India and IndiGo issue advisories as IMD warns of heavy rain.

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Air India said that it has made significant progress on the required fix.

Air India on Saturday issued an advisory warning passengers that heavy rain and strong winds from Cyclone Ditwah could affect flights operating to and from Chennai and other southern cities.

The airline advised travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Passengers can do so online or contact Air Indias 247 call centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 for assistance.

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No information was provided about flight cancellations at this stage, but passengers are urged to monitor updates closely as the cyclone approaches.

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory warning passengers that Cyclone Ditwah could disrupt flights to and from several destinations in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu as the storm continues to move westwards.

In a statement posted on X, the airline said the cyclones rainfall and wind patterns are now affecting parts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, and as a result, flights operating to and from Colombo, Jaffna, Puducherry, Thoothukudi, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai and Madurai may face disruptions.

IndiGo said its teams are closely monitoring the situation to provide passengers with the latest updates. Travellers have been advised to check their flight status on the airlines website or mobile app before heading to the airport to better plan their journeys.

Chennai Airport officials on Saturday reported that more than 35 ATR flights, including both arrivals and departures, have been cancelled today due to operational disruptions.

According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), a total of 36 domestic flights and 11 international flights are scheduled to be cancelled on Sunday as well, with passengers advised to check flight status and coordinate with their airlines before traveling to the airport.

As a precaution against the cyclonic storm and expected heavy rainfall in the southern and central districts, 16 flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi, Madurai and Trichy have been cancelled. A similar number of return flights to Chennai from these cities were also suspended. In addition, 22 flights from Madurai, Trichy and Puducherry to Bengaluru and Hyderabad were called off.

With the situation worsening, authorities reported that all small aircraft operations from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Thoothukudi, and nearby airports will remain suspended from Sunday morning until night.

Chennai Airport authorities have urged all passengers to get in touch with their respective airlines, verify their flight status, and reschedule their travel plans if required.

The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches closer to the coastal areas.

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IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated spots, likely over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu districts, and the Puducherry-Karaikal region. Strong winds and rainfall have already hit the coastal areas of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 19:36 IST

News india Air India, IndiGo Issue Advisories As Cyclone Ditwah Batters Southern Routes

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'India Will Be Completely Free Of Naxalism': Amit Shah's Bold Remark, Sets New Deadline

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:36 IST

Amit Shah attends the 60th All India Conference of Director Generals in Raipur. PM Modi to chair, focusing on Viksit Bharat, security, and innovation in policing from Nov 28-30.

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The Union Home Minister expressed confidence that the country will be completely free from the problem of Naxalism before the next DGsP/IGsP conference. (PIB)

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the three-day 60th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Chhattisgarhs Raipur and said that the government is on course to eliminate Naxalism nationwide before the next conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police.

In his address, Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DGP/IGP Conference has emerged as a forum for resolving problems, challenges and strategies related to the internal security of the country, from policy formulation to policy resolution.

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#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah attends 60th edition of the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Raipur, ChhattisgarhPM Modi will chair the Conference on 29-30 November. The three-day Conference, from 28 to 30 November, aims to review pic.twitter.com/HxcNYY9ycr  ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025

Referring to the Modi governments actionable points for the complete eradication of Naxalism, the Home Minister said that the central government has strengthened the security cordon by building 586 fortified police stations in the last seven years and as a result, the number of Naxal-affected districts has come down from 126 in 2014 to just 11 today.

The Union Home Minister expressed confidence that the country will be completely free from the problem of Naxalism before the next DGsP/IGsP conference.

Shah said that the country has been facing the problem of Naxalism for the last 40 years. He said that the Modi government has provided a permanent solution to the problem of Naxalism, North-East and Jammu and Kashmir, which has become a nuisance for the country, and soon they will become like the rest of the country.

Highlighting the achievements of the Modi government, the Home Minister said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) laws have been strengthened, three new criminal laws have been enacted along with strong laws for narcotics and fugitives.

He said that after the full implementation of the three new criminal laws, Indias policing will become the most modern in the world.

Referring to the Modi Governments action against terrorism and extremism, Shah said that after the Centre banned the Popular Front of India (PFI), nationwide raids were conducted on their hideouts and arrests were made, which is an outstanding example of Centre-State coordination.

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He said that security forces and police are delivering strong blows to extremism, radicalisation and narcotics by focusing on three key aspects: accuracy of intelligence, clarity of objectives, and synergy in action.

Shah reiterated that we must launch a 360-degree attack on narcotics and organised crime and build such a system that drug traffickers and criminals do not get even an inch of space in this country. He said the time has now come for state police forces to work together with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and strike hard at narcotics gangs operating at state, national and international levels, and put their masterminds behind bars.

Location : Raipur, India, India

First Published: November 28, 2025, 19:07 IST

News india 'India Will Be Completely Free Of Naxalism': Amit Shah's Bold Remark, Sets New Deadline

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To supply its growing footprint, it consolidated its distribution at a large center in York, Pennsylvania, in 2008. A second distribution center was opened in 2014 in Georgia, one year before Ollie's initial public offering on the stock market.

The company, known for its quirky, comic-book-style marketing, has been deliberate about its growth, slowly but consistently opening locations. It focused on Pennsylvania stores before entering Maryland in the 1990s. Despite Rosenberg's passing in 1996, the company steadily expanded its store count under Butler's leadership, reaching 20 locations by late 2000 and 36 stores by 2005, which lifted revenue to $150 million that year.

Ollie's stores are stocked with closeout and overstock items purchased at a discount and sold to customers at lower prices than those found in department stores. It aims for a 40% gross margin . If it can hit that target and significantly undercut prices at full-price stores, it will sell just about anything, including soap, food, toys, housewares, apparel, and electronics.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet was founded by Mark Butler, Morton Bernstein, Harry Coverman, and Oliver "Ollie" Rosenberg at Bernstein's lumber yard in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1982. After visiting a Building 19 location in Massachusetts, Butler started the company based on a simple premise that everyone in America loves a bargain.

Alongside interest in a treasure hunt shopping experience and stretched budgets, Ollies Bargain Outlet finds itself in a prime position to win customers over the holidays and into 2026.

Big Lots' failure and Chapter 11 bankruptcy allowed Ollie's to acquire a slate of its storefronts. Big Lots closures also reduced competition at 290 of its 645 stores.

Ollies Bargain Outlet has particularly benefited thanks to its decision to capitalize on the bankruptcy of one of its largest rivals, Big Lots.

Foot traffic to these retail stores has surged in 2025, helping drive sales higher amid a shift away from full-price department stores, such as Macys and bigger stores like Target.

Finding the perfect something at the perfect price is one of my favorite pastimes, and Im not alone. Customers are flocking to off-price stores like TJMaxx, HomeGoods, and Ollies Bargain Outlet as layoffs mount and shoppers tighten their budgets.

Story Continues

Sales continue to grow as Ollie's opened more stores in new markets. In 2017, it operated 268 stores with sales exceeding $1 billion.

In December 2019, Butler passed away, and former Chief Operating Officer John Swygert took over as CEO. The company's East Coast expansion continued under Swygert, with Ollie's store count growing to 559 at the end of 2024, generating $2.3 billion in annual revenue.

In February 2025, Swygert transitioned to executive chairman, clearing the way for President Eric Van der Valk to assume Ollie's CEO title. Before joining Ollie's in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer, he was president and COO of Christmas Tree Shops, where he'd worked for 15 years.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet strikes Big Lots gold

Big Lots was one of America's largest discount retailers, with 1,450 stores near its peak in 2015. However, a series of missteps that muddied its discount store image and saddled it with substantial debt took a toll, as Ollie's and other competitors cut into its market share.

The company, which was founded in 1967 by Sol Shenk, was initially known for buying closeout auto parts (Shenk even bought DeLorean Motors' assets during its bankruptcy).

It evolved over the years to sell a wide range of off-price products, but in 2013, under newly installed CEO David Campisi, Big Lots made an ill-advised shift to sell non-closeout items in its stores, leaving consumers with a confusing price experience.

Big Lots' sales declined, particularly after 2021, falling 14% in fiscal 2023 (ending February 3, 2024), 11% in 2022, and 1% in 2021. In its final quarter before declaring bankruptcy on September 9, 2024, Big Lots reported year-to-date sales through the second quarter had fallen by 9.2% to $2.1 billion. It also $570 million in maturing short-term debt.

Big Lots bankruptcy timeline:

Sept. 9, 2024 : Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Source: Kroll

Jan. 1, 2025 : A bankruptcy court approved the sale of 200400 Big Lots stores and up to two distribution centers to Variety Wholesalers, facilitated by Gordon Brothers.

Source: Reuters

Jan. 14, 2025 : Gordon Brothers offers Big Lots store leases for sale nationwide (19,000 to 55,000 squarefoot properties).

Source: Gordon Brothers

Feb. 27, 2025: Ollies Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. announced its acquisition of 40 Big Lots store leases from Gordon Brothers, bringing its total of Big Lotsderived leases to 63.

Source: Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings

Big Lots' restructuring amid bankruptcy included the liquidation of many stores, creating a great opportunity for Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

Unlike Big Lots, Ollie's balance sheet was strong, with no meaningful long-term debt and hundreds of millions in cash, despite its ongoing store opening program. The company leveraged its financial strength to acquire 63 leases on Big Lots stores, acquiring 23 leases in 2024 and another 40 leases in February 2025.

"These locations are the right size, come with favorable lease terms, are located in existing and adjacent trade areas, and have long serviced value conscious consumers," said Ollie's CEO van der Valk at the time.

The newly acquired stores bolstered its presence within the most attractive markets. At the same time, the permanent closure of many Big Lots locations provided a tailwind, leading to increased foot traffic at 290 Ollie's stores during the second quarter of 2025.

The combination has accelerated Ollie's revenue, with stores reopened under Ollie's brand growing rapidly and same-store sales at existing Ollie's within former Big Lots markets accelerating at a faster-than-normal pace.

Overall, comparable store sales at stores open at least one year rose 5% in the second quarter, "driven by an increase in transactions," according to Helm.

Ollie's Army membership grows

Ollies stores and marketing boast a vibe similar to Trader Joes, with old-timey advertising encouraging a treasure-hunt mentality among customers searching for Good Stuff Cheap.

Ollies Army membership totaled 15.1 million people at the end of fiscal 2024, up 8% year over year. The company says members account for approximately 80% of sales at its stores, which can now be found in 34 states along the East Coast. The average Ollie's Army member spends 40% more per visit than nonmembers.

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"With so many retailers closing stores or going bankrupt in the past year, there is an opportunity to gain market share through expanding our footprint, acquiring new customers and turning these customers into loyal Ollie's Army members," said van der Valk on the Q2 earnings call.

That's already happening. Exiting the second quarter, Ollies Army loyalty members totaled 16.1 million, a 10.6% increase from last year.

But it's not only growth through Big Lots' failure that's driving results. Ollie has ramped up its organic new store growth this year, opening 54 stores during the first six months, which is "4x the number of stores we opened in the same period last year," according to van der Valk.

What's next for Ollie's Bargain Outlet

The company sees opportunities arising from shifting customer behavior, forcing stores to reassess their footprints. The company is monitoring additional store closures and bankruptcy-related opportunities, and it plans to maintain a cautious approach to new store grand openings.

Overall, Ollie's exited the second quarter, during which it opened 29 stores, with a target of 85 new locations this year, including the Big Lot stores. In 2026, it expects to exceed its 10% store growth goal again.

The store closures also have another positive impact for Ollie's  more opportunities to buy inventory.

"There's so many different sources of closeouts in any given quarter... Our model thrives on disruption," said van der Valk. "The retail bankruptcies and store closures have certainly resulted in additional buying opportunities."

Ollie's is also seeking additional ways to boost visits from Ollie's Army members. It hosted an Ollie's Day event in the second quarter, offering an exclusive member-only shopping night with promotions tailored to members.

"The reimagined event was a huge success and exceeded all expectations. First and most importantly, we rewarded our Ollie's Army members and acquired an abundance of new members. Second, the event was accretive to sales and earnings," said van der Valk.

The Ollie's Days event added 1% to the off-price retailers' comp store sales in Q2.

It plans a similar Ollie's Army Day with exclusive shopping for members on Dec. 15.

And it's not just that Ollie's is winning with lower- and middle-income shoppers. It is seeing growth across all income levels, including higher-income households, as more customers shift their spending habits.

Ultimately, Ollie's Bargain Outlet believes there's room to operate 950 stores in America, providing ample opportunities for further growth.

The company will provide an update on its progress during its third quarter earnings call, scheduled for Dec. 9.

Related: Popular TJMaxx rival stumbles as customer behavior shifts

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bangladesh Poll Won't Count As Real Unless All Parties Are Allowed To Take Part: Ex-Envoy | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 10:39 IST

In an interview with CNN-News18, Veena Sikri said at present, Bangladesh looks more like an authoritarian shell than a functioning democracy

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Former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Veena Sikri. (X)

Bangladesh is in the throes of one of its most chaotic political moments in decades, with the once-dominant Awami League now barred from contesting the upcoming elections. The streets are tense, the institutions look shaken, and the uncertainty has spilled into every layer of society.

Speaking to CNN-News18, former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Veena Sikri broke down what the turbulence really means, speaking candidly about why the polls already look rigged, how minority groups in Dhaka are bracing through the unrest, the real weight the Bangladesh Army now holds, and whether Washingtons shadow is flickering behind the agitation.

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As Bangladeshs former prime minister Sheikh Hasina remains in India, Sikri also laid out how her presence could redefine the long-term arc of Delhi-Dhaka ties.

Edited Excerpts:

How do you assess the legitimacy and stability of the Yunus-led interim government, especially given its sweeping actions against the previous regime?

The interim government lacks full constitutional legitimacy. The Bangladeshi Constitution does not permit an interim administration of this kind, and the caretaker model is supposed to be a short 90-day arrangement run by non-political experts whose only job is to maintain order and prepare for elections. Instead, this government is packed with openly political Islamist actors, including members of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam, and even individuals linked to banned groups.

Dr Yunus himself publicly described the change of power as meticulously designed" and identified his own aide, Mahfuz Alam, who has ties to Hizb ut-Tahrir, as the architect. That alone raises questions about intent, transparency, and legality.

Theres also the violence that accompanied the power shift: hundreds of policemen killed, over 400 police stations attacked or looted, and weapons used in the unrest that did not belong to police armouries. None of these incidents have been addressed, compensated, or even acknowledged by those in power. The families of slain officers have been left without answers. At the same time, the government has banned the Awami Leagues activities, something unheard of in functioning democracies. Even in Sri Lanka or Nepal, where governments fell under public pressure, ruling parties were not banned from contesting fresh elections. In Bangladeshs case, the ban directly undermines the credibility of any democratic process.

The interim administration also shaped the mandate of the UN human rights inquiry to cover only a short window, leaving out the wave of attacks on minorities that followed.

Taken together, these decisions raise serious doubts about the interim governments constitutional basis, democratic intent, and overall stability. Ultimately, the real test will be whether Bangladesh can now hold free, fair, inclusive elections, and whether all major political forces, including the Awami League, are genuinely allowed to participate.

So, given the recent protests by minority groups, what is the present condition of Hindus in Bangladesh, and do you see their vulnerability increasing during this period of political uncertainty?

Unfortunately, yes, minorities are far more vulnerable today. The violence began almost immediately after Sheikh Hasina left, with Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and even Sufi communities facing targeted attacks. Rights groups documented nearly 2,000 incidents in just two weeks, much of it aimed at pushing minorities out of their homes and livelihoods.

Whats different this time is that many young Hindus have stood their ground, insisting they are citizens and wont be driven out. Yet the state response has been deeply worrying. Community organisers like Chinmay Das are in jail without charge. Many Awami League workers and journalists are also behind bars, trials are stalled or non-existent, and the media space has been brought under tight control.

On top of the violence, theres economic exclusion. Hindu teachers, civil servants, and police officers are being forced to resign under mob pressure. Entire families are suddenly without income. And all of this is happening with almost no international scrutiny, even though global outlets loudly question democratic norms in other countries in the region.

Institutionally, Bangladesh is in a vacuum. Parliament is dissolved, the judiciary is being used as a political tool, and the media has been muzzled. The so-called July National Charter barely has support among political parties, yet the government is pushing ahead with elections that exclude most major players. Its hard to call this anything but an authoritarian setup, and minorities inevitably end up paying the highest price.

You highlighted the collapse of democratic norms and the rising threats to minorities. With the political scene so fluid, what does a realistic election roadmap even look like now, and who really gains from the legal cases being pushed through?

Right now, the roadmap looks foggy at best. For months, the interim government showed no real interest in holding elections and kept pointing to endless reform committees" as a reason to delay the process indefinitely. Even the BNP, which should have been the natural alternative after the Awami Leagues exit, is being pushed out, and the recent student-body polls made it obvious that the field is being tilted heavily towards Jamaat-linked groups.

Theres still no election date, even though the window is already open. The fear is that the system is being engineered to deliver a Jamaat-friendly outcome, not a genuinely competitive vote.

Unless all parties are allowed to participate, unless observers are allowed in, and unless the process is credible, it wont count as a real election. Right now, the only steady constitutional figures left are the President and the Army Chief, and much will depend on whether they steer things back towards a proper democratic process.

With the sudden power shift in Dhaka, how much influence is the Bangladesh Army really exercising behind the facade of the interim government?

From what weve seen, the army is keeping a careful distance, at least publicly, but its clear theres tension inside the institution. The army chief has largely stuck to the constitutional line and refused to let the force be dragged into political street battles, whether during the student protests or after the recent verdict against Sheikh Hasina. But there have been troubling exceptionslike the incident in Tungipara where a local commander opened fire, and a civilian died. That episode rattled people and exposed cracks within the ranks.

There have also been moments where parts of the armed forces division seemed to act directly under Yunuss interim setup, including conversations around a so-called humanitarian corridor with Myanmar. Each time, the army chief had to step in and push back, insisting on sovereignty and distancing the institution from political adventurism. So yes, the armys influence is real, but its not unified. Theres a clear internal split, even if the top brass is trying to keep the force above the political fray.

So, do you believe Washington has played a covert role in Bangladeshs unrest, especially after Sheikh Hasinas son, now in the US, claimed the Biden administration funded groups involved in the anti-government riots?

Her sons claims arent coming out of nowhere. Even Donald Trump once questioned why millions were being spent on trainings" in South Asia through USAID. That fed into long-standing allegations of US-backed colour revolutions" in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka and Nepal have since moved back toward open, competitive politics. Bangladesh is the outlier. The interim leadership keeps drifting further from democratic norms, talking up reforms, referendums, committees, anything that delays real elections. Even their push for a July Charter referendum has been blocked by the President, who insists it must coincide with national polls, meaning no elections, no referendum.

At this point, the only real fix is simple: free, fair, inclusive elections. If that happens, the outcome could go to anyoneBNP, Awami League, a coalitionwhoever the people trust after the past year-and-a-half. But without that credibility, instability will continue, no matter who wins on paper.

If Hasina remains in India, how might this reshape the long-term India-Bangladesh equation, especially with China waiting to expand its footprint in Dhaka?

Sending Sheikh Hasina back wouldnt end the crisis; it would trigger a bigger one. A huge section of Bangladesh still believes in the spirit of the liberation war and wants a secular, democratic, economically forward-looking country. They may be religious, but they dont want a Pakistan-style model. And India cant ignore that, because Jamaat-e-Islamis ideology is fundamentally opposed to Indias interests.

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If Bangladesh slides back into that space, India will eventually face the same terrorism debate all over again. Are we going to call terrorism from Pakistan an act of war but pretend its different when it comes from Bangladesh? The truth is, most Bangladeshis dont support Jamaat-e-Islami or Muhammad Yunus. If they did, the government could easily hold a free, inclusive election and still win. But they know they cant, which is why theyre stalling, distracting, and talking about extradition instead of democracy. And extradition isnt some quick political hack. Its a legal process bound by treaty. Mishandle it, and India risks international complications.

More importantly, pushing Hasina back without a political settlement would inflame tensions because ordinary Bangladeshis expect India to stand by the values of 1971. They expect India to defend the very principles they fought for. Thats why this moment is bigger than one leader. Its about what kind of Bangladesh its people wantand what India chooses to support.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 10:39 IST

News india Bangladesh Poll Won't Count As Real Unless All Parties Are Allowed To Take Part: Ex-Envoy | Exclusive

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Cognisance Or Closure? Delhi Court Set To Rule On ED Chargesheet In National Herald Case Today

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:29 IST

Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court had reserved the order on November 7

The Congress party has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the case as an act of 'political vendetta' orchestrated by the ruling BJP to harass and intimidate the opposition. File pic/PTI

The political atmosphere in New Delhi is charged as the Rouse Avenue Court prepares to pronounce its crucial order on Saturday regarding whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorates chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case. The decision by Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne will mark a critical juncture in the high-profile case that arrays the top leadership of the Congress party as accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The chargesheet, filed by the ED in April 2025, names Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda, and former Congress treasurer Suman Dubey, among others, alongside the company Young Indian (YI) and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. The court had previously reserved its order on November 7 after the ED submitted final clarifications, following an extensive inspection of the case records and repeated arguments over several months.

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The Core Allegations

The case revolves around the financial transactions involving the defunct newspaper National Herald, originally published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company founded by Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters. The ED alleges that AJL, which owned vast real estate assets estimated to be worth over Rs 2,000 crore, was fraudulently acquired by Young Indian (YI).

The prosecutions claim centres on a Rs 90.25 crore interest-free loan extended by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to AJL to clear its debt. The ED argues that this debt was then assigned to the newly incorporated YI for a nominal sum of just Rs 50 lakh. Crucially, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi jointly held a 76% stake in the newly formed Young Indian, allegedly granting them beneficial control over the extensive properties owned by AJL, which were originally intended solely for newspaper publication.

The ED maintains that this entire transaction was a sham" designed to usurp the assets of AJL, thereby constituting the proceeds of crime" under the PMLA. They have sought penal action under Section 4 of the PMLA, which provides for a jail term of up to seven years.

Congresss Defence

The Congress party has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the case as an act of political vendetta" orchestrated by the ruling BJP to harass and intimidate the opposition. They argue that Young Indian, incorporated as a not-for-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, could not allow any individual to profit financially. Furthermore, their legal counsel has contested the very basis of the PMLA charges, arguing that this is a strange and unprecedented prosecution" involving alleged money laundering without any actual proceeds of crime.

The courts decision on cognisance is crucial. If the Special Judge decides to take cognisance, it implies that the court finds sufficient evidence to believe that a prima facie case exists against the accused, thereby paving the way for the formal trial process to commence. The ruling is expected to have significant political ramifications, further escalating the high-stakes legal battle between the countrys ruling establishment and the main opposition party.

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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 28, 2025, 23:19 IST

News india Cognisance Or Closure? Delhi Court Set To Rule On ED Chargesheet In National Herald Case Today

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Cross-LoC Trade Counted As Intra-State GST Since PoK Part Of India: J&K High Court

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 21:19 IST

The judgment came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by traders who conducted barter-based cross-LoC exchanges between 2017 and 2019.

J&K High Court

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Saturday ruled that trade across the Line of Control (LoC) between traders in the Union Territory and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) qualifies as intra-state trade under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

The court noted that PoK remains legally part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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The judgment came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by traders who conducted barter-based cross-LoC exchanges between 2017 and 2019.

The petitioners challenged show-cause notices issued by GST authorities seeking tax payments, disputing the classification of both the territorial jurisdiction and the nature of the supply.

A division bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar dismissed the petitions, holding that the traders must pursue the statutory remedies available under the CGST Act rather than bypassing them through writ petitions.

It is not in dispute that the territory currently under Pakistans de facto control legally forms part of the former State of Jammu & Kashmir. Accordingly, both the suppliers and the place of supply fell within the then States territory. The cross-LoC transactions carried out during the relevant tax period therefore constituted intra-state trade," the court observed.

The bench added that since the GST Act provides an equally efficacious" mechanism for appeal and review, the traders should approach the designated authorities instead of invoking the courts writ jurisdiction.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the cross-LoC exchanges, between Islamabad and Uri, and between Rawalakot (PoK) and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch, operated purely as barter trade without any monetary exchange, as mutually agreed upon by India and Pakistan.

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The traders maintained that they treated these transactions as zero-rated and therefore exempt from sales tax.

Cross-LoC trade, once seen as a key confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan, was suspended in 2019 amid concerns of misuse.

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 21:19 IST

News india Cross-LoC Trade Counted As Intra-State GST Since PoK Part Of India: J&K High Court

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Cyclone Ditwah: Flights Cancelled, Schools Shut In Tamil Nadu; Landfall Likely Tomorrow

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 12:36 IST

The weather office forecast heavy rains in the southern and Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu, between November 29 and 30.

The name, 'Ditwah', referring to a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen. (File)

Cyclone Ditwah: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cyclone Ditwah, currently hovering close to Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify slightly and move towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by early November 30, triggering heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of urban flooding across multiple southern states.

The cyclonic storm is racing north-northwest across the Bay of Bengal, now 220 km from Karaikal and steadily approaching the north Tamil Nadusouth Andhra Pradesh coast. It is expected to arrive in the early hours of November 30, according to the IMD.

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The name, Ditwah, referring to a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen. It is likely named after Detwah Lagoon, a large, saline lagoon on the northwest coast of the island of Socotra in Yemen.

IMD Issues Red, Orange Alerts

The weather office forecast heavy rains in the southern and Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu, between November 29 and 30. The IMD said that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall [is] likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Rayalaseema during 29th November1st December, with isolated extremely heavy falls over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema on 30th November."

As per IMDs latest update, the cyclonic storm moved north-northwestwards with the speed of 7 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 11:30 pm on Friday over the same region, near latitude 9.0N andlongitude 80.8E, about 70 km northwest of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 170 km northwest of Batticaloa (Sri Lanka), 240km south-southeast of Karaikal (India), 350 km south-southeast of Puducherry(India) and 450 km south of Chennai (India)."

Puducherry, along with Tamil Nadus Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts, are on red alert today.

Several other Tamil Nadu districtsincluding Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Ranipetalong with the Karaikal region, are under an orange alert.

#WATCH | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu | Strong winds, rain and rough sea conditions in Pamban as a result of cyclonic storm Ditwah moving north-northwest across Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal.Ditwah expected to cross near the coast by early November 30th, says IMD. pic.twitter.com/laSbb10ZOP  ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025

Kerala is also expected to witness heavy rainfall today, while Karnataka and Telangana are expected to brace for intense downpours today and tomorrow, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, according to the IMD.

As rains due to cyclone Ditwah continue, three reservoirs of Idukki district of Kerala are on red alert due to rising water level, while the Thrissur and Kozhikode reservoirs remain on orange alert.

In Andhra Pradesh, the districts of Tirupati, Chittoor, Bapatla, Prakasam and SPSR Nellore are under an IMD orange alert for heavy rain.

Residents in the alerted districts, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, have been advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been repeatedly warned not to venture into the sea.

Trains, Flights Impacted

The adverse weather conditions have affected flight operations at Chennai International Airport due to which at least 54 flights scheduled for November 29 have been cancelled.

Sixteen flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi, Madurai, and Trichy have been cancelled. Similarly, 16 flights from Thoothukudi, Trichy, and Madurai to Chennai were also suspended. Additionally, 22 flights from Madurai, Trichy, and Puducherry to Bengaluru and Hyderabad have been suspended.

#PassengerAdvisory | Kindly take note of the list of ATR flight cancellations by @IndiGo6E at Chennai International Airport on 29.11.2025 due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers are requested to check with the concerned airlines for further updates. pic.twitter.com/V2RwAh3GFf Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) November 28, 2025

In view of the adverse weather conditions, IndiGo has cancelled several flights operating to and from Jaffna, Puducherry, Tuticorin, and Tiruchirappalli on November 29. In a post on X, IndiGo appealed to passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport.

Due to the prevailing cyclonic conditions and heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Ditwah, flights to and from #Jaffna, #Pondicherry, #Tuticorin, and #Trichy may experience disruptions," it said.

Travel Advisory | Cyclone DitwahDue to the prevailing cyclonic conditions and heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Ditwah, flights to and from #Jaffna, #Pondicherry, #Tuticorin, and #Trichy may experience disruptions. We understand how unsettling any changes to your travel  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 28, 2025

Train services have also been impacted. Southern Railway in a post on X said, Southern Railway has announced cancellations, partial cancellations and short terminations for selected services on 28 and 29 November 2025."

 Change in Pattern of Train Services due to Cyclone Ditwah 2025!Southern Railway has announced cancellations, partial cancellations and short terminations for selected services on 28 and 29 November 2025. Passengers are requested to check the updated information through the  Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 28, 2025

Schools Shut In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

In a preemptive move against the approaching Cyclone Ditwah, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for all schools across the state on Saturday.

The press release from the School Education Department stated, The Meteorological Department has said that there will be heavy rain in the coastal districts and adjoining districts on Saturday (today). Therefore, all schools across Tamil Nadu will be closed on Saturday (today). No special classes should be held in schools."

The Pondicherry Central University has announced that all exams scheduled to be held on Saturday have been postponed and a holiday was declared for all classes at the university because of the cyclone, news agency PTI reported.

A release from the Registrar of the University on Friday night said that the postponement of examinations and also cancellation of classes were due to a communication received from the Coast Guard about the cyclone and the heavy rains.

A revised date of the examinations would be announced in course of time, the release said.

Ditwah Wreaks Havoc In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka on Friday grappled with one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah wreaked havoc, causing floods and landslides that claimed more than 120 lives.

Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.

Sri Lankan authorities warned of an unprecedented disaster situation" in the Western Province from Friday night due to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers.

Both Colombo and the next most populous district of Gampaha are under severe threat, prompting officials to urge residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate, they said.

Late on Friday, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed more than 80 people have died, while 34 remain missing in the past three days, as rescue operations intensify, according to news portal NewsFirst.lk.

The DMC said as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.

Scores of houses were destroyed completely or partially, leaving thousands homeless as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering extensive flooding, landslides in central hill regions and major disruptions in other parts that have left several areas inaccessible.

The central Matale district recorded the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending 6 am Thursday, receiving 540 mm, authorities said.

India Rushes Aid Under Op Sagar Bandhu

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis, and the first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that an IAF aircraft delivered 12 tons of humanitarian aid as tranche of relief materials to Colombo as the cylonic storm continues to batter the island nation.

#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo," he said in a post on X.

#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo.  pic.twitter.com/btzlnZeO8x  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

Earlier, he announced the commencement of the Operation. In a post on X, Jaishankar said that INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have handed over relief material at Colombo, adding that further steps are underway.

An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft reached Sri Lanka with 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), including four females and four sniffer dogs, along with disaster relief supplies and rescue equipment.

An IL-76 IAF aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka carrying 80 NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) personnel, including four females, four sniffer dogs, disaster relief supplies and rescue equipment to support ongoing relief operations," Sri Lanka Air Force announced on X.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi expressed condolences to the people of Sri Lanka over the loss of lives due to Cyclone Ditwah and said India stands in solidarity with its closest maritime neighbour" during the crisis.

My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families," he said in a post on X.

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He further said that India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, and assured that additional aid and assistance would be provided as the situation evolves.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 08:53 IST

News india Cyclone Ditwah: Flights Cancelled, Schools Shut In Tamil Nadu; Landfall Likely Tomorrow

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DGCA Shares Update After Airbus A320 Software Issue Triggers 338 Flight Delays

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 14:03 IST

Both Air India and IndiGo issued advisories on Friday warning travellers of possible delays as aircraft undergo the mandatory fix.

AI-generated image used for representation

Flight operations around the world have been hit after Airbus ordered a major software fix for its A320 family of aircraft. The directive has led to cancellations, delays and schedule changes across several airlines, including those in India. The countrys aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has now shared a detailed update on the situation.

According to the DGCA, India has 338 aircraft from the A320 family currently in service. These include the A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo models flown by major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express. The regulator said that 55% of these aircraft have already received the required flight-control software upgrade.

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The DGCA earlier issued a mandatory instruction to all Indian airlines after receiving an Airbus alert and an emergency directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Based on the Airbus AOT and EASA Emergency AD, DGCA has issued a Mandatory Modification on November 29 prescribing the mandatory actions required for the continued safe operation of the aircraft," the regulator said.

DGCA regulator said that 338 aircraft in India were affected by the directive. Out of these, 189 aircraft have already received the required software update, the DGCA confirmed. These planes have now been cleared to return to normal commercial operations. The remaining aircraft are still undergoing the mandatory upgrade.

How Many Flights In India Were Affected?

A large portion of the fleets of IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express have been impacted. As reported by Hindustan Times, the directive affected:

200 IndiGo aircraft

113 Air India aircraft

25 Air India Express aircraft

Of these, according to PTI, 113 IndiGo planes, 42 Air India aircraft and four Air India Express aircraft have already completed the update. The rest continue to undergo the process.

The upgrades are being carried out at major airline bases in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

What Airlines Told Passengers?

Both Air India and IndiGo issued advisories on Friday warning travellers of possible delays as aircraft undergo the mandatory fix. Air India said the corrective action would require a software/hardware realignment" for part of its fleet. IndiGo informed passengers that it was proactively completing" the upgrade to minimise disruptions.

Several passengers reported long waits and sudden changes in boarding times as airlines reshuffled fleets to keep services running.

Why The Fix Was Ordered?

The global directive came after an incident on 30 October, when a JetBlue A320 flying from Cancun to Newark suddenly pitched downward without pilot input, injuring passengers. Airbus later said a preliminary check pointed to a problem in the aircrafts Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), the system that helps control the planes movement.

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The incident prompted EASA to issue an emergency order, followed by Airbuss instruction for a fleetwide software update.

As airlines continue the fixes, regulators and carriers say safety remains the top priority, even if it means delays for passengers in the short term.

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 29, 2025, 13:32 IST

News india DGCA Shares Update After Airbus A320 Software Issue Triggers 338 Flight Delays

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EC Appoints Retired Bureaucrat Subrata Gupta As Special Roll Observer For SIR In West Bengal

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 10:31 IST

The ECI appointed Subrata Gupta as Special Roll Observer and 12 IAS officers for the SIR in West Bengal amid TMC protests over BLO deaths and alleged voter list issues.

The ECI appointed Subrata Gupta as Special Roll Observer and 12 IAS officers for the SIR in West Bengal amid TMC protests over BLO deaths and alleged voter list issues. (Image: PTI)

The Election Commission has appointed retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as the Special Roll Observer for the SIR exercise in West Bengal, an official said on Saturday.

The Commission has also named 12 IAS officers as Electoral Roll Observers to supervise key aspects of preparing the electoral rolls following the SIR. According to the official, these observers will assist district election officers (DEOs) and electoral registration officers (EROs) in implementing corrective measures during the process.

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The appointments come amid of deepening conflict between the Commission and the ruling TMC in the state. A 10-member TMC delegation recently met with EC officials in Delhi to raise serious objections against the SIR, alleging that the exercise has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and accusing the Commission of blood on their hands." The party claimed the SIR process was unplanned and dangerous," and demanded accountability and transparency.

The EC, however, strongly denied these allegations. It called the death claims baseless, unfounded and politically motivated," and issued a warning to the TMC against threatening or pressuring BLOs working on the electoral roll revision. The Commission maintained that the SIR is a routine, constitutionally mandated exercise aimed solely at ensuring a clean and accurate voter list, not a political manoeuvre.

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TMC leaders, meanwhile, have questioned why West Bengal alone appears singled out for such rigorous SIR scrutiny, especially against the backdrop of other border states sharing similar challenges. They say the voter-list corrections carried out so far have led to serious discrepancies, missing entries, and alleged disenfranchisement.

As the EC pushes ahead with its fresh observer appointments, the SIR exercise in Bengal now seems poised not just for administrative scrutiny but a full-blown political showdown over electoral trust, transparency and public confidence.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 10:31 IST

News india EC Appoints Retired Bureaucrat Subrata Gupta As Special Roll Observer For SIR In West Bengal

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How Harsimran Badal Went From Aspiring Wrestler To Goldy Brar-Linked Extortionist

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 22:35 IST

Harsimran, also known as Badal and Simran, a wanted gangster linked to Goldy Dhillon and 23 criminal cases, was arrested by Delhi Police after being deported from Bangkok.

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Gangster Harsimran held by Delhi Police | Image: X

Wanted gangster Harsimran, also known as Badal and Simran, was arrested by the Delhi Polices Special Cell, with assistance from central agencies. He was later deported from Bangkok earlier this week, officials said on Saturday.

Badal was taken into custody on November 26 upon arrival and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.

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Who Is Harsimran?

Harsimran, also known as Badal and Simran, 38, a resident of East Shalimar Bagh, had left India in January using a forged passport and was trying to build himself into an international gangster operating from Europe and the United States, in alleged collaboration with Goldy Dhillon, the suspected mastermind behind the shooting at comedian Kapil Sharmas cafe in Canada.

According to the police, Harsimran is involved in 23 cases, including extortion, murder, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act, and had stopped appearing in the trial court in 14 ongoing cases after securing bail.

Harsimran has been arrested by the Special Cell under Sections 318, 339 and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as provisions of the Arms Act, police said.

Harsimrans criminal background traces back to his teenage years in Delhi, when he trained as a wrestler at various akharas and came into contact with seasoned criminals linked to the Samunder, Manoj and Vijay alias Naughty gangs, police said.

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Over time, he allegedly built his own extortion network in North and Northwest Delhi, targeting those who refused to pay through threats and violence. His alleged involvement in multiple shootings, intimidation cases and extortion rackets is said to have spanned nearly two decades.

Officials said further investigation into his network and overseas links is underway.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 22:35 IST

News india How Harsimran Badal Went From Aspiring Wrestler To Goldy Brar-Linked Extortionist

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India Forging New Trade Ties As Rest Of The World Hedges Between US, China: Jaishankar

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 16:44 IST

Jaishankar said India is preparing to shoulder more responsibilities by forging new trade relationships as the rest of the world is hedging between the US and China.

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EAM S Jaishankar speaking at IIM Calcutta. (X/@DrSJaishankar)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday brought the spotlight to the shifting dynamics of global politics, noting how countries are increasingly balancing between the US and China, while India is building new trade partnerships and connectivity initiatives to address these challenges and expand its own influence.

In his acceptance remarks upon receiving an Honorary Doctorate at IIM Calcutta, Jaishankar said that the world has entered an era where politics increasingly trumps economics, and decisions take into account ownership and security. While globalisation still exists, he underscored that powerful counterforces have been brought into play.

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The United States, long the underwriter of the contemporary system, has set radically new terms of engagement. Not just that, it is doing so by dealing with countries on a one-on-one basis rather than through regimes. China has long played by its own rules and is now doing so even more. In the ensuing scenario, other nations are unclear on whether their attention should be on the visible competition or the trade-offs and understandings that punctuate it," he said.

My acceptance remarks on conferment of Honorary Doctorate by @IIM_Calcutta.https://t.co/pXIPyGI4g7 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

The minister also highlighted that the rest of the world has responded to such pressures of globalisation by hedging against all contingencies. Even as it engages the United States and China directly, choices are avoided where feasible and choices are made when beneficial. Simultaneously, other options between themselves are explored with greater urgency," he added.

World Not What It Was Before

Turning his focus on the changing global scenario, Jaishankar said, Europe and Asia are reassessing their respective strategic predicaments. The very landscape of the Middle East has undergone a transformation. The importance of partnering Africas growth is more widely recognised, and all distances become less relevant, New opportunities are more visualised in Latin America."

Highlighting that the world was not what it was a decade ago, the EAM further stated, A third of global production currently takes place in China. This has put the spotlight on the resilience and reliability of supply chains. Conflicts and climate events have added to the possibility of their disruption."

When it comes to energy, the US has gone from being a major importer to a significant exporter of fossil fuels. At the same time, China dominates the world of renewables. Where trade is concerned, supply-side risks are aggravated by demand-side uncertainty."

Jaishankar also mentioned that tariffs on trade prospects had heightened market volatility, and the prolific application of sanctions, the seizure of assets, and the advent of blockchain-based technologies are part of the new realities" today.

India Forging New Trade Deals

Outlining Indias response to the uncertainty of global politics, Jaishankar underlined the need to advance its comprehensive national power, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote its influence. As India rises and our economy grows, we are preparing to shoulder more responsibilities in this regard. A major power, that too one with higher aspirations like us, must have a significant industrial base. Unfortunately, this was not an assumption necessarily accepted by policymakers before 2014," he said.

Promoting industrial growth and even incentivising it is today a key economic priority. The emphasis on Make in India in the last decade speaks of a different mindset and greater ambition. For its full potential to be realised, the industry has to wholeheartedly partner and look beyond the short term. It must help build the domestic supply chain even as we seek to participate more in the global one," he further said.

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He also said that it was important for India to continuously diversify supply sources to guarantee its national needs. With these considerations in mind, we are today endeavouring to forge new trade arrangements and promote fresh connectivity initiatives. While they certainly represent key facets of our policy priorities, they also speak for the importance that the world attaches to ties with India," he said.

He stressed that these actions will have long-term repercussions and must be carried out with great judiciousness. Jaishankar said India will be guided by its people-centric vision on trade, and its connectivity plans will be based on strategic and economic considerations.

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 29, 2025, 16:44 IST

News india India Forging New Trade Ties As Rest Of The World Hedges Between US, China: Jaishankar

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India Mobilises Ships, Aircraft And NDRF Teams As Cyclone Ditwah Kills Over 130 In Sri Lanka

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 20:23 IST

Warships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and a range of essential items to help families impacted by the cyclone.

India launches Op Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka

India has stepped up large-scale humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, dispatching multiple consignments of relief supplies, personnel, and equipment to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Warships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and a range of essential items to help families impacted by the cyclone.

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In a parallel airlift operation, a C-130J aircraft arrived in Colombo early this morning carrying around 12 tonnes of aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat meals.

Additionally, an IL-76 transport aircraft touched down in Colombo with nine tonnes of relief cargo, alongside 80 National Disaster Response Force personnel, four search-and-rescue canines, and eight tonnes of specialised HADR equipment to support emergency operations on the ground.

Two Chetak helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant are currently engaged in joint search-and-rescue missions with Sri Lanka Air Force crews.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Colombo is assisting Indian travellers stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport due to major flight disruptions. Stranded passengers are being provided food, water and other essential support.

In continued relief mobilisation, INS Sukanya has departed from Visakhapatnam carrying additional supplies and is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly.

Op Sagar Bandhu

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, where catastrophic floods and landslides have claimed more than 130 lives and left dozens missing.

Over 200,000 people from 61,000 families have been impacted, with thousands displaced to temporary relief camps after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

An Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying emergency supplies landed in Colombo early Saturday, delivering food packets, hygiene material and other essentials for affected communities.

The aircraft touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport around 1:30 am, where officials from the Indian High Commission and the Sri Lanka Air Force received the consignment.

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This air delivery follows the first batch of aid sent on Friday, transported by Indian Navy vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri.

India announced Operation Sagar Bandhu the same day, pledging rapid assistance as Sri Lanka struggled to cope with what authorities have described as an unprecedented disaster" in the Western Province.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 20:23 IST

News india India Mobilises Ships, Aircraft And NDRF Teams As Cyclone Ditwah Kills Over 130 In Sri Lanka

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NDAs Coordinated Strike Vs UPAs Mixed Signals: The Real Story Of Indias Anti-Naxal War

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 21:37 IST

Observers say that ideological indulgence, political sympathy, and institutional sabotage do not help in eradicating a problem as big as Naxalism, as one saw in the UPA days

Security personnel pose with recovered arms and ammunition after an encounter with Naxals. (File pic/PTI)

The success against Naxals lately is a remarkable story. Affected districts reduced from 180 to just 11, and critically affected to just three, all in Chhattisgarh. Violent incidents down 81%, deaths due to violence down by 85%, and the Naxal-affected area shrinking from 18,000 sq km to 4,200 sq km.

Not just thisnearly 600 Naxals have been killed in the last two years, and around 3,000 have surrendered. The end of left-wing extremism seems near, as per Home Minister Amit Shahs deadline of March 2026. But for someone like this reporter, who covered internal security under the UPA government for almost a decade, things were very different.

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Yes, in 2009, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called Naxalism Indias greatest internal security threat." It showed the intent to eliminate Maoist violence. As the Home Minister from 2009 till 2012, P Chidambaram did make an effort, but mostly with one hand tied behind his back, as his own party was not on board. The results didnt come.

Everyone then witnessed how the Congress repeatedly adopted positions that empowered Maoist sympathisers and gave political legitimacy to the ideological ecosystem, enabling left-wing extremism. The soft-pedalling was evident through the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by Sonia Gandhi and its hand-picked members toeing a specific line that usually blamed the state and defended the Maoists.

Many NAC members argued for Naxalism to be a result of socio-economic discontent and not an armed insurgency.

From tribal expert Ram Dayal Munda warning the then PM that You are losing the war" to Aruna Roy and Harsh Mander being vocal critics of Salwa Judum. Dr Binayak Sen was once a part of a committee at the Planning Commission.

P Chidamabaram, as the Home Minister, decided to go after the Naxal threat but without much political backing from his own party. On at least two occasions after a big massacre, he had to offer peace talks if the Maoists ceased violence. There is a clear departure now from that stance, as the Centre under NDA has only intensified the operations.

The reality did seem to dawn upon the UPA in 2013 when, in an affidavit before the Supreme Court, the UPA government said Maoists were using urban front organisations disguised as human rights NGOs and that these urban ideologues were in fact more dangerous" than the armed cadres too. Today again, some Congress leaders defend such individuals.

Many wont recall after two decades, but the Salwa Judum was launched in 2005 by senior Congress leader Mahendra Karma as a tribal resistance movement against Maoists. It also had central government backing. The SC, in a bench headed by UPAs recent Vice-President nominee Justice B Sudarshan Reddy, banned it in 2011 after left-leaning activists went to the apex court. Two years later, ironically, Maoists killed Karma and multiple other leaders of the Congress.

In fact, in a striking contradiction, many alleged Naxal sympathisers arrested under the UPA government have later received support from Congress leaders for their release or to go soft on themVaravara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira, Gautam Navlakha, Sudha Bharadwaj are some examples.

Congress leaders like Digvijaya Singh attacked Chidambarams anti-Naxal strategy and called him intellectually arrogant", while Raj Babbar described Naxals as revolutionaries". Just recently, Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud called the encounter killing of Madvi Hidma fake" and said Hidma should be respected".

BJP leaders claim that across UPA years and even now, Congress has shown sympathy for Maoist-linked activists, opposition to strong anti-Naxal operations, and a narrative support" that delegitimised the security forces. Legal aid for defending Naxal fronts was employed by the UPA, the BJP alleges. Very soon, the Centre may give proof too.

Things changed under the NDA, first under Rajnath Singh and now Amit Shah as the Home Minister. It has been a coordinated national action that has almost eradicated Maoist influence, with no confusion at the top. An almost 300% rise in development spending in Naxal-affected areas, a 10-fold jump in fortified police stations, over 300 new security camps, and 68 night-landing helipads are proof of it.

Observers say that ideological indulgence, political sympathy, and institutional sabotage do not help in eradicating a problem as big as Naxalism, as one saw in the UPA days. Dismantling Maoist networks, choking their funding, empowering security forces, and accelerating development in tribal regionsthis is what has done the trick, as one has seen under the NDA. India is closer than ever to becoming a Naxal-mukt Bharatdespite Congress resistance, not because of it.

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About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office. He has written widely on pol... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 21:37 IST

News india NDAs Coordinated Strike Vs UPAs Mixed Signals: The Real Story Of Indias Anti-Naxal War

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Oil prices were headed for a fourth consecutive monthly loss early on Friday as a data center glitch forced CME Group to halt trading in futures and options, disrupting oil futures trades as well as equities, bonds, and foreign exchange.

Due to a cooling issue at CyrusOne data centers, our markets are currently halted, CME Group, of which NYMEX is part, said in early Asian trade on Friday.

Support is working to resolve the issue in the near term and will advise clients of Pre-Open details as soon as they are available.

Just before the technical outage that halted live trades in commodities, equities, and bonds, WTI Crude futures traded at $59.08, up by 0.73%.

Brent Crude futures on the ICE exchange were down by 0.11% at $63.27 as of 5:55 a.m. ET.

The trading halt in WTI Crude futures stoked concerns that volatility may be higher when live trading resumes on the last trading day of November.

At any rate, both crude benchmarks were on track to post their fourth monthly loss in a row, amid concerns about oversupply. At the OPEC+ meeting this weekend, producers from the group are expected to stick with their decision to pause oil production increases in the first quarter of 2026.

Traders are also watching the negotiations the U.S. is trying to broker about ending the war in Ukraine, with some expecting that a potential deal could ease sanctions on Russian energy flows.

Crude prices are heading for their steepest run of monthly losses since 2023, pressured by rising supply from producers both outsideand increasingly insidethe OPEC+ group, analysts at Saxo Bank said in a Friday note.

This weeks brief hope of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal also weighed on sentiment, though that prospect has since faded. WTI and Brent remain firmly rangebound, with the latter stuck in a broad USD 6067 corridor.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Notorious Gangster Harsimran, Facing 23 Criminal Cases, Arrested After Deportation From Bangkok

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 16:27 IST

Police said he fled India in January 2025 using a forged passport bearing the name Rajesh Singh and had been attempting to establish an overseas criminal network.

Gangster Harsimran held by Delhi Police | Image: X

Delhi Polices Special Cell, with assistance from central agencies, has arrested wanted gangster Harsimran, also known as Badal and Simran, after he was deported from Bangkok earlier this week, officials said on Saturday.

He was taken into custody on November 26 upon arrival and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.

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Harsimran, 38, a resident of East Shalimar Bagh, has a long criminal record that includes cases of extortion, murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons.

Police said he fled India in January 2025 using a forged passport bearing the name Rajesh Singh" and had been attempting to establish an overseas criminal network in collaboration with gangster Goldy Dhillon.

His arrest is the result of a months-long probe. In November 2024, Special Cell officers arrested Mahender Singh, an accused in a murder case, who disclosed that he had procured illegal weapons from Harsimran.

Investigators later learned that despite securing bail in several cases, Harsimran had been evading trial in at least 14 matters.

After fleeing via Lucknow, he travelled to Bangkok and Dubai, allegedly planning to reach Europe and the United States.

During his stay abroad, officers said he continued to threaten witnesses and tried to extort 50 lakh as protection money, triggering additional cases.

A coordinated operation involving Delhi Police, central agencies and the Ministry of External Affairs led to the cancellation of his passport.

With the cooperation of Thai authorities, he was traced, detained and sent back to India, where he was immediately arrested.

Police said Harsimran began as a wrestler, training in Delhi and later in Kolhapur, before gravitating toward the criminal underworld.

He initially worked with local gangs before setting up his own network involved in extortion and violent crimes across northwest Delhi.

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Since 2005, he has been named in 23 cases and is listed as a bad character" in police records.

Investigators are now scrutinising his activities abroad, particularly his alleged attempts to build an international criminal network with Dhillon, including travels through Azerbaijan, Russia and multiple European transit points before his eventual detention in Bangkok. Further inquiries are underway.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 16:27 IST

News india Notorious Gangster Harsimran, Facing 23 Criminal Cases, Arrested After Deportation From Bangkok

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Odisha Sets March 2026 Deadline To Eliminate Last Vestiges Of Maoist Threat

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 20:00 IST

The BSF and Odisha Police are leveraging advanced technology, including drones and satellite surveillance, to track and neutralise the remaining Maoist leadership

This target is directly aligned with the Union Home Ministrys national directive to free the entire country from the Naxal menace within the same timeframe. (Representational image)

The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Odisha Police have intensified their coordinated anti-Naxal operations, setting an ambitious deadline to completely eradicate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from the state by March 2026. This target is directly aligned with the Union Home Ministrys national directive to free the entire country from the Naxal menace within the same timeframe, underscoring the final phase of the decades-long counter-insurgency effort in Odisha.

The operational strategy is multi-pronged, focusing on vigorous, intelligence-based tactical offensives coupled with a strong emphasis on development and rehabilitation. Senior officials, including the Odisha DGP and the BSFs Inspector General for Special Operations, have been conducting regular high-level reviews in districts that historically served as Maoist strongholds. While Odisha has seen significant success in reducing the geographical spread of the insurgency, with no district currently listed in the Ministry of Home Affairs most affected" category, the final battle is concentrated in residual pockets. Critical attention remains focused on the tri-junction areas, particularly Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, which share volatile borders with Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, often used by Maoist cadres to retreat and regroup.

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The security forces have been strategically establishing new Company Operating Bases (COBs) in remote, previously inaccessible areas to choke off the Naxals supply lines and deny them safe havens. This area domination has directly led to a significant decline in the number of active cadres, which officials estimate to be around 80 to 85 operatives, most of whom are non-Odisha natives. A crucial part of the operation involves disrupting the Naxals logistics, including the destruction of IED caches and unearthing arms dumps, which severely hampers their ability to execute attacks. The BSF and the State Police are leveraging advanced technology, including drones and satellite surveillance, to track and neutralise the remaining leadership.

Furthermore, the state government is aggressively promoting its surrender and rehabilitation policy, offering substantial financial assistance and benefits to encourage Maoists to lay down their arms and join the mainstream. This effort, combined with accelerated infrastructure projects like road construction and delivery of welfare schemes, aims to address the root causes of the insurgency by winning the trust and confidence of the local tribal population in the remote areas. The March 2026 deadline represents not just a security milestone but a commitment to restoring full governance and development across all of Odisha.

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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 29, 2025, 20:00 IST

News india Odisha Sets March 2026 Deadline To Eliminate Last Vestiges Of Maoist Threat

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Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Sends 27 Tonnes Of Humanitarian Aid To Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 14:18 IST

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka, sending 27 tons of relief, NDRF teams, and setting up an emergency help desk as over 123 lives were lost.

A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. (X/@DrSJaishankar)

Cyclone Ditwah: India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative to support Sri Lanka as the island country battles Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 123 lives and left over 130 people missing.

Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.

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The DMC said as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.

The first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

The first shipment, comprising 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, was sourced from the Indian naval ships which are currently docked in Sri Lanka. The supplies included staple foods, ready-to-eat items, dairy and bakery products, beverages and other essential materials.

On Saturday, an IAF C-130J aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, landed in Colombo.

Operation Sagar Bandhu | Humanitarian AssistanceIn the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts. The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air pic.twitter.com/cIT7gKiPNs  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 29, 2025

Later, an IAF IL-76 aircraft carrying 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, four sniffer dogs and specialised relief equipment to support rescue operations, reached the island nation.

The contingent, led by 8th Battalion Commandant P K Tiwary, flew out from Hindon Air Base with inflatable boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, communication gear and medical kits, as part of Indias HADR outreach under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also shared the update on X, saying that a total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea.

Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with:9 Tons Relief Material2 Urban Search & Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!   pic.twitter.com/1YKjb0duzg  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

Additionally, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has set up an Emergency Help Desk at Colombos Bandaranaike International Airport.

Any distressed Indian citizen at  airports or any part of  in need of assistance may reach out to the emergency No   +94 773727832. (For WhatsApp also)  High Commission of India is providing all required assistance including food and water to Indian passengers stranded at BIA airport," the High Commission said in a post on X.

The High Commission added that Indias support aligns with its Neighbourhood First" policy and that further assistance will be coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities as the situation evolves. India has reaffirmed its commitment to help Sri Lanka recover and restore normalcy swiftly.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, expressing grief over the lives lost in the cyclone and extending solidarity with Indias closest maritime neighbour."

He noted that India had swiftly dispatched relief supplies and critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) equipment under the operation.

We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves," said PM Modi, adding that the support was guided by Indias Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

Cyclone Ditwah Wreaks Havoc In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka on Friday grappled with one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah wreaked havoc, causing floods and landslides that claimed more than 120 lives.

Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.

Sri Lankan authorities warned of an unprecedented disaster situation" in the Western Province from Friday night due to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers.

Both Colombo and the next most populous district of Gampaha are under severe threat, prompting officials to urge residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate, they said.

Late on Friday, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed more than 80 people have died, while 34 remain missing in the past three days, as rescue operations intensify, according to news portal NewsFirst.lk.

The DMC said as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.

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Scores of houses were destroyed completely or partially, leaving thousands homeless as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering extensive flooding, landslides in central hill regions and major disruptions in other parts that have left several areas inaccessible.

The central Matale district recorded the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending 6 am Thursday, receiving 540 mm, authorities said.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 14:18 IST

News india Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Sends 27 Tonnes Of Humanitarian Aid To Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

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Woman Constable Molested By Three Cops Inside Police Station, FIR Filed After 8 Months

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 11:00 IST

In Balrampur, a woman constable accused three BNS 74 policemen of molestation during Holi 2025. After an eight-month delay and probe, an FIR was filed and the accused suspended.

In Balrampur, a woman constable accused three BNS 74 policemen of molestation during Holi 2025. After an eight-month delay and probe, an FIR was filed and the accused suspended. (AI Image)

In a deeply disturbing case of alleged sexual harassment within the police force, an FIR has finally been registered eight months after a woman constable accused three colleagues of molesting her during a Holi celebration inside a police station in Uttar Pradeshs Balrampur district.

The FIR was lodged only after a departmental inquiry, delayed for months, concluded that the accused policemen were prima facie guilty.

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According to the FIR, the incident occurred on March 5, 2025, during an official Holi programme at the police station. The 30-year-old woman constable said she stepped out briefly after playing Holi and later returned around 11:45 am to collect a key from the womens help desk.

At this point, a head constable and two constables allegedly waylaid her, chased her, groped her, and smeared colours on her forcibly while making obscene remarks.

The woman said she managed to escape and later informed the station in charge during the evening roll call.

The woman constable also mentioned an earlier incident in which one of the accused had touched her inappropriately. She said the accused apologised at the time, and she did not pursue legal action then. However, despite her written complaint after the Holi incident, no action was taken for months.

Over the next two days, the accused allegedly continued to approach her, deepening her mental distress" and humiliation. Eventually, she submitted a complaint to a senior officer on November 16, seeking intervention and action over the continued harassment and the long delay in filing an FIR.

The Balrampur SP formed a Vishakha Committee to investigate the allegations. Despite the committee confirming harassment, no FIR was registered initially, and the accused reportedly continued working at the station.

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A detailed departmental probe later found the trio prima facie guilty. All three, identified as policemen attached to the BNS 74 (outraging modesty) unit, have since been suspended.

The FIR was finally registered on Wednesday, November 26, nearly eight months after the incident.

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 : Balrampur, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 11:00 IST

News india Woman Constable Molested By Three Cops Inside Police Station, FIR Filed After 8 Months

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Janhvi Kapoor Is Mesmerising In Vintage Muted Gold Anarkali, Perfect For Shaddi Season

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 17:10 IST

Janhvi Kapoor wore a gold anarkarli by designer Mayyur Girotra and accessorised it with heavy neckpiece, kada and a few oxidised rings.

Janhvi Kapoor in a anarkali by Mayyur Girotra

Janhvi Kapoors trusted stylist, Meagan Cocessio, shared an unseen look of the actor on social media recently. She captioned it, Janhvi looking ethereal for an event last week." Looking like a Param Sundari, Janhvis ethnic look is perfect for the ongoing wedding season, whether you are attending as a guest or are part of the bridal party.

Breakdown of Janhvi Kapoors vintage-inspired outfit

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Janhvi Kapoor wore a well-tailored anarkali by Gurugram-based designer Mayyur Girotra. This regal ensemble is part of his 2025-2026 collection that was released sometime in September this year. According to the designer, this outfit is meant to be worn at ones best friends sangeet". While the official cost of this outfit is not available, Mayyurs designer pieces can cost anywhere from Rs 68,000 to almost Rs 2 lakhs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meagan Concessio (@meaganconcessio)

Janhvi wore a cream-coloured kalidaar made of mulmul. For the unversed, a kalidaar is similar to an anarkali; however, it features a fitted bodice that flares out from the waist with multiple panels. It can be paired with churidars, palazzos, or ghararas and is styled with a dupatta.

The kurta part of the outfit featured heavy embroidery on the sleeves and neckline and a huge circular cutout in the back. It also had an extremely broad border of greyish-brown embroidery along the hemline. She carried a dupatta draped on one shoulder that had zardozi and zari work on it.

For her glam, Janhvi leaned toward the muted gold tones, as she can be seen wearing a light shimmery gold eyeshadow on her lids with matching brown lipstick. She also had kohl-lined eyes that added depth to the look. She had her long hair tied in a slicked-back braided bun for extra pizzazz.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Vankar (@sushmitavankar)

The actor amped up the jewellery for this look, as she wore a heavy bejewelled choker from Amrapali Jewels, along with the matching set of earrings and kada on her hand. She also added quite a few rings to her fingers.

About Janhvi Kapoors professional career

The actor is having a great year at the cinema with her two films  Param Sundari opposite actor Siddharth Malhotra, and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari with actor Varun Dhawan.

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She will also be seen in the Telugu film Peddi with actor Ram Charan, which is scheduled to release next year. Recently, the song, Chikiri Chikiri, from the film was released, and it has reached 100 million views. To celebrate this, the makers of the Buchi Babu-directed film released a BTS of the making of the AR Rahman song. It showed how both the lead actors, along with the entire cast and crew, trekked for 45 minutes uphill to reach the shoot location. While not confirmed, the song was shot at Savalya Ghat, in the Pune district of Maharashtra.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 17:10 IST

News lifestyle fashion Janhvi Kapoor Is Mesmerising In Vintage Muted Gold Anarkali, Perfect For Shaddi Season
Kriti Sanon Is A Pakka Desi Girl In Rs 55,000 Mustard Sharara In Benaras | Watch

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 17:48 IST

Kriti Sanon was spotted in Banaras with her co-star Dhanush and director Aanand L. Rai to seek blessing before the launch of their new film Tere Ishk Mein

Dhanush and Kriti Sanon in Benaras

Kriti Sanons style never disappoints. Whether shes dressed in traditional wear or western outfits, her fashion game is always on point. The actress is currently busy promoting her upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein, and ever since the promotions began, she has been serving one stunning desi look after another.

Her Instagram feed is now filled with elegant outfits from the promotional tour. Videos of her, along with co-star Dhanush in Banaras, have been making the rounds, where Kritis simple yet striking desi ensemble has caught peoples attention.

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Heres a breakdown of Kriti Sanon entire outfit:

In a paparazzi video, Kriti Sanons entire ensemble is clearly visible, where she is seen wearing a mustard-yellow silk kurta and sharara set from Raw Mango. Styled by Sukriti Grover, she paired it with a chunni in a contrasting colour  green  that does complement the outfit perfectly. She completed the ensemble with statement jhumkas.

Kriti Sanons sharara set is from the brand Raw Mango. She wore the Imarti Kurta and Bayaar Sharara paired with the Nivriti Odhani. The outfit comes with a hefty price tag  55,800, while the odhani alone is priced at 42,600.

She kept her glam to a minimum as she went to Benaras to pray for the success of her new film, along with director Aanand L. Rai.

Check out the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Celebrity Style (@bollywoodwomencloset)

People in the comments section also praised Kritis look. One user wrote, Beautiful Kriti," and another said, Kriti Sanon is looking gorgeous." An individual remarked, Desi girl!"

Kritis Other Stunning Traditional Looks

Kriti kickstarted her promotional spree with a stunning red saree, but it was her halter-neck, frill-adorned blouse that truly stole the spotlight. In another post, the stylish diva looked radiant in a black brocade kurta set that screamed traditional glam. She accessorised the outfit with a matching potli bag and paired it with silver juttis. In the same carousel, the Dilwale star also shared glimpses of her purple anarkali look, which was equally stunning.

About Tere Ishk Mein

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Tere Ishk Mein, a romance movie starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, and directed by Aanand L. Rai is based in Benaras. It follows Dhanushs charated, an aggressive and violent young guy and his love for Kritis Mukti. Their romance blooms in college, but she soon decides to marry another man. This film marks Dhanushs highest opening in Bollywood and his return to Hindi film after he made his debut more than a decade ago in Raanjhanaa.

According to Sacnilks latest update, Tere Ishk Mein earned Rs 16.50 crore on its first day of release. Tere Ishk Mein has outperformed major Bollywood blockbusters from 2025, like Jolly LLB 3 (Rs 12 crore) and Sitaare Zameen Par (Rs 10.70 crore).

First Published: November 29, 2025, 17:48 IST

News lifestyle fashion Kriti Sanon Is A Pakka Desi Girl In Rs 55,000 Mustard Sharara In Benaras | Watch
Celina Jaitly Urges That Her Children's Photos Not Be Used In Coverage On Her Legal Cases

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:38 IST

Actress Celina Jaitly called herself a mother with a broken heart.

Celina Jaitly has taken legal action against husband Peter Haag under the Domestic Violence Act.

Actor Celina Jaitly, on Friday, urged photographers and media outlets not to use her childrens pictures in any coverage related to her. Sharing a note, the actress wrote, DEAR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA, I HUMBLY REQUEST YOU TO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING MY CHILDRENS PHOTOGRAPHS IN ANY NEWS COVERAGE REGARDING MY LEGAL CASES."

She added, I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING. A MOTHER WITH A BROKEN HEART CELINA JAITLEY."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial)

For the uninitiated, the actress, a few days ago, moved a Mumbai court, accusing her husband, Austrian businessman Peter Haag, of subjecting her to severe emotional, physical, verbal and financial abuse.

Taking to her social media account, Celina shared, #courage #divorce | In the middle of the strongest, most turbulent storm of my life, I never imagined I would spend it fighting alone, without any parents, without any support system. I never thought there would come a day without all the pillars on which the roof of my world once rested: my parents, my brother, my children & the one who promised to stand by me, love me, care for me & bear every trouble with me (sic)."

She also added, Life stripped everything away People I trusted walked away Promises I believed in broke in silence But the storm did not drown me. It delivered me It tossed me out of violent waters onto warm sands It forced me to meet the woman inside me who refuses to die."

A few weeks ago, Celina also reportedly went to the Delhi court, seeking assistance for her brother, Major (retired) Vikrant Jaitly, claiming that he has been illegally abducted and detained" in the United Arab Emirates.

Talking about the actresss marital life, she tied the knot with the Austrian entrepreneur and hotelier on August 23, 2011, in a court wedding. The couple welcomed their first set of twin sons, Winston and Viraaj, in 2012.

Five years later, in 2017, the couple welcomed another set of twin boys, Shamsher and Arthur. Unfortunately, in the same year, they lost their newborn twin, Shamsher.

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 29, 2025, 07:38 IST

News movies bollywood Celina Jaitly Urges That Her Children's Photos Not Be Used In Coverage On Her Legal Cases
Smriti Mandhana, Palaash Muchhal Wedding: Choreographer Nandika BREAKS Silence, Says 'Truth Will Find Its Way'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 09:16 IST

Nandika Diwedi said that the speculations have caused her a lot of pain and mental duress.

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Smriti and Palaash have yet to address the controversy.

Smriti Mandhana and Palaash Muchhals wedding celebrations came to a halt after both families cited health-related reasons for postponing the ceremony. Soon after, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Smriti had deleted all wedding-related posts from her Instagram account. This sparked a wave of speculation across social media, which was flooded with posts alleging that Palaash had cheated on Smriti with two choreographers from the Bosco group  Nandika Diwedi and Gulnaaz.

Nandika Diwedi has now broken her silence in the matter and has revealed that she is not involved, in any way, in the postponement of the wedding. Nandika wrote on Instagram, Over the past few days, Ive seen speculation about my involvement in a situation that has been deeply personal for other people. I want to address and clarify that the assumptions being made about meparticularly the idea that I played a role in disrupting anyones relationshipare simply NOT true."

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She added, Its extremely painful to watch a narrative form around something I had no part in, and even more difficult to see how quickly these stories grow without any basis in reality. Media outlets specifically are publishing articles with information from forums like Reddit, where anyone can post whatever they want, resulting in defamation."

She continued, Please understand, this will not be easy for me to come out of, I can not be falsely accused anymore. Please. I have been watching those I care about feel stressed and hurt by information that is not true, and it is taking a toll on my mental health. I had been receiving threats which family members could see, and thats why I had made my account private."

Please, I request you all to stop the rumours I have sacrificed a lot to come to Mumbai, to work and achieve my goals. Please do not take my name further than this, I have nothing to do with any of it. Eventually, the truth will find its way," she concluded.

Though entirely unverified, the claims spread rapidly, triggering online outrage and leading both names to trend across social platforms. Recently, Gulnaaz also addressed this matter via Instagram. Ive been noticing a lot of speculation and false claims going around about me and my friend Nandika, so I want to make it clear that we are not the people involved in this issue. Just because we know someone socially or have a photo with them doesnt mean we are connected to their personal matters. Please lets keep things respectful and not jump to conclusions. We appreciate your understanding and support," she wrote.

Her response came as social media continued to run rampant with unverified theories about what may have caused the postponement. Meanwhile, neither Smriti Mandhana nor Palaash Muchhal  nor any representatives from their respective families  have addressed the controversy or clarified the reason behind the deleted posts.

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 29, 2025, 09:16 IST

News movies bollywood Smriti Mandhana, Palaash Muchhal Wedding: Choreographer Nandika BREAKS Silence, Says 'Truth Will Find Its Way'
Opinion | India-Afghanistan Cargo Flights: Quiet Realignment Reshaping South Asias Strategic Map

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 17:33 IST

A new axis is taking shape in South Asia, and it does not revolve around Pakistan anymore.

Afghanistan Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi addresses a press conference in new Delhi on Monday. (Image: News18)

India and Afghanistans decision to launch direct air cargo flights is far more than a logistical upgrade; it is a geopolitical signal. A new axis is taking shape in South Asia, and it does not revolve around Pakistan anymore. By enabling direct trade, New Delhi and Kabul are quietly realigning regional power dynamics, reflecting both countries deepening estrangement from Islamabad and their desire to chart independent economic futures.

The announcement by Indias Ministry of External Affairs, made after Afghan Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizis week-long visit to Delhi, marks the most significant India-Afghanistan economic engagement since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The flights will allow Afghanistan to transport fresh fruits, medicinal herbs, and other perishables quickly, bypassing the chronic delays caused by Pakistani transit routes. For Kabul, this is not just economic diversification; it is liberation from Pakistans decades-long chokehold on Afghan trade.

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Pakistans recent decision to seal its border with Afghanistan after deadly military clashes only accelerated Kabuls push to find alternatives. Islamabad has repeatedly used border closures as a strategic lever, weaponising geography to maintain political pressure. Afghanistans response this time has been striking: rather than bend, it has turned sharply toward India. The request to set up cargo hubs on Afghan soil and the agreement to station commercial representatives in each others embassies highlight a rapidly expanding partnership that Islamabad can neither control nor ignore.

The geopolitical subtext is unmistakable. As Kabul and New Delhi strengthen ties, Pakistan sees its traditional sphere of influence slipping away. Islamabad has long accused India of supporting anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan, a claim Delhi has consistently rejected. But the reality is this: Pakistan is losing the very leverage it once assumed was permanent.

The new cargo flights are only one aspect of the evolving relationship. India and Afghanistan are also turning toward Irans Chabahar port, another route that circumvents Pakistan entirely. This trilateral economic corridor has long irritated Islamabad, but now, with Kabul actively participating, it becomes a potential strategic counterweight to Pakistans role in regional trade.

Amid these shifts, border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared dangerously. This week, the Taliban accused Pakistan of killing 10 people, including children, in cross-border strikes, allegations Pakistan denies. But what is clear is that the trust deficit between the two neighbours is now at its lowest in years. Pakistan blames the Taliban for harbouring anti-Pakistan militant groups; Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of violating its sovereignty. The Qatar-Turkey-brokered ceasefire collapsed in October, and both sides have traded fire repeatedly since.

In this volatile environment, Indias re-engagement offers Kabul not just economic opportunity but a diplomatic counterbalance. Former Indian diplomat Sanjiv Kohli captures the shift succinctly: as Pakistan-Afghanistan ties crumble, India is stepping in to prevent spillover of insecurity in the wider region."

Delhis approach is cautious; there is still no formal recognition of the Taliban, but it is pragmatic. India has consistently provided humanitarian aid, including earthquake relief, even during periods of minimal diplomatic contact. This has built goodwill that Pakistan, with its punitive border closures and coercive tactics, has squandered.

Afghanistan, heavily reliant on agriculture, has already begun diverting exports to Iran and Central Asia. Pakistans refusal to allow Indian flights through its airspace has further marginalised connectivity options. In this context, direct India-Afghanistan air cargo links are transformative: they represent an economic lifeline for Kabul and a strategic opening for New Delhi.

The Taliban, for its part, is actively courting Indian investment. Minister Azizi offered five-year tax exemptions and free land to Indian companies, a clear sign that Kabul sees India as a long-term economic partner, not merely an aid provider. Current bilateral trade stands at about US$1 billion, far short of its potential given Afghanistans resource wealth, including minerals, hydrocarbons, and rare earths. New Delhi, having previously built major infrastructure projects such as the Afghan Parliament building and the Salma Dam, understands the value of economic presence in shaping political influence.

Experts believe the evolving relationship is both inevitable and mutually beneficial. Kings College London professor Harsh Pant notes that the Taliban regime recognises Indias economic weight and needs it for development. Connectivity challenges remain, but the political will on both sides is visible like never before. And as India recalibrates its Afghanistan policy after the 2021 power shift, it is doing so with a clear objective: maintain influence, stabilise the region, and counter Pakistans attempts to dominate Afghanistans strategic space.

Recent high-level visits, including Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqis historic trip to India, underline the speed of this diplomatic thaw. Independent political commentator Yashwant Deshmukh argues that India has accepted the reality that the Taliban government is here to stay, while Afghan leaders recognise that Pakistans support comes with strings attached. The Taliban-ISI relationship, once considered ironclad, is fraying, replaced by suspicion and open hostility.

This is why Afghanistans rapprochement with India is not just a bilateral story but a regional realignment. It symbolises a post-Pakistan Afghan foreign policy, one that looks to India, Iran, and Central Asia rather than relying on a single, often adversarial neighbour.

For India, this is an opportunity to rebuild strategic depth in a country central to its regional vision. For Afghanistan, it is a pathway to economic resilience, diversification, and diplomatic autonomy. And for Pakistan, it is a warning sign: coercive border politics and inflexible security doctrines are pushing its neighbours away, accelerating a geopolitical shift that may be impossible to reverse.

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The new air cargo link between India and Afghanistan may appear technical, but its implications are profound. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kabuls economic future is less tied to Pakistans whims and more aligned with a wider regional network in which India plays a central role.

The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 17:33 IST

News opinion Opinion | India-Afghanistan Cargo Flights: Quiet Realignment Reshaping South Asias Strategic Map

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Opinion | The Fall Of The Oxford Union: Bastion Of Free Speech To Pawn Of The Pakistani Deep State

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 22:22 IST

What occurred on November 27 was not a victory for free speech but a meticulously engineered, disgusting spectacle that undermined the very principles the Union claims to uphold

The Oxford Union, founded in 1823, has long been regarded as one of the worlds foremost platforms for rigorous debate and fearless exchange of ideas. Image/Oxford Union

The Oxford Union, founded in 1823, has long been regarded as one of the worlds foremost platforms for rigorous debate and fearless exchange of ideas. For two centuries, it welcomed statesmen, scientists, revolutionaries and thinkers. From Winston Churchill to Albert Einstein, it earned a reputation as a temple of open discourse guided by the principle of seeking truth above all else. Its motto, Non sibi sed toti", translating as not for one, but for all, encapsulated a commitment to universal truth-seeking.

Yet in recent years, the Union has repeatedly allowed its prestige to be exploited for partisan propaganda, particularly in debates involving contentious subjects like Pakistan and terrorism. The events of November 27, 2025, represent a particularly stark illustration of this erosion.

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An Orchestrated Farce

Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, a prominent legal scholar and author of the widely acclaimed book India, Bharat and Pakistan, was formally invited in July 2025 by the incumbent President of the Oxford Union, Moosa Harraj, to oppose the motion This House Believes That Indias Response to Pakistan is a Populist Strategy Sold as Security Policy".

The originally announced Pakistani speakers included former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, and Pakistans High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Mohammad Faisal. On the Indian side, several high-profile names were circulated in the media like clickbait. Most, like Indias former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy, had either declined months earlier or, like the Congress MP from India, Sachin Pilot, had never even received formal invitations.

Just two days before the event, the Union urged Sai Deepak to assemble a UK-based team, citing last-minute cancellations, at extremely short notice. He promptly proposed Jammu & Kashmir expert Manu Khajuria and Dharmic scholar Pt Satish K Sharma as capable opposition speakers.

Hours before the debate was scheduled to begin, Sai Deepak, already in the United Kingdom, was informed at 3.13 PM that the Pakistani speakers had not arrived in London. The indication was almost as if they were formally cancelling the debate, as it would have been a pointless exercise to go ahead without the heavyweight names arguing for the motion.

It later emerged that the Union President had known since 10 am that the delegation had not landed in the UK, yet chose to withhold this information. More strikingly, the Pakistani speakers were in fact already in Oxford, staying at the Randolph Hotel.

Going by the time stamps of the social media posts put out by Pakistani influencers and the Pakistani High Commission, it is very evident that the design to prevent the original Indian contingent from participating in the debate was engineered by the Pakistani High Commission and the Pakistani-origin President of the Union, who wanted to make this debate all about himself.

As a consequence, the original Pakistani heavyweight panel was replaced by none other than President Moosa Harraj himself, along with two other Pakistani-origin officers of the Union, Israr Khan Kakar and Ahmed Nawaz Khan. This was designed in order to deliberately face off a depleted and hastily assembled opposition, arguing against the motion from an Indian perspective. The manoeuvre was no accident but a strategic ploy by the outgoing Harraj, whose term ends amid elections, to engineer a default triumph for the Pakistani narrative and a victory for himself that he could boast of to perhaps kickstart his political career in Pakistan.

In an almost rigged pivot, they secured a landslide 160-51 vote from the house, hyped as a rout of Indias civilisational narrative. Harrajs articulation, however, was a masterclass in mediocrity, stumbling through anti-India tropes, laden with factual distortions and delivered with the charisma of a malfunctioning teleprompter. By contrast, his delivery even made Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appear statesmanlike.

Pakistani media outlets and influencers immediately declared a historic victory, portraying the result as a comprehensive defeat of the Indian position, while conveniently omitting the orchestrated withdrawal of their own star speakers and the deliberate misinformation engineered against the original Indian contingent, forcing them to not attend.

In summary, this must be seen as the Oxford Union reduced to a pawn of the Pakistan High Commission and its Pakistani-origin President". An unconfirmed list of speakers was deliberately circulated to mislead, only for the rug to be pulled, allowing Pakistanis to posture as default winners, despite representing a state that remains the global epicentre of terrorism. The Unions Treasurer, Raza Nazar, another Pakistani, ensured the stage tilted toward Islamabad. Sai Deepak, in his social media thread, concluded, You have allowed the @OxfordUnion to become a concubinal mouthpiece of @PakistaninUK." The Pakistan High Commission crowed about an Indian walkout", but evidence, emails, and call logs painted them as deserters, fleeing academic scrutiny on the contrary.

A Motion Loaded from the Outset

The very wording of the motion itself portrayed a clear bias. By framing Indias defensive measures, including surgical strikes and diplomatic isolation of state sponsors of terrorism, as mere populist strategy sold as security policy", the proposition presupposed guilt on Indias part while absolving Pakistan of its well-documented role in cross-border terrorism. Such phrasing is not neutral as it clearly mirrors the standard narrative pushed by Islamabad and its sympathisers abroad, inverting victim and aggressor.

A Disturbing Pattern

This was not an isolated incident. In November 2024, the Oxford Union hosted a debate on the so-called Kashmiri independence that featured speakers with direct familial or organisational links to proscribed terrorist groups, including the son of an individual accused of channelling funds to Hizbul Mujahideen.

Similar events have repeatedly provided a respectable platform for narratives that downplay or deny the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus in 1990, a story paid in blood", as filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri noted in a prior Union clash, portraying Pakistan-backed separatism as a legitimate human rights struggle.

Pakistans Enduring Hostility

Pakistan was founded in 1947 on the explicit premise of Islamic Othering, that Muslims and Hindus constitute two irreconcilable nations, a doctrine that institutionalised religious exclusivity from its inception. From Indias partition massacres to arming Northeast insurgents, India has been the first casualty of Pakistan-sponsored terror.

Jinnahs vision of the Two-Nation Theory swiftly curdled into Zia-ul-Haqs jihad factory in the 1980s, birthing the Taliban and exporting Wahhabism. It is imperative that the world of academia realises that Pakistan is the global epicentre of Islamic radicalisation. As per the UNs own reports, the madrassas churn out fighters while the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) acts as terrors venture capitalist.

Central to Pakistans stated policy to use asymmetric warfare (terrorism as a state tool) is Operation Tupac, Pakistans 1980s military doctrine to bleed India with a thousand cuts". Named after the 16th-century Pashtun warrior, it weaponised proxies, funding Kashmiri militants, Punjab separatists and Maoists. The 1993 Bombay blasts, 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai carnage (killing 166), and 2019 Pulwama (40 CRPF dead) trace back to this policy. Internationally, Pakistans fingerprints stain 9/11 (Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, architect, ISI-protected), the 7/7 London bombings (perpetrators trained in Pakistani camps), and Bali 2002. In addition, it is vital for anybody even remotely trying to absolve the State of Pakistan to be cognisant of not just the above, but also the fact that this global hub of terror has repeatedly appeared on the FATF grey list for terror financing. Multiple UN reports too have also identified it as a global hub of radicalisation.

Indias Response is Necessity, Not Populism

Every Indian government, regardless of political colour, has been compelled to treat Pakistan as a unique and persistent security threat. Measures such as the creation of the National Investigation Agency after the 2008 attacks and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes were responses to direct acts of war, not electoral stunts. India has shown remarkable restraint by never escalating to full-scale conventional conflict despite grave provocations, a maturity that stands in sharp contrast to the motions dismissive characterisation.

A Call for Restoration

Engaging Pakistan in forums like Oxford is vital to expose, corner and intellectually strip bare its cheerleaders. However, when platforms like this are used to engineer walkovers, the Union should hold itself accountable to the highest levels of scrutiny rather than allow itself to be reduced to a platform providing cover fire to global jihadism.

The Oxford Union still possesses the potential to reclaim its historic role as an impartial arena for ideas. The conclusion of Moosa Harrajs presidency offers an opportunity to the students of the esteemed university to institute transparent member selection processes, enforce reciprocity, and ensure that debates are conducted in good faith rather than serving as staged propaganda exercises and mercantile interests of the office bearers.

What occurred on November 27, 2025, was not a victory for free speech but rather a meticulously engineered, disgusting spectacle that undermined the very principles the Union claims to uphold. Free speech thrives on equity, not ambush.

Prestigious institutions lend legitimacy to whichever voices they choose to amplify. When that authority is repeatedly extended to those who shield state-sponsored terrorism behind an academic veneer, the cost is not merely to one nations reputation, but to the credibility of open debate itself.

Adit Kothari is a Calcuttan residing in London as a Pravasi Bharatiya, working to dismantle the plethora of false narratives and misinformation against India and Hindutva. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: November 29, 2025, 22:22 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Fall Of The Oxford Union: Bastion Of Free Speech To Pawn Of The Pakistani Deep State

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Companies supplying data centers, chips, and processing power to OpenAI have racked up a staggering $96 billion in debt to fund their operations.

What Happened: According to the report, the AI industry's increasing reliance on debt and its dependence on the loss-making startup OpenAI continues to raise concerns.

The revenue generated by AI firms and the rapidly expanding data center operators serving them falls short of covering their build-out costs.

As per the report by The Financial Times, OpenAI has pledged a whopping $1.4 trillion to secure the energy and computing power needed for its future operations. However, it expects to generate only $20 billion in revenues this year.

A recent study by HSBC indicates that even if OpenAIs revenues surpass $200 billion by 2030, it will still require an additional $207 billion in funding to stay afloat.

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OpenAIs partners, which include SoftBank, Oracle, and CoreWeave, have already borrowed $30 billion. Blue Owl Capital and Crusoe have taken out $28 billion in loans, with another $38 billion under negotiation with Oracle and Vantage and their respective banks, reports the outlet.

Why It Matters: The shift towards debt financing in the AI sector is a recent phenomenon. In the past, most AI build-outs were financed with cash directly from the balance sheets of large tech firms such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta.

Furthermore, the big five hyperscalers, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Oraclehave accumulated $121 billion in new debt this year to fund AI operations, according to Bank of America.

This figure is over four times the average debt level issued by these companies over the past five years, indicating a significant shift in the industrys financing strategies.

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This article OpenAI's Partners Rake Up $96 Billion Debt as AI Industry's Borrowing Trend Escalates originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Opinion | The Peril Of Manufactured Outrage: A Lesson From PV Narasimha Rao

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 15:27 IST

A democracy can endure vigorous disagreement, even fierce partisanship, but it cannot survive the systematic dismantling of trust in its own processes

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Viewing the charges through the lens of Narasimha Rao, one of Indias great prime ministers and a staunch Congress leader who lived and breathed the partys culture, helps one understand the unconstitutionality of this entire charade of vote-stealing.

The argument put forth by the Indian National Congress is that the Election Commission of India, along with nearly all other major constitutional bodies, has been compromised. Rahul Gandhi has previously remarked that the BJP and RSS have captured every single institution" in India.

The allegations against the Election Commission are the culmination of a sustained narrative of institutional capture. They claim that elections conducted by such a compromised body cannot be considered fair, and that the ruling party has effectively stolen the elections. Those who make this claim also seek to persuade Gen Z that they should bring the government down.

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With this recent allegation, claims of EVM tampering have taken a backseat. The arguments against EVMs were a massive failure from the very beginning. Not only esteemed civil servants such as Navin Chawla, Congress sympathisers who served as Chief Election Commissioners in the past, rejected that argument, but the kind of machinery, human resources, and coordination required to run such a colossal scam made it unbelievable from the outset.

The people who were actually on the groundthose government employees assigned to election dutyknew very well that these arguments were laughable and simply an attempt to misguide the public. The election processs systematic, carefully designed safeguards, combined with the technological simplicity of EVMs, ensure that EVM tampering is virtually impossible.

Allegations of EVM manipulation have their roots in the ballot-paper era. People who lived through and cast their votes in the ballot-era may recall post-election newspaper reports of numerous cases across India in which the party with greater muscle power would barge into polling booths, chase voters away, seize ballot papers, and vote for its own candidate, thereby distorting the mandate. Such booth capturing and election rigging were largely eliminated with the introduction of EVMs. The rate limitation built into the EVMs makes it impossible to cast large numbers of votes in a short period. Booth capturing then became pointless, as it offered no real advantage.

Nevertheless, the image of booth capturing and the seizing of ballot papers was extrapolatedor superimposedonto EVMs, giving rise to a half-baked and ill-founded EVM-tampering argument.

Gradually, arguments against EVMs lost their credibility and sheen. And now we have a new argument: that the whole system, right from the Election Commission of India onward, is compromised. In stylish PowerPoint presentations, the claim is made that the entire system is rigged and compromised. The arguments, some stated explicitly and others rather implicitly, go like this: first, the election results are carefully manipulated.

Second, SIR, along with other major measures carried out and overseen by the EC, is a scheme to influence the results. Third, a voters choice does not matter, and the collective mandate has no genuine effect on the outcome. Fourth, one could even doubt whether those genuinely elected by the people are the ones who will be sworn in. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs they say, but we have yet to see any such evidence. The only evidence presented so far has been anecdotal.

On the day of Rahul Gandhis press conference about Haryana, Priyanka Gandhi is reported to have said at an election rally: Today my brother has revealed before everyone how these people have stolen the entire elections. I have a complaint to the nation: why is the country silent? Why are you silent? Why dont you recognise your power  change them, oust their government, and form a new one."

Ironically, this was said during an election rally  an election overseen by the very Election Commission that is being maligned by those making these allegations. For arguments sake, lets assume these charges are correct and that the system, along with the mandate, is compromised. How exactly are you supposed to oust the government" if the will of the electorate is not reflected in the election results? And how are you to form a new government if those results are manipulated?

The frequent mention of Gen Z is not as innocent as it sounds, and anyone can easily recognise the precise purpose behind it. The constitutional measures and systems in the country make it difficult to call for a complete election boycott (as Parakala Prabhakar would want to) or to stage a coup detat. There is also the risk of such attempts backfiring; those who suggest them would be rightly understood as undermining the very spirit of the Constitution. Hence the borderline hints and calls.

BJP: Electoral Integrity & Democracy

Those who study the rise of the BJP would agree that the party has always been constitutional in its methods. If there is one allegation that cannot be levelled against it, it is precisely this. The BJP has never undermined the Constitution. In his book Jugalbandi: The BJP Before Modi, which examines the BJP from its early rootsfocusing, as the title suggests, on the pre-Modi era and the partnership between A.B. Vajpayee and L.K. AdvaniVinay Sitapati argues that Hindu nationalism is shaped and defined by democracy." Sitapati further writes, [] The Hindu nationalists before Narendra Modi were both constituted by, and comfortable with, the main ingredient of constitutional democracy: elections. Every time they came to power, critics fretted they would end elections. But every time they lost their mandate, there was never even a murmur of clinging to power."

Thomas Blom Hansen, one of the sources Sitapati cites, argues that Hindu nationalism did not rise because democracy failed; rather, it advanced through hard-fought elections over the past decade and through equally intense struggles over religious sites, cultural symbols, and debates about secularism and history. Hansen notes that the movement has consistently adhered to the rules of parliamentary democracy.

To put it simply, the allegation that the BJP stays in power by stealing elections is one that would not find credence even among its harshest academic critics. Historically, the BJP has not engaged in such practices, and there is no compelling reason to suggest that it would do so now, especially in a period marked by a palpable wave of nationalist sentiment in the country.

The intent behind the allegation is not constructive criticism, as can be readily observed. It is to undermine the credibility of the entire system. The danger with this tactic is that, if it succeeds, rebuilding the systems credibility would be extremely difficult. The grave disregard for the Constitution, and the way it is being abused or misused for thoroughly selfish reasons in the name of rescuing it, is another issue altogether.

If the plan works well and, as Priyanka Gandhi called upon her audience, the government is ousted, what next? As with so many of the other plans and protests the opposition has advanced, there is no clarity here either. The Nepal protests are often invoked by many who oppose the government, without realising the folly of it. No country, in the recent past, whether Nepal or any other, has succeeded in restoring order after a so-called coup.

As W.V. Quine noted, the freedom to reshape society after a revolution is often precarious. Any stability that existed earlier resulted from the gradual interaction and balancing of various forces, some deliberate and others unintended. A new, untested plan reflects all the limitations of its planner. This is not to discredit such revolutions altogether. The point is that unless the justification for removing a government greatly outweighs the dangerous volatility and disruption that arise from it, such discussions are utterly perilous and profoundly irresponsible.

But more importantly, one needs to examine the reason behind such allegations. The leadership of the opposition is fully aware of the gravity of the charge and the impact it could have if it gains acceptance. There is nothing positive or hopeful in this for the country. Yet, why would one choose to raise it?

Narasimha Raos Reasons

PV Narasimha Raos book, Ayodhya: 6 December 1992, published posthumously, might help us find an answer, though the answer is a disturbing one. In the book, Rao examines the rise of communalism in India and offers his interesting perspective on it. Rao observes that the first leadership of the Indian government did not emerge merely from Indian democracy; it was shaped by the freedom struggle itself. According to Rao, this single factor made an enormous difference in the attitudes of all political parties in the years following Independence. The Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru became politically dominant and ideologically unmatched in post-Independence India. The relevance of an opposition based on anti-Congress politics lost its footing, and the opposition became increasingly negative and dependent on emotionally charged issues.

When it became clear that the traditional methods of an opposition would not bring them to power, some groups took recourse again and again to mounting agitations in violation of the basic constitutional principles, in order to beat the ruling party. Rao notes that these movements took three forms: separatist, communal, and armed struggles. Rao considers this to be a most regrettable feature of the history of our post-independence agitations." Such agitations saw limited results, and the desperation of the opposition reached heights when Congress gathered a massive majority soon after Indira Gandhis assassination.

Rao writes: This was the time when their political desperation, reinforced by complete negativism and anti-Congressism as a creed, got consolidated as perhaps the only art of the possible under the circumstances immediately after Rajiv Gandhis steamroller majority became a breathtaking spectacle in the Lok Sabha. The only possible card seemed to be the communal one."

Raos argument is that because it was difficult to defeat the Congress, and because of a sheer desperation to gain power, the opposition began playing the communal card. The argument has many problems. For one, it is reductive and oversimplifies the situation. For another, it fails to account for the Emergency and the political upheaval that followed it. Yet, despite these flaws, Raos argument makes so much sense and remains strikingly relevant today.

The fact is that there is little to no evidence of any sort of widespread wrongdoing in the elections. As mentioned earlier, we are experiencing a moment shaped by an unmistakable and widespread resurgence of nationalism. There has been a clear and substantial expansion in the popular support of the ruling party. There is no indication that this support is likely to weaken in the near future.

In short, the BJP is in a position similar to where the Congress was soon after Independence: politically dominant. One may disagree with the ideology the BJP represents, but the truth is that it currently faces no real ideological rival. One can debate the positives and negatives of this, but no other ideology presently enjoys the same level of acceptance and visibility as that of the ruling party. The oppositions only coherent ideological stance is its anti-BJP posture, and even that is losing relevance.

Just as in the Nehruvian era, the Congress was politically dominant and the opposition grew increasingly negative and began depending on emotionally charged issues, today, with anti-BJP politics losing its appeal, the opposition is struggling to find stable ground and has begun relying on negative, emotionally charged narratives. If it was separatism, communalism, and armed struggle that opposition parties once resorted to, todays opposition is attempting to undermine the credibility of the system and the entire electoral machinerytrying to convince the public that those in power are not the ones they actually chose.

The allegations that the entire electoral machinery is brokenbased on a few pieces of anecdotal evidencetell us more about those making the charge than about the machinery itself. The exaggerated claims of a compromised system follow a familiar pattern that India has seen in the past. Viewing the charges through the lens of Narasimha Rao, one of Indias great prime ministers and a staunch Congress leader who lived and breathed the partys culture, helps one understand the unconstitutionality of this entire charade of vote-stealing. To cast doubt on the entire system and to declare that elections cannot be trusted is a game far more dangerous in its potential than anything the opposition played during the eras of Nehru or Indira Gandhi.

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A democracy can endure vigorous disagreement, even fierce partisanship, but it cannot survive the systematic dismantling of trust in its own processes.

The writer is a commentator with a research degree in philosophy from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the intersections of culture, history, and politics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

About the Author Prajesh Panikkar Prajesh is a commentator with a research degree in philosophy from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the intersections of culture, history, and politics.

First Published: November 29, 2025, 15:27 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Peril Of Manufactured Outrage: A Lesson From PV Narasimha Rao

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Opinion | Why Abduls Misguiding At Ellora Highlights A Bigger Issue

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 15:21 IST

Inadequately-informed, inarticulate guides and sanguine visitors make for a double whammy of trouble and tension at monuments

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Many people who have hired tour guides at historical spots have noticed them making fanciful assertions, mostly to titillate their customers. (X)

The video of a young vlogger complaining about a guide named Abdul giving wrong information about the carvings of Shiva and Parvati on and inside the great rock-cut Kailashnath Temple at Ellora in Maharashtra predictably went viral recently. But, not entirely for all the right reasons. For, if Abdul had provided erroneous explanations for the depictions of the god and goddesses for 50 years as asserted, that it had gone unnoticed for so long is equally worrisome.

Many people who have hired tour guides at historical spots have noticed them making fanciful assertions, mostly to titillate their customers. In the case of intricate Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculptures, guides often simplify complicated concepts to retain the attention of usually distracted tourists. At least that is the charitable conventional explanation. Yet the vloggers contention is that such wrong information also serves to mislead and misguide the unwary.

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That, of course, is possible only if the people are clueless and hence swallow whatever is dished out to them with confidence. Foreign tourists mostly fall into that category. Sadly, though, that is indeed the case more often than not, even with Indian tourists these days. Generations of boring teaching of history and a disdain for Indias past cultivated by slanted narratives has led to a wilful ignorance even among those Indians with degrees to prove an elite education.

In the case of the Kailashnath Temple, despite his protestations to the contrary, the vlogger was primed to the idea that the guide spouted incorrect explanations because he was from another faith. But even guides of the same faithalso caste, region, and any other marker of commonalityhave been known to be equally cavalier in their explanations. Perhaps those guides are getting away with it because people assume they know the intricacies of their own faith.

The popularity of mythologists" in India is also linked to this continued reign of uninformed guides too. Their audiences are primarily clueless about their own history, have barely a nodding acquaintance with Sanskrit (mostly confined to looking for baby names beginning with A and their supposed meanings online) and are willing to believe one of two extremes: profound depth or an elaborate Brahminical charade to perpetuate an unequal socio-political order.

The vlogger at Ellora was upset when Abdul alluded to womenincluding in this case Shivas divine consort Parvatibeing prone to going astray and said that a tableau depicted the goddess proving her innocence. He was also incensed by Abdul calling Shiva mahashay and describing him as a beggar in that carving. The last straw apparently was Abdul describing Ravana as Shivas enemy in a rock-cut representation when it is known that he was a great devotee.

To be fair, Abduls audio seems to indicate there was a communication problem between them although both were nominally bilingual. Abduls use of some words were inappropriate and the vloggers understanding of what was sought to be conveyed was clearly at variance with Abduls intention. That said, in these fraught times it is advisable to be sensitive to peoples sentiments and appropriate use of a few honorifics can go a long way in conveying that respect.

Abdul, who told the vlogger that he has been a guide for over 50 years, is approved" by the Archaeological Survey of India, which has administrative charge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora. That presumably means that his qualifications to be a guide for this 1,400-year-old monument have also been vetted and judged adequate by this government body. But who and how competent are the examiners of potential guides qualifications?

The faith of a person should never be a criterion for suitability as a guide, but proper knowledge of a monument and its socio-politico-cultural underpinnings must be a pre-condition for approval". Anecdotal evidence certainly suggests, however, that many guidesof all faithshave only cursory knowledge of a monument which they then seek to bolster with commentary loosely based on hearsay and popular beliefs. And that can lead to misunderstandings.

Previous generations had a deeper knowledge of Indian history and religions thanks in part to being more rooted. But post-independence migrations, nuclear families cut off from the collective wisdom of elders and a left-leaning slant in history books created a dangerous information vacuum. That gap is now being filled up by online content, whose veracity is patchy. While some try to right the previous ideological slant, others generate equally false narratives.

So, often fortified with faulty knowledge, younger Indians tend to regard their heritage as a unidimensional panorama of flawless divinities whose actions are always brave (if male) and chaste (if female). Yet Sanatan Dharmas leitmotif has always been flexibility and a keen understanding of the human condition, which makes its deities multi-layered and relatable rather than forbidding and fearsome. And why there is no concept of blasphemy in this belief system.

But when guides with inadequate or outdated knowledge fall foul of the younger generations notions of the correct" narrative, there is a double whammy of tension and trouble. Neither party may be even aware of where they both fall short of proper knowledge. In this case, the enthusiastic vlogger did not know that Ravana was not always a devotee of Shiva and Abdul clearly would not have been the best person to convince him of that detail about a Hindu legend.

It is said that when an arrogant Ravana attempted to lift Mount Kailash even as Shiva and Parvati were sitting atop it, he was crushed under it by the Lord. Thus trapped, Ravana sang Shivas praises for 1,000 years and was finally forgiven and rewarded for his devotion with an invincible sword and an Atmalinga. This benevolent aspect of Shiva called Ravananugrahamurtiboon to Ravana"has been a popular subject of Indian temple sculpture for at least 1,400 years.

Some accounts also say that Shivas devoted Nandi bull was so incensed by Ravanas temerity that he ordered the vanaras (monkeys) to also pelt the Lankan king with stones to deter him from disturbing the divine couple on Mount Kailash. In a garbled and inappropriately-worded way, Abdul tried to convey that account to the vlogger which the latter refused to believe. And well he might as Abdul did not (perhaps could not) quote scriptural support for his contention.

The vlogger was also irked by Abduls comment about the supposed wayward nature of women and assertion that Shiva suspected Parvatis chastity and decided to test" her by appearing as a beggar" as the context for one carving. But the actual context is Parvatis rigorous prayers to show her devotion to Shiva and his ploy to test that devotion (not chastity!) by appearing as an ascetic and vilifying himself to see if that would anger her. It did, and he decided to marry her.

Evidently whatever source Abdul got his version of the context of the sculpture was unreliable, but no one apparently thought fit to correct him for 50 years. The young vlogger may not have known the actual story either but went by his own notions of what hallowed women are supposed to be. Since neither will be influenced by the otherwhy would Abdul concede the vlogger knows better or vice versahow can such ugly incidents be prevented in the future?

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The simplest and easiest way is to put up QR codes at all monuments instead of depending solely on sketchily trained guides. The information available once the codes are scanned with smartphones (who doesnt have one these days?) would be collated by known scholars of the period to which the monument belongs, which would give a ring of authority to stories and theories proffered. Kailashnath himself would be pleased if visitors are given the correct picture!

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 29, 2025, 15:21 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why Abduls Misguiding At Ellora Highlights A Bigger Issue

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 10:57 IST

1 / 8 Fatima Sana Shaikh was born on January 11, 1992 in Hyderabad and raised in Mumbai. Her father, Vipin Sharma, hails from Jammu and is Hindu, while her mother, Raj Tabassum, is Muslim and from Srinagar. She studied at St. Xavier High School and later at Mithibai College in Mumbai. Growing up in a culturally blended household and in the heart of Indias film capital, Fatima was exposed to the arts early, which shaped her path toward acting. (Image: Instagram) + Follow us On Google

2 / 8 Fatima entered films at a very young age. Her earliest roles include Chachi 420 (1997), where she played Bharti, the daughter of Kamal Haasans character, marking her debut in cinema. She also appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in One 2 Ka 4 (2001), further cementing her presence as a child artist. (Image: IMDb)

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3 / 8 These early experiences gave her the rare opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema even before she turned 10. (Image: Instagram)

4 / 8 Fatimas first film as an adult was Tahaan (2008), where she played Zoya. Although the film was modest in scale, it marked her transition from child actor to serious performer. Her breakthrough, however, came much later. (Image: Instagram)

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5 / 8 Fatimas career transformed with Dangal (2016), where she portrayed wrestler Geeta Phogat. The film became the highestgrossing Indian film of all time, and her performance received widespread acclaim. Working with Aamir Khan, one of Indias most influential actors, was a turning point. She has spoken about the intense physical training and discipline required for the role, which reshaped her career trajectory. (Image: IMDb)

6 / 8 Following Dangal, she continued working with major industry figures. Those include Thugs of Hindostan (2018), again alongside Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.; Ludo (2020), directed by Anurag Basu, featuring ensemble stars like Rajkummar Rao and Abhishek Bachchan; Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), a Netflix anthology with acclaimed directors and actors; Modern Love Mumbai (2022), a celebrated streaming series; Sam Bahadur (2023), where she portrayed Indira Gandhi, a role that earned her significant praise. (Image: IMDb)

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7 / 8 Her performance in Dhak Dhak (2023) even earned her a Filmfare Critics Award nomination for Best Actress. (Image: IMDb)
Allies At Odds: Senior RJD Leader Blames Congress For Bihar Poll Loss

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 21:11 IST

Mangani Lal Mandal's comments came just hours before a scheduled joint meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc allies in the state capital

In the 2025 election, the Congress contested 61 seats but could secure victory in only six, achieving a dismal strike rate. In contrast, the RJD, the principal party of the alliance, contested 143 seats and won 25. File pic/PTI

Senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mangani Lal Mandal has publicly laid the blame for the Mahagathbandhans crushing defeat in the recent Bihar assembly elections squarely on the Congress party, signalling a major rift within the opposition alliance. Mandal, a senior RJD leader and former minister, made the controversial remarks on Saturday, suggesting his party would welcome it if the Congress chose to quit the alliance and contest future elections separately.

Mandals comments came just hours before a scheduled joint meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc allies in the state capital to strategise for the upcoming session of the Bihar legislature, casting a shadow over the alliances unity. He asserted that the few seats the Congress managed to win were solely due to the RJDs strong support base. To buttress his claim, he highlighted the Congresss poor performance in both the 2020 and the latest 2025 assembly polls. In the 2025 election, the Congress contested 61 seats but could secure victory in only six, achieving a dismal strike rate. In contrast, the RJD, the principal party of the alliance, contested 143 seats and won 25. He compared this to the 2020 polls, where the Congress had contested 70 seats but only won 19 despite continuous RJD support.

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The RJD leader argued that the Congress was benefiting disproportionately from the alliance, relying on his partys core vote bank without demonstrating adequate strength on the ground. He challenged the Congress to contest the elections alone to truly know its real strength". Mandals outburst appears to be a direct reaction to a high-level review meeting held by the Congress in New Delhi, where the party reportedly blamed the RJD for its own electoral debacle.

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Congress leaders were quick to dismiss the accusation, asking why the RJD chose to align with the grand old party" if it considered it a spent force in Bihar. A Congress leader suggested that Mandal should raise his concerns with Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the chairperson of the INDIA blocs coordination committee for Bihar, rather than airing internal disputes publicly. This escalating blame game reveals deep-seated tensions over seat-sharing and the performance contribution of each partner, threatening the future cohesion of the Mahagathbandhan just weeks after their significant electoral setback.

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 29, 2025, 21:10 IST

News politics Allies At Odds: Senior RJD Leader Blames Congress For Bihar Poll Loss

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Breakfast Truce Or Political Band-Aid? Congress Serves Up Unity On The Menu At Sidda-DKS Meet

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CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 14:18 IST

The truce, however temporary, gives the impression that the Grand Old Party is in command and could swing peace

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar during a joint press conference after a breakfast meeting in Bengaluru. (PTI)

The breakfast meeting was picture perfect. But the cynics are looking at the idli-sambhar exchange with a lot of scepticism. This is because in the past too, the top Congress leadership has stepped in to ensure that warring leaders like Sachin Pilot-Ashok Gehlot, TS Singh Deo-Bhupesh Baghel shared a meal. But the food eventually turned cold and the result was there for all to see.

The central leadership was keen to avoid this at any cost. In fact, sources say Rahul Gandhi was clear that the boat should not be rocked and that peace be maintained in Karnataka at any cost. He conveyed that the priority should be the SIR exercise and no one should budge from this. If we keep this going in Karnataka, then the BJP gets an issue and diverts attention".

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This is when KC Venugopal called Karnatakas deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, asking him to cancel the 7pm flight to Delhi and stay back. He was asked to meet chief minister Siddaramaiah for breakfast and sort out all issues.

The central leadership also worried that if the matter kept simmering, the voices of dissent would rise further in the Congress. For example, Veerappa Moily, who was once the chief minister of Karnataka, told News18 that a third option for the CMs crown must be looked at.

The breakfast has brought some cheer to the high command. For long, the frequent power struggle in Congress-ruled states has earned Rahul Gandhi the tag of being a weak leader. This truce, however temporary, gives the impression that the Grand Old Party is in command and could swing peace.

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But it also brings out the fissures and weak links about the vacillating stand of the Congress leaders. Their attempt to keep everyone happywhich leaves no one happyshows the difference between the BJP and Congress.

The challenge for the high command for now is the upcoming cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka. Will troubleshooter DK Shivakumar, who enjoys the confidence of the Gandhi siblings and is flaunted by Rahul Gandhi as the Congress leader all should emulate for not having left to join the BJP under legal pressure, be sacrificed at the altar?

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 14:18 IST

News politics Breakfast Truce Or Political Band-Aid? Congress Serves Up Unity On The Menu At Sidda-DKS Meet

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Former Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal Passes Away At 81

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 22:17 IST

Shriprakash Jaiswal, former Union Minister and Congress leader, passed away in Kanpur at 81. He served as Mayor, MP, Union Minister of Coal, and UP Congress President.

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Former Union Minister and Congress leader Shriprakash Jaiswal. (X)

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Shriprakash Jaiswal passed away on Friday in Kanpur after a prolonged illness at the age of 81.

The minister was rushed to the Kanpur Cardiology Hospital today as his condition worsened. He was examined by a team of doctors and was declared dead upon arrival.

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Jaiswals political journey began with his election as the Mayor of Kanpur in 1989. A prominent leader in the region, he went on to win the Kanpur Lok Sabha seat three consecutive times in 1999, 2004 and 2009.

#WATCH | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: Former Union Minister and Congress leader Shriprakash Jaiswal passed away today in Kanpur after a prolonged illness(Visuals from his residence in Kanpur) pic.twitter.com/V3KOzWh9F1  ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025

He later served in the Congress-led UPA government under Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as Minister of State for Home Affairs from May 2004 to May 2009, before being elevated to the Cabinet as Union Minister of Coal in January 2011, a post he held until the end of the governments term in May 2014.

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Jaiswal also served as the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee from 2000 to 2002.

Born in Kanpur, he completed his studies at BNSD Inter College and got married to Maya Rani in 1967. He had two sons and a daughter.

First Published: November 28, 2025, 22:17 IST

News politics Former Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal Passes Away At 81

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Government To Hold All-Party Meeting On November 30 Ahead Of Winter Session

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 20:04 IST

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has invited the floor leaders for the meeting at 11 am.

Parliament Winter Session will take place from December 1 to 19. (File)

Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, the Centre has called for an all-party meeting on November 30. As per the official update, the meeting will be held at 11 am. The government would share the list of bills to be discussed during the parliamentary proceedings with the Leader of Opposition.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will be conducting the meeting. Rijiju had also announced that the winter session of Parliament would take place from December 1 to 19. President Droupadi Murmu has approved the proposal of the government to convene the session on the given dates, he said in a post on social media.

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Winter Session of Parliament | All-party meeting called at 11 am tomorrow, 30th November. Meetings of the Business Advisory Council of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are called at 4 pm tomorrow. ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025

Earlier, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke to ANI about the all-party meeting and said, We are going to have a meeting with the Secretaries of various departments. We will conduct a scrutiny of all the pending bills that are supposed to be passed, and then an all-party meeting will be held where we will share the list of bills with the leader of the opposition, and then we will form strategies according to the suggestions by the opposition leaders."

Parliament is set to have 15 sittings across 19 days. Private Members Bills are set to be taken for consideration on December 5 and 19, and Private Members resolutions on December 12.

INDIA Bloc Floor Leaders To Hold Meeting On Dec 1

Ahead of the winter session, the INDIA bloc floor leaders will also hold a meeting at the office of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament. The meeting will be held on December 1.

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Before the session commences, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded a debate in Parliament on air pollution across several cities in the country.

In an X post, Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre and alleged no urgency, plan, or accountability" for the air pollution problem. His post reads, Every mother I meet tells me the same thing: her child is growing up breathing toxic air. They are exhausted, scared and angry. Modi ji, Indias children are choking in front of us. How can you stay silent? Why does your government show no urgency, no plan, no accountability?"

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 29, 2025, 20:04 IST

News politics Government To Hold All-Party Meeting On November 30 Ahead Of Winter Session

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 23:41 IST

Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah's house for a breakfast meeting after the Congress high command asked the two leaders to resolve the issue.

Karnataka Power Tussle, Congress Crisis Live Updates: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday ended the speculation over a change in leadership within the Congress party in the state by dismissing rumors and stressing unity.

The two leaders met over breakfast today after the Congress high command on Friday asked them to meet and resolve their differences. Addressing reporters after the meeting, the CM and his deputy sought to downplay speculations of a rift within the Karnataka Congress unit, saying they will take on the Opposition together and want to bring the party to power again after the next elections.

The CM said that todays meeting was aimed at clearing a month-long confusion. He added that, during the meeting, they reviewed preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections and upcoming local body polls, which he termed very important for his party. He emphasised that just as they worked together to bring the party to power in 2023, they have now resolved to move forward in the same spirit.

Further, Shivakumar said that he would continue to follow directives from the Congress high command and stressed that there were no internal factions within the party.

Speculation over a potential leadership change in Karnataka had intensified on November 20, when the Siddaramaiah government completed half its term. Catch all the live updates here.
Kerala Congress MLA Seeks Anticipatory Bail In Sexual Assault Case, SIT To Take Over Probe

Reported By : &

News18.com Edited By: Aanchal Sinha



Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 19:59 IST

Kerala MLA Rahul Mankootathil seeks anticipatory bail after police file rape and miscarriage charges. Congress suspended him, CPI(M) and BJP demand resignation. SIT to probe case.

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MLA Rahul Mankootathil has filed an anticipatory bail plea at the Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram. (PTI)

Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil has filed for anticipatory bail at the Sessions Court, Thiruvananthapuram, after the Nemom Police registered a case against him under various sections, including those related to rape and causing miscarriage without a womans consent.

Though allegations against the MLA surfaced in August this year, a complaint was filed only yesterday. The woman met Kerala Chief Ministepolr Pinarayi Vijayan and filed the complaint.

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When the allegations surfaced in August, the Congress had suspended him from the primary membership of the party, and he was asked to step down as the State Youth Congress president.

The CPI(M) and BJP have been demanding his resignation as MLA. Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that Rahul Mankootathil, who is facing rape charges, should resign as MLA.

Sivankutty said, The national leadership of the Congress should respond to this. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhis stand should be made clear on this issue."

Meanwhile, the Congress maintains that it suspended him when the allegations first surfaced, and now it is up to the government to act since a complaint has been filed.

The case has been registered against Rahul Mankootathil under Sections 64(2)(f), 64(2)(h), 64(2)(m), 89, 115(2), 351(3) read with 3(5) of the BNS and under Section 66(E) of the IT Act.

In his anticipatory bail plea, Rahul said that the allegations are false, frivolous and politically motivated.

He claimed that the relationship was consensual. His anticipatory bail plea states, The complainant is married to a district BJP leader of Palakkad. The case is completely politically motivated and a result of the political nexus of the CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala."

He claimed that it was the complainant who had contacted him through Facebook, made a friendship, and later told him that her husband was committing domestic violence against her.

He also denied the allegation that he made her pregnant.The petition also stated that the complainant recorded the chats and voice calls as part of a political conspiracy to tarnish the image of the petitioner.

He also stated that initially she leaked these voice clips and chats to the media instead of filing a police complaint, which led to a media trial. The petition stated that the reason behind the present complaint is the elections.

The petition further stated, During this election time, the government is facing serious allegations on the Sabarimala gold theft. After the arrest of a highly influential political leader of the CPI(M) in connection with the Sabarimala gold issue, the SIT investigation was on the way to some more political leaders and MLAs of the CPI(M). In order to divert public attention, this controversy was created with the help of the BJP."

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Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner Thomson Jose said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to probe the case against the MLA. He said the case was registered only on Friday at the Nemom Police Station.

We are just doing the basic formalities. There is not much which I can reveal right now. There are a lot of aspects involved in this. We will constitute a special team and hand over the investigation to them," the Commissioner said.

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 : Kerala, India, India

First Published: November 28, 2025, 19:59 IST

News politics Kerala Congress MLA Seeks Anticipatory Bail In Sexual Assault Case, SIT To Take Over Probe

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Rahul Gandhi's 'Savarkar Defamation' Case: Pune Court Refuses YouTube Clip After Key CD Turns Up Blank

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 17:19 IST

A request to play two additional CDswhich the complainant argued were verified copieswas also dismissed by the court

The alleged defamatory remarks were made by Rahul Gandhi during a speech in London in March 2023. File pic/PTI

A Pune special court for MP/MLA cases, presided over by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Amol Shinde, has rejected a complainants request to play a YouTube video as substitute evidence in a defamation case against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The case was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, over alleged defamatory remarks made by Gandhi during a speech in London in March 2023. This unexpected development occurred during the complainants examination-in-chief, where the primary evidencea Compact Disc (CD) supposedly containing the video of the alleged speechwas played and discovered to be completely blank.

Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, representing Satyaki Savarkar, immediately sought the courts permission to play the video directly from the original YouTube link, which had been submitted along with the initial complaint in 2023. Kolhatkar claimed that the CD, when first submitted and presented before a different judge at the cognisance stage, was functional and led to the issuance of summons against Gandhi.

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The defence counsel, Advocate Milind Pawar, objected to the playing of the YouTube link. Magistrate Shinde upheld the objection, ruling that the online content was inadmissible as evidence because the YouTube URL was not supported by a mandatory certificate under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act.

This certificate is crucial for authenticating electronic records in court proceedings. Following the rejection of the YouTube video, a request to play two additional CDswhich the complainant argued were verified copieswas also dismissed by the court, as the judge noted that these specific additional CDs were not officially on record for court purposes.

The complainant has since requested a judicial inquiry to determine how the previously functional key evidence CD turned blank.

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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 29, 2025, 17:19 IST

News politics Rahul Gandhi's 'Savarkar Defamation' Case: Pune Court Refuses YouTube Clip After Key CD Turns Up Blank

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SAO PAULO  The crypto ethos is clashing with institutional reality.

During a panel at the Blockchain Conference Brasil in Sao Paulo, while major industry players discussed compliance and regulation, the crowd went into uproar in defense of privacy and in rejection of centralized oversight. That uproar arose from the words of Vinicuis Brito, an executive at a Brazil-based firm focused on crypto self-custody.

Ive recently read in a book a saying that stuck with me. 'Privacy is the immune system of freedom', said Brito. When they come after your privacy, theyre one step away from your freedom. His comments came in response to a discussion on the potential use of technological innovations for illicit purposes.

Brito argued that compliance frameworks sold as safeguards against terrorism and human trafficking are instead pretexts for increasing state power.

At first, they just say its about terrorism or trafficking. And of course, everyone agrees with stopping those crimes  I support that too, he said. But we know these rules will be used later to go after political enemies. Thats not the purpose.

Brito warned that Brazil is on track to become a fiscal hell by 2027, and said peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies remain the last line of defense. You cant stop P2P, he said. No one can stop me from exchanging cash for sats [referring to bitcoins smallest unit, the satoshi].

Guilherme Prado, head of Bitget in Brazil, acknowledged while speaking on the same panel that rising Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and transaction reporting are prompting users to turn to decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

The DEX market is growing exponentially, precisely because of regulation, he said, citing the rise of platforms like Hyperliquid and a post-FTX shift toward self-custody.

During the discussion, Juliana Felippe, General Manager at Tools for Humanity, defended biometric verification as a privacy-preserving way to prevent fraud and bot manipulation. But among the audience, the strongest emotional response came from Brito's warning that surveillance is not a byproduct, but a goal.

Suddenly, everyone became a suspect and will have to share sensitive data that will expose their privacy over an argument that, in my view, is simply a state argument. Thats not what they want, Brito added. They want to end privacy, to, in the future, attack their political enemies or anyone who disagrees with them.

That message resonated with the crowd, which erupted into cheers.

The problem with crime isnt the money used, its the criminal, he said. Energy should go into arresting people who commit violence, not treating everyone like a suspect. This isnt about safety. Its about control.
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Breakfast Huddle Amid CM Tussle. Will A Settlement Brew Over Coffee?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 10:50 IST

The development came a day after the Congress's high command stepped in to end infighting and asked both the leaders to meet in a bid to resolve the crisis.

Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah's house for a breakfast meeting after the Congress high command asked the two leaders to resolve the issue.

Karnataka Power Tussle: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at the residence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for breakfast on Saturday amid the power dispute between them.

The photo of the two leaders sharing plates of upma, idli and kesari bath  Karnatakas quintessential breakfast trio  sent a subtle signal that relations between them remain smooth.

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Siddaramaiah shared a photo of him and Shivakumar having breakfast on X, saying that both leaders had a brief discussion, while Shivakumar described it as a productive discussion" focused on the states priorities, adding that they also spoke about the road ahead."

Both leaders, whose equations have drawn heightened attention amid talk of internal rivalry, are expected to address the media shortly.

            .Met Honble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnatakas priorities and the road ahead. pic.twitter.com/qhe7q5RNvi  DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 29, 2025

The development came a day after the Congresss high command stepped in to end infighting and asked both the leaders to meet in a bid to resolve the crisis.

After the high commands nudge, Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for a meeting over breakfast on Saturday. The high command had called Shivakumar. They had called me as well. They told both of us to meet and talk. So I invited him for breakfast. When he comes there, we will both discuss everything," the Chief Minister said.

Issues Would Be Resolved: Parameshwara

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader G Parameshwara sought to downplay the tensions, saying the partys leadership would resolve the issue" and that there was no reason for concern."

Reaffirming loyalty to the Congress and its central command, Parameshwara noted that differing ambitions among leaders and their supporters were natural in politics. We cannot stop aspirationssome may want Siddaramaiah, some may want D.K. Shivakumar, some may want me as Chief Minister," he said, adding that the high command was closely monitoring the situation and would take an appropriate decision to settle any disagreements.

Karnataka Power Tussle

The speculation around the Karnataka leadership change refuses to die down with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reportedly involved in an intense internal power tussle.

Infighting has resurfaced as supporters of both camps push for their leaders to occupy the chief ministers posta dispute that began after the Congresss 2023 Assembly election victory.

However, the party eventually picked Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister. There were reports at the time that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had agreed to a power-sharing arrangement, though the Congress has never officially announced the deal.

Since Siddaramaiah took over as chief minister, MLAs and leaders backing Shivakumar have often demanded a leadership change in the state. This time, however, Shivakumars loyalists are more vocal, as Siddaramaiah has completed 2.5 years in office, and they believe he should step aside in line with the alleged power-sharing arrangement.

While Siddaramaiah has time and again stressed that he will complete the full term, Shivakumars remarks have indicated that the Congress wants to be tight-lipped about the issue. The two leaders have, however, maintained that they will abide by the final decision of the party high command.

While Shivakumar is seen as the frontrunner if a change occurs, other leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, have also shown interest.

A Cabinet reshuffle is expected, leaving the high command to decide whether to retain Siddaramaiah for the 2028 polls or elevate Shivakumar, who played a key role in the partys 2023 success.

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Meanwhile, the partys high command is likely to take up the issue during the Congress Strategy Group meeting scheduled for the evening of November 30, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported, citing sources.

Meanwhile, senior leader Veerappa Moily criticised the partys central leadership for failing to control the situation, warning that continued discord could harm the party in Karnataka.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 10:26 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar In Breakfast Huddle Amid CM Tussle. Will A Settlement Brew Over Coffee?

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'I've Waited And Will Wait...': Shivakumar Says Will Do Whatever High Command Says

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 12:15 IST

Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah reject talk of a rift in Karnataka Congress, saying they are united and will follow the party high commands decisions as they plan for the 2028 polls.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File)

Amid the political turmoil in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he is ready to wait" for as long as the Congress high command wants, as he rejected claims of any internal rift.

If the high command says wait, I have waited, and I will wait. I will do whatever the high command tells me. If the high command asks us to go, we will go to Delhi," he said.

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also stressed that the party remains united.

DKS and I are united, and there are no differences between us. We will follow whatever decision the high command takes. We will move together towards the 2028 polls. We have a strategy to move forward," he said.

Siddaramaiah said he and DK Shivakumar had reviewed preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections as well as the upcoming local body polls, which the Karnataka CM described as very important" for the Congress.

He noted that the two leaders had worked together to bring the party to power in 2023 and had now agreed to continue with the same unity and focus.

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Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future" 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

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: November 29, 2025, 12:10 IST

News politics 'I've Waited And Will Wait...': Shivakumar Says Will Do Whatever High Command Says

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Adiala Jail Placed Under High Security Amid Imran Khan Health Speculations, Threat Alerts | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 09:27 IST

Authorities have set up new security check posts and deployed 2,500 more cops who have been equipped with real and rubber bullets, tear-gas launchers, shields & full anti-riot gear

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Security beefed up at Adiala Jail where Imran Khan is lodged. (Screengrab)

Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is being held, has been placed under one of the highest security alerts in recent years amid persistent intelligence warnings of a possible attack and growing national concern over Khans whereabouts and safety, CNN-News18 has learnt.

Intelligence sources said the prison could be attacked anytime", prompting Islamabad and Punjab Police to deploy 2,500 additional personnel around the jail perimeter. Five new security check-posts have been established in Dahgal Area, Jail Gate No. 1, Gate No. 5, Factory Naka and the Gorakhpur zone of Rawalpindi.

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Officials say the multi-layered security cordon is designed to protect against any unwanted situation" as tensions rise ahead of PTIs planned nationwide protests.

Security personnel deployed around the jail have been equipped with real and rubber bullets, tear-gas launchers, shields, batons and full anti-riot gear. Superintendent of Police (SP) Anam Sher has been tasked with supervising and monitoring all movement around the facility.

High Alerts Across Provinces

The Punjab Home Department and the Federal Interior Ministry have issued separate high alerts for both Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, where PTI leaders and activists are also detained.

In Balochistan, the provincial government has implemented special security measures for Mach Central Jail, located 60 km from Quetta, after receiving similar threat inputs.

Intelligence assessments warn that PTI hardliners, Haqooq-e-Khalq activists and Hawak workers" may attempt to attack Adiala Jail following PTIs call for massive demonstrations starting December 2 outside the prison and the Islamabad High Court. Sources further caution that miscreants" unaffiliated with PTI could use the protests as cover to trigger chaos and anarchy.

The threat matrix also includes the possibility of a suicide attack or major strike in Rawalpindi and Lahore, according to multiple briefings shared with provincial officials, the sources said.

Growing Questions About Imran Khans Condition

The heightened security comes amid increasing questions about Imran Khans physical condition, access to legal counsel, and whether he is being kept incommunicado. Multiple PTI sources have alleged torture, assault and solitary confinement inside Adiala Jail, claims that have circulated widely on social media and deepened public suspicion.

Earlier reports also suggested that Imran Khan had been tortured and assaulted", allegations the party says require an urgent independent medical and judicial investigation. Pakistani officials, meanwhile, insist the 72-year-old former prime minister is safe and secure," but have not facilitated any recent family meetings, further fuelling speculation.

In recent days, party officials and Khans legal team have repeatedly asked: Where is Imran Khan?" Several of his relatives claim they have been denied visitation for weeks, despite court orders mandating access.

A Volatile Moment

With protests planned, threat alerts issued across three provinces, and the security grid expanding around every facility associated with PTI detainees, Pakistan is preparing for a tense week.

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Authorities fear the convergence of political agitation, militant threats, and widespread speculation over Imran Khans status could trigger unpredictable unrest.

For now, Adiala Jail remains under lockdown-level protectionheavily armed, barricaded and under surveillanceyet the central question continues to echo across Pakistan: Where is Imran Khan, and why hasnt anyone been allowed to see him?

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Rawalpindi, Pakistan

First Published: November 29, 2025, 09:13 IST

News world Adiala Jail Placed Under High Security Amid Imran Khan Health Speculations, Threat Alerts | Exclusive

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Afghan Suspect Charged With Murder Over US National Guard Shooting Expected To Survive

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 22:02 IST

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was charged with first-degree murder after one of the two National Guard troops he shot near the White House on Wednesday died.

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Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (R) of the US National Guard died after Rahmanullah Lakanwal (L) opened fire near the White House on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan suspect in the deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, is expected to survive from his own injuries after he was shot and taken into custody.

I think the guys going to live. Nobodys going to be able to say anything, and hes going to stand trial," a law enforcement official told the New York Post. I know that he underwent surgery the night it happened."

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Charges against Lakanwal have been upgraded to first-degree murder after he shot Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, near the White House on Wednesday. Beckstrom succumbed to her wounds on Thursday, announced US President Donald Trump.

Suspect Faces First-Degree Murder Charge

US Attorney Jeanine Pirros office said the charges against Lakanwal, 29, who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, now include one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. She said there are many charges to come" beyond the upgraded murder charge.

A spokesperson for Joint Task Force DC, which oversees the deployment, said Saturday there were no updates on the second Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, who was also hospitalised in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration on Friday said it is halting all asylum decisions and has also paused issuing visas for people travelling on Afghan passports. Trump called the shooting a terrorist attack" and criticised the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with US forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the country.

Trump said he wants to permanently pause migration" from third world nations and expel millions of immigrants from the country. US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said all asylum decisions will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

Lakanwals involvement in the horrific shooting has once again brought sharp focus on the issue of illegal immigration in the US. As per reports, Lakanwal overstayed his visa and was in the country illegally at the time of the attack.

Lakanwal was reportedly resettled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children 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.

He previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, known as one of the special Zero Units, in the southern province of Kandahar, a resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwals cousin told The Associated Press. He said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that his brother had worked in the unit as well.

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Reports said 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.

The Afghan suspect 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 the hospital. Investigators continue to review his background as they work to understand what led to the attack.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 29, 2025, 21:51 IST

News world Afghan Suspect Charged With Murder Over US National Guard Shooting Expected To Survive

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Anthony Albanese Becomes First Australian PM To Wed While In Office; PM Modi Sends Warm Wishes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 30, 2025, 09:37 IST

Australian PM married his partner Jodie Haydon at a small ceremony in the presence of family and close friends at The Lodge in the capital city Canberra.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese married his partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony on Saturday. (Photo: X)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday married his long-time partner and fiancee Jodie Haydon at a private ceremony in Canberra. Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to tie the knot while in office.

The wedding was expected to be held this year as Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentines Day last year. However, the date and other details of the ceremony were not disclosed.

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As per a statement by the prime ministers office, the couple married at a small ceremony in the presence of family and close friends at The Lodge in the capital city Canberra. Albanese shared a video from the ceremony on X.

We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends," Albanese said in the statement released to the media.

PM Modi Congratulates Albanese

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Australian counterpart and wished the couple a happy married life.

Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life," he said on X.

Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life.@AlboMP https://t.co/6Dyq4dw2TC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2025

In a separate joint statement, the couple said: We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends."

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After the ceremony, where guests drank beer from a Sydney brewery, the couple walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours)." The newlyweds are to go on a five-day honeymoon in Australia from Monday.

The prime minister, who divorced his previous wife in 2019 and has an adult son, Nathan, met Haydon more than five years ago at a Melbourne business dinner.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Australia

First Published: November 29, 2025, 14:56 IST

News world Anthony Albanese Becomes First Australian PM To Wed While In Office; PM Modi Sends Warm Wishes

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'Puppets Of Asim Munir': Imran Khan's Aide Alleges Torture, Total Military Control In Pakistan | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:39 IST

Dr Salman Ahmed specifically labelled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari as nothing more than 'puppets of Asim Munir'

The focus of Dr Salman Ahmed's attack was the prolonged detention and treatment of Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. File pic

The deepening political crisis in Pakistan was starkly articulated by Dr Salman Ahmed, a close confidante and key associate of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18. Dr Ahmed launched a blistering attack on the countrys military establishment, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Army Chief and newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), accusing him of orchestrating a total systemic takeover and deliberately subjecting Khan to torture.

Dr Ahmed asserted that Pakistan is currently operating under Asim Law", where the Army Chiefs authority overrides constitutional and judicial frameworks. Parliament, judiciary, police, and government, all are controlled by Asim Munir," Dr Ahmed claimed, arguing that the countrys core democratic institutions have been thoroughly compromised. He specifically labelled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari as nothing more than puppets of Asim Munir", holding nominal power while the military exercises ultimate command.

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The focus of Dr Ahmeds attack was the prolonged detention and treatment of Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. He alleged that Asim Munir is testing the waters by torturing Imran Khan" and has been doing so from day one in jail". He maintained that Khans continued incarceration is solely a reflection of the Army Chiefs deep-seated fear of Imran Khans unmatched popularity", despite the severe state crackdown on his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Highlighting the inhumane conditions of the imprisonment, Dr Ahmed stressed that while Khan is a political detainee", he is not given the rights of a prisoner, forget about a former Prime Ministers right". This aligns with repeated allegations from PTI leaders that Khan is being kept in solitary confinement and denied access to family, lawyers, and doctors, in violation of prison manuals and court ordersa persistent issue that fuels nationwide rumours about his health and safety.

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In a defiant declaration, Dr Ahmed warned of impending mass upheaval, asserting that the Pakistani populace has reached its limit with the alleged systemic oppression. Soon people of Pakistan will hit the streets, and they will be going to Adiala Jail to free Imran Khan," he predicted, suggesting that the publics defiance of the prevailing military control will be the ultimate undoing of the current Asim Law". This rhetoric underscores the deep polarisation between the PTIs popular support base and the consolidated authority of the military establishment under Field Marshal Munir.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: November 29, 2025, 05:28 IST

News world 'Puppets Of Asim Munir': Imran Khan's Aide Alleges Torture, Total Military Control In Pakistan | Exclusive

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Defence, Crude Oil, Ukraine War: What's On Agenda For Putins India Visit Next Week

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 08:02 IST

Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit to boost the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. (File photo)

Putin India Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to India on December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday. The meeting comes as both nations look to strengthen their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" and address issues of mutual concern.

The forthcoming state visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said in a statement.

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During the visit, Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Droupadi Murmu will receive President Putin and host a banquet in his honour.

Putins last visit was in December 2021 for the annual summit, which rotates between the two countries. PM Modi met President Putin on September 1 this year in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Kremlin has described Putins visit to India as a crucial moment for both nations. Both leaders are expected to hold talks focussing on defence, energy, trade and bilateral relations.

The visit is of great importance, providing an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations within the particularly privileged strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as to consider topical international and regional issues," the Kremlin said in a statement.

The current international and regional issues will also feature prominently in the talks with the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Modi," it said.

Whats On Agenda?

The MEA, announcing the visit, said that it will set the vision for strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The Kremlin said both sides are expected to adopt a joint statement and sign a wide range of interdepartmental and business agreements" following the talks between the leaders.

It is learnt that ways to bolster two-way trade using local currencies, taking forward bilateral energy cooperation notwithstanding Western sanctions against Russia, further enhancing defence ties and the Ukraine conflict are likely to dominate the talks.

Last week, Jaishankar said India and Russia are looking at firming up a number of agreements, initiatives and projects to add more substance to the ties during Putins visit to New Delhi.

A number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects are under discussion in various fields. We look forward to their finalization in the coming days," he had said during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

These will certainly add more substance and texture to our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," he said.

Procurement Of S-400, Su-57

India is looking to procure additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, as the weapons proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor, news agency PTI reported.

In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning by the US that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions under the provisions of Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Three squadrons have already been delivered and the remaining two are expected to be sent by middle of next year.

There is also a possibility that India may hold talks with the Russian side on the possibility of buying at least two squadrons of the Su-57 fighter jets though New Delhi has not made any final decision on the procurement, the news agency added.

India will also take up delays in other major defence projects with the Russian side during the summit and push for expedited progress.

Procurement Of Crude Oil

New Delhi is expected to press for addressing the increasing trade deficit caused by Indias procurement of large volumes of Russian crude oil. The two sides are also likely to focus on deepening cooperation in areas of civil nuclear energy.

It is learnt that Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil. The offer came after the volume of Indias purchase of Russian crude oil registered a decline in the last few weeks following the latest wave of US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.

Ukraine War

Another agenda could be discussion of Russia-Ukraine war, where PM Modi has advocated for peace several times. Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha and discussed the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict.

Had a telecon with FM Andrii Sybiha last evening. Appreciate his briefing on the ongoing developments related to the Ukraine conflict. Reiterated Indias support for an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace," Jaishankar said.

Mobility Agreement

Both leaders are also likely to sign a landmark bilateral mobility agreement which aims to create a structured framework for legal migration, protection of workers rights, and expansion of skilled Indian manpower in Russia, which is currently facing a significant shortage of qualified professionals amid its rapidly growing economy.

As per reports, the agreement will safeguard the interests of existing Indian workers in Russia while paving the way for thousands of new job opportunities across sectors such as construction, textiles, engineering, and electronics.

By the end of this year, more than 70,000 Indian citizens are expected to be officially employed in Russia under the quotas overseen by the Russian Ministry of Labour.

India-Russia Annual Summit

India and Russia have a mechanism under which Indias Prime Minister and the Russian President hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties.

So far, 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.

The Russian President had last visited New Delhi in 2021. In July last year, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.

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Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhis foreign policy.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: November 29, 2025, 08:00 IST

News world Defence, Crude Oil, Ukraine War: What's On Agenda For Putins India Visit Next Week

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Ditwah Batters Sri Lanka: Colombo Sets Up Tourist Hotline, Indian Embassy Assists Stranded Flyers

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 22:53 IST

Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant were also deployed for search and rescue operations.

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A house partially submerged by floods stands in an area affected by flood, following heavy rainfall in Malwana, Sri Lanka, November 29, 2025. (REUTERS)

Sri Lanka has set up a dedicated 24/7 hotline for tourists requiring assistance amid ongoing flooding and severe weather conditions due to cyclone Ditwah.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Emergency & Assistance Centre urged visitors needing guidance, safety information, or travel support to call 1912. The hotline aims to provide timely help to tourists affected by adverse weather, including disrupted travel plans or emergency situations.

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Due to the current weather conditions, if you need any assistance or emergency support, our Tourism Hotline is available 24/7. Were here to help you with guidance, safety information, and travel support," the official notice said.

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka is assisting stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Following severe air traffic disruptions, Indian travelers are being provided with food, water, and other essential support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

In a major relief effort, two aircraft carrying over 20 tonnes of supplies and NDRF teams landed in Colombo early on Saturday morning. The teams are ready to support ongoing search and rescue operations across affected areas in Sri Lanka.

#OperationSagarBandhu standing strong with the people of !Two aircraft carrying 20+ tonnes of relief supplies and NDRF teams landed in Colombo early this morning, ready to support ongoing search and rescue efforts across .#NeighbourhoodFirst #CycloneDitwah @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/OmSlSombjF  India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 29, 2025

Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant were also deployed for search and rescue operations, carrying personnel of the Sri Lankan forces to assist in ongoing relief efforts across flood-hit areas.

Two MI-17V5 helicopters of @IAFMCC also touched down in Sri Lanka this evening to bolster ongoing Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts. They brought essential HADR supplies and personnel, to support relief operations in Sri Lanka. The helicopters will work closely with authorities in search and rescue missions," the Indian Embassy wrote on X.

Indian Air Force (IAF) evacuation flights will begin from 5 AM on Sunday to bring back Indian passengers stranded at Colombos Bandaranaike International Airport due to poor flight connectivity following severe weather disruptions, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday.

Southern Railway On High Alert

The Ministry of Railways on Saturday said that, in view of Cyclone Ditwah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the preparedness of the Southern Railway to ensure minimal disruption to train services.

The ministry said war rooms have been activated at the Railway Board, zonal and divisional levels, with teams put on high alert to respond swiftly to any exigencies. Railways is also closely coordinating with civil authorities and continuously monitoring the situation as the cyclone approaches, the ministry added.

In a post on X, Tharoor said he spoke to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, regarding the plight of stranded Indian nationals, particularly constituents from Thiruvananthapuram, who have been unable to return home because of the lack of commercial flight options.

Reassured to hear that the Indian Air Force will be organising evacuation flights starting at 5 AM tomorrow to take Indian passengers, who have registered with the Indian High Commissions control room at the airport, back to safety in India, including in Thiruvananthapuram. Anxious family members may reassure their relatives stranded at the airport, that help is on the way," he posted.

Operation Sagar Bandhu

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative to support Sri Lanka as the island country battles Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 130 lives and left over 130 people missing.

According to Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda, relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.

The first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

The first consignment, consisting of 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, was sourced from Indian naval ships currently docked in Sri Lanka. The supplies included staple food items, ready-to-eat meals, dairy and bakery products, beverages and other essentials.

Cyclone Ditwah

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Sri Lanka on Friday grappled with one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah wreaked havoc, causing floods and landslides that claimed more than 120 lives.

Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were in progress, with 43,995 people shifted to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed by a week of heavy rains.

Location : Sri Lanka

First Published: November 29, 2025, 19:05 IST

News world Ditwah Batters Sri Lanka: Colombo Sets Up Tourist Hotline, Indian Embassy Assists Stranded Flyers

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'Incredible Work': IAF Undertakes Daring Rescue Missions To Save Ditwah-Hit Sri Lankans | Watch

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 23:35 IST

Indian helicopters and warships like INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri are aiding Sri Lanka after cyclone Ditwah, delivering relief and rescuing thousands.

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Screengrab of the viral video. (X)

Indian helicopters have joined ongoing search and rescue operations in flood-hit Sri Lanka caused due to cyclone Ditwah, bolstering efforts to evacuate people stranded by rising waters as large parts of the island continue to reel under severe flooding.

People are praising the incredible work" of pilots and ground teams involved in the operation.

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The deployment comes amid intensified relief efforts as Sri Lanka battles the impact of torrential rain and overflowing rivers that have submerged several low-lying areas.

Indian helicopters have now joined rescue missions in Sri Lanka, supporting efforts to save people trapped by rising floodwaters.Incredible work by the pilots and rescue teams on the ground and in the air.  pic.twitter.com/SqPkElpFcJ  Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 29, 2025

Rescue teams are using aerial support to reach marooned residents in areas cut off by floodwaters, where road access has become difficult or impossible.

India has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the weather emergency, with search-and-rescue teams, relief material and aerial assets being mobilised to aid evacuation and emergency response. Authorities in both countries are coordinating closely as operations continue in affected districts.

Warships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and a range of essential items to help families impacted by the cyclone.

As part of a parallel airlift operation, a C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo early this morning with nearly 12 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat meals.

Additionally, an IL-76 transport aircraft touched down in Colombo with nine tonnes of relief cargo, alongside 80 National Disaster Response Force personnel, four search-and-rescue canines, and eight tonnes of specialised HADR equipment to support emergency operations on the ground.

Two Chetak helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant are actively participating in joint search-and-rescue operations alongside Sri Lanka Air Force teams.

Over 200,000 people from 61,000 families have been impacted, with thousands displaced to temporary relief camps after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

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An Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying emergency supplies landed in Colombo early Saturday, delivering food packets, hygiene material and other essentials for affected communities.

India announced Operation Sagar Bandhu the same day, pledging swift assistance as Sri Lanka grappled with what authorities described as an unprecedented disaster" in the Western Province.

Location : Sri Lanka

First Published: November 29, 2025, 23:35 IST

News world 'Incredible Work': IAF Undertakes Daring Rescue Missions To Save Ditwah-Hit Sri Lankans | Watch

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'Pakistan Ready To Join Gaza Peace Force': Minister Ishaq Dar Says Disarming Hamas 'Not Our Work'

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Last Updated: November 30, 2025, 08:21 IST

Senior government and military officials said internal deliberations were now at an advanced stage, with Pakistan leaning toward joining the mission.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. (AP file photo)

Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday said Islamabad was prepared to deploy troops to a proposed international peacekeeping mission in Gaza, but made it clear the country would not participate in any plan to disarm Hamas.

Dars remarks come as discussions intensify around the US-brokered Gaza Peace Agreement, which includes the creation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) made up largely of troops from Muslim-majority nations.

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Senior government and military officials said internal deliberations were now at an advanced stage," with Pakistan leaning toward joining the mission.

The UN Security Council last week approved a US-drafted resolution backing President Donald Trumps proposal to end the Gaza conflict and authorising the deployment of the ISF.

Thirteen members, including Pakistan, voted in favour, while Russia and China abstained. Hamas rejected the resolution and condemned the proposed international force, saying any mandate involving the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups was unacceptable.

Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar said the issue of Hamas disarmament first surfaced during talks in Riyadh on a two-state solution. He stressed that Pakistan would not take part in any such effort.

We are not ready for that," Dar said. This is not our job, it is the responsibility of Palestinian law-enforcement agencies. Our role is peacekeeping, not peace enforcement. We are willing to contribute troops, as the prime minister has already indicated after consulting the field marshal, but only once the ISFs mandate and terms of reference are clearly defined."

Dar added that Indonesia had informally expressed similar reservations if the forces duties extended to disarming Hamas.

He said Indonesia had offered 20,000 troops for the mission, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had in principle" agreed to Pakistans participation subject to clarity on the mandate.

Speculation last month that Pakistan could be assigned a role in disarming Hamas sparked a political backlash.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denounced comments from government spokesperson Danyal Chaudhry suggesting that the forces mandate would include disarmament, calling the claim baseless and unacceptable.

Pakistans envoy to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, had also emphasised during the UNSC session that any stabilisation force must operate under a clear UN-aligned mandate.

He said disarmament should occur only through a negotiated political process under a unified Palestinian Authority.

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The UNSC resolution authorises the ISF to support Gazas demilitarisation by dismantling weapons and military infrastructure.

It also outlines the creation of a transitional Board of Peace" responsible for reconstruction and economic recovery. Trumps 20-point plan for Gaza is attached as an annex to the resolution.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: November 29, 2025, 19:28 IST

News world 'Pakistan Ready To Join Gaza Peace Force': Minister Ishaq Dar Says Disarming Hamas 'Not Our Work'

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In the inaugural survey on fintech in 2017, Hong Kong ranked seventh and Singapore eighth. The same year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) introduced the first phase of fintech development.

Hong Kong secured the world's top fintech ranking for the first time in the Global Financial Centres Index in September, while Singapore ranked fourth, according to the report by Z/Yen and the City of London that tracked 116 centres based on criteria like regulations, access to finance and talent.

While attendance in Hong Kong may have been thinner than in Singapore, the city has an edge over its Southeast Asian rival, thanks to its vibrant capital market providing funding for fintech companies and serving as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area.

This maturation has intensified Hong Kong's long-standing rivalry with Singapore . The two cities are competing to develop fintech, a rivalry highlighted this month as both hosted their 10th annual flagship fintech festivals.

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery (left) takes part in a discussion with Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (centre) and Standard Chartered CEO at the Hong Kong FinTech Week on November 3. Photo: Jonathan Wong alt=HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery (left) takes part in a discussion with Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (centre) and Standard Chartered CEO at the Hong Kong FinTech Week on November 3. Photo: Jonathan Wong>

The venue has moved from the PMQ (formerly the Police Married Quarters) to the massive Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the number of attendees growing 18-fold to 45,000 people. At the recent forum, speakers included some of the most high-profile figures in the financial sector like HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery and Standard Chartered Bank CEO Bill Winters .

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In the years since, fintech in Hong Kong has gone through a sea change. "Now fintech is no longer confined to a few start-ups; it's on the top of the agenda of banks and insurers," Kwock said.

"As it was the first ever fintech event in Hong Kong, only fintech start-ups were interested, no big financial institutions paid attention," Kwock said. "People did not have a clear idea of fintech as it was still in an exploratory stage."

When Alvin Kwock, co-founder of digital insurer OneDegree , took part in the inaugural Hong Kong FinTech Week in November 2016, it was held at a venue suitable for only a few hundred people.

Story continues

Since then, the HKMA has issued eight digital banking licences, with the lenders offering online-only services. This week, British digital bank Revolut announced plans to launch operations in Hong Kong.

The arrival of global players is a direct result of a concerted regulatory push - the HKMA's fintech initiatives, the Insurance Authority's promotion of virtual insurance, and the Securities and Futures Commission's rules for virtual asset trading. Bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing's listing reforms too have paved the way for start-ups to raise funds.

"Hong Kong's fintech development in the past decade has been nothing short of transformative," said HKMA chief executive Eddie Yue Wai-man in a written interview. The 18-fold increase in the number of participants in this year's FinTech Week compared with nine years ago was "proof not only of growing interest but also of a hub that has become a magnet for talent, ideas and ambition in fintech", he said.

However, a broader measure of digital competitiveness reveals ongoing challenges. Despite Hong Kong's many advantages, Singapore ranked third and Hong Kong fourth in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking released earlier this month.

The report, however, noted that Hong Kong performed the worst in "IT integration", placing 29th overall, due to low scores in government cybersecurity capacity and legal framework for privacy protection.

Singapore, which topped the ranking in 2024, fell behind Switzerland and the US this year.

The report said Singapore was strong in its digital regulatory framework and hi-tech patent grants, topping these categories. The institute also highlighted Singapore's weakness in two areas, where it ranked 29th in technology, media and telecommunications stock market capitalisation and 61st in telecommunications investment.

Analysts and fintech firms regard Singapore and Hong Kong as Asian fintech leaders, albeit with different roles.

"Singapore offers a more accessible pathway for regional expansion across Asean, whereas Hong Kong's competitive strength remains closely tied to the China-Hong Kong corridor and its leadership in regulated digital-asset innovation," said Benjamin Quinlan, CEO and managing partner of Quinlan & Associates, a Hong Kong-based consultancy.

Quinlan said Hong Kong had also made progress in digital asset and tokenisation initiatives, including the coming stablecoin regime and tokenised government bond issuance, which provided a unique competitive angle in this emerging sector.

Singapore, by contrast, had positioned itself as a launch pad for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while the country had a clean regulatory environment and was innovation-friendly, supported by comparatively lower barriers to entry and a strong investor appetite, Quinlan said.

The HKMA's Yue said the gateway role to mainland China would continue to be a major advantage for Hong Kong's fintech development, as companies took advantage of cross-border trading schemes in stocks, bonds, swaps, exchange-traded products and wealth management.

Yue added that the development of fintech had benefited many sectors like digital banks, while also making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get bank loans via the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI).

The CDI, which was launched in October 2022 as part of the HKMA's Fintech 2025 strategy, is a financial data platform designed to make it easier for businesses, especially SMEs, to access financial services. The CDI had facilitated over 71,000 loan applications totalling HK$58.1 billion (US$7.5 billion) for SMEs until the end of September.

"Think of a wonton noodle shop that could use the CDI to share its historical turnover data from point-of-sale terminals with a bank, which could then use this alternative data for a more accurate credit assessment and loan approval, all without requiring traditional collateral," Yue said. "We are also advancing trade finance digitalisation through CargoX to support SME traders in a complex global trade landscape."

Project CargoX is a public-private collaboration led by the HKMA to use cargo and trade data to improve trade finance.

The HKMA's Faster Payment System has over 18 million users. Photo: Handout alt=The HKMA's Faster Payment System has over 18 million users. Photo: Handout>

One of the HKMA's first fintech initiatives was the launch of the Faster Payment System in 2018, with the platform currently boasting more than 18 million users. This was followed by licences for eight digital banks in 2019.

Even in a market with more than 150 lenders, these virtual banks had 3.4 million customers, with HK$77 billion in deposits and HK$29 billion in loans as of June, according to the HKMA.

To build on this decade of progress and solidify Hong Kong's future position, Yue unveiled the Fintech 2030 road map this month. The five-year programme will launch more than 40 initiatives in four areas: data, artificial intelligence, resilience and tokenisation.

The city has also incubated some prominent fintech unicorns - start-ups with a valuation of at least US$1 billion - like Airwallex, HashKey Group, WeLab, Micro Connect and ZA Group.

Hong Kong currently has more than 1,200 fintech companies, a 10 per cent increase from last year, with the sector's revenue expected to exceed US$606 billion by 2032, according to a recent report by the Financial Services Development Council.

The UK's Revolut will add to the tally.

Revolut is a global disrupter with over 65 million clients and has a strong presence in the US, Europe and Asia, so adding Hong Kong was the next stop in the expansion, said Camilo Ramirez, head of financial services at Sia Partners Hong Kong, a consultancy.

"While Hong Kong looks like a saturated market, it still lags behind in digital capabilities compared with Europe and mainland China," Ramirez said. "With the HKMA launching the fintech road map, Revolut would land in a perfect environment to bring its innovative capabilities to Hong Kong at a pivotal and exciting moment for the financial services industry."

Alvin Kwock, co-founder of online insurer OneDegree. Photo: Handout alt=Alvin Kwock, co-founder of online insurer OneDegree. Photo: Handout>

One Degree's Kwock said the conversations around fintech had continued to evolve at FinTech Week. Initially, it was about exploring the use of fintech, which later shifted to digital banks, digital insurance and virtual assets trading, before moving to AI this year, he said.

"Cybersecurity will be a key issue going forward as the city becomes a virtual-asset trading hub," Kwock said.

Meanwhile, home-grown fintechs like WeLab have been using their early-mover advantage to good use by expanding in Southeast Asia.

WeLab serves 70 million customers via its WeLend online lending platform and two digital banks in Hong Kong and Indonesia, WeLab Bank and Bank Saqu, respectively.

"Positioned at the nexus of two major growth corridors - northbound to the Greater Bay Area and mainland China, and southbound to the rapidly growing and digitally transformative markets of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong acts as a natural springboard for regional fintech expansion," said Simon Loong, founder and group CEO of WeLab.

Fintech has also transformed one of Hong Kong's oldest banks. The 160-year-old HSBC has seen an increase in digital use across all banking transactions.

"We are already a fully digital bank, prioritising digital channels to deliver daily banking services and engage with our customers," said Maggie Ng, CEO and head of retail banking and wealth at HSBC Hong Kong.

Ng said HSBC would take part in the HKMA's Fintech 2030 projects. The bank had already introduced tokenised deposits for customers, and its digital asset platform, HSBC Orion, was used to launch the world's largest digital bond issuance by the Hong Kong government this month, she said.

The bank recently launched HSBC Gold Token, a tokenised gold product for retail customers in Hong Kong.

Also this month, Hong Kong and Shenzhen launched a joint fintech action plan to promote cross-boundary financial innovation, setting a target of establishing over 20 fintech application scenarios by the end of 2027. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu, who signed the initial pact with Shenzhen, said the two sides would implement various initiatives to facilitate high-quality fintech development.

Paul Sin, chair of the web3 and technology committee for Greater China at CPA Australia, an accounting industry body, said Hong Kong's Fintech 2030 initiative provided a clear road map for the next five years.

One element that Hong Kong needed to develop was a decentralised identity (DID) system, which would allow financial firms to easily verify users' identities.

"Only when firms can easily verify clients' identities using technology like DID can fintech solutions be both innovative and compliant," Sin 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.
Trump Cancels Bidens Autopen-Signed Orders, Cites Lack Of Control In Presidency

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 08:46 IST

Trump alleged that Bidens staff illegally operated the autopen and issued official orders without the presidents knowledge.

US President Donald Trump. (File photo)

US President Donald Trump has again targeted Joe Biden and said that any official document the former Democratic president signed using an autopen should no longer be considered valid.

His comments were posted on Friday (local time) on Truth Social, where he accused Biden of allowing others to act on his behalf. Trump claimed that approximately 92%" of Bidens documents were signed with an autopen  a mechanical device long used by US presidents to reproduce signatures for routine approvals.

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He insisted that such signatures were invalid unless the president personally authorised their use.

Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States," Trump wrote.

He went further, alleging that Bidens staff illegally operated the autopen and issued official orders without the presidents knowledge. Trump argued that this amounted to others circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk" and effectively taking over the executive office.

I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally."  President Donald J. Trump  pic.twitter.com/D5mzIl1Cai The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 28, 2025

I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally. Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury," he added.

Trump has frequently claimed that Bidens age and mental state prevented him from managing the presidency. He has also previously accused aides of making decisions without consulting Biden, using the autopen as evidence of this alleged lack of control. The device, however, has been a normal part of White House operations for decades.

In a separate post earlier the same day, Trump announced that he would permanently halt migration from what he called third-world countries". He said the move was needed to help the US terminate illegal admissions" and undo what he described as the results of Biden-era immigration policies.

His remarks followed a shooting in Washington, DC, on Wednesday in which an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members. One guard member died and the other was left critically injured.

I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Bidens Autopen" Trump said, adding that he intended to deport anyone he viewed as a security risk or non-compatible with Western Civilization".

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The comments mark Trumps latest attempt to redraw the boundaries of presidential authority while intensifying his criticism of Bidens time in office.

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 29, 2025, 07:06 IST

News world Trump Cancels Bidens Autopen-Signed Orders, Cites Lack Of Control In Presidency

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US Suspends Afghan Visas, All Asylum Applications After Fatal Shooting Near White House

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 07:24 IST

The US State Department announced that it had suspended visa issuance for individuals holding Afghan passports.

The Department of State said that it is taking all necessary steps to protect US national security and public safety. (Representational)

The US has suspended issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, following a targeted" shooting near the White House that killed one National Guard soldier and left another injured. The suspect in the attack has been identified as an Afghan national who arrived in the country in September 2021.

In a statement, the Department of State said that it is taking all necessary steps to protect US national security and public safety, describing the suspension as an urgent precautionary measure.

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The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety," it said in a post on X.

The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety.  Department of State (@StateDept) November 28, 2025

Additionally, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also halted all asylum decisions until all migrants can be rigorously vetted and screened.

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," USCIS Director Joseph B Edlow said in a post on X.

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. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow (@USCISJoe) November 28, 2025

These actions are part of a broader crackdown on immigration, with the administration emphasizing national security and public safety as paramount concerns.

Earlier, the State Department also suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the decision was made pending a review of security and vetting protocols".

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". However, he later clarified that he does not blame all Afghans for the attack. Replying to a question on whether the US President blames all Afghans, Trump said, No, but weve had a lot of problems with Afghans. There was no checking! They just poured into the plane."

White House Shooting

The shooting took place on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Washington, only a few blocks from the White House. Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were on a high-visibility patrol" at around 2:15 pm near 17th and I Streets when a gunman approached from around a corner and ambushed" them, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said.

The Department of Homeland Security named the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a criminal alien from Afghanistan". He was shot and injured before being taken into custody. 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.

At the time, the Taliban had taken back control of Afghanistan following a chaotic withdrawal of US forces.

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A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and received approval on 23 April this year, after President Donald Trump took office. DHS said he had no known criminal history.

Following the attack, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump had ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington. They will join the 2,200 already deployed as part of the administrations broad security and immigration crackdown in several Democratic-led cities.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 29, 2025, 07:12 IST

News world US Suspends Afghan Visas, All Asylum Applications After Fatal Shooting Near White House

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'This Is Virat, Help Needed': Dramatic Visuals Capture Ukraines Drone Strike On Russian Tanker

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Last Updated: November 29, 2025, 18:18 IST

The Turkish transport ministry said the Russian shadow fleet tanker 'Virat' was struck again off Turkey's Black Sea coast after it was hit by unmanned vessels on Friday.

Russian shadow fleet tanker 'Virat' up in flames after being hit by an unmanned vessel. (Photo: X)

An unmanned sea vessel struck a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Black Sea off Turkeys coast in the early hours of Saturday, according to Turkeys transport ministry. Ukraine took responsibility for the attack, saying it attacked the tankers with sea baby drones.

The Turkish ministry said the Virat, which was previously believed to have been struck by unmanned maritime vehicles approximately 35 nautical miles off the Black Sea coastline on Friday, was attacked again on Saturday morning.

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The crew of the tanker reported a drone attack in an intercepted open-frequency radio distress call. This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!" the crew could be heard saying in the distress call.

This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!"The crew of the tanker VIRAT reported a drone attack on an open frequency. Clearly, they werent referring to regular drones, but to unmanned boats. As a reminder, the tankers VIRAT and KAIROS were exposed to external pic.twitter.com/cQ7oXvljZ7  Victor vicktop55 commentary (@vick55top) November 28, 2025

The Virat, which was previously said to have been attacked by unmanned maritime vehicles approximately 35 nautical miles off the Black Sea coastline, was attacked again by unmanned maritime vehicles early this morning," the Turkish ministry said on X.

It said the tanker sustained only minor damage" on the starboard side and that none of the 20-strong crew were hurt. This came after Turkeys transport ministry said two empty oil tankers, the Virat and the Kairos, were attacked on Friday.

Ukraine Claims Responsibility

A Ukrainian security source told AFP that Kyiv was responsible for attacks on two oil tankers in the Black Sea that it believed were covertly transporting sanctioned Russian oil. Modernised Sea Baby naval drones successfully targeted the vessels," the source said.

Ukraines SBU security shared a video that purported to show sea drones gliding towards the two ships on Friday, before sparking explosions. According to an SBU source, the drones inflicted critical damage, effectively knocking the tankers out of service.

Ukrainian forces released videos of the operation against the two oilers Kairo and Virat in the Black Sea which tried to reach the Russian coast.The message is clear: If you are a shipowner trying to get Russian oil, expect that you will lose your whole ship. pic.twitter.com/Zg91DqbKmZ  (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) November 29, 2025

Ukraine has carried out successful naval strikes against Russian shipping during the war, particularly using explosives-packed marine drones. However, Ukrainian missions have largely been limited to the waters of the northern Black Sea.

On Friday evening, Turkeys transport ministry said two empty oil tankers had reported explosions but sustained no casualties, saying they had been struck in Turkish waters but without saying what had caused the blasts.

The blast struck the Kairos on Friday afternoon, with rescuers evacuating its 25 crew members after a fire broke out. At the time, it was about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the point where the Bosphorus Strait enters the Black Sea.

The Virat was struck later when it was about 400 kilometres further east, according to the VesselFinder tracking site. All 20 crew members aboard the Virat were safe, although heavy smoke was reported in the engine room, the maritime authority said.

Both Vessels Sanctioned

Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said rescue services first received reports that the Kairos may have hit a mine before being told of an explosion on the Virat.

Our crews indicate that there were explosions on the other ship and that these were also caused by external interference," Uraloglu told broadcaster NTV on Saturday. The first things that come to mind for external interference could be a mine, a missile, a marine vessel or a drone. We dont have definitive information on this," he added.

Both tankers, which are flying a Gambian flag, are heavily sanctioned for transporting oil from Russian ports in defiance of an embargo after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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The United States sanctioned the Virat in January this year, followed by the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada. Similarly, the EU sanctioned the Kairos in July this year, followed by the UK and Switzerland.

(with inputs from agencies)

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 : Turkey

First Published: November 29, 2025, 17:34 IST

News world 'This Is Virat, Help Needed': Dramatic Visuals Capture Ukraines Drone Strike On Russian Tanker

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A 36-year-old man from Chipinge has been arrested for trafficking a 15-year-old girl from his village to South Africa to meet her supposed husband in Thohoyandou, Limpopo province.

Solomona Khoza is accused of smuggling the teenager into the neighbouring country earlier this month through an illegal crossing point near the Tshikwalakwala area along the Limpopo River.

He has been formally charged with contravening a section of the Trafficking in Persons Act (knowingly facilitating the cross-border transportation of victims) and another section of the Immigration Act (assisting any person to enter, remain in, or depart from Zimbabwe without valid documents).

Khoza, who also trafficked two boys aged nine and 12 years, was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before Beitbridge regional magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa on Thursday. He was remanded in custody until December 9 for trial.

State prosecutor Mr Willbrought Muleya said that sometime in October, Khoza was tasked by the girls boyfriend to transport her from Zimbabwe to South Africa, where the man intended to marry her.

He said that on November 3, at around 2 AM, Khoza illegally smuggled the juvenile into South Africa through a crossing point at the Limpopo River.

After crossing illegally, Khoza and the teenager ran into trouble when they were intercepted by police while travelling to Thohoyandou for failing to produce valid travel documents.

Following their arrest, they were taken to Mutale police station, detained, and subsequently deported to Zimbabwe by road on November 20.

Khoza was arrested upon arrival in Zimbabwe at the Government-run Reception and Support Centre during a security vetting.

The trafficking victim was taken to the Department of Social Development for further assistance.

Further investigations revealed that Khoza had also smuggled two other children, aged nine and 12 years, from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

The two boys have since been taken to a place of safety by the police. Manica Post
The teen rebellion over disappearing AI chatbots has officially begun. After months of warning, the popular chatbot platform Character.AI has started cutting off access for users under 18, and the Wall Street Journal says teens have been taking it ... not well. Posts of grief and frustration are popping up across Reddit, where one teen wrote, "I cried over it for days." The company had already put a two-hour daily limit in place in November as the first step toward restricting underage users, but the policy has now escalated into a full ban following the deaths of two teen users and mounting scrutiny from regulators and mental health professionals. For many young users, the shift doesn't just mean losing an appit means losing relationships they felt were meaningful. "I'm losing the memories I had with these bots," says 13-year-old Olga Lopez.

Several teens told the Journal they relied on chatbots for comfort when human conversations felt too hard or scarce. "I use this app for comfort when I can't talk to my friends or therapist," says one teen. Dr. Nina Vasan of Stanford Medicine said AI companions can feel like a blend of friend, performer, and mirror. "The difficulty logging off doesn't mean something is wrong with the teen," she says. "It means the tech worked exactly as designed." Character.AI's chief executive, Karandeep Anand, said the company felt compelled to intervene as it observed teens using bots for hours at a time or veering toward restricted topics. "This wasn't a very hard decision," he says.

To guide the rollout, Character.AI consulted with teens through the nonprofit ConnectSafely, aiming to communicate the ban clearly, avoid condescension, and give young users time to download their chat histories. "We wanted to make sure teens didn't feel abandoned," says ConnectSafely's Julianna Bryant. Character.AI apologized for the ban, telling teens in a letter: "We are deeply sorry." But it insists the restriction is necessary. Meanwhile, mental health professionals tell CNBC that abruptly cutting off access to chatbots may itself be stressful for dependent users. But Character.AI says it's aware, so the platform is adding emotional support tools and partnering with Koko and ThroughLine to help at-risk users find real-world help. But when the cutoff message finally appears, the app offers only a quiet goodbye: "A new chapter begins."
A 6-year-old Belgian sheepdog named Soleil took home the top prize at the 2025 National Dog Show after outshining more than 1,900 canine competitors. Soleil, known for her glossy black coat and steady demeanor, appeared unfazed by the commotion as she and her handler, Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, accepted the "Best in Show" award, per NPR . Martin credited Soleil's composure and fluid movement for the win, describing her as a "professional" who thrives in the spotlight. "Soleil was just 'on' today," Martin said, adding that his dog "loves the energy" at the annual event broadcast by NBC every Thanksgiving Day. "That's her magic."

The annual event, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, draws entries from seven groups, including Working, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Herding, and Hound. Soleil first won in the Herding Group before advancing to claim Best in Show. She edged out six other finalists, with an American foxhound named George taking "Reserve Best in Show" honors. Today notes that the other finalists were Dino (giant schnauzer), Tyler (English setter), Neal (bichon frise), Baby Joe (miniature schnauzer), and Comet (shih tzu).

Judge Charlie Olvis praised Soleil's flawless performance and prime condition, noting the winner "didn't put its foot down wrong" and is in "drop-dead gorgeous condition," per NPR. The American Kennel Club describes Belgian sheepdogs as intelligent, trainable, and deeply attached to their humans. A herder by nature, Soleil now adds a national title to her resume. The National Dog Show, which dates back to 1879 and has been televised since 2002, has become a Thanksgiving tradition for millions.
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Orban Goes to Moscow and Hears About It From EU Leaders

War on Ukraine, energy are topics of meeting with Putin at Kremlin
The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions and paused issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports days after a shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition. Investigators continued Saturday to seek a motive in the shooting, in which the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now faces charges that include first-degree murder, per the AP . US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office said the charges against Lakanwal also include two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. In an interview on Fox News, Pirro said there were "many charges to come."

The director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a Friday post on X that asylum decisions will be paused "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." Also on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his department paused "visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports." Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. He applied for asylum during the Biden administration and was granted it this year under President Trump, according to a group that assists with resettlement of Afghans who helped US forces in their country.

The Trump administration has seized on the shooting to vow to intensify efforts to rein in legal immigration, promising to pause entry from some poor countries and review Afghans and other legal migrants already in the country. That's in addition to other measures, some of which were previously set in motion. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after the Wednesday shooting, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was hospitalized in critical condition. They were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trump's crime-fighting mission in the city.

The president also has deployed or tried to deploy National Guard members to other cities to assist with his mass deportation efforts but has faced court challenges. Trump called the shooting a "terrorist attack" and criticized the Biden administration for enabling entry by Afghans who worked with US forces. Experts say the US has rigorous vetting systems for asylum-seekers; asylum claims made from inside the country through USCIS have long faced backlogs. Critics say the slowdown has been exacerbated during the Trump administration. More here.
Airlines around the world canceled and delayed flights heading into the weekend to fix software on a widely used commercial aircraft after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month. Airbus said on Friday that an examination of the JetBlue incident revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls on the A320 family of aircraft, per the AP . The FAA joined the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in requiring airlines to address the issue with a new software update. More than 500 US-registered aircraft will be impacted.

The EU safety agency said the update may cause "short-term disruption" to flight schedules. The problem was introduced by a software update to the plane's onboard computers, according to the agency. The software change comes as US passengers were beginning to head home from the Thanksgiving holiday, which is the busiest travel time in the country. In Japan, All Nippon Airways, which operates more than 30 planes, canceled 65 domestic flights for Saturday. Additional cancellations on Sunday were possible, it said. American Airlines has about 480 planes from the A320 family, of which 209 are affected. The fix should take about two hours for many aircraft, and updates should be completed for the overwhelming majority on Friday, the airline said. A handful will be finished on Saturday.

American expects some delays but said it was focused on limiting cancellations. It added that safety would be its overriding priority. Air India said via X that its engineers were working on the fix and had completed the reset on more than 40% of aircraft that need it, with no cancellations. Delta, meanwhile, said it expected the issue to affect less than 50 of its A321neo aircraft. United said six planes in its fleet are affected; it expects minor disruptions to a few flights. Hawaiian Airlines said it was unaffected. Mike Stengel of AeroDynamic Advisory said the fix could be addressed between flights or on overnight plane checks.

"Definitely not ideal for this to be happening on a very ubiquitous aircraft on a busy holiday weekend," Stengel said. Airbus, registered in the Netherlands but with its main HQ in France, is one of the world's biggest airplane manufacturers, alongside Boeing. The A320 is the primary competitor to Boeing's 737, Stengel said. Airbus updated its engine in the mid-2010s, and planes in this category are called A320neo, he said. The A320 is the world's bestselling single-aisle aircraft family, according to Airbus' website.
Targets stock narrative is shifting after analysts adjusted their fair value estimate downward from $100.70 to $96.52. This price target reduction reflects a nuanced response to the companys latest quarterly results, with optimism about future growth investments balanced by ongoing operational challenges and cautious outlooks. Stay tuned to find out how you can keep a pulse on evolving analyst sentiment and Targets strategic direction in the months ahead.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Target shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Target.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

Analyst sentiment on Target remains mixed following the latest round of quarterly results, with both bullish and bearish views evident as Wall Street weighs the company's execution, valuation, and long-term growth initiatives.

 Bullish Takeaways

DA Davidson maintains a Buy rating and a $108 price target, emphasizing that the recent quarter was "no worse than expected." The strategic focus now shifts to Targets turnaround plan. The firm points to a planned $1 billion incremental investment in merchandising, store efficiency, and AI-driven technologies as evidence of management's commitment to driving future growth.

Truist, despite maintaining a Hold rating, highlighted a positive revision by raising its price target to $90 from $83 after Q3 results came in slightly above very cautious expectations. The firm notes a planned 25% capex increase for 2026 focused on store remodels, new locations, and technology.

RBC Capital remains encouraged by Targets initiatives to return to growth, keeping an Outperform rating even as they lower their price target to $99 from $107. They acknowledge some optimism about the roadmap laid out during the recent earnings call.

 Bearish Takeaways
President Trump has renewed his efforts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of actions taken during Joe Biden's presidency, this time focusing on Biden's use of the autopen. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared he's "cancelling all executive orders, and anything else that was not directly signed" by Biden, claiming, without evidence, that roughly 92% of Biden's official documents were signed using the device, reports CNN. Trump asserted that Biden wasn't involved in the autopen process and went so far as to threaten perjury charges if Biden claims otherwise.
A new report reveals that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly gave a chilling order during the Trump administration's first military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. "The order was to kill everybody," a source said to be familiar with the operation tells the Washington Post of the Sept. 2 attack , which involved a US missile striking a boat off the coast of Trinidad, burning it and its 11 occupants.

When two survivors were seen clinging to the wreckage, a second strike was allegedly ordered to finish the job, reportedly to fulfill Hegseth's directive. The Pentagon's ongoing campaign against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean region has killed more than 80 people so far. Some officials and legal experts warn these actions may be unlawful, exposing participants to possible future prosecution. They argue that the alleged traffickers weren't any kind of imminent threat to the US and that the situation doesn't constitute an "armed conflict," as the Trump administration claims. One former military lawyer says, absent an official war designation, an order to kill individuals on these boats "amounts to murder."

Even in armed conflicts, the Geneva Conventions dictate that hurt or sick combatants "are to be collected and cared for by either side," reports ABC News. The Pentagon has defended the operations as effective and lawful. Hegseth took to X on Friday evening, noting the boat attacks have been "highly effective strikes [that] are specifically intended to be 'lethal, kinetic strikes.'" He added: "Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflictand approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command."

After the incident, protocols were reportedly changed to emphasize rescuing survivors, but lawmakers remain skeptical, with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton calling official explanations "absurd" and the killings "blatantly illegal," per the Post. Some members of Congress are now calling for more oversight. The Trump administration hasn't provided detailed evidence linking those targeted to terrorist organizations, and there are significant gaps in the released videos of the strikes.
Police in California evacuated a shopping mall on Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, after a shooting left multiple people with gunshot wounds, reports the AP . The shooting was an isolated incident, the San Jose Police Department said on the X social media platform , noting that the three individuals who were shot suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say those wounded in the attack, which is said to have taken place outside of a Macy's store at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, include two adults and a teen, per NBC Bay Area .

"We were just eating dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and all of a sudden a stampede of people [came] running our way," one witness tells KTVU. "I did hear a couple shots there at the end. We ended up hiding in somebody's backyard ... like 10, 15 of us for about 30 minutes." Officers evacuated and cleared the mall to confirm there was no threat to public safety. The wounded were taken to local hospitals, police said. San Jose and Santa Clara are neighboring cities about 50 miles south of San Francisco.

Police say they believe a male suspect, who fled the scene, used a handgun in the shootings. They also say this doesn't look like a random targeting of "unsuspecting shoppers." "Something had occurred between this male and one of our victims ... and then the shooting occurred," a rep for the San Jose PD says. "However, we're still trying to figure out what transpired prior to the shooting." Police are asking anyone with cellphone video of the chaos that may help in the investigation to contact them.
Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the federal government to settle the Trump administration's allegations of discrimination and restore nearly $790 million in frozen research funding. The agreement, announced Friday, ends federal investigations into the university's compliance with antidiscrimination laws and requires Northwestern to adhere to those laws going forward. It also closes out what the school's interim president called "a deeply painful and disruptive period in our university's history," per the New York Times . The funding freeze had halted hundreds of scientific projects, including clinical trials, and put into question whether the university would be able to continue its research work, the Wall Street Journal reports.

As part of the settlement, Northwestern will no longer use diversity initiatives in hiring and admissions and will conduct a survey to gauge whether students feel safe reporting antisemitism. The university also agreed to end the "Deering Meadow Agreement," a pact with pro-Palestinian protesters in April 2024 that included commitments to bring Palestinian faculty and undergraduates to campus and to build a new space for Muslim students. Henry Bienen, the interim president whose predecessor resigned during the impasse, said in a video that Northwestern settled because the "cost of a legal fight was too high and the risks too grave," per the Washington Post.

Bienen emphasized that the deal does not give the government control over hiring, admissions, or curriculum. US Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the agreement a "huge win" for the university and higher education, saying it cements policy changes to ensure protections from harassment and discrimination and recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions. The deal follows similar settlements between the Trump administration and universities including Cornell, Brown, and Columbia. Northwestern will pay more than all schools so far except Columbia, which agreed to pay the government $200 million.
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South Africas central bank has cooled expectations for a retail central bank digital currency, saying the country does not face an urgent need to launch one and should focus instead on upgrading the existing payments system.

Key Takeaways:

South Africas central bank says a retail CBDC is not needed now and is prioritizing payments system upgrades instead.

The SARB will focus on wholesale digital currency uses and improving cross-border payments.

Officials also warned that crypto and stablecoins pose financial risks and could be used to bypass exchange controls.

In a research paper published Thursday, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) said a consumer-facing CBDC is technically possible but not necessary in the near term.

SARB Prioritizes Payments Reform Over Retail CBDC Rollout

The bank argued that current reforms aimed at improving the national payments rails, adding faster settlement, and widening participation by non-bank providers offer a more practical route to better financial access for now.

While the SARB does not currently advocate for the implementation of a retail CBDC, it will continue to monitor developments and will remain prepared to act should the need arise, the paper said.

Rather than pursuing a digital rand for everyday use, the central bank plans to focus on wholesale applications of digital currency and on boosting the efficiency of cross-border payments.

The move reflects a view that targeted infrastructure upgrades could deliver benefits sooner than a broad consumer rollout that would require new legal, technical and operational frameworks.

SARBs researchers also tested whether a retail CBDC would solve gaps in the countrys payments network and found mixed results.

About 16% of adults remain unbanked, but the bank said a digital currency would need to match or beat cash on key features such as offline use, universal acceptance, ease of use, privacy and low cost to make a meaningful dent in that number.

The paper landed as the central bank issued fresh warnings about crypto assets and stablecoins.

In a separate report this week, SARB flagged the sector as a growing risk to technology-led finance and cautioned that digital tokens could be used to route money around the countrys exchange controls, which govern capital flows.

Globally, the CBDC push remains uneven.

Only three countries, including Nigeria, Jamaica, and The Bahamas, have fully launched digital currencies, while dozens of others are running pilots or are in development or research phases, according to the Atlantic Councils tracker.
Director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist and tar player, Uzbekistans Cultural Ambassador Sahib Pashazade, together with the Centers soloist, Garabagh University lecturer, Honored Artist and naghara performer Kamran Karimov, are representing Azerbaijan at the World Culture Festival held in Karachi, Pakistan.

As reported by Azernews, the festivalorganized by Art Council Pakistan and running until December 7brings together more than 1,000 artists from 140 countries.

President of the organizing committee and head of Art Council Pakistan, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, welcomed the Azerbaijani performers and presented them with festival souvenirs. In return, Sahib Pashazade gifted books and cultural items promoting Azerbaijani art and heritage to the festival leadership. The concert of the Azerbaijani musicians is scheduled to take place on November 29 as part of the global artistic forum.

This marks the second time that Sahib Pashazade and Kamran Karimov represent Azerbaijan at the festival. During last years event, the artists performed at the opening ceremony with an extensive program and held a masterclass on Azerbaijani musical instruments and mugham at the University of Arts in Karachi. Their performance and Azerbaijani traditional music were met with great enthusiasm and admiration.

The festival includes music, theatre and dance performances, visual art exhibitions, as well as panel discussions and seminars covering various fields of art.
Fred Alger Management, an investment management company, released its Alger Small Cap Focus Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. U.S. equity markets continued their upward trajectory in the third quarter with the S&P 500 Index rising 8.12%. A combination of improving economic conditions, solid corporate earnings, and growing expectations for monetary easing propelled the robust equity market. Against this backdrop, the class A shares of the fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Alger Small Cap Focus Fund highlighted stocks such as Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC). Headquartered in Sylmar, California, Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) is a construction company. On November 27, 2025, Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) stock closed at $67.56 per share. One-month return of Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) was -0.19%, and its shares gained 147.93% of their value over the last 52 weeks. Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) has a market capitalization of $3.563 billion.

Alger Small Cap Focus Fund stated the following regarding Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) is a leading construction company providing a broad range of general contracting, construction management, and design-build services to private and public sector clients globally. Tutor Perinis offerings include comprehensive project managementfrom pre-construction planning to detailed scheduling of labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractorsas well as self-performed construction services such as site preparation, concrete forming and placement, steel erection, electrical work, mechanical systems, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and fire protection. Shares of Tutor Perini contributed positively during the quarter after the company reported strong second-quarter results and increased its full-year 2025 earnings guidance. Management also reiterated expectations for a meaningful step-up in earnings in 2026, reflecting a supportive infrastructure spending backdrop and continued improvement in project execution, which together bolstered investor confidence."

Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 36 hedge fund portfolios held Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) at the end of the third quarter, which was 31 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Tutor Perini Corporation (NYSE:TPC) 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.
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.

Suriname



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.
Two of the worlds most successful content creators will make their first public appearance in New Jersey on Sunday at American Dream Mall, marking one of the shopping plazas most high-profile events this year.

Vlad & Niki, a pair of brothers known for their child-centric YouTube videos, will be at the mall in East Rutherford at 9 a.m., American Dream said in a news release.

Free tickets to see the brothers, who have garnered over 147 million subscribers to their channel, are available on the malls website. The YouTubers appearance includes an exclusive show viewing, a question-and-answer session and a giveaway for fans.

Were extremely pleased to be welcoming Vlad and Niki to American Dream for their very first live public appearance, Adam Petrick, chief marketing officer of American Dream, said in a statement. As audiences for social media stars and creators surge, American Dream is proud to have become the first choice for many to connect in real life with their followers.

The event follows a series of appearances by content creators at the mall. Earlier this week, streamer N3on hosted a live-stream event with New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo.

In the past year, American Dream has hosted other content creators, including Jordan and Salish Matter and The Ninja Kidz.

Other public celebrity appearances at the mall this year include recording artists Kendrick Lamar, SZA and the Jonas Brothers.
Maria Pascale is in remission from advanced stage cancer after receiving cellular treatment at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health. Rutgers Cancer Institute

Cancer came crashing into Maria Pascales life like a high-speed car  literally.

During a CT scan after a traumatic car accident in February 2018, Pascale was dealt another blow when doctors noticed a mass in her neck, in between the esophagus and thyroid gland. A biopsy later confirmed it was squamous cell carcinoma, snaking around her vocal cords.

I was really nervous, said Pascale, who lives in Philadelphia.

Over the next seven years, she tried all of the conventional treatment options, but the cancer kept returning. Pascale assumed she would be sick forever. That is, until a new treatment developed at Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jerseys only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and RWJBarnabas Health changed her life.

I didnt know if I was going to be alive. And now I have 14 months of being strong, said Pascale, who has been in remission since September 2024. Im doing more exercise, I go to karate. Now I can do things.

Losing hope and finding it again

The cancer diagnosis caught Pascale by surprise. She didnt notice any symptoms. She also didnt match the standard profile for head and neck cancer, which is twice as common among men and often diagnosed in people over age 50. Pascale, now 50, was diagnosed at 43 years old.

Head and neck cancer impacts thousands of people each year in the United States. In 2025, an estimated 72,680 people in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx, the major types of head and neck cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Alcohol and tobacco use are two of the most important risk factors for head and neck cancers. However, a large portion of new head and neck diagnoses are being driven by cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, according to an Oct. 30 article in the Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons.

Pascale was diagnosed with a type of HPV-related head and neck cancer. Within months of her diagnosis, Pascale underwent three surgeries to remove the cancerous mass in her neck, cut out parts of her tonsils and the back of her tongue, and take out her lymph nodes.

The surgeries were really painful, especially the second one. My sister is strong, but that one was bad, said Maria Durante, Pascales sister.

The surgeries were brutal, but they seemed effective at removing the cancer. Then, one day in 2021, Pascale began to have difficulty swallowing. It felt like food getting stuck in her throat. A CT scan revealed a mass around her esophagus. This time, Pascale said, she underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

Two years later, she learned the cancer had metastasized to the lungs. More chemotherapy followed, but it was less effective at shrinking her tumors. Then, at the start of 2024, Pascale developed an allergic reaction to her chemotherapy treatment. She felt defeated.

I didnt have any hope because all of the traditional treatments, they were not working for me, said Pascale.

Thats when her oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital mentioned a clinical trial at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health that was using cellular therapy to treat advanced HPV-related cancers.

Cellular therapy has generated a lot of excitement in recent years, especially CAR T-cell therapy, which has proven to be successful in treating certain blood cancers. The therapy takes a patients cells and genetically engineers them to target and attack the cancer cells.

Dr. Christian Hinrichs, who leads the cell therapy program at Rutgers Cancer Institute, has been working for years on a similar treatment for other types of cancer. He developed a one-time cellular therapy for patients with metastatic HPV-associated cancers and the clinical trial has yielded promising results.

Dr. Christian S. Hinrichs with his patient Maria Pascale, right, and her sister Maria Durante, left, at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Rutgers Cancer Institute

When Pascale got the treatment at Rutgers Cancer Institute in July 2024, she said that at first, it was really painful.

I felt like I had pneumonia, it was horrible, but it was the cells working. Thats how I took it  Im feeling this way because the cells are working and killed the cancer," said Pascale.

Six out of 10 patients treated so far, including Pascale, have achieved substantial tumor shrinkage, according to the findings presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting on Nov. 59.

At an individual level its life-changing for these patients whove had their cancers go away, said Hinrichs, co-director of the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence at Rutgers Cancer Institute and chief of the Section of Cancer Immunotherapy.

On a broader level, he added, the study offers hope that cellular therapy can be applied for the treatment of other cancers.

It shows that this type of treatment approach with the one-time engineered T-cell therapy can cause complete responses in epithelial cancers, in these common cancers. And although were starting with HPV, its a foundation to build from, said Hinrichs.

Now living in remission, Pascale encourages other cancer patients to never give up trying new treatment options. Just when she was feeling weary, the clinical trial came around.

Its painful. Its hard. But you have to be strong and try, said Pascale.
A Cuzin's Seafood and Clam Bar is planned for Brick in 2026 offering a raw bar. The menu offers just shucked oysters. (Lauren Giselle Musni | For NJ Advance Media)

An upscale seafood restaurant with a vast menu is coming to Ocean County to open its third location in 2026.

Cuzins Seafood Clam Bar is expected to open at the Brick Plaza, 100 Cedar Bridge Ave., in Brick, according to a statement from plaza management.

Cuzin's Seafood and Clam Bar in New Brunswick. A new location is planned in Brick in 2026. (Lauren Giselle Musni | For NJ Advance Media)

Construction at the Brick Plaza site has begun on the restaurant space, which was previously Burritos Tacos Cerveza restaurant.

Cuzins has two other locations  one in Marlboro and one in New Brunswick.

Cuzin's Seafood and Clam Bar in New Brunswick. A new location is planned for Brick in 2026. (Lauren Giselle Musni | For NJ Advance Media)

The restaurant menu specializes in dramatic seafood towers and just-shucked oysters, cultivating what it describes as a vibrant, must-visit atmosphere for diners.

The menu features a whole Maine lobster bar, Faroe Island salmon, yellowfin tuna, branzino and South African lobster tails.

Meal selections also include strip steaks, long bone tomahawk steaks, lamb chops and chicken.

Theres also a raw bar and pasta selection.

The Marlboro location, at 130 Route 79 South, is open noon to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, noon to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The New Brunswick location, at 78 Albany St., is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
In this July file photo, Sen. Britnee Timberlake, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight and Sen. Angela McKnight address a gathering in East Orange advocating for the state's Child Care Child Care Assistance Program. Susan K. Livio

After growing pleas from family advocacy groups, Gov. Phil Murphys administration has reversed a decision that closed enrollment to New Jerseys popular Child Care Assistance Program.

Next month, the state Department of Human Services will begin admitting up to 5,000 additional infants and toddlers whose families meet income guidelines, according to an announcement by Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

For most New Jersey families, child care isnt a luxury, its a necessity, Adelman said Wednesday. The child care assistance program is a vital economic lifeline that helps pay for high quality early childhood education and allows parents to continue their careers. That is why reopening applications to maximize utilization for this program is so important.

The $870 million program serves 70,000 working-poor families across the state, enabling those parents to afford child care for their children. Enrollment was frozen in August under a state budget agreement that cut additional funding for the initiative at the last minute, angering advocates.

With the announcement, the state will start accepting new applications in December from families with children experiencing homelessness, children with special needs and children from households with very low incomes. Adelman said interested families should check the programs website for updates on how to apply.

The reversal came amid intense public lobbying efforts led by the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, an organization that got the attention of several women lawmakers who vowed to fight to reopen the program.

Winifred Smith-Jenkins, an ACNC director, praised Murphys course correction and credited the work of Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex and other lawmakers.

But Smith-Jenkins called it only a temporary fix, because enrollment will close once the program reaches its new limit of 75,000 children.

We look forward to continuing to work with the majority leader on a long-term solution to the states growing child care and affordability needs, Smith-Jenkins said.

The New Jersey Child Care Assistance program pays most daycare expenses for 70,000 children whose parents earn twice the federal poverty rate. Parents with one child may qualify for assistance if they earn no more than $34,840 a year, while a parent with two children can earn no more than $43,920.

A study by Rutgers University found child care  which can cost upwards of $18,000 a year  consumes about 30% of a familys paycheck.

Without access to this program, families were facing the unthinkable choice between making a living and caring for their children, said Meghan Tavormina, a director at the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children. The reopening of the program marks a critical step in the right direction and signals to these families that they and their children matter.

Lawmakers approved a $58.8 billion state budget that Murphy signed into law in June. The program had hoped to receive $30 million to expand, but at the last minute, that appropriation was reduced to $2 million. The state pays $79.5 million of the $870 million program, with the federal government covering the rest.

Enrollment was frozen beginning Aug. 1. The program also raised copays by 6%.
A stark divide is growing among conservatives who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, according to a new Politico poll.

The survey found that 55% of Trump voters identified themselves as MAGA Republicans, while 38% did not. And those two groups have taken divergent views of how the president is handling his second term in office, with non-MAGA voters far more likely to disapprove of his performance on the economy and health care.

About one quarter of non-MAGA Trump voters said that former President Joe Biden is still responsible for the current economy compared to 47% of MAGA voters, the Politico poll found.

When asked whether Trump had taken measures to change and improve economic conditions, 65% of MAGA supporters responded yes. Less than half, 46%, of non-MAGA Republicans agreed, suggesting MAGA Republicans see Trump as more actively addressing the economy.

MAGA voters had a more positive outlook on their future finances, with 73% expecting their personal financial situation to improve over the next five years compared to 57% of non-MAGA voters.

The split is even more pronounced on health care as Trump considers extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies as the GOP seeks to overhaul Obamacare.

Politicos poll found that 85% of MAGA voters trust Republicans more than Democrats to bring down health care costs. Just 55% of non-MAGA voters trust the GOP more  with 19% trusting Democrats and 27% unsure.

Though Trump retains strong favorability ratings among his base, the presidents approval rating among all Americans has continued to drop.

An Economist/YouGov poll released Tuesday found that 38% of U.S. adults strongly or somewhat approve of Trumps job performance, while 57% strongly or somewhat disapprove. His net approval stands at minus 19 points, which is tied for the lowest recorded during his return to the White House.

Methodology: The POLITICO Poll was conducted by Public First from Nov. 14 to 17, surveying 2,098 U.S. adults online. Results were weighted by age, race, gender, geography and educational attainment. The overall margin of sampling error is 2 percentage points. Smaller subgroups have higher margins of error.
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) ranks among the best slow growth stocks to invest in. Following meetings with Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)s head of U.S. operations in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, TD Cowen reaffirmed its Hold rating on the companys shares on November 10 with a price target of $140. The meetings revealed a number of growth drivers that support Novartis estimated 6% sales CAGR from 2024 to 2029.

lucarista/Shutterstock.com

Existing medicines like Cosentyx, Pluvicto, Kisqali, Leqvio, Kesimpta, and Scemblix were noted as significant growth contributors and are anticipated to assist the company in overcoming generic erosion challenges, especially for Entresto.

TD Cowen also emphasized Novartis stronger foothold in immunology through Rhapsido and ianalumab, which the firm termed as substantially de-risked given recent clinical evaluations and poised to contribute meaningfully to growth before 2030.

Additionally, on November 20, the Swiss drugmaker revised its mid-term sales target for 2025-2030 to reflect a CAGR of 5-6% in constant currencies. Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) also stated that it aims to return to margins above 40% by 2029, after absorbing 1-2 percentage points of dilution from the anticipated acquisition of Avidity Biosciences.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is an innovative medicines company that discovers, develops, and manufactures treatments designed to improve and extend lives while tackling serious diseases.

While we acknowledge the potential of NVS 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 Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 18F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 10F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
West Exe School is celebrating national recognition after receiving a Highly Commended award for its growing and increasingly popular Classics programme.

The Exeter secondary school was honoured in the Classics for All 2025 Impact Awards, which recognise schools across the UK that are expanding access to classical subjects.

The award reflects West Exes rapid growth in Classical Civilisation, which now has 84 students studying the GCSE across Years 9 to 11.

Staff say interest has risen steadily since the course launched, with many pupils drawn to topics such as ancient history, mythology and classical literature.

Students have also had opportunities to broaden their learning beyond the classroom. This year they visited the University of Exeter, joining lectures from academic specialists and exploring subjects ranging from ancient society to the graffiti preserved in the ruins of Pompeii.

READ NEXT: University of Exeter celebrates double win at Tech South West awards

To meet growing demand, West Exe has added a Latin and Roman Empire elective, giving younger students a chance to discover classical culture earlier in their school journey.

Teachers say classical subjects help build strong literacy and language skills, boosting confidence across the curriculum.

One Year 10 student said: I love learning about Classics Its really interesting learning about ancient historical figures and myths of heroes and gods. Overall, its a really fun subject.

Another student in Year 11 added that the course had re-ignited their interest in ancient civilisations and helped them understand classical societies in a new way.

The recognition comes during a strong year for West Exe, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust.

This summer, three-quarters of students achieved passes in both GCSE English and Maths, placing the school well above the national average.

Headteacher Julie Fossey said the award highlights the schools commitment to broadening opportunities: "Studying classical subjects strengthens literacy, problem-solving and analytical skills.

Im incredibly proud of the staff who have championed this programme and of our students, whose enthusiasm for learning inspires us every day.

Ted Wragg Trust CEO Moira Marder praised the recognition, saying it reflects the schools ambition to open up new academic pathways for young people.

The Impact Awards ceremony took place at Leeds Royal Armouries, with teachers and leaders from across the country gathering to celebrate excellent classical teaching in state schools.
Telefonica (BME:TEF) shares have seen a mix of movements recently, leaving some investors curious about the company's outlook. Over the past month, the stock has declined by nearly 17%, reflecting shifting sentiment in the European telecommunications sector.

See our latest analysis for Telefonica.

Telefonicas share price has retreated sharply over the past month, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment despite broader gains over recent years. After a steep 17% decline in the last 30 days, the stocks current momentum is on the back foot. Its longer-term performance remains positive with a 25% three-year and 36% five-year total shareholder return. Recent events in the sector and a continued focus on profitability are keeping attention on how risk perceptions and value assessments might evolve next.

If youre curious about what else is catching investors attention lately, it could be the perfect time to broaden your search and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

With the stock trading at a discount to analyst targets, investors are left asking whether Telefonica is genuinely undervalued right now, or if the market has already taken into account all the companys potential for growth.

Most Popular Narrative: 17.2% Undervalued

Compared to Telefonicas last close at 3.74, the most widely followed narrative assigns a fair value of 4.51, which represents a significant premium. The consensus behind this narrative describes the gap as a reflection of underlying strengths that the market may be underestimating.

The completion of large-scale portfolio optimization and monetization of non-core assets (sale of Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, etc.) is reducing geographic risk and freeing up significant capital (3 billion+). The strategy to focus on core markets (Spain, Brazil, Germany, UK) enables redeployment of resources to higher-return areas, improving free cash flow and ROCE.

Read the complete narrative.

Curious what other assumptions could justify this valuation leap? Key projections for revenue and profit growth, along with a bold shift in business focus, are built into this narrative. If you want to see how these factors might combine to create this potential upside, don't miss the full breakdown and discover what could be driving this bullish stance.

Result: Fair Value of $4.51 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, persistent high debt levels and intensifying competition across core markets remain key risks that could quickly alter Telefonicas outlook.
A national campaign that celebrates small businesses for the vital role they play in their communities is coming to North Devon next Saturday (December 6).

North Devon Council is getting behind Small Business Saturday UK - a grassroots non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages people to shop local and support their small businesses.

The council - which is also behind the Live Love Local campaign, which celebrates and supports North Devon's independent businesses - is calling on people to back the districts entrepreneurs and help them to succeed in the run-up to Christmas.

READ NEXT: Whats on in Barnstaple this Christmas? New brochure will give you the lowdown

Shoppers can also take advantage of extended shopping hours in Barnstaple on Thursday evenings. Throughout December the council is providing free parking from 4pm onwards at designated car parks, including Barnstaple Central, Belle Meadow, Cattle Market and Tuly Street.

In Ilfracombe, there is also free parking at the Wilder Road car park from 4pm on every Friday in December before Christmas. There is also free parking courtesy of Ilfracombe Town Council at the High Street and Ropery Road car parks from 4pm every Friday and all day Saturday in December.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, lead member for economic development and regeneration, said: Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities and local high streets and the run-up to Christmas can be a crucial time of year for many of them.

It is only by supporting our local independent businesses that we can also help our local high streets, village shops and tourist industry to thrive.

Getting behind campaigns such as this, which champion small local businesses, isn't just about commerce; it's a commitment to fostering vibrant communities, preserving the unique identity of our towns and ensuring economic resilience at a grassroots level.

Let's all get behind Small Business Saturday to celebrate the contribution smaller businesses make to life in North Devon.

To take part in Small Business Saturday, small business owners can register and advertise their businesses for free on the Small Business Saturday UK website.

READ NEXT: Is a Popeyes restaurant and drive through coming to North Devon?

The campaign has marketing packs available and encourages participating businesses to tag them (@smallbizsatuk) in social media posts relating to Small Business Saturday.
Gardai searched a house in the Midlands and recovered alcohol, baby powder, clothing and cosmetics worth thousands of euro from suspected prolific thieves.

"An Gardai attached to the local Retail Crime Unit, working under Operation Tairge, have achieved a significant success following the arrest and charging of two suspected prolific retail theft offenders this week," gardai said.

Gardai said "as part of a follow-up investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residential property in Portlaoise, resulting in the recovery of a large volume of suspected stolen goods, with an estimated value in excess of 3,000. Items recovered include high-value retail stock such as perfumes, clothing, alcohol, baby products and household goods. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the affected retailers."

Both suspects have been formally charged and are now before the courts, with Gardai also continuing further investigative actions in other locations.

This operation demonstrates the resolve and persistence of local Gardai in tackling organised retail theft, which has a serious impact on businesses, staff and local communities, Gardai said.

They commended the exceptional work by the members involved, whose proactive policing is delivering real results for the public.

Gardai again reminded retailers to report all theft incidents promptly, as timely information remains critical to disrupting organised activity.
STANDING in Rathcabbin's Our Lady Queen of Ireland Church is a powerful, emotional statue which strikes the viewer to the heart, making you yearn for a safe harbour in the midst of the chaos of life, a safe harbour in the midst of people's chaos, a haven where you can live peacefully, protected by the embrace, strength and power of a mother's love.

Brid Ni Rinn's masterpiece is carved out of ash and it shows Mary facing the altar with outstretched hands and wearing a cloak that encloses a group of children.

It's agonising to think of the many war-torn places in the world where children are cowering, terrified. It's agonising to think of the many alcohol-fuelled homes where children are suffering verbal abuse. Brid Ni Rinn's Mary is a symbol for any event or person that protects children from the heartless acts of others, a symbol for all those people who know what is right and what is good and refuse to give in to those who are ignorant or misguided.

The sculptor's children also represent any of us who are being wrongly treated by others, any of us who are suffering because of difficult events.

The Co-PP Fr Tom O'Halloran highly values this statue. In the book The Soul of Dorrha, The Spirit of Rathcabbin he writes: The inside Shrine to Our Lady Queen of Ireland continues to inspire prayer and reflection. It helps that this is the shrine where candles are lit in this church. The statue of Our Lady is a real gem that deserves to be treasured. People with a prayer of petition in their heart continue to drop in and light their candles. They have personal stories and 'dreams and songs to sing.' I have a sense that this shrine needs to be enhanced in some way and brought more to the centre of our consciousness. He suggests the installation of stained glass. This newly installed stained glass would create beautiful effects with light.

I was unaware of this powerful statue until Sunday when I attended a mass celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of Our Lady Queen of Ireland Church. As well as the statue I was also deeply impressed by the church itself. Our Lady Queen of Ireland is one of the finest modern churches I've seen in Ireland. Flooded with light and beautifully embraced by the outside world, it is a pleasure to sit in. The inspired architects were Anthony and Barbara O'Neill from Dublin, who were also the architects for the renovation of Lorrha (1977) and Redwood (1979) Churches. The instructions they were given by Bishop Michael Harty was to create a new church for Rathcabbin which would reflect the Second Vatican Council's dream for the celebration of liturgy which would entail the full, conscious and active participation of the people. Anthony O'Neill said the principal aim when they were planning the church was to create a building which would enclose a semicircular grouping of people around a central sanctuary area, and to express this concept externally by a low perimeter roofline sweeping up to a spire with a cross above it. The main feature of the low enclosing wall is the large amount of glass which allows a friendly view into the church. The effect is splendid. Fr O'Halloran agrees. It is a delight, he writes, for a celebrant to be so near people in the congregation. One feels the natural beauty of the landscaping encroaching into this liturgical and prayerful space. It is very rare that this happens in the design of a church.

The Co-PP also defends the art work by David King in the church, pointing out that there is a tendency to dismiss modern art in churches as vulgar. The tendency is to romanticise the dark, stained glass churches. This is evidently blinkered and unfair thinking. Modern art, done well, can create a spiritual atmosphere equal to traditional ecclesiastical architecture.

Fr O'Halloran also makes some very interesting comments in the first article in the new book. He reflects on the changing face of Catholicism over the decades, how significantly it has changed during a short period of time. He speaks about watching a video of the opening of the new church in 1984. In the video there's a sense of a community of faith united. In 1984 the Catholic Church in Ireland was very strong and popular. Nowadays it is, relatively speaking, considerably weakened. The world of North Tipperary in 1984, continues Fr Tom, had a whole richness of religious faith. As Pobail De, the people of God, our experience of faith is now different. Our world then was one where being Catholic meant, 'Here comes everyone'. Nowadays that world 'has quietly slipped off the stage', to quote the poet Seamus Heaney.

READ NEXT: Rathcabbin has seen big improvements in recent years
MEMBERS of the newly formed PPR Equity Group (Principal Private Residence) will attend Tullamore Court on Monday, December 1, to monitor proceedings regarding home possession cases and report to Europe.

Homeowners from across the Midlands, affected by mortgage distress, attended a meeting in Soul Path Holistic Centre, Killeigh, on Saturday 15 November, to endorse the launch of the new lobby group.

The lobby group is dedicated to fighting for the rights of distressed homeowners across Ireland.

Over thirty attendees heard impassioned inputs from the co-founders of the PPR Equity Group. Our group was co-founded by Teresa Clyne, a legal consultant and writer, and Tom Roche, a seasoned lay litigant and activist for the rights of people and the planet. We work in close collaboration with The Hub, a voluntary organisation committed to helping ordinary people navigate the justice system.

Together, they guide homeowners through the swamp that is home possession in Irelanda system designed to favour tax-avoiding vulture funds and their profit-driven legal teams. We expose the endemic abuse, procedural unfairness, and judicial hostility that strips people of their homes and dignity. Our mission is to secure real, systemic change and ensure the Irish State is held accountable for its failure to protect its citizens.

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The group's members argue that a fundamental error is made when a possession case is treated as a simple debt-collection exercise. It is not. The plaintiff is seeking an equitable remedy from a court whose jurisdiction is rooted in conscience, fairness, and justice. We submit that in Ireland, the very definition of what is "fair, just, and reasonable" is informed by our own native legal tradition, Brehon Law.

The group demands the statute of limitations for mortgage possession proceedings be reduced from twelve to six years. The current twelve-year limit allows vulture funds to pursue families over a decade or more after their initial difficulties, a practice that prolongs immense stress and breaches the EU requirement for timely justice. This change is a vital first step towards fairness and finality for homeowners.

Tullamore native, Tom Roche, now living in Rhode, will once again be in Tullamore Court on Monday 1 December to defend his right to remain in his home.

If you or any member of your family is affected by mortgage distress or home possession by a bank or vulture fund contact any member of the Principal Private Residence (PPR) Equity Group. For more information on the PPR Equity Group please visit: https://pprequitygroup.wixsite.com/home-possessions

READ NEXT: Extension approved for national school in Tullamore town
A PROSECUTION for intoxicated driving was changed at Tullamore District Court after the intervention of Judge Andrew Cody.

When the case of Andrew Croke (27), Ring House, Delour Valley, Killanure, Mountrath, Co Laois came before him, Judge Cody asked why the prosecution had been brought under one section of the relevant act when a prosecution for a lesser offence was available.

Judge Cody said the section under which Mr Croke was being prosecuted would result in minimum of a four-year disqualification being imposed.

Mr Croke pleaded guilty to intoxicated driving at Main Street, Kinnitty on June 17 last.

The court was told by Garda Diarmaid Loughnane that the prosecution followed the man being seen at a checkpoint driving a 2008 Dublin registered vehicle.

Garda Loughnane said he could smell cannabis and the accused admitted smoking that drug. A blood sample was analysed and showed the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

Mr Croke, who was in receipt of legal aid, had previous convictions for breaches of the road traffic laws.

READ NEXT: Smashed window and door of Offaly bookmaker

David Nugent, BL, defending, said the man had been suffering with his mental health and had been working in forestry.

He was sleeping in an idle car but had been trying to rid himself of cannabis addiction and was seeking assistance because he knew he had a problem.

After the charge was amended on the application of Sergeant Brendan Kearns, Judge Cody disqualified Mr Croke from driving for three years and fined him 250.
Centricas fair value price target has remained steady at 1.96, reflecting no change since the last review. This stability comes as analysts balance optimism over sector fundamentals with caution regarding valuation. Stay tuned to discover how investors and observers can keep abreast of these evolving assessments in the months ahead.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Centrica shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Centrica.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

Analyst opinions on Centrica have reflected a range of perspectives, with recent updates offering both optimistic and more cautious commentary on the companys prospects, valuation, and execution.

 Bullish Takeaways

Barclays and Morgan Stanley both upgraded Centrica to Overweight, each citing a significant increase in their price targets to 210 GBp.

Barclays highlighted upside potential in European utilities, driven by optimism around renewables and an improving outlook for onshore wind and solar. The UK remains its preferred geography.

Morgan Stanley named Centrica its top pick in UK utilities and pointed to the possibility of a cost-cutting plan being announced in early 2026. This plan could further enhance the companys earnings momentum.

Positive analyst sentiment was driven by expectations for continued growth momentum and solid execution in the core business.

 Bearish Takeaways

Citis Jenny Ping downgraded Centrica to Neutral, setting a price target of 185 GBp. This reflects caution about the companys valuation and suggests that near-term upside may be limited.

Concerns persist regarding whether current valuations already price in the expected growth, which could cap further immediate gains.

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!

LSE:CNA Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

What's in the News
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On November 18, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. Separately, the White House stated the U.S.-Saudi Arabia signed a Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation, which would see American companies partnering with the kingdom to produce civilian electricity, not bombs.

The Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), returned to the U.S. after seven years, and was successful in going home with almost everything he asked for.

However, Trump came out empty-handed on one key item on his wish list. Trump is keen on having Saudi Arabia sign on to the Abraham Accords. On December 29, 2022, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office and stated one of his goals was to sign Saudi Arabia to the Accords.

MBS said recently, "We want to be part of the Abraham Accords, but we also want to be sure that we secure a clear path to a two-state solution."

According to reporting by Yedioth Ahronoth, MBS is pushing the U.S. administration to provide a firm and binding guarantee to launch negotiations leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state within five years.

But, the obstacle preventing a Saudi-Israeli normalization seems not to be dependent on Trump, Netanyahu or MBS.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted Feb. 5-March 11, 2025, only 16% of Jewish Israelis think peaceful coexistence is possible, although 40% of Arab Israelis believe the two-state solution can work. Until a new Israeli government can take leadership, and promote the benefits of peace with neighbors, instead of genocide, the Abraham Accords will remain an elusive goal.

Diplomats, analysts, and policymakers increasingly describe Saudi Arabia as an assertive actor capable of shaping economic, political, and strategic outcomes far beyond its borders.

Economically, Saudi Arabia has reinforced its pivotal position in the global energy market through its influential role in the OPEC+ alliance. This position has given Riyadh enhanced leverage over oil pricing and market stability.

Concurrently, the Kingdom has launched an unprecedented campaign to attract foreign investment as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. By moving away from oil dependence and opening doors to advanced technology, manufacturing, and global expertise, Saudi Arabia aims to build a competitive, diversified economy with long-term sustainability.

Politically and diplomatically, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant mediator in major global crises, most notably the RussiaUkraine war. By hosting discussions between Washington and Moscow, the Kingdom positioned itself as an indispensable interlocutor in a conflict shaping global security dynamics.

This shift marks a broader evolution: from a policy focus traditionally centered on energy and regional stability, Riyadh is increasingly influencing international diplomacy and security affairs.

The MBS visit prioritizes deepening economic and investment ties. Yet a key Saudi goal is also the pursuit of a comprehensive defense agreement with the U.S.--an undertaking complicated by the requirement of congressional approval.

U.S. officials have signaled that a full treaty-level agreement may not be imminent. Instead, a framework similar to the recent executive-based defense arrangement with Qatar is under consideration. Such an arrangement allows the U.S. to treat threats against Qatar--or potentially Saudi Arabia--as threats to American security, though it can be amended or reversed by future administrations.

Saudi political analyst Salem Al-Yami emphasized that the Kingdom seeks advanced defensive capabilities while maintaining sovereign strategic autonomy. He noted that Riyadh concludes agreements with states, not individuals, a subtle reference to shifting political landscapes in Washington. Al-Yami also acknowledged that the U.S. is uneasy with Saudi Arabia's acquisition of military technology from China and Russia.

A central element of the Saudi defense agenda is the acquisition of 48 F-35 fighter jets. While the Pentagon has made internal progress on the deal, congressional approval remains a significant barrier--particularly due to the longstanding U.S. commitment to preserving Israel's military superiority.

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Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Poncho Laloulu celebrates a touchdown as the No. 8 Ducks face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a college football game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

SEATTLE  No. 6 Oregon will still be without its leading two receivers against Washington, but its offensive line may be close to full strength.

Dakorien Moore (knee) and Gary Bryant Jr. (ankle) are listed as out on UOs player availability report for Saturdays game at Husky Stadium. Center Iapani Laloulu is questionable while left tackle Isaiah World (ankle) is not listed, nor is right tackle Alex Harkey,

Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, who did not play the last two games, is not listed either.

Running back Jayden Limar (foot) and cornerback Sione Laulea, who have been out for several weeks, are listed as questionable.

Running back DaJaun Riggs, receivers Dillon Gresham (neck), Kyler Kasper (left foot, out for season), Jack Ressler (unspecified) and Evan Stewart (right knee), offensive linemen Gernorris Wilson (unspecified) and Bryce Boulton (unspecified, out for season) and safety Trey McNutt (leg) are all out again this week.

Washington running back Jonah Coleman and receiver Denzel Boston are not listed on the availability report after being limited last week.

No. 6 Oregon (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) at Washington (8-3, 5-3)
Lactation consultant Beth Waters, right, checks up on 3-month-old Reuel as he is held by his mother Rebekah Wong, left, at Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Portland on Friday, November 14, 2025. Waters and Wong connected while Wong was looking for a way to exclusively breastfeed Reuel. Molly J. Smith/Investigate West

After four years running breastfeeding support groups and training to get her lactation consultant certification, Beth Waters was excited in 2020 to launch a nonprofit in a small city east of Portland.

Oregon appeared to be a prime location: The state had decided that year to make lactation consultants, who teach parents how to breastfeed and overcome complications, eligible to bill Medicaid. The change was meant to increase access to breastfeeding assistance among groups who more commonly struggle to start or continue, including women of color and low-income parents.

But only two years later, she had to close the nonprofit. Though she was eligible to bill Medicaid, Waters claims for reimbursement were constantly rejected by local organizations administering Medicaid benefits. Because she didnt want to charge families for her services  and couldnt in the case of Medicaid clients  she often wasnt getting paid at all.

Its just not sustainable if you cant bill for services, Waters said. And we were not about to when were trying to help people who are rural and cant afford to pay a lactation consultant.

Oregon has led the charge among states to expand access to birth workers shown to improve the mental health and wellbeing of parents, opening up Medicaid to doulas in 2014 and to lactation consultants in 2020. But years into that effort, professionals say their inability to get paid remains one of the most persistent obstacles to providing care to low-income families. Rejected claims, delayed payments and the burnout from battling insurers are common reasons why people stop taking Medicaid clients or give up the work, according to dozens of doulas and lactation consultants who responded to a survey or spoke to InvestigateWest.

Studies by the Oregon Doula Association in 2018 and 2025 repeatedly flagged similar administrative and billing barriers, and some birth workers said theyve spoken up for years with little response from the Oregon Health Authority, which oversees Medicaid.

Oregon Health Authority officials said theyre learning more about the details of billing disputes through conversations with lactation and doula associations but dont yet have plans in place to solve the problems.

Three-month-old Reuel Wong latches onto lactation consultant Beth Waters hand during an appointment at Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Portland, Ore., on Friday, November 14, 2025. Waters has been working with Reuels mother Rebecca throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period. Molly J. Smith/Investigate West

Across the nation, low-income families and women of color are less likely to access affordable, culturally appropriate support during and after birth. They also have worse birth and pregnancy outcomes, including higher rates of infant and maternal mortality and lower breastfeeding rates. Mental health problems and substance use disorders are killing more mothers than any other cause in Oregon, highlighting the need for stronger support systems. Doulas and lactation counselors are viewed by many as part of that solution.

Were really trying to save lives out here, said Asia Rubio, lactation program manager for Sacred Roots, a Portland-based network of doula and lactation support for Black and multiethnic families.

A new state law taking effect next year is intended to help, but many say its success hinges on its implementation and whether the state can fix the longstanding billing issues that make it hard for birth workers to sustain their work. It will require commercial insurance plans to cover prenatal and postpartum doula services and open up $1 million in grants for organizations that provide birth and postpartum support to underserved communities.

Its great to train people, but we need to shift focus to supporting the people who are already working and need that support with admin and billing, said Katie Minich, a certified doula who has published research on Oregons doula workforce. Thats really what I see as critical right now.

Responding to disparities

Lactation consultants provide education and support to breastfeeding parents, especially those who are struggling to get their babies to latch or get enough nutrition. They advise parents on how to increase their supply of milk and adjust for physical issues that impede feeding.

Like doulas, who provide support and advocate for mothers needs and preferences during pregnancy, birth and postpartum, consultants are often nonmedical professionals whose support is mental as well as physical. Since consultants and doulas are typically present with parents before the standard doctors visit at six weeks postpartum, they can flag issues and help parents get support sooner.

Rubio became a lactation consultant after that support helped her overcome her own difficulties with breastfeeding and after seeing the needs in her community. The state doesnt track the race of certified lactation consultants, but Rubio believes she is one of only a handful of Black lactation consultants working across Oregon.

Asia Rubio is the lactation program manager for Sacred Roots, a program of the Black Parent Initiative, providing doula and lactation support for Black and multiethnic families in Portland. Kaylee Tornay/InvestigateWest

Back in 2013, when Rubio was a new mother, her daughter struggled to properly latch onto her breast and feed, meaning Rubio spent hours trying to get her enough to eat. Her family, which had relied on formula for generations before her, didnt know how to help her, and their suggestions that she switch to formula only added to her self-doubt, she said.

It was devastating, Rubio said. You kind of feel almost as if you are defective.

As her feeding improved with assistance from lactation consultants, Rubios friends and family began approaching her with their questions about breastfeeding, which she attributes to a dearth of knowledge available to many Black families. For generations, Black and Indigenous women and children have experienced the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country, disparities stemming from enslavement and colonization followed by aggressive marketing of infant formula to both communities. Even today, both groups are less likely to receive information from hospital staff about breastfeeding options or services, and more likely to work jobs that do not accommodate their lactation needs.

State officials have pointed to the expansion of doula and lactation care access as an important strategy to reduce health inequities associated with birth. A committee that studied the impact of doulas in 2011 recommended doulas as an overall strategy for all pregnant women in order to improve birth outcomes. And in its most recent report, the state Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, which studies pregnancy-related deaths, recommended expanding access to doulas as a way of protecting mothers.

Minich, who has researched Oregons doula workforce, said the hard part of creating a network of doula care across the state isnt bringing people into the work as much as keeping them. She has found that doulas leave the profession for various reasons  she herself stepped away from birth work to get a break and earn a graduate degree  but a lack of standardized systems and resolution for pay challenges is a common thread.

Its kind of a wild west, she said. If we had ways to easily bill Medicaid and we could get paid in a timely manner, peoples well-being would be through the roof.

A rat in the maze

After she shut down her first nonprofit, Waters dedicated the next few years to learning the intricacies of medical billing and eventually launched a new business, Wildflower Lactation, in Portland.

While Waters has found greater stability in her second business, she doesnt think her success is easily replicable. Many times, she has felt like a rat in the maze: hitting repeated delays and dead ends, and finding few people willing to tell her where to go along the way.

Doulas who spoke with InvestigateWest echoed this feeling.

Theres a lot of hoops to jump through to get reimbursed, said Alyson Day, a doula and steering committee member for the Black Futures Initiative, an advocacy group focused on Black perinatal health. Its a very challenging space to break into and sustain, and its a shame because the work itself is so rewarding.

Lactation consultant Beth Waters, right, talks to Rebekah Wong, left, about Wongs journey to breastfeed her 3-month-old baby Reuel at Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Portland on Friday, November 14, 2025. [Rebekah] worked so hard to get here and it was so emotional for her to be able to breastfeed this baby, Waters said. Waters and Wong connected while Wong was still pregnant with Reuel, her second child, and was looking for a way to exclusively breastfeed after birth. Molly J. Smith/Investigate West

To participate in Medicaid, a doula or lactation consultant has to register with the state and then establish relationships with the coordinated care organizations that manage Oregon Health Plan members benefits at the local level. Providers submit claims on behalf of Medicaid patients to those agencies after providing care.

But doulas and lactation consultants say the local agencies differ in which claims they accept, and so portions of their claims still frequently get rejected. Sometimes, the denials seem to defy common sense.

Waters said CareOregon, one of the largest coordinated care organizations in the state, declined claims for lactation services she provided to male babies in dozens of instances because the claim was inconsistent with the patients gender.

Waters said she alerted CareOregon and Oregon Health Authority officials multiple times over the last six months, but the denials have continued and she still hasnt gotten an answer about whether those claims will be paid. In a recent meeting with Oregon Health Authority officials, she said the representative she met with was shocked to hear the reason for the denials.

Thats maddening for us, Waters said.

CareOregon chalked up the denials to an error within its claims systems that it was working to correct. The organization said Waters should have filed the claim under the mothers name instead.

We are aware of the frustration this confusion has caused this provider and will be reaching out to provide clarity on claims billing moving forward, a CareOregon spokesperson said.

Three-month-old Reuel Wong looks up at lactation consultant Beth Waters as she checks his mouth during an appointment at Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Portland on Friday, November 14, 2025. Waters has been working with Reuels mother Rebecca throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period. Molly J. Smith/Investigate West

Even when claims are accepted, payment can take months to arrive. More than 20 doulas told InvestigateWest that payment delays, which can stretch past six months, make it difficult to sustain their work.

Some doulas and consultants say they have similar billing problems with private insurers, too.

Its just kind of a racket, said Creshea Hilton, a doula who has handled billing for an agency she co-founded called Pacific Northwest Doulas. It makes my face hot talking about it.

Agencies like Pacific Northwest Doulas are one way that birth workers have tried to pool resources to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. In those hubs, a trained professional or even another doula with experience handles billing on behalf of members. Fewer such hubs exist for lactation consultants, though many contract with national companies that handle their billing.

A handful of collectives have focused on training and supporting community birth workers to provide free services, relying on grants and grassroots community support instead of trying to deal with billing. Sacred Roots, where Rubio is a leader, and Doulas Latinas International, a Gresham-based organization, are two examples  both focus on underserved communities including Black and Indigenous families, refugees, and immigrants. Training doulas from those communities is a key strategy to grow the pool of workers that can provide culturally informed care, and over the years these organizations have formed relationships with trusted doctors, midwives and other health care professionals to which they can refer their clients.

Still, instability in grant funding makes it hard to scale up their programs to reach more communities across the state.

Theres no system in place to replicate what we have on a larger scale, Rubio said.

Growing the workforce

State lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at expanding coverage of doula and lactation services, requiring private insurance coverage, and growing the workforce. But many birth workers worry those changes wont matter if the state doesnt address persistent billing difficulties.

Starting Jan. 1, a new state law will require private insurance plans to cover prenatal and postpartum doula services for the first time. The law also expands the number of hours of doula and lactation services covered for Oregon Health Plan members, and requires the state to regularly review reimbursement rates for providers. It also set aside $1 million over the next two years in grants to tribes and community-based organizations related to lactation and doula services. The grants can be used to cover training costs, pay wages or provide billing support.

The rate increases and expansion of coverage are a potential boon to birth workers  but their effectiveness depends on the billing systems actually functioning.

Its not a reality until people can contract with (coordinated care organizations) and get paid, Waters said. They need guidance, they need someone who knows how this is set up.

The 2025 law also created two new types of lactation workers with fewer requirements to get certification, a move aimed at expanding the workforce of lactation workers and access for underserved communities. Lactation counselors and educators can provide basic guidance on breastfeeding but arent trained to treat more complex problems such as mastitis, a condition in which breast tissue becomes inflamed.

Rubio is training doulas to become counselors at Sacred Roots, but said the people shes trained are unable to bill Medicaid or private insurance for their services because theyre not certified lactation consultants. That hasnt stopped them from providing the care, she said, but the barrier to pay is preventing the growth of a more diverse lactation workforce.

You do it because you love the work, but they should be fairly compensated, Rubio said.

Critics have argued that creating new lactation certifications will only make things more confusing as they fight for reimbursements. The state health authority has said its going ahead with plans to establish new rules for those providers. But now, State Sen. Lisa Reynolds, D-Portland, who sponsored the original bill, and advocates say theyre scrapping the new certifications altogether and will work on a fix in the next legislative session that will create a simpler path for doulas to bill for lactation services.

I think the bill was a game changer, and now this is kind of tweaking it so that it actually works the way that we intended, Reynolds said.

Dana Hepper of the Childrens Institute said most of the law will have positive impact but admitted she and other drafters of the legislation had some naivete in believing they had done enough work to understand the barriers for lactation workers. They realized the flaws in the plan after hosting a handful of listening sessions with doulas and lactation consultants this fall, and are now making changes in response.

It was a mistake to not seek out that feedback last year, she said.

We definitely didnt do that, she said. It wasnt a holistic look the way that I would recommend myself and other people do when theyre writing public policy.

Rusha Grinstead, program manager for children and families in the states Medicaid system, said her division plans to be transparent about its progress on implementing the new law, including establishing a webpage with information about the community grants.

Asked about the billing issues that doulas and lactation consultants are raising, Grinstead said the agency is reviewing Medicaid claims data to understand where services are not being covered for members. Individual complaints will continue to be handled by agency staff, she said.

We always work with both the providers and (coordinated care organizations) to address issues like this, she said.

Hepper said shes drafting legislation for the next session, which Reynolds will carry, that would require the Oregon Health Authority to identify barriers to access of lactation services.

For some, though, the policy changes are coming too late to help them. Pacific Northwest Doulas, Hiltons business, is closing at the end of the year. While a few personal reasons contributed to that choice, so did frustration from years of handling billing, Hilton said.

It makes me feel like Im not resourceful, Im dumb, what am I missing? she said. The insurance piece is a big part of that burnout.

This article was produced with support from the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalisms 2025 Impact Fund for Reporting on Health Equity and Health Systems as well as the Centers engagement initiative.

InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Kaylee Tornay can be reached at 503-877-4108 or kaylee@investigatewest.org.
Sand Creek Massacre, November 29, 1864, by Robert Lindneux. Native American Wars, United States, 19th century. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) De Agostini via Getty Images

Today in history:

On Nov. 29, 1864, a Colorado militia launched an unprovoked attack on an encampment of Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribal members, killing an estimated 230 people.

Also on this date:

In 1929, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, pilot Bernt Balchen, radio operator Harold June and photographer Ashley McKinney made the first airplane flight over the South Pole.

In 1961, Enos the chimpanzee was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft, which orbited Earth twice before splashing down safely south of Bermuda.

In 1981, film star Natalie Wood drowned at age 43 while boating off Californias Santa Catalina Island with her husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken.

In 1987, a Korean Air 707 jetliner en route from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok was destroyed by a bomb planted by North Korean agents, killing all 115 people aboard.

In 2001, former Beatle George Harrison died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer; he was 58.

In 2012, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine non-observer member state status, a vote that came exactly 65 years after the General Assembly adopted a plan to divide Palestine into separate states for Jews and Arabs.

In 2022, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol rioting. (Sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2023, he was freed in 2025 under President Donald Trumps sweeping grant of clemency to all 1,500-plus people charged in the insurrection.)
Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. government in a deal with the Trump administration to end a series of investigations and restore hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding.

President Donald Trumps administration had cut off $790 million in grants in a standoff that contributed to university layoffs and the resignation in September of Northwestern president Michael Schill. The administration argued the school had not done enough to fight antisemitism.

Under the agreement announced Friday night, Northwestern will make the payment to the U.S. Treasury over the next three years. Among other commitments it also requires the university to revoke the so-called Deering Meadow agreement, which it signed in April 2024 in exchange for pro-Palestinian protesters ending their tent encampment on campus.

During negotiations, interim university president Henry Bienen said Northwestern refused to cede control over hiring, admissions, or its curriculum. I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case, he said.

The agreement also calls for Northwestern to continue compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, develop training materials to socialize international students with the norms of a campus dedicated to open debate, and uphold a commitment to Title IX by providing safe and fair opportunities for women, including single-sex housing for any woman, defined on the basis of sex, who requests such accommodations and all-female sports, locker rooms, and showering facilities.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the deal cements policy changes that will protect people on campus from harassment and discrimination.

The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities, McMahon said.

Trump has leveraged government control of federal research money to push for reforms at elite colleges he has decried as overrun by woke ideology.

The fine agreed to by Northwestern is the second-largest behind Columbia, which agreed in July to pay the government $200 million to resolve a series of investigations and restore its funding. Brown and Cornell also reached agreements with the government to restore funding following antisemitism investigations.

Harvard, the administrations primary target, remains in negotiations with the federal government over its demands for changes to campus policies and governance. The Ivy League school sued over the administrations cuts to its grant money and won a court victory in September when a federal judge ordered the government to restore federal funding, saying the Trump administration used antisemitism as a smokescreen.

This fall, the White House tried a different approach on higher education, offering preferential treatment for federal funds to several institutions in exchange for adopting policies in line with Trumps agenda. The administration received a wave of initial rejections from some universities leadership, citing concerns that Trumps higher education compact might supplant academic freedom.

-- The Associated Press
National Guard patrol the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial on Friday in Washington, D.C. AP Photo/Rahmat Gul

The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions and paused issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports days after a shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition.

Investigators continued Saturday to seek a motive in the shooting, in which the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now faces charges including first-degree murder.

Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. He applied for asylum during the Biden administration and was granted it this year under Trump, according to a group that assists with resettlement of Afghans who helped U.S. forces in their country.

The Trump administration has seized on the shooting to vow to intensify efforts to rein in legal immigration, promising to pause entry from some poor countries and review Afghans and other legal migrants already in the country. That is in addition to other measures, some of which were previously set in motion.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after the Wednesday shooting, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was hospitalized in critical condition. They were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trumps crime-fighting mission in the city. The president also has deployed or tried to deploy National Guard members to other cities to assist with his mass deportation efforts but has faced court challenges.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office said the charges against Lakanwal also include two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. In an interview on Fox News, she said there were many charges to come.

Asylum decisions halted

Trump called the shooting a terrorist attack and criticized the Biden administration for enabling entry by Afghans who worked with U.S. forces.

The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a post on the social platform X that asylum decisions will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.

Experts say the U.S. has rigorous vetting systems for asylum-seekers. Asylum claims made from inside the country through USCIS have long faced backlogs. Critics say the slowdown has been exacerbated during the Trump administration.

Also Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his department paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports.

Shawn VanDiver, president of the San Diego-based group #AfghanEvac, said in response: They are using a single violent individual as cover for a policy they have long planned, turning their own intelligence failures into an excuse to punish an entire community and the veterans who served alongside them.

The suspect

Lakanwal lived in Bellingham, Washington, about 80 miles north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, former landlord Kristina Widman said.

Neighbor Mohammad Sherzad said Lakanwal was polite and quiet and spoke little English.

Sherzad said he attended the same mosque as Lakanwal and heard from other members that he was struggling to find work. He said Lakanwal disappeared about two weeks ago.

Lakanwal worked briefly this summer as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex, which lets people use their own cars to deliver packages, according to a company spokesperson.

Investigators are executing warrants in Washington state and other parts of the country.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that resettled Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal, officials said. Lakanwal applied for asylum during that administration, but his asylum was approved this year under the Trump administration, #AfghanEvac said in a statement.

Lakanwal served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, known as one of the special Zero Units, in the southern province of Kandahar, according to a resident of the eastern province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwals cousin and spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

The man said Lakanwal started out working for the unit as a security guard in 2012 and was later promoted to become a team leader and a GPS specialist.

Beckstrom exemplified leadership, dedication

Beckstrom enlisted in 2023 after graduating high school and served with distinction as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, the West Virginia National Guard said.

She exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism, the guard said in a statement, adding that Beckstrom volunteered for the D.C. deployment.

-- Collin Binkley and Ben Finley, The Associated Press
More than 100 people gathered Friday in Beaverton to demand the return to the U.S. of a local handyman arrested last week by federal agents as he left his job site.

The family of Paulino Martin San Pedro talked to him briefly at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Tacoma within a day of his arrest but then had no contact with him for two days as they hired a lawyer, said his son, Eric Martin.

They soon learned he was in Mexico, Martin said.

Friends and family believe federal officials intimidated him into agreeing to leave the U.S., Martin said.

They interrogated him to sign paperwork ... to self-deport, he said.

Martin San Pedro, 53, had lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years as an undocumented immigrant, said his son, who attended Beavertons Southridge High School and spoke at the rally held there.

Martin San Pedro had just left a job where he replaced some windows on Nov. 18 when federal officers approached his car in two vehicles from the front and back on Allen Boulevard, Martin said.

His mother was in the car and called Martin in tears to report the arrest, he said.

Martin San Pedros mother and sister live in Mexico and can help him, but he deserves due process, said Martin, 31, who was born in the U.S.

No court issued an order for his fathers deportation, Martin said. The family is working with a lawyer to find a way for him to return, he said, but declined to say if his father had a pending immigration case such as an asylum request.

Martin San Pedro pleaded not guilty in 1990 to misusing an identification card and did community service for a lesser charge, court records indicate. He had a speeding ticket and was cited for not having the proper safety gear in his truck in 2004, the records show.

The Trump administration has sharply increased immigration enforcement in Oregon since October. Last month alone in the Portland area, federal authorities arrested more than 560 people.

Fridays rally brought together residents and local elected officials who carried signs decrying the immigration crackdown and calling for Martin San Pedros return.

Beaverton City Council member Nadia Hasan told attendees that every resident arrested by federal agents is a loss felt by the whole community.

Paulinos case is one of the many horrors of how fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters have been unjustly taken away from us, Hasan said.
GUSTAVO ARANGO: I came out of the archives with the idea of starting a campaign to get the book published

and when he caught a shaft of red sunlight slanting through stained glass at Grace Church on Broadway and East Tenth Street.beca
Headquartered in Swords, Ireland, Trane Technologies plc (TT) is a global climate innovator, delivering sustainable HVAC solutions for commercial and residential buildings. The company also provides Thermo King transport refrigeration systems, supporting temperature-controlled logistics for perishable goods.

With a market capitalization of approximately $93.1 billion, Trane Technologies sits firmly within the large-cap bracket, reserved for companies valued above $10 billion.

More News from Barchart

TT shares currently trade about 11.9% below their July high of $476.18. However, over the past three months, the stock has slipped nearly 1.5%, a milder pullback compared with the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), which declined 5% in the same period.

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The longer-term performance remains more encouraging. Over the past 52 weeks, TT posted a marginal gain, while XHB dropped 11.1%. Meanwhile, on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, TT stock has advanced 13.6%, outpacing XHBs 4.5% rise.

The stock has been trading slightly below its 50-day moving average since this month, signaling short-term softness. However, it has held above its 200-day moving average since late April, aside from a brief dip, indicating that the broader uptrend remains intact.

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TT stock strengthened further on Oct. 30 when its shares rose 4.4% intraday after the company reported Q3 2025 earnings. Adjusted EPS came in at $3.88, a 15.1% increase compared to the same period a year ago, surpassing analyst forecasts of $3.78. It was supported by operating margin expansion to 20.3% from 18.8% in the prior years period.

Revenue grew 5.6% annually to $5.74 billion, coming in just below the $5.79 billion consensus. However, the slight miss did little to unsettle investors, as management reaffirmed its full-year outlook. The company continues to project roughly 7% revenue growth for fiscal year 2025 and expects adjusted continuing EPS of $12.95 to $13.05.

Relative performance further strengthens the case. TTs competitor, AAON, Inc. (AAON), remains sharply lower, down 33.6% over the past 52 weeks and 20.8% YTD, highlighting TTs stronger execution through a softer industry backdrop.
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Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) ranks among the best slow growth stocks to invest in. UBS reaffirmed its Buy rating and $158 price target for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) on November 21 in response to the companys agreed acquisition of Exact Sciences.

In the largest acquisition in the medtech sector thus far this year, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) signed a formal agreement to buy Exact Sciences at $105 per share. The deal is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026. Abbotts Diagnostics division is expected to rise by about 300 basis points as a result of the transaction.

Abbotts medical device businesses, which are primarily focused on diabetes and cardiovascular disease, will now venture into cancer care with this acquisition. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) will also add Exact Sciences flagship test, Cologuard, which screens for colorectal cancer, to its portfolio.

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UK automotive production plunged in October, with combined car and commercial vehicle output falling 30.9% year-on-year to 62,116 units, according to new data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The sharp contraction reflects both the ongoing fallout from a major cyber incident that disrupted operations at Britains largest carmaker and wider structural pressures in the countrys auto sector.

Car production dropped 23.8% to 59,010 units, leaving factories 18,474 vehicles short of October 2024 levels. The decline marks the first month of a phased restart following the cyberattack that forced a temporary production halt earlier this autumn. Output for the domestic market fell 10.6% to 13,785 units, while exports slid 27.1% to 45,225. Shipments to the UKs largest overseas markets, particularly the EU, US and Japan, recorded declines, though exports to Turkiye and China rose.

Commercial vehicle manufacturing endured an even steeper decline, tumbling 74.9% to just 3,106 units, its seventh consecutive monthly drop. The SMMT attributed the collapse primarily to a major manufacturer consolidating its operations in the North West, a move that has temporarily depressed national volumes.

Despite the grim headline figures, one bright spot was the continued rise of electrified vehicle production. Nearly half of all cars built in October, 46.2%, were battery-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid models. Electrified output rose 10.4% to 27,287 units, underscoring the UK industrys pivot toward EV manufacturing even as domestic demand remains under pressure.

The production update comes two days after the UK governments Autumn Budget, which included several measures welcomed by manufacturers. These included a 1.5 billion increase in Automotive Transformation Fund support, a deferral of regulations affecting employee car ownership schemes, and the launch of a consultation on a new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme aimed at reducing industrial energy costs, long a sticking point for UK manufacturers competing with international rivals.

However, industry leaders warned that new tax measures could weaken the UKs appeal just as policymakers are trying to attract major EV investment. The government confirmed plans for a new pay-per-mile electric vehicle tax (eVED), a move that could suppress EV demand at the very moment automakers are required to increase sales under the countrys Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

In introducing a new electric vehicle Excise Duty, the government risks undermining demand for the very vehicles manufacturers are compelled to sell, said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. This is the wrong measure at the wrong time.
Nouakchott, Mauritania (PANA) - The World Bank has approved Mauritanias First Reform for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Development Policy Financing, a $30 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) that supports the Government of Mauritanias efforts to build a more diversified, resilient, and job-creating economy
By Muri Assuncao | New York Daily News

Two New Jersey sisters died Thanksgiving night while trying to rescue their father from a fast-moving house fire in Essex County.

The deadly Orange Township fire started around 5 p.m., investigators said.

Witnesses said they saw enormous flames coming from the Mosswood Avenue home and alerted authorities.

The response was prompt, with firefighters arriving within two minutes of the alert, neighbor Claire Stevens told ABC 7 New York.

There was not enough time to save 49-year-old Frantzia Fleury and 42-year-old Pojanee Fleury, who reportedly died while trying to rescue their father, who lives with a disability.

The Fleury sisters were pronounced dead at the scene at 6:47 p.m., Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Orange Fire Department Chief Derrick Brown told The New York Daily News in a statement on Friday.

The father, who has not been named, and six other people were able to get out safely and were not injured.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, authorities said Friday, noting that no additional details were available.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross of New Jersey said its volunteers were providing emergency assistance for eight people displaced by the fire.

Orange Township in Essex County is about 15 miles west of Midtown Manhattan.
Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Urban Outfitters is undervalued by 11.3%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio , or discover 920 more undervalued stocks based on cash flows .

Based on this analysis, the estimated intrinsic value per share comes in at $83.50. With the stock currently trading at about an 11.3% discount to this projection, Urban Outfitters appears undervalued at the moment.

For Urban Outfitters, the DCF model starts with its latest Free Cash Flow (FCF) of $403 million and then projects that figure forward each year. Analyst estimates cover the next five years, with further projections extrapolated beyond that. According to these forecasts, Urban Outfitters is expected to achieve an FCF of $453 million in 2029, with growth gradually slowing after that. This approach uses a two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity model, which is a standard way of capturing both the earlier, quicker-growing years and the more stable, mature years later on.

A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model works by estimating a companys future cash flows and discounting them back to todays values. This gives investors a sense of what the business is truly worth if it continues generating similar or better cash flows over time.

Based on our checks, Urban Outfitters scores a 4 out of 6 on our value rating . This suggests theres more to this story than just momentum. Next, well break down the usual valuation approaches, but stick around because theres a smarter way to understand whats really going on with the stock.

Big moves like this have followed upbeat headlines about Urban Outfitters expansion into new lifestyle categories and the launch of collaborations with popular brands. Both of these initiatives have driven a fresh wave of customer interest. These strategic updates have investors talking about growth accelerating and new market opportunities, adding context to the sharp share price gains.

Urban Outfitters has been on a roll, with the stock jumping 15.5% this week, rising 11.6% over the last month, and up a striking 30.3% year-to-date. The stock has also seen a massive 52% increase in the past year.

Wondering if Urban Outfitters is good value or if the recent buzz means youve missed the moment? Youre definitely not alone in asking that.

Story Continues

Approach 2: Urban Outfitters Price vs Earnings

The Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratio is a favored valuation metric for profitable companies such as Urban Outfitters because it connects a companys current share price to its earnings per share. This makes it straightforward for investors to gauge how much is being paid for each dollar of profit. A higher PE ratio often signals that investors expect stronger future earnings growth, while a lower PE can reflect slower growth expectations or higher uncertainties and risks associated with a particular company or its sector.

Urban Outfitters currently trades at a PE ratio of 13.6x. For context, the Specialty Retail industry average PE stands at 18.0x, and Urbans peer group averages 16.6x. On the surface, this suggests that Urban Outfitters is valued below both its peers and the broader industry, which may catch the attention of value-oriented investors.

Digging deeper, Simply Wall Sts proprietary Fair Ratio for Urban Outfitters is 16.4x. Unlike basic comparisons, the Fair Ratio weighs not just growth and risk but also profit margins, size, and the dynamics of both the companys industry and market cap. This approach gives a more nuanced and holistic view of what a fair multiple should be for Urban Outfitters at this time.

Comparing the actual PE of 13.6x with the Fair Ratio of 16.4x indicates that the stock is trading below its calculated fair value based on its unique profile. This suggests that Urban Outfitters appears undervalued according to this approach.

Result: UNDERVALUED

NasdaqGS:URBN PE Ratio as at Nov 2025

PE ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Discover 1443 companies where insiders are betting big on explosive growth.

Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Urban Outfitters Narrative

Earlier we mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation, so lets introduce you to Narratives. A Narrative is a simple, structured story you create about a company, connecting your expectations, such as estimates for future revenue, profit margins, or growth rates, to a forecast and ultimately to a fair value for the stock.

Instead of just comparing ratios or running numbers in isolation, Narratives let you put your perspective on Urban Outfitters business context and growth drivers into a living, interactive forecast that is both easy to use and accessible on Simply Wall Sts Community page, where millions of investors share and update their views.

This approach allows you to move beyond static analysis and actually compare the Fair Value based on your Narrative to the current share price, bringing real clarity to should I buy or sell now? moments. Because these Narratives update dynamically whenever news or fresh company results land, your valuation stays relevant and responsive.

For example, one investor might believe Urban Outfitters will deliver $615.7 million in earnings by 2028 and assign a $93.0 fair value per share, while another could see earnings falling to $451 million and a target as low as $52.0. This highlights how Narratives bring different investor stories, risks, and opportunities into focus, all driven by your own assumptions.

Do you think there's more to the story for Urban Outfitters? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!

NasdaqGS:URBN Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include URBN.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
There was a time in America when a big night out for a good steak dinner meant hitting up Sizzler.

But that time seems long ago now, and the once-popular chain has seen its numbers dwindle in recent years. Founded in 1958, Sizzler once had more than 700 locations across the country. It now has just 74.

And the road from 770-plus to 74 has not been pretty. Two bankruptcies  the first in 1996 and the second in 2000  have taken place on that journey, but Sizzler has somehow survived.

And now there is a plan for a comeback.

QSR Magazines Danny Klein recently spoke with Sizzlers Chief Growth Officer Robert Clark about the chains plan for a rebirth. Clark has been with Sizzler 41 years and has seen previous plans to revitalize the chain fail.

Our current leadership is much more focused on hey, lets take the best of Sizzler and lets make it even better, Clark told QSR.

So, whats the plan to make Sizzler a big-time player in the steak game again?

Well, per the QSR story, the chain focused on remodeling its stores and has seen positive results from that. That includes sales increases of around 47% in the remodeled locations. The chain is looking to continue making the updates.

We feel like we have a really great brand here, Clark told QSR. And our results have been very solid. We constantly pup up in pop culture. I think what were trying to do with the remodel is really stay relevant and have facilities and assets that meet our reputation. We understand that remodeling is probably the single biggest driver of guests in the restaurant. Its the most important thing I think we could do aside from a lot of other operational things were doing as well.

And, while the remodeling is key, getting back to its roots is also a major part of the plan.

Everything we did was trying to dig into what made Sizzler so great in the first place, Sizzler VP of Marketing Sasha Shennikov told QSR. Why we have some restaurants that have stood the test of time through different rebirths; why people keep coming back.
FILE - Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, second from right, is taken in handcuffs to a waiting aircraft as he is extradited to the United States, at an Air Force base in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, April 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez, File) AP

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.  President Donald Trump said Friday that he will be pardoning former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who in 2024 was convicted for drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The president explained his decision on social media by posting that according to many people that I greatly respect, Hernandez was treated very harshly and unfairly.

In March of last year, Hernandez was convicted in U.S. court of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S.A. He had served served two terms as the leader of the Central American nation of roughly 10 million people.

Hernandez has been appealing his conviction and serving time at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia.

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude for Trumps actions.

A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras, Stabile said. Thank you President Trump for making sure that justice was served. We look forward to President Hernandezs triumphant return to Honduras.

A separate lawyer for Hernandez, Sabrina Shroff, declined comment.

The post was part of a broader message by Trump backing Nasry Tito Asfura for Honduras presidency, with Trump saying the U.S. would be supportive of the country if he wins. But if Asfura loses the election this Sunday, Trump posted that the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.

Asfura, 67, is making his second run for president for the conservative National Party. He was mayor of Tegucigalpa and has pledged to solve Honduras infrastructure needs. But he has previously been accused of embezzling public funds, allegations that he denies.

In addition to Asfura, there are two other likely contenders for Honduras presidency: Rixi Moncada, who served as the finance and later defense secretary before leaving to run for president for the incumbent democratic socialist Libre party, and Salvador Nasralla, a former television personality who is making his fourth bid for the presidency, this time as the candidate for the Liberal Party.

Trump has framed Honduras election as trial for democracy, suggesting in a separate Truth Social post that if Asfura loses, the country could go the way of Venezuela and fall under the influence of that countrys leader, Nicolas Maduro.

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

Trump has sought to apply pressure on Maduro, ordering a series of strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs, building up the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean with warships including the Navys most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.

The U.S. president has not ruled out taking military action or covert action by the CIA against Venezuela, though he has also floated that he was open to speaking with Maduro.

Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro has leaned into a leftist stance, but she has kept a pragmatic and even cooperative attitude in dealing with the U.S. administration and she has received visits from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, when she was the commander of U.S. Southern Command. The president has even backed off his threats to end Honduras extradition treaty and military cooperation with the U.S.

Under Castro, Honduras has also received its citizens deported from the U.S. and acted as a bridge for deported Venezuelans who were then picked up by Venezuela in Honduras.

Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch admirer of Trump, also gave his support to Asfura in Honduras on Friday.

I fully support Tito Asfura, who is the candidate who best represents the opposition to the leftist tyrants who have destroyed Honduras, the libertarian president said on his X account.
Santa Claus meets the young and old as kids and adults came to see him at the Bridgewater Commons Mall in Bridgewater, New Jersey on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Chris Pedota | For NJ Advance Me

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Christina Hymer, University of Tennessee

When you picture Santa Claus, a white, bearded, overweight and jolly man who dashes around delivering gifts to children during the Christmas season probably comes to mind. Yet, not everyone who dons the red suit fits this stereotype.

Thats what Bethany Cockburn, Borbala Csillag and I learned when we teamed up to study professional Santas. For our study, we looked into how these professional Santas were able to be Santa, even if they didnt fully fit the image.

As we explained in a forthcoming article in the Academy of Management Journal, many who do this work dont see it as just a job  its a calling. For some professional Santas, its especially important that they look and feel like Santa to experience that sense of purpose in their work.

We surveyed 849 professional Santas who live across the U.S. and interviewed 53 of them, collecting data between 2018 and 2021. We identified three types of professional Santas: prototypical (64%), semi-prototypical (23%) and non-prototypical (13%).

Prototypical Santas look the part. They are white and overweight, have real beards and express confidence that they are the right fit.

Semi-prototypical Santas looked the part, too, but felt like they werent quite suitable for a range of reasons. They might be introverted or use a fake beard.

Nonprototypical Santas had characteristics at odds with the stereotype. They might be nonwhite, female or gay, or have a physical disability.

Whereas prototypical Santas could easily slide into the Santa role, the process was more complex for the others.

Semi-prototypical Santas did things like come up with stories theyd tell themselves or share with children to explain away their fake beards. Nonprototypical Santas had values aligned with the Santa image, such as being peaceful, loving and kind. But they still made a big effort to look like what people expect when they visit a Santa.

Should it be a difference if youre a Jewish Santa Claus or a Catholic Santa Claus? asked an atheist professional Santa we called Santa Aquila. No. Youre Santa Claus. What do you do? Youre not even supposed to preach anything.

Another Santa whom we called Santa Lynx hid that she was female in part by flattening her chest.

Why it matters

While anyone can take a turn being their neighborhood potlucks Santa, the one you meet at the mall probably attended some combination of Santa schools, webinars and training.

For instance, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School was founded in 1937 and conducts an annual Santa training each year. National networks also exist, such as the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas, which says it has 1,000 members,  and the IBRBS, formerly known as the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, offering meetups and professional support.

Actor B.J. Averell, dressed as Santa Claus, attends a toy drive for struggling Bay Area families in Burlingame, Calif., in December 2024. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

There are also local organizations, such as the Lone Star Santas network in Texas.

Although most professional Santas are paid for their work, many do this voluntarily.

Its not uncommon for there to be some sort of expectation around who should have a particular occupation. Pilots tend to be male, most schoolteachers are female, and salespeople are often seen as extroverted.

But that doesnt mean that women cant be pilots, men cant be teachers or that introverts cant work in sales.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-true-santa-is-inside-and-comes-with-the-red-suit-269569.
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

By COLLIN BINKLEY and BEN FINLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration announced Friday it is halting all asylum decisions in the wake of the National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C.

The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a post on the social platform X that this will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24 were hospitalized in critical condition after the Wednesday afternoon shooting near the White House. Trump announced Thursday evening that Beckstrom had died.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office said the charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, now include one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting mission that federalized the D.C. police force. The president also has deployed or tried to deploy National Guard members to other cities to assist with his mass deportation efforts but has faced court challenges.

Trump called the shooting a terrorist attack and criticized the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the U.S. The president has said he wants to permanently pause migration from poorer nations and expel millions of immigrants from the country.

In an interview on Fox News, Pirro said there are many charges to come beyond the upgraded murder charge. She said her heart goes out to the family of Beckstrom, who volunteered to serve and ended up being shot ambush-style on the cold streets of Washington, D.C.

Pirro said officials have been working around the clock to determine the suspects motive. Investigators are executing warrants in the state of Washington, where Lakanwal lived, and other parts of the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops in the nations capital Friday and led them in a prayer for Beckstrom and Wolfe.

Some of you may have known her, Hegseth said of Beckstrom. Obviously a beautiful human being and a great American willing to serve her country brutally targeted.

Hegseth said he and his wife briefly visited Wolfe on Thursday night to be there, lay hands on him, pray over him.

Wolfe remains in very critical condition, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Friday. He ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstroms death.

Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state, Morrisey said.

Lakanwal entered the US in 2021

Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 80 miles north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman.

Mohammad Sherzad, a neighbor of Lakanwals in Bellingham, told the AP in a phone interview Friday that Lakanwal was polite, quiet and spoke very little English.

Sherzad said he attended the same mosque as Lakanwal and had heard from other members that Lakanwal was struggling to find work. Some of his children attended the same school as Lakanwals children, Sherzad said.

He was so quiet and the kids were so polite, they were so playful. But we didnt see anything bad about him. He was looking OK, Sherzad said. Sherzad said Lakanwal disappeared about two weeks ago.

Lakanwal had briefly worked as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex, which allows people to use their own cars to deliver packages, a company spokesperson shared with The Associated Press. Lakanwal delivered packages from the end of July to the end of August and hadnt been active since.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that resettled 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.

In a Thanksgiving address to the troops Thursday, Trump said that Lakanwal went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts.

Lakanwal served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, known as one of the special Zero Units, in the southern province of Kandahar, according to a resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwals cousin. He said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that his brother had worked in the unit as well.

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.

Zero Units were paramilitary units manned by Afghans but backed by the CIA that 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.

On Wednesday night, Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who had entered under the Biden administration initiative that brought roughly 76,000 people to the country, many of whom had worked as interpreters and translators.

The program has 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.

Beckstrom exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism

Beckstrom had enlisted in 2023, the same year she graduated high school, and served with distinction as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, the West Virginia National Guard said in a statement.

She exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism, the statement said, adding that Beckstrom volunteered to serve as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, helping to ensure the safety and security of our nations capital.

The president called Beckstrom an incredible person, outstanding in every single way.

___

Associated Press journalists Sarah Brumfield, Siddiqullah Alizai, Elena Becatoros and Randy Herschaft contributed to this report.
Johan Meyer, Director - Mr. Meyer is an investment management professional with over 21 years' experience in portfolio management, equity analysis and corporate leadership, with a particular focus on emerging and frontier markets. From November 2016 until June 2025, Mr. Meyer was Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton Romania and Fund Manager of Fondul Proprietatea. During this period he oversaw public and private transactions exceeding USD 3.2 billion, including the largest IPO in the history of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Mr. Meyer joined Franklin Templeton in 2004 and, prior to his role in Romania, served as Managing Director South Africa and Director of Africa Strategy for the Templeton Emerging Markets Group. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree with specialisation in Economics from the University of Pretoria.

Mathieu Gignac, Director - Mr. Gignac is President of G Mining Services, a leading Canadian engineering firm, and brings over two decades of experience in mining project development and engineering. He has a strong track record in managing large-scale mining projects from feasibility through construction to operations. His leadership has been instrumental in the successful execution of major projects such as the Merian Project (Newmont), Fruta del Norte (Lundin Gold), and the Tocantinzinho Gold Project (G Mining Ventures). Mr. Gignac holds a degree in Mining Engineering from McGill University and is a member of both the Ordre des Ingenieurs du Quebec (OIQ) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

Tim Aldersley, President and Chief Financial Officer  Mr. Aldersley has a highly successful track record in mining finance and mining private equity. As a partner and the Senior Portfolio Manager at Red Kite's mining fund, he was responsible for the project financing of precious and base metal mines on a global basis. He also had responsibility for portfolio company management, arranging royalty and streaming deals, asset acquisitions, restructurings, recoveries and divestments. Mr. Aldersley started his career in metals trading, trade finance and logistics. Mr. Aldersley holds a master's degree in physics from the University of Oxford, UK.

Alain Bureau, Director and Chief Executive Officer - Mr. Bureau, an Honours graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, brings over 25 years of leadership in the international mining and construction sectors. His experience spans the full project lifecyclefrom early-stage exploration and feasibility studies to permitting, construction, and operational launch. Mr. Bureau previously worked on major development projects with Agnico Eagle in Canada and Mexico and served as President and CEO of Pershimco Resources, where he successfully led the company through development and acquisition.

Daniel Myerson, Director and Executive Chairman - Mr. Myerson serves as CEO and Chair of Foran Mining Corporation. Under Mr. Myerson's leadership Foran has greatly expanded its resource base through exploration, navigated robust permitting and environmental conditions, secured financing and is currently well advanced through construction. Foran is a recognized leader in carbon-neutral mining with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and community integration and has been praised by the Canadian government for its job creation, its contribution to infrastructure and economic growth and for the expectation that it will be the first net-zero critical minerals project in Canada. Previously, Mr. Myerson served as head of Glencore's Canadian zinc business. He holds a Master of Finance degree from the Queensland University of Technology.

The Company is pleased to announce several changes to its management team and board of directors following completion of the transaction with Eldorado. As part of this transition, the previous directors and officers of the Company have resigned and the following directors and officers have been appointed as replacements:

In connection with the name change, the new CUSIP number for the common shares of the Company will be 92243V105 and the new ISIN number will be CA92243V1058. No action is required to be taken by shareholders with respect to the name change. Outstanding common share certificates bearing the old name of the Company are still valid and are not affected by the name change.

The Company has changed its name from "O Rei Resources Corp." to "Varvara Development Group Ltd." to better reflect its new business; the safe and sustainable development of mining assets in Romania, using a cyanide-free approach. "Varvara" is the Romanian form of the patron saint of miners.

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Varvara Development Group Ltd. (formerly O Rei Resources Corp.) (" Varvara " or the " Company ") provides the following corporate updates in connection with completing the acquisition of a Romanian gold project and related assets from Eldorado Gold Corporation.

Story Continues

Annual General Meeting

The Company is also pleased to announce that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) for the following purposes:

to receive the financial statements of the Company for its financial year ended December 31, 2024, and auditor's report thereon; to fix the number of directors of the Company at six (6) for the ensuing year; to elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year; to appoint Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration; to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

In addition to the directors named above, it is expected that the following individuals will be nominated for election to the board of directors of the Company:

Mark Douglas Beacom - Mr. Beacom is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Black Sea Oil & Gas SA, the first company in over 30 years to develop offshore gas in the Romanian Black Sea, and is also the Managing Director of BSOG's green energy subsidiary, BSOG Energy SRL, a company that is focusing on becoming the first company to develop biomethane in Romania. Before joining BSOG, Mr. Beacom was a Vice President of PetroKazakhstan, President and founder of Croft Offshore Oil, President and founder of Carthage Energy and President and co-founder of its subsidiary Carthage Hydro. Mr. Beacom's background has extensively been in the development of energy projects throughout Europe, in Canada, West Africa and Kazakhstan and includes offshore and onshore oil and gas projects as well as green energy projects. He holds an MBA from the London Business School and a BSc, Mechanical Engineering, from Queens University.

Andrew Noble - Mr. Andrew Noble is a distinguished British diplomat with over 40 years of global experience, most recently serving as the British Ambassador to Romania (20182023) and previously to Algeria. Since joining the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1982, Mr. Noble has held senior diplomatic posts in Germany, South Africa, Greece, and Romaniaincluding as Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin. Mr. Noble is widely recognized for his strategic insight, negotiation skills, and deep expertise in government relations. His tenure in Romania was marked by the successful resolution of high-profile civic issues and a strong focus on environmental stewardship, democratic values, and inclusive development. He brings a nuanced understanding of political risk, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory landscapes across emerging European markets. Mr. Noble volunteers for multiple Romanian charities/civil society institutions.

Together, this experienced team brings a unique combination of technical, operational, and financial expertise from leading mining companies and financial institutions.

About Varvara Development Group Ltd.

Varvara is a mining development company headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, dedicated to the safe, sustainable and cyanide-free development of mineral assets in Romania.

Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements made and information provided in this press release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "continue", "projected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to: the expected growth and development of the Company, the date and time of the annual general meeting of shareholders and the anticipated nomination and appointment of directors of the Company. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, market 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 such forward-looking statements or information.

We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information or could cause our current objectives, strategies and intentions to change, including but not limited to: that the Company's project may never be developed; recoveries of gold and other metals; geopolitical and economic climate (global and local), risks related to mineral tenure and permits; gold and other commodity price volatility; information technology systems risks; continued softening of the global concentrate market; risks regarding potential and pending litigation and arbitration proceedings relating to our business, properties and operations; expected impact on reserves and the carrying value; the updating of the reserve and resource models and life of mine plans; mining operational and development risk; financing risks; foreign country operational risks; risks of sovereign investment; regulatory risks and liabilities including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; discrepancies between actual and estimated production; mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical testing and recoveries; additional funding requirements; currency fluctuations; community and non-governmental organization actions; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; share price volatility and the price of our common shares; competition; loss of key employees; and defective title to mineral claims or properties.

Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking information will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents management's current expectations and are based on information currently available to management, and are subject to change after the date of this news release. We are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein.

A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Varvara can also be found in its public reports and filings which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2025/28/c2248.html
Pope Leo XIV visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul on the second day of his historic visit to Turkiye, Azernews reports, citing international media.

During the visit, the head of the Turkish Religious Affairs Administration guided the Pope through the mosque, highlighting its tall blue-brick dome, one of the architectural masterpieces of the site.

By visiting the mosque, the leader of the Catholic Church continued the legacy of his predecessors and demonstrated his respect for Turkiyes Muslim majority.

This trip marks Pope Leo XIVs first foreign visit to Turkiye. Following his stay in Istanbul, he is scheduled to travel to Lebanon, where he is expected to speak extensively about peace in the Middle East.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) is one of the best low volatility large cap stocks to invest in. Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan maintained a Hold rating on Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) on November 25, setting a price target of $212.00.

Daiwa Cuts Applied Materials (AMAT) Rating to Neutral, Lowers PT to $170

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) recently announced several developments, including the appointment of James Addington-Smith as CEO of Marsh UK on November 19. Mr. Addington-Smith is set to take up the new role early in 2026, subject to regulatory approval, and would report to Flavio Piccolomini, CEO, Marsh McLennan, International.

Separately, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) and Bloomberg Media announced a strategic knowledge partnership on October 22, powering select Bloomberg Media event properties, including Qatar Economic Forum, Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Bloomberg New Economy Coalitions, Bloomberg House at Davos, and Bloomberg Invest New York.

It marks the first media partnership reflecting the new Marsh brand set to launch globally next year. The new Marsh brand represents the companys specialized capabilities ranging across management consulting, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and risk.

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) is a professional services firm that offers clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy, and people. The companys operations are divided into Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of MMC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
editorial writer

Cindi Ross Scoppe is an editorial writer and columnist for The Post and Courier who has written about the S.C. Legislature, governor, state government and courts for nearly 40 years. She is a native of North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina and lives in Columbia.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Senior Politics Reporter

Caitlin Byrd is the senior politics reporter at The Post and Courier. An award-winning journalist, Byrd previously worked as an enterprise reporter for The State newspaper, where she covered the Charleston region and South Carolina politics. Raised in eastern North Carolina, she has called South Carolina home since 2016.
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Quick Read

XRP trades near $2.00 with ChatGPT forecasting $2.02 by early December while crypto analysts target $2.85.

XRP remains below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages signaling continued downward pressure.

Ripple operates RippleNet with hundreds of financial institutions as institutional ETF interest builds for XRP.

Some investors get rich while others struggle because they never learned there are two completely different strategies to building wealth. Dont make the same mistake, learn about both here.

XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) faces conflicting December forecasts. OpenAI's ChatGPT projects a conservative $2.02 target, citing weak momentum and broader market uncertainty. Crypto analysts target $2.85, driven by ETF inflows, expanding utility, and Ripple's banking footprint.

XRP's trading near $2.00 as November ends. The clash between AI caution and analyst optimism is shaping market sentiment heading into December.

ChatGPT AI $2.02 XRP Forecast Signals Caution

CHOKCHAI POOMICHAIYA / Shutterstock.com

XRP made progress in 2025, but it's not convincing the algorithms. OpenAI's ChatGPT recently predicted around $2.02 by early Decemberbarely higher than current levels, reflecting minimal near-term gains.

Bearish Technicals Keep XRP Grounded

ChatGPT's model focused on bearish technicals and macro risks. XRP trades below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, signaling the overall trend remains down as rallies keep hitting overhead resistance at those levels.

Bitcoin's weakness also doesn't help. With Bitcoin testing the $85,000 support as investors pull back from risk, altcoin momentum is limited. ChatGPT sees XRP held back by broader market pressure. Until Bitcoin finds a floor, smaller tokens like XRP will struggle to attract capital.

Limited Upside Despite Oversold Conditions

The AI model acknowledged potential short-term bounces. Technical indicators hint at oversold conditions that often precede 10-15% relief rallies. That could push XRP slightly above $2.00, but it's not enough for sustained momentum. The model's forecast reads cautious. It bets XRP will trade flat into December with perhaps a modest gain, but doesn't break out.

Why Analysts Predict $2.85 XRP Price By December

SFIO CRACHO / Shutterstock.com

Crypto analysts see something different. Most experts think XRP could stage a year-end rally that AI models are missing. Targets cluster around $2.70-$2.85 for December 2025significantly above ChatGPT's $2.02.

Institutional Interest Driving Demand

AI models are underweighting institutional interest. XRP briefly surged in November on DTCC listing news during the ETF rush. Analysts believe these XRP ETFs, will funnel new money into the asset, even at limited scale initially. Any uptick in ETF inflows or custody holdings in December could strengthen demand and push prices higher.
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Chino Valley Ranchers turns a high-school reunion into a hilariously unforgettable ode to on-the-go protein.LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 29, 2025 /Chino Valley Ranchers is back with another comedic swing at protein marketing-this time withPocket Sized Protein , a new spot proving that sometimes the best snack is the one you can pull out of your jacket even if you definitely shouldn't. Chino Valley Ranchers Pocket Sized Protein Commercial Chino Valley Ranchers Pocket Sized Protein CommercialShot at the iconic Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery in Austin, Texas, the ad leans into the brand's trademark humor, dropping viewers into a high-school reunion where one overzealous egg-lover shocks old classmates by casually unpocketing hard-boiled eggs like it's the most normal thing in the world. It's awkward. It's nostalgic. It's absurd. And it's exactly the kind of laugh Chino Valley Ranchers has become known for.Keeping the Streak of Bold Creativity GoingWritten and directed by Alex Ribble of Big Chief Creative Media, Pocket Sized Protein continues the company's run of offbeat, highly shareable content. From a genie in a food truck to a cowboy on a chicken-hunting mission, Chino Valley Ranchers has built a reputation for food advertising that refuses to be boring."Our goal is simple," said CEO Chris Nichols. "Make people laugh-and make eggs unforgettable. Food marketing doesn't need to be bland. Who doesn't want a smile along with their breakfast?"The Team Behind the LaughsDirector of Photography Keith Leman brought a cinematic punch to every comedic beat, while Zena Van Ackeren assembled a standout cast including Sara Alavi, Braden Wuerch, Kevin Kurz, Melissa Chick, and Gunner Willis. Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery set the scene, and Chris Nichols joined the fun himself-reprising his fan-favorite alter ego, "DJ 5 Sense", for a spirited cameo.Why the Spot WorksAt its heart, this campaign isn't just about eggs: it's about cutting through the noise with something people actually want to share. Chino Valley Ranchers has consistently earned millions of views by embracing big creative swings.Pocket Sized Proteinkeeps that momentum alive-blending comedy, character, and the simple truth that eggs remain the world's easiest on-the-go protein. Pockets not required.Watch the SpotCheck out Pocket Sized Protein and see why sometimes the best protein doesn't come from a bar-it comes from a shell.About Chino Valley RanchersChino Valley Ranchers is a family-owned and operated company producing organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs for more than 70 years. A CCOF-accredited organic provider, the company feeds its hens high-quality organic, non-GMO grains from certified pesticide-free fields. All eggs carry the American Humane Certified seal, reflecting their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, sustainable farming, and unmatched quality.Contact InformationAlex RibbleBig Chief Creative Media (Agency)alex@ bigchiefcreative.com (714) 794-2226SOURCE: Chino Valley Ranchers
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 29, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 29, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Perrigo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 16, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Perrigo securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2024, Perrigo reported fiscal year 2023 earnings, revealing significant acquisition and integration-related charges, including a purported one-time cash cost of an additional $35 million to $45 million for remediations to address production and facility issues in its infant formula business. The Company also disclosed a 50% decline in earnings per share compared to the prior year due to infant formula remediation actions.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $4.87 per share, or 15.14%, to close at $27.30 per share on February 27, 2024.Then, on May 7, 2024, Perrigo released earnings for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, revealing the significant negative impact of Perrigo's costly actions to augment and strengthen its infant formula business.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $3.28 per share, or 9.8%, to close at $30.15 on May 7, 2024.Then, on August 6, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release announcing earnings for the second quarter ended June 28, 2025, revealing the Company's adjusted gross profit decreased $30 million, or 6.9%, due in part to "production variability in infant formula, leading to an increase in product scrap in the quarter." Finally, on November 5, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release, announcing the Company "is initiating a strategic review of its infant formula business" including a "a full range of alternatives." The press release revealed Perrigo is "reassessing the Company's previously announced investment in this business of $240 million." On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $5.09 per share, or 25.2%, to close at $15.10 per share on November 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 29, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Primo Brands Corporation ("Primo Brands" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRMB). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Primo Brands and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Primo Brands securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On June 17, 2024, Primo Water Corporation ("Primo Water") announced entry into a merger agreement (the "Merger") with an affiliate of BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton"). The two companies touted the synergies of the Merger, stating that the combined company was expected to have "significant financial and operating leverage" and "enhanced distribution capabilities" which would position it "for sustained long-term growth." On November 8, 2024, the companies announced the completion of the Merger and the formation of the combined entity, Primo Brands.On August 7, 2025, Primo Brands announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. On an accompanying earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Robbert Rietbroek acknowledged that "[t]he speed by which we closed facilities and reduced headcount led to disruptions in product supply, delivery, and service." Following these disclosures, Primo Brands' stock price fell $2.41 per share, or 9.13%, to close at $24.00 per share on August 7, 2025.Then, on November 6, 2025, Primo Brands announced Rietbroek's departure as CEO and disclosed that the Company was drastically reducing its full year 2025 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance. During a corresponding earnings call, Primo Brands' new CEO Eric Foss admitted that the Company "probably moved too far too fast on some of the various integration work streams" and that "[t]here's no doubt that speed impacted our ability to get through a lot of the warehouse closures and route realignment without disruption." Foss further revealed that Primo Brands had experienced "customer service issues" as well as "integration issues related to the technology move over." On this news, Primo Brands' stock price fell $8.20 per share, or 36.19%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $14.46 per share on November 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 28, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Avantor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 29, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On April 25, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results, cut its guidance for 2025, and announced that Michael Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Avantor's management attributed its weak performance and outlook to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.57 per share, or 16.5%, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025.Then, on August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing second quarter 2025 financial results, including a year-over-year decrease in net sales, and further reduced the Company's 2025 guidance-now projecting organic revenue growth of -2% to 0%. Avantor's management again attributed the Company's lackluster results and outlook to "increased competitive intensity" and further admitted that Avantor did not expect the competitive environment to materially improve in the remainder of 2025.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025.Then, on October 29, 2025, Avantor reported weak third quarter 2025 financial results, including -5% organic revenue growth and a net loss of $712 million, which management primarily attributed to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Avantor's management said that the impairment charge was necessary due in part to "competitive pressures" that had "meaningfully impacted" Avantor's margins and further disclosed that the Company had lost several large accounts.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 28, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Molina and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 2, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Molina securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 7, 2025, Molina issued a press release announcing financial results for the second quarter of 2025 and slashing full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance. The press release reported second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of approximately $5.50 per share, which was "below . . . prior expectations" due to "medical cost pressures in all three lines of business." The Company also announced that it "expects these medical cost pressures to continue into the second half of the year" and cut guidance for expected adjusted earnings per share 10.2% at the midpoint, from "at least $24.50 per share" to a "range of $21.50 to $22.50 per share." The press release revealed Molina was experiencing a "short-term earnings pressure" from a "dislocation between premium rates and a medical cost trend which has recently accelerated." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $6.97 per share, or 2.9%, to close at $232.61 per share on July 7, 2025.Then, on July 23, 2025, Molina issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and further slashing the Company's full-year 2025 earnings guidance. The press release revealed, in part, that the Company's "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year;" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share." This represented another 13.6% cut to guidance of earnings per share at the midpoint, from the cut to guidance announced less than two weeks earlier. Molina also cut its guidance for its full year 2025 GAAP net income 27% to $912 million. Molina attributed its results a full year outlook to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including mere "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." The Company claimed that its guidance cut also reflected "new information gained in the quarterly closing process." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $32.03 per share, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 28, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against WPP Plc ("WPP" or the "Company") (NYSE:WPP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether WPP and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 8, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired WPP securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 9, 2025, WPP published a trading update for the first half of 2025, advising investors that the Company had "seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed." The Company attributed its misfortune to both "continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated," at least in part due to "some distraction to the business" as a result of the continued restructuring of WPP Media.On this news, WPP's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $6.48 per ADR, or 18.09%, to close at $29.34 per ADR on July 9, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Nollywood guilds have taken disciplinary action against Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire following their heated confrontation on the set of Pieces of Love on 12 November.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, after which both entertainers took to Instagram to defend their actions and give their accounts of the incident.

The clash led the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) to establish a Fact-Finding Committee. At the same time, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP) formed their National Disciplinary Committees to investigate the incident.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the DGN, AMP and AGN disclosed that their findings established Arimoro as the primary aggressor.

They accused him of assaulting the production manager and the driver.

Findings

The statement, signed by Queen Ebigieson, AMPs President; Uche Agbo, DGNs President; and Emeka Rollas, AGNs President, further alleged that Arimoro circulated a misleading live video that misrepresented the events and tarnished Ovires reputation.

The guilds clarified that Ovire, who was not present during the initial altercation, alongside the director, production manager, and crew members, bore no responsibility for any wrongdoing.

Announcing the sanctions against Arimoro, the guilds stated: Sanctions against Mr Taiye Arimoro are effective immediately. Taye Arimoro is hereby suspended from all Nollywood productions until further notice. All members of DGN, AGN, and AMP are directed to cease participation in any production involving him immediately. He must issue a public apology on the same live platform previously used to: the Production Manager, Peggy Ovire, and the director on set.

He must release a factual corrective video clearly stating the true sequence of events. He must return to complete the two outstanding scenes for Pieces of Love under safe, supervised conditions. He must comply with all further corrective directives issued by DGN, AGN, and AMP.

Peggy Ovires sanctions

The guilds clarified that Ovire did not instigate the altercation but reacted emotionally when she followed the actor into the estate.

They added that her actions contributed to the escalation that occurred outside the compound.

The guilds further explained that Ovires subsequent behaviour was a response to the assault on her staff.

Therefore, for failing to de-escalate the situation professionally, she must write mandatory letters of apology to all major guilds submitted through AMPmandatory written undertaking, ensuring better control of personnel on future sets.

Apology to the estate management where the incident took place. She must sign an undertaking on behalf of her driver, Mr Joshua, pledging he would never become a part of any form of trouble on any movie set ever again, the guilds added.

The guilds, however, reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation, harassment, or any form of misconduct on film sets.

They also emphasised that all practitioners must adhere strictly to the highest standards of professional conduct.

Commencement of a unified Nollywood On-Set Conduct and Safety Code, applicable nationwide. This joint action reflects our collective resolve to protect filmmakers, restore industry order, and safeguard the integrity and reputation of Nollywood.
When Governor Umo Eno left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June, he assured Akwa Ibom residents that his defection would not change his political philosophy.

Before a packed audience, including several APC governors inside the Government House banquet hall, Uyo, he declared: Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically I have, by todays event, changed my political affiliations, but I would continue to uphold my values, moral fibre, and fundamental principles that I have nourished and cherished all my life.

Political parties remain vehicles for election. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship.

The governor branded the idea Akwa Ibom United, a slogan meant to assure the public that party lines would not matter under his leadership.

But months later, the governor dismissed two of his own appointees  Joseph Ikpak and Felix Ekuri  for attending the PDP national convention in Ibadan. Their offence? Identifying with a party that the governor himself belonged to until recently.

The decision marks a turning point in the young APC administration in Akwa Ibom. It raises questions about whether Governor Enos cross-party ideological positioning is collapsing under pressure from his new political bloc.

Airport incident, political pressure, and the turning tide

The sack did not occur in isolation.

It follows months of agitation from allies of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accused some of Mr Enos appointees of divided loyalty  beginning with the airport reception for former Governor Udom Emmanuel. They demanded that those aides be sanctioned.

One of Mr Akpabios allies, Ata Ikiddeh, posted on Facebook, Those aides of Governor Eno, who ran into Mr Emmanuels honey trap at the airport, have already marked themselves  they cannot be trusted, this newspaper reported.

Anietie Ekong, a media aide to Mr Akpabio, escalated the pressure: This is me calling out the appointees of Governor Eno to state today, whom they shall serve: their present boss or the former boss, he wrote on Facebook.

At the time, Mr Eno appeared unmoved. Speaking to an online newspaper, Politics and Policy, he said: For me, those to watch out for are not those who pay respect to our leaders in the open It is those who sneak surreptitiously to tell lies and plant evil seeds.

He confirmed to the newspaper that he had read the controversial article from Mr Akpabios aide but that he would not fight his predecessor, whom he usually referred to as his political father.

Yet a few weeks later, the same aides he publicly defended have now been removed  signalling a shift influenced by the Akpabio-aligned APC structure.

A strategy unravels

Mr Enos defection was not only bold  it was calculated.

He believed moving to the ruling APC would grant the state access to the centre and accelerate realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which experts say will create thousands of jobs.

But unlike other defectors who surrendered their former political base, Mr Eno attempted something unusual: he defected to the APC while trying to retain control of the PDP structures in Akwa Ibom.

He vowed to keep the PDP structure  so that thieves dont hijack and use it to fight me, the governor had said in a leaked video that led to the eviction of Channels TV reporters from the Akwa Ibom Government House Press Corps. The governors statement suggests that he does not want the party to field a candidate to challenge him in the 2027 election.

That calculation now appears unrealistic. Shortly after his defection, the PDP National Working Committee dissolved the Akwa Ibom chapter, accusing it of being infiltrated by the APC interests loyal to the governor  a clear message that he cannot defect and still hold the keys to the house he left behind.

A cleric and former Young Progressives Party chairperson, Nyenime Andy, warned publicly: You cannot control both the APC and the PDP simultaneously.

You have to choose, either you are the party leader of the APC and relinquish the PDP, or be ready to face being dragged into the mud.

You have to face it, you as a person did not have any political structure, you were riding on some other persons structure. Its time to build your own structure. I mean your own that will be loyal to you, Mr Andy said to Mr Eno in a Facebook post.

He told the governor to advise the sacked PDP chairperson in Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Akpan, to gladly join the APC instead of wanting to stay back in the PDP.

The recent sacking of the governors two aides confirms that the internal dual-party balancing act is collapsing.

Aides, confusion, and divided loyalty

State government insiders say that many appointees and commissioners remain loyal to Mr Emmanuel and the PDP, rather than to Mr Eno or the APC.

Earlier, Mr Eno insisted he would not dissolve his cabinet, saying, Dont let people poison your mind. You can only leave this council if youre not performing. Until I finish my first term, I am not going to dissolve the council again.

But Mr Eno has altered the political calculus by sacking his political aides.

At the recent swearing-in of a new Head of Civil Service, he said: No man can serve two masters Those who are not ready and willing to work with us they are very free to leave.

He continued: Every action carries a consequence either you quietly leave, or I will be glad to receive your resignation rather than stay inside and rock the boat.

The sack of the governors aides signals three things: the operational end of Akwa Ibom United, confusion and uncertainty within the administration, and the rising influence of Akpabios political bloc, which had long advocated for this sanction.

Political calculations gone wrong

For over two decades, the PDP governed Akwa Ibom to the point that its supporters jokingly referred to it as a religion. Its structures reach every polling unit. Mr Eno assumed his defection would trigger a seamless mass migration. It did not.

Instead, the PDP loyalists stayed back, while the entrenched APC stakeholders remained suspicious of defectors. His political base is thinning  not expanding. One of the APC leaders in Akwa Ibom told PREMIUM TIMES that the governor must view joining the party as an alignment, not an acquisition.

By attempting to retain control of the PDP while leading the APC, Mr Eno appeared to have overestimated his influence and underestimated party dynamics. His dual-party strategy is now collapsing from both ends. He does not have complete control of the political structure of either political party.

Betrayal or governance?

Two sharply contrasting explanations now define the public debate.

Prominent broadcast journalist Michael Bush argues that Governor Eno misled the public with his Akwa Ibom United.

Apologise today for the deceit you call Akwa Ibom United and focus on the job for which we hired you, Mr Bush wrote in a Facebook post a few days ago.

He warned that 2027 would become a referendum on light or darkness and whether a traitor can be betrayed.

But defending the administration, Mr Enos aide on strategic communication, Ubon Marcus, said the sack of the governors aides is not betrayal but governance discipline.

In an article he posted on Facebook, Mr Marcus said, A Governors team must reflect his political direction, values, and ideology, adding that those loyal to an opposing party cannot remain in government.

He reinforced the point with a Biblical saying: No man can serve two masters.

2027 and the path ahead

As 2027 approaches, Governor Eno faces an uncertain political landscape, with neither the APC nor the PDP firmly behind him. Trusted fully by neither camp, he now stands at a crossroads: build a genuine cross-party coalition or fully align with the APC structures.

Until then, the contradiction between what he promised and what he now practices may remain the defining question of his political future.
New research shows that Nigerian women in politics now face a growing wave of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV), adding a dangerous layer to their long-standing struggles with marginalisation and underrepresentation.

The study, Digital Threats to Women in Politics in Nigeria: Experiences of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) and Political Parties Responses, documents how digital spacesfrom social media platforms to private messaging groupsare increasingly weaponised to intimidate and silence women seeking political office.

The research was conducted by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) under the Advancing Learning and Innovation on Gender Norms (ALIGN) platform, with funding from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI). It was presented to the public on Friday.

According to the report, TF-GBV has emerged as an entrenched feature of Nigerias political environment, mirroring global trends of rising online misogyny, anti-gender backlash and weak regulatory responses from technology companies.

Digital violence as a political weapon

Drawing on engagements with female politicians and political party leaders across Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Rivers states, the research finds that digital abuse is now one of the most formidable barriers preventing women from entering or remaining in politics.

The report assesses how political parties perceive TF-GBV, how their internal structures and ideologies shape their responses, and how broader political and social norms fuel both the violence and the silence surrounding it.

The findings show that political parties, key democratic actors with a responsibility to safeguard participation, are largely failing to address the threat.

Womens underrepresentation in politics is one of the most persistent democratic deficits globally, the report noted. Yet most political parties in Nigeria do not sufficiently address TF-GBV, let alone strive to prevent it.

The research describes TF-GBV as an urgent and escalating concern that often drives women away from political life. Women who are marginalised based on age, ethnicity, or marital status face an even higher burden of digital attacks.

Patterns of abuse

The study shows that technology-facilitated violence is not random but follows clear, predictable patterns tied to Nigerias political cycle. TF-GBV spikes during campaigns, elections, or when women gain prominence through appointments or policy debates.

Perpetrators frequently weaponise patriarchal norms to delegitimise womens participation. Attacks often question a womans competence, mock her appearance, or smear her morality and sexuality.

The report documents instances where women politicians were targeted with sexist slurs, rape threats, doxxing, cyberstalking, and coordinated smear campaigns. These abuses are typically amplified by pseudonymous accounts or party loyalists.

A resistance to womens political empowerment has intensified with online attacks becoming the new frontline of domestic politics, the study states. Nigerias low female parliamentary representationjust 4.5 per centexists alongside a rising digital environment hostile to women.

Key findings

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) is the new frontline of political violence against women in Nigeria, the study said.

The report found that perpetrators of TF-GBV weaponise patriarchal gender norms to keep women out of politics. They use sexist slurs on social media, doxxing or threats of rape and murder in messenger groups to intimidate and delegitimise women political candidates.

Abuse follows a misogynistic script rooted in gender stereotypes and norms  with attacks focused on questioning competency, belittling appearance, or challenging morality and sexuality.

It also noted that online abuse is not random but fits a clear pattern. There is a clear visibility penalty for women politicians, with attacks spiking during campaigns, elections or when they gain prominence through a high-profile position or policy debate.

Researchers noted that political parties are not blind to TF-GBV  theyre often complicit. Often, TF-GBV is perpetuated by politicians and their supporters as part of electoral politicking  both within their own parties and against competitors. Accountability is rare, and institutional support systems are weak or non-existent, the researchers said.

Gendered abuse does not impact all women equally  its intersectional. Age, ethnicity, marital status, and political experience shape how women are targeted. Young women face sextortion and gatekeeping; mid-career women are stalked and smeared; and cultural stereotypes fuel both online and offline discrimination.

Methodology

The report draws on the analysis of social media posts on platform X, key informant interviews with women politicians from four states, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Rivers, who come from across the countrys political landscape, and a review of party documents. It is part of a joint ALIGN research project in partnership with the development Research and Projects Centre (dPRC) and Data Pop Alliance (DPA) in Brazil.

Additionally, 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women politicians and officials from various political parties.

The studys X analysis, covering over 140,000 posts from 2022 to 2025, targeting female candidates in the four states, reveals the scale and patterns of TF-GBV.

Gender stereotypes (e.g., ashawo, slut) dominated mentions, followed by attacks on the appearance and/or personality of women politicians and the questioning of their competence.

Peaks aligned with campaigns (October 2022January 2023), elections (FebruaryMarch 2023), and election petition tribunals (AprilSeptember 2023), with 2023 recording the highest count of abusive posts across a three-year time series. Peaks were also associated with the visibility of female candidates, the report said.

It also found that pre-campaign abuse was competency-focused, shifting to stereotypes during elections and moral attacks post-election. During primaries, perpetrators included intra-party rivals. This shifted to inter-party rivals post primaries. These attacks were amplified by retweets and pseudonymous accounts, the study said.

Official party responses were minimal, with searches of political parties X handles showing no TF-GBV-specific statements. Moderation gaps on the X platform were evident in the scraped posts: around 30 per cent of abusive content was deleted, 25 per cent was removed by X, and 40 per cent was inaccessible because it appeared within private groups.

Findings from the key informant interviews shed light on the mechanisms and consequences of TF-GBV.

Abuse was cyclical with defamation and smears peaking post-election, sexualised slurs increasing across phases, and threats escalating the risks. Women politicians interviewed noted that abuse, often in the form of smear campaigns, was initiated primarily on platforms like Facebook, while coordinated attacks occurred within WhatsApp groups.

Although these abuses may have originated on both platforms, X is the platform that tends to be used to amplify and spread the abuse more widely. Perpetrators are often men from the same party, who view women as threats. Demographic identities intersect, with younger women (2544 years) facing entry barriers like sextortion; mid-career groups endure stalking; and factors like ethnicity and marital status compounding stigma (e.g., not married, so unfit).

Consequences of TF-GBV

The consequences of TF-GBV extend far beyond the digital world. Women reported reputational damage, emotional distress, family pressure and financial costs linked to security and legal action, the report said.

Some cases triggered household strains, withdrawals from contests, or decisions to leave politics entirely.

Women rely primarily on peer networks, family support, personal resilience, or informal mentoring to cope. Formal mechanisms for reporting or redress are largely absent.

Political Parties: Complicit and unresponsive

One of the most striking revelations from the report is that Nigerian political parties do not treat TF-GBV as gendered harm. Instead, parties often frame it as rough politics, an inevitable part of the competitive landscape, the report said.

This perception, the report argues, normalises violence and masks the disproportionate impact it has on women. By treating digital abuse as non-gendered and unavoidable, parties risk further entrenching low female representation.

Political parties responses are typically informal, involving internal resolutions, rare sanctions, or external deferral, and their policies on discrimination often suffer from weak implementation. Women seeking redress often face challenges, including weak enforcement and fear of backlash, which perpetuate impunity. A gender review of the constitutions of Nigerias 19 political parties shows that none address TF-GBV explicitly, despite commitments to womens participation.

Conclusion

The study concludes that TF-GBV has become a systemic tool that reinforces patriarchal norms in Nigeria, with gaps in laws, party constitutions and governance structures enabling the silencing of women and keeping female political representation low.

While the trend mirrors global patterns, it is intensified by Nigerias digital environment and patronage-driven politics.

The report recommends preventive reforms, urging political parties to embed TF-GBV clauses in their constitutions, codes of conduct and ethics documents to shift norms and create safer spaces for women. It calls for formal mechanisms to report, investigate and sanction perpetrators, alongside training on gender sensitivity and digital safety. Parties are encouraged to strengthen womens leadership roles, enforce anti-discrimination policies and work with electoral bodies to ensure accountability.

Addressing intersectional inequalities and providing resources for evidence gathering and legal support will help reduce impunity and enable women to remain in politics, the report adds.

For long-term change, the study urges amendments to existing legal frameworks to fully recognise and address TF-GBV and for stronger safeguards on social media platforms. It recommends that INEC integrate the studys findings into its ongoing review of the Gender Policy, which expires in 2025, noting the current lack of political will within political parties. It also calls for the adoption of the 2022 ACHPR Resolution on protecting women from digital violence and for INEC and IPAC to mandate TF-GBV monitoring, reporting and inclusion in party codes of conduct.

About dRPC

The dRPC is a prominent non-profit organisation formed in Nigeria in 1993 to advance development knowledge and action through civil society collaborations in which gender is cross-cutting.

It is at the forefront of conducting primary research on development issues and problems that impact the lives of women and girls using participatory and qualitative research methodologies.

Its research findings generate evidence for advocacy engagements and offer recommendations for policy and administrative reforms in Nigeria.

With a strong commitment to gender equality, good governance, and development, dRPC has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on development issues in Nigeria and has consistently worked to enhance the well-being and opportunities of marginalised communities.

Over its 30 years of existence, the dRPC has designed and managed development projects where it has trained, mentored and provided seed funds to hundreds of civil society organisations, most of which are women-led, and many government ministries, departments and agencies at the national and subnational levels, supporting both constituencies for effective participation in policy analysis and change.
Florence Ajaba strolled past rows of identical make-shift tents branded with the logos of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) towards a familiar one where Aba Aondasee waited with his son, Alia, whom he held delicately in his arms.

After exchanging pleasantries with Mr Aondasee, Ms Ajaba squatted beside Alia and inserted his hand into a circle formed by a multi-coloured 26-centimetre-long tape, then fastened it like a belt to fit the two-year-olds upper arm.

This is how we check for nutritional risk in children, Ms Ajaba told PREMIUM TIMES in June, explaining what she had learnt from Red Cross officials at the Mega Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Benue State.

The tool, a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape, is graded in centimetres (cm) and colour-coded green for health, yellow for at-risk, and red for severe acute malnutrition in children aged between six and 59 months.

A childs arm circumference above 12.5 cm is coded green and considered favourable, and anything below 11.5 cm is coded red, signifying severe malnutrition.

A silent malnutrition crisis

Alias arm measured 11.5 cm, just on the threshold of being considered severely malnourished.

He has always been sick since birth, said Alias father, Mr Aondasee. He has cared for the boy since the mother died on 16 January 2024, when he was only four months old.

Alia is one of the 313 malnourished children at the Mega IDP Camp, according to figures obtained from a camp official.

The official, who did not want to be named, said a MUAC test conducted on the children between December 2024 and January this year revealed that 180 of them were acutely malnourished.

Of the 13,617 people at the IDP camp as of May, 2,096 are children under five years  the age range of the children being tested for malnutrition.

Across Benue State, over 336,000 children are stunted due to malnutrition, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said in January, up from 283,727 recorded the year before. Most of the cases are at the displaced persons camps scattered across the state.

According to data from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), 316 children were diagnosed with malnutrition during a screening of 1,174 children conducted between 17 June and 9 July.

The data, obtained from the spokesperson for BSEMA, Tema Ager, showed that 133 were severely malnourished while 183 were moderately malnourished.

Its still increasing as we speak this minute, said Israel Wasem, a medical doctor who has worked in several IDP camps in Benue. With the increasing number of IDPs, there has been a big challenge in increasing these malnutrition rates.

The doctor said he diagnosed numerous cases of malnutrition within various camps in Benue State, including Daudu IDP Camp, Ortese IDP Camp and Ichwa IDP Camp, where he had worked.

The conflict behind Benues malnutrition crisis

Before his wifes passing, Mr Aondasee recalled how they struggled to feed and how her hospital bills were paid by strangers.

However, he wasnt always financially helpless. This new reality began in 2014 after he survived a deadly attack at Tyohemba, a village in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) where he lived and had a farm.

One early morning, gunmen emerged from the bush, shooting a woman going to the stream to fetch water. The gunmen unleashed mayhem on the community, as only a few residents survived the attack. Since the attack, Mr Aondasee has returned to the village only a few times to observe the environment.

If you go to my village now, there is nothing like a house. Everything has collapsed, he said. You wouldnt even know where your house was located.

After fleeing the village, Mr Aondasee lived in the Baka IDP Camp in Makurdi until 2018, before he moved to the Ichwa camp because it promised better welfare.

Two years ago, while at the Ichwa camp, his wife, Mary, gave birth to Alia through a difficult pregnancy. Mother and child were in and out of the hospital before the mother succumbed to some health complications four months later.

Since then, Mr Aondasee has cared for the boy with the help of other displaced family members.

When PREMIUM TIMES met him in June, he was one of the over 10,000 occupants of the sprawling Mega IDP camp where the state government resettled displaced persons from Ichwa camp, NEPA Quarters, and Baka IDP camps.

The conflict that displaced Alias father and the other occupants of this IDP camp is a common crisis in Nigerias North-central region.

The clashes often occur between indigenous farmers and nomadic herders, primarily of Fulani descent. Moving from the north of the country to the lush green north-central region to graze their herds, the pastoralists are routinely accused of encroaching on farmlands and grazing on crops. This has become a major conflict that locals in Benue State view as a genocidal attack on them by the Fulani. It has left close to 7,000 people dead and over 500,000 displaced, who have taken refuge in the dozens of IDP camps scattered around the state.

Nigerias conflict-driven malnutrition crisis

At these IDP camps, residents struggle to feed as a result of a lack of jobs and diminishing support from donor-funded organisations and philanthropists. This dire situation is silently driving a malnutrition crisis, especially among young children displaced by the conflict.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world, resulting from malnutrition. The UN agency estimated that two million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), with only 20 per cent currently reached with treatment.

Between 2018 and 2023, child malnutrition worsened in Nigeria, with stunting increasing from 37 per cent to 40 per cent among children aged six to 59 months, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey.

Nigerias malnutrition burden

The malnutrition crisis is worse in the North-west, where banditry is rife, and in the North-east, which is battling a decade-long insurgency, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a multi-stakeholder global initiative aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition analysis.

In the North-central, the farmers-herders clashes are driving the malnutrition crisis.

The increasing number of IDPs is increasing the malnutrition rates, said Mr Wasem, a medical doctor and ad hoc medical officer with UNICEF at the IDP camps.

Governments Response to the Crisis

At the Mega IDP camp, Ms Ajaba serves as a volunteer for a mothers club project of the Red Cross, with mothers of 50 malnourished children.

She helps coordinate the women in learning how to make Tom Brown, a nutritious, locally made food powder used to combat malnutrition in children. The meal, prepared like pap, is usually made from a blend of grains such as soybeans, groundnuts, guinea corn, maize, millet and fish powder.

The Benue State Government stated that it is also stepping in to address the challenge through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where it will refer cases of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) for treatment.

According to Mr Ager, the BSEMA spokesperson, moderately malnourished children will also be provided with enriched flours (Tom Brown meal) for feeding.

We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with them so that when they are referred, they will treat them before they come and pay them back so that there will be no delay, he said in a telephone interview.

Diminishing aids

Although the government said the MoU was signed last year, it contrasts with the realities of some displaced persons with malnourished children.

At the Ichwa IDP Camp in Makurdi, Margaret Kparmeghs 17-month-old daughter, Nguevese, is always strapped to her mothers back, too frail to play with other children at the displacement camp.

The worried mother said the girl was constantly sick, losing weight and not growing like her mates. When humanitarian workers visited them to distribute relief materials and counselled them on healthy practices, she consulted one of them about her daughters condition. But she was told to see a doctor.

As the UNICEF-administered clinic in the camp had been shut at the time, one humanitarian worker accompanied her to the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Asese, a few kilometres from the IDP camp. There, the daughter was diagnosed with malnutrition, and some drugs were administered. She said the drugs had since finished, but she has yet to get more.

She was six months old when she started purging and getting sick. Ill manage with her, but it has continued, she said.

The medical doctor at the PHC Asase, Adikpo Matthew, later told PREMIUM TIMES that the health centre used to receive supplements like Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) from UNICEF, but the intervention had since stopped.

There are no nutritional drugs to give them now, he said.

Mr Matthew said the health centre had been receiving IDPs seeking healthcare for close to two years, but noted that the children are usually presented to the clinic late after the malnutrition cases had become severe.

Within the last month, he said, two children from the IDP camp were diagnosed with malnutrition at the health centre, but the condition of one was so severe that he referred them to the General Hospital.

Inadequate food makes the children malnourished. Even the mothers are not feeding well, he said.

Diminishing aid, particularly due to funding cuts by the United States government through USAID, has affected healthcare projects in the state, Mr Ager admitted.

To remedy the situation, he said the state government was partnering with other organisations, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which recently committed 7,670 cartons of blended enriched flour for malnourished children, targeting over 30,000 IDPs.

Increasing Food Insecurity

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that conflict and insecurity are major drivers of rising food insecurity in Nigeria, as 30.6 million people face acute hunger in the country.

Armed banditry and kidnappings in the North-west and farmer-herder conflict in the North-central states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Niger, exacerbate the prevailing economic struggles, it said.

The northwest and parts of the north-central regions now exhibit critical levels of severe food insecurity and malnutrition, marking them as major hunger hotspots that demand attention from decision makers.

Since 2018, Juliana Ternengen and her husband have lived at the Daudu IDP Camp, where she said feeding has been a challenge.

Last year, they began returning to their community in Tse-gbanor, in Guma LGA, to cultivate yams and guinea corn to supplement feeding at the camp.

However, the heightened fear of attacks in the community forced them to stay away this year.

Mr Wasem, the medical officer, described the displacement in Benue as the major driver of malnutrition in the state. He said feeding was not a problem before the displacements, as the residents are mostly farmers who had enough to eat.

Even though they might not have liquid cash, they were living very well in those villages. They didnt have any issues with malnutrition, he said.

UNICEFs Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, also raised concerns about the plight of children in the crisis, emphasising the importance of upholding the right of children to adequate food and nutrition.

Children are at the centre of the food insecurity crisis and face irreversible consequences both physical and cognitive, and potentially even death, Ms Munduate said.

The BSEMA spokesperson, Mr Ager, said the state government and the federal government were working to restore security in the troubled communities and ensure the resettlement of the displaced persons, where they will not be dependent on aid.

He explained that the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, presented a plan to the federal government.

So the target now is to provide security in those areas because you cannot return them without security. When security is on the ground, that is when the houses will be rebuilt, the communities the schools, hospitals and churches that were burnt down will be constructed and taken back. And then other facilities and social amenities will be provided for them, he said.

Rays of hope, but affliction persists

Last year, Hembafan Ushahembas daughter, Peace, had diarrhoea and fever around the same time a group of missionaries arrived at the Dauda IDP Camp for a medical outreach.

As part of the outreach, they asked mothers to present their young children for malnutrition screening. After the exercise, they separated the underweight children, including Peace, who was then six months old.

The missionaries took the underweight children and their mothers to a church in Makurdi, where they received drugs and nutritional meals for their children.

They brought a bus and took us to the church, Mrs Ushahemba said, noting there were more than 40 children that day.

Another beneficiary of the initiative, Mrs Ternengen, said the missionaries gave them some ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF).

They gave us one food powder that we prepare with water, like pap, and the other one is like a paste to feed the children, she said.

Unlike those whose children got help, Mrs Kparmegh still struggles to get her daughter treated.

She tried to feed her daughter, Nguevese, but the 17-month-old baby purged almost everything she ate.

At the PHC Asase, where her daughter was diagnosed with malnutrition, she was given a list of drugs, but she did not have enough money to buy them.

Whenever I get any money, I manage to buy her some drugs, but its not working, she said.

This reporting was completed with the support of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
Some common infections are increasingly failing to respond to the medicines that once treated them effectively, a trend experts link to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes AMR as one of the leading global health challenges of the 21st century, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.

As a result, infections become harder and sometimes impossible to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness, disability and death.

It said bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and associated with 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019.

A 2024 report by Africa CDC warns that AMR has now become a bigger threat to Africa than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, with a mortality rate of 27.3 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest in the world.

Failing treatment

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Zainab Dambazau, an epidemiologist and One Health and Public Health Consultant, explains that the rising treatment failures seen across Nigeria highlight a pattern of AMR spreading in communities, hospitals, and even the environment.

Were seeing a rise in common infections that no longer respond to treatment, not just bacterial infections, but also viral, fungal, and even parasitic ones, Mrs Dambazau said.

This is the bigger issue of antimicrobial resistance. It means the medicines we use to treat infections, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics, are becoming less effective or no longer work at all.

Mrs Dambazau, who is also the publisher of the One Health Messenger newsletter, explained that urinary tract infections, pneumonia, wound infections, typhoid fever, malaria, and fungal infections, such as candidiasis, are becoming harder to treat in different parts of the country.

She noted that malaria is already showing signs of resistance in some regions, particularly where treatment is delayed or left incomplete.

Were also seeing treatment failures in tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, which now requires more complex drug combinations, she added.

According to her, the worrying part is that resistance is no longer rare or limited to a few hospitals.

Patterns are emerging in public and private health facilities across states, and were also seeing resistant organisms in animal farming and even water sources. This tells us that AMR is spreading beyond individual cases; its now a public health and environmental issue.

Contributing factors

Mrs Dambazau noted that AMR is largely driven by how antimicrobials are used across all sectors, stressing that resistance does not develop by chance.

In healthcare settings, antibiotics and other antimicrobials are sometimes used as a first response, without lab confirmation of the infection or whether its bacterial, viral, or fungal, she said.

In some cases, patients are treated for infections they dont actually have, or the right drug is used at the wrong dose or for the wrong duration. This gives microbes a chance to adapt and become resistant.

In households, she said, self-medication remains a major concern. Many people buy drugs without prescriptions, use leftovers from previous illnesses or stop treatment once they feel slightly better.

In some cases, antibiotics or antimalarials are taken just in case without a confirmed diagnosis. All these habits contribute to resistance.

She linked rising resistance in animals and crops to the use of antimicrobials in agriculture.

Also, she noted that farmers routinely use antibiotics not just for treatment but for prevention and growth promotion. Over time, this creates resistant organisms that spread through food, direct contact or the environment.

She added that fungicides used on crops also contribute to antifungal resistance, while poor disposal of expired drugs and waste from hospitals and farms allows resistant organisms to contaminate soil and water.

Actions Nigeria must take

The epidemiologist stressed that Nigeria has reached a point where action can no longer be delayed.

She said stronger regulation of access to medicines, improved diagnostics, better support for farmers, public education and environmental controls are essential to preventing further treatment failures.

She emphasised that AMR must be treated as a One Health issue because human health is closely linked to what happens in animals and the environment.

Most vulnerable group

Mrs Dambazau further explained that children, pregnant women, and older adults are naturally more vulnerable to infections, and when the drugs dont work, they face a higher risk of complications or even death.

She noted that some babies have been born with infections already resistant to available medicines.

Farmers and animal handlers, she added, are often exposed to resistant organisms through direct contact with animals or contaminated environments, especially where hygiene and biosecurity are poor.

Hospitalised patients, particularly those recovering from surgery, cancer treatment or intensive care, face higher risks in facilities where infection control systems are weak.

She also highlighted the vulnerability of people living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, HIV or sickle cell disease, saying they are more likely to fall ill and need antimicrobials, and if those drugs fail, the impact can be devastating.

Way forward

This is not just about doctors or pharmacists or farmers. This is about all of us, Mrs Dambazau said.

Were already living in a time where some infections dont respond to treatment. If we continue down this path, we could lose the ability to treat infections altogether, and that would change everything, from how we deliver babies to how we perform surgery, or even how we treat wounds and malaria.

But she stressed that the situation can still be reversed. The good news is: we can act now. We can improve how we use medicines, how we grow our food, and how we protect our environment. If we take the right steps today, we can stop AMR from becoming the next major health disaster.

She added that the solutions are known, saying what is needed now is leadership, cooperation and public awareness.
Katsina State has announced an ambitious plan to vaccinate about 2.8 million children under the age of five during a statewide immunisation campaign scheduled for November.

The exercise, organised in partnership with UNICEF, was disclosed on Thursday in Katsina by Mukhtar Mahmud, a director at the State Primary Health Care Agency.

Mr Mahmud said the campaign goes beyond routine vaccination and represents a broader effort to safeguard the health and future of children across the state.

As we prepare to launch this campaign, we invite the public to join us in this noble endeavour. Together, we can protect our children and build a healthier future for Katsina State, he said.

The campaign will cover all 34 local government areas, deploying door-to-door teams, fixed posts and mobile units to ensure no eligible child is left out.

Aside from polio and routine vaccines, health workers will also administer Azithromycin for child health, vitamin A supplementation, deworming tablets, and nutritional support for pregnant women.

The state government said it has intensified stakeholder engagement, training of health workers and social mobilisation to ensure the exercise runs smoothly.

Officials urged residents to cooperate with vaccinators, noting that community participation remains crucial to achieving full coverage.

UNICEFs role

The Chief of UNICEFs Kano Field Office, Rahama Farah, said the agency continues to prioritise media engagement because of the sectors influence in driving vaccination uptake.

Mr Farah added that the campaign will also provide protein immunisation and other essential services.

According to him, UNICEF and the state have deployed 6,300 health workers across facilities, along with 600 non-compliance resolution teams to address resistance in communities. He said 87 voluntary survivor groups and 4,749 voluntary community mobilisers will also support the exercise.
Four of the six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence who were abducted on 10 November along the Kabba Lokoja highway have been released.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria disclosed this on Friday. The update was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when terrorists intercepted their vehicle and took them away.

Days later, the abductors demanded N150 million to free the six victims, a development that caused widespread concern among families and colleagues.

In a statement signed by the ASCSN president, Shehu Mohammed, and secretary general, Joshua Apebo, the union confirmed that four directors had regained freedom and were receiving medical attention.

We are relieved to inform our members that four of our colleagues have been rescued and are undergoing medical checks, the statement said.

The rescued officials were identified as Helen Ezeakor, C A Ladoye, Ngozi Ibeziakor and Essien Catherine.

Two others, C A Emeribe and J A Onwuzurike, remain missing.

The union appealed for intensified efforts to secure their release.

We urge the ministry and the security agencies to sustain the search until the remaining two officers are brought home safely, the statement added.

The union also repeated its call for decentralised examinations, saying frequent long distance travel exposes civil servants to avoidable danger.

It commended the government for measures aimed at improving security on major routes.

It is not yet clear whether the ransom earlier demanded by the terrorists was paid before the release of the four officials.

Nigeria continues to record a high rate of ransom linked releases, with security analysts estimating that most kidnapping victims regain freedom only after money is paid.
Nigerias former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has alleged that President Umaro Embalo staged the military coup in Guinea-Bissau to avoid losing a presidential election.

Mr Jonathan said the military takeover was a ceremonial coup and demanded that the election results be announced.

The former president led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor Guinea-Bissaus presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.

He returned to Nigeria on Thursday after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, he said he would not categorise the incident in the country as a conventional coup, alleging that the event was staged to derail the announcement of the election results.

He stated that no military leader would allow the ousted president to communicate with the media while being held in custody.

Mr Jonathan noted that President Umaro Embalos swift declaration that he had been arrested, despite freely speaking to international media on his phone, cast doubt on the plausibility of the claim.

What happened in Guinea-Bissau is quite disturbing to me, a person who believes in democracy. In fact, I feel more pain than the day I called Buhari to congratulate him when I lost the election as a sitting president.

It is painful for me that President Embalo was the one announcing a military takeover of the government. It is totally unacceptable, Mr Jonathan said.

What happened in Guinea-Bissau, I would not call it a coup; it was not a coup. For lack of a better word, I will say it was a ceremonial coup because it was President Embalo who announced the coup before the military later came up to address the world that they were in charge of the government.

Embalo had already announced that there was a coup, which is strange. Not only announcing the coup, but Embalo, while the coup took place, was using his phone and addressing media organisations across the world that he had been arrested. Im a Nigerian close to 70, and I know how they keep Heads of State when a coup takes place.

They cannot be playing pranks; nobody should call others fools. There is no way there will be a military coup at a time when they were about to announce election results, and the president was the person who announced the coup. It doesnt happen anywhere, Mr Jonathan added.

The coup occurred a day before the Guinea-Bissau electoral commission was to announce the winner of the presidential election conducted on Sunday.

The election pitted Mr Embalo, candidate of the MademG15 party, against leading opposition candidate Fernando Dias, candidate of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS).

Mr Embalo, whose term officially ended in February, sought to be the first president in 30 years to secure a second consecutive term.

I will be a candidate for my own succession, Mr Embalo told reporters in March.

Shortly after the coup, Mr Embalo recounted to Jeune Afrique, a French-language weekly magazine, that soldiers detained him in his office at the presidential palace at around 1 p.m.

He said they acted without violence and tagged the incident a coup.

On Thursday, Mr Embalos Chief of Army Staff, Horta Inta-A, assumed power as the transitional President.

Mr Inta-A was considered close to the president, who then fled to Senegal.

The newly sworn-in Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Tomas Djassi, is also considered to be Mr Embalos ally.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese Prime Minister

Ousmane Sonko also described the coup as a sham.

Reuters reported that he demanded the continuation of the electoral process and, like Mr Jonathan, demanded the announcement of the results of the election.

What happened in Guinea-Bissau was a sham. We want the electoral process to continue. The (electoral) commission must be able to declare the winner, he was quoted to have said.

Also, the coalition supporting the main rival, Mr Dias, condemned the takeover, calling it a last-minute bid by Mr Embalo and his allies to stop the announcement of results.

They argued that the declaration of the election results would have confirmed his defeat.

UN condemns coup

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the coup in Guinea-Bissau.

Mr Guterres described the coup as an outright disregard of the will of the people who came out to vote for their leadership of choice just a few days before the coup.

In a post on X, Mr Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the unfolding events in the West African nation.

Mr Guterres called the turn of events in the country an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

I strongly condemned the coup detat perpetrated by elements of the military & any attempt to violate constitutional order.

Any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

I reaffirm the full support of the @UN for safeguarding democracy, promoting stability, and assisting Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path, he said.

He also demanded an immediate restoration of constitutional order alongside the release of all detained officials.

The coup has also drawn criticism from several governments and regional blocs across West Africa.

On Friday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies. The African Union also did the same.

The AU decided to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its bodies with immediate effect, the chairman, Mahamoud Youssouf, had said.

The Nigerian government said the coup undermined the regional commitments member states have made to constitutional rule and political stability.

Ghana also viewed the development with profound concern and expressed deep dissatisfaction at the brazen attempt to overturn the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a man to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, in 2023.

The convict, Damian Okoligwe, was a 400-level student of petrochemical engineering at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

The victim, Ms Otuene, was also a 300-level student of biochemistry at UNIPORT.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported in October 2023, how the 26-year-old man killed and then dismembered his 20-year-old girlfriend in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-south Nigeria.

Proven beyond reasonable doubt

Delivering judgement on Friday, the trial judge, Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three ingredients of a murder case against Mr Okoligwe.

The judge described Mr Okoligwes actions as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil, adding that there was no contradiction in the evidence that he committed the crime.

Justice Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that Mr Okoligwe should be hanged to death.

Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecuting counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgement, saying it would allow the soul of the late Ms Otuene to rest in peace.

Mr Mbaba added that the judgement would serve as a deterrent to young people who think shortcuts are the best way to succeed.

Justice has been done and is seen and felt to be done in respect of Justina Otuene.

Justina was the only daughter of her parents but was gruesomely murdered by Damian Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.

Today, the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene. We hope and believe that with this judgement, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose, he said.

I also believe that this judgement will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich quickly.

The defence counsel declined to speak to reporters on the judgement.

Osatawaji Otuene, the elder brother of the late woman, said his family is happy with the judgement.

I feel good. It was a very detailed and well-structured judgement. I really want to commend the judge.

It is a relief because at least it is certain that my sister didnt die for nothing. So it is a relief to the family, Mr Otuene said.
The police in Imo State, Nigerias South-east, say they have begun an investigation into allegations of visa fraud against a travel agency, TMT Travels & Tours Ltd.

The police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the police monitoring unit in the state to thoroughly investigate the visa fraud allegations.

The police spokesperson said nine Nigerian passports have been recovered from the agency as part of the investigation.

He said the owner of the travel agency, Ifeanyi Onukwubiri, has been invited for questioning to assist the police in ascertaining facts in the matter.

Mr Okoye appealed to Imo residents to remain calm and assured that efforts were ongoing to recover funds paid for visa services as well as any additional documents belonging to affected persons.

Mr Okoye cautioned Nigerians to exercise due diligence when engaging in visa or travel schemes.

Further details of the investigation will be communicated in due course, the police spokesperson assured.

Visa fraud allegations

The social media was abuzz on Monday, with some Nigerians accusing TMT Travels & Tours Ltd of engaging in visa fraud.

On Wednesday, a social influencer, Oni Foto, otherwise known as Mr K, shared on his Facebook page, a series of complaints from supposed clients against the travel agency which is headquartered in Owerri, Imo State capital.

In the complaints, some of the clients claimed that the travel agency allegedly received a huge amount of money as payments from them but failed to offer promised services or provide a refund after a long time.

The travel agency, according to some clients, stopped responding to enquiries and requests despite earlier promises to get a work visa for them.

In one of his Facebook posts on the alleged visa fraud, Mr Foto claimed that the travel agency usually pounces on their unsuspecting prey, the agency collects payment, and the victims passports and dumps them in a locker in their office.

He posted a list of the alleged fraud victims.

The social media influencer advised people to stop all visa transactions with the travel agency immediately.

Travel agency responds

Responding, the TMT Travels and Tours described the allegations as fake news.

To all our clients, friends, partners, and well-wishers who called, visited, messaged, and publicly debunked the fake news spreading online, thank you, the agency wrote on its Facebook page on 26 November.

The travel agency continued: Your support reassured us that the truth always stands, and the people who know our work, value what we have built over the years.

We deeply appreciate your love, loyalty, and confidence in TMT.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed a quarry site, Cornerstone in Dutse in Abuja, after flying rocks from a blasting operation destroyed school properties, injuring 11 students and two staff memners of Graceland High School.

The agency disclosed this on its official X social media on Thursday.

It said, at 12:30 p.m.on Wednesday, while in classes, the students, heard a sudden and large blast from the site, managed by Istanbul Quarry, releasing rocks which consequently hit the school building and also some other properties nearby, inflicting serious injuries.

Though it did not disclose details of the situation, it added that shops near the quarry site were also affected.

In the statement, the agencys Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, further explained that the sealing of the site was necessary due to the situation and also after his organisations investigation revealed that the operation contradicted quarry operating procedures and regulations.

What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation, will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to quarry operating procedure and regulations.

We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, she said.

Read full statement below

NESREA SHUTS DOWN QUARRY AS BLAST DESTROYS SCHOOL, INJURES SCHOOL CHILDREN

Officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) shut down Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse area of Abuja on Wednesday, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School, and damaged the school properties as well.

Investigations by NESREA showed that the students were in their various classes writing exams when they heard a bang at about 12.30 pm, followed by flying rocks which destroyed the school buildings, with 11 students and 2 staff of the school sustaining various degrees of injury.

ALSO READ: Abuja Estate residents demand halt to rock blasting by Chinese quarry company

Nearby shops were also affected by the flying rocks.

Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, said the Agency took the step to shut down the facility as their operations were contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.

She said, What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations. We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to detained journalist Friday Alefia.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, the judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted the jourbaliist bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Egwuatu said the sureties must be residents of Abuja and directed the court to verify their addresses.

He also said each of the sureties must provide two recent passport photographs and acceptable means of identification.

Mr Alefia is being detained at the instance of Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, who accused him of publishing allegedly false reports about him.

The journalist, who faces five cybercrime charges over the publication and has now been detained for two months, is left scrambling to meet the stringent bail conditions that include presenting a federal civil service as a surety for him to be released.

The court ordered that one of the two sureties must be a federal civil servant on at least Grade Level 15 and must present an employment letter, a promotion letter confirming current rank, and an official identity card. The originals of these documents must be produced for sighting.

The second surety is required to swear an affidavit of means stating his or her occupation, supported with documentary evidence. The suretey must also provide a six-month bank statement from an account domiciled in Abuja and tax clearance certificates for the past three years.

The requirement for senior civil servants as sureties has recently drawn public criticism. Earlier in January, rights activist and AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore rejected a similar bail condition imposed by the police, describing the demand for a Level 17 civil servant as unrealistic and frivolous.

He argued that top-ranking civil servants, many of whom are politically appointed,

are rarely willing or available to stand as sureties, making such conditions difficult for defendants to meet.

Mr Egwuatu ruled that Mr Alefia be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned to 27 January 2026 for the commencement of the hearing.

Background

Thursdays ruling followed repeated delays in the bail proceedings. At earlier sittings, the court imposed a N50,000 fine on the prosecution for failing to properly serve its counter-affidavit opposing bail.

Mr Alefias lawyer, Israel Abida, told PREMIUM TIMES that proceedings stalled again on Monday after the prosecution filed a counter-affidavit but failed to serve the defence or provide the court with its own copy.

Attempts to serve the defence in open court were unsuccessful because the judge had no record of the filing.

Because neither the court nor the defence had the counter-affidavit, we could not proceed, Mr Abida said.

The defence had first been unable to move its bail application on 12 November because the prosecution had not been served and the courts file contained no copy of the application.

A similar situation occurred at the Monday sitting, prompting the judge to adjourn the matter to Thursday and impose the N50,000 cost on the prosecution for what the defence described as an avoidable delay.

Mr Alefia, who has remained in custody despite health concerns, was expected in court for the hearing.

He was arrested in Lagos on 23 September, transferred to Abuja, and held for six weeks at the now-defunct SARS facility before being arraigned.

He is accused of publishing allegedly false reports about Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State.

He faces five counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Amendment Act.

Mr Alefia is the publisher of Naija News Today (formerly Asiwaju Media). The Commissioner of Police is listed as the complainant, with Mr Alefia and Asiwaju Media Company Ltd named as first and second defendants respectively.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised the use of cybercrime laws to target journalists and critics.

Arraignment

During the arraignment, the prosecution informed the court that the matter was scheduled for a plea.

Mr Alefia pleaded not guilty to all five charges, while the judge entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of the second defendant.

Although the prosecution requested a hearing date, Mr Abida drew attention to a pending bail application.

The court noted that its file contained no such application, and the prosecution claimed it had not been served.

Mr Abida urged the court to grant a short adjournment, saying the defendant had been in custody for two months and that the prosecution was not opposed to bail.

The judge declined, saying he could not consider an unseen application.

He initially adjourned the trial till 27 January 2026 and ordered the defendants remand in Kuje prison before the defence secured an earlier bail hearing date of 27 November.

Charges

Count one accuses the defendants of conspiracy for allegedly using computer systems, including Facebook, to make false publications.

Count two alleges they published a report titled How Federal Lawmaker Ogah Snatches Village Land in Ebonyi, knowing it to be false.

In count three, Mr Alefia is accused of cyberstalking for allegedly posting a false statement quoting Ogah as saying: I rigged senatorial poll against Emmanuel Onwe.

Count four concerns a publication titled Ebonyi Rep Member Returns N4 Million Amidst Extortion Allegations, while count five relates to another report titled Ebonyi Rep Member Threatens Constituent for Supporting Charity Foundation.

All offences are said to violate Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act and are punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i).

Mr Alefia now joins a growing list of Nigerians facing trial under the controversial cybercrime law.
PREMIUM TIMES has emerged as the winner of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting Category at the 2025 ReportHer Awards, an initiative celebrating Nigerian newsrooms that demonstrate excellence and intentionality in gender-balanced journalism.

The awards, held in Lagos on Friday, were organised by Women Radio 91.7 FM in partnership with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), with support from the Ford Foundation.

Why PREMIUM TIMES won

Judges said PREMIUM TIMES distinguished itself through balanced sourcing, strong legal context and sustained coverage of women and vulnerable groups.

Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre and a member of the judging panel, described the assessment process as thorough and deliberate.

He said: The entries were many in some cases, because they wanted justification, some media outlets sent as many stories as they could for the different categories. And we needed to go through all of them.

We looked at the diversity of these stories in terms of the various sources that were consulted, the different dimensions that they looked at, not just in terms of looking at women as victims, but even looking at the legal environment, looking at other factors, including the situation of women in the IDPs and the rest of them, he said, noting that PREMIUM TIMES exemplified the standard the category seeks to promote.

While PREMIUM TIMES earned the top recognition, the judges also acknowledged the efforts of fellow nominees Social Voices and BONews, who were shortlisted for their strong work in GBV reporting.

Other category winners

FRCN won the Female Leadership Representation award ahead of TVC and NTA. BONews topped the Inclusive Advocacy and Reportage category, with Social Voices and Naija Feminists Media also nominated. NAN secured the Pro-Women Workplace Policy award, edging Social Voices and TVC.

Calls for more gender-fair newsrooms

Speaking at the event, Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of WSCIJ, said the awards are part of a broader push to improve gender fairness across Nigerias media ecosystem.

The face and voice of news as we speak is male, she noted, urging newsrooms to deepen fair representation in leadership and sourcing.

Women Radio CEO Toun Sonaiya added that the platform aims to reward organisations that create an enabling environment for women to thrive, shine and lead.

About ReportHer

The ReportHer Awards is a collaborative effort of Women Radio 91.7 and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism to recognise media organisations that prioritise womens representation.

Since 2015, Women Radio 91.7 FMNigerias only female-centric radio stationhas served as a powerful tool for womens development, rights and inclusive governance.

For two decades, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism has championed courageous, inclusive journalism that strengthens media leadership and advances gender and social equity through training, mentorship, collaborations, the Report Women programme and the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday granted administrative bail to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of questioning at the commissions headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), confirmed his release in a Facebook post early Saturday, saying he would continue to cooperate with investigators.

In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention, he wrote.

The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continue to unfold.

PREMIUM TIMES reported on Friday that the anti-graft agency had invited the former minister for interrogation.

EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated 24 November and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of the commissions chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The Commission is investigating a case which the need to obtain certain information from you becomes imperative, the letter earlier reported by Channels Television stated.

He was directed to appear at the EFCC Headquarters in the Institution and Research District, Jabi, Abuja, to meet with investigators from the Special Duty Committee-3.

In view of the above, you are requested to kindly attend an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Special Duty Committee-3. This request is made pursuant to Section 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please, the commission added.

The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.

Malamis response

In a post on Friday, the former minister confirmed receiving the invitation and pledged to honour it.

I am informing my family and friends that EFCC has invited me to clarify on some issues, and as a citizen of law and order and patriot, I am willing to honour this invitation without any hesitation, he wrote.

I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity and honesty in leadership; these are principles Ive long supported and upheld over the years Ive spent in public service.

In another statement, he reiterated his readiness to cooperate fully with investigators, adding that accountability and transparency remained core values of his public service career.

This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation, he said.

Rooted in public service and in the spirit of transparency and accountability, I am committed to sharing with the Nigerian public the developments as they unfold.

EFCC yet to comment

A message sent to EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Saturday to confirm Mr Malamis release and the details of the commissions case against him had not been replied at the time of filing this report.

Mr Malami served as AGF during the two terms of former President Muhammadu Buharis administration.
Premium Times Academy, the capacity building arm of Premium Times Services Limited, has completed a two-day training of journalists from various media outlets in the country on business, economy and financial reporting.

Held in Lagos between 26 and 27 November, the programme took participants through reporting areas like monetary policy tools and indicators, recent reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerias economic system, open source data, fact-checking and verification tools, among others.

The initiative was delivered by Premium Times Academy with support from the CBN, and focused on improving the skills of Nigerian journalists in ethical, data-driven and impactful reporting.

Facilitators ranged from financial advisors and consultants to CBN officials and top media practitioners.

The Abuja version of the training was held two weeks earlier. A total of 25 journalists were trained in the course of the two-day programme.

Crafting informed stories

Ray Echebiri, the CEO of the Centre for Financial Journalism, led the discussion on how developing a deep understanding of the Nigerian financial system can help journalists write fact-based and accurate stories that are educative and engaging to the audience.

You should be able to craft informed stories and analysis about the events in the system with a view to informing, educating and entertaining the audience. That is the most important thing we want to achieve today, he said.

His session also dwelled on monetary policy, macroeconomic variables, banking regulation and operation as well as the roles of regulatory bodies in the Nigerian financial system.

Access to data and authoritative reporting

Musikilu Mojeed, the editor-in-chief of PREMIUM TIMES shared with participants resources for open-source data than can be leveraged in business, financial and economy reporting to enhance stories.

The thrust of the session was the place of data in earning credibility and accuracy for new stories, analyses and investigative reports.

According to Mr Mojeed, financial journalists must have ample access to data for them to report authoritatively on business and economic matters.

Every thing you write or you do, the information that you provide has to be factual, has to be accurate, has to be data-backed, he said.

If you want to analyse budgets, you should be able to look at patterns, what has happened, what sector in the past 10 years is, what sector is getting more, what sector is getting less. You should be able to look at that.

He pointed reporters to the importance of aggregating data and trying to spot trends from them, which can help in generating story ideas.

But he enjoined reporters to take the pain of establishing the original sources of data rather than relying on secondary in order to avoid misinformation and inaccuracies.

Data analysis and data presentation

The need for journalists to avoid telling the truth out of context was the focus of the discussion on data analysis and presentation, led by Zeal Akaraiwe, the CEO of Graeme Blaque Advisory.

He encouraged reporters to always consider every aspect of the subjects they are reporting in other to achieve fair, balanced and objective reporting in such a way that no part of the story is left out.

A lot of reforms are being done at the CBN. The way journalists choose to present it can make a world of difference, he said.

Mr Akaraiwe remarked that the media has a duty to use its power, backed with data and proper analysis, to hold governments accountable.

Ethical principles and standards

Mr Mojeed drew participants attention to the imperative of maintaining high code of conduct and standard of behaviour that adhere to global best practices in the field of journalism.

He highlighted key qualities that reporters need to embrace, including truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality and fairness.

The PREMIUM TIMES editor-in-chief encouraged participants to get a copy of Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists (1998), which is available in digital format.

He lamented the fact that many reporters around the country are not familiar with the code of ethics of the profession, yet practise journalism.

How do you practice a profession whose ethics you are not familiar with? he asked.

According to him, it is morally imperative for all journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in the conduct of their duty and to also have high regard for public interest.

The public has a right to know factual accurate, balance and fair reporting. This is the ultimate objective of good journalism and the basis of having public trust and confidence, he said.

Countering disinformation with fact-checking

David Ajikobi, the Nigeria Editor at Africa Check, highlighted strategies that could be employed in countering disinformation and for checking the accuracy of claims already in public domain.

Mr Akinjobi stated that participants need to understand that journalists themselves can be a target of disinformation and misinformation.

He enjoined participants to avoid bias in all its forms in their reporting.

Always ask yourself, Am I objective? Sometimes even your objectivity might be biased. Am I giving all sides to the story? Sometimes even giving all sides to story might not be I dont check all the facts, whether I personally agree with them or not, he said.

According to him, any gap in a big story is a potential tool for disinformation.

CBN as lender of last resort

Fidelis Odia, a deputy director at the CBN who represented Akinwunmi Olubukola, the CBNs director of banking supervision, provided insights into the functions and structure of the banking industry regulator.

His presentation centred on the CBNs regulatory roles as well as its economic and financial stability functions, monetary policy, risk management and foreign exchange management.

Mr Odia highlighted the significance of the CBN in the monetary economy, some of the recent developments in the industry and the ongoing recapitalisation of banks in the country, which is aimed at supporting the push for a $1 trillion economy.

It is a major role of the central bank to ensure that the banks are adequately capitalised. Capital is the life-wire of any institution, he said.

Liquidity is there, but capital is the main thing, because capital provides buffer to absorb losses. So if its not there, what happens is the institution can go under, and we want our institution to be strong, he added.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has sought a deeper collaboration between the executive and legislature, saying the two arms of government must work towards aligning their purpose and unshakable resolve to build a Nigeria that works for all the citizens.

This, he noted, explains why the relationship between the two arms of government under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been a harmony rooted in leadership, foresight, and collective resolve.

The vice president stated this in Abuja on Friday during a dinner with members of the National Assembly organised by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said under the Tinubu administration, the nation is currently enjoying the best working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government since the return of democracy in 1999.

Mr Shettima, however, called for a deeper collaboration between the two arms of government, stating that the true essence of democracy manifests not only in respecting the legislature, but in appreciating the indispensable role each arm plays in the architecture of governance.

It shines most brightly where there is alignment of purpose, where the Executive and Legislature, despite their distinct constitutional mandates, are united by an unshakable resolve to build a nation that works for all, he added.

On the need to deepen cooperation between the two arms of government, VP Shettima, a former senator, said it is obvious that the entire architecture of the Presidency today is anchored by proud alumni of the National Assembly,

He pointed out that President Tinubu; the First Lady; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and himself are alumni of the federal legislature, saying they are all flying the alumni flag as former members of the National Assembly at the executive arm of government without apology and without hesitation.

Democracy does not flourish in the chaos of discord. It thrives where there is understanding. It survives where there is familiarity with what each arm is designed to achieve. It blossoms where each recognises the intersection between power and responsibilitybetween authority and accountability, he maintained.

The vice president noted that because the wife of the president deeply understands this, she has demonstrated not only that she is a proud alumna of the National Assembly, but that she remains committed to protecting your interests, nurturing your dignity, and uplifting your institutional relevance.

This occasion, in every sense, reaffirms that commitment. You are not taken for granted. You have never been taken for granted. And you will never be taken for granted, he observed.

On the sense of purpose required from the two arms of government to thrive in governance, which he said is the foundation of their partnership, Mr Shettima said it is anchored in President Tinubus understanding that no government can move forward without the National Assembly, and this belief is shared by all of us privileged to serve around him.

He continued: The audacious reforms this administration has undertaken, from stabilising the macroeconomic architecture to repositioning Nigeria for global competitiveness, owe their success to your cooperation and patriotism. You have placed the nation above personal interest. You have resisted the temptation of populist shortcuts.

You have embraced the difficult path of restructuring an economy weighed down by decades of deferred choices. And today, the early signs of macroeconomic recovery are already trickling downgradually, steadily. This has rekindled the confidence that Nigeria is on course to becoming a prime destination for investors.

Acknowledging however that the journey is still far from over, the vIce president said the current threats to the nations national security were potent enough to unite the two arms of government, even as he implored the lawmakers and members of the executive to rely on the wisdom of their predecessors.

None of us is immune to the devastations of the crises we inherited. Our promise to deliver a safer nation is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people. And to fulfill it, we must continue to work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.

Now is the time for each of us to summon the wisdom of our forebears who taught us that nations are not built by the comfort of consensus alone, but by courage, sacrifice, and shared responsibility.

So, let this dinner be more than a social event; let it be a testament to our collective resolve to steer Nigeria toward a horizon where peace is stable, prosperity is shared, and our democracy becomes the pride of future generations, the VP further stated.

Earlier, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said while insecurity was not peculiar to Nigeria, the right measures are being taken to tackle the menace.

He assured that the National Assembly is determined and united in supporting the president in addressing security challenges across the country.

All Nigerians are fighting extremism and we in the National Assembly are united behind this administration in fighting insecurity, the senate president added.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, thanked the First Lady for her consistent contributions to national development through various empowerment programmes for women.

Mr Tajudeen also advocated for more representation for women, especially the ones that involve drawing up policies that would help tackle insecurity, saying if the current bill on women participation is passed, Nigeria will take a major step towards inclusion and justice for all.

ALSO READ: Gov Radda joins VP Shettima at G20 Summit in South Africa

Also, Chairman of the All Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, solicited more support for women participation in governance, describing them as managers of the homes who would do well in key positions of government.

The governor who spoke on behalf of governors of the 36 states of the federation, called for more seats for women at all levels of government.

For her part, the host of the dinner, Mrs Tinubu, who described the event as a good reunion with her former colleagues in the National Assembly, called for a sustained provision of education to all Nigerian children to enable them thrive.

The nations First Lady also called for the passage of the bill currently before the lawmakers seeking more opportunities for women participation in the National Assembly and other leadership positions in the country, just as she charged the 10th National Assembly to stand for women and children at all times.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

29th November, 2025
The State Security Service (SSS) has invited the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for questioning over alleged incitement against the Nigerian government.

Security sources said Mr Baba-Ahmed was invited on Friday evening over his remarks on media platforms and claims of constitutional crisis.

In the interview with Arise Television, Mr Baba-Ahmed reportedly blamed the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said Nigerian could have prevented the Tinubu/Shettima from being sworn-in as president and vice president.

He alleged that the military made President Tinubus administration possible, which made it possible for them to look you in the face and call you a bloody fool.

He reportedly said so in reference to the altercation between the Navy officer, Ahmed Yerima, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The SSS said his inflammatory comments carry undertones capable of heightening national tension, particularly given the sensitivity of Nigerias current political climate.

SolaceBase Newspaper reported that a security source said such an invitation aligns with established protocols, especially as his description of efforts to improve the security of the nation as a joke could agitate public sentiment and weaken trust in state institutions.

These sessions are not punitive; they are preventive, focused on clarifying intent, contextualising the remarks, and preventing the emergence of narratives that could unintentionally fuel unrest, the newspaper quoted the source as saying.

The SSS is yet to officially comment on the invitation and Mr Baba-Ahmed has also not spoken about the invitation.
Against the backdrop of escalating banditry and recurrent mass abductions across the region, North-west political and traditional leaders have called for a new security architecture in the area.

They made the call in Kaduna on Saturday at the North-West Zonal Security Summit attended by federal lawmakers, top security chiefs, traditional rulers and senior government officials, including the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar.

The summit was organised by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security and themed Building Robust Regional Collaborations to Tackle Insecurity: Pathways for Securing the Future.

Its aims include strengthening cooperation among security agencies and governments across Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

Key proposal from stakeholders

Kaduna governor Uba Sani presented some of the most far-reaching proposals, calling for the establishment of a North-West theatre command to unify the Nigerian Armys 1st and 8th Divisions.

He said the measure would fast-track intelligence sharing, enhance coordinated operations and dismantle the cross-state criminal networks driving insecurity.

Mr Sani also urged the expansion of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to Nigerias border with Niger Republic to disrupt arms trafficking and deny bandits and terror groups cross-border sanctuaries.

He argued that military action alone is insufficient, advocating state and local security committees involving traditional rulers, clerics, women, youth groups, civil society and security agencies as early-warning and trust-building platforms.

Renewing the call for state police, the governor said Nigerias centralised policing system can no longer meet the needs of a nation of 230 million people, especially with fewer than 400,000 officers available to secure vast ungoverned spaces.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Badaru, reiterated President Bola Tinubus commitment to a more adaptive national security architecture.

He highlighted gains recorded through joint operations across Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi, including the reopening of key routes and the revival of formerly deserted markets in Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Batsari, Giwa and Kajuru.

He also noted that many displaced communities and schools had reopened, though the region still faces persistent attacks by bandits and terror cells.

Delivering the keynote address, Muhammad Isa, a professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, argued that current security strategies are failing due to fragmentation, inadequate coordination, overstretched security institutions, weak intelligence systems and the absence of a comprehensive regional framework.

Even when tactical gains are recorded, he said, they rarely translate into sustainable peace because the structural drivers of insecurity remain unaddressed.

He called for robust regional collaboration capable of responding to the mobility of armed groups, dispersed forest enclaves and humanitarian spillovers.

Chairman of the organising committee, Babangida Hussaini, said the summit was convened to confront the worsening insecurity in the North-west and propose practical solutions.

He noted that the recommendations will feed into the National Security Summit scheduled for 1 December in Abuja, reflecting the federal governments determination to adopt actionable, nationwide reforms.

Mr Hussaini commended Governor Uba Sani for his exceptional support in hosting the event.

Menace of insecurity in the North-west

The North-west remains one of Nigerias most volatile regions, suffering persistent banditry, mass abductions, village raids and large-scale displacement.

Armed groups move across vast forest corridors linking several states, exploiting weak policing, overstretched military formations and porous borders.

Farming has collapsed in many rural areas, schools have closed, and major trade routes remain unsafe.

Recent attacks highlight the deepening crisis: 24 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, while in Niger State, dozens were seized during the Papiri community attack, underscoring how the violence is spreading beyond traditional hotspots.

Despite security operations and occasional gains, bandit networks continue to evolve, shifting bases across states and exploiting governance vacuums.

The humanitarian toll remains severe as thousands of families are displaced, livelihoods destroyed and communities traumatised.

The discussions at the Kaduna summit reflect growing consensus that insecurity in the North-west has become a multidimensional emergency requiring coordinated regional responses, long-term structural reforms and stronger community participation.
In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Today, it is no secret that Islam is being attacked. Whether from within, by fake jihadist groups and people who commit atrocities in the name of Islam such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, Mamudawa, Lakurawa etc, or from outside by the rising tide of Islamophobia and the subtle, and not-so-subtle, attacks on and mockery of Islam and Muslims. Our beautiful religion has been hijacked by a statistically insignificant minority who share nothing with the teachings of our faith other than a name. Their evil actions give reason and excuse for people of ill intent to try to smear this beautiful religion, using the actions of this minority as an excuse to attack Muslims and create a tremendous fitnah (trial) for us all. It is shaking the weak-hearted to the core and confusing those of us who, all of a sudden, find ourselves in the midst of a very disorienting storm.

Is this something new, or has it happened before? Let us take a quick look back at a couple of major events in our beloved Prophets life.

In the tenth year of prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) went to Al-Taif, which is about 60 miles from Makkah. He travelled by foot, both ways, and in his company was his servant Zaid Bin Harithah (RA). Every time they stopped by a village or town, he would invite its people to Islam and none would answer his invitation. When he arrived at Al-Taif he sought out three brothers who were prominent figures of the tribe of Thaqif. He sat with them and invited them to Allah Almighty and to aid Islam. One of the brothers said to him:

I will rip the cloth off the Kaabah if Allah sent you.

While the other said:

Did Allah not find anyone better than you?

And the third said:

By Allah I will never speak to you, for if you are a Prophet then you are dangerous to engage in conversation and if you are lying then I should not be speaking to someone like you.

So the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) left them and said:

Then please do not tell others about me. [See The Sealed Nectar, page 148]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) stayed with the people of Al-Taif for ten days and he did not leave any of their honourable or respected figures without speaking to them about Islam. They all told him to leave their land and kicked him out. They also egged the lowly ones from among them, and their slaves, to yell and curse at the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and Zaid (RA) as they were leaving. People gathered and formed two lines and, along with cursing and yelling, threw pebbles and rocks at them until the heels of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) bled. Zaid (RA) was trying to protect the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with his own body, was hit in the head, and bled. People continued to abuse them until three miles later, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his Companion got to a vineyard and they rested under the shade of its plants.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) himself was humiliated, hurt and broken-hearted. What did he do?

Imam Bukhari reports that Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) if he had experienced a day that was harder on him than the day of the Battle of Uhud. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) replied that he had seen his fair share from her people, but the worst was when he went to Al-Taif to invite its people to Islam. He said:

then I left, saddened and downtrodden, until I realised that I had arrived at Qarn Al-Thalib. While there, a cloud cast its shadow upon me. I looked up and the Angel Jibril was on it, and he said, Allah has heard what the people said to you and how they responded and He has sent the angel of the mountains with me to command him with whatever you may please. At that, moment the angel of the mountains called the Prophet and asked, O Muhammad, you shall have whatever you please. If you so desire, I can close the two mountains on them. [The people of Al-Taif lived between two mountains] The Prophet replied, But I wish that Allah would send from among them people who would worship Him alone and not associate any in worship with Him.

This is why Allah Almighty says about the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Surah Al-Anbiya:

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. [Quran, 21:107]

He was the most merciful person. Allah Almighty called him a mercy to the worlds. He was merciful to his family, to his followers, to his friends, even to his enemies. He was merciful to young and old, to humans and to animals. Those who persecuted him in Makkah and killed his relatives and his followers, when they were defeated in battles and brought to him as captives, were forgiven by him. He asked them:

What do you think I am to do to you today? and they replied, Nothing but good, a generous brother the son of a generous brother. He replied, I shall say to you what Yusuf (AS) said to his brothers: No blame on you today.

He did not ever take revenge or retaliate. He was the most forgiving person. His concern was that the message of Allah Almighty made it through to hardened hearts.

Allah the Most High says in Surah Al-Baqarah:

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, When is the help of Allah? Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. [Quran, 2:214]

Today, we are living in difficult times and many questions surround us.

How do we counter sick-hearted people (terrorists) who want to turn our children into murderers under the false guise of Islam?

How do we answer Islamophobia?

How do we answer our childrens questions about a distorted image of Islam?

How do we uphold the Prophets honour?

By learning and understanding the life he lived. The morals he exemplified. The actions he took. By building ourselves in the same methodical way he built his followers. You start with faith and solidify it in your heart. Then you apply the beauty of that faith to all of your actions.

Allah the Most High says:

Say, [O Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Quran, 3:31]

To follow him, we must understand him.

The time is now for us to focus on what is most important.

It is not the environment you live in. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) grew up in a time where people circumambulated the Kaabah naked and worshipped idols.

It is not the lack of a full-time Islamic school that makes our children grow up detached from this religion.

It is not that we do not have an Imam/Khalifah (religious leader). We have the example of a great Imam (Sultan), may Allah Almighty bless him and his family, but even though we have him, he is not going to raise our children for us.

The responsibility lies with us. We are the ones responsible for understanding our faith and raising our kids to be proud of, and to fully embrace and practice, their Muslim identity.

Allah the Most High says in Surah Muhammad:

So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place. [Quran, 47:19]

We are told to know before we are told to ask for forgiveness. The most telling evidence that we must have knowledge first before we take action is that the first verse of the Quran to be revealed was:

Recite in the name of your Lord who created. [Quran, 96:1]

Reading is the key to knowledge. Islam started with knowledge and learning before action, and therefore it is incumbent upon each one of us to learn our great religion. Learn and know what is obligated upon you for the sake of Allah Almighty, for your own sake, for your familys sake, your neighbours, your community, your society and humanity as a whole.

Knowledge is a fard (obligation) on every Muslim. This obligation is two kinds. One is what is known in Islam as fard kifayah, or an obligation that is fulfilled if a sufficient number of Muslims within a community perform it. For example, not every Muslim needs to be a scholar of Islam, or an expert in Hadith (traditions of the Prophet) or tafsir (exegesis of the Quran). It is an obligatory knowledge, but if a sufficient number of people possess it, then the sin of not performing the obligation is lifted from the rest of the Muslims. This is true for all kinds of knowledge, not only Islamic or religious knowledge. This means that not everyone needs to be a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer; rather, a sufficient number of people should have that knowledge, helping their societies become self-sufficient rather than needing to import expertise.

The second form of knowledge is that which is fard ain, or obligatory on each and every Muslim. Every Muslim must learn of their religion that which corrects, strengthens and improves their Iman (faith).

The best way to fight Islamophobia is to understand and practice our Islam: to engage people as a Muslim and to live our lives as Muslims. Therefore, wearing the hijab is fighting Islamophobia. Resisting lusts and temptations is fighting Islamophobia. Understanding Islam is fighting Islamophobia.

Respected brothers and sisters! Islamic teachings offer profound guidance on dealing with adversity and hatred through patience, steadfastness, reliance on Allah, and responding to evil with good. Key sources like the Quran, the Prophets (Peace be upon him) life (Sirah), and the stories of early Muslims provide powerful lessons and inspiration.

The Quran provides a direct framework for maintaining faith and strength during persecution.

Allah Almighty says:

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah  indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of resolve. [Quran, 3:186]

And He the Most High says:

Good and evil deeds are not alike. Requite evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend. But none will attain this save those who endure with fortitude and are greatly favoured by Allah. [Quran, 41: 34-35]

This Quranic verse is a powerful call to respond to hostility with grace and kindness.

The Quran reassures Muslim believers that help will come to those who remain steadfast. Allah Almighty says:

Indeed, Messengers before you were rejected, but they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them. [Quran, 6:34]

The lives of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions are filled with examples of enduring extreme hardship with dignity and faith.

As mentioned earlier, after years of persecution in Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) traveled to the city of Al-Taif seeking support. Instead, he was mocked and stoned until his feet bled. When the Angel Jibril offered to crush the people of Al-Taif between two mountains, the Prophet refused, praying instead that Allah would guide their descendants to worship Him alone.

Early Muslims who were slaves or from weaker tribes, like Bilal Ibn Rabah, faced brutal torture. Bilals master would place a heavy rock on his chest in the scorching desert heat, demanding he renounce Islam. Bilal remained steadfast, repeating Ahad, Ahad (One, One), until he was eventually freed by Abubakar.

The Prophets entire clan faced a three-year economic and social boycott by the powerful Quraish tribe. They endured severe deprivation and hunger but did not waver in their protection of the Prophet. This collective resilience is a testament to the strength found in unity and faith during times of intense pressure.

These sources inspire Muslim believers today to respond to Islamophobia with a multi-faceted approach.

Adversity is viewed as a test from Allah that can lead to spiritual growth.

The Prophets character, described as the Quran embodied, serves as the ultimate model for rising above hostility through noble conduct and moral strength.

Counteracting ignorance and misconceptions about Islam through education and personal interaction is a key strategy.

Increasing acts of worship, such as prayer (Dua) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar), is essential for inner strength and trusting in divine support.

Islam demands the avoidance of oppression and calls for standing up against injustice in all forms.

Dear brothers and sisters! Islam will continue to flourish regardless of any hate, because it is the religion of Allah, and Allah will always protect His religion.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

My Lord gathered up the world for me, and so I saw its eastern most part and its western most part. And my nations dominion will reach the furthermost parts of what I saw gathered up! And my Lord has promised me the red and the white. And I asked my Lord not to destroy my nation with a general drought, or that an external enemy come and obliterate the last of them. So my Lord answered me back, O Muhammad! Once I have decreed a matter, it will not be changed or abrogated. And I have decreed that your nation will not be destroyed because of a drought, and that it shall not be obliterated due to an external enemy attack, even if all of them gather their forces from across the world! But [what shall happen] is that they will attack one another, and take one another as prisoners.' [Reported by Muslim in his Sahih]

Benefits from this Hadith is as follows:

1. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) predicted that his Ummah would grow and span the entire world, as has indeed occurred.

2. He predicted that the thrust of this expansion will be towards the east and the west of Arabia, and not as much towards the north or the south. And this too has occurred. Look at a map of the Muslim world and you will see the central lands of Islam surrounding the Arabian peninsula from the east and west: from Morocco to Turkistan.

3. The red and the white is a reference to gold and silver, and an indirect reference to the Roman empire (which traded in gold) and the Persian empire (which traded in silver). Meaning: the two greatest empires will be mine and their lands will become Muslim lands. And this has occurred.

4. He predicted that the Ummah as a whole will never be destroyed because of a general plague or an external enemy. Even if the world were to unite to fight the Muslims, that would not obliterate them entirely, although it might take large segments.

5. And, finally, he predicted that, for a divine wisdom known to Allah alone, the primary problem of the Ummah would be in-fighting and internal divisions.

It is not the blood that is shed from external foes that affects the Muslims the most; it is blood that is shed from one Muslim land fighting another, or even from the dictators fighting against and massacring their own peoples.

And indeed, it is to Allah we complain and upon Him we place our hopes and trust.

Fellow brothers and sisters! In-fighting, internal strife, and division are portrayed in Islamic teachings as a profound danger and a primary source of weakness, humiliation, and destruction for the Muslim Ummah. The core message from the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith) is that unity is a divine blessing and a collective obligation, while disunity is a severe punishment and a tool used by external forces and internal negative traits (like envy and political rivalry) to undermine the Muslim communitys strength and purpose.

The noble Quran strongly warns against division, emphasising unity as a fundamental principle. Allah Almighty says:

Hold fast to the rope of Allah and not being divided. [Quran, 3:103]

This rope signifies adherence to divine guidance as the basis for unity.

Describing Muslim believers as a single brotherhood and urging reconciliation. [Quran, 49:10]

Warning against being like those who are divided after receiving clear signs (Quran, 3:105) and stressing that division leads to chastisement.

Linking disputes to losing courage and power. [Quran, 8:46]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also described the Ummah as one body, where the suffering of one part affects the whole. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

He advised against envy, hatred, and turning away from one another, encouraging Muslims to be brothers. [Sahih Muslim]

He highlighted reconciliation as a superior act, warning that causing disunity erodes ones religion.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) demonstrated conflict resolution before his prophethood when the Makkah tribes disputed who would place the Black Stone during the rebuilding of the Kaabah. He wisely resolved the conflict by having all the tribal leaders share the honour, preventing potential war.

So in-fighting and internal divisions weaken the Ummah, contradicting the divine command for unity. This disunity leads to a loss of divine support and makes Muslim communities vulnerable. Islam emphasises unity based on its core principles, dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding as the way forward.

Respected brothers and sisters! Theres a Prophetic Hadith, narrated by Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him), which is found in collections like Sunan Abi Dawud. Thawban reported that: The Messenger of Allah, (Peace be upon him) said:

Soon the nations will be summoned to you just like one is invited to a feast. It was said, Will we be few in that day? The Prophet said, No, rather you will be many in that day, but you will be scum like such flowing down a torrent. Allah will remove your esteem from the chests of your enemies, and Allah will insert feebleness (Wahn) in your own hearts. It was said, O Messenger of Allah, what is this feebleness (Wahn)? The Prophet said, Love for the worldly life and hatred of death. [Sunan Abi Dawud, and graded Hasan (fair) according to Shaikh Shuaib Al-Arnaut]

In this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) foretold a time when nations would gather to attack Muslims, likening it to people inviting others to share a dish. When asked if this would be due to small numbers, he clarified that Muslims would be numerous but weak, like scum carried by a torrent. He explained that Allah would remove fear of Muslims from their enemies hearts and replace it with wahn (enervation) in the Muslims hearts. Wahn was defined as love of the world and dislike of death. This Hadith highlights internal weakness, rooted in excessive attachment to worldly life and aversion to death, as the primary cause of vulnerability.

The Hadith also serves as a call for self-reflection and action, emphasising internal factors contributing to the challenges faced by the Ummah. It highlights that strength comes from strong Iman (faith), righteousness, and unity, rather than mere numbers. Combating wahn involves detaching from worldly desires, focusing on righteous deeds, and contemplating the temporary nature of this life and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. Believers are reminded that divine assistance is available for those who strive and remain patient (Quran, 2:214).

Furthermore, another Hadith promises that a group within the Ummah will continue to uphold the truth until the Day of Judgment.

Dear brothers and sisters! Today, the Muslim Ummah is at its weakest. Our people are being attacked, ridiculed, humiliated and persecuted all over the world.

And we have only ourselves to blame for our disgrace. Isnt it time we wake up from our slumber and unite in defense of truth and justice?

The nations will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish. The Prophet explained that this would not be due to small numbers, but because the Muslim Ummah would become like scum and rubbish with Allah removing fear of them from their enemies hearts and casting wahn into their own. When asked about wahn, he replied, Love of the world and dislike of death.

This Hadith describes a future state of vulnerability for the Muslim Ummah despite their numbers, attributing it to the internal weakness of wahn  excessive focus on material things and a fear of death.

The Hadith calls for self-reflection and action, emphasising that overcoming external threats requires addressing internal spiritual weaknesses. It highlights that true strength comes from faith, unity, and adherence to Islamic principles, not just numbers. Overcoming wahn means prioritising the Hereafter and being willing to strive for truth, even if it involves facing death. The message encourages abandoning materialism, uniting for truth, and relying on Allah.

And finally, dear brothers and sisters! I pray, May Allah see you through in all your endeavours.

Ya, Allah! There is no power nor might except with You, so grant us the best of this world, in the grave and that of the afterlife, O You the Merciful.

May Allah Ease our suffering and Reward us for our Patience.

May Allah strengthens our Iman and protect us from any satanic influences.

Allah Almighty, we lift up our nation, Nigeria, into Your loving hands. Bless our land with peace, unity, and progress. Guide our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Strengthen our communities with love and understanding. Protect us from violence, corruption, and division. Help us build a nation where justice flows, opportunities grow, and every citizen lives in dignity and hope. Ya Allah, heal our land and let Your light shine upon Nigeria. Allah of all wisdom and peace, bless our country with unity, justice, and compassion. Guide our leaders to act with integrity, and strengthen our people with courage and kindness. Protect our land, heal our divisions, and help us walk together in hope. May peace take root here, and may love be our way forward.

Ya Allah, whoever has a hand in terrorism, in kidnapping, in banditry, in destroying our country, in all the crises taking place in Nigeria, directly or indirectly, Muslim or non-Muslim, old or young, Southerner or Northerner, Pastor or Imam, educated or uneducated, security agent or civilian, politician, business man, civil servant or labourer, whoever he may be, may Allah expose them, destroy them, put them on shame and send His wrath, punishment and calamity on them. Ya Allah, dont allow them to know peace, dont allow them to experience peace and happiness in their entire lives.

Ya Allah, destroy all the terrorists and idiots collecting ransom and causing pains to Nigerians. Whoever support these animals will never get peace of mind and their generation never end well In Shaa Allah!

Respected brothers and sisters! Indeed, our hearts bleed, Our tears keep flowing, We are suffering, Our pain know no bound. So painful!

Fellow Nigerians! Say NO to war, Say NO to racism, Say NO to tribalism, Say NO to double standards, Say NO to corruption, Say NO to bad governance, Say NO to criminal politicians, Say NO to extremism, Say NO to terrorism, Say NO to banditry, Say NO to insurgency, Say NO to kidnapping, Say NO to ethnoreligious crisis, Say NO to political thuggery, Say NO to the using of religion in a bad way, Say NO to violence against women, Say NO to child abuse, Say NO to hate speech, Say NO to foreign intervention, Say NO to animalistic behaviour, Say NO to ignorance. Lets all unite to take back our country. Lets join hand to reclaim our beloved nation. Know that, united we stand divided we fall!

We pray for a Nigeria filled with peace, mercy, compassion and justice.

May Allah forgive us, purify us and guide us and allow us to be worthy of following the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). May Allah allow us to be a source of blessings for the Ummah and those around us and allow us to embody the true meaning of piety. May Allah bless you and bless your Jumuah with every blessings, ameen.

Absolutely! Allah is always with us, even in our loneliest moments. He is the best protector, the best listener, and the most merciful. Trust in His plan, and He will guide you through every difficulty. Stay strong and keep your faith alive!

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumadal Thani 07, 1447 AH (November 28, 2025).


Umunne m,

I write to you today not in anger, but with a mind sharpened against self-deception. This is neither a letter of comfort nor a stage for fragile egos, but a reckoning forged through brutal reflection. If you are seeking reassurance, validation, or easy affirmation, this is not for you. You may stop here.

These past few weeks, no doubt, have exacted a serious emotional toll on all Nigerians. The country has mutated into one in which peril no longer startles the moral imagination. Danger has been domesticated, disciplined, and absorbed into the rhythms of ordinary life. Kidnapping is no longer an aberration; it has become the steady tempo of our collective existence. Murder no longer shocks, it murmurs faintly in the background, a constant and unremarkable soundtrack to our days.

Nigeria is a republic where power determines guilt and innocence, and ethnic identity silently seals fate. The law, in practice, is not a shield but a cudgel, unsheathed not in defence of justice but in service of dominance. Courts have been reduced to theatres. Judgments bear the unmistakable scent of scripts written elsewhere. Some citizens arrive at birth already condemned by invisible verdicts.

For Ndigbo, however, the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, followed by his onward procession toward the iron confines of Sokoto prison, have acquired a more profound and unsettling resonance. These are not mere judicial events. They are state spectacles, choreographed and saturated with historical resentment.

It would be preposterous and intellectually dishonest for us to pretend that Kanus hands are immaculate or that his conduct was devoid of monumental consequences. But that is not the major point of contention. Our grievance lies elsewhere. It resides in a republic that has mastered the craft of selective justice, whereby ethnicity, rather than evidence, subtly but decisively tilts the scales.

Within our own ranks, the Kanu question remains a source of rupture. For some, he is the defiant embodiment of resistance against an unyielding state. For others, he is a reckless provocateur who widened already festering wounds. These fractures are real. They are personal. Yet, this reflection is not an exercise in factional allegiance. The more fundamental concern is what his ordeal has exposed. It has illuminated the steady, methodical relegation of our people to the most fragile and precarious margins of the Nigerian experiment, estranged within a nation we helped to conceive, construct, and steady in its formative years.

Nigeria is a republic where power determines guilt and innocence, and ethnic identity silently seals fate. The law, in practice, is not a shield but a cudgel, unsheathed not in defence of justice but in service of dominance. Courts have been reduced to theatres. Judgments bear the unmistakable scent of scripts written elsewhere. Some citizens arrive at birth already condemned by invisible verdicts.

Many Nigerians remain perplexed by the wellspring of sympathy Kanu commands among vast segments of our people. From their vantage point, he stood at the helm of a movement associated with defiance, disorder, and the reckless spilling of innocent blood. Their incomprehension is not entirely irrational. Yet, the truth is both more layered and more disquieting than the moral cartoons offered in public discourse.

Movements such as IPOB did not spring from any cultural predisposition toward violence. Like MASSOB before it, IPOB emerged as an instrument of political expression, a language of protest birthed by humiliation, systemic exclusion, and structural abandonment. It was voice before it became force. For countless numbers of our people, the frustrations it gave articulation to had existed long before Nnamdi Kanu found international amplification.

Nevertheless, grievance movements, when left untended and unguided, often rot from within. They metastasise. That rot became visible when radical splinter elements, most notoriously the Autopilot faction under Simon Ekpa, transmuted political agitation into an architecture of terror. Violence turned inward. Markets were shuttered. Families were uprooted. Traders and artisans, whose only transgression was the pursuit of honest survival, were summarily executed. Communities were psychologically and socially mangled. The very population such movements claimed to emancipate became their most routine casualties. What commenced as managed resistance deteriorated into self-devouring anarchy.

Yet, to conclude the narrative there would amount to the highest act of dishonesty. The Nigerian state carries a weighty historical indictment. Prior to Operation Python Dance, IPOBs activities were largely nonviolent in method and posture. The states answer was not engagement, reform, or inclusion. It was militarisation. Unarmed youths were cut down. Peaceful assemblies were dispersed with gunfire. A movement that might have remained political was forcibly radicalised by state brutality. Its leader was driven into exile, not by due process, but by naked fear.

The contrast in state behaviour remains grotesquely transparent. Militants of the Niger Delta were granted amnesty and lucrative security contracts. Many Boko Haram terrorists were absorbed through rehabilitation and reintegration schemes. The leadership of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) were quietly pacified and accommodated. Yet, when unarmed Igbo youths marched to protest injustice, the state answered with armoured tanks and unrestrained force. This disparity is not incidental. It is structural, deliberate, and deeply embedded.

The spectre of January 1966 refuses to recede. Credible testimonies, including those of former heads of state and respected historians, have clarified that the coup was not designed as an ethnic conspiracy of Igbo domination. It was the act of young, idealistic officers recoiling against what they perceived as national rot. Yet, history is governed less by intent than by memory, fear, and myth.

Whether one casts Kanu as hero or villain, a deeply unsettling truth persists. Justice in Nigeria is not blind. It is calculated, conditional, and ethnically hued. For many of our people, justice feels distant, abstract, and perpetually deferred.

The tragedy becomes starker when placed against the longue duree of our history. There existed a period when the Igbo occupied the intellectual and administrative epicentre of Nigerias national life. Our people pioneered educational advancement, commercial innovation, civil service discipline, and military professionalism. The Igbo name once signified excellence, resilience, and adaptive brilliance across West Africa. We were not peripheral actors in the Nigerian drama. We were central architects. That trajectory was violently severed by the cataclysm of the Nigerian Civil War.

What followed was not reconciliation but bureaucratised retribution, dressed in the language of policy. The twenty-pound savings ceiling. The abandoned property edicts. The methodical engineering of political irrelevance. The quiet institutionalisation of second-class citizenship. What was offered in the aftermath was not integration, but tokenism. Presence without power. Visibility without influence.

Yet, candour compels us to turn the searchlight inward as much as outward. No architecture of marginalisation is sustained by external hostility alone. It endures when a people fails to consolidate its own power. We have become fluent in the grammar of grievance, much of it justified, yet we have persistently evaded the confrontation with our internal deficiencies. Chronic fragmentation. Leadership vacuums. An enduring inability to transmute individual brilliance into a collective political machinery.

We produce world-class minds, yet lack a disciplined political infrastructure. We oscillate between fury and withdrawal, between protest and paralysis. Emotions have supplanted strategy. This void has been opportunistically exploited by those whose loyalty is not to justice, but to relevance. They harvest Igbo pain as political currency. But outrage divorced from structure is not power. It is theatre.

Perhaps most corrosive is our increasing hostility to introspection itself. Voices of caution are called Otellectuals and branded traitorous. Debate is displaced by insults. Reflection is mistaken for weakness. No civilisation advances by criminalising self-examination.

The spectre of January 1966 refuses to recede. Credible testimonies, including those of former heads of state and respected historians, have clarified that the coup was not designed as an ethnic conspiracy of Igbo domination. It was the act of young, idealistic officers recoiling against what they perceived as national rot. Yet, history is governed less by intent than by memory, fear, and myth.

The reality remains brutal. Most of the principal actors bore Igbo names. The Prime Minister and Northern and Western leaders were killed. No prominent Igbo political titan fell. In a federation already convulsed by suspicion, perception hardened into immutable dogma.

General Aguiyi Ironsi deepened the wound. His failure to prosecute the coup plotters, his ill-timed centralisation of authority through Decree 34, and his tone-deafness to Northern anxieties, widened the chasm. What followed was not merely a counter-coup. It was the institutionalisation of distrust.

Make no mistake: Nigeria will not concede political or economic space to Ndigbo out of sentiments, regardless of how justified our grievance may be. Power is never gifted; it is organised and taken. The responsibility rests with us to build internal cohesion, cultivate strategic clarity, and undertake the difficult work of political organisation and alliance-building.

It is neither morally defensible nor intellectually rational to punish an entire people for the actions of a few idealistic men. But history does not obey morality. It moves through memory, myth, grievance, and inherited fear.

Here we stand today, marked by history, viewed with suspicion by the state, divided within ourselves. We are a people of immense intellectual and entrepreneurial capacity, yet often unable to organise our collective strength into disciplined political coherence. Our brilliance shines most vividly in individual achievements, but this remains poorly translated into unified strategy.

We are a resilient people, once written off by the Nigerian state, yet rising from the ruins of war, dispossession, and deliberate marginalisation to rebuild lives of dignity and distinction. The post-war Igbo recovery stands as one of the most striking examples of communal resilience in modern African history.

Yet resilience, when not tempered by wisdom, can harden into restlessness.

Our assertiveness, once a virtue of survival has, in some instances, evolved into needless abrasiveness, performative triumphalism, and a troubling inability to manage success with quiet power. We have conquered markets, classrooms, and professions but are yet to conquer ourselves.

Decades ago, Chinua Achebe warned us that survival alone was not enough; that we must learn less abrasiveness, more shrewdness and tact, and a willingness to grant the validity of less boisterous values. That warning was not an insult; it was a prescription for maturity.

Here is also one unpalatable truth we must confronts. Fairness has never been the prevailing currency of group relations. Groups compete. They manoeuvre. They organise for advantage. This governs families, clans, states, and subnational groups.

Make no mistake: Nigeria will not concede political or economic space to Ndigbo out of sentiments, regardless of how justified our grievance may be. Power is never gifted; it is organised and taken. The responsibility rests with us to build internal cohesion, cultivate strategic clarity, and undertake the difficult work of political organisation and alliance-building. Volume is not power. Impatience is not strategy. Disdain for institutional process is not influence. And a mythology of exceptionalism, untempered by discipline, is ultimately self-defeating.

This first part of this letter is not a manifesto. It offers no solutions and prescribes no remedies. It is a diagnosis. No people recover from a disease they refuse to name. And our deepest wound is not only that Nigeria marginalises us, but that we are yet to master the discipline of thinking strategically about power.

Part two will confront what must change.

Osmund Agbo is a medical doctor and author. His works include Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released. He can be reached through: [email protected]
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has projected the state as a top investment destination in northern Nigeria during a strategic side event at the G20 Summit in South Africa. The governor who spoke on the event theme Driving Africas Sustainable Infrastructure for Industrialization: Investing in Nigeria Solid Minerals for Inclusive Growth and Green Transition, highlighted investment opportunities across the northwest, with particular focus on Katsina State.

Governor Radda emphasised Katsinas rapid progress in building a modern economy through expanded fibre infrastructure, digital reforms, improved logistics, and a unified one-government approach that strengthens the business environment. Katsina State is building the foundations of a 21st-century economy. From digital infrastructure to policy stability, we are creating an environment where investors can thrive, the governor stated.

He spotlighted the states rich mineral assets, including lithium and key industrial minerals, noting Katsinas commitment to responsible extraction, value addition, and partnerships that support Nigerias green-transition goals. Our mineral wealth is not just for extractionits for transformation. We are committed to value addition that creates jobs, drives industrialization, and supports sustainable development, Radda added.

The governor presented Katsina as powered by policy stability, a rising technology ecosystem, improved security, and a young, dynamic population ready for industrial and digital growth. He outlined investment opportunities in mineral processing, renewable energy, technology-driven agriculture, and digital innovation across ten northwest states.

As Nigeria deepens its engagement with the G20, Katsina stands ready with real opportunities for sustainable industrialization and green development, the governor declared. The G20 side event focused on investing in Nigerias solid minerals for inclusive growth and green transition, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Applications for the 2026 West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme are now ongoing for interested Nigerian undergraduates enrolled in tertiary institutions. You can see the list of approved Universities.

The West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme seeks to support Nigerian University students with an annual 250,000 scholarship award that is renewable upon academic performance and a laptop to aid academic performance.

In this post, we will reveal to you the details of the scholarship opportunity, its requirements, benefits, required documents, and step-by-step application guide.

West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship Summary

 Host Country: Nigeria

 Category: Undergraduate Scholarships  Eligible Countries: Nigeria

 Reward: 250,000 per year and a laptop to aid academic performance.

 Deadline: December 23, 2025

West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship Details:

In line with its dedication to education and human capital development, West Africa Oil and Gas Development invites applications from University undergraduate students in the for the 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship Award.

The West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate

Scholarship initiative is designed to support exceptional undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities, equipping them with the resources to excel academically and contribute to national development.

West Africa Oil and Gas Development is committed to fostering an inclusive scholarship programme and encourages applications from all eligible students.

Eligibility Requirements for West Africa Oil and Gas Development Scholarship 2026

To be considered for the West Africa Oil and Gas Development Scholarship, you must:

 Must be a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and currently residing in the country.

 Must be currently enrolled as a full-time in an undergraduate programme at a Nigerian federal or state-owned university in Nigeria. Kindly visit this page to see the list of approved Universities.

Benefits of West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

The West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship offers a sum of

250,000 per year and a laptop to aid academic performance to all selected candidates.

Required Documents for West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents:  Complete Application Form

 Passport photograph with white background not more than3months old (450px by 450px not more than 200kb)

 O-Level and UTME results

 University and JAMB Admission letter

 University student ID card

 National Population Commission Issued Birth certificate  Local Government Area (LGA) letter of identification  National ID Number (NIN) Slip

How to Apply for West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship 2026(Step by Step)

To apply for the West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;

 Begin your application here.

 You are to apply for the West Africa Oil and Gas Development Undergraduate Scholarship using your registered Email address.

 Apply online by filling in all required fields.

 Upload a recent passport photo (no glasses) and a valid

 means of identification.

 Eligible applicants will be invited to a scheduled interview. NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in this interview.

 Qualified candidates will be notified to submit an additional set of mandatory documents after the interview.

 Scholarships will be awarded only to candidates who satisfy all eligibility criteria and selection requirements.

Deadline: Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025.
Culture, when properly harnessed, has the potential to become a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said. Speaking at the 39th Akesan Day Celebration held at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, the governor noted that many countries across the world have diversified their economies through culture and tourism.

According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit immensely if its numerous cultural festivals are fully developed and promoted. Festivals like this bring thousands of visitors who patronize local businesses, artisans, entertainers, food vendors, hotels and of course, our transport operators, Abiodun said.

When properly harnessed, cultural celebrations become platforms for tourism; like Lisabi Day, Oronna Day, Ojude Oba and many more. They create jobs and attract investments. Communities across the world, from Brazil to Kenya, have used culture as a driver of economic expansion. In many countries, tourism contributes significantly to national GDP. Dubai is a clear example.

Nigeria can achieve the same by consistently developing and promoting its cultural identities. Festivals like this serve as catalysts, turning attention and positive visibility to our communities, he emphasised.

The governor further stated that culture not only promotes shared identity and social harmony, but also instills values such as unity, honesty and communal responsibility, key ingredients for societal development. He reaffirmed his administrations commitment to promoting culture, preserving history, and supporting community development across Ogun State.

Mr Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to revive the nations economy through reforms, assuring that Ogun State would continue to align with the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbemi, described Akesan Day as a rallying point for cultural promotion and a platform for charting the future of the community.

He assured that the state government would continue to preserve its cultural heritage. The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the people of Iperu for sustaining their traditions and congratulated the organizers for a befitting event.

Chairman of the occasion and Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, applauded the state government for its infrastructural strides, particularly the Gateway International Airport located in Iperu. He said the annual celebration enhances cultural engagement and economic progress, urging residents to preserve their heritage for future generations.

In his remarks, Chairman, Iperu Akesan Community Development Association, Chief Taiwo Oyebanji, said the town has recorded significant progress in the past year in the areas of road projects, physical development and erosion control.

He urged continued unity in the pursuit of peace and progress, while calling for the amicable resolution of boundary issues, improvement in local security, enhanced power supply and the completion of ongoing community development projects.
Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated to global investors that Zamfara State holds a comparative advantage in Agriculture. The governor participated in the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days 2025, held from 26 to 28 November in Rabat, Morocco.

A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Africa Investment Forum Market Days effectively united African investors, facilitated deal negotiations, and supported investment realization across the continent.

The statement added that the summit, led by the African Development Bank in partnership with six founding institutions, positions the Africa Investment Forum as a strategic and multidisciplinary platform designed to streamline and accelerate the financing and structuring of projects for Africa.

During the summit, Governor Lawal participated in high-level dialogues on enhancing private investment through enabling environments, a panel on scaling investments through public-private partnerships, and a session on mobilizing domestic capital to drive Africas growth.

Other activities undertaken by Governor Dauda Lawal on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, include signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zamfara State Government and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to promote large-scale agricultural transformation in the state.

The agreement positions Zamfara State as a key beneficiary of the INTEGRANIUM Agricultural Transformation Initiative, a national programme focused on mechanized farming, agro-processing, post-harvest systems, and global market access. Under the MoU, Zamfara State will provide land, infrastructure, security, and an enabling policy environment, while MoFI will lead financing mobilization, investor engagement, and project development support.

The partnership is expected to deliver jobs, boost food security, strengthen value chains, and accelerate inclusive economic growth in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.

In his remarks at a roundtable with investors, Governor Lawal described Zamfara State as an agricultural hub, noting that the state is experiencing rapid progress across all sectors under his administration.

He said, I am glad that the African Development Bank is here with other leading global potential investors. Agriculture is the way forward for Africa, Nigeria, and Zamfara State in particular, due to the many opportunities available.

In Zamfara State, our comparative advantage is Agriculture. We grow all crops in the state; we are not limited to soybeans. We have the land, and it is fertile. I am inviting all global investors to come to Zamfara. We are in the final stages of finishing our international cargo airport, building a five-star hotel, and undertaking extensive urban renewal projects in Zamfara State.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued one of his strongest public criticisms yet of Nigerias handling of insecurity, warning that persistent state failure to protect citizens now justifies international intervention.

Speaking on Friday at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carols in Jos, Mr Obasanjo said the scale and persistence of killings, kidnappings, and attacks across the country show that Nigerias security architecture is no longer capable of confronting the threats it faces.

Insecurity has been with us for years, but what we have witnessed since the Chibok girls kidnapping is a continuous decline, from bad to worse, he said.

The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. When a government cannot deliver that, citizens have the right to seek help from the international community.

Condemns politicisation and sectarian framing of killings

Mr Obasanjo criticised attempts to portray the violence as a clash between religious or ethnic blocs, calling such narratives nonsensical and dangerous.

We are being killed as Nigerians, not as Christians or Muslims, not as northerners or southerners, he said.

To justify killings by saying people from other groups are also killed is unacceptable. The state must step in decisively.

Calls for accountability across all levels of leadership

The former president reiterated that prayer alone is not a security strategy. He urged communities, political leaders, and security institutions to act decisively to halt the killings.

We must pray, but we must also work. Governments at all levels must do what is necessary to stop the violence, he said.

READ ALSO: Four kidnapped Defence Ministry directors regain freedom

Plateau governor preaches hope amid persistent violence

Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged residents to embrace unity as the foundation for peace and security in the state.

He lamented that internal divisions have hindered progress despite Plateaus abundant blessings. Calling for an end to conflicts and mutual distrust, the governor appealed to citizens to focus on shared values and become one anothers keepers.

Mr Mutfwang prayed for a renewed spirit of togetherness and affirmed that Plateaus future depends on collective commitment to harmony. He formally opened the festival, dedicating it to strengthening unity and ensuring a secure, prosperous Plateau for all.

Religious leaders express confidence in Nigerias survival

Amos Mohzo, President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), said despite current threats, Nigeria would overcome.

He commended the state government for sustaining the Unity Christmas Carols initiative amid security pressures.
Three officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been killed following a terrorist attack on their camp in the Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

An official confirmed that suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group invaded the NIS camp in Bakin Ruwa, located along the Maje border community between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Kebbi States Commissioner for Security and Internal Affairs, Halliru Aliyu, confirmed the incident to reporters.

He stated that the attackers initially torched the immigration personnels camp, and then shot dead three officers attempting to escape the fire.

Mr Aliyu added that another officer was injured in the attack, adding that security agents have been immediately deployed to the area to maintain law and order and to trail the fleeing terrorists.

The police spokesperson in Kebbi, Nafiu Abubakar, also confirmed the tragic incident.

The attack has heightened fear in several border communities within the area that are already grappling with rising insecurity.

READ ALSO: Four kidnapped Defence Ministry directors regain freedom

Bagudo is one of the local government areas in Kebbi that is currently under siege by the Lakurawa terror group.

The attack on the immigration camp also followed the kidnapping of the State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Samaila Muhammad, on October 31. He was released after being held captive for about nine days.

Also, on 11 November, terrorists attacked a Nigeria Customs Service outpost in the troubled Bagudo LGA, killing an officer on duty, Sadiq Muhammad.

On November 17, they attacked a school in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, resulting in the mass abduction of 25 schoolgirls and the killing of the schools vice-principal.
The Nigerian government scripted this week as a victory lap. The safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Kebbi State and the 38 worshippers seized from a church in Kwara State offered President Bola Tinubu a rare opportunity to showcase the efficacy of his Renewed Hope security strategy.

Images of the rescued students  weary, dusty, but alive  were broadcast as definitive proof that the militarys non-kinetic pressure and intelligence dragnet are finally tightening the noose on the terror groups ravaging northern Nigeria.

But beneath the veneer of official celebration lies a darker reality. The events of this week are not isolated incidents; they are the violent validation of a grim warning issued by this publication just a week ago.

A PREMIUM TIMES report, The Triangle of Terror: How a corridor of impunity swallowed three states in five bloody days, mapped the precise geographic chokepoints connecting Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.

The report noted that this ungoverned axis had become a super-highway for bandits, allowing them to strike, retreat, and regroup with ease.

This week, that corridor of impunity did not just persist; it expanded.

Just as security forces successfully plugged the breach in Kebbi and Eruku, terrorists opened fresh wounds in neighbouring communities, striking Isapa in Kwara, raiding border villages in Kano, and maintaining a terrifying silence over the fate of more than 265 students still held in the forests of Niger State.

Corridor of Impunity: Isapa becomes latest victim

The fragility of the governments gains was most brutally exposed in Kwara State on Monday evening, in an attack that perfectly illustrates the Triangle of Terror theory.

Barely 24 hours after the presidency announced that the 38 worshippers kidnapped from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku had been released, armed bandits struck again in Isapa, a community just five kilometres away in the same Ekiti Local Government Area.

The proximity of the two attacks confirms that the security cordon is permeable.

Sources had assured the public that the Eruku axis was locked down to facilitate the rescue. Yet, bandits, reportedly using a large herd of cattle as a decoy to mask their movementa tactic documented in our earlier Triangle reportinfiltrated Isapa around 7 p.m. without resistance.

Eyewitness accounts provided to this newspaper paint a harrowing picture.

The attackers fired indiscriminately, their bullets leaving pockmarks on walls that now serve as a grim testament to the siege.

While the police officially confirmed 10 abductions, community leaders insist the number is closer to 20.

They came for a specific target  a businessman who had paid N20 million ransom last year, said Abayomi Daramola, the treasurer of the Isapa Peoples Union. When they found he wasnt at home, they took his family and anyone else they could find.

The Isapa incident raises a critical tactical question: If the military and DSS had boots on the ground and sophisticated tracking systems active in Eruku to free the church members (as claimed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga), how did a heavily armed column of bandits move undetected just five kilometres away?

The answer lies in the terrain: the dense, contiguous forests that link Kwara to Niger State  the very heart of the Triangle  remain largely under the control of non-state actors.

Matawalle and the ghost of Peace Deals past

While the physical war rages in the forests, a political war has erupted over the narrative of the Kebbi rescue, echoing the systemic failures we previously analysed.

On Tuesday, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle stood alongside Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris to present the 24 rescued students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

The official government position was emphatic: the girls were rescued in the Makwa Forest of Niger State following a heavy gun battle led by a combined team.

No ransom was paid, Governor Idris declared.

However, the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fiercely contested this, accusing Mr Matawalle of reverting to the controversial peace dialogues that characterised his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State  policies that many security experts believe empowered the bandits in the first place.

In a press statement, the PDP pointed to a video circulating on social media in which bandits displaying the abducted girls claimed the government had chosen negotiation over force, despite military aircraft hovering overhead.

No bandit was reported killed, arrested, or confronted during the entire episode, the PDP statement noted.

This accusation strikes at a sensitive nerve. If the PDPs allegations hold weight, it suggests that the terror economy operating within the Triangle is being sustained by the very state actors tasked with dismantling it. It implies that the corridor of impunity is not just geographical, but political.

Niger State Blackout: Bureaucracy vs Human Life

The third point of the Triangle  Niger State  presents the most distressing aspect of the current crisis. Here, the abduction of students from St. Marys Catholic School, Papiri, has descended into a bureaucratic standoff.

While the Kebbi girls are reuniting with their families, over 265 children and teachers from Papiri remain in captivity. But rather than a coordinated rescue effort, the presidency and the school authorities appear to be trading blame.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga made a startling admission: the federal government is in the dark about the exact number of victims because the school and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have failed to provide a comprehensive list. The principal has disappeared, Mr Onanuga claimed.

This administrative paralysis is costing lives. Michael Ibrahim, a father whose four-year-old son is among the hostages, spoke on the situation.

My son is a small boy. He doesnt even know how to talk, Mr Ibrahim told reporters. We dont know the condition the boy is in.

That a school principal is missing and the federal government cannot verify the number of missing citizens weeks after an abduction points to a collapse in the relationship between the state and the governed.

It validates our previous finding: that within the Triangle of Terror, citizens often feel safer negotiating with bandits than relying on the state.

The Tactical Dilemma: Aerial sieges and human shields

Responding to the escalation, President Tinubu has ordered an aggressive, round-the-clock aerial siege on the forests straddling Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.

However, as we noted in our five bloody days report, air power alone cannot solve the banditry crisis in this specific topography.

The Kamuku and Kuyanbana forest reserves are vast, dense, and serve as natural bunkers.

More critically, the government faces a moral paralysis. The presidency admits security agencies often know the precise location of the bandit enclaves but are restrained from launching airstrikes.

Our people are living around where they operate, so you cant just go there, Mr Onanuga explained, citing the risk of collateral damage.

The bandits have adapted to this restraint. By embedding themselves in rural communities and using hundreds of abducted students as human shields, they have effectively neutralised the Nigerian militarys air superiority.

The aerial siege, therefore, risks becoming a surveillance exercise rather than a decisive strike, leaving the dirty, dangerous work to ground troops who are often overstretched.

An existential threat to education

The cumulative weight of these abductions is threatening to crush the education system in northern Nigeria.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued an ultimatum that could bring the sector to a halt.

Reacting to the attacks in Kebbi and Niger, NUT President Titus Amba warned that teachers would be withdrawn from classrooms if their safety could not be guaranteed.

This is not merely a series of attacks on schools; this is an assault on the entire foundation of education, Mr Amba declared.

If the NUT makes good on its threat, it would force the closure of schools across the North, inadvertently granting the terrorists  whose ideology often opposes Western education  a strategic victory without firing a shot.

READ ALSO: Three Immigration officers killed in Kebbi

Conclusion: The prophecy fulfilled

As the 24 Kebbi schoolgirls undergo medical checks, the relief is palpable but fleeting.

President Tinubus administration finds itself in a race against time. The aerial siege and the deployment of more boots on the ground are standard military responses. But they are being deployed against an adversary that has mastered the geography of the Triangle.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier report asked how a corridor of impunity could swallow three states in five days. The answer, provided by the events of this week, is that the corridor remains wide open.

With the opposition PDP crying foul over secret deals, the UN demanding prosecutions, and parents in Niger State waiting for children who may never return, the government must move beyond reactive rescues.

It must dismantle the terror economy that makes the abduction of a 4-year-old asthmatic boy a lucrative business venture.

Until the Triangle of Terror is broken  not just by airstrikes, but by closing the political and physical gaps that allow bandits to roam free  families in Isapa, Papiri, and Tsanyawa will continue to wait in the dark, wondering when their own nightmare will end.
ICEYE continues to expand its world's largest SAR constellation with five new satellites, enhancing Earth Observation and ISR capabilities for ICEYE and its customers.

HELSINKI, Finland, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE , the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, has successfully launched and deployed five new SAR satellites into orbit. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and successfully lifted off on November 28, 2025, aboard the Transporter-15 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA. Each spacecraft has established communication, and routine commissioning operations are underway.

The new satellites will serve both ICEYE's commercial constellation and dedicated national missions, including the Greek National Space Program, the Polish Armed Forces' MikroSAR program, as well as BAE Systems' Azalea constellation. With this deployment, ICEYE continues to increase sovereign capabilities, imaging capacity and resilience for governments who require rapid, reliable, and high-fidelity situational awareness, day or night and through any weather.



Including today's launch, ICEYE has launched 62 satellites into orbit for the company and its customers since 2018, 22 of which have launched in 2025. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue its rapid expansion to meet growing global demand for persistent monitoring.

With this launch, ICEYE adds another fourth generation (Gen4) SAR satellite to its commercial constellation. In September, ICEYE introduced its Gen4 SAR satellite , now available for commercial operations. Gen4 delivers up to 16 cm resolution and expands the high-resolution coverage area to 400 km, enabling more images per orbital pass and higher revisit rates, resulting in the world's highest-fidelity commercial SAR imagery. These capabilities enhance target detection and classification to support defense and ISR missions globally.



Rafal Modrzewski, CEO of ICEYE, said: "This launch marks another important step both in supporting our customers in deploying their own constellations and scaling the world's most advanced commercial SAR constellation. As global interest in space-based intelligence accelerates, ICEYE stands ready to help countries build sovereign satellite missions - turning high-quality satellite imaging into actionable intelligence for security and resilience."

Gen4 can be purchased as a fully sovereign capability that is not subject to ITAR control. ICEYE delivers the Gen4 satellite as part of a complete, secure system that can be launched, deployed, and operated within 12 months, including ground segment, comprehensive training and continuous software updates.

About ICEYE

ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before.

Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as defense and intelligence, insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, UAE, Greece, and the US. We have more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Media contact: [email protected]

Visit www.iceye.com and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights.

SOURCE ICEYE
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until December 23, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE: JHX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help

James Hardie investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-jhx/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

James Hardie and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 19, 2025, despite prior reassurances that its North America Fiber Cement segment remained strong, the Company disclosed that sales in North America Fiber Cement declined by 12% due to customer destocking first discovered "in April through May," that was expected to impact sales for at least the next two quarters.

On this news, the price of James Hardie's shares fell by over 34%, or $9.79 per share, from a closing price of $28.43 per share on August 18, 2025 to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.

The case is Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 25-cv-13018.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until December 8, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against WPP plc (NYSE: WPP), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

WPP investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-wpp/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

WPP and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 9, 2025, the Company published a trading update for the first half of 2025, disclosing that it had allegedly "seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed" due to both "continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated," as well as "some distraction to the business" as a result of the continued restructuring of WPP Media a.k.a. GroupM. The Company further disclosed that its CEO "will retire from the Board and as CEO on 31 December 2025."

On this news, the price of WPP's shares fell from a closing price of $35.82 per share on July 8, 2025 to $29.34 per share on July 9, 2025, a decline of about 18.1% in the span of just a single day.

The case is Marty v. WPP plc, 25-cv-08365.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
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
Chinese FM spokesperson briefs on revised study outline for Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy

Xinhua) 08:59, November 29, 2025

BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said that guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China's diplomacy will create a more favorable external environment for the endeavor of building China into a great modern socialist country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization, and make greater contribution to peace and human progress.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked to share more on the Study Outline on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy (2025 Edition), which was published on Friday.

Mao introduced that as approved by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated the Study Outline on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, which was first published in 2021, and released its 2025 Edition.

The new edition gives an overview of the pioneering contributions and latest development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in the field of diplomacy, Mao said, noting that it also systemically elaborates on the epochal backdrop, profound dimensions, theoretical quintessence and rich practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.

The book serves as an authoritative guide for members of the CPC, officials and the public to understand and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Mao added.

Since the dawn of this new era, with a keen understanding of the general trends in China and the world, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, developed a series of major innovations in theory and practice for China's external work, led the country in making historical achievements on that front and transforming it, and formed and enriched Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Mao said.

"Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, we in the diplomatic service hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, implement the four major global initiatives, work to build a more just and equitable global governance system through reform, expand the global network of partnerships and advance the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," Mao said.

She also said that those on the diplomatic front firmly uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests, and actively act on the abiding commitment of serving the people through diplomacy.

As the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is advancing on all fronts, China enjoys enhanced international influence, stronger capacity to lead new endeavors, and greater moral appeal, Mao said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
The number of flood victims in southern Thailand has risen to 162, up from 145, the Thai Flood Control Center reported, Azernews reports.

The highest number of casualties was recorded in Songkhla province, where 126 people lost their lives.

Following the cessation of heavy rains, water levels in the affected areas have dropped significantly over the past few days.

This has enabled authorities to evacuate residents and intensify search and rescue operations in the disaster-hit regions.


The Department of Justice will open a new section

inside the Civil Rights Division to protect gun rights

The U.S. Department of Justice will open a new office within the Civil Rights Division, calling it he Second Amendment Rights Section, following up on a February announcement which launched what Attorney General Pam Bondi called the Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force.

Reuters is reporting this new section "intends to execute the broad policy directionsissued by President Donald Trump directingBondi to comb the entire U.S. government to 'assess any ongoing infringements' of gun rights."

The new section will tentatively open next Thursday, Dec. 4. It marks a major shift from previous administrations, which tended to be lukewarm to hostile about the Second Amendment. Trump appears determined to strengthen gun rights, thus restoring the Second Amendment to its full status as a cornerstone of the Bill of Rights.

According to Reuters, Bondi's new section will "comb the entire U.S. government to 'assess any ongoing infringements' of gun rights." 
College students who graduated into the 2009 downturn faced a future for which no one had prepared them, drowning in overwhelming debt taken on for an education that couldnt reliably get them a job. Journalist Noam Scheiber, who tells their story in Mutiny (FSG, Apr. 2026), spoke with PW about the technological advances and economic shifts that undermined the prospects of a generation. LS

What made this generation so confident about their job prospects?

They were given the hardest sell about going to college, from parents, grandparents, even President Obama. That message about college guaranteeing success was aggressively transmitted to every altitude of society. Some charter schools used the motto college begins in kindergartenthe message was coming from the ground up and the top down. They dutifully did the most to prepare, more homework, more AP classes. Then they got to college, taking on enormous debt. Then the rug was pulled out from under them. The response was frustration, anger, and radicalization.

You write that these students have suffered not just an economic setback, but a psychological one. What does this mean?

I dont want to suggest it was only college graduates that suffered during the Great Recession. It was traumatic for the whole country, and people without a college degree in some cases had an even tougher time. Go to college and youll be set up for the rest of your life, students were told. It really set them up for disappointment. The tectonic shift actually started around 2004 or 2005, when the tech bubble burst and changing tech led to more automation. You look at jobs that had been done by college-educated folksaccounting, marketingthe software got more sophisticated and so companies needed fewer humans. If you went to college in the 80s and 90s, higher education was a true investment and it paid off. So the students a few years younger observed this and thought a different future was coming.

Why are their degrees worth so much less?

Supply and demand. The college wage premium is how much more you make with a degree compared with if you only have a high school diploma. That premium took off in the 1980s and grew until about 2005 to 2010, when it flattened out at 75%. By 2015 to 2020, it not only flattened out, but declined. Wage growth is slowing down, demand is softening because of advances in software, and employers dont feel they have to pay as much. They dont need to hire as many people, and they have more applicants to choose from. The ones who dont get hired get either less prestigious jobs in their field or end up in service jobs.

What can we expect next from this cohort?

The sociology and psychology of this generation has changed. Early in my journalism career, when I was a fact-checker and an assistant, I thought of myself in terms of my future career, my future profession. That was my identity. Now people think, I am a worker, not, I am a future professional. They think, My interests are at odds with the interests of my boss. Even if theyre making good money, their careers are precarious in a way they wouldnt have been before: employers are laying off in mass numbers, using generative AI instead of humans. The sense of security is absent. Even doctors and software engineers see themselves as the working class.
The British actors Im Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home finds a geriatric serial killer accused of a fresh slaying.

Youve said that you began this novel as a joke but came to truly love its characters. Did that shift in perspective affect the development of the plot?

It did. As I got to know the characters, I realized that there were more interesting places that they could go. The fundamental murder plot didnt change much, but I found new avenues to walk down in the B and C subplots. I wrote two parody crime novels before this, and the people who love those books really love them, but theyre kind of nichealmost every sentence is a joke. So it was quite exciting to delve a little bit deeper into imagining the lives of real people.

How has your experience writing for film and TV influenced your approach to writing novels?

I always wrote comedy for TV and film, and when youre doing comedy, you get very nervous when the audience isnt laughing. More than many other genres, youre especially conscious of the audience all the time: you want, above all, to entertain them. Its true of stand-up, too, which Ive done a bit of. When Im writing a book, I dont necessarily want there to be a laugh every paragraph, but I do get very nervous if I feel like the reader might be getting bored.

Do you see this expanding into a potential series?

Well, if I was working on the next installment, then I wouldnt be allowed to tell you. But Id love to explore these characters further. Thats the fun of a cozy: because of these characters ages and because of the things that they did in their careersprofessional or criminaltheres a lot of history there to for an author to explore.

If you could be cast as any fictional detective, what kind of detective would he be?

In recent years Ive moved toward stage acting, where I tend to play the older butler or whatever in period dramas. A couple of years ago, I did a role in the Disney+ series A Thousand Blows, where I played a very sinister butler, and I just filmed a part in a Jane Austen spin-off called The Other Bennet Sister, which is an adaptation of the book by Janice Hadlow. I played a bumbling old man called Mr. Hurst. So its been these older, ridiculous British gentlemen from the Georgian or the Victorian era. I would love to play a detective like that.
The author argues in The Blood Countess that notorious 17th-century Hungarian noblewoman Elizabeth Bathory was wrongly accused of killing 650 women and girls.

What inspired you to seek the real story behind Elizabeth Bathorys legend?

The first time I encountered Elizabeth Bathory was on an ill-advised tour of the castle ruins of Slovakia in my 20s, before there was tourist infrastructure. I hadnt heard of her till then. These days, Bathory has a lot of pop culture currency; shes a niche villain in a lot of media. I thought it was a great time to reevaluate the story. Its one of historys biggest cold cases.

I was curious, can we solve it now?

What surprised you in your research?

How politically active some women were in this time period. Women put on armor and fought alongside men, ran estates, and were esteemed as healthcare providers.

How do you see Elizabeth Bathory now?

She suffered from having been raised in too progressive an environment. If, like she was, youre raised with a mother who wants to head up the Reformation and aunts who are taking everyone to court, what you think is possible is constantly clashing with reality.

What role do you think gender played in the accusations against Bathory?

If you wanted to go after a male political rival, there was one way to do it: meet them in battle and do away with them. But there was a paradox with women. They were seen as not political creaturesthey couldnt be by definition. But then, how do you dispatch a political woman rival? In that case, gender plays a role not just in terms of the misogyny itself, but in what the playbook is to get rid of her: discredit her with lurid accusations.

How do you think her story relates to society today?

I was surprised at the tangible connections with QAnon. I started to see a straight line from the Satanic panic, Pizzagate, and QAnon all the way back to Elizabeth Bathory. I also see parallels to today regarding the emergence of brand-new techin Bathorys case, the printing pressthat enables the spread of disinformation.

You mentioned the pop culture industry based on Bathorys myth. Do you hope that changes?

Its fun to be scared and have these shared stories, but so many are built on the suffering of innocent people. Every time we trot Bathorys story out, were conspiring with the people who conspired against her.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

Id like to push back on this idea of incremental progress. We assume were growing increasingly sophisticated and progressive. But history shows us thats not necessarily the case. If we are still buying into the superstitions and smears of the 17th century, how progressive are we?
Allegra Goodman doesnt like autofiction. Other people do it well, but to me the fun part is the change, the displacement, the dream of fiction, the novelist says via Zoom from her home in Cambridge, Mass. She would never name a character after herself, she notes. But that doesnt mean shes not pulling extensively from her own life.

The very title of Goodmans new story collection toys cheekily with this tension. This Is Not About Us, out in February from Dial Press, collects 17 interconnected stories about the Rubinstein family, a sprawling East Coast Jewish clan marred by mundane forces like divorce, resentment, and stalled professional ambitions. This is closest Ill ever come to a serial novel, Goodman says.

The book grew out of the short story Apple Cake, which Goodman published in the New Yorker more than a decade ago. That brief, death-dipped tale details the final days of 74-year-old music teacher Jeanne Rubinstein and the feud that ignites between her surviving sisters, Sylvia and Helen, over a dessert served at her truncated shiva. For 300 pages of This Is Not About Us, the sisters plainly ridiculous dispute persists, seeping into the lives of every member of their extended family, even as its origins grow fuzzier with time.

The older people get, the more stubborn they become, Goodman says of the rift that binds her book together, grinning from behind a pair of round glasses. Its the kind of simple-but-profound observation that could only come from someone whos lived a lot of life. One of the great pleasures of This Is Not About Us is the way it brims with such quiet insight, collected and digested by a writer whos spent her 59 years on Earth closely considering the people around her.

Case in point, when Goodman was conceiving her 2023 novel Saman intensely subjective coming-of-age story about an adolescent girlshe returned to a pact shed made with herself as a child. I already knew I wanted to be a writer, she says, her speech lilting, so I promised myself that I was going to remember how it was to be really little, and I was going to write about

it when I grew up.

To guard against accusations of auto-fiction, Goodman is quick to note that she altered the details: Sam lives with a single mother and grew up in New England, while Goodmans parents were married and taught at the University of Hawaii. It was the feelings that I remembered well, she says. As a fiction writer, I changed the facts. To Goodmans shock, the attempt was successful enough to earn Sam a spot in Jenna Bush Hagers Read with Jenna book club.

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Oahu, Goodman and her younger sister grew up far from a lot of things: mainstream American culture, their extended family, what Goodman calls the institutional Judaism that the New Jerseybased Rubinsteins take for granted. Some would consider the experience lonely; Goodman thinks it was valuable. Its great to have a perspective from the margin, or the edge, she says. It gave me some space to look at things.

As a young reader, she was obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House in the Big Woods, and she recalls adapting that books famous opening for one of her very first stories: On the island of Oahu, there were two girls who lived in a little house, and as far as you could see, there were waves, and more waves, and more waves....

A quick look at Goodmans catalog reveals a career-long fascination with the push and pull between isolation and community. The stories in Total Immersionher first collection, which came out in 1989draw from the sometimes-humorous singularity of Jewish life in Hawaii. National Book Award finalist Kaaterskill Falls (1998) examines a small, self-contained Orthodox community in Upstate New York. Most recently, of course, theres Isola, Goodmans sweeping 2025 bestseller and an unlikely Reeses Book Club selection, which fictionalizes the life of 16th-century French noblewoman Marguerite de la Rocque, whose jealous guardian marooned her on a desert island.

Still, Goodman insists that her most primal obsession, more than castaways or Orthodox Judaism, is family. Family can be considered

domestic, she explains. It can be considered small, while epics are stereotyped as being about war or great world events or historical

trauma or something. But if you think about family, family is also about politics. Its about how people relate to each other. In its most fundamental way, its about what it means to be human. All the misunderstandings people have, all the miscommunications, all the wonderful celebrationsyou can see a whole society in a family.

Thirty years ago, it was another book about family that gave 29-year-old Goodmans career a boost. The Family Markowitz

has many parallels with This Is Not About Us. Also a novel in stories, Markowitz traces the fractious forces running through a Jewish family scattered between California and Washington, D.C. The tone of Markowitz, though, is lighter, more in the satirical register of Goodmans early work, while some of the stories in This Is Not About Us skew elegiac. In part, its because, in the intervening decades, Goodman has raised four children of her own and lived through many of the familial experiences that a younger writer can only imagine.

The colors here are deeper, the relationships perhaps a little darker and more complicated, Goodman says. Sylvia and Helens feud, for example, never quite gets resolved before the book winds down. Is it a healthy thing to do? Of course not, she says of the sisters impulse to turn their grief against each other. Is it a human thing to do? Yes. Unfortunately, were not all super enlightened about our own situation all the time.

Reading Goodman, though, its easy to be swept up by the old-fashioned faith that fiction might help people see themselves more clearly. By the end of the 17 stories that compose This Is Not About Us, Goodman has inhabited the mind of an anxious 80-something matriarch, an imaginative 12-year-old ballerina, a divorced middle-aged lawyer, and even a dog. Small moments that readers initially encounter from the close-third-person perspective of one character will crop up 100 pages later, completely

recontextualized by a different persons understanding of the situation.

Goodman likens this empathy exercise to acting, though she shuts down the possibility of any late-career pivots. I often think of writing as a kind of performance practice without physical limitation, she says. I can be old, I can be young, I can be male or female. I can cast my ideas into these characters and create a theater in the mind of my reader.

But unlike a thespian, Goodman toils away on her proverbial island, transmuting experiences of grief and motherhood and disappointment and apple cake into fiction that travels farther than her body ever could. The returnsa celebrity book club pick or time-honored reader feedbackcome later. When youre in a play, you hear how things went from the audience at the end of the night, she says. I wait a few years, but thats okay. Im willing to accept that.
David Ebershoff at Hogarth won North American rights to Light and Thread by Han Kang (pictured l.) from Laurence Laluyaux at RCW Literary Agency. The Nobel Prize winners first book of nonfiction published in English is an intimate, inspiring collection of Hans writings that illuminates the connections between her life and art, per the publisher, and will include her 2024 Nobel lecture. The book was translated from the Korean by Maya West, e. yaewon, and Paige Aniyah Morris. Publication is scheduled for March 2026. (photo: Paik Dahuim)

Tara Singh Carlson at Putnam landed North American rights, at auction, in a two-book deal, to Wisteria Falls by YA author Jessica Goodman from Alyssa Reuben at WME. Goodmans adult debut follows a woman who must return with her fiance to the idyllic riverside hometown she once fled, and where her tumultuous now-married ex has secretive plans of his own, exploring what happens when love, lies, and ambition collide. Publication is slated for spring 2027.

Michelle Herrera Mulligan at Atria picked up North American rights, in an exclusive submission, to Sara, the Girl from Sufsaf by susan abulhawa from Anjali Singh, who has an eponymous agency. The novel centers on the unlikely journey of Sara, a grandmother many times over who, after a head injury returns her to her 18-year-old self, sets off with her beloved donkey Aziza for her home in occupied Palestine, reclaiming a stolen destiny and reuniting with a lost daughter and long-lost love along the way, per the publisher. Release is scheduled for 2027.

Mark Siegel at 23rd Street netted world rights, excluding French, in a two-book deal, to Marc Crastes Picatopia from Nicolas Grivel, who has an eponymous agency. The graphic novel is the first in a series about two siblings as they make their way through a strange other world in an immense tower filled with Picas, monstrous creatures that were once human, per the publisher. Publication is slated for 2027; the second book in the series has not yet been announced. Jill Freshney will also edit.

Aranya Jain at DAW acquired North American rights to Christopher Ruocchios epic fantasy trilogy The Doomsong Saga, from Shawna McCarthy at the McCarthy Agency. The series, set in a pagan world based on the Mediterranean of the late Bronze Age, follows a royal family that has been generationally cursed, the prince and princess who must avenge their fathers murder at the hands of their mother, and the inescapable wrath of ancient furies, per the publisher. A spring 2027 release is planned for the first volume, The Godstained House.

In Brief

Tricia Narwani at Del Rey preempted North American rights to Jordan Rose s debut romantasy The Library of Stars, about the caretaker of a magical library who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love, from Nelle Andrew at RML Literary, for a 2027 publication.

Annie Odders at Berkley bought North American rights, at auction, in a two-book deal, to Ellen Meny s A Gorgons Guide to Getting a Life, a reimagining of Medusas journey through an adult coming-of-age lens, from Keir Alekseii at Azantian Literary Agency, for a 2027 publication.

Charlie Upchurch at Andrews McMeel picked up world English rights, in an exclusive submission, to Joshua Pruett s debut adult horror, Nightmare Burger, about a college freshman working a dead-end fast food job who is forced to grow up and face the monsters that took his best friend, from Deborah Warren at East-West Literary Agency for a fall 2026 release.

Angela Guzman at Amistad secured world rights to Birth of a Culture, a memoir by hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash, written with journalist Robert Scoop Jackson, from Alina Mitchell at MacGregor & Luedeke Collaborative, for a fall 2026 release.


What makes Hub Citys catalog unique?

We publish eight to 10 titles a year in hardcover focusing on fiction by American authors. Its a bit of a lonely path for someplace our size. We try to be a regional press with a national impact, and to do that, our books have to be published in hardcover, with a certain blurb quality, and even paper quality. Its expensive, but we see it as part of our mission to launch writers to that level.

What do you wish people understood about the South?

Were really invested in defining what Southern literature is in this moment, from the ground up. The South is the most diverse region in the entire country; weve made sure that our catalog is not just Black and brown Southerners but also refugee, immigrant, and queer voices. The South is also as urban as any other place, but I do think were drawn to shining a light on rural writers. Were interested in saying to our writers in the South that they dont necessarily have to leave for someone to take them seriously.

Whats next?

We just came out with the Hub City Shorts line. The idea was to focus in on emerging writers, and also book-length essays and poems or novellas that just dont have a place in our increasingly corporate publishing structure. We are really into this curated, smaller approach. We also formed an advisory council. Hub City has always been about the people, but with indie literature under threat, we wanted to solidify that community and give it a name.
In the past several years, AI-powered developmental editing platforms such as AutoCrit, Editrix, and Anthropics Claude have emerged with the promise to make the revisions process faster and more accessible. Though automation has yet to meaningfully disrupt the editorial landscape, its potential has not gone unnoticed by the publishing industry. In PWs most recent salary and jobs report (see p. 10), 63% of survey respondents said their companies are using AI in some way, though most are not enthused about what the tech means for the business.

Rachel Noorda, a researcher and professor of book publishing at Portland State University (PSU), believes publishers are using AI more than they let on. She cited the April 2024 rollout of an internal ChatGPT tool for Penguin Random House employees, which the publisher said in a statement would allow staff to safely experiment with generative AI during their daily work in order to streamline processes, enhance creativity, and provide data insights.

The existence of programs that can copyedit for clarity, critique craft elements like character development and dialogue, and even restructure entire manuscripts brings into focus the question of howand whetherhuman editors and AI can coexist. Directors of publishing programs and editorial educators are some of the leaders looking to answer this question. The positions they take largely depend on what they see on the technologys rapidly shifting horizon.

Some of the countrys biggest and most prestigious publishing incubators, which often feed into the Big Five, have taken note of the demand for job applicants with AI skills, particularly in corporate publishing. New York University has responded enthusiastically: its Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media (PWM) added a new non-credit certificate in communication and AI to its suite of three masters programs in 2024, and the website for its Advanced Publishing Institute lists AI as one of the trends and innovations it prepares students for.

Andrea Chambers, associate dean at the PWM, says conversations about AI were an integral aspect of our curriculum. She tells PW that PWMs offerings are expanding to include an accelerated advanced certificate in automation, workflows, and the ethics of AI, alongside specialized courses and workshops on AI-assisted storytelling. PWM is focused on preparing professionals to lead with confidence and ethical awareness in an AI-driven communication landscape, Chambers explains.

While NYU has been quick to embrace AI in publishing, other educators have adopted more pragmatic, sometimes ambivalent, attitudes. Noorda says all of PSUs core courses, including Book Editing, have integrated AI skills to some extent, with Digital Skills becoming the most AI-focused of its offerings. Depending on what students end up doing in editorial work, they might be required to use AI tools, she notes. And I feel a vast responsibility as a professor to prepare students for that.

But Noorda isnt ready to make a call about just how far the industry will take its courtship with automation. It is for this reason, she says, that PSUs program has also evolved in recent years to emphasize the distinctly human roles that editors play in their work. Good editors, Noorda says, are as adept at relationship building, empathy, management, and leadership as they are at manuscript development. Regardless of how AI improves, she adds, the writer-editor relationship is fundamentally one of close human collaboration.

Educational programs at the Los Angeles Review of Books and Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) have taken even stronger stands on the irreplaceability of human editors. This years LARB Publishing Workshop, a five-week online intensive, included sessions on empathetic editing taught by former LARB editor Jonathan Hahn. Similarly to PSUs editing philosophy, Hahns focuses on one-on-one exchanges with authors, through which editors forge familiarity with their creative vision. Lindsay Wright, director of educational programs at LARB, says that while all the fellows and some of the speakers at this years workshop shared concerns about the loss of publishing jobs to AI, there are some jobs that seem absolutely impossible to replacedevelopmental editing being one of them.

Of all publishing professionals, those who face the most challenges due to the rise of AI are, arguably, freelancers. Often paid by the number of pages or words they edit, freelance editors are under a great deal of pressure to use AI to work more efficiently and take on more clients, says EFA director of education Asher Rose Fox. We are in an era of tremendous uncertainty. Freelancers have always struggled for work, but it is particularly hard right now. I have a lot of compassion for people who are in a situation where they go, Ill take anything.

In light of this, the EFA has offered members resources to help them surf the change, in Foxs words, including webinars on time-saving tools and, most recently, a presentation by the creators of the AI outlining software Plottr.

The EFAs official position on AI is neutral, Fox says. On a personal level, though, Fox is far from a proponent of automation in editing, a stance thatlike Wrights and Noordasstems from a belief that human expertise far outreaches the potential of AI. The AI branding makes people think that theyre talking to something intelligent, when they really are not, they say. Theyre interacting with a computer program, which is really never going to match what you can get from working with an expert in the field.

 The AI branding makes people think that theyre talking to something intelligent, when they really are not. 

Fox, who is based in New York City, says AIs weakness in stylistic editing is a telling example of how short it falls on tasks that use specific, experiential knowledge. I can very knowledgeably edit a work that is set in New York City and has people speaking in a specific New York City dialect in a way that a training set would not be able to teach a large language model to do, they say.

In light of the predicament freelancers find themselves inpulled in one direction by the market, and another by their idealsFox believes the EFAs main responsibility is to build resilience through knowledge sharing. Freelancers have a tremendous amount of power in community, they say.

For now, the demand for human editors remains apparent. Noordas latest research paper, which comes out in December, synthesizes interviews with editorial freelancers about how theyre coping as the gig economy heats up. In the course of her research for the paper, titled Editors as Entrepreneurs: Reframing Occupational Identity in Publishing, Noorda found that the decision not to use AI is something some editors are using to set themselves apart, capitalizing on the belief that a human touch is palpable, and worth protecting. The publishing industry has the power to decide whether to shield this aura, or shatter it.
Hasht-e-Subh Daily, November 16, 2025

Local sources in Takhars Chah Ab district say that Farkhunda, a 17-year-old girl who married the son of a powerful local figure about a month and a half ago, has been killed under suspicious circumstances in Kabul.

Sources said on the night of Sunday, November 16, 2025, that Farkhunda married Emadullah, the son of Haji Malang, 45 days ago, a marriage that, according to relatives, had been forced by the grooms family, with Emadullah pressured by his father and brother to accept it.

Relatives of Farkhunda say she lived in an environment of pressure and violence after the marriage.

According to them, two nights ago, her body was found in an apartment near her mother-in-laws home in Kabuls Gulbahar Center.

Farkhundas family describes her death as unnatural and says that when they attempted to transfer the body to the forensic department for examination, they were threatened by Haji Malangs sons.

According to the family, Farkhundas body was buried quickly, without her fathers consent and without any investigation.
Ecuadorians just delivered a decisive public rebuke to president Daniel Noboa. His latest referenda, pitched as a cure-all for the countrys spiraling security and economic crises, failed. That blow came despite Noboas well-cultivated climate of fear, militarization, and state pressure.

Noboas project has become increasingly authoritarian, hollowing out institutions, cracking down on civil society, empowering the security forces to do basically anything they want in the name of fighting a war on gangs, and deepening inequality to grotesque levels, under the banner of an almost Orwellian perversion of freedom, security, democracy and prosperity.

Almost two years ago, an armed group stormed a TV broadcast in Guayaquil, taking the crew hostage. Noboa seized the political opportunity, declaring an internal armed conflict, labeling 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and deploying the military to the streets under states of exception during an election.

All of this, of course, with complete disregard for Ecuadors other four branches of government and democracy.

As predicted by many analysts, academics, and human rights groups, his war on gangs has been catastrophic. Despite two years of troop deployments, Ecuadors homicide rate has continued surging, exceeding 50 per 100,000 in 2025  the highest in Latin America. It was 5.84 per 100,000 in 2017. Forced disappearances, confirmed in dozens of cases by Amnesty International, have increased.

Children have been kidnapped by security forces, and at least four have turned up dead. Noboas pressure to show results has coincided with the security state regularly engaging in torture and having carte blanche to kill any supposed narco-terrorist.

Noboa has been a darling of Western states, particularly the Trump administration, which views the president as a proxy bulwark against drug cartels. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has already been to Ecuador twice, staging photo-ops and visiting potential sites for U.S. military bases.

Noboa, who was born in Miami, studied at George Washington University, and is a U.S. citizen, has been to the U.S. at least 13 times in 2 years. The modern Latin American right, embodied by Noboa and a wave of new, more populist leaders like Nayib Bukele and Javier Milei, is promoting an old, failed package of militarization, gutting social programs, and autocratization, popular in Western capitals.

The War on Drugs, as researchers have shown for decades across the Americas, does not solve complex security crises of the kind Ecuador is facing. Trying one for the millionth time since the 1960s, just with better guns (which the cartels also have, by the way), wont change much. It can, however, be used as a cudgel to destroy democracy, the rule of law, and rights, and Noboa has materialized that scenario with extraordinary speed.

One expert who has been rightfully sounding the alarm is researcher Pedro Labayen Herrera at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), one of the few think tanks challenging Beltway thought on Latin America. Herrera, who has tracked Noboas authoritarian drift, points to a pattern of mounting attacks on Ecuadors institutions and democracy.

As Herrera recounted in an interview, within two years, Noboa has illegally removed his vice president, vilified judges, encouraged harassment, and incited bomb threats against the Constitutional Court. Noboa has named critics, activists, and Indigenous leaders as terrorists and destabilizers, even deporting some of his critics.

He has pressured the Constitutional Court to grant him sweeping security powers and approve a Constituent Assembly to rewrite the 2008 constitution, considered one of the strongest rights-based constitutions in the world, including rights of nature, indigenous rights, and ironclad accountability mechanisms.

Herrera added that Noboa has criminalized protests, noting that the most recent demonstrations, sparked by the governments removal of fuel subsidies and sweeping austerity measures, were met with brutal repression. According to CEPR, security forces killed 3 people, injured 473, and arrested 206 others, slapping many with terrorism charges while suspending basic civil liberties.

At the same time, Noboa is trying to expand intelligence powers to permit warrantless surveillance, the use of undercover identities, and virtually no institutional oversight.

Meanwhile, the young autocrats second set of referenda sought the return of foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil, attempting to reverse the ban put in place in 2008 when Ecuador expelled the U.S. from Manta. He has also allowed the DHS and U.S. military access to the Galapagos, laying the groundwork for future bases that would destroy a fragile diverse ecosystem.

The CEPR researcher shared that the U.S. bases have had disastrous health, environmental, and economic consequences for local communities, whose pleas have been ignored by the Noboa administration.

Herrera retold, Noboa has used repeated declarations of an ongoing internal armed conflict to implement a more militarized security state and cozy up to the U.S. security apparatus, and to bypass judicial review, independent bodies, and rule by himself.

Noboas corruption has also been out in the open. He and his family have assets in tax havens, and he has passed a law that allowed much of the tax owed by his familys conglomerate to be wiped out. He wants a Free Trade Agreement with Canada that contains numerous direct conflicts of interest. Noboa is heir to a giant banana fortunethere has been documented evidence of his companys banana shipments linked to drug trafficking.

Noboa has also allegedly used the Prosecutors Office for his own political gains, including to overthrow his Vice President without congressional approval (completely illegal). He also campaigned for re-election while president, which is also illegal. Perhaps worst of all, evidence points to Noboa realigning various electoral offices with loyalists, including the National Electoral Council (CNE), to ensure his victory in the 2025 election.

All this points to Noboa using the presidency and Ecuadors institutions for personal gain. Yet Washington embraces him.

Noboas militarization has occurred in tandem with neoliberalization. Since taking office, Noboa has accelerated budget cuts tied to the IMF, closing six ministries and secretariats, removing fuel subsidies, dismissing thousands of public servants, and hollowing out social programs, creating immense social turmoil.

As Herrera argued, these positions of militarization and economic liberalization are simply the default positions in the kind of conservative elite circles that Noboa grew up in. He campaigned as an outsider, but he is definitely representative of the same corrupt, elitist old guard Lasso was a part of. Lasso, like Noboa, faced allegations of immense corruption and repression.

Almost absent from mainstream media coverage about the referenda is that Noboa wanted to slash public funds for political parties and elections, which would benefit wealthy machines like the Noboa familys, and make grassroots challengers less likely to win  this is straight out of Orban and Erdogans playbooks.

It would also open the door to foreign political financing, like, say, from the U.S. right-wing and mining sectors, while smaller political parties may also be forced to turn to organized crime to survive financially.

Noboas referenda were simply a canary in the coal mine, a signal to some of the U.S.-fuelled autocratization to come. His attacks on institutions, norms, democracy, and the poor will continue, while being sold as necessary, serious measures against gangs. Herrera does not despair, saying that supporters of democracy, human rights, and strong institutions should oppose this, and mobilize, to build a different future for Ecuador.

It remains to be seen whether these attacks can be stopped, and if the voters rebuke is a sign of a broader rejection of his agenda. So far, voters have shown that Noboas political wars will not be used to surrender their rights and basic national sovereignty.

Joseph Bouchard is a PhD student, journalist, and researcher from Quebec covering security and geopolitics in Latin America. His articles have appeared in Reason, The Diplomat, The National Interest, and Le Devoir, among others.
It is shameful that Kashmir Times has been attacked in the way it has and that Anuradha Bhasin has not found more voices to speak in support of her and her paper, points out Aakar Patel.

Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff

A lot of things are being alleged by 'sources' regarding a raid on a newspaper called Kashmir Times, and its editor, Anuradha Bhasin.

Some background is in order so readers can place things in perspective. On June 2, 2020, the Modi government announced a 'New Media Policy 2020', a policy specific to Kashmir.

Note that the pretence behind the government's actions in Kashmir was the ostensible integration of the state and the abolition of laws that distinguished it from the rest of India.

Yet, here was another Kashmir-only policy. Over 50 pages long, it gave the government unbridled powers to determine what was 'fake', 'unethical' or 'anti-national' news.

On the basis of this, it could take legal and other punitive action against journalists and media organisations.

Media watchdogs abroad noted the use of ambiguous and undefined terms such as 'fake', 'unethical', 'anti-national' and 'anti-social', which opened the doors for misuse because they offered the bureaucrat judging the news no guiding standards or principles.

It was entirely at the discretion of the government. The press in Jammu remained silent on the matter, while the media in Kashmir voiced their strong opposition to the policy. Bhasin was one of those brave voices.

On January 10, 2020, hearing a case related to the restoration of the Internet in Kashmir, the Supreme Court determined that access to the Internet was a fundamental right of Indians.

This was the way several papers reported the story even the following day: 'Access to Internet is a fundamental right, says Supreme Court' and 'SC recognises Internet users' right, also formalises their accountability'.

Unfortunately, justice was not actually done and the total blockade of Kashmiris from using the Internet continued.

The government said: 'The right to access the Internet is not a fundamental right and thus the type and breadth of access for exercising the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and/or to carry on any trade or business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India through the medium of internet can be curtailed.'

The justification given for this collective punishment of Kashmiris was that 'post August 2019 Constitutional developments, Pakistan handlers, either directly or indirectly, have increased activity on social media intending to and aiming at disturbance of peace in the region, inciting violence and abetting terror activities'.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued in court: 'Unfortunately, Internet jihad is a successful one. It is a global phenomenon. The jihadi leaders can engage through the Internet to spread hatred and illegal activities.'

The bench asked if Internet access could be permitted with some restrictions.

'Increase in Internet speed,' the Union submitted, 'will lead to swift uploading and posting of provocative videos and other heavy data files.'

'The only solution is that either you have Internet or you don't have the Internet,' Mehta said.

It should be noted here that the peak of violence in Kashmir, with over 4,000 killed in 2001, happened when there was no Internet and not even any mobile telephony in Kashmir.

There is no linkage between the levels of violence and access to the Internet, according to the data. But this was not the way that the government or the court saw it.

Since the 2019 Constitutional change, Internet access has been disrupted in Jammu and Kashmir by at least 90 government-imposed Internet shutdowns -- the highest in the world.

The world noticed.

It was reported that the shutdown (17 months in all, including seven months when even 2G mobile telephony was suspended) was the longest ever imposed in a democracy, according to Access Now, the international advocacy group that tracks Internet suspensions.

Amnesty India documented a total of 67 government-enforced Internet shutdowns between January 14, 2020 and August 4, 2020.

Despite the 'restoration' of the Internet in Kashmir, arbitrary suspension of Internet services remains the norm.

Any incident, and any whim from the administration, results in the sending back of Kashmiris to a pre-modern era.

To come to the point, the petitioner in the case that was heard on January 10, 2020 was Anuradha Bhasin, editor and publisher of the newspaper Kashmir Times.

She had told the court she could not publish the newspaper due to communications restrictions imposed by the Government of India.

She petitioned the Supreme Court for the removal of restrictions imposed on the access of Internet, mobile and landline phones, and for other appropriate relief (the inability of media to publish without communications is another reason why the court had to judge the matter from the free speech angle).

The court did not respond as it should have and the restrictions continued.

Kashmir Times could not publish and was forced to stop its work.

The world noticed and called out the reason: 'Vendetta': Kashmir newspaper's office sealed by India officials', is one headline from October 20, 2020.

After the current round of allegations has come another headline from last week: 'Kashmir Times: A Jammu newspaper that stood up for the Valley'.

The report says that 'established in 1954, it is considered to be an influential and credible voice in Kashmir's media landscape.'

That is absolutely true and it is shameful that it has been attacked in the way it has and that Bhasin has not found more voices, especially from India's craven media, to speak in support of her and her paper.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.
'Conservation is fundamental to the resilience of our communities and the health of our planet,' says Dr Ramakanta Panda, one the world's top heart surgeons.

After a successful show in Delhi, Dr Ramakant Panda brings his love for animals and his hopes for conservation to Mumbai with an exhibition of his wildlife photographs at the Jehangir Art Gallery.

Dr Panda, who is one of the world's top cardiac surgeons and the chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, has divided the Mumbai exhibition into two parts.

The first focuses on India's wildlife.

'Conservation is not just an ethical imperative -- it is fundamental to the resilience of our communities and the health of our planet.

'We must act decisively to protect and restore biodiversity, recognising that when Nature flourishes, so do we,' says Dr Panda.

These compelling photographs highlight the fragile beauty of wildlife, the forests and the courageous protectors of our natural world.

This segment of the exhibition, which presents evocative frames from India and Africa, celebrates both animals and their habitats.

All photographs: Kind courtesy Dr Ramakant Panda

Cheetah cubs play under the watchful gaze of towering giraffes in Kenya.

It's a heart-warming glimpse of their fragile early lives.

Cheetahs, which are the smallest of Africa's big cats, rarely target prey larger than themselves, making the giraffes merely curious spectators.

With cheetah cub survival rates tragically low -- around 10 per cent due to threats from lions, hyenas and other predators -- moments like these are incredibly rare.

Craig, who was born in 1972, is one of Africa's last remaining super tuskers -- elephants whose tusks nearly touch the ground.

Now 53 years old, he lives in Kenya and stands as a monumental symbol of wildlife protection and resilience.

His survival is no accident -- Craig is guarded by Maasai warriors who deter poachers seeking his priceless ivory.

Encountering him in the wild is like meeting a living legend, a reminder of how conservation efforts can keep such giants safe.

An African lion is silhouetted against a glowing Kenyan crimson sunset, creating a dramatic portrait of raw wilderness.

To capture the sun positioned perfectly above the lion's head, I had to bend low over the side of the vehicle, aligning the elements in a fleeting moment of perfect harmony between light, landscape and predator.

The F2 tigress strides confidently in Maharashtra's Umred Pauni Karhandla wildlife sanctuary with her five energetic cubs; they were about seven or eight months old when this photograph was taken in February 2025.

Now that they are over a year old, they will nearly match her in size.

Raising five cubs is an extraordinary achievement for any tigress, especially with threats from rival males and the constant demand for successful hunts.

F2's dedication and skill have allowed all five cubs to grow healthy and strong -- a remarkable conservation success story.

Chota Matka, who lives in Maharashtra's Tadoba national park, is nursing an injured paw, still bearing the wounds of an intense territorial fight with a larger, older male, Brahma.

The battle lasted well over a day and was one of the fiercest clashes recorded in Tadoba.

Despite his smaller size, Chota Matka overpowered Brahma, ultimately killing him to claim the territory.

This photograph was taken just days before he was rescued and transported to the Gorewada rescue centre in Nagpur in late August 2025 due to the severity of his injuries.

The second segment of the exhibition, titled The Birds of Amchi Mumbai, showcases some of the 240-odd bird species spotted across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in recent years; from year-round residents to remarkable migratory visitors.

Perched together on a slender branch at Maharashtras Karnala Bird Sanctuary, the Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Black-Naped Monarch display their shared love for dense forest habitats.

Both species are early risers, often seen bathing in the forest pools at dawn -- a peaceful ritual that led to this rare moment of them resting side by side.

Despite their differences in appearance, both belong to the flycatcher family, highlighting the rich avian diversity of Karnala.

In the cool shade of Karnala's forest, a brilliant blue male Black-Naped Monarch delicately delivers a butterfly to its hungry chicks.

These birds breed from June to September, tirelessly gathering insects, worms, caterpillars and butterflies to feed their young.

Their nurturing behaviour, combined with their striking colours, makes them one of the most delightful breeding birds to watch in this sanctuary.

India's smallest kingfisher -- the Black-Backed Dwarf Kingfisher -- rests with its partner deep within Karnala's dense forest.

They hold freshly caught crabs, destined for their chicks waiting in a nest carved into clay walls.

Karnala is among the few places where this elusive bird can be reliably documented during its breeding season, making sightings like this particularly special for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

Mumbai's wetlands have become a seasonal refuge for thousands of Greater Flamingos but their numbers saw a remarkable surge during the COVID-19 lockdown.

With reduced pollution, quieter coastlines and improved water quality, the flamingos found ideal feeding grounds rich in algae and crustaceans.

The city's creeks and mudflats turned vibrant pink as record numbers of flamingos flocked to the metropolis, showing how Nature flourishes when human disturbance pauses.

A pair of Greater Flamingos stands alongside a juvenile, glowing softly under a golden sunrise.

Mumbai's wetlands host tens of thousands of flamingos each winter and, in recent years, improved habitat conditions have encouraged more stable breeding among the species.

Juveniles, distinguished by their grey tones, learn essential skills like foraging and flocking from the adults -- reflecting the growing promise of Mumbai as an important urban flamingo sanctuary.

All proceeds will support ongoing wildlife and forest conservation efforts in India and Africa through Asian Wildlife Trust (an initiative of the Asian Heart Institute).

The exhibition will be open the public until December 2.
Hundreds of displaced people, seeking to return to their homes, clashed with security forces in Manipur's Imphal East district on Saturday, officials said.

IMAGE: Heavy security personnel deploy as internally displaced persons hold a protest at Lamlong Bazar, in Imphal East. Photograph: ANI Photo

The displaced people, who have been staying at different relief camps after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, were stopped by security forces at Yaingangpokpi when they were marching towards their homes at Gwaltabi, located on the periphery of the district.

As the situation escalated, security forces lobbed several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.

One of the agitators, S Ibemcha Devi, said, "According to the government, normalcy has been restored in the state. Then, why are we not allowed to return to our homes?"

An official said the situation continues to remain tense but under control.

Such clashes between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and security forces have happened multiple times since the Sangai Festival began on November 21.
'There are very few issues and a political call needs to be taken about some of them.'

IMAGE: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal meets with then US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, October 12, 2025. Photograph: @USAmbIndia X/ANI Photo

India is hopeful of finalising a "framework trade deal" with the United States by the end of this year, addressing the reciprocal tariff issue weighing on Indian exports, said Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Friday.

The agreement, however, he said, would be "meaningful" for Indian exporters only if it tackled both sets of levies introduced in August -- the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff and a further 25 per cent duty linked to India's purchases of Russian oil.

"We are close; we have tried to iron out most of the issues," he said at the 98th Ficci annual meeting.

"It is only a matter of time before this decision is taken... It's a call that will have to be taken at multiple levels," said Agrawal.

"...There is not much to negotiate. There are very few issues and a political call needs to be taken about some of them."

In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had announced the intention to finalise the first tranche of a mutually beneficial trade deal (Bilateral Trade Agreement, or BTA) by the fall of 2025, a target now appearing increasingly uncertain.

Agrawal said talks with the US were moving in parallel on two tracks: The broader BTA, which will take longer, and the framework deal that would address the 50 per cent tariff burden on exporters.

"...These are two separate parallel negotiations going on, but one will feed into the other. What needs to come first is the framework trade deal which is able to address the reciprocal tariffs," said the commerce secretary.

However, India will continue to stand for its sensitivities, and its non-negotiables.

At the same event, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal spoke of the need for reliable partners in an increasingly edgy trade landscape.

"We have all seen trade being weaponised. We have all seen the importance of having trusted partners around the world," he said, noting that India is simultaneously in talks with "about 50" countries or blocs.

Goyal added that the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council was showing renewed interest, with negotiations with Oman nearly finished and Bahrain and Qatar stepping forward.

New Delhi has already implemented a comprehensive pact with the UAE and is in discussions from the Gulf to New Zealand, reflecting its widening search for dependable trading partners.

"We are in active discussions with the US and with the 27-nation European Union," said the minister.

Agrawal in his address noted that talks with the European Union are "in the last lap" and could be wrapped up by January 2026.

Talks between New Delhi and Washington are on virtually and on a regular basis, Agrawal said.

Negotiations were launched in March and till now half a dozen rounds of negotiations have been held, with the last informal round being from October 15-17 in Washington.

A team of officials from Washington may travel to New Delhi for further discussions.

Despite the lack of a deal and high tariffs, India's exports to the US have risen by $10 billion this year, said the official.

The industry is working towards diversification to deal with the tariffs.

At home, though, the trade deficit widened to a record $41.68 billion in October as gold imports trebled and outbound shipments dropped the most in 14 months.

The commerce secretary, however, said the deficit was not yet "in the worrying zone".

"If you look deep down, one of the key drivers for the trade deficit in October was precious metal imports.

"The pent-up demand was met in October, and that led to an increase in deficit.

"Two, we had comparatively lower energy prices impacting the trade deficit on the positive side, but very high precious metal prices, impacted the trade deficit on the higher side," he added.

With inputs from PTI

India-Canada trade deal talks from next week India and Canada will open discussions next week to resume formal negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA), said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The move follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney last Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and innovation, energy, education, defence and the space sector. Talks are poised to restart after a hiatus of more than two years, during a period marked by a strained bilateral relationship.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar broke bread on Saturday. Technically it was idli and vada but their breakfast meeting appeared to ease the power tussle between the two strongmen of Karnataka.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar meet over breakfast at the CM's residence in Bengaluru. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/X

Addressing a press conference after their breakfast at the CM's residence Kaveri, the two leaders put up a united front, asserting there were no differences between them and that they would be united in the future as well.

The two men, who have been at loggerheads over the top job, said they will abide by the party high command's decision.

The opposition BJP and JD-S questioned the 'truce', suggesting normalcy may not be possible after months of tension between the two Congress leaders.

The breakfast meet was convened by the CM at the behest of the Congress high command to end the logjam over the issue bothering the 2.5 year old Congress government, with the opposition BJP warning of moving a no confidence motion should the power tussle between the CM and his deputy continue.

Addressing the press conference, Siddaramaiah said, "I had a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar because some unwanted confusion was created. It was created by the media."

"We don't have differences. Even today there are no differences, there won't be any in future as well. I will ensure that from now on it does not exist," he said.

The Chief Minister said they are united and together they will fight the 2028 assembly election.

Siddaramaiah also stressed that none of the Ministers and the ruling party MLAs are against the government.

"We will face the assembly. We have worked out a strategy on how to face the BJP and the JD-S. They are saying no confidence motion will be moved. If they bring adjournment motion then we will tackle it," he said.

On his part, Shivakumar said people had supported the Congress party and brought it to power. Hence, the Congress has to live up to their expectations.

Dismissing differences with the CM, Shivakumar said, "we don't have factionalism."

"We will go together, take everyone along and abide by the party high command."

IMAGE: Siddaramaiah addresses a press conference with Shivakumar after their breakfast meet. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/X

Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, said that he discussed the strategy for the 2028 assembly polls to tackle opposition parties and also the ways to deal with the no confidence motion if the BJP moves it in the upcoming winter session of Karnataka legislative in Belagavi.

He also made it clear that the party would fight the 2028 assembly polls under the leadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

"The party is in a very difficult stage in the country. We still have the confidence that Karnataka will play a major role (in its revival). And we will repeat in 2028 (the 2023 poll victory), he added.

Earlier, in a social media post after the breakfast meet, Shivakumar said the two leaders had a productive discussion.

"Met Hon'ble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka's priorities and the road ahead," he said.

All eyes were on the outcome of the meeting.

While Siddaramaiah has been asserting that he has got a mandate to remain as the chief minister for a full five-year term, Shivakumar has indicated that he was promised that he will be elevated after two-and-half years on a rotational basis.

The issue of change of leadership had been going on for the past two months but intensified after November 20 when the Congress government completed 2.5 years.

The Congress high command on Friday intervened and asked the two leaders to resolve the issue by talking to each other.

Accordingly, Siddaramaiah had invited his deputy to come home for a breakfast meeting.

Sources in the CMO said idli, vada, sambar, chutney and uppittu (Upma) were on the menu for the keenly watched meet over breakfast.

The opposition questioned the 'truce' between the two leaders.

BJP leader R Ashoka said Siddaramaiah is unwilling to relinquish his position while Shivakumar has repeatedly asserted that he was promised the CM post for two and half years.

"If the Congress high command had power and it had the guts then it should have asserted its authority and said that there was power sharing agreement and it will decide it but it has now become weak," the leader of opposition in the state assembly alleged.

"Rather than a Breakfast Meeting, it should be called as a truce meeting between the commanders of two warring factions constantly throwing barbs at each other and sharpening their knives on a daily basis," Ashoka said in a post on 'X.'

The show of unity is devoid of any genuine friendship, he alleged.

Union Minister and JD-S second-in-command H D Kumaraswamy took a swipe, saying the CM and the Deputy CM should not hoodwink people.

"We don't know how many people would have turned mad after seeing their drama," Kumaraswamy told reporters
Sri Lanka was on Saturday picking up pieces after widespread destruction caused by a powerful cyclone with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declaring a state of emergency throughout the country as the death toll rose to over 150.

IMAGE: People use boats to move on a flooded street as others stand around, following heavy rainfall in Malwana, Sri Lanka on November 29, 2025. Photograph: Thilina Kaluthotage/Reuters

As harrowing tales of people either buried in landslides or swept away by flash floods emerged from across the provinces due to Cyclone Ditwah, India sent around 21 tonnes of relief materials in two military transport aircraft under its 'Operation Sagar Bandhu,' a day after delivering the first tranche of over six tonnes of essential supplies.

As waters receded with the cyclone moving away from Sri Lanka, authorities warned that the indirect effects will continue.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) report said that the death toll resulting from the adverse weather conditions since Thursday has risen to 153.

In a statement issued at 7 pm (local time), the DMC confirmed that apart from the over 150 deaths, 191 individuals remain missing as search and relief operations continue across multiple districts.

A whopping 7,74,724 people from 2,17,263 families in 25 districts have been affected by the disaster as many areas continue to experience challenges due to flooding, landslides, and heavy rains.

The DMC further stated that 1,00,898 people from 27,494 families are currently sheltered in 798 evacuation centres around the country.

According to an official gazette dated Friday and released on Saturday, the state of emergency has been declared throughout the island.

With the state of emergency, the government has moved to provide the district secretaries with discretion of expenditure up to 50 million Sri Lankan rupees.

IMAGE: People ride in a boat in a flooded area. Photograph: Thilina Kaluthotage/Reuters

The Indian Air Force has deployed two transport aircraft -- C-130 and IL-76 -- carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material as part of India's humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, reaffirming the spirit of Neighbourhood First.'

India also sent two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force personnel even as two Chetak helicopters on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joined the rescue efforts.

Earlier in the day, Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Meteorology Department, told reporters: We noticed Ditwah exiting Sri Lanka and heading towards the Indian coast.

Although the direct effects of the cyclone have subsided, the indirect effects will continue, he said.

Rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible in some areas of the Northern, North Central, North Eastern, and Central provinces, while the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces are expected to receive rainfall exceeding 50 mm, he said.

In the northwestern region of Pannala, 25 people in an elders' care home were swept away by floods but 14 of them were rescued, the police said.

Reports of people buried alive surfaced from most areas in the central and southwestern provinces where search and rescue operations are being continued.

However, people from scores of areas from the central province remain totally cut off without road access and mobile phone systems breaking down due to lack of electricity, officials said.

IMAGE: A house partially submerged by floods in Sri Lanka's Malwana area. Photograph: Thilina Kaluthotage/Reuters

The Sri Lankan Army said some 68 people trapped on a bus in the Northwestern Province's Kalaoya area were rescued by the navy early on Saturday morning in an operation which lasted several hours.

The military deployed over 24,000 troops in the rescue mission and rescued 2,453 people, the Army Commander Lasantha Rodrigo said, adding that over 43,000 affected people were sent to 488 relief centres.

We received generous assistance from India in our rescue operations. Two Indian aircraft came -- the C130 brought in essentials, while the IL 76 brought 80 personnel to assist us, Rodrigo said.

Cyclone Ditwah caused spills in all major reservoirs and rivers with authorities warning people to evacuate.

Nearly 35 per cent of the areas in the island are without power since early Friday with around 7 million of the state power entity Ceylon Electricity Board customers affected.

The restoration work has been hampered by the relentless rains and floods.

Meanwhile, the US announced an immediate allocation of 2 million dollars to support emergency relief efforts while the government of Maldives has decided to extend relief assistance to Sri Lanka through financial support of USD 50,000 and a donation of 25,000 cases of tuna cans.

Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah lashes Tamil Nadu

IMAGE: Cyclone Ditwah triggers rainfall, strong winds and high tides, in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam. Photograph: ANI video grab

Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah lashed the coastal areas and Cauvery delta districts on Saturday, with Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts bearing the brunt.

Normal life in Rameswaram was affected for the second day today owing to continuous rain accompanied by gusty winds.

Few trees were uprooted in Nagapattinam, which also experienced heavy rains, an official said.

According to State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran, it was not clear if Cyclone Ditwah will hit the coast near Chennai. But the state government is fully prepared to launch rescue and relief activities on a war footing, he said.

"About 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF teams, are on standby. We are planning to airlift 10 more teams from other states. The Air Force and Coast Guard have also been alerted. Additionally, monitoring teams will be sent to the districts tomorrow," the minister told reporters here.

There have been no fatalities so far, but 16 livestock have died, and 24 huts have been damaged. "There has been no major impact due to the rain so far. However, the state government is continuously monitoring the situation and has readied teams for rescue and relief operations," he said.

As many as 6,000 relief camps have been established in the districts. Reports from the weather office suggest that the cyclone may pass parallel to the Chennai coast and may fetch heavy rain, he said, and urged the public to follow Chief Minister M K Stalin's advice on remaining safe.

According to an official, 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have already been deployed in the vulnerable districts in the state, including Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Mayiladuthurai. Additional teams have been allocated for Puducherry and Chennai.

Fishermen from Chennai, Rameswaram, Pamban, Nagapattinam, and other coastal districts did not venture into the sea for the second consecutive day today owing to the rough weather conditions.

The delta districts of Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Karur, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Tiruchirappalli and Karaikal in neghbouring Puducherry received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds.

Farmers claimed paddy crops raised on about one lakh acres of land and other crops were submerged in water.

In Chennai, an official of the Water Resources Department said surplus water from Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs would be let out into the sea as a precaution to safeguard the dams.

The Chennai airport authorities said about 54 flights to various districts in the state have been cancelled owing to the cyclone.

"With the IMD warning that Cyclone Ditwah would cause heavy to very heavy rainfall today with wind velocity of 10-15 knots, gusting up to 25 knots, from the north-easterly direction, the Chennai Airport is taking all precautionary measures," the Chennai Airport said in a post on 'X'.

The Southern Railway has announced changes in the pattern of train services for December due to the cyclone.

"The wind velocity at Pamban Bridge has receded and was now within the prescribed threshold limit. Hence, the resumption of train traffic to Rameswaram will be announced soon," a release said.

A tourist van got stranded in an area marooned near a canal in Ramanthapuram district. The occupants, however, had a providential escape as they managed to step out through the rear door.

The district administration has warned people not to venture out unnecessarily due to the adverse weather conditions of strong gales and heavy downpour.

Tourists have been asked not to visit Dhanushokodi on the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island, which is west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, as a precaution. The town was destroyed in the 1964 cyclone in Rameswaram.

Several parts in the state, including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru, Pattukottai, Cuddalore and parts of Chennai, received heavy rain. Strong winds and high tides, accompanied by rainfall, was reported in Ramanthapuram and Nagapattinam districts.

"The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with the speed of 8 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 5.30 am today over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka," the IMD said.

It lay 190 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 300 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 400 km south of Chennai, and is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and reach over southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning of November 30, the weather bulletin said.

Private weather bloggers said there was no change in the cyclone's track and that it moved parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast, and it would bring more rain over Chennai, Cuddalore and Puducherry by tonight.

The name, 'Ditwah', referring to a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen. It is likely named after Detwah Lagoon, a large, saline lagoon on the northwest coast of the island of Socotra in Yemen.
The Indian Air Forces has deployed two transport aircraft -- C-130 and IL-76 -- carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material as part of India's humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

IMAGE: India sends 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo. Photographs: @IAF_MCC/X, @DrSJaishankar

New Delhi launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu ' Humanitarian Assistance. In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Saturday.

"The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air Base on the night of 28/29 Nov 2025, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo," it said.

Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities, officials said.

"Reaffirming the spirit of Neighbourhood first, India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of need," the IAF said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a post on X on Saturday also shared an update on Operation Sagar Bandhu.

"Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with: 9 Tons Relief Material 2 Urban Search and Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel," he said.

"A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way! India Sri Lanka. #OperationSagarBandhu continues," the EAM added.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the first tranche of relief materials were handed after the consignments were transported by Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri.

More than 50 people have been killed in Sri Lanka due to floods and landslides.

More than 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been hit by the extreme weather conditions, according to Sri Lankan authorities.
More than six dozen terror launchpads have been shifted to the "depth areas" in Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, and the force is ready to inflict heavy losses on the enemy if the government decides to resume the cross-border operation, senior Border Security Force officers said on Saturday.

IMAGE: The Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, the Jaish e Mohammad's operational headquarters in Bahawalpur, was struck by Indian missiles during Operation Sindoor. Photograph: Reuters Video/ANI

However, the BSF is honouring the halt in military action after four days of clashes from May 7-10, they said.

"After the BSF destroyed many terror launchpads along the border during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan government shifted all such facilities to the depth areas About 12 launchpads are working from the depth areas of Sialkot and Zaffarwal, which are not exactly on the border.

"Similarly, 60 launchpads are working in the other depth areas away from the border, BSF DIG Vikram Kunwar told reporters in Jammu.

Kunwar, along with BSF IG, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, and DIG Kulwant Rai Sharma addressed a joint press conference to highlight the achievements of the force in 2025, including its role in Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre with cross-border links that claimed 26 lives.

The officer said the figures of these launchpads, as well as the terrorists present in them, keep changing.

"They do not sit there permanently. These launchpads are generally active when terrorists have to be pushed (into India)... They are not kept in more than two or three groups," DIG Kunwar said while informing that there are no training camps in the areas close to the International Border presently.

The reports generally say that there is deployment in the launchpads, indicating training before terrorists are moved to other areas.

"Earlier, they used to have areas marked, where those belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad would be active on the down side, and those from Lashkar-e-Taiba will be active on the upper side. After Operation Sindoor, they have formed a mixed group. Those who want can get training in a mixed group," DIG Kunwar said.

IG Anand said the BSF is ready to follow the orders of the government if it decides to resume Operation Sindoor.

If we talk about 1965, 1971, the 1999 Kargil War, or Operation Sindoor, the BSF has a good experience of all kinds of wars, be it conventional or hybrid warfare. We are ready.

"If we get a chance, we are capable of causing more damage than what we did in May. Whatever policy the government decides, the BSF will play its role in it," he said.

Asked about Pakistani Rangers running away from their posts during Operation Sindoor, the IG said once the situation becomes normal, it is necessary that everyone returns to their respective positions.

It took them a lot of time to recover from the damages inflicted by the BSF. In some locations, they have tried to strengthen their defence. But all of their activities are under our surveillance, the IG said.

The BSF is making its plans according to the changing circumstances, he said, and when we get a chance, we will take proper action".

At the moment, there is no movement (of terrorists on the border) to raise an alarm," the officer said.
Dr Shaheen Shahid, arrested in the "white-collar terror module" case linked to the November 10 Delhi blast, revealed that she had planned to recruit women to carry out the terrorist act, Faridabad police sources have revealed.

IMAGE: Red Fort car blast accused Dr Shaheen Saeed is being brought to Patiala House Court, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

They said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) brought Shahid, a former pharmacologist at Al-Falah University, to the university campus on Thursday in connection with the probe, and that during questioning, she revealed she had planned to recruit women for the mission.

Police sources also revealed that the NIA sleuths recovered Rs 18.5 lakh in cash, along with some gold biscuits and foreign currency, from Shahid's hostel room at the university.

Earlier in the week, the agency brought Dr Muzammil for identification, and soon, the NIA could bring Dr Adil Ahmad for spot identification to the university. Muzammil and Adil Ahmad are two other suspects arrested as part of the probe.

Sources also revealed that Shahid had also lived in Saudi Arabia for four years. She worked as a professor at a medical college in Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2018.

During Shahid's on-site questioning at the campus, the NIA team took her to the medical ward, classroom, and her cabin to gather details of her activities and contacts there.

A senior police officer said on Saturday that the agency has prepared a list of the people with whom she interacted.

The NIA team also took her to a chemical shop from where, according to sources, Dr Muzammil allegedly purchased materials to prepare explosives.

After about four hours of investigation, questioning and identification of several locations, she was taken back to Delhi at about 9:00 pm.

The ongoing investigation has revealed that Shahid was active in terrorist activities while staying at Al-Falah University and was creating a network by connecting people here, the senior police officer said.
Amid an escalating power tussle over the chief minister's chair, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah met his Deputy D K Shivakumar at his residence for a high-stakes breakfast meeting on Saturday, where the two leaders attempted to cool tempers over plates of traditional idli and sambar.

Photograph: Courtesy @DKShivakumar/X

CM Siddaramaiah had invited Shivakumar earlier in order to resolve the ongoing crisis within the party.

Legal advisor to CM A S Ponnanna was also present in the meeting.

Amid the tussle, Siddaramaiah said there is no change in his stance.

"The high command has called both of us, so I have invited him (Shivakumar) for breakfast, and we will talk there. As I said earlier, I will accept whatever the high command says; there is no change in my stand. Even he (Shivakumar) said that whatever the high command says we'll follow that..." Siddaramaiah said.

The Congress is likely to discuss the crisis with the central leaders after the party's strategy group meeting ahead of the winter session of Parliament on November 30.

Shivakumar on Friday reiterated that the Congress high command will take any decision regarding the leadership.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar responded to questions about his supporters wanting to see him as the next CM.

"The party workers may be eager, but I am in no hurry. The party will take all the decisions," Shivakumar told reporters.

He did not rule out a visit to the national capital, though he clarified that his trip would be to raise several key issues with the Congress leadership ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.
On the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor.

India could buy at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets plus joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025. Photograph: File Photo/Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin will be on a rare two-day 'State visit' to India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which will have Moscow and New Delhi sign a raft of agreements.

Putin was in India last in December 2021 for a 'working' visit.

Most of his previous visits to India have either been 'working' or 'official' visits, but the forthcoming one significantly will be a 'State visit'.

Russia and India are looking to deepen their defence cooperation, and expand trade ties, especially in "national currencies".

Moscow has been working on reducing its non-tariff barriers to import more Indian agricultural produce, and pharmaceuticals.

Putin had tasked Denis Manturov, the first deputy prime minister and a co-chair of the India-Russia intergovernmental commission, to examine bilateral trade issues.

Despite US tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, the two are looking at strengthening energy cooperation, such as undertaking joint projects for extraction of energy resources in the Russian Far East, and on the Arctic shelves.

Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil, and dealings through newly formed companies and intermediaries.

In recent weeks, India has reduced the volumes of Russian crude it purchased.

Moscow also wants to expand Russia-India civil nuclear cooperation, with Rosatom offering localisation of large- and small-scale nuclear power plant projects, especially small modular reactors, in regions with limited grid infrastructure.

IMAGE: Senior Indian Army and Russian army officers during the India-Russia expert exchange in the field of 'Integrated Safety and Security of Defence Infrastructure', in New Delhi, November 28, 2025. Photograph: @adgpiXANI Photo

Also on the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor.

Three squadrons of S-400 have already been delivered, and the remaining two are expected to be sent by the middle of next year.

The two could discuss the possibility of India buying at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets, and joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

Putin has been keen that his country increase its imports from India.

In October, he instructed his cabinet ministers to explore ways to address New Delhi's concerns on imbalance in Russia-India bilateral trade, bring down trade barriers to purchase Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural produce, and increase engagement with India's private sector.

New Delhi is also keen to enhance Indian exports to Russia in sectors like pharmaceuticals and textiles, which would also help correct the bilateral trade imbalance that is heavily in Russia's favour because of India's import of Russian oil.

Russia is India's fourth-largest trading partner while India is Russia's second largest.

In Moscow, announcing the dates for the much-anticipated visit, the Kremlin said both sides are expected to adopt a joint statement and sign a 'wide range of interdepartmental and business agreements' following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin.

The two sides are also likely to focus on deepening cooperation in areas of civil nuclear energy.

In New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs said Putin's visit 'will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership', and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.'

President Droupadi Murmu will also receive Putin and host a banquet in his honour.

The visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit comes in the context of India facing severe US tariffs for its purchase of Russian oil.

Putin and Modi have been in touch since the White House announced the second set of tariffs, 25 per cent for its purchase of Russian oil, on India on August 6-7.

Putin and Modi spoke twice in August, and then later met in the Chinese city of Tianjin on August 31 on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.

Their conversation, without any aides, for almost an hour in Putin's armoured limousine was the highlight of that meeting.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, November 18, 2025. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar X/ANI Photo

Announcing the visit, the Kremlin said: 'The current international and regional issues will also feature prominently in the talks with the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Modi.'

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said India and Russia are looking at firming up a number of agreements, initiatives, and projects to add more substance to the ties during President Putin's visit to New Delhi.

On Friday, as India and Russia announced Putin's visit to New Delhi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that they 'have been our friends through both fair and foul weather, and we are not going to sort of stop our defence cooperation with them anytime soon, but I do want to stress that India follows a policy of strategic autonomy.'

At an event organised by an industry chamber, he said India was diversifying its suppliers.

'But more than anything else, we are trying to ensure that we increasingly do spend the bulk of our money within the country.'

In recent months, Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit K Doval have visited Moscow while key Russian ministers have visited India.

India-Russia bilateral trade in 2023-2024 was $65.70 billion, with India's exports at $4.26 billion and imports at $61.44 billion.

'Our trade turnover with India is now around $63 billion. Do you realise what India's (population is)? One-and-a-half billion people, while in Belarus there are 10 million. Our turnover with Belarus is $50 billion and with India (it is) $63 billion,' Putin said at a conference in October.

'This clearly does not correspond to our potential possibilities.'

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
'I will donate 90% of whatever I will earn from now on to continue the movement for a change in Bihar.'

IMAGE: Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor addresses a media conference in Patna, November 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has fixed a Rs 1,000 donation to his party, a pre-condition if any one want to meet him from now on.

"I will only meet people who donate Rs 1,000 to Jan Suraaj," PK said recently. This donation is part of his campaign to mobilise funds for Jan Suraaj.

After ending a 24 hour silent fast at the Gandhi Ashram in Bihar's East Champaran district, PK said he would donate all his assets -- except a flat in New Delhi -- to the party.

"I have decided to donate all my assets that I earned in the last 20 years to Jan Suraaj," PK said. "I will donate 90% of whatever I will earn from now on to continue the movement for a change in Bihar."

After Jan Suraaj failed to win a single seat in the Bihar assembly polls, PK said his party would begin a fresh campaign from January 15, 2026.

Jan Suraaj contested 238 of Bihar's 243 assembly seats and got 3.34% of the votes share.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The widow of Chaudhary Aslam, a Pakistani police officer who became famous as an encounter specialist and for his bravery against terror and criminal gangs in Karachi, has threatened to take legal action if her husband is falsely and negatively portrayed in the upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar.

IMAGE: A poster of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar. Photograph: @AdityaDharFilms/X

Headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie is a high-stakes espionage thriller. The film's official trailer, which was released earlier this month, offers a glimpse into a story set in Karachi's notorious Lyari neighbourhood, once dominated by two rival criminal gangs.

In the movie, veteran star Sanjay Dutt portrays Chaudhary Aslam. The police officer was assassinated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban's Mohmand chapter who claimed responsibility for carrying out a bomb attack on his car on the Lyari Expressway on January 9, 2014, in which two other police officers, his driver, and guard were also killed.

Aslam was well-known for leading law enforcement agencies crackdown on Lyari gangsters, including Rehman Dakait and Uzair Baloch as well as Taliban terrorists. He had earlier survived a bomb attack at his residence in 2011, in which eight people were killed.

In an interview with Geo Digital platform, Aslam's wife Naureen Aslam said she is waiting for the film to come out in Indian theatres on December 5 as only then will she know how the filmmakers have portrayed her husband.

She also took offence to a dialogue in the trailer where Aslam is described as the child of the "devil and a jinn".

"We are Muslims and such words are disrespectful to not only Aslam but his mother as well who was a simple honest woman," Naureen Aslam said.

"If I see my husband being portrayed wrongly or any propaganda against him in the film, I will definitely take all legal steps I can," she added.

Naureen Aslam said it is strange that Indian filmmakers find no other subjects but to malign Pakistan.

"My husband was a brave and courageous police officer and his name was feared by criminals and terrorists... I am surprised that they have portrayed Rehman Dakait as a big terrorist although I know from my husband he was a extortionist, kidnapper and a criminal," she said.

Actor Akshaye Khanna plays the role of Dakait in the movie, while actor R Madhavan essays Indian spy master Ajay Sanyal and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal from ISI. The detail of Singh's character has not been revealed but he seems to be playing an Indian agent who infiltrates the gangs of Lyari.

Dhurandhar is produced by Dhar and his brother Lokesh Dhar through their banner B62 Studios alongside Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios.

On Friday, the parents of Major Mohit Sharma, who was killed during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir, have approached the Delhi high court seeking a stay on the release of the film, claiming that it appears to be directly inspired by the life of the decorated officer and has been made without the consent of the family or the Army.

The film is scheduled to be released in theatres on December 5.
'Definitely BJP is creating trouble in the water. That's all. It's fishing in troubled waters.'

IMAGE: Siddaramaiah, right, and D K Shivakumar, second from left, with Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an interview with Rediff, Basavaraj Rayareddi, the Congress MLA from Yelburga and a confidante and economic adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister Sidddaramaiah, has dismissed media speculation about Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's elevation, stating: "I don't know about that... the party high command has to decide about this."

Rayareddi emphasised that none of the official records or public announcements ever specified a mid-term transition or a two-and-a-half-year rotational arrangement.

"Once elected as a leader by the Congress Legislature Party (of Karnataka), nobody has any business to change the leader mid-term," he insisted.

When pressed on whether he had appealed to the party's high command to intervene and settle the matter, Rayareddi responded in the affirmative -- but clarified it was not due to any "real drift within the party." Rather, he blamed the media for stoking confusion: "Speculations are going in media... there is no crisis within the administration."

Rayareddi went on to suggest a final resolution could come through consultations within the party's leadership: "Maybe CM and Deputy CM will sit and solve this issue." Yet, he stopped short of conceding any existing agreement or promise of leadership change.

The Question of Continuity

Addressing pervasive rumours regarding a potential leadership change, Rayareddi articulated an unequivocal position on Siddaramaiah's longevity.

"The CLP has elected him," he stated. "Once elected somebody, nobody tells about the period and all. Naturally you will (serve) for five years. That's all." This categorical declaration was intended to counter media narratives suggesting otherwise.

However, widespread reports have circulated that the Congress high command had pledged Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar an opportunity to assume the chief ministerial position during the current term. When confronted with such a possiblility, Rayareddi adopted strategic circumspection: "I don't know about that, but the party high command has to decide about this."

Regarding the reported commitment, he emphasised: "They have not told anybody. They have not published anywhere. How can we say?"

Internal Dissension and Administrative Performance

Rayareddi candidly acknowledged the discord permeating legislative ranks: "MLAs belonging to both camps are saying there is a creation of confusion is going on." Yet he maintained a critical distinction between organisational uncertainty and administrative dysfunction. "There is no crisis within the administration," he insisted. "Development and other things are going on. The state cabinet meets to take up developmental issues."

When questioned whether such turmoil disadvantaged Karnataka's people, Rayareddi conceded: "Because of the media too much publicity, it is happening. But the administration is not suffering." He acknowledged collateral effects, however: "Only then there is confusion among the people and confusion among the officers. Actually, a little bit there will be handicapped. But definitely the problem will be settled."

Constitutional Protections and Opposition Challenges

Notably, Rayareddi articulated Constitutional mathematics protecting the government from collapse. With 224 legislators in the assembly and a 112-seat majority requirement, while the combined Opposition commands approximately 80 seats, any change would require over 50 Congress defections. "It is not a joke, you know. That's why I'm telling. It is all speculation."

Regarding Opposition tactical positioning, Rayareddi observed: "Definitely BJP is creating trouble in the water. That's all. It's fishing in troubled waters." Yet he remained confident: "I don't think anything. Nothing will happen to the Siddaramaiah government. That much I can say."

Expectations From The High Command Authority

When pressed regarding whether the national leadership should be held responsible for this continued confusion, Rayareddi deferred: "Forget about a chief minister, but can you even change a chef in one week? It takes time." He suggested resolution might arrive within approximately one week: "Maybe in a week. But it won't happen before a week."

Rayareddi emphatically denied that Shivakumar had formally articulated leadership ambitions: "D K Shukumar himself has never said that he wants to become a CM and that Siddaramaiah should step down. There is no question about that."

He maintained that any such arrangement remained speculative: "There is no internal fight or internal crisis anything in administration. Only because of the media. Too much everyday TV and newspapers are writing is all speculation."
Air pollution has reached "alarming" levels in the Iranian capital, Tehran, leading authorities to close schools and universities and ban truck travel in the region in the latest environmental crisis to strike the Middle East nation.

The Air Quality Index in Tehran and surrounding cities on November 29 climbed to between 170 and 200 -- considered to be "unhealthy" for all age groups, Iranian media reported.

According to experts, air-quality levels of 0-50 are considered good, while those at 151-200 are rated as "unhealthy." Above 200 is considered "very unhealthy."

Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah, a deputy to President Masud Pezeshkian, said that "air pollution will kill if it becomes any more than this."

The Tehran Air Quality Control authority advised residents to "avoid unnecessary outdoor travel."

"Elderly people and children, along with cardiovascular and respiratory patients, should remain in their homes as much as possible," it added.

Restrictions were also put on car travel, while government offices, banks, and other businesses operated with reduced staffs and ordered some employees to work remotely.

The emergency is the latest environmental crisis to hit Iran, which is also suffering from severe economic difficulties amid financial sanctions imposed over its nuclear program -- which the West alleges is designed to build a bomb but Tehran insists is for civilian purposes.

Decades of mismanagement compounded by prolonged drought pushed Iran to the brink of what experts call water bankruptcy. With reservoirs running on empty and rainfall at a record low, authorities began rationing water supplies in Tehran, a city of some 10 million people.

Pezeshkian warned the water crisis could lead to the evacuation of parts of Tehran and suggested the possibility of moving the capital to another city.

Kaveh Madani, director of the Canada-based UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, said recent warnings by authorities have not gone far enough.

"The level of their warnings is too low compared to the reality on the ground," Madani, who previously served as deputy head of Iran's Department of Environment, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

On November 29, the IRNA news agency reported that the massive Karkheh Dam and Power Plant was taken out of production due to decreased water in the dam's lake. Karkheh is the largest earth dam in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world, built on the Karkheh River.

Efforts to relieve the water shortages led to another crisis in the country.

Authorities on November 15 resorted to cloud-seeding -- spraying chemicals into the air to induce rainfall -- in the Lake Urmia basin in northwestern Iran. However, that program led to heavy rain and severe flooding across six western provinces.

"In addition to the heavy cost of cloud-seeding, the amount of rainfall it produces is nowhere near what is needed to solve our water crisis," Sahar Tajbakhsh, chief of Iran's Meteorological Organization, told state TV.

With reporting by dpa and Reuters
For 3 1/2 years, Bucha resident Serhiy Akhmetov was held in Russian captivity at various locations. He was detained in the Ukrainian city in March 2022 while trying to evacuate through a green corridor. This is his story of captivity, how he learned in a penal colony about Ukrainian advances into the Kursk region, and how Red Cross food parcels offered rare clues about what was happening back home.
Russia launched a series of massive air attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands with the country already reeling from a political scandal that has reached the upper echelons of power.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow launched "about 36 missiles and almost 600 drones against ordinary life" in Ukraine on November 29, the latest volley aimed at knocking out energy infrastructure as temperatures begin to plunge.

The attacks, which come amid intense talks over a controversial US-led peace proposal, killed at least three people and wounded dozens of others, Zelenskyy said.

"We must work without wasting a single day to ensure that there are enough missiles for our air defense systems, and that everything necessary for our protection and for pressure on Russia is in place," he said.

"It is time Europe made a decision on the frozen assets if Moscow refuses to end its drone and missile strikes. And we must certainly discuss with all partners the steps needed to bring this war to an end. "

Ukraine has also been on the offensive in the face of the attacks, launching its own strikes inside Russian territory on installations it says are part of Moscow's "war machine."

Ukraine's military said it hit the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region early on November 29, as well as the Beriev military aviation plant in the Rostov region.

Regional authorities in the Krasnodar region said falling drone debris sparked a fire at the refinery, but it was subsequently extinguished. No casualties were reported.

Sources also told RFE/RL's Ukrainian service that two so-called "shadow fleet" tankers -- the KAIRO and VIRAT -- used by Russia to export oil while skirting Western sanctions were attacked with marine drones in the Black Sea.

"This was a joint operation of the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU with the Ukrainian Navy. Modernized Sea Baby naval drones were successfully used on the ships," the source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly on the operation, said.

Russia's massive overnight attack also comes after a tumultuous week that culminated in the resignation of Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's highly influential chief of staff, hours after the country's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) conducted searches in his office.

The raids were part of a corruption scandal involving the alleged siphoning off of tens of millions of dollars of funds meant for the country's vulnerable energy infrastructure.

Several influential individuals with links to Zelenskyy have been implicated in the scheme, though the president himself has not been directly implicated.

Ever since the scandal broke, several Ukrainian lawmakers, including from Zelenskyy's own "Servant of the People" political faction had called for Yermak, the head of the delegation in negotiations with the United States regarding ending the war, to step down.

Yermak has also not been directly accused of wrongdoing, and said during the raids that investigators had been given "full access" to his apartment and that he was providing his "full cooperation."

White House envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week amid accelerating efforts to cement the US-backed peace proposal that many Ukrainians -- and European leaders -- are wary of.

Witkoff, a real estate developer with no diplomatic background whom Trump has charged with leading efforts to find an end to Russia's war, is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin on the trip, his sixth meeting with the Russian president since January.

Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been rumored to be part of the delegation.

The trip follows days of swirling negotiations between US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials in Kyiv, Geneva, and Abu Dhabi that were sparked by the leak of the American plan last week.

The initial 28-point version echoes the hard-line positions Russia has taken since at least the launch of its all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

That alarmed Ukrainian officials -- and reportedly angered Zelenskyy -- who then held their own bilateral talks with US officials.

The resulting "refined" 19-point plan still leaves several key issues on the table, including the fate of a chunk of Ukraine's Donetsk region that the Kremlin has been hellbent on seizing.

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.

Zelenskyy said on November 29 that Rustem Umerov, a former defense minister who is now secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and a member of Kyiv's negotiating team, was on his way to Washington to continue to iron out details of any potential settlement.

"The task is clear - to promptly and meaningfully prepare a definition of steps to end the war. Ukraine continues to work as constructively as possible with America," he said in a post on social media.
Serhiy Akhmetov wanted to start a business making educational toys for children.

Instead, he spent more than 3 1/2 years locked up in a series of facilities in Russia and Belarus after Russian soldiers swept through his town indiscriminately arresting people -- and is now trying to rebuild his life after being freed in a prisoner swap in October.

All my plans, that I thought about in prison, its all goneNow is not the time. I will do something else, something more useful, he said.

Akhmetov sat down with RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service a few weeks after his release for an interview in which he recalled beatings, food shortages, and desperate efforts to get news.

His account tallies with that given by other Ukrainian civilians released from detention in Russia, according to a UN report published in September.

Bucha

The 50-year-old was detained by Russian solders on March 9, 2022, in the first weeks of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He was a resident of Bucha, a town that has become synonymous with atrocities and massacres carried out by Russian forces.

When Ukrainian forces liberated Bucha at the end of March, they found the streets littered with corpses. Russian soldiers had been on a shooting spree. But Russian TV falsely claimed that Ukraine was responsible.

On April 8, they gave us a TV in our cell for the first time, for one day, so we could watch Russian news, he said.

Akhmetov said he and others were then hauled in for interrogations about the events in Bucha, though no force was used against them.

It's strange, because I was detained on March 9, someone on March 5, someone on March 10. How could we have known what was happening? he said.

The Ordeal Begins

As Russian troops advanced into Bucha, Ukraine began a mass evacuation of civilians from the town and other areas in the Kyiv region. Akhmetov put a large white flag on his car and started to drive - but soon found himself staring down the barrel of a Russian soldiers machine gun.

He didnt know why a group of soldiers had stopped him, though they seemed to think he knew something about a Ukrainian mortar position.

They decided that I shouldn't be killed here, but I should be interrogated at their headquarters. And they said this obscene phrase: you'll get f****d there, Akhmetov said.

At the Russian base, he thought he was about to be shot by a soldier whose face says that he finished 10th grade at best, holding a gun to his head.

But instead, he was taken to Hostomel Airport -- briefly seized by Russian forces early in the invasion before Kyiv's forces retook it -- and was held in a basement without windows for several days with 1520 other Ukrainian civilians.

There was, Akhmetov said, constant shelling and little to eat. Once, being ordered to take out the trash, he found some expired sausage in it. We ate it, it was very tasty.

On March 15, at 5 a.m., the prisoners were shackled, blindfolded, and bundled into armored vehicles and driven to Belarus, which Russian forces had used as a springboard for their attack on Ukraine the previous month.

But this was just the start. After a few days, they were taken to a detention center in Novozybkov, western Russia, where Akhmetov was held until May 2023. This was followed by roughly six weeks in Pakino prison, 230 kilometers east of Moscow, and then nearly two years at a penal colony in the Mordovia region.

Beatings, Stress, Isolation

Conditions at these various locations varied, said Akhmetov.

At Pakino, the prisoners were brutally beaten on arrival, regularly mistreated, and not given enough to eat. In Mordovia, all this is multiplied by two or three times. And at the same time, they fed me the best in Mordovia. And there I was able to recover to 73 kilograms.

But the food came with a catch - prisoners had to eat standing up. In fact, they were made to stand for most of the day.

We got up at six in the morning. We couldn't sit down. We stood until ten in the evening, Akhmetov said. Many people's legs were sore and swollen. And we stood like that until August 2023.

Isolation was another problem. Akhmetov was able to write letters to his family just four times. He only got one letter from his wife, Olena, in January this year. It was, he said, the first time I finally knew that my children were safe, that everyone was alive.

News of the outside world, the progress of the war, was also almost nonexistent. But prisoners found ways of scraping together information.

In January 2023, a prison official told Akhmetov that the war was ongoing. Another Russian in the room said his friend had died in fighting. We understood that Ukraine was holding on.

Another snippet of information had been gleaned in May 2022. We were forced to shout: F**k Biden. We realized America was helping Ukraine.

Omission was also informative. If they don't say among themselves, even in 2025, that they took Kharkiv, that they took Dnipro or Zaporizhzhya, it meanseverything is fine. The combat zone is not moving towards Kyiv.

Another clue came from a Red Cross food parcel in March 2024. Akhmetov noted condensed milk produced in Mykolayiv, cookies from Cherkasy region, candies from Kharkiv, and toothpaste from Kyiv.

He was able to conclude that all of these places remained under Ukrainian control.

We didn't know exactly where the line of combat contact was. But we understood that it had not been possible to take Ukraine, he said.

Homeward Bound

Akhmetov says he was just about to begin dinner on October 1 this year when he was told to gather his things. His civilian clothes were returned to him.

I came to Mordovia in the summer. They brought me some warm pants, a warm jacketthey also gave me a hat, he said. It was completely incomprehensible.

He and other prisoners were then driven to an airport, flown to Belarus, and put on a bus to Ukraine.

As soon as we crossed the border, the Ukrainian national anthem was playing, a lot of unknown people were standing on the highway, welcoming us, he recalled.

It was such a fantastic feeling -- that we were heroes, even though we, civilians, were not heroes at all. We just ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A County Roscommon based pharmaceutical manufacturer has been named Manufacturing Company of the Year.

Dunbar Pharma based in Monksland received the accolade at this years Irish Start-Up Awards, backed by Enterprise Ireland and supported by a range of partners including Microsoft, Microfinance Ireland, McCann FitzGerald, Dublin City Council and Cronin & Co.

The awards shine a light on early-stage Irish companies with strong innovation, export potential and the capacity to scale.

Dunbar Pharma, headquartered in Monksland, develops and manufactures plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for use in medicines.

Founded just a few years ago, the company has quickly grown into a high-tech employer in the region, with a GMP- certified manufacturing facility and a growing export footprint.

Chief executive and co-founder Leah Fletcher, an Athlone native, said the award was a proud moment for the entire team and for the area. This recognition really belongs to our amazing team in Monksland, she said.

Manufacturing at this level is hard, detailed work  its early mornings, late nights, and an obsession with detail and quality. To see that effort recognised on a national stage is incredibly special for all of us.

The Irish Start-Up Awards celebrate young Irish companies that are innovating, creating jobs and building export-led businesses. The Manufacturing Company of the Year category recognises start-ups that have demonstrated excellence in production, quality systems and the ability to scale advanced manufacturing.
Unity will continue says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in Joint Press Conference with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said he is with the chief minister Siddaramaiah and that there is no group as claimed in the media reports.

Karnataka News: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar hold a joint press conference in Bengaluru after a breakfast meeting this morning, where the CM said unity will continue in the state.

After a breakfast meeting with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "There are no differences between us, and there will be no differences in the future..." "Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between u,s and there will be no differences in the future..."

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CM Siddaramaiah added, " We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion."

CM Siddaramaiah further stated, "The BJP and JDS have a habit of making false allegations. The BJP and JDS have made statements that they will bring a no-confidence motion. They are only 60, and the JDS is 18. They cannot match our numbers. We are 140. This is a futile exercise. We will confront their false allegations."

"As far as I know, some MLAs want to become ministers, so they might have gone to meet the high command. This does not mean that they are against the leadership. Some of them spoke to me and told me why they went to Delhi. Whatever the high command says, we will go by that, Siddaramaiah added.

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Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said he is with the chief minister Siddaramaiah and that there is no group as claimed in the media reports.

"With the support of all of you, we have brought the Congress government and we are working as per our promise. The people of the state are giving their full support. We have to fulfill their wishes. We are working in that direction... whatever the high command says, we will follow that, and there is no group. Even now, we are working together. Whatever the CM said, I am with the CM. We are working together..." Shivakumar said.

The joint press conference comes after widespread speculation and media reports that Shivakumar would replace Siddaramaiah as the chief minister of Karnataka.
CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Appointment Letters to Youths in Punjab Power Corporations

The Chief Minister also urged students to draw inspiration from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,

CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Appointment Letters to Youths in Punjab Power Corporations

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann handed over appointment letters to 2,105 young people recruited in the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL), bringing the total number of government jobs given to youth so far to 58,962, according to an official press release.

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Addressing a ceremony at the Government Medical College, Amritsar, Chief Minister Mann described unemployment as the root cause of social problems and said his government is committed to eradicating it.

He said that in the past three and a half years since assuming office, the state government has provided around 58,962 government jobs to young people, and called it a record achievement in itself.

Detailing the latest recruitments, the Chief Minister said that 2,023 linemen, 48 internal auditors, and 35 revenue accountants have been appointed in PSPCL and PSTCL. Since April 2022, a total of 8,984 appointments have been made in these two corporations, he added.

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Mann emphasized that the campaign to provide employment opportunities to Punjabs youth would continue and expressed pride that the recruitments were carried out solely on the basis of merit.

Taking a dig at previous governments, he said, During earlier regimes, youth could only get jobs through cash and favour, but we have completely ended that practice.

The Chief Minister also urged students to draw inspiration from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who overcame immense hardships to achieve greatness.

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Mann said that the newly appointed employees are now an integral part of the government and should serve the public with dedication and missionary zeal. He expressed hope that they would use their positions to help the poor and underprivileged.

He also encouraged the youth to actively participate in the state governments initiatives, including the war against drugs campaign, to contribute to building a progressive and drug-free Punjab.

(For more news apart from CM Bhagwant Mann Hands Over Appointment Letters to Youths in Punjab Power Corporations," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh, the selection of a GNDU graduate for such a key position abroad highlights the global impact and excellence of the university's alumni.File Photo.

He brings to the council his extensive expertise in immigration law and longstanding involvement with the New Jersey immigrant community.

GNDU Alumnus Jaspreet Singh Becomes First Punjabi Immigrant on New Jersey Transition Council

US-based attorney Jaspreet Singh, an alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, has been appointed to a high-profile body as the only Sikh and the first Punjabi immigrant in the incoming administrations core advisory structure. The New Jersey Transition Advisory Council has been constituted by New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill to steer governance, policy, and administrative priorities.

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GNDU officials celebrated this milestone. According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh, the selection of a GNDU graduate for such a key position abroad highlights the global impact and excellence of the universitys alumni.

Singh studied law at GNDU. He brings to the council his extensive expertise in immigration law and longstanding involvement with the New Jersey immigrant community. Earlier this year, he donated INR 3 crore to GNDU to establish the Guru Nanak Chair, a move towards fostering academic research rooted in Sikh values and promoting global engagement.

For Punjab and GNDU, this appointment is more than just personal success: it symbolises the growing reach of Indian-educated professionals in global governance and community leadership. For many young Punjabis and aspiring students, Jaspreet Singhs journey from Amritsar to a major US states advisory council sends a powerful message of ambition, education, pride and inspiration and the high regard Indian institutions can achieve worldwide.

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Source: The Tribune
The Last Prince of Moldavia, Grigore Alexandru Ghica

The earthly remains of the great prince have been brought home

RRI Encyclopedia

Ion Puican and Eugen Cojocariu, 29.11.2025, 14:00

The earthly remains of the last prince of Moldavia before the Union of the Romanian Principalities in 1859, Grigore Alexandru Ghica (1804-1857), have been brought back to Romania after 168 years in a wide symbolic and historical endeavor. The ceremony began in France, at the Gendarmerie Academy, with military honors and tributes paid to the prince. The Romanian ambassador to Paris, Ioana Bivolaru, involved in organizing the events in France, speaks about this initiative supported by the Romanian state:

Through this repatriation, Romania sends a call to keep alive the memory of a personality who made an important contribution to the history of modern Romania.

For the Romanian state, the moment of repatriating the earthly remains of the prince represents an act of recovering the memory of a key reformer of Romanian modernity. Grigore Alexandru Ghica ruled under the name Grigore the 5th Ghica, in two periods: May 1849-October 1853 and October 1854-June 3, 1856. He was the son of the great logothete Alexandru Constantin Ghica, protector of Romanian theater in its early days. He studied in Germany and after returning to his country held high positions at the princely court.

As prince, he had major achievements for the era, in the context of modernizing the Romanian Principalities. Among these, the liberation of the Roma people: in 1855, he requested the draft law for abolishing Roma slavery. The law was unanimously voted. Mihai Ghyka, the princes great-grandson, also speaks about these achievements:

Practically, he is one of the Europeans before Europe was born. Grigore Alexandru Ghica is the one who founded the Romanian Gendarmerie, the National Bank. He is the one who freed the Roma and, at the same time, the one who abolished censorship, all things that aligned with the spirit of the times and connected with Western European nations and that pulled Romania out of dependence on Turkish and Austrian power, which at the time decided things in the Romanian Principalities.

On February 24, 1856, Prince Grigore Alexandru Ghica issued the act abolishing censorship. He promulgated the first law of the Gendarmerie, thus becoming the founder of the Romanian Gendarmerie. He introduced the telegraph into the Romanian Principalities with the help of French engineers. He reformed agriculture by regulating relations between landowners and workers, reducing working days, abolishing the tithe and stopping the use of peasants for other labors than agricultural ones. These important reforms were also mentioned by the President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, in his speech on the occasion of repatriating the princes earthly remains:

We are here on the occasion of bringing back to the country the earthly remains of the prince of Moldavia, Grigore Alexandru Ghica, the last prince of Moldavia before the Union of January 1859. And it is an opportunity to remind us that the construction of modern Romania started before January 1859. Some important decisions which Prince Ghica either initiated or participated in: abolishing censorship, initiating specialized medical units (maternity), founding the School of Road and Construction Engineers. Bold social reforms: abolishing Roma slavery. Establishing the Gendarmerie, which was an institution for internal peace, but also for people prepared for bigger battles, in a time when Romanias armed forces were limited by agreements of the great powers. We must also mention some things about social reforms: the courage to reduce taxes, the tithe for those who worked the land, and customs taxes, the so-called taxes on goods circulation. But I insist, in my opinion, on the Union of 1859. Because the Union of 1859 didnt occur out of the blue, it was not a gift to Romania. To achieve it, there were political people who acted in this direction, and Prince Ghica is one of them.

Grigore Alexandru Ghica was also a reformer of education, laying the foundations of modern education in the Principality of Moldavia. He built elementary and primary schools, established the first two faculties: Law and Philosophy, and developed medical education through the Gregorian Institute, the surgery school, the midwifery school and the infirmary hospice. He also contributed to infrastructure, urban planning and administration by building the barracks in Copou, Iasi, developing the salt mines exploitation system and reducing customs duties to stimulate commerce. He was a firm supporter of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. He supported the unionist movement by making the first steps towards the unification of Moldavia with Wallachia, thereby entering into conflict with the Ottoman Porte due to his unionist activism, as his great-grandson Mihai Ghyka points out:

He was, without a doubt, a man of a single idea: the idea of the patriots of the 1848 revolution, who wholeheartedly desired the Union of the Principalities and the sovereignty of Romania. He set aside personal interests and fought to bring alongside him people educated in Berlin or Paris, and French institutions were the inspiration for his reign.

The last prince of Moldavia, Grigore Alexandru Ghica, remains an iconic figure of the 19th century, a leader who put the public good above all else. Today, with his symbolic return, Romania reaffirms its respect for those who built, with vision and courage, the foundations of the modern state. (VP)
The Week in Review

The main headline-making events this past week

The week in review

Leyla Cheamil, 29.11.2025, 14:00

The European Commission freezes the excessive budget deficit procedure for Romania

On Tuesday, the European Commission adopted the autumn package of the European Semester and announced that the excessive deficit procedure was temporarily suspended for nine Member States, including Romania. The other countries are Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, and Slovakia. Specifically, this means that no new procedural measures will be taken at this stage, but the procedure remains open: for example, if the deficit is not sustainably brought below 3% of the GDP. The obligations for Member States in the Commissions recommendation also remain in place. Next summer, the European Commission will review the situation, with data for 2025 available. Romania is currently in last place in the European Union, with a deficit of 8.4%. The EU executive points out that the countrys situation remains fragile, so it encourages the government to remain vigilant and rigorously implement the planned fiscal adjustment measures. On the other hand, the reforms promised and some already undertaken by the authorities in Bucharest, although very unpopular at home, are well received in Brussels.

Romania has a new defense strategy

Romanian President Nicusor Dan presented the National Defense Strategy for the next five years to a joint session of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The document, adopted by the Supreme Council for National Defense, stipulates that Romania must be prepared to manage the risks of a large-scale, long-term conflict near its borders. There is also a need to increase the combat capability of the army and revitalize the national defense industry. Investment projects in this area, worth around 16 billion, will be carried out under the European SAFE instrument, according to Romanias New Defense Strategy. It also provides for the strengthening of strategic partnerships, support for the stability and development of the Republic of Moldova, and continued support for Ukraine. Risks include corruption and dysfunctions in key areas such as health, education, social protection, and administration.

A drone enters Romanian airspace without authorization

Romanian and German NATO fighter jets were mobilized on Tuesday near Romanias border with Ukraine after a drone entered Romanian airspace deeper than ever before, an action that authorities in Bucharest called a Russian provocation. The pilots had approval to engage the aerial target, but the planes did not fire, and the drone crashed either because it lost control or because it ran out of fuel. Fragments of the drone, without explosive cargo, were later found on Romanian territory. Russian drones had struck Ukrainian ports overnight near the border with Romania, which lies across the Danube River. Tuesdays incursion was the 13th reported by Romania in its airspace since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The drone entered Romania on the day of US General Christopher Donahues visit to the US troops at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base (southeast). He said that an anti-drone combat system would soon be deployed by the Romanian Air Force and would provide increased capability to shoot down drones that illegally enter the countrys airspace.

Romania takes over the rotating presidency of the Central European Initiative for 2026

On Wednesday, Romania took over the rotating presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI) for 2026. The event took place in the context of the meeting of foreign ministers from CEI member states, organized by Serbia as the rotating presidency of the Initiative. On this occasion, the head of Romanian diplomacy, Oana Toiu, made a recorded statement in which she emphasized Bucharests increased commitment to regional cooperation and presented the priorities of Romanias CEI presidency. These include, among others, supporting the European integration of candidate countries and strengthening the economic and business dimension within the CEI, including by promoting connectivity projects.



The Superior Council of Magistracy rejects the new draft law on the reform of magistrates pensions

The Superior Council of Magistracy announced on Thursday that the plenary session rejected the new draft law on the reform of magistrates pensions. The negative opinion was given just one day before the European deadline for Romania to avoid losing more money from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). In recent days, general assemblies of magistrates across the country have expressed their views, and it is already known that prosecutors and judges in Bucharest have rejected the draft legislation that reduces their pensions and increases their retirement age. According to the new draft, the amount of magistrates pensions will be 55% of the calculation basis, represented by the average gross allowances over the last five years, but no more than 70% of the last net allowance. Also, the transition period until the retirement age of 65 will be 15 years, calculated starting January 1, 2026. In return, magistrates are asking for their pensions to be almost the same as their last salary.

The election campaign for Bucharest continues

The election campaign for the Bucharest City Hall elections, scheduled for December 7, continues. There are 17 candidates in the race. The position of mayor became vacant after Nicusor Dan, who won a second term last year, became president of Romania. Also on December 7, elections will be held to appoint the leadership of the Buzau County Council (southeast) and the mayors of 12 localities. (MI)
In October 2025, popular 125cc motorcycles such as the Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Raider boosted company sales

Following our earlier reports on motorcycles in the 150cc-200cc segment and sales in the 350cc-450cc segment in Oct 2025, we now assess sales across the 125cc segment.

Unlike sales of larger capacity bikes, which have received positive response from buyers in India, the 125cc bikes have suffered a YoY decline, even as total sales were significantly higher in number. This could indicate a trend that buyers are moving closer towards the more powerful and adventurous segment.

125cc Motorcycle Sales Oct 2025

Bikes in the 125cc segment regaled both for their affordability and a better riding experience, accounted for total sales of 3,72,047 units. This was a 7.82% YoY de-growth over 4,03,607 units sold in Oct 2024. It related to a volume decline of 31,560 units.

Honda Shine + SP commanded the sales list with 1,44,372 units, an 8.90% YoY de-growth from 1,58,471 units of Oct 2024. It commanded a 38.80% share and was the only model in the segment to surpass sales over the 1 lakh unit mark.

Bajaj Pulsar has seen a strong 27.81% rise in demand in Oct 2025 to 87,562 units. This was 19,051 unit volume growth from 68,511 units sold in Oct 2024. TVS Raider is another strong contender in this segment. It experienced a 9.64% YoY rise in demand to 56,085 units in the past month which was a significant rise over 51,153 units sold in the same month last year.

TVS Raiders arch rival in the 125cc motorcycle segment, Hero Glamour too witnessed rising demand with 28,823 units sold, an 18.34% improvement from 24,356 units of Oct 2024. It was followed by the Hero Xtreme 125R with 24,582 units sold, a 38.14% YoY decline from 39,735 units sold last year.

Hero Splendor, Honda Hornet, Bajaj Freedom

The 125cc motorcycle segment had the Hero Splendor at No. 6 with 18,566 unit sales. It suffered a 40.33% YoY decline from 31,112 unit sales in Oct 2024. Honda Hornet, a relatively new comer to this segment, launched in February 2025, added 9,899 units to total sales tally.

There was also the Bajaj Freedom with 2,152 units sold, a hefty 92.84% YoY decline while KTM sales dipped to just 6 units in the past month. This was a 94.50% YoY de-growth from 109 units sold in Oct 2024.
Honda Activa commanded the highest sales with a 22.39% YoY growth and 54.52% share

Like every other big two wheeler maker in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) have also reported strong sales in October 2025. This positive impact was on account of renewed customer confidence which was augmented by favorable market conditions, the festive season impact of GST 2.0 reforms.

Leading companys growth were products such as the Activa range, Shine 125 and Dio, the three of which command an 85% share in the company portfolio. In October, the company also achieved a major milestone with cumulative sales of 35 million units of the Activa 110, Activa 125 and the Activa-I, thus making it Indias best-selling scooter.

Honda 2W Sales Oct 2025

Total sales in Oct 2025 stood at 5,98,946 units. This was a 9.11% YoY growth over 5,48,960 units sold in Oct 2024 relating to a volume increase of 49,986 units. The ever popular Honda Activa commanded a No. 1 spot with 3,26,551 units sold, a 22.39% YoY growth from 2,66,806 units sold in Oct 2024. It currently occupies a 54.52% share in the company portfolio.

Honda Shine 125 and SP125 combined, saw their sales decline by 8.90% YoY to 1,44,373 units from 1,58,471 units while the Dio scooter also received added attention with 36,340 units sold, a 9.53% YoY improvement from 33,179 units.

Unicorn sales were up 3.33% to 32,825 units while Shine 100 suffered a YoY decline by 20.03% to 30,243 units. Hornet 125 added 9,899 units to the total sales of Oct 2025 and SP160 saw its sales increase by 9.14% to 5,756 units. Lower down the sales order, Livo accounted for a 15.29% growth to 4,351 units while sales of the CB350 increased massively by 84.71% to 3,395 units from 1,838 units.

Hness 350 saw its sales decline to 2,056 units, a 25.80% YoY de-growth while Hornet 2.0 sales went up by 54.81% to 1,949 units. There was also positive response to the Honda CB200X with 1,053 unit sales last month while XL750 saw its sales go up by 366.76% to 84 units as compared to 18 units sold in Oct 2024.

The sales list also included the CBR650 with 66 units sold and GL1000 Gold Wing of which 6 units were sold last month. The company recorded 0 unit sales for the Dream, CB300, CB500 and QC1 while Activa e has been pulled out of production since August 2025.
Dolph Lundgren felt "a little guilty" when he broke Sylvester Stallone's ribs.

Sylvester Stallone was injured by Dolph Lundgren

The 68-year-old actor portrayed villain Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and he left his co-star, who played the titular character, seriously injured following a fight scene, but had no idea until some time afterwards.

Speaking to Fox News, Dolph said: "I didnt know it happened, we were both getting hit in that fight.

"We shot for two weeks in Vancouver, and I got back to L.A.The producer called and said, Hey, Dolph, you got two weeks off. I said, Thats great, whats going on? Slys in the hospital. I found out that way.

"I did feel a little guilty. You know, he hit me too. He was the boss, I did what he told me, which was good. Go really hard with the body, you know those Russian uppercuts.

"I dont know if it was my body or exhaustion or my punches, I dont know, but he did get hurt. Im sorry about that."

Stallone, now 79, previously recalled how he had to be flown from Canada to an intensive care unit in a California hospital after being "pulverised" during the fight scene.

Speaking in 2021 documentary The Making of Rocky vs. Drago, he said: "I didn't feel it in the moment but later that night my heart started to swell.

"My blood pressure went up to 260 and I was going to be talking to angels, next thing I know I'm on this emergency, low-altitude flight. I'm in intensive care surrounded by nuns and then after that, I had to go back and finish the fight."

And the moment where the actor got injured for real featured in the finished movie.

Stallone said in the documentary: "How could you take that out?"

Meanwhile, Dolph previously admitted there was "tension" between himself and the late Carl Weathers on the set of the movie.

Speaking to Screen Rant, Dolph said: "When I first met him, we were shooting the fight of Apollo versus Drago in Las Vegas, and Carl showed up two days before.

"I was there to rehearse it with him, and he didn't know me. He just saw this big fricking blonde guy who looks dangerous. He heard the guy's a karate champion, and he's never acted before. I think Carl got a little bit like, 'Am I really...? Should I really do this? Am I going to survive this fight?'

"I was in character a lot around the ring, so I was always Drago. I was walking around like him. In the beginning, we didn't talk much. There was a little bit of tension there, and then of course in the fight, I ended up beating him up pretty badly. I didn't really get to know him that well."

Dolph revealed that he later became friendlier with Weathers  who died at the age of 76 in February 2024.

He added: "But later at the premiere of the movie and then later, professionally, I met him many times... We did a couple of Comic-Cons together, and he turned out to be a really nice guy who was very friendly.

"But I think he was always a little bit sore about what happened in 'Rocky' I through IV. I didn't write the script."
Sri Owen, a Sumatra-raised food writer living in London "who brokered her homesickness for her native cuisine into a prolific career as a cookbook author credited with popularizing Indonesian delicacies in the English-speaking world," died October 4, the New York Times reported. She was 90.

Owen published 10 books, starting with The Home Book of Indonesian Cookery (1976), a groundbreaking work that "brought to light a national cuisine that was little known in the Western world, weaving myriad recipes into a memoir format that also traces the swirl of cultural influences--Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Arabic and others--that shaped the Indonesian palate," the Times wrote.

The Rice Book (1993) explored the historical legacies of the grain, as well as its myths and legends, while offering more than 250 recipes from many countries. The Observer ranked The Rice Book #19 on its list of the 50 best cookbooks of all time. Her other cookbooks include Healthy Thai Cooking (1997), Noodles the New Way (2000), and New Wave Asian (2002). In 2017, the Guild of Food Writers honored her with its lifetime achievement award. Her final book, Sri Owen's Indonesian Food, is available from Interlink Books.

Owen moved from Sumatra to Britain in 1964 with her English husband, Roger Owen. A Jane Austen fan and self-described Anglophile, she later said she had been eager to move, but soon began to yearn for the foods she had grown up with. "When I arrived in London, Indonesian food was not known at all," Owen said in an interview with the Times in 2020. "I started cooking Indonesian food because I wanted to eat my own home cooking. The flavors of Indonesian food are difficult to leave behind."

A literary agent friend of her husband who had dined in the Owen home helped arrange a deal for The Home Book of Indonesian Cookery with Faber & Faber.

In 1984, Owen opened an Indonesian food shop on the ground floor of the family home, naming it Mustika Rasa, roughly, "jewel of flavor," which sold its wares at Harrods, the Times noted, adding that by her later years, she "had no shortage of Indonesian restaurants to choose from in London. But there was little point in asking her for recommendations. As she put it to Food52, 'I find I can cook better than any of the average eating places.' "
Actress Nicole Kidman poses for photographers during the photo call for the film "The Killing Of A Sacred Deer" at the 70th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 22, 2017. Arthur Mola/Invision/AP

Actress Nicole Kidman took to social media on Friday to share how she spent her first Thanksgiving since her split from country music star Keith Urban.

The Babygirl star shared an Instagram story post of her family at a Turkey Trot.

The group all sported matching turkey-themed T-shirts from the event that read, Boulevard Bolt 2025 along with running gear.

Kidman, 58, captioned the photo So thankful xx.

The image features Kidmans sister Antonia Kidman, brother-in-law Craig Marran and her and Urbans two daughters, Sunday and Faith. Kidmans other children, Bella, 32, and Connor, 30, whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise, did not appear in the post.

The Big Little Lies star split with Urban, 58, in September, after almost two decades of marriage.

Nicole Kidman, right, and Keith Urban arrive at the 37th Annual American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

According to the Associated Press, Kidman filed for divorce from Urban and cited marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences in the petition. The detailed agreements, which lay out a roughly equal division of joint assets, suggest that the divorce had been in the works a while.

On top of that, Urban signed a parenting plan that states that Kidman will be the primary residential parent, said the Associated Press.

Both raised in Australia, Kidman and Urban met in 2005 and married a year later.

Kidmans roles have included Practical Magic, Days of Thunder, Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge, The Hours, Nine Perfect Strangers and Big Little Lies. She has both an Academy Award and multiple Emmys. Urban, who has won four Grammy Awards and over a dozen ACM Awards, has hits including Somebody Like You and Blue Aint Your Color.

Their split was originally reported by TMZ on Sept. 29.
State police announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 that they have identified human remains found in a drained swamp in Orange County in 1991 as Mikolai Celesz, of Port Jervis, who was 76 when he went missing in 1976. Courtesy State Police

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, New York, 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.
President Donald Trump took to social media on Thursday to share a Thanksgiving post in which he spouted anti-immigration rhetoric and used a slur in describing a fellow politician.

A very Happy Thanksgiving salutation to all of our Great American Citizens and Patriots who have been so nice in allowing our Country to be divided, disrupted, carved up, murdered, beaten, mugged, and laughed at, along with certain other foolish countries throughout the World, for being Politically Correct, and just plain STUPID, when it comes to Immigration, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

He went on to reference refugees from Somalia who he claimed are taking over the once great State of Minnesota, later using a slur to describe Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for his inaction.

Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for prey as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone. The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both, the president wrote.

In the past, the term retarded was used medically to describe people with mental disabilities. For example, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities was once known as the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

However, there has been a push in recent decades to retire the term, which disability advocates say is often used in an insulting, derogatory fashion.

Despite recent efforts to curtail the use of the term, several high-profile celebrities, including Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, have been using the word publicly, and unapologetically, over the past year.

Dr. Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics chairman, told USA Today that the word has a long history of being used to discriminate against people with developmental disabilities and is unacceptable to use under any circumstances.

The post suggests the president used the R-word to mock Gov. Walz. If thats true, this word has a long, painful and humiliating history, and it reinforces unfair and wrong stereotypes that people with intellectual disabilities are incompetent or worse, Shriver wrote in a statement to USA Today. Words matter. Its never OK to use the r-word.
People shield themselves from driving snow in Foley Square during a storm on Friday, March. 8 2013, in New York. Tuesday's weather system will create different impacts across the region, with coastal areas seeing mainly rain while areas north and west of I-287 could face snowy, slippery conditions. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  While areas of northern New Jersey and Westchester County can expect to see some snow accumulation on Tuesday, Staten Island residents should only need to deal with a rainy, wet morning commute, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Scott Homan.

There might be a slushy covering, but for the most part, anywhere from Staten Island to the east and south, looks to be little to no accumulation, said Homan.

Precipitation should begin around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, with the storm moving off the coast and into New England by approximately 11 p.m.

Winds from the ocean will bring warmer air to the coast near southern New Jersey, Long Island and Staten Island, preventing most snowfall. Areas farther from the ocean will see cold air hang on longer, supporting wet snow for much of the day.

Higher elevations of northwestern New Jersey, along with portions of Westchester County in New York and central Connecticut, could see 1 to 3 inches of snow. The heaviest accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible in Sullivan County and Ulster County in upstate New York, as well as northern Connecticut.

According to Homan, main roads from Staten Island southward and eastward are not expected to see significant impacts other than some slush in the early morning, but areas north and west of Interstate 287 could experience slippery and snowy conditions during the late morning commute and throughout the day.

I would say areas away from the coast, theres a potential for the first winter storm, said Homan. But I would say for you guys, its just a rainstorm for most of the day.
Lebanese chicken chain El Jannah has big, bold dreams: conquer Australia, then the world, starting with its cultural motherland of Lebanon.

To get there, the swiftly growing charcoal-fired empire that began as a small outlet in western Sydney 27 years ago has chosen an investor in US investment giant General Atlantic, an asset manager of some $180 billion, after years of being circled by deep-pocketed prospective backers.

But there is one thing El Jannahs chief marketing officer, Adam Issa, would like to make clear. We are not in any way, shape or form selling out, he said.

Investors have circled chicken chain El Jannah for years. Credit: Eddie Jim

There [are] 101 different burger chains, pizza chains out there. There is not a lot, if any, [of] charcoal chicken brands out there. There [are] not a lot of Lebanese brands out there, Issa said.
Circus and opera come together this week to tell one of our oldest and most beloved stories: Orpheus and Eurydice, the tale of two ill-fated lovers who attempt to leave hell.

A collaboration between Circa and Opera Australia, the production  which has toured Brisbane, Sydney and Edinburgh  arrives at Melbournes Regent Theatre on December 2 for a limited season.

Acrobats form Circa will perform alongside performers from Opera Australia in the Melbourne season of Orpheus and Eurydice. Credit: Eddie Jim

The details of the Greek myth ebb and flow and change between tellings, but while motivations, timeline and settings shift, the core details remain the same. A man named Orpheus and a woman named Eurydice fall in love. When she dies and is taken to hell, he follows her. Orpheus is then given one chance to lead his love back to the world of the living.

The one rule is that he can go and get her, but he cant turn around and look at her, otherwise she will die, says Billie Wilson-Coffey, an acrobat who will perform in the upcoming production. This version of Orpheus and Eurydice, she explains, is really stark. Its set in an asylum.
For a rare fairytale moment in Australian politics, Jodie Haydon avoided the princess fantasy of meringue dresses and sweetheart necklines, instead choosing a dramatic long-sleeved gown fit for a fashion queen from Sydney label Romance Was Born, for her wedding to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The elegant gown, with fabric-covered buttons, demonstrates the restrained artistry of designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, who this year celebrated their labels 20th anniversary at Australian Fashion Week.

It was an honour to dress Jodie, and we think she is amazing, Plunkett says. The dress is so beautiful, it fuses our love of Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in MJ Bale and Jodie Haydon wearing a gown by Romance Was Born married at The Lodge in Canberra. Credit: Mike Bowers

In the past, Romance Was Born designs have incorporated Australian native flora and fauna elements through the work of May Gibbs characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, but they contained themselves on this occasion to subtle references through the embroidery.
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 This story is part of the November 30 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories . Ive never been one of those people who looks backwards, says Twiggy, the former model who, at 16, was dubbed The face of 1966 by the UKs Daily Express newspaper. I never really think about the 1960s unless Im doing an interview and someone brings it up, she says. Old pictures can do that. Whenever I travel to places like Italy, France or Bangkok, youll see my [younger] face on a T-shirt or bag... I cant ever really get away from it. I am constantly reminded of the past. Born Lesley Hornby, she became famous and part of the UKs fashion revolution while still in her teens thanks to her signature pixie haircut and the lithe figure which spawned her moniker, Twiggy. But it all started from a seemingly random moment in a Mayfair hair salon in 1966. On that fateful day, little did she know that esteemed hairdresser Leonard Lewis was watching her from afar as she discussed a haircut with another stylist. Leonard was like a film-star hairdresser at the time, she recalls. I was this shy kid in his Mayfair salon and he came over and introduced himself. He asked if he could cut my hair. I didnt want it cut because I was a mod and I wanted my hair to remain the way I had it, in a bob. Thank god I let him do that cut because otherwise I wouldnt be sitting here talking about it. That led to my test shots being seen, and the jobs rolled in. But it wasnt just the haircut that defined Twiggys signature look  there were also her long, spidery eyelashes. Those lashes and eyeliner were inspired by a rag doll in my bedroom, she says. My friend and I decided to copy and draw lines like that under our eyes. It was so over the top, but it stuck and became a permanent feature of the 60s. Who would have thought? Despite her reluctance to look backwards, the 76-year-old is speaking to Sunday Life ahead of a new documentary about her life, simply titled Twiggy. Directed by British filmmaker Sadie Frost, it celebrates a remarkable career from her earliest jobs as a model right through to today, where we see her recording music and working on a podcast series, Tea with Twiggy.

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Twiggy admits she had been approached to tell her life story numerous times before, but the moment never seemed right. But when she was asked by Frost some years ago, she says agreeing to it felt natural. I actually met Sadie at Stella McCartneys house to celebrate one of Stellas childrens birthdays, recalls Twiggy. Sadie and I have sort of lived parallel lives. Shes younger than me, of course, but she began to model at 15 and has also been in the public eye for most of her adult life. We naturally gravitated to one another. Twiggy in 1966, the year she was discovered. Credit: Getty Images Frost, 60, started as a model before moving into acting (notably in Francis Ford Coppolas Bram Stokers Dracula and, more recently, 2021s A Bird Flew In). But its her foray into documentary-making that has attracted the most praise and attention. For the release of her 2021 film Quant, about 1960s British fashion designer Mary Quant, Frost roped in some of her celebrity mates to reflect on the fashion icon. Having started to explore the UK fashion scene in the 1960s, it made sense that Frosts next subject would be Twiggy. Our friendship circles overlap as well, says Twiggy. I was best friends with Linda McCartney and have known Paul since I was 17  were very close. When Sadie came on my podcast to talk about Quant, I asked what was next. And she said, I should do one on you. The resulting film covers Twiggys career as a model and subsequent move into acting, both on stage and in film, while also addressing the misogyny she faced. Its a comprehensive record of the personal wins and losses that have shaped her life. Once again, Frost brings in her celebrity mates. From Paul McCartney and Joanna Lumley (whose deadpan reflections on her own early modelling career warrant their own doco) to Brooke Shields and Kate Moss, their observations force Twiggy to not just look back on the decades that shaped her but to see herself as others saw her.

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While leaving home at the age of 16 to start modelling might have been an unexpected dream come true, it also forced Twiggy to grow up quickly. She was initially managed by her boyfriend, Justin de Villeneuve, but the couple split in 1973. An age gap of 10 years didnt help, nor did de Villeneuves controlling nature, as seen in the documentary. Twiggy (left) with filmmaker Sadie Frost: We naturally gravitated to one another. Credit: Getty Images While Twiggy helped bring mod into the mainstream, sexism was rampant in the era during which she blossomed. As hemlines crept up, so did the sleaze. We see and hear evidence of this not just in her first-hand experiences on photo shoots and TV appearances but in the previously unseen archival footage and photos that Frost has managed to dig up. Within a few years, Twiggy had segued from modelling to acting via a performance in Ken Russells 1971 musical The Boy Friend that won her two Golden Globes. The film also showed she could sing  she was later nominated for a Tony for her turn in the Broadway musical My One and Only in 1983  and shes still recording music to this day. She admits making the documentary wasnt an easy process for someone who doesnt like to romanticise the past. Memories always bring tears but seeing my life on the screen really hit me. All those feelings came back, especially the story of my first husband [actor Michael Witney, whom she married in 1977 and who died of a heart attack in 1983] and the impact of that on my daughter [Carly, born in 1978]. Sadie always said she wanted to portray a true picture of my career and my life. I didnt want to do anything sensational or dig too deep, and I think she found a nice, happy medium. The response so far has been great. Twiggy also feels the documentary sheds light on some bigger themes, such as the class divide that existed in Britain when she started work. Girls from my working-class background didnt become models. My mum worked in a factory, and all the girls who became models were from the upper class and the middle class.

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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 At pre-drinks for Trinity Grammar Schools formal, black is the most popular colour for dresses. But, more than being a trend, Valantia Antonakopoulos explained the darker hues were somewhat out of politeness. I think when you go to someone elses formal you shouldnt wear a bright colour, the former Santa Sabina College student said. I dont know, that was sort of my reasoning  It just depends on the person and how they feel about it. Fouad Deiri watches as Valantia Antonakopoulos and Georgia Karatasos make adjustments during their pre-formal gathering in Ashfield. Credit: Louise Kennerley Antonakopoulos was among the thousands of year 12 graduates celebrating the end of HSC in style at school formals over the past weeks. In a pale silver and green dress, Siena Dewhurst, a fellow Santa Sabina recent alumna, stood out from the crowd. She revealed it had been a busy few days. Her first-choice formal dress, an online purchase, arrived four days before the event.

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It just didnt fit. Didnt flatter me at all, she said. Dimitri Armenis and Siena Dewhurst, in her mothers 25-year-old dress, before the Trinity Grammar School formal. Credit: Louise Kennerley It was mum to the rescue, offering the dress she wore to her laylieh  a Lebanese pre-wedding tradition. My parents, when they saw me in it, they were so happy, Dewhurst said. My dad was in disbelief! Trinity Grammar students Dimitri Armenis, Vasili Armenis, Fouad Deiri, Marcus Mastro and Dominic Willis during their pre-formal gathering. Credit: Louise Kennerley Joanne Abboud, owner of JAdore La Robe Dress Hire in Putney, said it had been a busy few weeks, with many school formals held after HSC exams ended earlier this month. The standout dress styles this year have been satin corset dresses, floral prints and  contrary to Valantias concerns  bright colours, Abboud said. But whats truly important to her is that her customers feel good.

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I do have a quote that I use in this business and it is: the most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence, she said. Year 12 students Caitlin Yeoh, from Meriden School, and Sofia Stevanja, from Ryde Secondary College, try on dresses to hire for their formal, at JAdore La Robe in Putney. Credit: Louise Kennerley Caitlin Yeoh, a graduate of Meriden School, and Sofia Stevanja, from Ryde Secondary College, both rented dresses from Abbouds store, wanting to wear something that they loved while keeping costs affordable. The dress I wore for formal, I probably wouldnt wear it again. Renting a dress just allowed me to try something that was special, and something I would wear for one occasion, said Yeoh. Trinity Grammar year 12 students and friends at their pre-formal gathering event in Ashfield. Credit: Louise Kennerley Parents commemorate their year 12 graduates at this Trinity Grammar pre-formal. Credit: Louise Kennerley Perhaps the greatest trend at this years Sydney school formals is that there isnt one, with each student group celebrating their freedom in their own way.

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For many students the formal is the last event of their school careers  an opportunity to say goodbyes to favourite teachers and soak up the feeling of finishing year 12. Amity College in Prestons offered graduates the opportunity to say a literal goodbye to their classmates, passing a microphone around for all to say their piece. The school is co-educational but separates boys and girls in most classes, and hosts separate formals. Hajar El Safadi (right) and her friends and fellow year 12 Amity College students Aliya and Ayah arrive at their school formal venue Le Montage. Credit: Louise Kennerley Graduate Hajar El Safadi thanked her class for welcoming her after she moved schools in year 10. Spending her night with her closest female friends made it that much more special, said El Safadi. It was probably one of the best nights of my entire life, she said. Its a family environment  everyones friends with each other. The girls nominated each other for end-of-year prizes, such as biggest cat lover and No.1 Swiftie (fan of pop star Taylor Swift). El Safadi spent the night dancing with her friends at the event, held at Le Montage in Lilyfield.

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In another room at the same venue, whose car park was filled with Ferraris, Porsches and limousines, was the Bossley Park High School formal. Students arrived in impressive vintage cars and lavish outfits. Bossley Park High School student Hala Abed arrives at her year 12 formal at Le Montage in Lilyfield. Credit: Louise Kennerley Bossley Park High School students and best friends Keira Easton and Jasmin Akdeniz. Credit: Louise Kennerley Anthony Stanojevic arrived with seven of his friends in a Hummer, sporting a red velvet suit. He thinks his year group was the best-dressed hes seen. Everyone really tried their best. I think I tried my best, he said, I had to stand out, do something different from the crowd. More Bossley Park High School students arrive at Le Montage for their year 12 formal. Credit: Louise Kennerley Matthew Russell of Lurnea High School felt nervous in the lead-up to  and even during  his formal, seeing it as a marker for the end of life as he knows it.

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Carol Marra and Ken Yeh have years of experience designing climate-resilient houses for others, but their 150-square-metre new home  their first for themselves  on a steep Blue Mountains block in a bushfire zone, with a hanging swamp underneath, tested their mettle.

Worst clients ever, said Marra, an architect, making a joke.

The couple wanted to future-proof their home by building to a higher fire rating than required for their site; prevent water damage from the sheets of rain theyve seen coming down the hill in deluges; and restore the sites flora and the fragile hanging swamp running below.

Carol Marra and Ken Yeh at their Eco House, in the Blue Mountains. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Fire and floods. That is what Australia is about every summer, yet too few of our homes are built to withstand a climate emergency, said Marra, who won a Churchill Fellowship on passive design to accommodate severe climate patterns.
NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane and federal leader Sussan Ley made their historic appearance at the partys state conference in Sydney on Saturday, rallying their base for a families-focused offensive against their respective rival Labor governments.

Just nine days after Sloane was anointed leader, the first female duo to helm the state and federal party entered the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton on the Park to a standing ovation from the Liberal faithful. But Sloanes predecessor, Mark Speakman, was not among them.

NSW Liberal Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and Federal Liberal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley arrive at the NSW Liberal State Council Meeting in Sydney on Saturday. Credit: Peter Rae

Sloane vowed to defeat Labor Premier Chris Minns at the next election, scheduled for March 2027, with a campaign that meant families would be at the heart of everything we do. She used the words families and family 20 times in her 20-minute speech.

Many people have suggested to me that it cant be won, and history would say that it cant be won, the Vaucluse MP and former journalist said.
Queensland Labors factional rivals joined forces to demand the Albanese government introduce an east coast gas reservation, as momentum grows to keep greater supplies of the fossil fuel in Australia.

The rare move of factional solidarity comes after industry executives in August reversed long-running opposition to the policy, with two major liquefied natural gas exporters supporting new domestic supply commitments, including rules compelling the industry to set aside a specified amount of gas that cannot be sold overseas and must be delivered locally.

At the Labor state conference in Brisbane on Saturday, Opposition Leader Steven Miles, the states most senior Left faction leader, and Australian Workers Union boss Stacey Schinnerl, Queenslands most prominent Right faction powerbroker, jointly supported the resolution.

While Australia is one of the worlds top shippers of LNG, most of it produced in Queensland or WA, the gas is sold on long-term contracts to Asia. Credit: Bloomberg

The AWU has long-supported an east coast reservation, but it was the first time Miles has publicly declared his position.
Theres an old saying about British politics: Tory scandals are about sex, Labour scandals are about money. The taboo around rumpy pumpy created a conservative class notoriously dedicated to lewdicious kink. The true believers suspicion of the filthy lucre pushed social democrats to accumulate funds covertly.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is a shining example of the British Labour tradition. But theres no wiggle room left in the UK for budgetary subtlety. In 2024, she introduced the largest tax rises since 1993. Her second budget, which has just landed, is a stealth wannabe. Income tax brackets have been frozen, and salary sacrificing into individual pension savings will be capped at 2000 ($4050) a year, measures not immediately visible to the broader population. But 26 billion in tax rises is difficult to hide. Britains workers are being bled to fund the burgeoning welfare state. In a soundbite bound to haunt UK Labour at the next election, Reeves made bad worse by saying shes just asking ordinary people to pay a little bit more.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (right) with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London in May. Credit: AP

Reeves sat awkward and flushed next to her prime minister after the budget was read, her body language suggesting Conservative leader Kemi Badenochs savage reply had found a target. The budget is for benefit street, paid for by working people, Badenoch claimed, and a humiliation for the chancellor.

The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that the financial situation leaves Britain vulnerable to unforeseen events, such as the global financial crisis or another pandemic. Rising welfare payments and the cost of servicing the national debt are combining with the increasing public sector borrowing forecasts to paint a diabolical picture of the state of our Anglophone ancestor.
Artificial intelligence is plaguing schools across Western Australia  and English teacher Peter Fallon has seen it become more prevalent in the past year as a way for students to get an edge.

But Fallon, who works mostly with year 11 and 12 students at Carey Baptist College, in Perths south, doesnt hate AI.

AI use in schools is an issue many teachers are grappling with. Credit: Adobe Stock

Rather, he wants students to work with it and learn how to use it ethically to help them succeed.

We have had challenges with academic integrity, and so we have to reimagine assessments in English to ensure there is proof of learning, Fallon said.
The couple were married by a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast, where much of Haydons family still live, and the couple wrote their own vows. Haydon was walked down the aisle by her parents, Bill and Pauline Haydon, while the Ben Folds song, The Luckiest, played. Her five-year-old niece, Ella, was the flower girl and the prime ministers dog, Toto, was the ringbearer. Albaneses son, Nathan, was among the guests on hand to celebrate the day. The guest list included many of Albaneses closest political allies, including senior ministers Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Don Farrell, Tony Burke, Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers, Tim Ayres and Jenny McAllister and their partners, as well as NSW state MPs John Graham and Jo Haylen, who once worked for Albanese. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (at front) and partner Dave Skinner arrive at The Lodge with Treasurer Jim Chalmers (right) and wife Laura Chalmers. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen ALP national secretary Paul Erickson and his partner, Dimity Paul, and the prime ministers chief of staff, Tim Gartrell, were also on hand, but the event was a relatively small affair with a limited guest list.

No other world leaders, past or present, attended, but well-wishes were delivered on social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X to congratulate Haydon and his good friend Albanese. Wishing them a happy married life, the post read. Loading Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana, posted their best wishes. The pair dined with Albanese and Haydon in London in September when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had them to dinner at 10 Downing Street. Congratulations, @alboMP. Diana and I send all best wishes, Carney posted on X. Also spotted among the ministers, high-powered bureaucrats and close family members were friends from Albaneses childhood growing up in an inner-city Sydney social housing estate, including Sherie Dewstow and Rod Burns.

The pair were among a number of Albaneses childhood friends who paid him a surprise visit in Canberra in 2022, at the start of his first term in parliament as prime minister, and who returned to Canberra to visit Albanese on the first day of his second term as prime minister earlier this year. Loading No members of the Coalition were spotted among the guests, but Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was quick to send her best wishes. Congratulations to Anthony and Jodie! she said in a statement issued shortly after the news broke. I wish them every happiness as they continue building their lives together. After making their vows, witnessed by Haydons brother, Patrick, and the PMs cousin, Helen Golden, the newly married couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonders hit, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours).

Their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Haydon wore a flowing white dress with long sleeves by Sydney designer Romance was Born, while the prime minister wore a suit from Australian menswear store MJ Bale. The wedding rings were supplied by Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, Sydney, where Albanese had an engagement ring designed for Haydon. Dimity Paul and Paul Erickson, the ALP national secretary, arrive at The Lodge. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese and Haydon will take a five-day honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday next week at an undisclosed location. The wedding capped a historic year for Albanese after the prime minister in May secured a crushing election victory where Labor won a record 94 seats in the lower house.

Albanese paid tribute to his fiancee on election night, saying she probably wasnt expecting this to be in your life half-a-dozen years ago. I am so grateful for your support, your friendship and your love. You make me so happy, which matters, you have my heart, I love you and I look forward to living our lives together, he said. Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentines Day, February 2024, on a balcony at The Lodge, after an intimate dinner at Italian and Sons, about five years after the couple first met in late 2019. The Sydney-born, Central Coast-raised partner of Australias 31st prime minister has rarely given interviews or spoken publicly about the relationship. Albanese and son Nathan, with ringbearer Toto before the ceremony in Canberra. Credit: Mike Bowers The couple met at a business event in Melbourne in late 2019 when Albanese had been opposition leader for a year. His election victory in May 2022 catapulted Haydon, an industry superannuation manager, into the spotlight as she accompanied Albanese to a NATO summit in Spain and on several other trips, including Queen Elizabeths funeral, King Charles coronation and a state dinner hosted by former US president Joe Biden.
According to a source close to the prime ministers office, Haydon wanted to choose an Australian designer, but wanted one whose designs were sufficiently, ahem, cheap, to demonstrate sensitivity to the cost-of-living crisis. It is an exquisite bridal dilemma  how to look cost-conscious yet chic? Previously, Haydon has definitely done chic. Jodie Haydon, in a dress by Carla Zampatti, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Midwinter Ball in August. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen She has commissioned gowns for special occasions from Australian designers such as Karen Gee, who made the black dress Haydon wore to Queen Elizabeths funeral.

She wore Carla Zampatti to the Midwinter Ball earlier this year, and in July, on an official visit with her fiance to China, she wore a floral-print, mandarin-collar shirt-dress by Leo Lin, an Australian-Chinese designer. She teamed it with a pair of sneakers, all the better for walking the Great Wall of China. In 2023, it was a silver-sparkled Paolo Sebastian princess gown at the White House for a state dinner with Joe and Jill Biden. Haydon and Albanese at a state dinner hosted by then-US president Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden at the White House in 2023. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In October, Albanese and Haydon had a short holiday on the Micronesian island nation of Palau, which they reportedly used to nail down wedding arrangements. Perhaps it was then that Haydon landed on her choice of gown: a full-length figure-skimming Romance Was Born dress with bead detailing.

During the trip, they also went on a dugong-spotting eco-tour with the president of Palau and his wife  one of the many unexpected experiences that now make up Haydons life, ever since she slid into Albaneses DMs when he was a lowly opposition leader back in 2020. Loading Her approach followed the pairs first meeting at a conference in Melbourne, where Albanese made an address. He asked if there were any Sydney Rabbitohs fans in the crowd (an unlikely prospect given the location). Haydon, who was attending the conference in a professional capacity, yelled out Up the Rabbitohs! and romance was born. Their relationship started with a drink at the Young Henrys brewery in Sydneys inner west, where both were then based (Albanese in Marrickville, Haydon in Stanmore).

Haydon was born in Bankstown in Sydneys west but grew up on the Central Coast, where her family still lives  last year she and Albanese bought a holiday home in Copacabana to be near to her loved ones. Haydons parents are both retired teachers, and her career path, working in industry superannuation and for unions, shows a strong sympathy with Labor values. The couple were able to date discreetly for a while, before a paparazzi photographer caught them kissing. Haydon has said there was no way to prepare for what was coming next  forming a relationship with a man with a public profile and ambitions for the prime ministership. But I had Anthony, who is really protective of me and reassuring, which Im grateful for, she said in 2022.

She was committed enough to move to Canberra with Albanese when he became prime minister in 2022. She took on the role of spouse, accompanying him to campaign events and then official ones, too. On Valentines Day 2024, Albanese proposed. The prime minister has said he will work through summer, and they will take a short honeymoon next week. Once it is over, Haydon is not expected to change her work status or her activities much.

The job title of first lady does not exist in our democracy, but prime ministerial spouses sometimes take on patronages or support causes they are passionate about. Haydon already brings something different to the role compared to many of her predecessors  she has a job and a career of her own. At present, the 47-year-old works mostly remotely from Canberra in her role as head of strategic partnerships at Teachers Mutual Bank. She travels to Sydney for work, or to the Central Coast to see her family (she drives an electric vehicle). She is the chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery, but it is not known whether she will take on any other patronages or causes now she and the prime minister are married.
The populist party received 6.4 per cent of first preference votes at the last election, but a recent Redbridge poll showed its support at 18 per cent. The Herald/Ages Resolve Political Monitor poll, published in September, showed One Nations support at 12 per cent. For comparison, the Greens share of the first preference vote at the last election was 12.2 per cent. Conservative elements of the Coalition seem to have interpreted this bump for One Nation as evidence they need to tack further to the right. It provides great political cover to do so, although it makes little rational sense.

One Nation has never won in its own right a seat in the lower house, where the government is formed. Loading As former Labor staffer Lidija Ivanovski pointed out this week in The Australian Financial Review, of the 10 metropolitan seats Labor won from the Liberals at this years election, eight of those returned results for One Nation that were well below their national vote. Thats where the Coalitions eye needs to be trained. But the marked increase in One Nation support tells us something important about voter sentiment at this moment.

By contrast, the Australian Election Study, released this week, provided some long-term insight into where voters are moving over time. The study, a joint exercise between the Australian National University and Griffith University, is the gold-standard independent source of information on voter attitudes and behaviour in the country. It has tracked them since 1987. This years study, analysing the results of the May election, found that overall, trust in government is low  just 32 per cent  but stable since the last election. Satisfaction with democracy (70 per cent) has also remained stable since the 2022 election. There is a huge and continuing move towards non-partisanship. In 2010, 14 per cent of Australians were non-partisans; now it is 25 per cent. They have overtaken Liberal partisans, who comprise 21 per cent of voters.

This splintering of loyalties is happening all over the democratic world, but in other countries without compulsory voting, non-partisans would probably stay home on election day. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese votes with partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan on May 3. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In Australia, where everyone eligible is compelled to vote, the trend has benefited independents and minor parties, who claimed about a third of first preference votes at the last election. Interestingly, while independent voters overall are not particularly distrustful of politics or politicians, One Nation voters are by far the least trusting of politicians, according to the study, with 74 per cent of the One Nation voters surveyed believing that politicians look after themselves. This is perhaps to be expected from a party with populist tendencies and style, but also a potential challenge for the party if they want to become a mainstream parliamentary presence, the study authors note.

Hanson doesnt seem to have any interest in moving to the mainstream, but the conservative politicians who look wistfully in her direction should. The 2025 election study reserves its most pungent message for these politicians. Apart from the disintegration of loyalty for the two main parties, there is another trend that is only hardening over time: the increased progressivism of women and young people. Whereas voter behaviour used to be driven to a large degree by social class, the study authors note, newer cleavages have emerged including generation and gender.

This phenomenon is observable in other democracies, too, but in Australia, the Coalition is really getting walloped by it: only 28 per cent of female voters put the Coalition as their first preference at the last election, the lowest ever. The voting gender gap began in Australia in the 1990s, which is the last time the Coalition did better with women than it did with men voters. But it has gaped wide in the past decade, sometimes to a 10-point difference. In the past, women were more likely to vote conservative, but researchers believe that increased secularisation, higher education and greater workforce participation have moved them to the left. The other big narrative is the progressivism of younger voters.

The fall in Coalition support at the last election was disproportionately concentrated among younger voters, with just 23 per cent of under-40s voting Coalition. Loading Of course, young people have always been more likely to vote left, and over time, they have generally gravitated more towards conservative parties. But the problem (for the Coalition) is that Australian Millennials (those born from 1981 to 1996) in particular are defying this conservative maturation theory. In other words, the Coalition can no longer rely on this voter cohort ageing into voting conservative.
The most pivotal thing for me was that, after almost 14 years at Channel Nine, when I was hosting Nightline, the program got axed and I was boned, as they used to say. I was pregnant with our third child, so I briefly started up a small business, before taking the plunge into the not-for-profit sector. Fitz: Which was when I ran into you at the Shore School, with a stuffed giraffe known as Healthy Harold, as part of the Life Education program. Life Education Australias mascot Healthy Harold. Kellie Sloane was chief executive of the organisation. Credit: Eddie Jim KS: Funnily enough, as people say, Ive gone from working with children and animals to working with children and animals in politics. I havent moved far. Fitz: And so, what was the catalyst?

KS: There was a key moment, and it was when Gladys Berejiklian, as premier, made an election pledge to give Life Education some funding, which Id been working on relentlessly for about 18 months. And I stood at a press conference with Gladys and also Rob Stokes, who was the education minister, and after that press conference, Rob Stokes walked up to me and said, Hey, do you think youd be interested in going into politics? I reckon you do a good job. And I said, Well, funny you say that. I think I would like to have a crack. Fitz: But youve also had the worst of times. I note what happened after you and [independent MP] Allegra Spender were terrific in speaking out after that neo-Nazi nutter rally in Sydney a few weeks ago. You said, These people do not represent NSW or our values. When I said much the same on Twitter, I was roundly attacked by Nazi trolls, but in my case, nobody was threatening to rape me. In your case, that must have been deeply confronting for you and your husband to have nasty Nazi toxic sludge directed straight at you. At such moments did neither of you say to the other, Is this really worth it? KS: Well, yeah. But, look, the rape comments were levelled at Allegra. I just had run-of-the-mill death threats. I screenshot the worst of them, sent them to the police, shut down the Twitter account and tried to move on with things. But, yes, once in a while, you do get hit with, Why am I putting myself out there? And, Do I have to start growing an extra layer of skin? But I have to shake it off. Ive come into politics having covered it for a long time as a journalist. When I was at Channel Nine, I covered every federal election and interviewed every prime minister. I have seen what politicians face, and I know its really tough, and I went in with my eyes wide open. Loading

Fitz: OK, theres been much speculation about what you said to Mark Speakman that afternoon to make him do such a spectacular volte-face. He started the day saying, Theyll only take the leadership from my cold, dead hand, and he finished the day saying, Yeah, nah, vote for Kellie. Taxi! So what on earth did you say to him? KS: Well, I think the jar lid had been loosened by the time he came into my office. We sat down. Mark and I have enormous respect for each other. Ive always been open and honest with him. I think he knew the writing was on the wall, but he needed to hear it from me that I wanted the job because for so long I have pushed back, and I have said publicly that I would never challenge him for the job. Quite frankly, I dont think I wanted it enough. Fitz: And...? KS: And it was fair enough for him to sit down with me, look me in the eyes and say, Do you want the job, and do you think you could do it better? And I looked him in the eyes and said, I do want the job, and I think we need a change. Fitz: Taxi!

KS: The truth of the matter is, I did not have a burning desire for this role, but theres enormous freedom that comes with that. I didnt have to do any deals. I didnt have to offer anyone any shadow cabinet positions. I was elevated by my team to a position because they felt that I could do a good job. And to me, thats an incredible honour. Fitz: But the fact that you have become Liberal leader just two years after entering parliament suggests that the team youre now leading wasnt already boasting Don Bradman, Keith Miller, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, and Belinda Clark in the line-up? Mark Speakman and Kellie Sloane speak to the media on November 10 after Sloane received threats on X in response to her condemnation of a neo-Nazi rally outside Parliament House. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong KS: Look, weve got a great mix in my team. And there are people that have held ministerial office and been in executive government, and they will be all around me. And we are young. Six of our team under 40, so I think Ive got the back-up. Fitz: Mark Speakman was firm in saying that, whatever the feds do, were not having nuclear in NSW, not now, not ever. Do you feel the same?

KS: I think nuclear has to, at some point, be part of the mix. Im agnostic about the technology. Were going to have a really energy-thirsty future, and I have no doubt that nuclear may be part of that ... Were seeing around the world those small modular nuclear reactors being set up by big corporates because they need them. The Mount Piper Power Station, west of Lithgow. Kellie Sloane says shes open-minded about how long coal-fired power stations should stay open. Credit: James Brickwood Fitz: Are there any SMRs working commercially anywhere in the world right now? KS: The technology is moving very quickly. I need to fact-check that, Peter, but, irrespective, I have no doubt nuclear will play a part in a clean energy future at some point for NSW. But for NSW and our country, its a long way off. Im focused on the here and now, and that is renewables continuing to roll out. You know, weve got dirty, old, expensive coal fire stations, but in order to keep the lights on, we have to be open-minded about how long we keep those assets, if the renewables dont come online quickly. Loading

Fitz: Look, its obvious to me on this conversation alone, youre going to have a blinder as a media presence, whereas Mark Speakman  with the greatest respect  was invisible. But there must have come a time in the last couple of days as you settled into your new digs  Heres the coffee machine, over theres the printer, and just under the desk is the panic button  when you opened the policy cupboard. Honestly, honestly, was that policy cupboard as bare as a babys bottom? KS: No! We have been working as a shadow cabinet on policy behind the scenes for a little while now. And Im aware people will need to see more than just a friendly face and a person who can communicate the values of our party, which Ill do passionately. Theyll need to see a credible policy platform. And if Ive learnt anything from watching the last federal election, its that we lost because people didnt know what we stood for. Fitz: So when can we expect the Big Reveal of the policies youve been working on? KS: There is nothing that I want to reveal at the moment, but the key areas of focus for us have to be continuing to deliver infrastructure as former LNP governments have. The Labor government has said no to new metros. We need to be ambitious about rail infrastructure. Im heavily invested in families and households and supporting them to thrive. So therell be practical cost-of-living measures also. What we have to deliver must be bold and it must be ambitious. And I say that because weve always prided ourselves on being, you know, the premier state, the engine room of the country and everywhere Im going, people are telling me that they feel like NSW has lost its spark lately. And we need to reignite the state, and that means Im going to have to deliver some policies that I hope will capture peoples imaginations. Loading

Fitz: Sure, but the coming attack that youre already aware of will be, Dont talk to us about the cost of living, Ms Snooty! Youre the member for Vaucluse! What would you know? Whats your answer? KS: My understanding of the people of NSW is that if you have a red-hot crack and you demonstrate your values and what youre standing up for, that matters more than where you live. And quite frankly, I grew up in the country. I went to a public school. Ive worked in western Sydney. Ive travelled broadly and listened widely. Ive lived in many parts of Sydney, not just the east. So I think people will see that in me, and I hope not make quick judgments based on the postcode. Fitz: Can we agree that getting mixed up this week as to whether you had just been in Blacktown or Bankstown was unfortunate? KS: Yes, it was absolutely unfortunate. My deepest apologies to people who live in two very different areas. And the irony is that one of the biggest campaigns I ran as shadow health minister was about the failures of Blacktown Hospital. So, look, Im going to make more mistakes. Its inevitable. And to be fair, the last few days Ive been running on caffeine and adrenaline and not much sleep. So I hope people forgive me for that. Fitz: Can I ambush you anyway with this quick quiz? Is Rooty Hill on the Vaucluse side of Parramatta, or the other side?

KS: They used to have a fabulous theme park at Rooty Hill. That was the highlight of some of my early visits to Sydney. Ive been to the Rooty Hill RSL a few times, and I used to always, as a kid, have a giggle about the name. But Sydneys going to get to know me a lot better, and Im going to get to know Sydney and NSW a lot better. Newly minted NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane visiting Harris Park in western Sydney last weekend. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Fitz: Will the witness answer the question? Is Rooty Hill on the Vaucluse side of Parramatta, or the other side? KS: The other side! Fitz: Thank you for your time. I think a lot of people in NSW  whether they will vote for you or not  wish you well.
On Friday, city officials told reporters that the foam boards were highly flammable and had helped the fire spread at a terrible speed. Loading The Labour Department, which oversees workplace safety issues, at first wrongly dismissed the residents concerns about the netting, claiming that there were no rules on the use of flammable materials on scaffolding, the department acknowledged in a statement. Later, it told residents that the materials on the construction site met fire safety requirements, citing documents filed by the contractor, Prestige Construction and Engineering. In its statement to the Times, the Labour Department confirmed that it had received complaints from residents about the construction netting. It said that it had conducted 16 inspections at Wang Fuk Court since July 2024, most recently a week before the fire. It found multiple violations and warned the contractor about unsafe working conditions on the site, the department said.

The department did not answer questions about what violations it discovered. Its statement said, without providing details, that it had started three prosecutions and issued six notices urging improvement at Wang Fuk Court before the fire. Earlier, officials had said that the netting that enveloped scaffoldings at the complex may not have met fire safety standards, which require all scaffolding covers to be made of material that can slow down a fire. Remnants of the green netting hang on a tree following the deadly blaze. Credit: Bloomberg On Friday, however, they said the netting was in line with the citys code, according to preliminary tests. They did not provide details. They said the blaze raised the temperature inside the building to as high as 500 degrees and ignited the bamboo scaffolding, which fell and blocked fire exits.

The police arrested two directors and one consultant for the contractor, accusing them of manslaughter and gross negligence, and seized evidence including tender documents, computers, phones and a list of the contractors employees. Loading On Friday, an anti-corruption agency arrested eight more people, including four consultants, three subcontractors of scaffolding works, and an intermediary. Last month, when Chinachem Tower, a commercial building in central Hong Kong, caught fire, some Wang Fuk Court residents took their fears to a Facebook group. Firefighters had found netting and bamboo scaffolding at that building that looked similar to what was used at their complex. Everyone must be extra careful with fire during the winter, one resident wrote. There are so many flammable items outside.

Renovation works on the complex began last summer. Its eight towers, which were completed in the early 1980s, were undergoing maintenance to comply with a government rule requiring repairs on structures older than 30 years. The renovation was initially slated to cost nearly $62 million, to be borne mainly by the nearly 2000 households there. Prestige Construction and Engineering, which was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2004, won the contract. But some residents fretted that the contractor was inflating costs while compromising on safety. They filed a complaint with the Labour Department in September 2024, two months after the scaffolding went up, according to the department and Poon. They complained about the foam panels that covered the windows, Poon said.

Such panels are used on construction sites to provide insulation, fill voids and as temporary protection, said Tony Za, a former chair of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers building division. What is not clear in this case, he said, is the grade of material the contractor used. Pictures shared online and interviews with residents show that many windows at Wang Fuk Court were completely sealed with the material. In one building, the police found windows of the elevator lobby were covered by foam boards on every floor. Because of the boards, people could not see out their windows and realise they were in danger when the fire broke out, said Lau Yu Hung, a 78-year-old resident. Another point of contention was the netting that enveloped the scaffolding erected all around the buildings. At first, the department told the residents, erroneously, that current regulations do not cover flame retardant standards for scaffolding netting.

Frustrated, the residents reached out to Poon, who runs a non-profit group, Chinat Monitor, that tracks allegations of corruption in the citys construction industry and lobbies the government for better oversight. One of Poons causes is flammable netting, which poses a particular risk in Hong Kong because buildings stand very close to one another and winds can spread fires easily. Students bring floral tributes for the victims on Friday. Credit: Bloomberg Residents of housing complexes such as Wang Fuk Court, who tend to be older, are less able to flee to safety or hear fire alarms, he said. Out of concern for older residents, Poon said he had been trying to raise awareness about such issues. He even inspects construction sites on his own, at times cutting off netting and setting it on fire to prove that the material violates safety rules.

Poon said he had been pushing city officials for about a year and a half to pay attention to the issue. But they refused, he said. When the residents of Wang Fuk Court came to him, Poon eagerly took on their case. He admonished officials at the Labour Department for misstating the fire risks at the construction site and pointed them to the applicable ordinances they had missed. Later, the department corrected the mistake Poon had pointed out, acknowledging that its response to the complaints had been unclear and caused misunderstanding, it said in its emailed statement to the Times. Still, it found no fault with the netting that was worrying some residents, according to emails seen by the Times. Staff members had reviewed quality certificates submitted by the contractor, it said in a written response to residents in December, and the netting was in line with the citys standard.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Caribbean Summit 2025 begins today, Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Simpson Bay Resort, ahead of the official opening ceremony and discussions scheduled for tomorrow. The four-day summit, running from 2629 November, brings together land administration leaders, technical experts, and strategic partners from across the Dutch Caribbean.



This years summit welcomes approximately 65 attendees, representing government agencies, technical institutions, regional partners, and private-sector innovators working to advance land management and geospatial information systems.



Hosted by Kadaster St. Maarten in collaboration with DataAxis, the event focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the digital transformation of land governance. Participants will engage in discussions, case-based learning, and knowledge-sharing on innovation, data accessibility, sustainable spatial development, and future-ready cadastral practices.



The formal programme begins on November 27 with an opening session with remarks by Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs, and VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs, together with representatives from DataAxis and the Digital Leadership Transformation Project. The opening is followed by a keynote presentation from Ruben Roes of Kadaster Nederland, who will outline the legal groundwork for GKI implementation in regional land management.



Throughout the day, attendees will participate in a series of plenary discussions exploring the digital foundations needed for modern land administration, including national roadmaps, interoperable systems, and institutional readiness. Speakers from across the region, including representatives of DataAxis, Kadaster St. Maarten, the Kadasters of the BES islands, and DLV Aruba, will address current challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Afternoon sessions will examine cybersecurity, governance frameworks, and the legal and institutional requirements essential for creating resilient, future-ready cadastral systems.



On November 28, the summit continues with the official MoU signing and launch of the Caribbean Cadasters Association, a vehicle for cooperation among cadastral authorities. The day further includes bilateral technical meetings between participating countries and partners, providing a dedicated platform for collaboration on shared projects, digital alignment, and institutional strengthening.

The summit concludes with a Closing Keynote Address delivered by Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU). Taylor, a Barbadian national with more than 30 years of public-sector leadership in digital transformation, previously served as Chief Digital Technology Officer in Barbados Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, where he guided national efforts to modernise public services through strategic innovation and SMART technology. He also held senior roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, overseeing digital operations across local and overseas missions. As CTU Secretary-General, Taylor plays a central role in advancing regional ICT policy, strengthening intergovernmental collaboration, and supporting the implementation of national digital transformation strategies.



Kadaster St. Maarten Director Benjamin Ortega highlighted the strategic importance of regional collaboration, stating: Digital transformation in land governance cannot happen in isolation. As Kadaster advances toward smarter systems, modern tools, and higher service standards, regional collaboration remains a critical foundation. This summit allows us to learn from each other, align our approaches, and invest in the skills and partnerships that will define the future of land administration in the Caribbean.



DataAxis CEO Guershon Nahr noted of the summit, The GKI Caribbean Summit serves as an essential platform for bringing together technical leaders, policymakers, and innovators who play a critical role in modernizing land administration across the region. By facilitating dialogue and sharing global best practices, we aim to support partners in adopting efficient, data-driven systems that strengthen institutional capacity and improve public services. We are pleased to collaborate with Kadaster St. Maarten in advancing this important regional agenda.



The GKI Caribbean Summit 2025 represents a significant step toward building stronger, more integrated approaches to spatial planning, digital infrastructure, and public service delivery across the Dutch Caribbean.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A follow-up community information session on the implementation of Sint Maartens new mental health care center was held on Tuesday, November 25, at the White & Yellow Cross Foundation in St. Johns. The evening focused on responding to earlier community feedback, sharing updated drawings and information about what is to be expected during construction. A facilitated question-and-answer session followed this.

The event was hosted by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), and the Mental Health Foundation (MHF). Mental Health Foundation staff, board members, and other technical partners contributed to the discussions.

The Honorable Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, gave opening remarks, thanking the public for attending and encouraging attendees to share their opinions during the session. He emphasized that consistent communication will continue throughout the construction phase to ensure that any disruptions related to signage, working hours, and traffic are managed responsibly. The Minister also called on the community to stay engaged with VSA and the NRPB so that any overlooked concerns can be addressed early. He noted that Sint Maarten is currently ahead of its Kingdom partners in both mental health service delivery and legislation.

Hendrikus van Gaalen, Director of the Mental Health Foundation, also shared his remarks. Its encouraging to see the level of engagement and interest from the public. Were committed to ensuring the new mental health care facility supports both the people who seek help and the professionals who provide it.

During the information session, attendees viewed a presentation of the updated architectural drawings, which incorporated suggestions from the first community session. These include hurricane shutters, more trees, and adjustments to address noise and safety concerns. The procurement process and construction timeline were also discussed, along with key points from the projects Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), which outlines how construction schedules will be organized to mitigate disruption to the community.

In the question and answer session, the team addressed community concerns around parking availability, construction noise, storage of materials, working hours, traffic flow near the school, and nearby historic walls. Representatives from the project team, including the design engineer and MHF board members responded, explaining how these issues are being considered in the projects planning and implementation.

The new mental health care center will be in St. Johns at the corner of L.B. Scott Road and the road to St. Johns. The center is a component of the Improving Mental Health Services Project, which is being implemented by the NRPB in collaboration with the Ministry of VSA. The project is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank.
Press Release from Business Wire: UAE AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office



(AFP) Nov 28, 2025



DUBAI, Nov 28, 2025 (BSW) - The UAE's Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office announced that Google Gemini has ranked first in the "AI in the Ring" Index, the world's first benchmark designed to evaluate how effectively AI language models reflect Emirati culture, dialects, traditions, and national values through a challenge centered on cultural intelligence within the UAE context.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251128785463/en/

UAE announces Google Gemini Is Now the Most Culturally Accurate AI for Arabs (Photo: AETOSWire)



Gemini earned the top ranking following a review of over 400 questions across 7 cultural dimensions and 5,200 generated responses from 11 major language models. A Committee of Emirati experts evaluated the outputs to identify which models demonstrated the strongest cultural understanding.

Following Gemini 2.5 Pro, the list of the top five high-performing models included: ChatGPT (OpenAI GPT-4o), ChatGPT (OpenAI o1), Cohere, and Grok.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that national identity remains a priority for the UAE, especially as digital transformation accelerates. Al Olama noted that emerging technologies must reflect and reinforce the country's authentic values, ensuring that AI systems enhance save the UAE's cultural heritage forward with clarity and respect. His Excellency stressed that innovation is strongest when it is anchored in the roots of a nation's identity.

Underscoring the urgency of culturally grounded AI, less than 5% of Arabic content worldwide exists in digital form, while 48% of Generation Z now relies on AI as their primary source of information, a reality that makes training models on accurate, UAE-relevant cultural data essential to safeguarding national heritage for future generations.

Full report link available here: https://ai.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AI-in-the-Ring-Nov28-2PM.pdf

*Source:AETOSWire







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251128785463/en/









Contact

Sara AlQarout[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.
Selfie-based age checks boom as govts push for online controls



London, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2025



As governments crack down on online platforms from social networks to porn sites, business is booming for one sector offering AI age checks based on selfies.

The technology promises speed and accuracy in implementing laws like Australia's social media ban for under-16s -- in force from December 10.

As a user, verifying your age with the technology is a breeze.

All it requires is taking a head-on selfie with a phone or computer camera, and an automated decision is made within a minute.

"We estimated your age is 18 or older," read a pop-up window on the Roblox gaming site.

At startup Yoti's spacious London office, mannequin heads -- some fitted with wigs or masks -- are lined up along one of the windowsills for testing.

Their AI is not fooled by them. "We can't be sure that the image was of a real face," said one test platform installed on a smartphone.

Over time, "the algorithm got very good at looking at patterns and working out, 'this face with these patterns looks like a 17-year-old or a 28-year-old'... it just got very good at estimating age", said CEO Robin Tombs.



- Data privacy fears -



Today, the startup runs around one million age checks a day, including for big-name clients like Meta, TikTok, Sony and Pinterest, Tombs said.

Yoti began turning a profit this year after booking 20 million pounds ($26 million) in revenue in the 12 months to March.

The company forecasts a 50-percent increase in sales in its current financial year.

Competitors are also doing well, with 34 companies like Persona, Kids Web Services, K-id or VerifyMy tallied among the members of the Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA).

In 2021, the AVPA forecast annual revenue of almost $10 billion for the sector across the 37 countries belonging to the OECD club of wealthy nations for the 2031-36 period, although it has not issued any more recent outlooks.

AVPA director Iain Corby is wary of predicting exactly what lies ahead.

"There's so much that can happen. Regulation is moving very fast, technology is moving very fast," he told AFP.

AI-powered age verification methods have raised questions over potential bias and privacy impacts.

The tools are "potentially a bit intrusive or dangerous to people's private life," said Olivier Blazy, a cybersecurity professor at Polytechnique, the prestigious French engineering school.

But it also depends on the information that sites share with their third-party age verification provider, he added.

"I think the ecosystem is tilted towards AI at the moment, but there may be a pull-back in the coming years to better protect users' private life," Blazy suggested.



- Make-up tricks -



Blazy pointed out that the systems still have weak points, noting that "just with normal makeup, it's relatively easy to make yourself look older or younger".

Others have pointed to biases in the age-verification algorithms, which can be less accurate in their estimates when presented with non-white faces.

One report from an independent Australian body found that "underrepresentation of Indigenous populations remains a challenge" -- albeit one "that vendors are beginning to address".

Yoti boss Robin Tombs acknowledges that less data was available to train the company's model for some age groups or skin colours.

But he insists their tool can "check to see whether we think people are using false accessories or they are using makeup and other such things".

On privacy, he said Yoti's tool immediately removes all data after carrying out its analysis.

Platforms that deploy the selfie analysis tools from companies like Yoti can adjust settings for the evaluations, leaving some margin of error.

For example, sites barring under-18s often require the system to judge that visitors are over 21.

Those in the grey zone may find themselves asked to fall back on a more traditional verification method -- such as pulling an official ID out of their wallet to snap or scan.
Ultra-Orthodox military conscription row reignites in Israel



Jerusalem, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2025



A new draft law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews, whose support is crucial for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, has sparked uproar in Israel, with the opposition denouncing it as a special privilege for "draft-dodgers".

Under a ruling established at the time of Israel's creation in 1948, men who devote themselves full-time to studying sacred Jewish texts are given a de facto pass from mandatory military service.

But this exemption has come under mounting scrutiny from the rest of Israeli society -- particularly when tens of thousands of conscripts and reservists are mobilised on several fronts, despite the fragile truce halting the war in Gaza.

The ultra-Orthodox make up 14 percent of Israel's Jewish population.

Keeping ultra-Orthodox parties on board is key to the survival of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, and their opposition to mandatory military service proposals sparked a mass rally in Jerusalem in October.

Two ultra-Orthodox parties rejected a draft bill in July that would have seen an increasing number of ultra-Orthodox men enlisted each year, and financial penalties for those who refuse to comply.

On Thursday, a new draft was put forward by Boaz Bismuth, the chairman of parliament's cross-party foreign affairs and defence committee, which rolls back significantly from the previous text.

The new proposal includes only minimal penalties for ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, notably a ban on travelling abroad or obtaining a driving licence.

It also lowers enlistment quotas and facilitates exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men who study in religious seminaries known as yeshivas.

Lawmakers will debate the text on Monday.

The centre-right Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper ran a front-page headline on Friday reading "Conscription on paper only", denouncing "an obvious fraud".

"The new 'conscription' law will not recruit anyone," it read.

Bismuth has called the bill "balanced" and "responsible".



- 'Contemptible politics' -



The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party quit the government in July over the previous draft conscription bill, and now Netanyahu's coalition only holds 60 out of 120 seats in parliament.

Ministers from the other main ultra-Orthodox party, Shas, resigned from the cabinet over the issue, though the party has not formally left the coalition.

Shas is now threatening to bring down the government if Netanyahu fails to grant the exemptions he had promised the ultra-Orthodox parties in 2022 when forming the coalition.

The decades-old de facto exemption was challenged at the Supreme Court level in the early 2000s, since when successive Israeli governments have been forced to cobble together temporary legislative arrangements to appease the ultra-Orthodox, who are the makers and breakers of governments.

The opposition has slammed the latest draft bill, believing it is too soft, and is vowing to bring it down.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the text an "anti-Zionist disgrace" on X, denouncing the "contemptible politics of the corrupt and the draft-dodgers".

"This law is a declaration of war by the government on the reservists," said former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who is expected to run against Netanyahu in elections due by November 2026.

In June 2024, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the state must draft ultra-Orthodox men, declaring their exemption had expired.

The government has also been forced to cut certain subsidies to yeshivas, much to the chagrin of the ultra-Orthodox parties.



- 'Flagrant inequality' -



Only two percent of ultra-Orthodox Jews respond to conscription orders according to the military, which has created units specifically for them.

There are around 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel, and roughly 66,000 men of military age currently benefit from the exemption, a record number according to local media reports.

On November 19, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government was required to present an effective proposal for conscripting the ultra-Orthodox.

The ruling notes that the "flagrant inequality" created by their exemption has "worsened significantly" with the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

It also says ultra-Orthodox conscription fills a "real security need" as the army requires about 12,000 soldiers to fill its ranks.

The court did not set a deadline for the adoption of a conscription law, but only for a debate on the issue in parliament.
Our teams are working around the clock to support our operators and ensure these updates are deployed as swiftly as possible to get planes back in the sky and resume normal operations, with the safety assurance you expect from Airbus, he wrote in a message posted on LinkedIn on Saturday.
It said its analysis in a previous report found no significant evidence that the BBCs expanded output is causally linked to the declines experienced by commercial providers of local online news, but added we recognised that these changes may be contributing to some degree and committed to continuing to monitor the potential impact.
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Texas was expecting to receive more than $3 billion to help expand broadband access. Now its getting $1.3 billion. Mark Felix, for The Texas Tribune

When the state announced that its set to receive $1.3 billion of federal funds to improve broadband access, rural Texans who have been waiting years for the money were disappointed.

They were expecting three times the amount.

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Two years ago, $3.3 billion was pledged for Texas through a bipartisan infrastructure deal signed by President Joe Biden to fund the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, or BEAD. The state won federal approval for its plan to use those funds last year.

But a year later, Texas submitted a new plan and was awarded just shy of $1.3 billion from the Trump administration. Local leaders who have fought for investment in broadband and companies serving Texans in the rural counties with limited internet access feel let down.

For the longest time, everyone has been saying its $3.3 billion, and there were even questions if $3.3 billion was going to be enough for Texas, said Lonnie Hunt, the executive director of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District. It is a lot less than what we expected it to be.

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The state received more than $6.4 billion in requests for federal dollars, according to state documents.

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7 million Texans lack access

More than 2.8 million Texas households and 7 million Texans lack broadband, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and a disproportionate number of those are in rural areas such as Deep East Texas. A low population density makes it less profitable for companies to establish broadband infrastructure, and companies that do enter rural areas charge customers higher-than-average rates for slower-than-average speeds.

Kelty Garbee, the executive director of Texas Rural Funders, a nonprofit that has pushed for better internet services in the states rural areas, said the allocation is much less than expected and less than whats needed to provide rural communities with the same quality of service available in metro areas.

The funds, according to the states reimagined plan as of October, will work to connect more than 123,000 locations to end-to-end fiber technology and about 65,000 others through low-earth orbit satellites. Another 54,000 locations will be connected wirelessly through radio signals.

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We are certainly disappointed in the BEAD allocation, said Rusty Moore, general manager and chief operating officer of Big Bend Telephone, a broadband company in West Texas. I think an incredible opportunity has been missed.

The Texas Comptrollers Office, which has overseen the states broadband deployment, said in a news release that the program aims to make it possible for almost every Texas location on the Federal Communications Commissions National Broadband Map to connect to high-speed internet for the first time in state history.

Although the allocation is less than what the state was expecting, Hunt said its better than nothing.

A really big piece of the puzzle

This is just one piece of the puzzle, but its a really big piece, Hunt said. Our goal all along has been broadband for every single home and business in our region  We definitely are one of the most underserved and underconnected areas not only in Texas but in the Country.

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The road to connecting the entire state to broadband connections has been full of twists and turns over the years. The original amount of federal dollars, $3.3 billion, awarded to Texas was the most of any state  despite U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who both represent Texas, voting against the funding in Bidens infrastructure act.

To obtain the funding, the state had to submit a plan to the federal government. The state was working on the plan for how to spend the money with the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, the federal office overseeing the BEAD program. When the plan was approved last November, after President Donald Trump won the 2024 election, Cruz wrote a letter promising to review the federal broadband program. In his letter, Cruz blamed the Biden administration for the delay and signaled that substantial changes were on the horizon for the program.

Cruzs office did not respond to a request for comment.

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In a statement to the Dallas Morning News, Cruz said his work is saving taxpayers.

My work on the Commerce Committee to hold the BEAD program accountable has spared taxpayers from paying for internet to mansions and vacation islands while still securing over $1 billion in funding for Texas, Cruz said in a statement. By refocusing the program on its core mission of digital connection, instead of the Biden administrations costly and burdensome regulation, we have freed states like Texas to responsibly use this money to expand internet access to rural communities.

In January, former Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar wrote a letter to Cruz, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Hegar recommended changes to the requirements for BEAD funding, including opening eligibility to technology other than fiber and eliminating the low-cost requirement.

That requirement was part of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which started in 2021 and offered a discount on internet services to households that could not afford service otherwise. Congress did not continue funding for the program, bringing it to an end in 2024 with 23 million households nationwide enrolled. Hegar is now the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

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Garbee said with funding settled, the state faces more difficult questions now.

Are we asking communities without broadband (and the internet service providers working with them) to do more with less? she said. Will this make it harder to connect every corner of Texas?
Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old college student at Babson College, was detained by ICE while trying to make a surprise trip to see her family in Austin. Within about 48 hours of her arrest, the agency deported her to Honduras. Courtesy of Todd Pomerleau

Francis thought the phone call was an extortion at first  or, at the least, a sick prank. But as his daughters crying voice on the other side of the line continued, Francis realized it was all much worse.

On the morning of Nov. 20, Francis 19-year-old daughter and Boston-area college student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza set off to surprise her Austin-based parents with a trip home from college for Thanksgiving. But at the Boston airport, federal immigration agents arrested her, telling the surprised college freshman she had a deportation order. It was all confusing to Francis, too.

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In reality, we didnt think she had a deportation order, the father of three, whose last name the Statesman is not publishing due to his immigration status, told the Statesman on Friday. If we had known, I dont think we would have sent her.

The familys life changed just as fast as the facts began to emerge.

Despite a federal judge issuing a stay on Lopez Bellozas removal from the country the day following her detention, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Lopez Belloza approximately 48 hours after her arrest.

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In quick succession, the agency moved Lopez Belloza to its Boston-area immigration processing center, a military base, a detention center in Texas, and finally  with her ankles and wrists shackled  to her native Honduras, her lawyer Todd Pomerleau told the American-Statesman. Lopez Bellozas family brought her from Honduras to the United States when she was 7, eventually settling in Austin. She graduated from IDEA-Rundberg and gained acceptance to the prestigious Babson College.

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Pomerleau, a Boston-based lawyer who specializes in immigration habeas litigation, which challenges the governments power to detain people unlawfully, said Lopez Bellozas arrest is the first he has worked on where a client was detained while flying domestically  signaling what he believes to be an expansion of ICE arrests at airports.

Pomerleau argues that the government violated several of his clients rights to due process, including by detaining her without showing her a removal order and by impeding her right to counsel. Pomerleau said he was informed of the case through friends of Lopez Bellozas family and agreed to take it on, but that ICE impeded his attempts to communicate with her until after she was deported.

He called the events leading to the deportation an alphabet soup of constitutional violations.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to the Statesmans request for comment in time for publication. They told the Boston Globe, who first reported the story, that Lopez Belloza had a deportation order going back to 2015.

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Pomerleau cast doubt on this claim, saying the family had asylum proceedings under way until 2017. Francis said that his family was denied asylum, but that they had been assured by the judge that they did not have deportation orders.

Some in President Donald Trumps circle applauded the deportation. Border Patrol Operations Commander Gregory Bovino replied on X to an ABC News report on the proceedings, saying Why even mention this illegal alien was an 18 year old college student? Completely irrelevant except that an illegal alien may have taken a university slot from an American citizen.

A quick deportation

Lopez Belloza made it as far as her boarding gate on Thursday, Nov. 20. It was there, before the morning sun rose, that attendants told her to go to customer service because her boarding pass wasnt working. At the customer service desk, Pomerleau said his client was immediately surrounded, handcuffed.

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Within a day of learning of Lopez Bellozas detention, Pomerleau secured a deportation stay from a federal judge through a habeas petition arguing his clients rights were violated. A Massachusetts judge signed off on the stay at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, according to a copy of the order reviewed by the Statesman.

At around that time, ICE was flying Lopez Belloza to Texas, Pomerleau now believes; though at the time that information was not on ICEs detainee locator.

On Monday, when Pomerleau contacted Francis, the lawyer said he was shocked to hear Lopez Belloza had already been deported and was in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula with her grandparents.

Pomerleau said he plans to continue to fight Lopez Bellozas case in federal court to try to force the agency to return her to the United States. He pointed to the fact that federal court orders eventually required the agency to bring migrant Kilmer Abrego Garcia to the United States after it ignored a judges orders and deported him to El Salvador.

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Lopez Belloza, Pomerleau said, does not have a criminal record.

In the months before she left for college, Francis, a tailor, sewed his daughter black and navy blue suits. He was proud of his daughters dreams and aspirations and of the scholarship she received to go to school so far away and study business. Lopez Belloza told her father that she wanted to help him start his own business when she graduated.

We would talk to her every day, Francis said.

It was Francis boss, a family friend, who paid for Lopez Bellozas surprise trip home for Thanksgiving as a thank you to his employee. His family cherished the Thanksgiving tradition of preparing a meal together, Francis said.

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This year, Francis and his wife had not made any homecoming plans for their daughter. Worse than a holiday without their eldest daughter, the couple spent their Thanksgiving receiving friends arriving to console them.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach pins the Silver Star Medal on Lt. Col. William Parks during a ceremony honoring his valor in combat on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. (Stuart Bright/U.S. Air Force)



Air Force Lt. Col. William Parks received the Silver Star Medal on Wednesday for his efforts as commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron operating in the Middle East this year.

Its a rare day when someone earns a Silver Star, with less than 100 being earned during the Air Force era, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach during the ceremony at the Pentagon, according to a service news release.

The medal, the nations third highest for valor, is bestowed by all branches upon those who acted gallantly during U.S. military operations against a foreign force, or who served with friendly forces.

In early 2025 Parks commanded a mission with a force package of 21 aircraft, and he also led four F-16 fighter jets suppressing enemy air defenses, the release said, adding that Parks intentionally placed himself within the threat range of those defenses.

As the force Parks led succeeded in damaging enemy missile production facilities, there was a 15-minute window in which enemy forces barraged U.S. forces, during which Parks performed a series of difficult maneuvers, according to the release.

Lt. Col. William Parks speaks to the audience during the ceremony awarding him a Silver Star at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Stuart Bright/U.S. Air Force)



Additionally, as his fuel ran low, Parks swiftly coordinated an emergency rendezvous with two tankers, which the release said prevented the probable loss of two aircraft.

He also saved millions of dollars with his choice of munitions, and led six aerial victories protecting thousands of sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, according to the release.

Parks was deployed for eight months and led 12 F-16s and 56 airmen. He has since left the squadron.

The 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was involved in multiple missions, including Operations Prosperity Guardian and Rough Rider, which concern Yemens Houthi rebels and their attacks in the Red Sea; Inherent Resolve, which tackles the Islamic State; and Spartan Shield, which maintains U.S. posture in Southwest Asia.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attends a meeting at the White House on July 14, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  A Ukrainian delegation is heading to the U.S. for further discussions over a peace plan pushed by President Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The group  which includes Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya  is expected to meet with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner in Florida, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive planning. Witkoff is set to lead a U.S. delegation for talks in Russia next week.

A phone call last month between Witkoff and a senior Kremlin official revealed how Trumps envoy suggested they work together on a plan for Ukraine, according to a recording reviewed by Bloomberg.

Last week, the U.S. issued an ultimatum for Kyiv to agree by Thanksgiving to the terms of a deal that appeared to favor Russia. The document was thinned down by compartmentalizing the thorniest issues following a flurry of diplomatic activity in Geneva and under pressure from Kyivs European allies.

European nations have been shut out from the detail of many aspects of the talks, and are being involved only in bilateral discussions where their input is absolutely necessary at this stage, such as defining security guarantees with the U.S.

While Washington has touted progress in talks with Ukraine, the negotiations still face the same obstacles as in previous rounds: what satisfies Ukraine is likely a deal-breaker for Russia, and vice versa.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin reiterated Thursday his demand for the Ukrainian army to retreat from areas in the Donetsk region that Moscow hasnt been able to seize by force, a notion that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

The Ukrainian delegations trip comes at a delicate moment, when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing mounting domestic pressure because of a corruption scandal. Andriy Yermak, his closest ally and top aide who had been leading the peace talks, was forced to submit his resignation on Friday.

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Lebanese army soldiers look at the Israeli military post of Hanita, left, and the Labbouneh post, one of five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year, right, from a Lebanese military position in the village of Alma al-Shaab in south Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Bilal Hussein/AP)



ZIBQIN VALLEY, Lebanon  The Lebanese army has intensified its efforts in areas along the border with Israel, in the volatile area that witnessed the 14-month war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Parts of the zone south of the Litani River and north of the border with Israel were formerly a Hezbollah stronghold, off limits to the Lebanese national army and U.N. peacekeepers deployed in the area.

But since a ceasefire ended the Israel-Hezbollah war a year ago, Lebanons army has boosted its presence along the border to nearly 10,000 troops, closed 11 crossing points used for smuggling along the Litani River, and is dealing with huge amounts of unexploded ordnance, according to several senior army officers.

The army took dozens of journalists from local and and international media outlets Friday on a tour of the rugged area along the border. Its troops could be seen in places where Hezbollah once had a heavy military presence.

Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes since the November 2024 ceasefire, mainly targeting Hezbollah members but 127 civilians have also been killed, according to the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Hezbollah has only claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli military post since last November. The group maintains it no longer has an armed presence south of the Litani River, close to the border.

Hezbollah rejected disarmament plan

Hezbollah refuses to discuss full disarmament across Lebanon until Israel stops its attacks and withdraws from five hilltop points that it captured during the war and still holds.

The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel launched a widespread bombardment of Lebanon for two months last year that severely weakened Hezbollah, followed by a ground invasion.

In August, the Lebanese government voted in favor of a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah. Hezbollah rejected the plan.

In recent weeks, Israel has said that Hezbollah is working on rebuilding its capabilities in south Lebanon.

The Lebanese army is making tremendous efforts during this critical period in the history of the region, said Brig. Gen. Nicolas Thabet, Lebanese army commander in the sector south of the Litani River.

The journalists were taken Friday to Zibqin Valley, where Hezbollah once had rocket launchers, tunnels and posts hidden in the bushy region. There was no presence of the militant group and its former posts were either struck or now controlled by Lebanese troops.

A nearly 328 feet tunnel inside a mountain, used by Hezbollah in the past, contained what appeared to be a small medical clinic, a ventilation system, power cables, water tankers and large amounts of canned food.

Zibqin Valley is where munitions in an arms depot exploded in August, killing six army experts who were dismantling them.

We will not abandon our goals no matter what the difficulties are, said Thabet, adding that the army is making major sacrifices in one of the most dangerous parts of the Middle East.

Weapons and tunnels discovered

Army officers told journalists that there have been 5,198 violations by Israel since the ceasefire, including 657 airstrikes. They added that 13,981 housing units were destroyed by the war, in addition to the damage done to infrastructure in border villages.

They said that some of the weapons and ordnance they found were dismantled or ,detonated while others have been put in storage. Weapons that can be used are taken by the army, they said.

The officers added that the army now has 200 posts south of Litani River, in addition to 29 fixed checkpoints, and it operates patrols around the clock.

On Sept. 5, the army strengthened its efforts in the region after the governments decision to disarm Hezbollah. Since then, troops have discovered 74 tunnels, 175 rocket launchers and 58 missiles.

Thabet said the army does not enter homes to search them without a judicial order and only do so if they witness illegal activities as theyre taking place.
U.S. service members line the streets of Washington, D.C., during an honor escort for U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard, Nov. 27, 2025. (William Blankenship/U.S. Air National Guard)



National Guard troops patrolling in Washington, D.C., will be paired with local law enforcement personnel, at least temporarily, in the wake of the Wednesday attack that killed one Guard member and critically injured another, according to an email obtained by The Washington Post and two D.C. police officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss planning that is still in progress.

Officers will conduct high-visibility patrols with the National Guard and provide assistance as needed, said the email, which was sent to D.C. police leadership Wednesday evening. The email said the situation was fluid, and adjustments to the staffing plan could be made in the coming days.

If enacted on a long-term basis, the change would significantly shift the way National Guard troops have worked with local and federal law enforcement in the District since their arrival in August. Trump administration officials have credited the troops for helping reduce crime in the city  in part, they argued, because the troops presence at Metro stations and on National Park Service lands frees up law enforcement to police other areas of the city. Diverting local police to accompany Guard members would do essentially the opposite by siphoning them from other tasks in D.C. neighborhoods.

The email said the new pairing would start Thursday and Friday. A D.C. police official said some officers had been temporarily detailed to accompany the troops, and a more long-term policy change was under discussion.

The official, who stressed that the discussions were still preliminary, said D.C. police, Metro Transit Police, U.S. Park Police and several other law enforcement agencies were having conversations with the National Guard task force in D.C. about pairing the troops with police officers while they are on city streets. Since their deployment to D.C., groups of National Guard troops have largely operated unaccompanied by police, the official said.

The policy change would bolster protection for the approximately 2,000 National Guard members deployed to the District as part of President Donald Trumps Safe and Beautiful Task Force, who are not required to have the same law enforcement training as city police officers.

A D.C. police spokesperson did not confirm the shift in policy but said in a statement that law enforcement agencies across Washington, D.C., including the Metropolitan Police Department, are working in close coordination with the National Guard to ensure the safety of our community.
Gunmen on Saturday morning raided the headquarters of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), a former liberation movement and Guinea-Bissau's oldest political party, near the presidential palace where soldiers have set up camp since seizing power on 26 November.

Elsewhere in the capital Bissau, the offices of the opposition Social Renewal Party (PRS) were attacked, reportedly with tear gas.

The campaign headquarters of Fernando Dias, the independent candidate thought to have defeated incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embalo in last weekend's presidential election, were also targeted.

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Soldiers remained stationed around PAIGC's offices on Saturday afternoon, RFI's correspondent reported.

Saying members were "under pressure", spokesperson Muniro Conte told RFI that the party leaders feared the raid was part of a plot to plant weapons that could later be used to accuse them of arms trafficking.

"This act constitutes a clear and intolerable violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law," the party said in a statement, calling for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Observers warn of deepening crisis after Guinea-Bissau military takeover

Protesters detained

Since seizing control, the military has installed a general, Horta N'ta Na Man, as interim president and Ilidio Te Vieira  formerly minister of finance  as prime minister. The junta says it will remain in power for one year while preparing for a return to "normalcy".

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A dozen people who tried to protest in Bissau were arrested on Saturday, according to the head of Guinea-Bissau's Human Rights League, Bubacar Ture, who said there was no information on their current whereabouts.

The PAIGC's Domingos Simoes Pereira, a former prime minister and leading opposition figure, was detained in the wake of the coup and is reportedly being held at the Interior Ministry.

Dias  who received the backing of the PAIGC after the party was barred from fielding its own candidates for supposedly missing a deadline to file paperwork  remains in hiding.

Embalo arrived in the Republic of Congo's capital Brazzaville on Saturday, having initially fled to Senegal.

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Guinea-Bissau general sworn in as transitional president following coup

'Ceremonial coup'

The takeover, which came before the official results of the 23 November presidential and parliamentary elections could be announced, drew condemnation from the United Nations, African Union and regional bloc Ecowas.

A high-level Ecowas mission, comprising the presidents of Senegal, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone and Togo, had been due to arrive in Guinea-Bissau on Saturday but has postponed the visit until Monday.

The officers in charge claim they took control to restore order, warning of a plot by drug barons to destabilise the country. But the real motives for the coup remain unclear, with speculation swirling that it may have been carried out with Embalo's blessing to avoid being declared the loser of last week's vote.

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Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who had been in Guinea-Bissau as part of a regional election observer mission, accused Embalo of staging a "ceremonial coup".

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he questioned how Embalo was able to address the media despite the takeover. "Who is fooling who?" he asked. "What happened in Guinea-Bissau is quite disturbing to me, who believes in democracy."
Army veteran Jay Carey stands outside Union Station in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Carey faces two criminal misdemeanor charges after igniting an American flag in Lafayette Park, across from the White House. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Attorneys for an Army combat veteran facing two federal criminal charges after he burned an American flag in view of the White House are seeking to dismiss the case with video evidence collected from police-worn body cameras at the incident.

Jan Jay Carey, a former Army sergeant first class, is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Monday for a status conference over his attorneys claim that he was the target of vindictive prosecution after engaging in protest activities protected under the First Amendment.

Police-worn body cameras show officers discussing an executive order by President Donald Trump directing prosecution for flag desecration and conferring with the U.S. attorneys office prior to Careys arrest, according to the Partnership for Civil Justice.

Trump has declared his intention to suppress lawful speech with regard to the constitutional right to flag-burning as a matter of protected expression, stating: We took the freedom of speech away,  said Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, executive director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund and its project, the Center for Protest Law and Litigation.

Carey is a recipient of a Bronze Star who served from 1989 to 2012, according to Army records. He deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, which represents Carey, is asking the court to dismiss the two criminal charges, which are both misdemeanors and carry a maximum sentence of six months in prison.

Carey stated that he intentionally ignited a 3-by-5-foot flag on a sidewalk at Lafayette Park in view of the White House as an act of political protest hours after Trump signed an executive order directing the prosecution of American flag desecration to the fullest extent possible.

Although we respect the First Amendment, there is a law that prohibits the burning of anything, including a flag, on federal property, said Tim Lauer, spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office, according to the Associated Press.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

The 54-year-old veteran from North Carolina pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in September.

Video footage from police-worn body cameras showed that officers discussed the presidents executive order as a basis to arrest Carey, according to court documents.

United States Park Police command staff consulted with at least one assistant United States attorney as to how to charge Mr. Carey, orders that were then passed down to the arresting officers, attorneys for the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund said in court documents.

Army combat veteran Jay Carey is arrested after he burned an American flag in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Carey, of North Carolina, said he and several other veterans traveled to the nations capital to protest policies by President Donald Trumps administration. (Jay Carey)



The video footage showed U.S. Park Police Officer Enrique Wong arriving at Lafayette Park while Carey was handcuffed, according to court documents.

Officer Wong told U.S. Park Police Officer Andrew Patton, So the President just today signed an executive order that says were arresting him. We got that going for us. The executive order is signed,  according to court documents.

In United States v. Jan Carey, the veteran is charged with lighting a fire in an undesignated area and lighting a fire in a manner that causes damage to real property or park resources, according to court documents.

Carey said he and several other veterans were in Washington to peacefully protest the deployment of Army National Guard troops to the nations capital. The troops were ordered by Trump to address crime.

This was a direct protest about an illegal law President Trump tried to put in place, Carey said after he was detained by uniformed Secret Service agents and arrested by federal park police.

But neither of the misdemeanor charges directly addresses flag burning, according to the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund.

Careys attorneys argued that lighting a fire as an act of civil protest is not expressly forbidden at Lafayette Park, and the charges are more commonly used to prosecute individuals who light fires in federally protected wilderness areas, such as Yellowstone Park, according to court documents.

Historic practice  confirms that the use of fire for expressive purposes is permitted within Lafayette Park. Candlelight vigils occur frequently in Lafayette Park, and permits are issued for vigils involving hundreds or thousands of candle-bearing participants, according to court documents.

Flag burning was protected as symbolic speech by a Supreme Court ruling in 1989, after a flag was burned outside the Republican National Convention in Texas to protest policies of then-President Ronald Reagan.
A classic rock band has finally agreed to release a superstar DJs mashup of two iconic songs.

Fatboy Slim announced Friday that Satisfaction Skank, a mix he first made 25 years ago, will get an official release next month. The tune features the famous Right about now / The funk soul brother / check it out now... line from Fatboy Slims The Rockafeller Skank mixed with the guitar riffs and vocals from The Rolling Stones (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction.

Possibly one of my greatest mashups, Fatboy Slim said in a Behind the Tune video last year. The one that could never be released. Theres ongoing negotiations with the Rolling Stones and Mick, if youre watching this, call me and we can talk.

Apparently Mick Jagger (or maybe Keith Richards) saw it. Fatboys record label, Southern Fried, and ABKCO Music & Records said the mashup will be released Dec. 11 as a "historic official collaboration." The record will available as a 12 inch vinyl single and on digital streaming services.

Fans can pre-order or pre-save the mix at satisfactionskank.com.

The I Cant Get No' chant was used as a secret weapon for his early Fatboy Slim DJ sets across America, an official announcement said. The mashup left audiences unsure whether Fatboy Slim was a band, a DJ, or something entirely new. With UK dance music at its highest peak in decades, the timing couldnt be riper for this seismic, high energy collaboration."

Its not the first official collaboration between Fatboy Slim and the Rolling Stones. The Grammy-winning British DJ previously released official remixes of the Rolling Stones Im Free and Sympathy for the Devil.

The Rolling Stones are a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group known for songs like Gimme Shelter, Paint It Black, Wild Horses, and You Cant Always Get What You Want. This year marks the 60th anniversary of (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction), which was named one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine and added to the National Recording Registry at the U.S. Library of Congress.

Fatboy Slim, also known as Norman Cook and several other monikers, is an EDM DJ who helped popularize big beat and house music in the U.S. in the late 1990s and early 2000s with songs like Praise You, The Rockafeller Skank, Ya Mama, Right Here Right Now and Weapon of Choice. He performed at Woodstock 99 in Central New York and the London Olympics in 2012, plus drew 250,000 people to his hometown Big Beach Boutique concert at Englands Brighton Beach.

Preview Fatboy Slim & The Rolling Stones Satisfaction Skank at the 0:55 mark in this video:
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has voiced continued optimism regarding the anticipated signing of a US-mediated peace agreement aimed at ending the protracted conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking at a press conference in Kigali on Thursday, November 27, he noted that delays in arranging a meeting with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi were not attributable to Rwanda, stressing that Kigali has remained ready while the Congolese side raised last-minute concerns in earlier scheduled meetings.

Despite setbacks in October and again on 13 November, Kagame said both leaders are now expected to meet in Washington at the beginning of December, adding that he remains hopeful because the mediators are committed to securing progress.

The forthcoming engagement is expected to advance commitments enshrined in a June agreement signed by the two countries foreign ministers, which called for a halt to hostilities between their forces. Kagame reaffirmed his enduring belief in the pursuit of peace, emphasising that stability depends on the full commitment of the parties directly involved.

The renewed push for dialogue comes as violence in eastern Congo continues to claim lives and displace millions, with fighting escalating since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations Kigali has repeatedly rejected.
Syracuse, N.Y.  This evening, with the turn of a candy-cane switch, the Christmas season symbolically began in Syracuses downtown.

Despite a forecast of more lake effect snow, and Mayor Ben Walshs late afternoon snow safety alert warning people of messy driving conditions, hundreds of families crowded into Clinton Square on Friday night for the annual lighting of the 42-foot city Christmas tree.

Several people told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that they believed attendance for the event was lower than usual because of the snow. But they also said the winter setting was perfect for the city and the holiday season.

There was certainly no damper on the festive mood as children ran through the square throwing snowballs, families posed for pictures and people sipped warm drinks.

Kevin Shannon, 44, said he has been coming to the event for most of his life. He and his family recalled previous years where they had to wear ponchos to keep dry from rain.

Its perfect like this, magical for the kids really, he said.

The Syracuse Home for the Holidays celebration traditionally takes place the day after Thanksgiving in Clinton Square. This years party was hosted by 95xs Marty Bishop and also featured performances from local musicians Sydney Irving and Trumptight315.

Just before 7 p.m., Walsh, joined by five local children, flipped the switch at what will be his final holiday tree lighting as mayor.

Walsh also recognized Mayor-elect Sharon Owens at the celebration, giving her a big hug. He also took time to recognize other local officials for their efforts over the holiday including police Chief Joe Cecile, fire Chief Michael Monds, and Parks Commissioner Syeisha Byrd.

Byrd and Walsh also introduced a new #SYR sign for the city at the event which is located in Clinton Square.

Crowds gathered in the snow to watch the lighting of the downtown Syracuse Christmas tree at Clinton Square on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Finn Lincoln | syracuse.com

Stephanie Heil, 27, said it was her first time at the tree-lighting ceremony despite living in the area for a few years. She said the snow was perfect for the celebration and even motivated her and a group of friends to come out.

Heil said she had seen the weather warning issued by the city, but luckily lives within walking distance of Clinton Square.

This is the type of weather that gets you ready for the holidays, Heil said.
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Black Friday shoppers were sent scrambling for cover after shots were fired at the Westfield Valley Fair mall in Santa Clara, California, injuring three, police said.

Three people were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening gunshot wounds, according to the San Jose Police Department. Injured were an adult man, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old girl, department spokesman Sgt. Jorge Garibay said in media interviews at the scene.

This was not targeted at unsuspecting shoppers, Garibay said. Something occurred between two individuals that prompted the shooting.

Garibay said the two female victims were believed to be bystanders and were unrelated to the incident.

He said the suspected shooter was believed to have fled before police officers arrived, and no gun was recovered.

Shawn Kulasingham, 23, was at the mall with family when he said he heard a loud pop around 5:35 p.m., then saw a sea of humans running in every direction in the mall.

It was a stampede, he said by phone a few hours later. The building was almost shaking.

Kulasingham grabbed his sister and father and ducked into the nearest store that looked secure, an Abercrombie & Fitch. They hid behind clothing racks and cabinets while people panicked, he said.

They spent about 20 minutes inside the store before staff asked them to leave in a single-file line with a police escort. The parking lot was a mess, Kulasingham said, and he forgot his Black Friday haul  a coat hed bought  back at the Abercrombie store.

The fear was palpable. This is a really difficult thing to happen during the holiday season, said Kulasingham, a former congressional intern. A shooting in his hometown mall alongside the recent killing of a National Guard member in D.C. was a lot to bear, he said.

At least 20 customers were ushered into storage closets in Bloomingdales by store security alongside Bilal Zuberi and his wife, who posted about the incident on X. He did not hear shots, but said there was general panic and an overhead announcement telling them the doors were locked and they should remain in place, he said.

They tried not to panic and not talk about the shooting because there were children sheltering with them, Zuberi said.

Police gave an all-clear to leave the store and mall around 7 p.m., he said. Traffic was backed up from all exits as hundreds of people attempted to leave, he said.

Thankful for police, first responders, and mall staff who may have been scared themselves but stepped up to guide people to safety, man escalators so nobody could cross floors etc., he replied in an X direct message to the Los Angeles Times.

Emergency dispatch calls to the police and fire departments at 5:55 p.m. said there were two to three injured people and the shooter was still at large. Multiple calls starting around 5:35 p.m. detailed that multiple people were sheltering in place and reported bullet casings and a trail of blood from Macys, dispatchers said.

In a later post at 6:31 p.m., the city department said there was no longer an active shooter.

Officers arrived to a chaotic scene, according to their radio dispatch feeds.

We have multiple people running across the street, one emergency responder radioed. Fleeing patrons caused a traffic jam while crossing a nearby street from the mall.

My prayers are with the victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said in an X post.

Garibay said the shooting took place on the second floor of Macys. Other photos on X also showed shattered windows at the Bowlero bowling alley adjacent to the Macys.

Police said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, and that people should avoid the area.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Chinese tech company DJI is set to face a ban in the United States due to the government's worries that the company is spying for China. t

DJI Ban Is Coming Right Before Christmas

DJI is set to face an automatic ban in the country this December 23, which is right before Christmas Day, according to a new report by The Verge.

For the past months, DJI has been in the hot seat for its alleged connections to the Chinese government as a spy.

The ban centers on the allegations that they are collecting American user data and sharing it with China, spying on the country and the lives of its US users. However, there has been no public evidence to support the claims.

According to the report, some are worried that China may soon ask DJI to turn over data that it gathered in the country.

However, DJI has denied that it shares data with China, with the company citing that it stores drone data and the like right here in the United States. It was also revealed that DJI wanted to work with regulators and the government and previously announced that it would delete all US flight logs in September 2024.

There were also suggestions that DJI would not be forced by China to hand over the US data they have because they are allegedly "owned" by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, in September 2025, a US judge dismissed the claims, saying that there was not enough evidence to back this allegation.

Here's What the Ban Means For You

DJI getting banned in the United States means that all of their products would be taken off the shelves of retail stores, direct suppliers, and online platforms. While DJI is most famous for its drones, there are also other products from the Chinese company that include the Osmo series with the Action, Pocket, and more.

Users would still be able to fly the DJI drones they own and shoot content with their Osmo cameras even if the ban ensues. The DJI ban would only focus on the sale of imported products from the company.

However, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may retroactively ban imports of old DJI products after a waiting period, particularly all products with a wireless radio transmitter.

Despite the Trump administration and US lawmakers previously pushing for US drones to dominate the country's skies, some lawmakers have pushed back on the ban as no other companies were able to produce high-quality, low-cost drones that are essential to many trades like farming, rescue work, and more.
In 2025, compact phones have made a strong comeback, blending portability with flagship-level performance. These compact phones in 2025 cater to users tired of oversized devices, offering small smartphones that fit easily in pockets while delivering robust capabilities. This objective guide explores the best mini phones, their defining traits, and key considerations for buyers seeking power in a compact form.

The resurgence of compact phones in 2025 reflects shifting consumer demands toward ergonomic designs amid a market dominated by larger screens. Small smartphones now incorporate advanced processors and efficient batteries, making them viable for professionals, commuters, and minimalists. Trends show foldables and sub-6.3-inch flagships leading this revival, driven by innovations like silicon carbide batteries for slimmer profiles.

What Defines a Compact Phone in 2025?

Compact phones in 2025 generally sport screens from 6.0 to 6.3 inches, prioritizing one-handed operation and lightweight builds under 180 grams. Manufacturers redefine "compact" through minimal bezels, premium materials like titanium frames, and IP68 ratings for durability. Beyond size, these devices emphasize power efficiency, with high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays and AI-optimized software ensuring smooth experiences without bulk.

This category stands apart from phablets by focusing on pocketability and reduced wrist strain during extended use. Eco-friendly aspects, such as recycled materials in models from Apple and Samsung, add appeal for sustainability-conscious buyers. Overall, compact phones balance form and function effectively in a year marked by foldable influences.

What Are the Best Mini Phones of 2025?

Leading the best mini phones pack are the Samsung Galaxy S25, Apple iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 8a, and emerging options like the Xiaomi 15 and OnePlus 13T. The Galaxy S25 excels with its 6.2-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and seven years of updates, ideal for long-term reliability.

The iPhone 16 Pro delivers seamless iOS integration, superior video recording, and A18 Pro performance in a 6.3-inch titanium chassis. Pixel 9 Pro shines in computational photography via Google's AI, while the budget Pixel 8a offers Tensor G3 power under $500. Foldables like the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 6 provide expandable screens for versatility, with the Razr featuring IP48 resistance despite its clamshell design.

Vivo X200 FE rounds out strong contenders with compact ergonomics and competitive cameras. These selections highlight how compact phones in 2025 deliver across price points and ecosystems.

Why Choose Small Smartphones Over Larger Devices?

Small smartphones prioritize portability, slipping into tight pockets and enabling effortless one-handed texting or navigation. Users report less fatigue from prolonged holding, benefiting commuters and gamers alike. In professional settings, mini phones reduce distractions with focused displays, enhancing productivity.

Market data indicates 71% of users upgrade every three years, favoring compact models for their minimalist appeal and lower e-waste footprint. Foldables address size concerns innovatively, unfolding for media while staying pocketable folded. Those ditching larger devices gain freedom without losing essential features like 5G or wireless charging.

How Do Compact Phones in 2025 Perform in Battery and Speed?

Advancements like silicon carbide batteries enable compact phones in 2025 to achieve all-day endurance despite smaller capacities, such as the S25's 4000mAh unit with 45W charging. Flagship chips like Snapdragon 8 Elite and A18 Pro handle gaming and multitasking fluidly, aided by vapor chamber cooling to curb throttling.

AI optimizations extend runtime by 20-30% through adaptive refresh rates and background management. Real-world tests show these small smartphones rivaling bigger rivals in sustained performance, with models like Xiaomi 15 pushing 5000mAh in slim bodies. Heat management remains key, but 2025 efficiencies make them reliable daily drivers.

What Are the Price Ranges for the Best Compact Phones?

Premium compact phones in 2025, including the S25 ($799), iPhone 16 Pro ($999+), and Razr 60 Ultra ($1299), justify costs with superior builds and longevity. Mid-range picks like Pixel 8a ($499) and OnePlus 13T deliver value, while Vivo and Xiaomi options hover at $800-900.

Factors like OS support, Samsung's seven years versus Motorola's four, influence total ownership value. Budget buyers find solid entry points without flagship premiums, ensuring accessibility across incomes.

Compact phones in 2025 prove small smartphones pack big power, from AI smarts to durable designs. The best mini phones suit diverse needs, blending trends like foldables with timeless portability for a compelling choice in today's market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do security features compare in the best mini phones of 2025?

Compact phones in 2025 like the Samsung Galaxy S25 integrate Knox security with seven years of updates, ultrasonic fingerprint scanning, and secure folders for data isolation. The Google Pixel 9 Pro offers Titan M2 chips for hardware encryption and verified boot, while the iPhone 16 Pro uses Face ID and a secure enclave for biometric data. These features ensure robust protection against threats, with Pixels excelling in timely patches.

2. What software support do compact phones in 2025 provide?

Samsung's Galaxy S25 and Z Flip 6 guarantee seven years of OS and security updates, extending usability into 2032. Google Pixel models match this longevity, while Apple iPhone 16 Pro typically delivers six years of iOS support. Budget options like Pixel 8a offer four years, prioritizing long-term reliability over shorter cycles in older mini phones.

3. Are there compact phones in 2025 suited for business professionals?

Yes, devices such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra variant and iPhone 16 Pro support enterprise tools like Knox Vault and managed Apple IDs for secure work profiles. Pixels with GrapheneOS compatibility provide advanced privacy controls, ideal for data separation. These small smartphones balance portability with features like remote wipe and VPN integration for on-the-go productivity.

4. How future-proof are small smartphones in 2025 against 5G and AI trends?

Best mini phones support mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G for fast connectivity, with chips like Snapdragon 8 Elite enabling on-device AI for features like real-time translation. Foldables like Razr 60 Ultra adapt via expandable displays, ensuring relevance amid evolving networks. Long update commitments keep them viable for upcoming standards.
Comcast will pay a $1.5 million fine to settle an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) investigation into a 2024 vendor data breach that exposed sensitive information belonging to more than 270,000 customers.

A Breach Originating Outside Comcast

The incident traces back to February 2024, when hackers infiltrated the systems of Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS)  a debt collector firm Comcast had last worked with in 2022. Despite being a former vendor, FBCS still held sensitive customer records.

Although the breach initially appeared to affect fewer than 2 million people, the number eventually increased to more than 4 million by mid-2024. In July 2024, Comcast learned that data for 273,703 of its current and former customers had been compromised, despite FBCS previously assuring the company that no company data had been impacted  a claim later proven untrue.

Before publicly disclosing the breach, FBCS had also filed for bankruptcy, which added to concerns around its data-handling practices.

What Was Exposed

Hackers stole a wide range of sensitive details between February 14 and February 26, including:

Full names

Addresses

Dates of birth

Social Security numbers

Comcast account and internal ID numbers

Those affected were users of various Xfinity services, such as internet, TV, streaming, home security, and VoIP.

FCC Settlement Requires New Oversight

Under the settlement with the FCC on Monday, Comcast must adopt a multi-year compliance plan, including:

Vendors must certify every two years that customer data they no longer need has been securely deleted or anonymized.

A senior executive must oversee data protection and vendor compliance.

Conducting risk assessments of vendors every two years.

Comcast will file reports twice a year for three years and must disclose any violations within 30 days.

These requirements stem from the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, which mandates strong protections for subscriber data.

Comcast Denies Responsibility

Comcast said it was not responsible for the incident, emphasizing that:

FBCS alone suffered the breach

Comcasts own network remained secure

FBCS was contractually required to meet security standards

The company added that it remains committed to strengthening its cybersecurity policies and protecting customer information to prevent similar incidents.

Third-Party Security Risks In Focus

The case highlights ongoing concerns around a growing list of high-profile hacks tied to outside contractors and service providers. As companies rely more heavily on third-party vendors, regulators underscore the need for stronger oversight of companies that handle sensitive customer information on behalf of large corporations.
Shannen Doherty's estate has accused her ex-husband of failing to follow through on their divorce settlement.

Shannen Doherty's estate files petition against her ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko

The late actress filed for divorce from Kurt Iswarienko in 2023 after 11 years of marriage and signed the settlement one day before she died in July 2024 but attorneys for her estate have now filed a petition against Iswarienko, claiming he has not abided by the terms of the legal agreement.

In a new filing obtained by PEOPLE, Shannons legal team and Christopher Cortazzo, trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust, alleged that her ex-husband failed to comply with several "monetary obligations" from the divorce settlement.

He was required to sell her $1.5 million Texas home and "equally divide the net proceeds with [her] estate but, according to the filing, he has refused to list the home, where he appears to be currently living.

He allegedly has also "refused to return [Doherty's] items of personal property.

Additionally, Iswarienko has reportedly failed to "produce his inventory" of photographs of Doherty.

He is also said to be 14 months delinquent" on a request to give copies of all photographs of Doherty to her estate no later than September 1, 2024.

And, while Iswarienko was to buy out Doherty's share of a Mooney M-20 airplane for $100,000 and pay that sum to her estate within five business days of the sale, he allegedly "unilaterally withheld $50,274" after making the sale.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised US President Donald Trumps intention to exclude South Africa from next years G20 Leaders Summit in the United States, describing the remarks as regrettable and grounded in misinformation.

In a statement on Thursday, November 17, the Presidency reaffirmed that South Africa is a full G20 member in its own right and underscored that the country would not accept disparaging comments about its legitimacy or its role on global platforms.

Ramaphosa emphasised South Africas commitment to sovereignty, mutual respect and constructive engagement, noting that Trumps claimstied to disinformation about white genocide and confusion around the G20 Presidency handovermisrepresented the realities of the Johannesburg summit.

Reiterating South Africas dedication to multilateralism, Ramaphosa said the 2025 G20 Leaders Summit had drawn widespread praise and produced a declaration reinforcing the value of global cooperation.

Although the United States chose not to attend, the formal instruments of the G20 Presidency were handed to a US Embassy official.

The Presidency added that Washington had been expected to participate fully during South Africas term but opted out of the Johannesburg meeting of its own accord.

Despite this absence, American businesses and civil society groups engaged actively in related forums such as the B20 and the G20 Social, highlighting the enduring economic and social ties between the two nations.
Sri Lanka declares emergency as cyclone toll hits 132



Colombo, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2025



Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 132, with another 176 reported missing.

The extreme weather system has destroyed more than 15,000 homes, sending 78,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency laws, granting him sweeping powers to deal with the devastation after a week of torrential rain across the island.

"We have 132 confirmed dead and another 176 missing," DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said, adding that relief efforts had been bolstered with the deployment of the army, navy and air force.

The military rescued 69 bus passengers on Saturday, including a German tourist, who were marooned in the Anuradhapura district after a 24-hour operation involving a helicopter and naval boats.

One of the passengers, speaking to reporters at a local hospital, said navy sailors had helped them climb onto the roof of a nearby home after using ropes to help them safely wade through flood waters.

"We were very lucky... while we were on the roof, a part of it collapsed... three women fell into the water, but they were helped back onto the roof," Shantha said.

A helicopter had to abort an initial rescue attempt as the downdraft from the rotors threatened to blow away the roof they were perched on, he said.

They were later rescued by naval boats.

Roads in the central district of Badulla remained inaccessible, leaving many villages cut off and relief supplies unable to get through.

"We lost two people in our village... others are sheltering at a temple and a house that is still standing," said Saman Kumara from the village of Maspanna in Badulla, one of the worst-affected districts.

- No clean water-



"We can't leave the village and no one can come in because all roads are blocked by earth slips. There is no food and we are short of clean water," he told media website News Center by telephone.

Officials said about a third of the country was without electricity and running water as power lines had collapsed and water purification facilities were inundated. Internet connections were also disrupted in many areas.

Cyclone Ditwah moved away from the island on Saturday and was heading towards neighbouring India to the north.

India's Chennai Airport has cancelled 54 flights in view of the cyclone's approach, with the weather department forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 48 hours.

Fresh landslides hit the central district of Kandy, 115 kilometres (71 miles) east of Colombo, with the main access road underwater at several locations.

The government has issued an appeal for international help and asked Sri Lankans abroad to make cash donations to support affected communities.

Officials said Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya had met Colombo-based diplomats to update them on the situation and seek assistance from their governments.

India was the first to respond, sending two plane loads of relief supplies, while an Indian warship already in Colombo on a previously planned goodwill visit donated its rations to help victims.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and said New Delhi was ready to send more aid.

Flooding in low-lying areas worsened on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for those living along the banks of the Kelani river, which flows into the Indian Ocean from Colombo.

Rain had eased in most parts of the country, including the capital, but the island's north was still experiencing showers due to the residual effects of Cyclone Ditwah.

The cyclone is Sri Lanka's deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when flooding and landslides killed more than 200 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others.

The worst flooding Sri Lanka has experienced since the turn of the century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people were killed.
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:

Professor Dr. Bettina Wiegmann (left) and Professor Dr. Kirsten Haastert-Talini check the thermal data of their extremity care system on the screen. Credit: Karin Kaiser/MHH

The number of traumatic amputations is rising worldwidecaused by road traffic accidents, accidents at work or during leisure activities, but also as a result of terrorist attacks or war. Only a few specialist clinics are able to perform autologous replantation on patients with often life-threatening injuries, i.e., reattaching severed limbs to the body in such a way that they regain their function completely or at least to a limited extent. In addition, the operation must be performed quickly, as the amputated limbs are stored in an ice bag as standard and can only survive for a few hours without a blood supply.

The research team includes Professor Dr. Bettina Wiegmann, emergency physician and specialist in cardiac surgery at the Department for Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery at Hannover Medical School (MHH), and Professor Dr. Kirsten Haastert-Talini, head of the "Peripheral Nerve Regeneration' working group at the Institute for Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology.

The scientists want to develop an extremity care system that fits into any ambulance as a transportable storage box and gives seriously injured people the chance of a life without amputation and prostheses. It should be able to be used in the same way as organ transplantation to preserve donor extremities and then successfully transplant them. The scientists have now developed an initial plan for setting up such an ex vivo limb perfusion (EVEP) system, including perfusion instructions. Their paper is published in Military Medical Research.

Time plays a crucial role

"In Germany alone, there are around 56,000 amputations every year," says Professor Wiegmann, head of the "Ex-vivo Organ Perfusion" working group at the Lower Saxony Center for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), where the project is based. In most cases, traumatically amputated limbs are replaced with prostheses. This is partly due to the lack of expertise in many clinics for the complicated surgical procedure of replantation, which involves treating bone fractures, reattaching blood vessels, and reconnecting nerves.

Time plays a crucial role, because the seriously injured must first be stabilized in order to survive. The limb is stored on ice until then. "It can sometimes take days before the patient is stable enough for further surgery," says the surgeon. However, the limbs do not survive this, as after a certain amount of time without blood flow, they suffer ischemic damage, in which the cells die due to a lack of oxygen.

Organ Care System model

In order to save both the lives of seriously injured patients and their limbs, the scientists are relying on a procedure that works similarly to a portable organ care system. This connects donor organs to an artificial blood circulation system via a pump, thereby maintaining organ function outside the body until transplantation. Professor Wiegmann has already successfully used such a care system many times in clinical practice on hearts and lungs.

"We have tested different perfusion solutions on large animal extremities and collected initial evidence from various parameters such as blood gas analyses, serum markers, thermal imaging, and joint mobility that our system works reliably and can preserve tissue for over six hours," explains Professor Wiegmann.

In order to create conditions that are as realistic as possible, the scientists planned for two hours of warm ischemia time, during which the limb is not supplied with blood or otherwise nourished. "This simulates the time between traumatic amputation and arrival at the replantation center."

Preventing nerves from proliferating

To ensure that the limb functions as well as possible after reattachment, the research team is also focusing on the nerves for the first time worldwide. "Severed nerves in the limb stump can lengthen and become tangled, causing phantom pain," explains Professor Haastert-Talini.

To prevent this from happening and to ensure that the nerves grow back together in a targeted manner, the damaged parts of the limb must first be completely broken down and the surrounding area prepared for the new nerve fibers to grow in. This requires, among other things, various messenger substances that initiate a kind of inflammatory reaction. "That's why, unlike in the Organ Care System, we do not use anti-inflammatory drugs in our limb perfusion solution," says the anatomist.

Fine-tuning as the next goal

"The basic instructions for our EVEP are in place," says Professor Haastert-Talini. "We have the tissue supply under control and have significantly reduced the formation of harmful fluid accumulations." Next, the scientists want to investigate how they can improve the composition of the perfusion solution so that the nerves are optimally prepared at the same time.

They also want to extend the perfusion times to allow for longer transport times. "The fine-tuning of our system should then enable a surgical team to care for the patient while a second team calmly prepares the limb for replantation."

The scientists believe that the medical need for their development will continue to grow. "According to scientific studies, the number of traumatic amputations is expected to increase by more than 70% by 2025," notes Professor Wiegmann.

More information: Kirsten Haastert-Talini et al, Ex-vivo limb perfusion in military and civilian medicine: inspired by ex-vivo organ perfusion, pioneered for traumatic limb amputation and peripheral nerve regeneration, Military Medical Research (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40779-025-00656-6
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When Josh Brolin was cast in Woody Allens 2010 drama You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, he wrote the director an email. Three pages long. The character needed a Serbian accent, he explained. A wheelchair, too. He laid out his reasoning assiduously. Allens reply was just one word: No.

Brolin had always been drawn to the bells and whistles  prosthetics, limps, extreme versions of character. But over time, he learnt that less can be more  not just from that exchange with Allen, but also from an earlier role, his laconic Vietnam vet in the Coen brothers 2007 masterpiece No Country for Old Men. When youre a lead in a film and have almost no dialogue, there has to be major inner dialogue going on, the 57-year-old explains in his distinctive California rasp. If you have something going on thats dynamic inside, you dont need a lot. It allows people to lean forward, he suggests. I always felt like I had to inundate, whereas now, I dont generally feel I need to do that. 

In person, though, the square-jawed star of Sicario, Avengers and Dune is pure inundation. Not an ounce of reticence. We meet in Mayfair to chat about his role in the upcoming third instalment of Rian Johnsons puzzle-box series Knives Out  Wake Up Dead Man. Hes all compact, coiled energy in a navy long-sleeve polo. Midway through our conversation, his co-star Glenn Close bursts in, with her dog Pip in tow. Brolin grins and flexes his pecs for her. She feels them. They laugh.

His friend Imogen Poots, with whom he worked on the 2022 Amazon series Outer Range, recently told me that Brolin has that gasoline bloodstream. Hes one of my favourites, an amazing storyteller, very mischievous and dangerous. It fits. Talking to him is like gripping a live wire. He leans in when he speaks, eyes locked on mine, his words unfiltered and mercilessly blunt. Actors arent artists, he scoffs. As is the case in his brilliant, unflinching 2024 memoir, From Under the Truck, theres seemingly no topic off limits.

But first: Knives Out. An archly engrossing whodunit, Wake Up Dead Man is a return to form for a franchise that began in 2019 with charm to burn. Gone is the bumptious self-congratulatory tone of 2022s Glass Onion; this time around, its fun and satisfyingly macabre, with gothic overtones and more twists than a corkscrew staircase. Its another seemingly impossible murder case for Daniel Craigs Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc to solve. Its genius, says Brolin. It took me to a few different places that I really didnt anticipate, and I love that. Its a great labyrinth.

The film is set in a small-town community in upstate New York, where Brolins tyrannical Monsignor Wicks preaches hateful rhetoric in the form of piety. Just as Edward Nortons insufferable tech bro in Glass Onion has shades of Elon Musk, so the spectre of Donald Trump hovers over Wicks, a cult-like figurehead not unaccustomed to double standards and marginalising certain groups. Brolin says he didnt base Wicks specifically on the US president. I could make something up and say it was rooted in a kind of Trumpian greed  but it wasnt, he insists, although he notes that once Wicks garners a sense of power, then there are no boundaries.

open image in gallery Tyrannical: Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks in Wake Up Dead Man ( Netflix )

Brolin and the US president go back a ways. Im not scared of Trump, because even though he says hes staying for ever, its just not going to happen. And if it does, then Ill deal with that moment. But having been a friend of Trump before he was president, I know a different guy.

The Trump he knew was a builder and entrepreneur, whom he met and spent time with after appearing in Oliver Stones Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps. Im sure there was a lot of corruption involved, says Brolin. Still, hes intrigued by the idea of someone building a $400m hotel in the middle of a cesspool city during the late Seventies  thats interesting to me. Now its power unmitigated, its unregulated.

But, he adds, there is no greater genius than him in marketing  he takes the weakness of the general population and fills it. And thats why I think a lot of people feel that they have a mascot in him. I think its much less about Trump than it is about the general population and their need for validation.

Wicks was a role Brolin didnt have to audition for (God, you know who we should get to play this not nice man? Josh Brolin, he jokes). But the actor has a blast in Wake Up Dead Man, gliding between fire and brimstone and quiet menace. Sparring opposite him is an exceptional Josh OConnor as Jud Duplenticy, a boxer turned priest sequestered to Wicks parish of Chimney Rock. There he soon becomes both a murder suspect and Blancs second in command as the film slowly takes the form of a buddy movie, littered with references to everything from Vertigo and Black Narcissus to Scooby-Doo.

Brolin is a big fan of OConnor. I just love him, he says of the British star, who played Prince Charles in The Crown. Hes a stellar human being and an incredible actor. I didnt love [the Luca Guadagnino film] Challengers  it felt presentational to me  but I loved him in it.

open image in gallery Fixin to do something dumber than hell: Brolin in the Coen brothers No Country for Old Men (2007) ( Miramax )

Brolin has been working with a lot of younger actors recently, which sets him musing on his own generation  he emerged alongside the likes of Benicio del Toro and Mark Ruffalo  all of whom were eager to emulate the male stars making waves at the time. Experimenting  you know, Oh, I want to be Mickey Rourke, or Sean Penn, or Daniel Day-Lewis. And then you get a little older and start to refine your technique, and you get away from that; [develop] a different approach that doesnt get in the way of the other actors.

Theres just a hint of shade aimed at the perceived selfishness of the Method technique. Yet Brolin seems understanding when it comes to the younger generation. I see some up-and-coming actors that are doing that and experimenting, and you go, Oh, sweet, whereas Josh is not like that at all. Hes very conversational on set.

I dont have a relationship with fame. I live a normal life

I mention his Instagram post about Robert Redford, in which Brolin paid tribute to the late actor. He never, from what I could tell, drank the Kool-Aid, he wrote. Too many people drinking the Kool-Aid nowadays. Hes talking about the way that Instagram and social media can seep into an actors perception of themselves. It was much different before; you didnt have perpetual popularity or reminder of popularity. Brolin thinks of the greats who would make a movie every two years. That was the mindset, he observes. Leo [DiCaprio] is doing that now. You know, hes done three movies since 2019. Brolin says hes constantly approached by emerging actors who insist they want the same kind of career hes cultivated. Yet the moment he suggests tackling the great plays, their eyes glaze over. Oh, so you just want to be famous? he realises.

The danger with celebrity, Brolin suggests, is that you construct your own insulated reality and then inhabit it exclusively. He is sincere in his belief that acting is not art; in his eyes, it's more of a skill you develop and then refine. But if youre depicting the human condition, he says, and then you ostracise yourself from that condition, any verisimilitude goes out the window. Youre simply famous people acting as if youre normal. And that, to me, is fakery.

Not that Brolin isnt impressed by todays cohort of upper-echelon young actors  from Jacob Elordi and Timothee Chalamet to OConnor and Austin Butler. They see it differently, he explains. Maybe its because they started in theatre, or maybe because they kind of harken back to another time that theyre trying to emulate, as opposed to this time, which I think is hard to base anything of weight on. But fame sneaks in there, even with those people.

No chance of that with Brolin, he says. I dont have a relationship with fame. The person here talking to me is a kind of construct, he explains  a made-up character. I dont put any weight into this part of the job. I make s*** up one day, and then I wont another day. It doesnt matter to me. It doesnt matter to anybody. He pauses. I live a normal life.

That seems a stretch. He is the son of James Brolin, the US TV star who married Barbra Streisand in 1998; his wild childhood was spent in Paso Robles, California, on a ranch that his mother, Jane Cameron Agee, filled with wolves, coyotes and mountain lions. A casting director turned wildlife activist, she was a fiercely erratic alcoholic who would seduce dodgy men and encourage her growling menagerie to attack Brolin and his brother, Jess. It was total chaos back then and f***ing horrible sometimes, he says. I mean, somebody who has you go in a wolf cage and clean it at seven or eight years old is not a responsible human being. But, he adds, she was also fun, funny and full of character and colour.

open image in gallery I dont have a problem with it now: a 16-year-old Brolin in his first role, in The Goonies (1985) ( Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock )

The family moved from the ranch to Santa Barbara when Brolin was 11, the age he lost his virginity. Two years previously hed tried his first joint, and by 13, he was dropping acid (I live right next to where that happened). While a member of the Cito Rats, a notorious gang from Montecito  now the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex  he would surf, skateboard, steal, and have sex with older women for coke. He would fight and throw bottles of booze at police cars. Of the original group of 50, he says, 36 are dead. The rest have been in and out of jail, Brolin included. I still have Cito Rats call friends of mine and say, Can you tell Josh, were not all dead?

Montecito now has a very different image as a celebrity enclave. People now think of it, and they think f***ing Oprah, and thats not what it was. Back in the Eighties, he notes, it was a place of neglected kids, cocaine and too-young parents.

If Montecito has cleaned up its act, so too has Brolin, who has now been sober for 12 years. Yet for much of his teens, twenties, thirties and forties, alcohol was a crutch. He would oscillate between hardcore alcoholism and bouts of sobriety, often falling off the wagon in spectacular fashion. Take one night in Paris when he was 23. I jump on to a group of people, young men, friendly, preppy boys drinking wine spritzers, Brolin writes in his memoir. They kick me. I swing wildly. I cant feel anything. Find another bar. Blood on the face. Blood in the hair ... More alcohol ... Another fight. I fall in the Seine. Im cold. I cant remember where I live. I have a child.

Brolin had that child, his son Trevor, at the age of 20. Why all the fights? Oh, because I wanted to punish myself in some way, shape or form, he says. It was like somebody who gets used to pain and then doesnt have that pain all the time... and that was my way of recreating the pain.

open image in gallery Going hard: Brolin won a New York Critics Circle award for his part in the 2008 film Milk ( Focus Features )

Sean Penn, presenting Brolin with an award from the New York Film Critics Circle in 2009, introduced his Milk co-star to the stage with a quip: He goes harder than anyone I know, he said. Quite the feat given that Penn is friends with Charlie Sheen. I remember feeling proud when he said that, because I was drunk, says Brolin, who ended up making a speech so garbled and graceless that afterwards his publicist couldnt even look at him. It was the worst speech in speech history, he shudders. In an unlikely twist, though, Penn now sends people he thinks need assistance his way, which is very funny, says Brolin. This is a guy who saw me as the most destructive guy, and now sees me as helpful in some regard.

Things had come to a head in 2013, an eventful year that also saw him stabbed in Costa Rica one night by a stranger hustling for cigarettes and money. The reckoning, however, came in Santa Monica. Hed woken up on the pavement outside his house, having been in a fight at a fast-food drive-through in the early hours. Debilitated, he hauled himself to his 99-year-old grandmothers deathbed, the stench of alcohol enveloping him. As she smiled up at him, he knew he needed to kick the habit once and for all. He went into rehab and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. I shouldnt have ended up where I ended up, says Brolin. And that doesnt mean successful; it just means survived.

His path to self-destruction may have been preordained, he says. At least to some degree. I was born to drink. I was birthed to drink. My mother drank exactly like I did, and I was raised to be a man and drink like the male equivalent of my mother, he writes in the memoir. Today, he says that some of it is genetic and a lot of it is conditioning. At the same time, he adds, when I look back on it, that very thing that created such self-destructive tendencies within me is the very thing that gave me the gasoline to want to not be that any more.

Im one of the lucky ones

Amid all that nihilism, its astonishing that Brolin was able to amass such a lengthy CV. He started early, landing a role in The Goonies aged 16. For 10 years, it was really fun to have done a movie that was appreciated, he says, but then when you dont have another movie to lean on, it becomes a pain in the ass. I dont have a problem with it now, though. I can celebrate it. Thats because, he continues, after a stop-start early career that included becoming a day trader, he now has enough other films of which hes proud. Theres Ridley Scotts American Gangster and No Country for Old Men, which won the Oscar for Best Picture and served as a turbo-boost. He remembers being asked by a reporter, How do you feel having done C minus work, now doing A standard? It irked him. I was like, F*** you, man. I wasnt doing C minus work. I was doing the best work I could do for what was offered.

open image in gallery What lies beneath: Chalamet and a brooding Brolin in Dune: Part Two ( Warner Bros )

In quick succession, he then starred as George W Bush in W, received an Oscar nomination for playing the politician who assassinated gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk, in Milk, and collaborated again with the Coen brothers in True Grit. Since then, hes established himself as one of Hollywoods most versatile and intriguing actors, possessing a gift for moral ambiguity and a sort of weathered gravitas with something simmering beneath the surface.

As Thanos in the Avengers films, Brolin lent an unexpected melancholy to the villains twisted convictions. Marvels cachet has diminished somewhat in the years since Thanos bowed out in 2019s Endgame, the climactic movie in the Avengers series. But Brolin was pleased with how it concluded. There just seemed to be a perfect trajectory of 10 years, he says. He loved doing those films. Youre in a f***ing onesie, and you have dots all over your face, and its a joke, and youre having to totally rely on your imagination. Its so great.

I bring up Denis Villeneuve, who directed Brolin in 2015s narco-thriller Sicario, as well as in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024); he will also be at the helm of the next Bond film. I think its going to be f***ing fantastic, Brolin says. I love spending time with him. I would do anything with Denis. Talk about a guy who hasnt drunk the Kool-Aid.

We come back to sobriety. Brolin, who does a daily gratitude list every morning as part of his 12-step programme, says it has been about keeping the focus on my s*** and not trying to convince other people that Ive changed. His advice to his 21-year-old self? Hang in there, he says, smiling. Im very happy with the way things have transpired. Im one of the lucky ones.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is in UK cinemas now, and on Netflix from 12 December
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Quentin Tarantino has slammed the Hunger Games franchise as merely a rip-off of the Japanese cult classic Battle Royale.

The 62-year-old Pulp Fiction director has often mentioned Kinji Fukasakus action film from 2000 as one of his favorites of all time. The film was based on Koushun Takamis 1999 novel of the same name.

The first Hunger Games novel, The Hunger Games, was published by author Suzanne Collins in 2008. It was adapted in 2012 as the film of the same name, launching a successful franchise. A sixth film in the series will be released next year.

Speaking in a new interview on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino said: Battle Royale is based on a novel. I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn't sue Suzanne Collins for every f***ing thing she owns. They just ripped off the f***ing book!

Both Battle Royale and The Hunger Games are set in dystopian societies where young people must fight to the death in televised competitions until only one survives.

Quentin Tarantino, photographed at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, is not a fan of The Hunger Games ( Getty )

The Kill Bill director went on to argue that literary critics had missed the similarities between the stories, saying: Stupid book critics are not going to go watch a Japanese movie called Battle Royale so the stupid book critics never called her on it. They talked about how it was the most original f***ing thing theyd ever read. As soon as the film critics saw the film, they said, What the f***? This is just Battle Royale except PG!

Collins has previously denied being inspired by Takamis novel or Fukasakus film adaptation.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2011, the bestselling author said: I had never heard of that book or that author until my book was turned in. At that point, it was mentioned to me, and I asked my editor if I should read it. He said: No, I don't want that world in your head. Just continue with what youre doing.

The original four-part Hunger Games series ran from 2012 to 2015, grossing over $3.3 billion worldwide. In 2023, a prequel starring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes, hit theaters, grossing over $300 million.

A sequel to that prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to be released on November 20, 2026.

The new film will focus on Haymitch Abernathy, mentor to the original films protagonist Katniss Everdeen, who was played by Jennifer Lawrence.
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Netflix has quietly added a new film thats been hailed as one of the best of the year.

On Friday (28 November), the streaming service released Left-Handed Girl, a family comedy drama that made waves on its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival back in May.

The Taiwanese film is written and directed by Shih-Ching Tsou, who regularly collaborates with Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning indie filmmaker whose Anora won Best Picture earlier this year. Baker co-wrote Left-Handed Girl.

Left-Handed Girl has been in the works since Tsou co-directed Take Out with Baker in 2004. It follows a five-year-old girl (Nina Ye) who, along with her sister (Shih-Yuan Ma) and their mother (Janel Tsai), relocates from the serene countryside to bustling Taipei, where they open a noodle shop amid a night market.

The film follows the trio as they adapt to their new environment.

Collider hailed Left-Handed Girl as one of the best solo directing debuts of the year, with The Spectator adding that the film is tender without ever being sentimental.

Meanwhile, The Times said the film has a rebellious spirit and sense of mischief, and identified Yes performance as a standout.

Speaking to Netflix about the inspiration behind the film, Tsou said: Growing up in Taiwan, I often felt confined by tradition and expectations, especially as a girl. I was taught to stay quiet, to follow the rules, to not take up space or draw attention.

But looking back, I see how those limitations shaped me. They taught me to observe, to listen between the lines, and, most importantly, to give voice to those who couldnt speak up.

She concluded that returning to Taiwan to make Left-Handed Girl felt like reconnecting with that quiet version of myself, and finally telling her story out loud.

Left-Handed Girl is on Netflix ( Netflix )

To best capture the familys dynamic, Tsou shunned formal rehearsals for something more unique.

I asked each cast member to bring their most intense family experiences into the characters. I also chose not to overly bond the cast beforehand; sometimes a bit of distance helped preserve the natural tension and kept their interactions feeling more organic.

Tsou said that the emotional tension  the love, the frustration, the silence  was exactly what I wanted them to carry into every scene, adding: And they did, beautifully.

Left-Handed Girl is available to stream on Netflix now.
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Award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard has died aged 88.

The writer, known for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Arcadia and the film Shakespeare In Love, died peacefully at his home in Dorset surrounded by his family, United Agents said in a statement.

The statement added: He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language.

It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.

Stoppard amassed three Olivier Awards, five Tonys, and an Oscar throughout his decades-long career in television, theatre, and film. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contributions to the theatre.

open image in gallery Sir Tom Stoppard has died aged 88 ( Family handout/Matt Humphrey/PA )

Among those to pay tribute to Stoppard was the King, who described him as one of our greatest writers.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Charles said: My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our greatest writers, Sir Tom Stoppard.

A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history. We send our most heartfelt sympathy to his beloved family.

Let us all take comfort in his immortal line: Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.

Born in Czechoslovakia, Sir Tom was forced to flee his home during the Nazi occupation and found refuge in Britain.

After working as a journalist and theatre critic he began writing plays for radio and TV.

His career as a playwright did not take off, however, until the 1960s with Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before going on to the National Theatre and later Broadway.

The play, which focuses on two minor characters from Hamlet, won several awards including four Tonys in 1968.

He went on to write a number of plays including Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, Arcadia, and The Coast of Utopia trilogy set in 19th century Russia.

open image in gallery Stoppard won three Olivier Awards, five Tonys and an Oscar during his storied career ( Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro )

In 2020 he released Leopoldstadt, a play set in Viennas Jewish Quarter in the early 20th century. The semi-autobiographical piece won him an Olivier for best new play as well as four Tony Awards.

Stoppards plays explored politics, philosophy, and human nature, and were often complex yet thought-provoking. His clever wordplay helped coin the phrase Stoppardian, describing works that rely on wit and comedy to advance philosophical themes.

The playwright added an Oscar to his collection in 1999 when he won Best Adapted Screenplay with Marc Norman for Shakespeare in Love. The hit film won seven Oscars in total, including Best Picture.

His other film credits included co-writing the script for Brazil (1985), and several adaptations, including J.G. Ballards novel for the 1987 Steven Spielberg film Empire of the Sun, John le Carres The Russia House (1990), E.L. Doctorows Billy Bathgate (1991), and Tolstoys Anna Karenina (2012).

open image in gallery Sabrina Guinness and Tom Stoppard pictured at the 2023 Tony Awards in New York City ( Getty Images )

After finding success with plays, Stoppard also became a sort of script doctor with uncredited roles on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Star Wars: Episode III  Revenge of the Sith, among others.

Lead singer and co-founder of the Rolling Stones Sir Mick Jagger paid tribute to Sir Tom in a post shared on X, describing him as his favourite playwright.

Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him, he said.

Rupert Goold, artistic director of the Almeida Theatre, also paid tribute to the most supportive, most generous man.

He said: Tom Stoppards magic was present in everything he wrote but he was also the kindest, most supportive, most generous, man.

With Pinter you always knew you were in the presence of genius but with Tom you somehow felt you might participate in it too. Et in Arcadia est.

Stoppard was married three times: first to Josie Ingle from 1965 to 1972, then to Miriam Stoppard from 1972 to 1992. He married Sabrina Guinness in 2014.

His four sons survive him.
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Every holiday season, one song dominates the airwaves, department store playlists and festive parties: Mariah Careys 1994 hit All I Want for Christmas Is You.

Despite being released three decades ago, Carey is still reaping the benefits of the record-breaking Christmas classic, pulling in an estimated millions of dollars in royalties each year.

Each year, Carey earns an estimated $2.5 to $3 million from royalties for the song, according to data from Forbes and The Economist.

As of 2017, the song had generated over $60 million through royalties since its release, according to an estimate by The Economist. Careys co-writer, Walter Afanasieff, is also expected to make a significant chunk of royalties. It is the most-streamed holiday track of all time.

In November each year, Carey shares a video on social media informing her followers that the holiday season can begin. This years offering showed Carey disciplining an unruly elf for stealing her lipstick, singing the phrase its time in a high-pitched voice before riding off in a sleigh.

open image in gallery Mariah Carey celebrates the start of the 2025 holiday season in her latest social media post ( Mariah Carey )

open image in gallery Mariah Carey performs at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in September ( Getty Images for MTV )

She also embarks on an annual festive tour, with this years installment, Mariah Carey's Christmas Time, taking place at Dolby Live in Las Vegas from November 28 to December 13.

All I Want for Christmas is You is the highest-charting holiday single by a solo artist on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 and routinely lands on the music charts in dozens of countries year after year.

The Christmas anthem made history in 2021, when it became the first and only holiday song to win the RIAAs Diamond Award, which recognizes 10 million sales and streaming units in the U.S.

After receiving the honor, the pop star said that the continued love for her song never ceases to amaze me and fill my heart with a multitude of emotions.

It blows my mind that All I Want For Christmas is You has endured different eras of the music industry, she said.

She went on to perform the song at the Billboard Music Awards in 2023, marking her first awards show performance for the song, with her twins, son Moroccan and daughter Monroe, presenting her with a special Billboard Chart Achievement award.
Q Im sure it would be easier to expand another airport, eg Birmingham. Why is Britain still so London-centric?

Sue E

A The government has given the go-ahead to Heathrows controversial 49bn expansion plan at the UKs busiest hub airport, including a third runway. The additional infrastructure could see passenger numbers rising by 79 per cent to 150 million. That increase is equivalent to four Birminghams  or indeed a Manchester, a Birmingham and a Bristol airport. Your question is all the more relevant because as a whole, the UK has plenty of overcapacity. Why should a vast swathe of land be torn up  and the M25 diverted west  when simply by rebalancing the load at airports would accommodate the growth in passenger numbers? Three airports in particular have excellent runways that are sadly empty for most of the time: Cardiff, Prestwick (in southwest Scotland) and Doncaster Sheffield, which is currently moribund. Many others, including Birmingham, would welcome more traffic  especially of the longhaul variety, which is Heathrows speciality.

The government is doubly keen on growth beyond southeast England, so surely ministers could simply direct airlines such as British Airways  the major player at Heathrow  to expand elsewhere? Unfortunately, aviation doesnt work like that. Airports are gravitational: the more passengers they attract, the more likely airlines are to establish new routes  in turn attracting additional travellers. That is particularly the case at Heathrow, where about one in four passengers is connecting between flights.

Yes, there are some flights at Heathrow that are overwhelmingly point-to-point  notably BAs small sub-fleet of shorthaul aircraft that serve locations such as Prague, Bucharest and Marseille. But the reason British Airways operates them is because it has the market to itself on those routes from Heathrow. Move them to another departure airport, and that edge vanishes. BA would simply not bother with them.

One particular facet of Birmingham that has not been properly appreciated, though, is the big improvement in journey times from London once HS2 is completed. The West Midlands airport could pick up a fair amount of passengers from west London, which will be just 32 minutes away. But I dont think that will deter Heathrows expansion from going ahead.

open image in gallery There is plenty of time to shop around for a family holiday to the Spanish island ( Getty/iStock )

Q I am looking at fares for a family week in Mallorca in midsummer  three adults and two children  flying out from Gatwick on 13 June and back a week later at sensible times. Its nowhere near the school holidays, yet for five of us the cost is coming out at almost 2,000 once hold luggage is included (essential with little ones). Im inclined to book now regardless, given fares are unlikely to come down, but just wanted to check that this was a sensible thing to do in the circumstances.

Name supplied

A The basic easyJet fare I am looking at, flying early afternoon from Gatwick on 13 June, returning on 20 June at lunchtime, is 240 return. That looks just about reasonable to me  but evidently the baggage issue (as well, I imagine, selecting specific seats) has pushed a basic total of 1,200 up by two-thirds.

If you are keen to fly on easyJet, and particularly if you have further travel planned with the airline in the coming year, I would consider joining easyJet Plus. It costs 249 per adult (155 for children) but buys you free seat selection (including the most sought-after places) and, more importantly, a large cabin bag. EasyJet has really generous dimensions. If you are happy to take these into the cabin, then membership for three adults and two children will cost 1,057. Yes, thats about 250 more than the fare you have been quoted, but will deliver benefits any time from now for the coming year.

But other airlines are available, and in your position I would be looking at a combination of British Airways going out at 9.10 am on 13 June, getting you there in time for lunch, and returning on Jet2 at 10.35 am on 20 June, ditto. At present, that is priced at under 200 per person. Crucially, both airlines are very generous with their cabin baggage allowance (allowing a roll-along case as well as a smaller personal item) and BA even seats families together free of charge. With a couple of 23kg checked bags each way, you could get the cost down to 1,200.

open image in gallery In for the longhaul: the trip of more than 9,000 miles takes around 17 hours ( Qantas )

Q Have you ever done the Heathrow to Perth non-stop flight on Qantas? If not, are you tempted?

Julian D-S

A I was a passenger aboard the maiden nonstop passenger flight from the UK to Australia on 25 March 2018. (There had been previous missions without paying passengers as far back as the 1980s, but this was the first commercial flight.) It was the joint longest I have been on a plane  the previous 17-hour hop was a Virgin Atlantic flight to Shanghai that diverted to Beijing. The time passed remarkably quickly, partly because the Boeing 787 has been comfortably kitted out and because of the onboard service: time-appropriate catering on demand. I was in an aisle economy seat with the good fortune of having an empty one next to me; being in a middle seat would not be my idea of fun.

For anybody desperate to get to Western Australia in a hurry, I would unreservedly recommend it. The nonstop is ideal for older or frail travellers who just want to get there rather than change planes somewhere random in the middle of the night. But for everyone else: make the journey a bit less of an endurance test and more of an adventure. It will be kinder for you and for the planet.

For you: on a trip of more than 9,000 miles from London to Perth, it makes sense to break the journey. Enjoy one of the locations along the way  from Dubai to Mauritius  and helpfully begin your adjustment to the new time zone.

For the planet: such a long flight is an expensive operation in terms of fuel, both financially and environmentally. A lot of the kerosene on board is simply to carry the fuel for later in the flight. While take-off is the most energy-hungry stage of the flight, breaking the journey into single stages of six to nine hours reduces the overall impact. Your question is particularly pertinent because Qantas is now planning its first London-Sydney nonstops, a trip of about 19 hours. Again, stops are the best.

open image in gallery No Goa? Its important to obtain your Indian visa before spending any money on flights, tours or accommodation ( Getty/iStock )

Q We are off to India in a few weeks. We tried to apply for our visas online. The form is very user-unfriendly and almost impossible to complete. We ended up paying 100 each to a company who offer the service of completing applications. They only required a fraction of the information required on the form we tried to complete. Yet hey presto: two days later our visas have arrived. What is going on here?

Tim S

A I feel your pain. I am about to travel to India and duly did battle with the nations labyrinthine visa system. It is boggling in its demands for information, such as all the countries you have visited in the past 10 years and the birthplaces of your grandparents. (Both of these questions seek to identify people with Pakistani connections.)

If you spend the necessary two hours or so completing the form as faithfully as you can, your problems may only just be beginning: paying for the thing can be equally exasperating, as you cycle through various forms of payment to find one the computer regards as acceptable.

Your intermediary understands how the tangled red tape brings immense frustration, and evidently knows the right answers to complete the form. A senior travel industry figure with many years of experience sending tourists to India tells me his clients often just write London as the place of birth for all their grandparents. If you dont know for certain, they wont either, he said. I cannot condone anyone failing to complete an official form fastidiously  for example by restricting their list of countries visited to those for which a stamp appears in the passport.

The kindest way to characterise the behaviour of the company that helped you, I believe, is taking shortcuts. They must know from years of experience that border officials are unlikely to look too deeply into visa-holders veracity. I hope your frontier experience is swift and unobtrusive. Perhaps, like me, you have shelled out extra for a five-year, multi-entry visa to save having to go through the same rigmarole for a while. Finally, a reminder to everyone that if you need a visa or other permit for a country, obtain it before you spend anything on flights, tours or accommodation.

Email your question to s@hols.tv or tweet @SimonCalder
Another week, another Chinese car. Its not my fault, but merely a consequence of the sheer number of new makes and models from the Middle Kingdom invading our shores.

Something called AION is next, so Im told. In scale and variety, this influx is already surpassing the flood of Japanese brands that arrived in the 1970s to tear out the heart of Europes car industry. They didnt quite do that, but they did change the market for the better, spurring reliability and efficiency, and theres every sign their Chinese counterparts will achieve the same. Hence the two new BYD siblings, the Atto 2 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid and the closely related Atto 2 Comfort, which is a proper full-time battery electric vehicle.

First, for those still unfamiliar with the worlds largest producer of battery electric and plug-in hybrids, tussling with Tesla for pre-eminence in the new energy sector, a few words on what all those letters mean. BYD is short for Build Your Dreams, which they certainly are doing, challenging well-established automotive giants from a standing start making laptop batteries only a couple of decades ago.

The Atto doesnt mean anything according to their PR man, though further research tells me it was originally applied to a rather smaller model. At that point, being derived from attosecond, the shortest unit of time, it was chosen to project a speedy, energetic, and dynamic image.

open image in gallery The Atto 2 is well equipped, ranging from rain-sensing wipers, to a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system ( BYD )

The DM-i stands for dual mode intelligent. The 2 denotes its status as BYDs second smallest model, in what the trade terms the B sector (the existing, larger Atto 3 EV carries on). BYD call it a Super Hybrid, meaning its more electric than petrol-driven (as opposed to those mild hybrids where the electric power is just a bit of a bonus to get the mpg up and the CO2 down a little).

What you need to know is that both offer good value, and especially the plug-in hybrid, which starts at 25,000  the cheapest on the market and a real challenge to the likes of the VW T-Roc and Peugeot 2008. One immediate caveat I need to enter is that, thanks to the Budget changes, plug-in hybrids that rely on a lot of their electric power (rather than the petrol engine) are subject to a bit of a double whammy. They will now be liable for the new pay-per-mile charge, albeit at the discounted rate of 1.5p per mile (its 3p per mile for the battery electric cars)  but will also suffer from the hike in conventional fuel duty coming in next September. Thereafter, they may face even steeper increases in both levies as the nations stock of vehicles transitions to clean green power.

On the other hand, road tax and benefit-in-kind charges are relatively low, and for BEVs there are government subsidies on the purchase price. For an industry and for consumers who crave certainty, it would be useful if the politicians could say a bit more about how this path to a greener future will work from a financial point of view.

THE SPEC BYD Atto 2 DM-I Boost Price: 30,850 (as tested, range starts at 25,000) Engine capacity: 1.5l petrol, 4-cyl + 18kWh battery, auto fwd Power output (PS): 212 Top speed (mph): 111 0 to 60 (seconds): 7.5 Fuel economy (mpg): 156 (incl using electric mode) CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km): 41 (incl using electric mode)

For now, Id argue that this plug-in hybrid variant of the Atto is for those people who would quite like to go electric, and have no ideological aversion to the concept, but are still a little nervous about taking the final step away from the familiar internal combustion engine and the ready availability of petrol or diesel.

BYDs answer to this is: 1,000km range. Or 621 miles if you like, which should be more than enough for any (safe) non-stop journey and even most return trips. Its perfectly true that the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging is not there yet, and even when it is, it can be more expensive than using petrol (for the fastest of some commercial chargers), but for most practical purposes, its not an issue. However, if you still suffer from range anxiety, then using your Atto 2 DM-i in electric mode only is much the most economical way to travel  and for a claimed 55 miles, more than sufficient for most trips.

If you power it from electricity from home, its exceptionally cheap to run, even with Rachel Reeves new tax on your mileage. As it is coupled with the small but efficient petrol mode and the clever software, it will take you a very long way without needing to refill  London to Munich, for example. The petrol and electric motors are housed side by side at the front, with the batteries stored in the floor, and because the car is biased very much towards the electric side of things, it feels just as smooth and refined as any pure EV.

open image in gallery While the Atto 2 is theoretically a five-seater, it might be a struggle to get three adults in the back ( BYD )

The Atto is also very much tuned to economy, and as such its performance is adequate rather than scorching, but equipment levels are good with standard features such as rain-sensing wipers, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, lots of charging points, rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, full adaptive cruise control and a smart key that allows access via a smartphone or a wearable device.

Just for the record, its allegedly a five-seater, but I cant see how you can get three adults on the rear bench. The boot is adequate. If youre not in a hurry, charging the hybrids battery takes about three hours at home, and you may as well to cover most of your usage; in any case, you can always fill up with petrol. Thats the attraction of the PHEV for some people at least. The BEV version got a full five-star NCAP safety rating, which is reassuring.

As for style, well, theres nothing to object to, and it just about avoids being a totally generic compact SUV. There are bits of Citroen C3 Aircross and even the old Vauxhall Adam about the profile towards the back, and the full-width lightbar on the tailgate has a motif that looks like a DNA helix, but is actually a Chinese knot, which apparently signifies endless good luck. I guess its appropriate, because if you want a nice, competent and cheap little car to see you through some tough times ahead, then its highly fortunate for you that the Atto 2 has just rolled in.
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A Chicago man intentionally set his familys home on fire during Thanksgiving after an argument with relatives got out of hand, according to police.

Erik J. Crump, 21, was antagonizing and arguing with his family when authorities arrived at the Beach Park home Thursday night, the Lake County Sheriffs Office said.

The cops said they managed to de-escalate the argument, and Crump agreed to keep to himself for the rest of the night.

But the crisis had not been averted. Later that night, police received reports that the home had caught fire.

Police later found out that Crump was told by his family that he was getting kicked out of the home after their earlier argument.

Crump then left the house but returned shortly afterwards and headed to his bedroom, where authorities believe he set the fire. He then left the house again.

Erik J. Crump, a 21-year-old from Chicago, intentionally set his familys home on fire during Thanksgiving after an argument with relatives got out of hand, according to police ( Lake County Sheriff's Office )

Moments later, the family saw smoke filling the home and immediately evacuated, the sheriffs office said.

Firefighters saw a man who looked like Crump holding a knife as he stood on the side of the road about a block from his home, which had sustained major damage, police said.

Crump tried to flee, and a manhunt ensued. Police dogs tracked Crumps scent to a dead-end, indicating he left the area in a vehicle, the sheriffs office said.

Authorities eventually found Crump at a storage facility in town, and he was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and residential arson.

Its nothing short of a blessing that nobody was injured or killed in this senseless act. While families across Lake County were sitting down for Thanksgiving, our dispatchers were answering the call, and our deputies were out responding to them, Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

He continued: Our team, along with our fire service partners, responded within minutes, secured the area, helped ensure the fire was extinguished, and took this individual into custody before anyone else was put at risk. I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and their commitment to keeping our community safe every hour of every day.

It was not immediately clear whether Crump has a lawyer.
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A Long Island community is grieving the death of 18-year-old Emily Finn, a beloved ballerina whose warmth, talent and leadership left a mark on nearly everyone who knew her.

Police say tragedy unfolded when Finn, who was home from SUNY Oneonta for the holiday break, went to the Nesconset home of her ex-boyfriend to return his belongings after their recent breakup.

The 17-year-old boy, one day shy of his 18th birthday, allegedly fired two shots from a legally owned shotgun, killing Finn before shooting himself in the face. He survived and now faces charges in Finns death, police say.

Vigils, ribbons, and messages of remembrance have appeared across New York towns, including Sayville and Bayport.The recent Sayville High School graduate had trained at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport for years before leaving in August for classes at SUNY Oneonta.

She had everything in front of her, artistic director Kathy Kairns-Scholz told Newsday. She would have been the best teacher, mother and whatever she chose to be. Her personality was warm and welcoming. She was everything a parent would want in a child and teacher would want to have in their classroom.

Emily Finn, a recent high school grad, was home from college when she was fatally shot Wednesday while visiting her ex-boyfriend to return his belongings ( GoFundMe/Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home )

Finns ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch, 18, remained in critical but stable condition Friday. He is expected to face a second-degree murder charge.

As investigators continued their work, memories of Finn circulated widely online, The New York Post reported. Photos showed her dancing, allegedly with her ex-boyfriend at prom, smiling in a magenta-colored dress.

The Suffolk County District Attorneys Office said it would be up to the court to determine whether he is charged as an adult. Under NYs Raise the Age law, the Court will make the decision as to adult versus family court, a spokesperson said.

For those who knew Finn, the focus remained on honoring her life. She had danced at American Ballet Studio for more than four years, performing in multiple productions of The Nutcracker and stepping into leadership roles within the studio. She taught younger students, trained rigorously, often taking classes four or more days a week, and served as the studios fundraising president.

She was dedicated and worked 100 percent all the time, Kairns-Scholz said. She knew everything. She picked choreography up very quickly and had a great mind that she could retain everything. A beautiful performer.

There wasnt a person that didnt like her, she added, noting that students planned to decorate the studio with pink ribbons in Finns honor.

This years Nutcracker performance will be dedicated to her, and the studio hopes to establish a scholarship in her name. Weekend performances, including the Sayville Holiday Parade and Miracle on Main tree lighting, were canceled. Grief counselors will be available to students on Monday.

Finn, who had recently visited the studio just two weeks ago, was studying early education at SUNY Oneonta after taking BOCES classes in high school. Kairns-Scholz remembered her as a breath of fresh air with a beautiful smile and gorgeous blue eyes who seemed excited to start a new chapter.

Finns friends flooded social media with tributes. This was such a sudden tragedy and I hope justice will be served for you and your family, one wrote. Nothing will be the same without you.

The Sayville Alumni Association said Finns death leaves an indelible void where a future of promise once stood.

We are utterly devastated. Our alumni community has lost one of its brightest lights to a senseless and unimaginable tragedy, the association said in a statement. We are united in our grief and heartbreak. In this darkness, our hearts are with Emilys family and closest friends. We share in the weight of their loss. For now, we mourn. We remember her light. We hold each other close.

A GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $75,000 by Saturday morning describes Finn as a part of the fabric of the lives she touched in her generous and kind way.

Emily leaves a hole in the lives of her mother, father, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
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A shocking new lawsuit alleges that an Arizona Turning Point USA staffer propositioned a man for sex  and when he refused, she kidnapped his teenage daughter with the help of law enforcement.

The civil complaint claims Avondale City Councilwoman Jeannette Garcia sexually harassed a male employee she supervised at Turning Point USA during a post-election celebration last year, then took off with his 14-year-old daughter after he left the gathering to escape the advances.

Garcia, who denies all wrongdoing, is also accused of misleading sheriffs deputies to facilitate the alleged kidnapping.

According to the lawsuit, Garcia was allegedly drunk at a TPUSA election-night event at a Phoenix-area restaurant last November and told the man she could offer him a job at the conservative youth organization in exchange for sex.

The man, identified only as John Doe in Maricopa County Superior Court filings, had been employed by TPUSA to promote its preferred candidates in state and federal elections and reported directly to Garcia. He repeatedly rebuffed her advances, the suit states.

open image in gallery The civil complaint claims Avondale City Councilwoman Jeannette Garcia sexually harassed a male employee she supervised at Turning Point USA during a post-election celebration last year, then took off with his teen daughter ( City of Avondale )

Garcias alleged behavior became more aggressive and explicit due to excessive consumption of alcohol, according to the suit, forcing the man to leave the restaurant just after midnight. But when he arrived home roughly 45 minutes later, his daughter was missing.

After searching a friends house without success, he returned home. He encountered Maricopa County Sheriffs Office deputies who told him his daughter was safe and that she was with Garcia, according to the filing.

The man continued to try to contact his daughter and Garcia, but got no response. He finally reached Garcia around 2:20 a.m., and she confirmed she had the girl, the court filing states.

The lawsuit alleges an extremely intoxicated Garcia and two other adults manipulated the teenager into Garcias car by falsely telling her they were concerned her father had been drinking and might become violent. He further claims that his daughter was taken without permission or consent and that deputies were complicit in the removal.

open image in gallery Garcia allegedly became intoxicated during a Turning Point USA election-night event at a Goodyear restaurant last November and told the man she could offer him a job in exchange for sex. Pictured: Turning Point USA campus in Phoenix ( Google Maps )

The teen was returned the next day only after her grandmother called Garcia from an unfamiliar number and arranged a meeting at a restaurant, according to the lawsuit. The man says the ordeal left his daughter depressed and terrified to leave her room, and that her schoolwork and activities suffered.

Garcia was not criminally charged.

The staffer has been embroiled in controversy before.

Earlier this year, Avondales City Council censured her after she referred to actor Tom Hanks as a pedo on X, writing: Hey Pedo @tomhanks, not all MAGA hat wearing patriots are white. In fact, most racism comes from the elite democrats, you a-hole.

She later claimed she meant the Spanish word for fart.

Hey pedo .@tomhanks,



Not ALL #MAGA hat wearing patriots are white.



In fact, most racism comes from the elite Democrats, you a** hole. pic.twitter.com/K8ek4g8ry8  Jeannette Garcia (@Jnet_margarita) February 17, 2025

In a statement to AzFamily.com, Garcia rejected the lawsuits allegations and suggested she may pursue legal action of her own.

I am aware of the outrageous and false accusations being made about me, she said. Let me be very clear: these claims are untrue. I have never kidnapped anyone, never harmed anyone, and never solicited anything inappropriate, ever.

The situation being referenced involved me helping a young girl. Anyone twisting an act of support into something malicious is spreading intentional misinformation.

Again, these accusations are false. I am preparing to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these lies and for the damage they are attempting to cause to my reputation.

I will not be intimidated, I will not be smeared, and I will not allow false allegations to define my name or my work.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey provides the official statistics on trends over time in autism, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol dependence

The prevalence of autism and psychotic disorders have remained stable over time, while signs of drug dependence have risen, according to new results from a major national study on mental health published by NHS England.

Led by the National Center for Social Research (NatCen), in collaboration with the University of Leicester and City St George's, University of London, the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) provides the official statistics on trends over time in autism, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol dependence. It includes the first estimate of the prevalence of eating disorders in England to be based on clinical examination.

The study also suggests that a higher proportion of adults in England use drugs than official figures have shown. The results from the APMS show that nearly one in five 16- to 24-year-olds reported using an illicit drug in the past year (18.1%).

The use of prescription opioids by people to whom they have not been prescribed, which is a major concern in the United States due to drugs such as fentanyl and oxycodone, has previously been hard to track in the UK due to limited data. However, the survey found that 3.2% of adults reported that they had used prescription opioids that hadn't been prescribed to them, far higher than those reporting use of heroin (0.7%), suggesting that this kind of opioid use is a distinct and more widespread issue.

The findings from the fifth APMS are based on 6,912 interviews conducted between March 2023 and July 2024 with a large nationally representative sample of adults aged 16 and over, including people who are not using NHS services. It includes assessments of both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health conditions using validated clinical tools.

Key findings include:

Autism: Around 1 in 100 adults (0.8%) are autistic, consistent across surveys in 2007, 2014, and 2023/24.

Psychotic disorder: Prevalence remains below 1% (0.4% in 2023/24), similar to previous years (0.4% in 2007 and 0.7% in 2014).

Bipolar disorder: Screening rates are stable (2.0% in 2014 and 1.9% in 2023/4).

Alcohol use: Hazardous alcohol use declined from 26.1% of 16-to-64-year-olds in 2000 to 18.9% in 2023/24.

Drug dependence: Increased from 3.8% in 2014 to 6.7% in 2023/24, driven mainly by cannabis dependence (up from 2.8% to 5.4%).

Lack of treatment: Most adults with signs of dependence on alcohol or drugs or who experience moderate risk gambling had never received treatment related specifically to drinking, drug use or gambling (e.g. only one adult in five (21.2%) with drug dependence had ever had drug-related support or treatment).

Prescription opioid use: 3.1% of men and 3.2% of women have used prescription opioids without a prescription, with the highest rates among 2534-year-olds.

Eating disorders: First prevalence estimate based on a clinical examination suggests 1.3% of adults have an eating disorder, although this is likely a conservative estimate.

Inequalities: Mental health issues remain more common in deprived areas and among those facing debt or unemployment.

Sally McManus, professor of social epidemiology at City St George's, University of London and Senior Research Fellow at the National Center for Social Research, said, "We need to take heed of the near doubling this decade in the proportion of adults with signs of cannabis dependencefrom 2.8% in 2014 to 5.4% in 2023/4. This is despite no similar rise in the proportion of adults using cannabis (7.2% in 2014, 8.7% in 2023/4). The upward trend in signs of dependence may well reflect increases in cannabis potency.

"Before this study, relatively little was known about the extent to which prescription opioid medications were being used in England by people to whom they had not been prescribed. We found that 3.2% of adults reported non-prescribed use of at least one of buprenorphine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and tramadol at some point in their life, with the highest proportion in 25 to 34 year olds (4.5%)."

Terry Brugha, professor of psychiatry at the University of Leicester, said, "While most people with a psychotic disorder were receiving treatment, it is concerning that most who are autistic were not known to services. The survey shows that one in 100 adults were autistic, similar to findings from previous surveys in 2007 and 2014.

"Most autistic adults were male, and living in more deprived neighborhoods is associated with being autistic. The autistic adults identified in our survey were no more likely to use health services for a mental health reason or receive mental health treatment than non-autistic adults.

"Due to small sample sizes, the presentation of results was constrained. However, initial analysis identified little correspondence between professionally diagnosed autism and ADOS-identified autism. This suggests that important differences may exist between research-identified autistic people and those with a clinical diagnosis of autism."

Sarah Morris, research director at the National Center for Social Research, said, "This survey provides a uniquely detailed and long-term view of adult mental health in England. By combining consistent, rigorous methods with a nationally representative sample, we're able to identify emerging challengeslike rising drug dependenceand confirm areas of stability, including the prevalence of autism and psychotic disorder.

"These findings are vital for shaping services and policy, and we are deeply grateful to the interviewers at the National Center for Social Research and the University of Leicester, as well as all the adults who kindly agreed to take part in this important research."

More information: Chapter 5: Alcohol: hazardous, harmful and dependent patterns of drinking, digital.nhs.uk/data-and-inform  4/alcohol-dependence
The grounding of thousands of Airbus planes is expected to reverberate through the global aviation sector for days.

While Jetstar and Air New Zealand passengers have been directly affected, the temporary removal of the 6000 planes from global networks for hours, if not days, will have a cascading effect, experts say.

Airbus has ordered immediate repairs to 6000 of its widely used A320 family of jets. Thousands of Jetstar passengers are affected by flight cancellations. Credit: Jason South

Aviation analyst and pilot Keith Tonkin said the decision by Airbus to ground its A320s while crucial software is updated is a pretty big deal.

Anyone planning to travel will be affected because it will take airlines days to recover their networks, Tonkin said.
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: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/jci192938

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified biomarkers that predict the likelihood of a patient developing checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune diabetes before they are treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Australian researchers say identifying those at high risk of the condition would allow for earlier and closer monitoring and potentially reduce the number of people presenting with serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Professor Jenny Gunton heads the Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and led this study with Ph.D. student Dr. Linda Wu.

What is immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy used to treat cancers like melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. They are most commonly used in treating cancer that has spread (metastatic cancer).

Immune checkpoints are proteins that stop an immune response from killing cells. Cancer cells are often able to manipulate these checkpoints so they can avoid being destroyed by the immune system and continue to proliferate. ICI therapy prevents the "stop" signal from being sent, allowing the immune system to kill the cancer cells.

However, in some people, the ICI therapy leads to the immune system killing healthy cellslike the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. If that happens, people get lifelong insulin-dependent diabetes. This is known as checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune diabetes (CIADM). If glucose levels get dangerously high or remain high for too long, it can lead to life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. In the long term, diabetes also can cause permanent damage to the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.

Patients often develop CIADM really quicklyhalf the cases have already happened three months after starting ICI therapy and, so far, no patient who has developed CIADM has recovered insulin control.

The research

Using samples from the Melanoma Institute of Australia biobank, the WIMR team analyzed CIADM blood samples and CT scans from CIADM patients before and after starting ICI treatment, as well as control patients who also were treated with ICI but did not develop CIADM.

Professor Gunton says, "Before ICI treatment, patients who went on to develop CIADM had smaller volume of their pancreas on CT scan, and higher anti-GAD antibodies in their blood tests. They also had varying levels (mostly higher) of circulating immune white cells (T cell subsets). These white blood cells are normally crucial for a healthy immune response, but in CIADM, they target and kill the insulin-producing cells.

"After ICI therapy, CIADM patients had an even smaller pancreatic volume, and an increase in activated circulating CD4+ T cells."

Professor Gunton says the research shows that those who develop CIADM are immunologically predisposed even before their first dose of checkpoint inhibitor. "We can use these test results to accurately predict who will get CIADM with excellent sensitivity.

"These findings can be used to guide ICI use and help with better monitoring to reduce the serious complications of CIADM. The findings might also change the oncologists' risk-benefit thinking for low-risk tumors. In other words, if a person has a low-risk tumor but would have a >90% chance of getting permanent insulin-requiring diabetes, it would be better to use a different cancer treatment for that patient.

"There are a number of research studies underway looking to prevent type 1 diabetes, and we hope that now people at high risk of CIADM can be identified, that this could lead to future studies of therapies to prevent CIADM in high-risk patients."

More information: Linda Wu et al, Pancreatic volume and immune biomarkers predict checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune diabetes in humans, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/jci192938 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation
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Review Eating outWest Melbourne Going out for brunch is back at this soothing Vietnamese cafe near Queen Victoria Market Run by couple Tony Nguyen and Christa Chan-Nguyen, Cham is a new addition to West Melbourne, serving comforting, generous dishes that take notes from both Vietnamese and Aussie breakfast culture. Emma Breheny November 30, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the December 2025 hit list. See all stories .

1 / 10 The bar and its fabric installation is a focal point. Simon Schluter 2 / 10 Croissant banh mi with egg coffee. Simon Schluter 3 / 10 Outside the Peel Street eatery. Simon Schluter 4 / 10 Duck broken rice. Simon Schluter 5 / 10 Jasmine matcha. Simon Schluter 6 / 10 Inside the West Melbourne cafe. Simon Schluter 7 / 10 Banh mi chao. Simon Schluter 8 / 10 Jasmine tea with pineapple foam. Simon Schluter 9 / 10 Mushroom claypot. Simon Schluter 10 / 10 Cham is kitted out with chunky timber chairs and stainless steel tables fabricated in Ho Chi Minh City. Simon Schluter Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ Cafes hold a strong grip on Australians. Latte sippers became a political sledge in the 90s, then there was the smashed avo debate of 2016 when buying brunch was labelled a reckless move if you wanted to buy a house. Cafe culture, latte belt, third spaces and matcha girlies have fallen in and out of the vernacular. Theres no equivalent when it comes to restaurants. Were truly, madly attached to our cafes. Not that were the only ones. In Korea, Vietnam, Scandinavia and beyond, cafes and specialty drinks are daily  or late-night  rituals. But recently in Melbourne, bakeries have been winning the morning wars. Some are even saying that going out for brunch is dead. Cham, a three-month-old cafe opposite the Queen Victoria Market, is putting paid to that.

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Related Article Melbournes cafes have always been world-class. But in 2025 theyve got even better Opened by couple Tony Nguyen and Christa Chan-Nguyen  both trained chefs, although here she runs front-of-house  Cham is a Venn diagram of nerdiness and warmth, precision and enjoyment, Vietnam and Australia. Cham is kitted out with chunky timber chairs and stainless steel tables fabricated in Ho Chi Minh City. Simon Schluter The space is kitted out with chunky timber chairs and stainless-steel tables fabricated in Ho Chi Minh City, futuristic acrylic lamps by Vietnamese maker Bang, and ceramics from the countrys north and south, which each have their own pottery traditions. The menu is also a fine balance, showing off Nguyens fine-dining background at key Melbourne restaurants Aru, Supernormal and Firebird through the lens of all-day dishes that he feels nostalgic for.

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Banh mi chao: eggs, pork loaf, pate, meat and pickled vegetables in a bubbling tomato skillet. Simon Schluter For the uninitiated, banh mi chao  bread with pan  might be thought of as a big breakfast. Eggs, pork loaf, pate, some sort of meat, and pickled vegetables occupy a skillet bubbling with tomato sauce. At Cham, the chicken liver pate gently melts into the bright, tangy sauce, adding body and depth. Youll pierce an egg yolk and let that ripple through, too. An enormous crusty baguette is there for ripping and dipping, plus some whipped Laughing Cow cheese to spread on the golden bread. Slivers of pork loaf (house-made, like everything else in the pan) are alive with pepper. Pork meatballs are the star, though: crazy tender thanks to being steamed, they taste like the kind of home cooking adult children would pine for. Go the whole nine yards  cheese, pate, sauce, meat  for a one-bite hit of hedonism or mix and match your way through this breakfast adventure park as I did. These are generous dishes. Im not saying clear your schedule and take a nap  theres balance to most items  but bring an appetite.

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Duck broken rice alongside jasmine tea with pineapple foam. Simon Schluter At lunch, broken rice, that Vietnamese specialty, is laced with chicken fat and comes with a ridiculous amount of sliced confit duck fanned out like an accordion. There is pho but its not beef. Nguyen chose instead to make a chicken broth, which takes around 13 hours and is so lovely and rich, its nearly viscous. Im not exaggerating when I say Ive experienced some of the best service in Melbourne at Cham. My dad was asked if hed prefer chopsticks or a fork and spoon for his pho. Multiple staff members  calm, unhurried, graceful  explained how to eat each dish for maximum enjoyment. QR codes are the primary way to order but theyll happily bring you a hard copy menu and take your order at the counter. It all adds to the nourishing feeling you get from many dishes. Iced jasmine matcha. Simon Schluter

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The space is also extremely soothing, all white-washed brick walls, high ceilings and well-spaced tables. Above the bar hang pieces of hand-cut fabric, each a different length and in shades of blue. When they ripple gently on the breeze, it looks like waves rolling past. Drinks range from an unimpeachable iced jasmine matcha to a surprisingly delicious layering of iced jasmine tea and pineapple foam. Vietnamese coffee is made with beans from a specialty roaster in Vietnam, Every Half. I say this as a going-out-for-breakfast sceptic, but is brunch back? When people proudly showcase dishes their families have eaten for generations, and they do it in a setting that so many of us feel a connection to, the answer is a hard yes from me. Three more calming cafes to try YTB With its slate-coloured hulks of stone, this tea bar feels a little like hiding out in a cave, but the food is anything but primitive. Monte Carlo biscuits, Cantonese egg tarts and Japanese-style sandos on fluffy white bread dot tables, while the sound of teapots pouring artisanal brews fills the room. 605 Chapel Street, South Yarra, yugenteabar.com.au NGV Tea Room Devonshire tea, cucumber sandwiches and petite cakes live here. Hidden away on the first floor of the NGV International gallery, the tables are linen-draped, the flatware is quality and the gentle hum of gallery-goers is the right kind of ambient soundtrack. Level 1, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, ngv.vic.gov.au Toris The first location of this matcha and cake specialist (now also on Exhibition Street) gets a steady flow of takeaway orders, but the calm is maintained. Those occupying the vintage armchairs hang a while with creative drinks and slices of lychee sponge cake and banoffee pie. 28 Niagara Lane, Melbourne, toris.com.au Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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A couple from Kazakhstan are accused of using an elaborate set-up of secret cameras and microphones to cheat at Sydneys Crown Casino, fraudulently winning more than $1 million.

The woman, 36, and her 44-year-old husband arrived in Sydney in October and on the same day applied for membership at the Barangaroo casino, where they made multiple visits for two months.

The alleged cheating plot unravelled when a casino employee spotted a discreet camera embedded in the womans shirt. Credit: NSW Police

Crown staff became suspicious by the couples incredible success in card games, allegedly racking up winnings of $1,179,412.

Last Thursday the alleged cheating plot unravelled when a casino employee spotted a discreet camera embedded in the womans shirt. NSW Police officers were called and arrested the couple, discovering a pinhole camera hidden in a Disney graphic T-shirt, batteries, and a modified phone which allowed for the discreet viewing and recording of images and audio, police said.
A teenage boy suffered a significant wound to his back at a house party in Brisbanes north overnight.

The party was held on Oriel Road in Clayfield  the same suburb where Universal founder Greg Josephson was allegedly murdered during a house party this year.

The 16-year-old boy suffered what a police spokesperson described as a laceration about 9.30pm on Friday.

Police dispersed a large group of young people at the party. Credit: QPS

He was wounded by an unknown person, who ran from the scene before police arrived.
A woman who fell eight metres into cave shaft in remote WA on Friday evening has been lifted to safety by a team of rescuers who worked through the night to create a vertical system that saw her brought to safety 12 hours after her ordeal began.

The 60-year-old had been walking in a remote part of the Goldfields-Esperance District, near Lake Wells, with her partner about 1200 kilometres north-east of Perth when she fell into a cave system and suffered injuries as a result.

A 60-year-old woman has been rescued after she fell down a cave in remote WA. Credit: WA Police

Her partner raised the alarm at about 5pm prompting a joint rescue effort by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Laverton Police, St John Ambulance, WA Country Health Service and the WA Department of Health.

The woman and her partner were located and provided immediate assistance but specialised vertical rescue equipment had to be brought to the area.
Thank you for joining us for our coverage of Australias first prime ministerial wedding.

From speciality beers to designer gowns, from Stevie Wonder to Frank Sinatra, its certainly been a day to remember.

Here are the key moments of the day:
From the moment Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon announced their engagement in February 2024, Australians have been in uncharted territory.

Albanese and Haydon are now officially official, having tied the knot at the prime ministers residence, The Lodge, on Saturday while surrounded by family and friends on a windy late spring day in Canberra.

Albanese was already the first divorcee to be elected to Australias highest political office. Until Saturday, an Australian head of government had never got hitched while in office.

These might seem like minor details in Australia in 2025, but they are not.
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Reviews & adviceHotel reviews London hotel with a pretentious name is surprisingly laid-back Mark Chipperfield November 30, 2025  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The hotel artOtel London Hoxton London views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Matthew Shaw Check-in Located in the heart of Londons East End, the 26-storey artOtel London Hoxton is a beacon of modernity, channelling the energy and creativity of Shoreditch, surely one of the capitals edgiest precincts. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Old Street station  handy if you travel light. Offering 357 rooms, this soaring glass and steel cylinder has been designed for maximum visual impact. From the street, guests ride an escalator past giant pop art installations to reception. I arrive early and use the hour before check-in to explore the nearby cobbled laneways. On my return, my keycard and room are both waiting.

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All blue and clean lines at the hotel pool. Matthew Shaw The look For most hotels, artwork is purely decorative, but not here. The entire building acts as a giant backdrop for the colourful multimedia works of London street artist D*Face, while the in-house gallery hosts a rotating calendar of exhibitions by young and emerging artists from around the globe. The giant installations give the public areas (created by interior design studio Digital Space) a playful vibe, but the overall impression is quite sober, with a colour palette dominated by light greys, slate and lush creams  with the occasional dash of vivid yellow or pink upholstery. Art features throughout. Matthew Shaw The room

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A spacious hotel room in London. Am I dreaming? My Art Room Deluxe is a simple yet elegant living space, complete with a comfortable king-size bed, tasteful desk, marble bathroom, illy espresso machine and a well-stocked bar fridge that actually works. The rooms colour scheme of greys and whites is slightly austere but is enlivened by the occasional Union Jack pillow and a couple of D*Face pop art pieces. The old school Roberts Radio is another fun detail. Im disappointed that my room does not come with a bath but am delighted by the high-quality fittings  including sensible reading lights. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a birds-eye view of the bustling streets of Shoreditch; a mix of decaying Victorian architecture and 1960s tower blocks, with the City of London beyond. Black-out blinds mean that I can catch a quick snooze. My room is also astonishingly quiet. No clanging doors, gurgling pipes or noisy lifts here. Room facilities include an illy coffee machine. Matthew Shaw Food + drink British hotels are usually good at breakfast but little else. artOtel London Hoxton has thrown out the rule book at its two eateries: The Brush (on the ground floor) and Solya (on level 25, alongside a guest-only cocktail bar). Overseen by executive chef Ryan Matheson, The Brush features a vast curved bar and a menu that channels edgy, multicultural Shoreditch. For lunch, I tuck into the East Ends poshest fish and chips: Atlantic halibut and frites, with crushed minted peas. It is faultless. The wine list is impressive but, this being London, is on the pricey side.

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Out + about Related Article Travel tips The clever way to visit the worlds most expensive cities Shoreditch is everything you might expect from Londons coolest postcode; its cobbled laneways packed with juice bars, vegan bakeries, hipster dads and dinky galleries. Traces of the raffish old East End still survive. Grand old Victorian pubs stand on every corner and theres one last pie and mash shop in operation. Apart from its architectural curios, the biggest attraction here is the astonishing range of food on offer, especially tapas. For truly authentic regional Spanish cuisine it has to be BRAT Restaurant, a tiny upstairs dining room serving the freshest UK ingredients, including Hereford beef sirloin, Welsh cockles and house-made chorizo. Come alone, sit at the bar and explore the wine list. For Indian nosh all roads lead to Brick Lane, just a short stroll from the hotel. This part of London is also great for street markets: Spitalfields Market, Columbia Road and Cheshire Street are all on the doorstep. The artotel spa. Matthew Shaw

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The verdict For a hotel with such a pretentious name, artOtel London Hoxton is surprisingly laid-back and welcoming. Shoreditch will not appeal to everyone, but for the inquisitive traveller who doesnt mind hopping on the Tube or catching a cab, its a fun experience. Essentials artotel London Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington Street, Hackney, London, UK. Deluxe rooms from 311 ($625) a night. See artotel.com Our rating out of five

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 Highlight

Apart from the lap pool hidden in the basement, the hotel bar on level 25 is a true delight  serving up a fresh view of the London skyline. Lowlight

The walk from Old Street Underground is not very pleasant and the commuter traffic makes crossing Great Eastern Street a chore. The writer stayed at his own expense.

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By the time authorities managed to extinguish the blaze on Friday, 128 people were confirmed dead  a toll that is expected to rise, with some 200 people still unaccounted for. Loading The death toll includes at least seven Indonesian workers, who were among the 119 Indonesians and 82 Filipinos that authorities believed lived and worked in the towers. The Philippines consulate in Hong Kong said in a statement on Friday that had so far confirmed 24 Filipinos were safe, one was injured, one was missing. Verador told her tale of escape to this masthead on Saturday, describing how she fled down the stairs, carrying the boy  who is almost two years old  and leading the elderly woman to safety.

As they reached the 15th floor, plumes of smoke were curling around them. Outside, the bamboo scaffolding  clad in green netting and erected around the facade of the towers for renovations  was in flames. She placed a jacket over the toddler to protect him from the burning debris. I saw the fire, she says. I want to make it out because I have my four children waiting for me in the Philippines. I am a single mum. Please Lord, help me, help me. Hong Kong firefighters walk through the burned buildings at Wang Fuk Court on Saturday. Credit: AP The toddler was crying out tita, tita  the Filipino Tagalog word for aunty  and the grandmother was having trouble making it down the stairs. When they reached the fifth floor, Verador wanted to run, but stayed back to help the elderly lady. Grandma is in pain. I am saying, Go faster, go faster grandma, she says. I did not leave my grandma.

Once they made it outside, she saw the neighbouring tower had been engulfed in flames  and her own block was on fire. It was very traumatic. If I sleep, I can see the building again  whoosh, she says, throwing her hands up, mimicking the inferno. I dont know how to start again. Everything I have is burned. Even my passport. Verador played this masthead footage that she filmed on her phone, showing her holding the child outside the burning buildings.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but Hong Kong authorities have launched an investigation into why the fire alarms were not triggered and if the green netting and use of styrofoam in the renovation materials accelerated the blaze. Loading Police have arrested 11 people involved in the towers renovation, including scaffolding subcontractors, directors of an engineering consultant company and project managers supervising the renovation, the Independent Commission Against Corruption said. Verador is among the nearly 400,000 domestic workers  mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia  living in Hong Kong. Many of them have left behind their own children to seek work helping expatriate and local families raise theirs, earning monthly salaries of about $HK5000 ($983). Any money they manage to save, they send home to support their families.

The Philippines consulate has been contacted for comment about what support it is providing to its affected workers. Migrant worker support agencies have set up pop-up clinics close to the fire-destroyed towers, handing out food, clothing and toiletries, and providing workers with financial assistance to help them urgently obtain new passports. Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio, second from the right, is assisting South-East Asian workers affected by the deadly Tai Po fire. Credit: Daniel Ceng The Hong Kong government has pledged to provide survivors with at least $HK10,000 to help them relocate, but it is not clear if that support extends to domestic workers. Were actually appealing to the Hong Kong government to include the foreign domestic workers in those benefits, because they also lost everything, says Edwina Antonio, the executive director of Bethune House migrant womens shelter.

She says her organisation has received messages from the public saying the community needs to recognise the heroic role domestic workers played in helping their employers families to safety. Hong Kong media has carried reports of another Filipino worker who is in a critical condition after being rescued from one of the towers by firefighters while trying to save a three-month-old baby. She had only been in Hong Kong for a few days, the reports said. Antonio says her organisation has helped 37 survivors so far, including two women who were staying in boarding houses because their employment had been terminated after the fires. Verador is still employed and currently staying with the grandmother. The plight of domestic workers in Hong Kong is often overlooked, and they were vulnerable to exploitation as their visas are tied to their employment, she says.

Unconnected to the fires, her organisation is supporting 26 workers in temporary shelters whose employment has been terminated, leaving them without any support and forced to leave the country if they did not find another job within 14 days. Some have been raped, some have been physically assaulted, some have just given birth to a baby, some have cancer. They have to rely on charities like us, Antonio says. People place flowers near the scene of the fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories on Saturday. Credit: AP By Saturday afternoon, bouquets of flowers were amassing at a site near the towers, as Hong Kongers paid tribute to the victims. Elaine Wong, 68, who was handing out flowers for people to place at the site, said the workers should not be forgotten.
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 Singapore/Hat Yai: The family had dealt with floods before. During some of the bigger ones  in 2000 and 2010  the water had crept into their home. So when the warnings flashed on social media that their southern Thailand city, Hat Yai, was again to flood, Krongkarn Jantarasavad and her family readied for what they expected would be little more than another costly irritant. What the city got instead, authorities said, was a one-in-300-year catastrophe. We never thought this was going to happen, Krongkarn, 42, told this masthead from her flooded street during the week. Now, we just need to get my dad to the hospital before he dies. By Saturday afternoon, the worst floods in Krongkarns memory  and anyone elses, for that matter  had killed at least 145 people and affected 3 million more in Thailands southern provinces, according to local media.

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Declaring a state of emergency in Hat Yais Songkhla province, Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cited the unprecedented severity of the damage. Emergency crews had been rescuing people from the tops of buildings and flooded interiors. Tens of thousands of people fled to official or makeshift shelters, such as hardware stores. Supermarkets were swept clean of food, and whatever hotels remained open were fast booked out. Electricity and connectivity were cut. Krongkarn Jantarasavad (left) praying over her father  76-year-old Damrong Chantarawasat  who missed dialysis treatment because floods had trapped him inside the family home. Credit: Steve Sandford The flooding is just one of a rash of disasters unfolding concurrently across the vast expanse of South-East Asia. A rare tropical cyclone that formed over the Malacca Strait barrelled into Indonesias Aceh province on November 25, hovering there for a while before doubling back through Malaysia as a rainstorm. The floods and landslides across the large island of Sumatra have killed more than 440 people, the BBC reported. Days earlier, at least 30 people died on Indonesias central island of Java after a different system of torrential rain hit the region.

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In Vietnam, storms this year are estimated to have caused at least $4.6 billion in damage. Most recently, flooding in the central regions last week killed more than 90 people. Much of that rain was delivered from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had killed more than 200 people in the Philippines. A resident returns to what remains of a home after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated communities in Talisay, Philippines, this month. Credit: AP In Hat Yai, southern Thailands tourism and commerce hub, more than 630 millimetres of rain fell in three days from November 19. By November 22, turgid water had reached the second floor of Krongkarns suburban home, trapping her elderly parents, sister, brother-in-law and a niece and nephew  both toddlers  inside. This masthead found Krongkarn shortly after she had made it back to Hat Yai  and to her ill 76-year-old father, Damrong Chantarawasat  from a neighbouring area where she had been working. My dad is a bedridden patient and needed to get kidney dialysis last Saturday, but he couldnt get out from the house, she said. Today, his condition is very bad  he cant wait any more. My sister called me to get him evacuated immediately.

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The Hat Yai hospital that we were supposed to go to is flooded as well. They told us their patients had to be evacuated and that I would have to take him to Rattaphum hospital instead. We checked and found out that the road to Rattaphum was also flooded. Mercifully, a rescue boat was able to collect Damrong. The latest update from Krongkarn was that he remained in a critical condition in hospital. The north-east monsoon season, typically from November to February, corresponds with wetter months in the southern portion of South-East Asia. Hat Yais extreme rain may have also been influenced by a La Nina at the same time as a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, according to the Singapore-based ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre.

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But that phenomenon is not unusual. The last time they coincided was in 2022. Intra-seasonal variability also plays a significant role in influencing the regions actual rainfall patterns, said a spokesman for the centre. Meteorologists have suggested the extreme weather in South-East Asia could be from the interplay of Typhoon Koto in the Philippines and Cyclone Senyar in the Malacca Strait. Then, of course, there is climate change. A family receives water from relief workers in Hat Yai. Credit: Steve Sandford Asias average temperature in 2024 was about 1.04 degrees above the 19912020 average, ranking as the warmest or second-warmest year on record, depending on the dataset, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. The changes make predicting the weather even harder.

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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:

Differences in the activity of neurons projecting to distinct cortical targets. a, Schematic of a delayed match-to-sample task in virtual reality. b, Retrograde virus injections to label PPC neurons projecting to ACC, RSC and contralateral PPC (cPPC). Images are 250  350 m. Credit: Safaai et al. (Nature Neuroscience, 2025).

For decades, neuroscientists have been trying to pinpoint the neural underpinnings of behavior and decision-making. Past studies suggest that specialized groups of neurons in the mammalian brain, particularly in the cortex, work together to support decision-making and behavioral choices.

Some cortical neurons project to specific regions in the brain. This essentially means that they send axons, projections that transmit electrical impulses from one cell to another, to other areas.

Some neuroscientists have hypothesized that neurons projecting to the same area form specialized "population codes," coordinated activity patterns that collectively represent specific information.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) carried out a study involving mice aimed at testing this hypothesis and shedding new light on how this process unfolds.

Their findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that neurons in a region of the mouse brain, the posterior parietal cortex, which project to the same area, do in fact form specialized population codes. These codes were in turn found to be associated with the mice making correct decisions in behavioral tasks.

"Cortical neurons projecting to the same target area may form specialized population codes to transmit information, but whether and how they do so remains unclear," Houman Safaai, Alice Y. Wang and their colleagues write in their paper.

"We used calcium imaging in mouse posterior parietal cortex, retrograde labeling and statistical multivariate models to address this question during a delayed match-to-sample task in virtual reality."

Exploring how neurons work together to guide decisions

To conduct their investigation, the researchers employed a combination of techniques, including calcium imaging, retrograde labeling and multivariate statistical models.

Calcium imaging is an experimental tool that can be used to track activity in specific regions of the brain, utilizing fluorescent indicators that light up when neurons fire. Retrograde labeling, on the other hand, is a technique to mark neurons based on where their axons end, and multivariate statistical models are analysis tools that can uncover interactions between several variables.

During the team's experiment, the mice completed a memory-guided task that required them to choose how to behave within a virtual reality (VR) environment. The researchers tracked how the interactions between the mice's cortical neurons changed when they made correct and incorrect choices.

"We found that neurons projecting to the same area have elevated pairwise activity correlations," write Safaai, Wang and their colleagues. "These correlations are structured as information-limiting and information-enhancing motifs that shape interaction networks and collectively enhance information about the mouse's choice beyond what is contributed by pairwise interactions."

Probing the neural roots of decision-making

When they analyzed the data they collected, the researchers found that patterns of synchronized activity between neurons projecting to the same region predicted correct behavior. These neurons were found to form a network-like structure that made it easier to predict if the mice acted "correctly" in the VR-based task.

"This network structure is unique to subpopulations that project to the same target and was not observed in surrounding neural populations with unidentified projections," write the authors.

"Furthermore, this structure is only present when mice make correct, but not incorrect, behavioral choices. Therefore, cortical neurons comprising an output pathway form a population code with a unique correlation structure that enhances population-level information to guide accurate behavior."

This work could contribute to the understanding of how cortical neurons work together to guide choices and behavior. Future studies could further investigate the emergence of population codes observed by the researchers and its implications for decision-making.

Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: Houman Safaai et al, Specialized structure of neural population codes in parietal cortex outputs, Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02095-x. Journal information: Nature Neuroscience

 2025 Science X Network
The horrific ambush of two National Guard troops on the streets of Washington, DC, presents the United States with a diabolical situation.

Its important to note that we do not know all the facts of the case. We dont know the alleged shooters current circumstances, mental status or politics. Prosecutors and police have not yet alleged a motive, though the charges against him have been upgraded to first-degree murder.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, who died after being shot on the streets of Washington. Credit: AP

What we do know is that the suspect is an Afghan man who worked with the Americans, including the CIA, during the US operation in Afghanistan before 2021.

He was one of tens of thousands of Afghans to whom the US gave refuge as it withdrew from the country  a necessary undertaking, given the danger they were in when the Taliban quickly retook control.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Imagine you're 83 years old, living with dementia in a long-term care home. Lately, your caregivers keep asking you to wear a bracelet on your wrist 24/7. They say it's for your safety, so they can locate you quickly when needed.

At first, you think it's OK, and it looks like a watch, so you go along. But you soon notice it never comes off. You must wear it everywhere, even in private spaces like your bed and bathroom. This becomes annoying, especially when you realize that it doesn't have any functions that are useful to you.

What you may be unaware of is that it also collects information about your daily movements.

This technology is a real-time location system (RTLS), and it's becoming increasingly common in hospitals and long-term care homes. They are promoted as improving physical safety and quality of care and are used for nurse calls, contact tracing, preventing unaccompanied exits and more.

Research demonstrating RTLS's worth is sparse, and its use raises questions around data security, privacy and control. This is the case for those most affected by RTLSolder adults, family caregivers and direct care staffwhose perspectives are often overlooked in technology research.

Real-time location systems

An RTLS works like an indoor GPS. Residents under care at a long-term care home (and sometimes staff) wear a tag or a bracelet with a sensor that communicates with beacons placed throughout the walls and ceilings of the building. The system enables the tracking of people wearing the sensor in real time, and collects movement data. It can also send automated geo-fencing alerts, such as when someone enters or exits a room.

Interest in RTLS in long-term care and other health-care settings largely stems from the belief that they can be useful for predicting changes in health and well-being if clinical algorithms could be developed to analyze movement data.

As part of a larger project, our research team conducted a study with residents, family caregivers, direct care staff and administrators in one home that purchased an RTLS. Administrators and family caregivers told us that RTLS could make care safer and more efficient by increasing staff's ability to continuously monitor residents and enable quicker intervention.

However, staff informed us that it was often simpler to locate residents in person, and that they lacked time and resources for continuous remote monitoring of residents or to investigate and respond in real time.

This reinforced our findings from an earlier study of this technology in a hospital setting that similarly suggested that RTLS may increase staff workload. More concerningly, we found that administrators, staff and caregivers had limited awareness of this technology's ethical implications, including its impact on residents, and lacked the knowledge and skills to involve residents in decision-making.

Power and control

In the setting we studied, consent for the use of RTLS came from substitute decision-makersoften a family caregiveras most residents of the home lived with severe cognitive impairment or dementia. Many caregivers consented quickly, believing RTLS would help staff stay aware of residents' whereabouts, without fully considering residents' preferences. Few family caregivers involved residents in the consent process, despite their legal obligation as their substitute decision-makers to align decisions with residents' values.

While most residents agreed to wear the bracelet, some explicitly rejected the idea of sharing their location data with family or staff. Over time, many wearers found no direct value in it and frequently described it as uncomfortable and heavy.

Caregivers didn't fully know what data was collected by RTLS, who owned the data or how it would be used to improve care beyond localization. Still, most believed that having more information about residents' movements was beneficial and morally justified the continuous surveillance.

Although privacy rights are protected by law in Canada and the United States, many family caregivers told the researchers they believed residents gave up those rights by entering long-term care. Some also sought access to RTLS data collected about their family members, expecting it would be shared to enhance transparency, although this never happened.

Staff faced their own challenges. Some were unsure how to explain RTLS's benefits and risks to residents and to their families or respond to residents' concerns. They lacked guidance on whether to respect a resident's refusal to wear the tracking bracelet or override it based on family consent.

This left staff uncertain about how to balance residents' autonomy with their duty of care, and contributed to moral distress among employees.

Future considerations

Our research suggests RTLS offers uncertain benefits and creates new challenges in an already under-resourced sector. Its use also raises ethical concerns, particularly around surveillance and control, which can exacerbate power imbalances and perpetuate digital ageism and digital ableism.

Digital ageism refers to discrimination on the basis of age that intersects with digital economies. Examples include limited or stereotypical representation of old age or older people in data training sets, tech design that doesn't reflect the heterogeneity of older users, the push to replace humans with technologies in caring for older adults and automated algorithmic decision-making that discriminates against older adults.

Decision-making around RTLS needs to fully involve those who will be affected by these technologies. Before deciding to wear a tracking bracelet, residents and families should be supported in discussing this with care staff who help them to understand and reflect on:

What information will this technology collect?

Who will see it?

How will it be used in practice to improve my care?

Are these improvements worth compromising my privacy?

This is ethical decision-making: transparent, collaborative and grounded in dignity.

More information: Alisa Grigorovich et al, Real-time location system implementation in dementia care: Stakeholder perspectives, The Gerontologist (2025). DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaf244 Journal information: The Gerontologist

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
CGs NHM workers struggle amidsalary delays, demand action





Staff Reporter :

WITH salaries pending for over two months, over 16,000 employees of National Health Mission (NHM) across Chhattisgarh are in financial crisis and facing a lot of difficulties to run their households. In this regard, District President of NHM in Raigarh, Shakuntala Ekka and other employees of mission submitted memorandum in name of Chief Minister to Joint Collector Rakesh Kumar Golcha.

Because of this situation, they are facing difficulties to fulfill basic requirements of their families such as school fees of children, rent, EMIs of banks and other daily needs. It is learnth that during protest before Diwali, 25 NHM employees were dismissed from service and two of them are belonged to Raigarh district.

After getting assurance from Chief Minister, the Health Minister and State President of ruling party, NHM employees have called off their strike. Later, Chief Minister and Health Minister assured that all 25 dismissed employees would be reinstated unconditionally in the next cabinet meeting. But despite more than two months having passed and three cabinet meetings having been held in the meantime, the reinstatement order has not been issued so far.

Association State President, Dr Amit Kumar Miri said that while salaries have not been paid since October in entire state, in some, employees have been awaiting pay since September. If the situation continues and salaries are not released on time, we will hold once again protest in all over State, he added.In October, Health Department assured to fulfill demands of NHM with immediate effect, but even after one month, the department had not fulfilled any of the demands.

If state government as well as Chhattisgarh Department of Health and Family Welfare fail to fulfill the demands and release salaries on time, than all of NHM employees will stop their service in health services.
Delhi Police arrest gangster linked to firing at Kapil Sharmas Canada restaurant





NEW DELHI :

The accused, Bandhu Man Singh, had allegedly provided logistical support to the shooters involved in the incident

THE Delhi Police has arrested a suspected gangster allegedly involved in the firing at comedian Kapil Sharmas restaurant in Canada on August 7, an official said on Friday. The accused, Bandhu Man Singh, had allegedly provided logistical support to the shooters involved in the incident. He was apprehended from Ludhiana in Punjab, they said. Initial probe revealed that Singh helped the assailants by providing a car and arranging a safe parking spot for the vehicle after the shootout.

The accused is a close associate of Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, who is believed to be involved in multiple extortion rackets targeting businessmen and high-profile individuals abroad, a senior officer said. According to investigators, Singh was coordinating with Dhillons network and was part of the broader conspiracy to target the popular artists restaurant as an act of intimidation.

During the investigation, we learnt that Singh fled Canada after a case was registered against him there. We are verifying his travel route, the officer said, adding that police received a tip-off that Singh was hiding in Ludhiana. A Chinese pistol, along with cartridges, was recovered from his possession. His role in the conspiracy and his links with overseas operatives are being further probed, police said. Further investigation is underway to identify additional conspirators and determine the scope of the gangs activities in India and abroad, they said.
Gudadhe gets Supreme setback; relief for CM Devendra Fadnavis





Staff Reporter :

Supreme Court rejects Gudadhes plea which questions CM Fadnaviss win

The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition of Congress candidate and leader Prafulla Gudadhe which questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis win from the Nagpur South-West Assembly constituency. A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to accept Gudadhes plea, giving clear relief to Fadnavis. Earlier, Gudadhe had filed a similar petition in the Bombay High Court, which was also rejected. He had argued that the election should be cancelled because it was conducted using EVMs.

Gudadhe had filed an election petition in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court soon after the 2024 Assembly polls and demanded that Fadnaviss victory be annulled. He alleged that procedural lapses and corrupt practices - including anomalies in the electoral roll - cast doubt on the legitimacy of the poll result. On July 4, 2025, the High Court dismissed Gudadhes plea. The court ruled that the petition was not maintainable because Gudadhe was not physically present at the time of formal filing - a mandatory requirement under the law.

Earlier, in April 2025, the High Court had even issued notice to Fadnavis after Gudadhes petition, accepting that a challenge had been filed and giving the State Government time to respond. But in its final ruling, the High Court did not examine the core allegations of voter-list irregularities or procedural faults. Instead, it dismissed the petition purely on mandatory procedural grounds because Gudadhe was not personally present when the petition was filed. Following the High Courts dismissal, Gudadhe filed an appeal with Supreme Court, hoping for a different verdict. However, the Supreme Court has now rejected his petition as well and refused to entertain the challenge against Fadnaviss election. The Supreme Courts rejection is a major relief for Fadnavis. In the 2024 Assembly election, Fadnavis defeated Gudadhe by a margin of 39,710 votes.
India believes in PEACE, TALKS, but nocompromise on sovereignty, security





NEW DELHI :

INDIA believes in peace and dialogue, but it does not compromise when it comes to the sovereignty and security of the nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. In an address at an event, he also said India has become a voice of balance and responsibility in the current global environment and that nations in the Indo-Pacific and Global South view New Delhi as a reliable partner.

Indias economic growth, technological capabilities, and principled foreign policy have made it a voice of balance and responsibility in the changing global environment, with countries across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South viewing us as a reliable partner, he said at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue. Singh asserted that India is shapingglobaldiscussionswith a sense ofresponsibility, strategic autonomy, and confidence rooted in civilisational values.

India believes in peace and dialogue, but when it comes to the sovereignty and security of the people, we do not compromise,he said.India has earned global trust due to path-breaking reforms, and its consistent stand for respect of the sovereignty of nations and rulesbased order. We are strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to support security and connectivity. We are modernising our forces through new platforms, technologies, and structures,he said

We are reforming procurement processes to ensure speed, transparency, and accountability. Through Aatmanirbharta, we are building a defence industrial ecosystem that encourages innovation, supports industry, and reduces external dependencies, he said.
India inks pact with US for sustainmentsupport of Navys MH-60R helicopters





NEW DELHI :

IN A bid to ensure domestic capability build-up in the long run, the Centre on Friday said it has signed a Rs 7,995 crore agreement with the United States for sustainment support of the Indian Navys fleet of MH60R helicopters through Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support for a period of five years.

The Ministry of Defence said, in a statement, that it has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the US Government under the Foreign Military Sales programme of the US, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singhhere.

Sustainment Support is acomprehensive package which includes provisioning of spares, support equipment,product support, training and technical support, repair and replenishment of components and setting up of Intermediate level component repairs and Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India. In-country development of these facilities will ensure capability buildup in the long run and reduced dependence on the US, thus aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Government said.

The sustainment support would significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the technologically advanced, all weather capable MH60R helicopters.
Dongri police continue to seek Rahul Gautam, the alleged mastermind of a medical student scam in which hundreds were reportedly duped and sent to Spain under false promises of admission to reputed colleges and future employment. Although his associate, Vivek Kumar, was arrested on 20 July this year during a special police operation in Delhi after a year-long chase, Gautam remains at large.



This case centres on a group accused of targeting aspiring medical students across India by offering fake overseas placement opportunities. Victims were promised secure futures in Spain, including guaranteed employment after graduation, but these assurances were allegedly false.



The matter surfaced when doctors approached the Dongri police to lodge an FIR after students discovered they had been misled and financially cheated.



Two arrested so far



Dongri police first arrested Archana Gautam last year. Officers said Archana, her brother Rahul Gautam and Kumar have more than seven FIRs registered against them nationwide. The police formed a special team to track down the masterminds  Rahul and Kumar  using technical intelligence and sustained surveillance. Their efforts led them to Delhi, where Kumar was traced and arrested on 20 July. He was produced before a local court and later brought to Mumbai on a transit remand.



Police said Kumar was wanted in seven states for similar scams and allegedly defrauded students of approximately Rs 5 crore, though they believe the total amount will rise. Police added that the accused trio developed and managed a deceptive website called The Internationally to lure students, and investigators are checking bank accounts linked to the racket.



A chargesheet has already been filed against Archana, and a supplementary chargesheet is expected soon.



After Kumars arrest, Rahul had approached the court several times seeking anticipatory bail, but his applications were rejected. Since they arrested Archana Gautam and Vivek Kumar, we have faith that under DCP Dr Pravin Munde, they will apprehend the main accused, Rahul Gautam, one student said.



Police insist the earlier arrested accused have cooperated, but Rahul Gautam remains untraceable. Gautams number is not reachable, and we have launched a manhunt to apprehend the accused. We are investigating the matter, officers said.




JMC ON TOP YET AGAINfor promptly resolvingcomplaints on CM Helpline





Staff Reporter :

Municipal Corporation (JMC) has once again secured top position in Madhya Pradesh for clearing pending cases and resolving complaints on the CM Helpline. The performance has been recognised as the best among all Municipal Corporations in the state.

It is another milestone for the civic body, which has been delivering consistently strong results across major urban administration parameters. Urban Administration and Development Commissioner Shivraj Bhondwe praised Municipal Commissioner Ashish Ahirwar for his administrative efficiency. He congratulated the entire JMC team for the achievement and highlighted the discipline and commitment shown by officers and staff under Ahirwars supervision.

He expressed confidence that JMC will continue to maintain the pace and ensure timely and effective grievance redressal for citizens. Ahirwar dedicated the recognition to the entire JMC team, saying that the CM Helpline is a crucial platform that connects citizens directly with the administration. He said the top ranking reflects the sincerity with which every official and employee has performed their duties.

He added that the accomplishment is a collective effort and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Jabalpur at the forefront of providing timely civic services and solutions. The Municipal Commissioner said JMC will continue to strengthen its grievance redressal systems and work toward maintaining its lead in citizen-centric service delivery.
Maoist leader Chaitu,9 cadres surrender





Staff Reporter :

TEN Maoist cadres, including a top senior leader, Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), surrendered on Friday under the states Poona Margem initiative. The high-profile surrender took place at Shaurya Bhavan, Police Coordination Centre, Lalbagh, Jagdalpur. Authorities view this as a major indication that the influence of violent Maoist ideology is rapidly declining in the region.

Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, real name Giraddi Pavanand Reddy, aged 63, carries a reward of Rs 25 lakh. A veteran of the conflict, he had been a DKSZC member since 2007 and was currently the in-charge of the Darbha Division. Reddy had joined the CPI (Maoist) in 1985 and was reportedly involved in major attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Valley ambush.

The other nine cadres who surrendered include Saroj alias Malku Sodhi (DVCM, Reward Rs 8 lakh) Six Area Committee Members (ACMs), each carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh (Bhupesh alias Sanak Ram Furami, Prakash alias Phil Sai Salam, Kamlesh alias Jhitru Yadav, Janni alias Raymati Salam, Santosh alias Sannu Achla, and Ramsheela alias Bukli Salam). Two Party Members (PMs), each with a reward of Rs 1 lakh (Naveen alias Bhaju Salam and Jayati alias Manai Kashyap).

The group collectively carried rewards totaling Rs 65 lakh. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, asserted that the voluntary surrender signifies the success of the Poona Margem initiative in promoting peace, dignity, and progress. The surrender of ten Maoist cadres in Jagdalpur, including a senior DKSZC member, indicates that the influence of violent Maoist ideology is rapidly declining, IG Pattilingam stated. He added that the individuals chose the path of peace and progress by placing trust in the initiative.

Superintendent of Police, District Bastar, Shalabh Sinha, confirmed that the rehabilitation programme for these ten cadres was completed today, with all individuals expressing their commitment to join the mainstream and adopt the path of peace, dignity and development. The rehabilitation programme, described by officials as the result of consistent, coordinated efforts by the local community, district administration, Bastar Police, and Central Armed Forces, aims to strengthen public trust and accelerate positive change.

The Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of India, Bastar Police, local administration, and security forces reiterated their dedication to ensuring peace, rehabilitation, and inclusive development. IG Pattilingam also noted that senior Maoist leaders, including Politburo member Devji, Central Committee member Ramdar, and DKSZC members Paparao and Deva (Barse Deva), still have the option to renounce violence and return to mainstream society.

The ceremony was attended by a host of senior officials, including Bastar Range IG Sundarraj Pattilingam, Bastar SP Shalabh Sinha, DIG Dantewada Kamalochan Keshyap, DIG CRPF Arul Kumar, Collector Bastar Haris S, and SP Dantewada Gaurav Rai.
Minor rape victim gives birth; accused sent to jail





Staff Reporter :

In a disturbing incident, a minor rape victim has given birth to a child after being sexually exploited by a man who promised to marry her. The accused, identified as Dhaniram Bhalavi (20), has been arrested by the Koradi Police and sent to jail. The accused, Bhalavi, is a resident of Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. He had come to Nagpur in search of a livelihood. While working in the city, he met the victim, a minor girl who was working with him. Police said that there is a confusion regarding the girls exact age as sources citing it as either 13 or 17 years-old. However, it is confirmed that she is underage. Dhaniram lured the girl into a relationship and continued to sexually exploit her under the false pretense of marriage. The repeated sexual abuse resulted in the victim becoming pregnant.

When the victims family discovered her condition, they initially attempted to arrange a marriage between the girl and the accused. However, the marriage could not take place because the girl was a minor and the law prohibits child marriage. To avoid social embarrassment and stigma, the family moved the victim to a relatives home in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

The crime came to light when the victim gave birth at a hospital in Jabalpur. Following mandatory protocols regarding minor mothers, the hospital management immediately informed the local police. A case of rape was registered against Dhaniram in Jabalpur. However, since the sexual exploitation occurred within the jurisdiction of the Koradi Police Station in Nagpur, the investigation was transferred to the local police here. Recognising the seriousness of the case, the Koradi Police and arrested Dhaniram on Thursday. He was produced in court on Friday afternoon, after which he was sent to jail.
Mirza Express chugs into eternity Celebrated poet, humourist Dr Mirza Rafi Beg no more





Amravati Bureau :

FUN and laughter died down as the very humourous Mirza Express chugged into eternity on Friday. The man who was instrumental not only in popularising Varhadi dialect but bringing to light, the little nuances of the country life, picking humour from most routine things - Dr Mirza Rafi Beg, celebrated poet, humorist - passed away at 6.30 am on Friday after battling prolonged illness. He was 68 years old. The last rites were performed on Dr Mirza Rafi Beg at Eidgah graveyard situated on Walgaon road on Friday afternoon.

Thousands of citizens from political, spiritual, literature and social fields attended his funeral. Adv Yashomati Thakur, former minister, Bharat Ganeshpure, noted marathi actor, Dr Anil Bonde, Rajya Sabha member and many others from social, political and literary field visited his residence to pay their last respects. He is survived by his wife Fatema Mirza, son Rameez who is am engineer, and two educated daughters, Mahajabeen and Huma. A native of Dhanuj-Manikwada in Ner tehsil of Yavatmal district, he resided at Mirza Express, Navsari area, Walgaon road, Amravati. A former president of the Vidarbha Sahitya Sangha, Dr Mirza was widely known across Maharashtra for his witty poetic presentations. He published 20 poetry collections and performed over 6,000 Mirza Express poetry shows across Maharashtra. He had been suffering from kidney issues and was undergoing treatment in Amravati. Born on September 17, 1957, he became a Homoeopath doctor.

Writing poetry from a young age of 11, he started stage performances in 1970. For the next 50 years, he was a central figure in poetry conferences of Vidarbha and Marathwada. His newspaper column Mirzaji Kahin enjoyed huge popularity. Using gentle humor and pricking satire, he brought to fore the many contradictions of life and wrote extensively on agriculture, rural issues, farmers' problems, social realities, and politics. He was trustee of the revered Fakirji Maharaj temple trust in Vidarbha. His father Mirza Razzak Beg (Bhaijee), was an influential socio-political figure in Yavatmal. Senior Nagpur advocate Firdos Mirza is his cousin. A passionate lover of Marathi and Varhadi languages, Dr Mirza popularised Varhadi dialect through performances from Delhi to Mumbai. Poems like Motha Manus, Sava Mahina, Uth Ata Ganpat, Jangadbutta (a term he coined) earned him a huge following. People of different faiths, laughed together listening to his poems as they dealt with everyday life.

Lost an outstanding folk poet: CM

The news of the passing away of Dr Mirza Rafi Ahmed Beg, renowned poet, humorist, and 'Mirza Express' known across Maharashtra, is extremely saddening. With his departure, weve lost an outstanding folk poet and a personality with immense social awareness. He authored over 20 poetry collections and performed over 6,000 poetry shows. He also chaired the Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh. His journalistic writing gained huge popularity. In recent times, he embraced new media with equal ease. Agriculture and the soil were at the core of his poetry. His social consciousness was commendable. He had boundless love for Marathi, especially the Varhadi dialect, bringing it recognition at the national level through his presentations. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. We share the grief of his family and countless fans.

Important link broken: Ajit Pawar

The passing away of renowned Vidarbha poet Dr Mirza Rafi Ahmed Beg has broken an important link in Maharashtras humorous poetry gatherings. Making people laugh and simultaneously spreading social awareness was Dr Mirzas real skill in humour. His famous term Jangadbutta became a buzzword for pithy humour across platforms. His sharp commentary on social unity and issues made society introspect. At 68, he bid farewell to the laughter-filled stage. His versatile literary prowess gave the state a distinct identity in poetry. Nearly 20 poetry collections testify his poetic brilliance. He has fans across Maharashtra. In today's stressful times, his light-hearted poetry had the knack of bringing smiles to common people. His departure is a huge loss to Marathi literature. May his family find strength to bear this grief.

One of my biggest inspirations: Ganeshpure

Bharat Ganeshpure, noted actor expressed deep grief and shared emotional memories of his mentor. "During my college days, Dr Mirza Rafiq Beg was one of my biggest inspirations. I learned a great deal under the guidance of Dr Mirza Rafiq Beg, Vitthal Wagh and Shankar Bade", Ganeshpure said. Reflecting on Dr. Beg's contribution to language and culture, he added, "Many people say today that I am the pioneer of the Varhadi dialect, but in reality, it was Dr Mirza Rafiq Beg who brought true sweetness and charm to Varhadi. He was someone we looked up to, someone from whom we learned and aspired to grow. He was my role model", Ganeshpure. He said he is deeply saddened by Dr Beg's demise.
MoS for Coal & Mines visits MECL





Business Reporter :

Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey recently visited Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) campuses located in Nagpur. During his visit, he conducted a comprehensive inspection and review of MECLs advanced capabilities in mineral exploration, scientific analysis and in-house engineering innovations. On this occasion, Indra Dev Narayan, Chairman and Managing Director of MECL, extensively briefed the Minister on MECLs operational domains, key projects, achievements and the organisations ongoing role in advancing mineral self-reliance.

During the tour, the minister reviewed the state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at MECL, which empowers high-quality scientific analysis and data-driven decision-making for mineral exploration. He appreciated MECLs advanced capabilities in in-house product development and indigenous technologies. The minister also observed firsthand the indigenous manufacturing processes of drill bits, core barrels and various drilling accessories at the MECL workshop.
Narcotics Wing seizes drugs worthRs 30 crore; arrests three persons





Senior Special Correspondent :

IN A major breakthrough, Madhya Pradesh Narcotics Department arrested three accused involved in drugs racket and seized massive amount of drugs and chemicals (used in its preparation) worth Rs 3 crore on Friday. According to the highly placed sources, 2 kg and 700 grams of MD in solid form and 16 kg in liquid form, over 70 kg of MD-making chemicals were seized along with three motorcycles and three mobile phones.

Three accused named Niranjan Dayama, resident of Khedi, Police Station Manasa, Arjun Garasiya and Ramesh Garasiya, resident of Lasudia, Police Station Rampura were arrested. Overall the cost of the entire consignment was around Rs 30 crore valued in international market. The raid was conducted in a farm house located at Lausidia village under Hastmurar police station in Neemuch district.

Additional Police Inspector General K P Venkateshwar Rao and Deputy Police Inspector General Narcotics Mahesh Chandra directed the operation. The action was taken on a tip off received from informer and the accused were arrested. Additional Director General of Police, K P Venkateshwar Rao, a case has been registered against the accused under the NDPS Act and further action is underway. Narcotics Wing Inspector Rakesh Chaudhary, Inspector Bharat Singh Chavda, Inspector Harish Solanki, Inspector Tejendra Singh Sengar, Inspector Malay Mahant, and the Narcotics Indore and Neemuch teams made commendable contributions in this operation.

Superintendent of Police, Neemuch, Ankit Jaiswal, and the Neemuch District Police Force also played crucial role during the operation.
Nitish disburses Rs 1,000 cr among 10 lakh women beneficiaries





PATNA :

BIHAR Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday disbursed Rs 1,000 crore among 10 lakh beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, which is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among the states women. Kumar, who was recently voted back to power for a record fifth consecutive term, gave away Rs 10,000 to each beneficiary, through the DBT system, from his official residence, in the presence of cabinet colleagues and top officials. Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar said, A total of 1.56 crore women have received the money so far. The beneficiaries are being encouraged to use the sum for self-employment.

Those who do so demonstrably will in due course get further assistance of Rs 2 lakh each, he added. Notably, the scheme was launched in September, about a month before assembly polls were announced, at a function which was attended, in the virtual mode, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Money was disbursed among beneficiaries in batches and the process continued after the elections were announced, evoking allegations from the opposition that votes were being purchased.

The scheme is said to have paid rich electoral dividends as women turned up to vote in unprecedented numbers and the ruling NDA retained power with a brute majority. The minister was also asked about complaints of women who have not received the money despite having applied for the scheme and allegations that officials involved in filling up of forms were demanding bribes from applicants. He replied, The scheme makes it clear that recipients of the aid must get registered with a Jeevika self-help group in their area. Those who have not done so are being persuaded to do the needful, and they will get the benefit. Allegations of corruption are being made by Opposition parties like RJD and Jan Suraaj Party, which showed no scruples in demanding Rs 20,000 from those who wished to join the outfits, he added.
PM Modi reaches Raipur





Staff Reporter :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Raipur on Friday evening to participate in the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police (DGP/IGP), which commenced on Friday at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. This is the first time Chhattisgarh is hosting the apex-level national security dialogue.

The Prime Minister, who flew in on a special plane from Goa, landed at Swami Vivekananda Airport and was received by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and other senior BJP leaders and officials. The three-day conference, held under the overarching theme Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, will see PM Modi presiding over various crucial sessions on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30.

Discussions are underway on a wide array of national security and policing challenges, including Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), with special emphasis on Naxal-affected regions, counter-terrorism strategies, disaster management and relief efforts, womens safety and legal rights and the integration of forensic science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for modern policing.

The conference aims to review progress on internal security challenges and outline a forward-looking roadmap in alignment with the national vision of a Surakshit Bharat and Viksit Bharat. Alongside Prime Minister Modi, the conference is being attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Ministers of State for Home Affairs, and over 500 senior officers, including the Directors General of Police from all States and Union Territories, and the heads of Central Police Organisations.

The Prime Minister will also present the Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Service during the event. PM Modi will participate in the day-long sessions on Saturday from 8 am to 8:30 pm, and on Sunday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. He is taking night halt at the new Speaker House in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar and is scheduled to depart from Raipur on Sunday evening at approximately 5 pm
Putin on 2-day visit tto India from Dec 4





NEW DELHI :

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin will undertake a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce significant outcomes to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announcing the visit, said on Friday that it will set the vision for strengthening the IndiaRussia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

At the invitation of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, President of theRussian Federation VladimirPutin will pay a State visit to Indiafrom December 4 to 5 for the23rd India-Russia annual summit, it said. President Droupadi Murmuwill also receive Putin and hosta banquet in his honour. The forthcoming State visitwill provide an opportunity forthe leadership of India and Russiato review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision forstrengthening the Special andPrivileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said in a brief statement.

The focus of the ModiPutin talks are expected to focuson deepening cooperation inareas of defence and security, trade and civil nuclear energy. TheUkraine conflict is also likely tofigure prominently in the talks. India is looking at procuring additionalbatchesofS-400surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the weapons proved tobeveryeffectiveduring the Operation Sindoor. Itis learnt that the proposed procurementmay figurein the talks between the two sides.

India and Russia have a mechanism under which Indias prime minister and the Russian president hold a summitmeeting annually toreview the entire gamut of ties. So far 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.The upcoming summit is expected to produce significantoutcomes to furthersolidify bilateral strategic ties, people familiar with the matter said.TheRussianpresidenthad last visited New Delhi in 2021. In July last year, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit. Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhis foreign policy.
Results of 17 local bodies in district to be declared only after SC verdict





Staff Reporter :

Elections of Nagar Parishad, Nagar Panchayat to be held as per schedule

SC makes it clear that elections of Municipal Corporations be notified

The results of 17 Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Councils, which have crossed the limit of 50% reservations, will be kept reserved and declared after the verdict of Supreme Court. The next hearing is scheduled on January 21, 2026. Confusion reigned supreme as to whether the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council polls will be held as per schedule. But on Friday, Supreme Court made it clear that the elections will be conducted on December 2, 2025. Supreme Court has observed that only two Municipal Corporations have exceeded the 50% reservation limit, considering which it has asked the authorities to notify the elections of all Municipal Corporations in the State. State Election Commission announced the elections on November 4, 2025.

The reservations were declared earlier. Supreme Court judgment came three days ago that made it clear that the exceeding limit of reservations wont be tolerated and elections at those places would be cancelled. Considering the prescribed percentage of the reservation quota, it is beyond the capacity of Government to do it. Along with the 17 Nagar Panchayats and Municipal Councils, the Nagpur Zilla Parishad too has crossed the limit and the reservation in Nagpur Municipal Corporation too has reached 54.33 per cent. The Municipal Councils in district crossing the reservation limit include Digdoh (54.17%), Butibori (52.38%), Khapa (55%), Kanhan-Pimpri (75%), Umred (55.56%), Katol (52%), Wadi (55.56%) Kamptee (58.82%). Nagar Panchayats violating reservation criteria include Yerkheda (58.82%), Nildoh (58.82%), Godhani Railway (58.82%), Kandri-Kanhan (58.82%), Besa-Pimpla (52.94%), Bidgaon- Tarodi (52.94%), Bhiwapur (70.49%), Mahadula (70.59%), Mouda (52.94%).

Will liquor ban be effective?

The Collectorate has issued a circular banning sale of liquor during election time. The sale of liquor is prohibited on December 1, 2 and 3. But some say it will not affect those who drink. The reason is the way it is banned. For example, the sale is banned in Wanadongri, Nildoh, Digdoh which are going to polls, but not prohibited in Hingna, the Municipal Council whose term is not over. It means, people of Wanadongri and adjoining areas where liquor is prohibited can buy it at Hingna. According to the sources of Election Commission, it is not allowed to

Campaign extended

Usually the campaign of any election ends two days prior to the voting day. Suppose the voting is scheduled on December 2, then the campaign is expected to end on November 30. But State Election Commission has extended the campaign time for the polls of Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Councils to be scheduled on December 2, 2025. Now the candidates can do their campaigning till 10 pm of December 1, 2025.

Election holiday at some places

Considering the elections of Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Councils on December 2, 2025, Maharashtra Government has declared holiday on that day. The order is applicable only at some places. The places in Vidarbha include- Nagpur (Bahadura, Besa Pipla, Bhiwapur, Butibori, Digdoh, Kalmeshar-Brahmni, Kamptee, Kandri-Kanhan, Katol, Khapa, Kondhali, Mahadula, Mohpa, Mouda, Narkhed, Nildoh, Parseoni, Ramtek, Saoner, Umred, Wanadongri, Bidgaon-Tarodi, Pandhurna, Godhani Railway, Kanhan-Pimpri, Mowad, Wadi, Yerkheda; Wardha- Arvi Deoli, Hinganghat, Pulgaon, Wardha, Sindi Railway; Gondia- Gondia, Goregaon, Saleksa, Tiroda: Gadchiroli- Armori, Desaiganj, Gadchiroli; Chandrapur- Ballarpur, Bhadravati, Bhisi, Brahmpuri, Chimur, Gadchandur, Ghuggus, Mul, Nagbhid, Rajura, Warora; Bhandara- Paoni, Sakoli Shendurwafa, Tumsar, Bhandara; Yavatmal- Arni, Darva, Digras, Ghatanji, Pusad, Umrakhed, Wani, Yavatmal, Dhanki, Ner-Nababpur, Pandarkavda; Washim- Karanja, Malegaon, Mangrulpir, Risod, Washim; Buldhana- Buldhana, Chikhli, Deulgaon Raja, Jalgaon Jamod, Khamgaon, Lonar, Malkapur, Mehkar, Nandura, Shegaon, Sindkhedraja; Amravati- Achalpur, Anjangaon Surji, Chandur Bazar, Chandur Railway, Chikhaldara, Daryapur, Dhamangaon Railway, Dharni, Morshi, Nand Khandeshwar, Shendurjana Ghat, Warud; Akola- Akot, Balapur, Barshi Takli Hiwarkheda, Murtijapur, Telhara.
A simmering power struggle inside a premium Hiranandani housing complex in Powai erupted into violence this week when a group of outsiders allegedly barged in and assaulted two committee members, leaving one of them with a fractured hand.



The attack has sent shockwaves through residential societies across Powai and Chandivali, as fears grow over rising muscle politics within gated communities. Powai Police registered an FIR and arrested three men after the clash, which officers say stemmed from an ongoing feud between rival members following recent society elections. The housing societys secretary, Nitin Mayekar, told police on November 27 that the prime accused, Nitin Deshmukh, allegedly upset since losing the last society election, confronted him after a meeting with the builder over leakage repairs.



Mayekar claims Deshmukh took issue with the termination of a former security guard and turned the dispute into a violent assault.



This is a politically backed intimidation



Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Mayekar said the confrontation escalated rapidly. I said we could discuss it later, but he didnt listen. He suddenly attacked me, he recalled. Deshmukh called five to six of his men, who do not reside in our society. They barged in, surrounded us and began beating us mercilessly. My friend and committee member, Sohan Shetty, was beaten so badly that they broke his hand. We are now feeling trapped and threatened in our own residential complex.



Mayekar has alleged that the attack was not spontaneous but backed by political support from a Thane-based NCP (SP) faction leader. He further claimed the threats continued even as they tried to leave. When we said we would go to the police, Deshmukhs men threatened to implicate us in a false atrocities case. Then they fled, he said. According to Mayekar, the motive lies in Deshmukh holding a grudge after the previous committee was dissolved and a new one elected.



Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Sonawane confirmed arrests in the case. The victim approached us, and an FIR was registered. Nitin Deshmukh and others have been arrested. Investigation is underway, he said.



Police have booked the accused under sections 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant), 115 (abetment), 118 (concealing a design to commit an offence) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).



Rising violence in societies



The incident has sparked widespread alarm among Powai and Chandivalis housing societies. The Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) met the DCP of Zone X, demanding police intervention. There is a clear escalation of non-cognisable offences in housing societies  assaults, threats, and intimidation of committee members, said CCWA founder Mandeep Singh Makkar. We have requested police to treat NC complaints seriously before they snowball into bigger law-and-order situations.




SC allows Mah local body polls





NEW DELHI :

THE Supreme Court on Friday asked the Maharashtra Government and its State Election Commission to conduct local body elections and made it clear that poll results of all bodies, including where 50 per cent ceiling on quota have been breached, will depend on its verdict. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also said that as many as 27 pleas concerning OBC reservation in local bodies will be taken up for final hearing by a three-judge bench on January 21, 2026.

In May 2025, the bench had directed the Maharashtra Government and the SEC to conduct the long-pending elections within four months, and to grant OBC reservation based on the legal framework that existed prior to the Banthia Commission report. At the outset, senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for the State Election Commission (SEC), said that 50 per cent ceiling on quota has been breached only in 40 municipal councils and 17 nagar panchayats.

He said there are a total 246 Municipal Councils and 42 Nagar Panchayats where the poll process has begun and there are only 40 municipal councils, out of 246, where reservation is exceeding 50 per cent and similarly, there are 17, out of 42 nagar panchyats, where this ceiling is breached. Taking the statement into consideration, the bench said the SEC can proceed with the election but the results will be dependent on the final outcome of the case.

The bench also said the State poll panel may proceed with the elections for other Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Nagar Parishad, where the issue of breach of 50 per cent quota is not there. However, the results of these local bodies will also depend on the final verdict in the case, the bench said. Today we are making only a temporary arrangement, till matter is finally heard. On January 21, a three-judge bench can hear.

There should not be anyobjection fromeitherside, the CJI said. Earlier, the bench had pulled up the SEC for noncompliance of its order and directed it to hold local body polls, stalled since 2022, to be completedby January 31, 2026 without further extension. Earlier on November 19, the bench had asked the State Government toconsiderdeferring theprocessofnomination for local body elections till the issue of grant of 27 per cent reservation for the Other Backward Class (OBC) is adjudicated upon by it.

Senior advocateVikas Singh argued that previous orders, including a July 2022 direction by a three-judge bench led by Justice A M Khanwilkar, since retired, approving the Banthia Committeerecommendations, had created confusion. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government,hadsaid thatstate authoritiesactedunderabona fide interpretation of the courts orders. In December 2021, the top court stayed the quota, holding thatit could only beimplemented after fulfilling the triple-test requirement laid down in earlier judgements.

The triple test contains the establishment of a commission to study backwardness, and second, determination of thespecificproportionofreservation based on the commissionsfindingsand third,ensuring that the total reservation forSCs,STs, andOBCsdoesnot exceed 50 per cent of the total seats. The State had constituted the Jayant Kumar Banthia Commission in March 2022 to determine empirical data for OBC reservation.
Shah inaugurates 60th All IndiaConference of DGs, IGPs at IIM-R





Staff Reporter :

UNION Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, inaugurated the threeday 60th DGP/IGP Conference in Raipur, on Friday. In his address, the Home Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DGP/IGP Conference has emerged as a crucial forum for resolving internal security issues, moving from problem-solving, challenges, and strategies to policy formulation.

Highlighting the Modi governments actionable points against the complete eradication of Naxalism, the Home Minister noted the significant strengthening of the security perimeter. Shah mentioned that 586 fortified police stations have been constructed over the last 7 years. As a direct result, the number of Naxalaffected districts has dramatically decreased from 126 in 2014 to only 11 today.

Amit Shah expressed confidence that the nation will be completely free from the problem of Naxalism before the next DGP/IGP Conference. Shah further asserted that the Modi government has provided a permanent solution to the problems in the three hotspots Naxalism, North-East, and Jammu & Kashmir which have been festering sores for the country for the past 40 years. He expressed hope that these regions will soon become like the rest of the country.

The Home Minister underscored the governments achievements in strengthening the legal framework, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He also highlighted the creation of three new criminal laws and robust legislation for narcotics and fugitives. Shah declared that once the three new criminal laws are fully implemented, Indias policing will become the most modern in the world.

Citing the example of the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), the Home Minister noted that the nationwide raids and arrests at their locations, following the ban, were a prime example of excellent coordination between the Center and the States. He detailed the strategy being used to strike hard at radicalism, extremism, and narcotics, which involves working on three key points: Accuracy of Intelligence, Clarity of Objective and Synergy of Action.

Shah reiterated the commitment to creating a system that strikes at narcotics and organised crime with a 360- degree approach, ensuring not an inch of ground is available to narco-traders and criminals in the country. He stressed the urgent need for State Police forces to work with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to launch a severe crackdown on state, national, and international narcotics gangs and put their masters behind bars.
Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO)s stock price was up 1.8% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $89.66 and last traded at $88.89. Approximately 2,866,448 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 41% from the average daily volume of 4,896,104 shares. The stock had previously closed at $87.35.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group started coverage on Cameco in a report on Monday, November 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $140.00 target price on the stock. President Capital raised Cameco from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of Cameco in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Cameco from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on Cameco to $150.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $113.75.

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Cameco Trading Down 0.1%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a current ratio of 2.96. The firm has a market cap of $38.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 102.00 and a beta of 0.98. The businesss fifty day moving average is $88.87 and its 200-day moving average is $77.14.

Cameco (NYSE:CCJ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.22 by ($0.17). Cameco had a return on equity of 8.21% and a net margin of 14.97%.The company had revenue of $313.74 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $531.72 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned ($0.01) earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. Cameco has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Analysts predict that Cameco Corporation will post 1.27 EPS for the current year.

Cameco Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This is an increase from Camecos previous annual dividend of $0.12. This represents a yield of 25.0%. Camecos dividend payout ratio is presently 19.77%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cameco

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CCJ. MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Cameco during the 1st quarter worth $2,131,000. TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in Cameco by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 2,133,725 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $158,141,000 after acquiring an additional 77,081 shares during the last quarter. Nwam LLC raised its position in shares of Cameco by 11.7% in the second quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 81,129 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $6,304,000 after purchasing an additional 8,519 shares during the period. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. grew its position in shares of Cameco by 50.0% in the first quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. now owns 42,487 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,750,000 after purchasing an additional 14,154 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its position in shares of Cameco by 74.7% in the first quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 48,992 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,017,000 after acquiring an additional 20,947 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 70.21% of the companys stock.

About Cameco

(Get Free Report)

Cameco Corporation provides uranium for the generation of electricity. It operates through Uranium, Fuel Services, Westinghouse segments. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, purchase, and sale of uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment engages in the refining, conversion, and fabrication of uranium concentrate, as well as the purchase and sale of conversion services.

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Abracomas holds significant historical importance as a name borne by Persian governors and military commanders during the Achaemenid Empire. The name appears in ancient Greek historical accounts, particularly in the works of Xenophon and other classical historians who documented Persian-Greek conflicts. As an Aramaic name used within the Persian administrative system, it reflects the multicultural nature of the Achaemenid Empire, where Aramaic served as the lingua franca for official communications across diverse regions from Egypt to India.



The name's association with governance and military command positions it within the elite class of Persian officials who managed vast territories, demonstrating how names could signify both ethnic identity and imperial administrative roles in ancient Near Eastern societies. This cultural significance extends to understanding how the Achaemenid Empire administered its diverse subjects through a class of officials who often bore names reflecting the empire's multicultural character, with Abracomas serving as a prime example of this administrative cosmopolitanism.
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) shot up 1.8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $309.18 and last traded at $308.6750. 1,688,822 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 65% from the average session volume of 4,874,774 shares. The stock had previously closed at $303.21.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on International Business Machines from $315.00 to $300.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Monday, September 15th. They issued a market perform rating and a $280.00 price target for the company. Erste Group Bank lowered International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $310.00 to $295.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $291.08.

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International Business Machines Stock Up 1.8%

The firms 50 day moving average is $293.12 and its 200-day moving average is $274.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97. The firm has a market cap of $288.53 billion, a PE ratio of 36.92, a P/E/G ratio of 4.33 and a beta of 0.71.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.20. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 37.76% and a net margin of 12.09%.The company had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. International Business Machines has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

International Business Machines Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be paid a dividend of $1.68 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is presently 80.38%.

Institutional Trading of International Business Machines

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of IBM. Family CFO Inc bought a new position in International Business Machines during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the second quarter worth $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. SWAN Capital LLC bought a new stake in International Business Machines in the third quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Highline Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 85.0% in the second quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 111 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock.

International Business Machines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments. The Software segment offers a hybrid cloud and AI platforms that allows clients to realize their digital and AI transformations across the applications, data, and environments in which they operate.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s stock price was up 1.8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $313.72 and last traded at $313.26. Approximately 4,322,362 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 54% from the average daily volume of 9,333,941 shares. The stock had previously closed at $307.64.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have weighed in on JPM. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $366.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. KGI Securities upped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $309.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a buy rating and issued a $343.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, DZ Bank reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $326.38.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $306.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $292.67. The company has a market capitalization of $852.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.83 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $47.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.37 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 6th were issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 6th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. This is an increase from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.72%.

Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.94, for a total value of $2,830,430.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 82,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $24,492,753.58. This trade represents a 10.36% 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 the SEC website. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total transaction of $301,314.72. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 58,479 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,240,769.68. This represents a 1.63% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On JPMorgan Chase & Co.

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in JPM. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC increased its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 92.6% in the 3rd quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 104 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. raised its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 450.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Finally, Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter worth about $35,000. 71.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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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.

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Shares of Hudbay Minerals Inc. (TSE:HBM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:HBM) have been given an average recommendation of Buy by the eleven ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation and three have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$22.02.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on HBM shares. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Hudbay Minerals from C$23.00 to C$24.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Hudbay Minerals from C$19.00 to C$20.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. Bank of America increased their price target on Hudbay Minerals from C$22.50 to C$26.75 in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Raymond James Financial raised their price objective on shares of Hudbay Minerals from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Hudbay Minerals from C$22.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th.

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Hudbay Minerals Price Performance

Hudbay Minerals Dividend Announcement

Shares of TSE HBM opened at C$23.81 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of C$9.43 billion, a PE ratio of 20.53, a P/E/G ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 2.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.39. Hudbay Minerals has a twelve month low of C$8.49 and a twelve month high of C$24.75. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$22.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$17.04.

The business also recently disclosed a half year 25 dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 19th were given a dividend of $0.01 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 6.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 2nd. Hudbay Mineralss dividend payout ratio is 1.22%.

About Hudbay Minerals

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Hudbay Minerals Inc is a Canadian mining company with its operations, property developments, and exploration activities across the United States. The major mines that Hudbay operates are located in Manitoba, Canada, Arizona, United States; and Peru. The company is principally focused on the discovery, production, and marketing of base and precious metals.

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AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Friday.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on AU. Scotiabank raised their price target on AngloGold Ashanti from $90.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Roth Capital set a $76.00 target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Monday, October 27th. They set a buy rating and a $90.00 price target for the company. Finally, HSBC restated a reduce rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, AngloGold Ashanti has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $69.50.

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AngloGold Ashanti Trading Down 4.0%

NYSE:AU traded down $3.58 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $85.33. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,580,505 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,158,906. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 2.22 and a current ratio of 2.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $35.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.69 and a beta of 0.48. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $73.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.88. AngloGold Ashanti has a 1 year low of $22.45 and a 1 year high of $89.19.

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 11th. The mining company reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $2.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. AngloGold Ashanti had a net margin of 23.60% and a return on equity of 22.54%. Research analysts expect that AngloGold Ashanti will post 3.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of AngloGold Ashanti

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AU. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 1,175.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,967,173 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $226,354,000 after purchasing an additional 4,577,807 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in AngloGold Ashanti by 1,767.5% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,788,123 shares of the mining companys stock worth $127,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,638,823 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 274.6% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,137,721 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $142,986,000 after buying an additional 2,300,204 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 10.0% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 19,847,932 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,395,905,000 after buying an additional 1,804,620 shares during the period. Finally, Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 1st quarter valued at $63,186,000. 36.09% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

AngloGold Ashanti Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold, as well as produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita mine located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania.

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AppYea (OTCMKTS:APYP  Get Free Report) and Block (NYSE:XYZ  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings for AppYea and Block, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AppYea 0 0 0 0 0.00 Block 1 12 21 3 2.70

Block has a consensus target price of $83.42, suggesting a potential upside of 25.09%. Given Blocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Block is more favorable than AppYea.

Volatility and Risk

Earnings & Valuation

AppYea has a beta of 2.78, meaning that its share price is 178% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Block has a beta of 2.73, meaning that its share price is 173% more volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares AppYea and Blocks top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AppYea $30,000.00 300.35 -$4.03 million ($0.01) -1.51 Block $24.12 billion 1.68 $2.90 billion $4.96 13.45

Block has higher revenue and earnings than AppYea. AppYea is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Block, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

70.4% of Block shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of AppYea shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 10.9% of Block shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares AppYea and Blocks net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AppYea -38,457.89% N/A -1,845.20% Block 12.99% 5.54% 3.24%

Summary

Block beats AppYea on 13 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About AppYea

(Get Free Report)

AppYea, Inc., a digital health company, develops wearable monitoring solutions to treat sleep apnea and snoring. It develops AppySleep app, a wristband that monitors physiological parameters during sleep; AppySleep, a biofeedback snoring treatment wristband; AppySleep LAB, a smartphone medical application that monitors breathing patterns in the sleep and identify sleep arena episode without direct contact to the user; and AppySleep PRO a wristband for the treatment of sleep arena using biofeedback in combination with AppySleep LAB app. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Gan Yavne, Israel.

About Block

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Square, Inc. provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. The company also provides Square Point of Sale software; Cash App, which provides access to the financial system, allowing customers to electronically send, store, and spend money; Caviar, a food ordering platform for restaurants to offer food ordering, pickup and delivery, to their customers; and Square Capital that facilitates loans to sellers based on real-time payment and point-of-sale data. Square, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued on Friday.

Several other research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Banco De Chile from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Zacks Research raised shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco De Chile in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Banco De Chile from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. 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, Banco De Chile has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.00.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Banco De Chile

Banco De Chile Price Performance

BCH stock traded up $0.43 during trading on Friday, reaching $37.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 118,310 shares, compared to its average volume of 326,752. The company has a quick ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. The companys fifty day moving average is $33.73 and its 200-day moving average is $30.96. The company has a market capitalization of $19.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.28. Banco De Chile has a 1 year low of $22.06 and a 1 year high of $38.00.

Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.62 by ($0.02). Banco De Chile had a net margin of 32.87% and a return on equity of 23.25%. The business had revenue of $764.93 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $831.97 million. On average, research analysts expect that Banco De Chile will post 2.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco De Chile

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BCH. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its holdings in shares of Banco De Chile by 823.3% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,385 shares of the banks stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 1,235 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Banco De Chile by 161.6% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,504 shares of the banks stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its position in Banco De Chile by 276.2% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,513 shares of the banks stock valued at $76,000 after purchasing an additional 1,845 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in Banco De Chile by 2,425.3% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,500 shares of the banks stock valued at $76,000 after purchasing an additional 2,401 shares during the period. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Banco De Chile by 1,355.4% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,231 shares of the banks stock valued at $98,000 after purchasing an additional 3,009 shares during the last quarter. 1.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Banco De Chile

(Get 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.

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Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, November 26th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be paid a dividend of 0.9362 per share by the bank on Thursday, December 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 266.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st.

Bank Hapoalim Trading Up 4.0%

Shares of OTCMKTS BKHYY opened at $108.61 on Friday. Bank Hapoalim has a 12-month low of $56.83 and a 12-month high of $112.00. The company has a market cap of $28.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.47 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $100.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.39.

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Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The bank reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.99 billion during the quarter. Bank Hapoalim had a return on equity of 14.21% and a net margin of 20.12%.

About Bank Hapoalim

Bank Hapoalim B.M., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Israel and internationally. It operates through Household, Private Banking, Small businesses and micro businesses, Mid-sized businesses, Large businesses, Institutional entities, and Financial management segments.

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Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE:BRN  Get Free Report) Director Kenneth Grossman purchased 59,563 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $1.10 per share, with a total value of $65,519.30. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 271,603 shares in the company, valued at $298,763.30. The trade was a 28.09% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Barnwell Industries Stock Up 10.4%

BRN stock opened at $1.27 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.79 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.87 and a beta of -0.32. Barnwell Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1.08 and a 52-week high of $2.28. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $1.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1.22.

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Barnwell Industries Company Profile

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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.

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Shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE:MPA  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $11.00 and traded as high as $11.28. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund shares last traded at $11.2750, with a volume of 22,351 shares.

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $11.35 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.00.

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BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.066 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund

About BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the first quarter valued at $117,000. Shufro Rose & Co. LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $168,000. Aviance Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 13.8% in the 2nd quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC now owns 17,959 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $194,000 after purchasing an additional 2,178 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 5.6% in the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 18,957 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $205,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Breakwater Capital Group purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the third quarter valued at about $224,000. 24.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in long-term investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Pennsylvania income taxes.

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Blackrock Silver Corp. (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) was up 7.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.73 and last traded at C$0.72. Approximately 697,371 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 22% from the average daily volume of 899,790 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.67.

Blackrock Silver Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of C$258.89 million, a PE ratio of -9.75 and a beta of 2.40. The company has a quick ratio of 3.14, a current ratio of 8.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.73 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.61.

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Insider Activity

In other news, insider 2176423 Ontario Ltd. bought 781,704 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 11th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$0.68 per share, for a total transaction of C$531,558.72. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider owned 48,121,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$32,722,907.64. This represents a 1.65% increase in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Eric Sprott bought 781,704 shares of Blackrock Silver stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$0.68 per share, for a total transaction of C$531,558.72. Following the acquisition, the insider owned 48,121,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$32,722,907.64. This represents a 1.65% increase in their ownership of the stock. Company insiders own 17.84% of the companys stock.

Blackrock Silver Company Profile

Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. It primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project comprising 100 patented and 83 unpatented lode mining claims covering an area of 10.3 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada.

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Individuals bearing the name Aegelmaere are typically characterized by intense conviction and unwavering determination. Historical accounts suggest these were men of strong principle who pursued their goals with singular focus, often displaying remarkable courage in the face of opposition. They tend to be natural leaders who inspire both loyalty and controversy, possessing the ability to mobilize others toward shared objectives while sometimes alienating those who disagree with their methods.



Their personality often includes a strategic mindset, allowing them to navigate complex political and religious landscapes, though this can manifest as manipulative tendencies when challenged. Modern psychological interpretation would suggest these individuals exhibit high levels of conscientiousness combined with low agreeablenessthey are driven by internal moral codes rather than social harmony. This combination creates figures who achieve significant accomplishments but often at considerable personal and relational cost, leaving complex legacies that blend admiration and criticism.
Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (TSE:SLF) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the twelve research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $86.50.

Several brokerages have commented on SLF. TD Securities raised Sun Life Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. National Bankshares reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a report on Thursday, October 9th. National Bank Financial lowered shares of Sun Life Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $84.00 target price on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research note on Monday, November 10th.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Price Performance

SLF stock traded up $0.46 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $59.12. 264,321 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 633,358. Sun Life Financial has a 1-year low of $52.44 and a 1-year high of $66.81. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $60.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.24. The firm has a market cap of $32.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.63, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.90.

Sun Life Financial (NYSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (TSE:SLF) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.30 by $0.05. Sun Life Financial had a net margin of 7.59% and a return on equity of 17.21%. The business had revenue of $944.53 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $944.53 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.33 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Sun Life Financial will post 5.19 earnings per share for the current year.

Sun Life Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be given a $0.92 dividend. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.2%. This is a boost from Sun Life Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.64. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. Sun Life Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.41%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SLF. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Sun Life Financial by 3.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 25,422,211 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,691,568,000 after acquiring an additional 827,119 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 16,100,340 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $921,330,000 after purchasing an additional 374,682 shares during the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in shares of Sun Life Financial by 8.9% during the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 10,338,250 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $591,968,000 after purchasing an additional 846,735 shares in the last quarter. Federation des caisses Desjardins du Quebec increased its holdings in Sun Life Financial by 5.2% in the first quarter. Federation des caisses Desjardins du Quebec now owns 6,748,255 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $385,740,000 after buying an additional 335,054 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia raised its stake in Sun Life Financial by 6.5% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 6,157,205 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $409,576,000 after buying an additional 377,204 shares in the last quarter. 52.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial Inc, a financial services company, provides savings, retirement, and pension products worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Asset Management, Canada, U.S., Asia, and Corporate. It offers various insurance products, such as term and permanent life; personal health, which includes prescription drugs, dental, and vision care; critical illness; long-term care; and disability, as well as reinsurance.

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Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE  Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 382.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 51,521 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 40,842 shares during the period. Neuberger Berman Group LLCs holdings in CAE were worth $1,507,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CAE. Norges Bank acquired a new position in CAE in the second quarter valued at approximately $118,239,000. Korea Investment CORP boosted its position in CAE by 115.3% during the 2nd quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 420,391 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $12,296,000 after purchasing an additional 225,142 shares during the period. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in CAE during the 2nd quarter worth $80,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its position in CAE by 0.4% in the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 129,445 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,770,000 after buying an additional 522 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in CAE in the second quarter worth $277,000. Institutional investors own 67.36% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CAE has been the subject of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen downgraded CAE from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 16th. Zacks Research lowered shares of CAE from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. TD Securities upgraded shares of CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of CAE in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.33.

CAE Price Performance

Shares of CAE stock opened at $27.49 on Friday. CAE Inc has a 52 week low of $20.36 and a 52 week high of $30.13. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market cap of $8.84 billion, a PE ratio of 29.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.42. The companys 50-day moving average price is $27.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $27.48.

CAE (NYSE:CAE  Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 11th. The aerospace company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.03. CAE had a net margin of 8.70% and a return on equity of 7.92%. The company had revenue of $897.99 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.24 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that CAE Inc will post 0.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About CAE

(Free Report)

CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Oceania, Africa, and Rest of the Americas. It operates through two segments, Civil Aviation; and Defense and Security. The Civil Aviation segment offers training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; a range of flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as aircraft flight operations solutions.

Further Reading

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Vinva Investment Management Ltd lowered its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 24.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 46,974 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 15,154 shares during the quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltds holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $2,586,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the first quarter worth approximately $27,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Activest Wealth Management lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 109.3% in the 2nd quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 517 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the companys stock.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Up 1.5%

NYSE CMG opened at $34.53 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $36.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $44.14. The stock has a market cap of $45.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.56, a PEG ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.98. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a twelve month low of $29.75 and a twelve month high of $66.74.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.29. The company had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.06 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 44.32%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.27 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current year.

CMG has been the subject of several research reports. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and cut their price target for the company from $53.00 to $50.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $45.00 price target (down previously from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, TD Cowen reduced their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $45.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two investment 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.81.

Read Our Latest Report on CMG

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

(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

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China Construction Bank (OTCMKTS:CICHF  Get Free Report) and Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, profitability and dividends.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for China Construction Bank and Citigroup, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Construction Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 Citigroup 0 7 11 0 2.61

Citigroup has a consensus target price of $108.70, indicating a potential upside of 4.69%. Given Citigroups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Citigroup is more favorable than China Construction Bank.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Construction Bank N/A N/A N/A Citigroup 8.73% 7.91% 0.60%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares China Construction Bank and Citigroups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares China Construction Bank and Citigroups revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Construction Bank N/A N/A N/A $0.91 1.18 Citigroup $85.43 billion 2.17 $12.68 billion $7.12 14.58

Citigroup has higher revenue and earnings than China Construction Bank. China Construction Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Citigroup, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Dividends

China Construction Bank pays an annual dividend of $0.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 28.0%. Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. China Construction Bank pays out 33.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Citigroup pays out 33.7% 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. Citigroup has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. China Construction Bank is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

6.7% of China Construction Bank shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 71.7% of Citigroup shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Citigroup shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Citigroup beats China Construction Bank on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About China Construction Bank

(Get Free Report)

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. The company accepts various deposits, such as foreign currency, all in one accounts, RMB, corporate term and notification, and corporate demand deposits, as well corporate deposits by agreement. Its loan products include personal business, car, and housing loans; and SME, traditional credit, commercial draft, buyer credit, and RMB credit line loans. The company also offers credit cards; physical gold for personal investment and personal gold accounts; foreign exchange services; certificate treasury and savings bonds, securities deposit accounts, and securities services, as well as bank-securities transfer and book-entry treasury bond over the counter transaction services; and wealth management products. In addition, it provides collection, salaries payment, third-party collection and payment, insurance agency, and remittance services; international settlement and financing, and FI services; securities and fund settlement services; guarantee-based, consulting and advising, and factoring services; fund custody services; and e-banking services. Further, the company offers institutional services comprising services for government agencies, social security, banks cooperation, bank-securities cooperation, bank-insurance cooperation, and services for non-banking financial institutions. China Construction Bank Corporation was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

About Citigroup

(Get Free Report)

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. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Shares of Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twenty-eight brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $181.8750.

A number of brokerages recently commented on STZ. UBS Group set a $160.00 price target on Constellation Brands in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on Constellation Brands from $180.00 to $152.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Constellation Brands from $176.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Constellation Brands from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $209.00 target price (down from $239.00) on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on STZ

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands Stock Up 1.2%

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of STZ. Gilbert & Cook Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 2,385 shares of the companys stock worth $388,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC grew its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 1,682 shares of the companys stock worth $274,000 after buying an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Oak Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 0.4% in the second quarter. Oak Asset Management LLC now owns 18,281 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,974,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in Constellation Brands by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 813 shares of the companys stock valued at $149,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Finally, Baldwin Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Baldwin Investment Management LLC now owns 7,802 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,432,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. 77.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

STZ traded up $1.61 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $136.50. 1,799,674 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,498,696. Constellation Brands has a 1 year low of $126.45 and a 1 year high of $245.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.89 billion, a PE ratio of 19.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.75. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $135.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $155.81.

Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 23rd. The company reported $3.12 EPS for the quarter. Constellation Brands had a net margin of 11.88% and a return on equity of 29.82%. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Constellation Brands will post 13.5 EPS for the current year.

Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 30th were issued a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 30th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 59.56%.

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands.

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Cornish Metals Inc. (LON:CUSN  Get Free Report) traded down 0.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 7.86 and last traded at GBX 7.92. 354,202 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 49% from the average session volume of 699,974 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 7.95.

Cornish Metals Stock Up 0.5%

The firm has a market cap of 100.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.36 and a beta of 2.48. The companys 50-day moving average price is GBX 7.95 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 7.85.

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Insider Activity

In other news, insider John McGloin acquired 625,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 10th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 8 per share, for a total transaction of 50,000. Also, insider Lodewyk (Don) Turvey bought 249,850 shares of Cornish Metals stock in a transaction on Friday, October 10th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 8 per share, with a total value of 19,988. Insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock.

Cornish Metals Company Profile

Cornish Metals is a dual-listed mineral exploration and development company (AIM and TSX-V: CUSN) focused on advancing the 100% owned and permitted South Crofty high-grade, underground tin project towards production. The Company also holds additional mineral rights located in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

 South Crofty is a historical, high-grade, underground tin mine that started production in 1592 and continued operating until 1998 following over 400 years of continuous production;

 The Project possesses Planning Permission for underground mining (valid to 2071), to construct new processing facilities and all necessary site infrastructure, and an Environmental Permit to dewater the mine;

 South Crofty is one of the highest grade tin Mineral Resources globally and benefits from existing mine infrastructure including multiple shafts that can be used for future operations;

 The 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment for South Crofty validates the Projects potential (see news release dated April 30, 2024 and the Technical Report entitled South Crofty PEA dated April 8, 2024):

o US$201 million after-tax NPV8% and 29.8% IRR

o 3-year after-tax payback

o 4,700 tonnes average annual tin production in years two through six

o Life of mine all-in sustaining cost of US$13,660 /tonne of payable tin

o Total after-tax cash flow of US$626 million from start of production

 Tin is a Critical Mineral as defined by the UK, American, and Canadian governments;

 Approximately two-thirds of the tin mined today comes from China, Myanmar and Indonesia;

 There is no primary tin production in Europe or North America;

 Tin connects almost all electronic and electrical infrastructure, making it critical to the energy transition  responsible sourcing of critical minerals and security of supply are key factors in the energy transition and technology growth;

 South Crofty benefits from strong local community, regional and national government support.

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Inceptionr LLC reduced its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW  Free Report) by 44.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 963 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 781 shares during the period. Inceptionr LLCs holdings in Curtiss-Wright were worth $470,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CW. Creative Planning increased its position in Curtiss-Wright by 30.4% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 5,572 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,722,000 after purchasing an additional 1,300 shares in the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 21.5% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 549 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright during the second quarter worth about $266,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 47.1% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,641 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,742,000 after buying an additional 2,766 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ifrah Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright during the second quarter valued at approximately $230,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.71% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $525.00 to $537.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $625.00 price objective on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Curtiss-Wright from $457.00 to $502.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $565.00 to $645.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Curtiss-Wright has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $562.83.

Curtiss-Wright Price Performance

CW stock opened at $563.67 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $20.79 billion, a PE 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. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $555.91 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $502.51. Curtiss-Wright Corporation has a 12-month low of $266.88 and a 12-month high of $612.28.

Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The aerospace company reported $3.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.28 by $0.12. Curtiss-Wright had a return on equity of 18.34% and a net margin of 13.66%.The business had revenue of $869.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $869.03 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.89 EPS. The companys revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Curtiss-Wright Corporation will post 12.32 EPS for the current year.

Curtiss-Wright Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Curtiss-Wrights dividend payout ratio is 7.82%.

Curtiss-Wright Profile

(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.

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Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday.

EIX has been the subject of several other research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Edison International from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Edison International in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Edison International in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $71.00 price target for the company. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Edison International from $68.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Edison International from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, eight have given 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 Hold and a consensus price target of $64.10.

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Edison International Price Performance

NYSE EIX traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $59.08. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,203,100 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,035,701. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. The companys 50-day moving average is $56.47 and its two-hundred day moving average is $54.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.81. Edison International has a 1-year low of $47.73 and a 1-year high of $88.61.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 13.62% and a net margin of 17.24%.Edison Internationals quarterly revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.51 earnings per share. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Edison International news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total value of $99,486.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,946,167.24. This trade represents a 4.86% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edison International

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Kentucky Trust Co grew its holdings in Edison International by 66.7% in the 2nd quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management grew its holdings in shares of Edison International by 677.8% in the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 560 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 488 shares during the period. American National Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. CVA Family Office LLC increased its position in Edison International by 113.7% during the third quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 577 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 307 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in Edison International during the first quarter worth about $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.95% of the companys stock.

Edison International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors.

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Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 5,332 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $687,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of DHI. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise bought a new position in shares of D.R. Horton in the first quarter valued at about $283,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd increased its position in D.R. Horton by 340.4% in the 1st quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 251 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 194 shares in the last quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of D.R. Horton by 5.6% in the first quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 4,493 shares of the construction companys stock worth $571,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 16.7% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 231,636 shares of the construction companys stock worth $29,447,000 after purchasing an additional 33,112 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC grew its stake in shares of D.R. Horton by 11.4% during the first quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 11,020 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,401,000 after purchasing an additional 1,128 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.63% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at D.R. Horton

In other D.R. Horton news, Chairman David V. Auld sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.21, for a total value of $5,466,300.00. Following the sale, the chairman directly owned 815,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $148,623,595.12. This trade represents a 3.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Aron M. Odom sold 1,376 shares of D.R. Horton stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $183.00, for a total transaction of $251,808.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 6,457 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,181,631. This represents a 17.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 32,376 shares of company stock valued at $5,898,848. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently weighed in on DHI. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of D.R. Horton from $117.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup restated a market outperform rating on shares of D.R. Horton in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of D.R. Horton in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI set a $169.00 price objective on D.R. Horton and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of D.R. Horton from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $157.38.

View Our Latest Stock Report on DHI

D.R. Horton Stock Up 0.8%

Shares of D.R. Horton stock opened at $157.95 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $154.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $147.35. The stock has a market cap of $46.13 billion, a PE ratio of 13.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 6.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. D.R. Horton, Inc. has a 12 month low of $110.44 and a 12 month high of $184.54.

D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $3.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.29 by ($0.25). The company had revenue of $9.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.44 billion. D.R. Horton had a net margin of 10.47% and a return on equity of 14.39%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.92 EPS. D.R. Horton has set its FY 2026 guidance at EPS. Q1 2026 guidance at EPS. Research analysts predict that D.R. Horton, Inc. will post 13.04 EPS for the current year.

D.R. Horton Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 13th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. This is an increase from D.R. Hortons previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. D.R. Hortons dividend payout ratio is presently 15.53%.

About D.R. Horton

(Free Report)

D.R. Horton, Inc operates as a homebuilding company in East, North, Southeast, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest regions in the United States. It engages in the acquisition and development of land; and construction and sale of residential homes in 118 markets across 33 states under the names of D.R.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund decreased its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,009,269 shares of the companys stock after selling 50,051 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises 1.0% of New York State Common Retirement Funds investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned 0.11% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $786,755,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. West Family Investments Inc. lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 193.4% in the second quarter. West Family Investments Inc. now owns 4,395 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,426,000 after acquiring an additional 2,897 shares during the last quarter. Williamson Legacy Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Williamson Legacy Group LLC now owns 2,155 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,680,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Wealthquest Corp lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Wealthquest Corp now owns 5,258 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,099,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares during the last quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,913,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,491,598,000 after purchasing an additional 177,127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.4% in the second quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 329,014 shares of the companys stock worth $256,476,000 after purchasing an additional 7,629 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 2.7%

LLY opened at $1,074.94 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $889.37 and a 200-day moving average of $799.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.02 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 70.26, a P/E/G 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 has a 1-year low of $623.78 and a 1-year high of $1,111.99.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.35%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have weighed in on LLY shares. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Loop Capital set a $950.00 price objective on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Daiwa America downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, August 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $876.00 to $879.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, DZ Bank upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Three research 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 company. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,047.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY

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.

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With just days to go before the Christmas countdown officially starts, here are some of our favourite advent calendars for this year.

The Christmas countdown is on

Bimble + Bolt

For those who dont want to spend December embracing the eat everything and be cosy mantra, Bimble + Bolt have a calendar especially for runners, featuring accessories, energising snacks and hydration essentials. 42, https://bimbleandbolt.com/

Yawn

Whatever your grind, YAWN have you covered. Coffee lovers can choose between beans or ground to get their caffeine fix every day up to Christmas. 39.99, Yawnbrew.com

Hotel Chocolat

From the up to Snow Good kids advent calendar to dark, milk, white and vegan offerings, Hotel Chocolat have a calendar for everyone (yes, you too vegans). Priced between 8.95 and 80, www.hotelchocolat.com

Nutella

For the first time EVER, Nutella have released an advent calendar filled with spreads, on-the-go treats and four mystery Christmas surprises, all wrapped up with a Christmas-jumper themed box. RRP 34.90, Amazon

TWG Tea

The premium luxury tea brand have the Twelfth Night countdown, featuring a different festive-inspired blend behind each of the dozen doors. 99, thewellnesstea.co.uk

Fuzzy Duck

Embrace the festive beauty vibes with scents including Frosted Cranberry, Plum Pudding, Candy Apple, and Spiced Pear in this years 24 Days of Beauty calendar from The Fuzzy Duck. RRP 45, Next/Ocado/Amazon

FUNKO

Collectors will love Funkos advent calendars. The beloved collectable figures have been rounded up in miniature form, with themes ranging from Star Wars to Marvel to Nightmare Before Christmas to Disney Princess. 22.50-49.50, funko.co.uk

HAPPi

For environmentally-conscious chocoholics, HAPPis calendar is plastic-free and plant-based, with three flavours of chocolate  Salted Caramel, Plain Milk, and Orange behind each door. Its also low-sugar, vegan-friendly and gluten-free .15.50, https://happichoc.com/

Stych have two reusable calendars, which come with 24 pockets and 12 items to fill them including socks, hair accessories and sleep masks. One is recommended for girls aged 3-5 and the other for the 5-8 age range. 45, stychaccessories.com

Cox + Co

Dark chocolate lovers rejoice, the indulgent Cox + Co. Christmas Luxury Dark Chocolate Vegan Advent Calendar features unique hand-crafted art and contains 24 delicious bites of plain Single Origin 60% Colombian Cacao dark chocolate. 15, Amazon and www.coxandcocacao.com

Squishmallow

Adorable falls a long way short of describing the cute festive mini-squish characters crammed into the Original Squishmallows Squish-a-longs Holiday Countdown Calendar. They can be displayed either on the fold-out festive landscape included, or on the enclosed ring. RRP 24.99, The Entertainer, Amazon, Argos, Smyths

Real Techniques

A cosmetics calendar with a difference, the Real Techniques 25 Days Of Beauty countdown features a new beauty tool  including sponges, setting brushes and a liner stencil  every day, ideal for make-up beginners to build up their kit, or for seasoned beauty lovers who want to experiment. 25, www.superdrug.com.

Mad Beauty

Aww Stitch. After his outing to the cinema this year, the cute critter is back with the Disney Stitch Moon + Stars 24 Day Advent Calendar from Mad Beauty. Containing essentials such as bubble bath, lip balms, body wash, clay masks, nail files and scrunchie, its great value for young beauty lovers. 20, www.superdrug.com

Bonne Maman

Packaged within a winter wonderland scene, Bonne Mamans annual festive offering boasts 23 mini jars or conserves and spreads, including some developed especially for Christmas and not usually available in the UK (think Cherry with pink berries and Fig with cardamom) , and a special gift for Christmas Eve. 33, www.bonnemaman.co.uk/advent

Doughlicious

An advent calendar you need to keep in the freezer? Yes, but thats a good thing because you wont want it on display for people to try and sneak out a delicious Cookie Dough Gelato Ball from Doughlicious 12-day countdown. 13, Ocado

The Ilchester Cheese Co

Not just your typical cheddar, the CraftyHerd Cheese Advent Calendar fits neatly into the fridge door and is packed with 12 different flavours of cheese, from sweet and savoury to punchy and spicy, as well as a special truckle for Christmas day itself. 15, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Ocado.

Pierre Marcolini

Pierre Marcolini have taken in back to the 1930s for their holiday gifting this year, and their art deco advent calendar is no different. 24 delicious chocolates, from pralines to truffles, each one as luxurious as their packaging. 54, www.marcolini.co.uk.

Vistaprint

For a truly personal touch, Vistaprint offer custom Advent Calendars. Upload your own photo, add a festive message and even select your choice of chocolate for behind the doors  with Milka, Lindt, Mars Miniatures, Toblerone and more available. Prices vary, www.vistaprint.co.uk

Danilo

Affordable collectable pieces, Danilos musical advent calendars let you construct a festive scene, as well as pick up small gifts including stickers. Watch as the characters dance to the music, with themed calendars including Harry Potter, The Gruffalos Child, Peppa Pig, The Snowman and Star Wars. 24.49, https://danilo.com/

Lego

A mini-figure or a themed-piece to build every day, LEGO fans can choose from Harry Potter, Lego Friends, Star Wars and Frozen for their festive countdown. 13.99+up, www.lego.com/
Women named Alarica are often perceived as possessing natural leadership qualities combined with a strong sense of tradition and heritage. They typically exhibit confidence, determination, and strategic thinkingtraits that align with the name's meaning of 'all ruler.' Their personality often blends traditional values with modern independence, creating individuals who are both grounded and forward-thinking.



Alaricas tend to be protective of those they care about, showing loyalty and strength in relationships. They often possess a quiet authority that commands respect without being overbearing, and their decision-making reflects both wisdom and practicality. Many display a keen interest in history, culture, and preserving family traditions while simultaneously embracing contemporary opportunities for personal and professional growth. This balance between reverence for the past and engagement with the present makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both historical perspective and modern application.
Flowserve (NYSE:FLS  Get Free Report) was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Friday.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on FLS. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Flowserve in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Flowserve from $68.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Flowserve from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Flowserve from $65.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Flowserve from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $75.33.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Flowserve

Flowserve Trading Up 1.1%

NYSE:FLS traded up $0.79 on Friday, hitting $71.35. The stock had a trading volume of 448,474 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,061,455. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $60.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $55.04. Flowserve has a 1-year low of $37.34 and a 1-year high of $72.08. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a market cap of $9.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.74, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.32.

Flowserve (NYSE:FLS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. Flowserve had a net margin of 9.66% and a return on equity of 19.41%. The business had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.21 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.62 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Flowserve has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.400-3.500 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Flowserve will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Lamar L. Duhon sold 1,609 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.51, for a total transaction of $111,841.59. Following the sale, the insider owned 15,116 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,050,713.16. This represents a 9.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Susan Claire Hudson sold 10,667 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.01, for a total value of $746,796.67. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 6,589 shares in the company, valued at approximately $461,295.89. The trade was a 61.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 59,276 shares of company stock worth $4,196,578 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Flowserve

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of FLS. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in shares of Flowserve by 30.1% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 4,299 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $228,000 after buying an additional 995 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Flowserve in the third quarter valued at approximately $368,000. Ariadne Wealth Management LP purchased a new position in Flowserve in the third quarter worth approximately $171,000. Caerus Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Flowserve during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $203,000. Finally, Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in Flowserve during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,189,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.93% of the companys stock.

About Flowserve

(Get Free Report)

Flowserve Corporation designs, manufactures, distributes, and services industrial flow management equipment in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Flowserve Pump Division (FPD) and Flow Control Division (FCD) segments. The FPD segment offers custom and pre-configured pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts, upgrades, and related aftermarket services; and equipment services, including installation and commissioning services, seal systems spare parts, repairs, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and upgrade solutions, retrofit programs, and machining and asset management solutions, as well as manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal for use in high-speed compressors for gas pipelines and in the oil and gas production and process markets.

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Fortitude Gold Co. (OTCMKTS:FTCO  Get Free Report) shares were down 0.7% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $4.05 and last traded at $4.0819. Approximately 55,621 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average daily volume of 69,786 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.11.

Fortitude Gold Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of $4.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $3.82.

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Fortitude Gold Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a oct 25 dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 20th were given a dividend of $0.01 per share.

About Fortitude Gold

Fortitude Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, focuses on exploring gold and silver projects in the United States. It holds 100% of its flagship project, Isabella Pearl Mine, which is an open pit-style consisting of 601 unpatented claims that covers approximately 10,434 acres located in Mineral County, Nevada.

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Groupama Asset Managment acquired a new stake in shares of Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ORLA  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 559,616 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,607,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise acquired a new stake in Orla Mining in the first quarter valued at about $86,000. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its stake in shares of Orla Mining by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 29,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $271,000 after buying an additional 3,575 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in Orla Mining by 8.9% in the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 472,192 shares of the companys stock worth $4,386,000 after purchasing an additional 38,466 shares in the last quarter. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Orla Mining in the 1st quarter worth about $1,370,000. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its stake in Orla Mining by 119.8% in the first quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 3,843,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,898,000 after acquiring an additional 2,094,800 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 43.04% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. CIBC restated an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Orla Mining in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $27.00.

Orla Mining Stock Up 4.6%

ORLA stock opened at $14.10 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $11.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.86. The company has a market capitalization of $4.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 108.47 and a beta of 0.33. Orla Mining Ltd. has a 52 week low of $4.70 and a 52 week high of $14.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66.

Orla Mining Profile

(Free Report)

Orla Mining Ltd. acquires, explores, develops, and exploits mineral properties. The company explores for gold, silver, zinc, lead, and copper deposits. It owns 100% interests in the Camino Rojo project that consists of seven concessions covering an area of 138,636 hectares located in Zacatecas, Mexico; Cerro Quema project totaling an area of 15,000 hectares located in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama; and the South Railroad project consisting of an area of 21,000 hectares located in Elko, Nevada.

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Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc (OTCMKTS:HTKKY  Get Free Report) shares fell 2.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $53.89 and last traded at $53.89. 100 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 0% from the average session volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.10.

Hitachi Kokusai Electric Trading Down 2.2%

The company has a 50-day moving average price of $53.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $53.89.

Hitachi Kokusai Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc provides video and wireless network, and eco-and thin film processing solutions in Japan, the United States, Taiwan, Korea, other Asian countries, Europe, and internationally. The company offers wireless communications and information systems, such as infrastructure for mobile telecommunications, disaster-preventive administration radio systems, radio systems for transportation, land mobile radio communication products, and wireless broadband systems.

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Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $28.8571.

HRL has been the topic of several recent research reports. Zacks Research lowered shares of Hormel Foods from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Hormel Foods from $26.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $27.00 price objective on Hormel Foods and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Hormel Foods in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Hormel Foods from $30.00 to $27.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 21st.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Stock Performance

HRL opened at $23.29 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $23.28 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.95. The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market cap of $12.81 billion, a PE ratio of 17.00, a P/E/G ratio of 4.95 and a beta of 0.29. Hormel Foods has a 1 year low of $21.03 and a 1 year high of $33.80.

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 28th. The company reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.41 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.98 billion. Hormel Foods had a return on equity of 10.06% and a net margin of 6.26%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.37 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Hormel Foods will post 1.65 EPS for the current year.

Hormel Foods Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.2925 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 12th. This is a boost from Hormel Foodss previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. This represents a $1.17 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. Hormel Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 85.40%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hormel Foods

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new stake in shares of Hormel Foods during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Cromwell Holdings LLC grew its stake in Hormel Foods by 162.7% during the second quarter. Cromwell Holdings LLC now owns 1,001 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 620 shares during the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of Hormel Foods during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new position in shares of Hormel Foods in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Hormel Foods in the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Institutional investors own 40.99% of the companys stock.

Hormel Foods Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hormel Foods Corporation develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and other food products to retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Foodservice, and International segments. The company provides various perishable products that include fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, guacamoles, and bacons; and shelf-stable products comprising canned luncheon meats, nut butters, snack nuts, chili, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, nutritional food supplements, and others.

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Inceptionr LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund acquired 23,784 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $486,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Shell Asset Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 42.4% during the 2nd quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 116,797 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,388,000 after buying an additional 34,801 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio purchased a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the first quarter valued at about $15,663,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the second quarter worth about $2,522,000. Swiss National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 7.2% in the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 3,976,300 shares of the technology companys stock worth $81,315,000 after acquiring an additional 266,600 shares during the period. Finally, MUFG Securities EMEA plc grew its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 80.3% during the second quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc now owns 1,122,999 shares of the technology companys stock worth $22,965,000 after purchasing an additional 499,999 shares in the last quarter. 80.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

HPE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays boosted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $25.00 target price (down previously from $28.00) on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Monday, November 17th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Hewlett Packard Enterprise presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.24.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Maeve C. Culloty sold 3,738 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.12, for a total transaction of $93,898.56. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Gary M. Reiner sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.58, for a total transaction of $983,200.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 83,869 shares in the company, valued at $2,061,500.02. The trade was a 32.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 293,738 shares of company stock valued at $7,252,098 over the last three months. 0.36% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Performance

Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock opened at $21.88 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company has a twelve month low of $11.97 and a twelve month high of $26.44. The companys 50-day moving average price is $23.49 and its 200-day moving average price is $21.46. The company has a market cap of $28.86 billion, a PE ratio of 26.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.43.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 3rd. The technology company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.44 by ($0.09). Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 9.01% and a net margin of 3.77%.The company had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.50 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 19.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.880-1.920 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.560-0.600 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will post 1.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 17th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 18th were given a $0.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 18th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 63.41%.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Profile

(Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

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iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:ISCF  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 1.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $40.81 and last traded at $40.75. Approximately 44,857 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 28% from the average daily volume of 62,166 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.32.

iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF Stock Up 1.2%

The stock has a market cap of $536.12 million, a P/E ratio of 13.31 and a beta of 0.84. The firms 50-day moving average is $40.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.59.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Arkadios Wealth Advisors bought a new stake in iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF in the first quarter worth $302,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 2,083.4% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,026 shares of the companys stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 10,521 shares during the last quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $883,000. Financial Freedom LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Freedom LLC now owns 30,477 shares of the companys stock worth $1,182,000 after acquiring an additional 3,425 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF by 597.8% during the 2nd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 30,787 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,194,000 after acquiring an additional 26,375 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares International Small Cap Equity Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks an index of international small-cap firms in developed markets outside the US. Stocks are selected and weighted to increase exposure to four investment factors (quality, value, momentum, and low volatility).

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Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC lessened its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 59,316 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 1,118 shares during the period. EOG Resources accounts for approximately 1.5% of Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $7,095,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of EOG. Kiker Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter worth about $627,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 61,742 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $7,386,000 after purchasing an additional 5,156 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its holdings in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 45,295 shares in the last quarter. Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of 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 buying an additional 6,588 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in EOG Resources during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,796,000. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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EOG Resources Trading Up 1.3%

EOG opened at $107.58 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.45, a P/E/G ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50 day moving average is $108.74 and its 200-day moving average is $115.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.61, a current ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52-week low of $102.52 and a 52-week high of $138.18.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.42 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $5.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 20.51% and a net margin of 25.25%.EOG Resourcess revenue for the quarter was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.89 earnings per share. Analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. 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 dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.64%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on EOG shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $136.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $133.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Barclays set a $136.00 price target on shares of EOG Resources and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Siebert Williams Shank cut their price objective on EOG Resources from $155.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $140.33.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG

About EOG Resources

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

Further Reading

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Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC lowered its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 22.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,160 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 898 shares during the quarter. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $716,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth about $33,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 174.1% during the second quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 159 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. 1248 Management LLC bought a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC bought a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, VSM Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $50,000. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $360.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $371.67.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $292.00 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $290.31 and its 200-day moving average is $249.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a current ratio of 2.37. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 52 week low of $134.25 and a 52 week high of $311.37. The company has a market capitalization of $1.51 trillion, a PE ratio of 29.95, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 36.06%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.9678 dividend. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 26.97%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC  Free Report) by 212.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,285,194 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,554,114 shares during the quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned about 0.46% of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth $499,635,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 1.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 46,158,562 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $10,092,108,000 after acquiring an additional 837,117 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 54.2% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,814,788 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,127,193,000 after purchasing an additional 4,505,548 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 1.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,684,210 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,762,513,000 after purchasing an additional 196,475 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter worth about $1,328,587,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 8.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,345,211 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,060,362,000 after buying an additional 340,907 shares during the period. 87.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Marsh & McLennan Companies Stock Up 0.4%

NYSE:MMC opened at $183.51 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $189.42 and a 200 day simple moving average of $204.88. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $174.18 and a one year high of $248.00. The company has a market capitalization of $89.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.12.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Announces Dividend

Marsh & McLennan Companies ( NYSE:MMC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.85 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.07. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a return on equity of 31.79% and a net margin of 15.60%.The company had revenue of $6.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.34 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.63 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 9.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 2nd were given a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 2nd. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.17%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently commented on MMC shares. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $243.00 to $237.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $222.00 to $212.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a sell rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $200.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Monday, October 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $248.00 to $242.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $224.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Marsh & McLennan Companies

Insider Buying and Selling at Marsh & McLennan Companies

In related news, CEO John Q. Doyle sold 21,079 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.65, for a total transaction of $4,334,896.35. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 87,681 shares in the company, valued at $18,031,597.65. This represents a 19.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Company Profile

(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.

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The symbolic power of Aleris lies in its representation of feminine wisdom and eternal curiosity. Like the ancient Greek muses who inspired art and knowledge, Aleris symbolizes the creative spark that drives human achievement and understanding. The name evokes the image of the eternal student and teachersomeone who both seeks knowledge and shares it generously. Symbolically, it connects to elements of air and water, representing both intellectual clarity and emotional depth. In metaphorical terms, Aleris suggests a lighthouseguiding, illuminating, and standing firm against life's storms while offering direction to others. The name carries connotations of preservation and innovation, symbolizing the important work of honoring tradition while pushing boundaries forward. It represents the idea that true strength comes from balancebetween reason and intuition, independence and connection, past and future. For those who bear the name or choose it for their children, Aleris serves as a reminder of the enduring human quest for beauty, truth, and meaningful connection in an ever-changing world.
Mackenzie Financial Corp lowered its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,478,169 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 6,288 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned approximately 0.08% of Abbott Laboratories worth $201,046,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Avanza Fonder AB lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Avanza Fonder AB now owns 168,401 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $22,904,000 after buying an additional 655 shares in the last quarter. Atria Investments Inc increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 8.3% in the second quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 184,269 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $25,062,000 after purchasing an additional 14,185 shares in the last quarter. Madrona Financial Services LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter. Madrona Financial Services LLC now owns 1,726 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $235,000 after purchasing an additional 152 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 12.4% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 669,868 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $91,109,000 after buying an additional 73,780 shares during the period. Finally, Financial Management Professionals Inc. increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 715.7% in the 2nd quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 6,142 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $835,000 after buying an additional 5,389 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $128.90 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The company has a market capitalization of $224.14 billion, a PE ratio of 16.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $110.86 and a 12-month high of $141.23. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $129.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $131.05.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. The company had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.78% and a net margin of 31.88%.The firms revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.21 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th were given a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 29.57%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on ABT. William Blair upgraded Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $153.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Daiwa Capital Markets lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $134.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.00.

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Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Masco (NYSE:MAS  Get Free Report) and Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and risk.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings for Masco and Armstrong World Industries, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Masco 0 13 6 1 2.40 Armstrong World Industries 0 4 5 1 2.70

Masco presently has a consensus price target of $73.53, indicating a potential upside of 13.35%. Armstrong World Industries has a consensus price target of $207.50, indicating a potential upside of 9.36%. Given Mascos higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Masco is more favorable than Armstrong World Industries.

Dividends

Volatility and Risk

Masco pays an annual dividend of $1.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Armstrong World Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.35 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Masco pays out 31.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Armstrong World Industries pays out 19.3% 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. Masco has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and Armstrong World Industries has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Masco is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Masco has a beta of 1.17, suggesting that its share price is 17% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Armstrong World Industries has a beta of 1.41, suggesting that its share price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

93.9% of Masco shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.9% of Armstrong World Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Masco shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.0% of Armstrong World Industries shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Masco and Armstrong World Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Masco 10.89% 1,317.38% 16.47% Armstrong World Industries 19.08% 38.97% 17.14%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Masco and Armstrong World Industriess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Masco $7.60 billion 1.77 $822.00 million $3.90 16.63 Armstrong World Industries $1.60 billion 5.11 $264.90 million $6.99 27.14

Masco has higher revenue and earnings than Armstrong World Industries. Masco is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Armstrong World Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Armstrong World Industries beats Masco on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Masco

(Get Free Report)

Masco Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes home improvement and building products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company's Plumbing Products segment offers faucets, showerheads, handheld showers, valves, bath hardware and accessories, bathing units, shower bases and enclosures, sinks, toilets, acrylic tubs, shower trays, spas, exercise pools, and fitness systems; brass, copper, and composite plumbing system components; connected water products; thermoplastic solutions, extruded plastic profiles, specialized fabrications, and PEX tubing products; and other non-decorative plumbing products. This segment provides its products under the DELTA, BRIZO, PEERLESS, HANSGROHE, AXOR, KRAUS, EASY DRAIN, STEAMIST, ELITESTEAM, GINGER, NEWPORT BRASS, BRASSTECH, WALTEC, BRISTAN, HERITAGE, MIROLIN, HOT SPRING, CALDERA, FREEFLOW SPAS, FANTASY SPAS, ENDLESS POOLS, BRASSCRAFT, PLUMB SHOP, COBRA, COBRA PRO, and MASTER PLUMBER brands. Its Decorative Architectural Products segment offers paints, primers, specialty coatings, stains, and waterproofing products, as well as paint applicators and accessories; cabinet and door hardware, functional hardware, wall plates, hook and rail products, closet organization systems, and picture hanging accessories; decorative bath hardware, mirrors, and shower accessories and doors; and decorative indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, landscape lighting, and LED lighting systems. This segment provides its products under the BEHR, KILZ, WHIZZ, Elder & Jenks, LIBERTY, BRAINERD, FRANKLIN BRASS, KICHLER, and ELAN brands. It sells its products to the plumbing, heating, and hardware wholesalers; home centers and online retailers; hardware stores; electrical and landscape distributors; lighting showrooms; building supply outlets; and other mass merchandisers. Masco Corporation was incorporated in 1929 and is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan.

About Armstrong World Industries

(Get Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. It serves commercial and residential construction markets, as well as renovation of existing buildings sectors. The company sells its products to resale distributors, ceiling system contractors, wholesalers, and retailers comprising large home centers. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 926 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $210,000.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. 1248 Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter worth about $28,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 174.1% during the 2nd quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 159 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares during the period. Finally, Keener Financial Planning LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter worth $39,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on TSM shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays raised their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Itau BBA Securities started coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $371.67.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of NYSE TSM opened at $292.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 2.37 and a quick ratio of 2.15. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a one year low of $134.25 and a one year high of $311.37. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $290.31 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $249.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.51 trillion, a P/E ratio of 29.95, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 36.06%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.94 earnings per share. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.9678 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is presently 26.97%.

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

Further Reading

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Shares of Nevsun Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NSU  Get Free Report) were down 0.2% on Friday . The company traded as low as $4.44 and last traded at $4.44. Approximately 25,500 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 87,058 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.45.

Nevsun Resources Trading Down 0.2%

The business has a 50-day moving average of $4.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $4.44.

About Nevsun Resources

(Get Free Report)

Nevsun Resources Ltd. engages in the mining and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America. It explores for gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. The company's principal assets include Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia; and Bisha copper- zinc mine in Eritrea.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,681,299 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 192,279 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned 0.15% of Pfizer worth $210,435,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PFE. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. bought a new position in Pfizer in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Curio Wealth LLC boosted 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 worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,098 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, September 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Bank of America lifted their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Pfizer from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.39.

Pfizer Price Performance

Pfizer stock opened at $25.76 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $25.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $24.57. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $27.69. The company has a market capitalization of $146.46 billion, a PE ratio of 13.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%.The company had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 7th. Pfizers payout ratio is 100.00%.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund reduced its position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,479,977 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 26,131 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned 0.13% of TJX Companies worth $182,762,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new position in TJX Companies during the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. True Wealth Design LLC increased its holdings in TJX Companies by 121.1% during the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 272 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 149 shares during the period. Activest Wealth Management raised its stake in TJX Companies by 4,485.7% in the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 321 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maseco LLP purchased a new stake in TJX Companies during the second quarter worth $43,000. 91.09% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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TJX Companies Price Performance

Shares of TJX stock opened at $152.45 on Friday. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $112.10 and a fifty-two week high of $154.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 1.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $169.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.73, a PEG ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.90. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $144.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $134.90.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.80 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.59% and a return on equity of 58.63%. TJX Companiess revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.425 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess payout ratio is 37.53%.

Insider Buying and Selling at TJX Companies

In related news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total value of $75,700.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 22,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,362,896.80. This represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.81, for a total value of $4,464,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 535,143 shares of the companys stock, valued at $79,634,629.83. This trade represents a 5.31% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 54,863 shares of company stock worth $8,226,366. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on TJX. Wall Street Zen raised TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Macquarie reissued a buy rating on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $162.00 price target (up from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a $168.00 price objective (up previously from $155.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, TJX Companies has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $158.90.

View Our Latest Analysis on TJX

TJX Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 24,259,683 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $719,395,000. Norges Bank owned 1.22% of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,223 shares of the banks stock worth $358,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 4.7% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 10,033 shares of the banks stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC grew its stake in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 21,914 shares of the banks stock valued at $522,000 after purchasing an additional 477 shares in the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 13,125 shares of the banks stock valued at $384,000 after buying an additional 489 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 1.2% in the second quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 42,469 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,244,000 after acquiring an additional 509 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.90% of the companys stock.

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Stock Up 0.3%

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft stock opened at $35.57 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $35.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.96. The stock has a market cap of $70.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.13, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.02. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a 52 week low of $16.60 and a 52 week high of $38.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft ( NYSE:DB Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.16. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a net margin of 7.99% and a return on equity of 6.13%. The company had revenue of $9.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.75 billion. On average, analysts expect that Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft will post 2.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on DB shares. Barclays raised shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Zacks Research lowered Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research report on Monday. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Profile

(Free Report)

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific.

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Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 16,802,529 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,040,160,000. Norges Bank owned approximately 1.02% of Brookfield as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BN. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. boosted its position in Brookfield by 17.5% during the first quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. now owns 41,004,657 shares of the companys stock worth $2,149,054,000 after purchasing an additional 6,111,593 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Brookfield by 83.3% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,699,178 shares of the companys stock valued at $403,514,000 after purchasing an additional 3,500,003 shares during the period. Regents of The University of California lifted its stake in shares of Brookfield by 123.1% in the first quarter. Regents of The University of California now owns 5,986,137 shares of the companys stock worth $313,733,000 after buying an additional 3,303,102 shares during the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield during the 2nd quarter worth $140,555,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield by 19.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,882,122 shares of the companys stock worth $679,852,000 after buying an additional 1,770,378 shares during the period. 61.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Brookfield Stock Up 1.6%

Shares of BN opened at $47.35 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.29. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $45.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $43.37. Brookfield Corporation has a 52 week low of $29.07 and a 52 week high of $49.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 165.16 and a beta of 1.73.

Brookfield Announces Dividend

Brookfield ( NYSE:BN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. Brookfield had a return on equity of 3.77% and a net margin of 1.11%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Brookfield Corporation will post 3.85 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 Tuesday, December 16th will be given a dividend of $0.06 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 16th. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Brookfields payout ratio is currently 66.67%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently commented on BN shares. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Brookfield from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Brookfield from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Brookfield from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Brookfield in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. They set a buy rating and a $52.00 target price for the company. Finally, TD Securities raised their target price on Brookfield from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $53.47.

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Brookfield Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients.

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Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. bought a new position in Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 9,500 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $370,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Ally Financial during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Ally Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in Ally Financial by 385.2% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 752 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 597 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in Ally Financial by 662.0% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 823 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 715 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Ally Financial by 116.8% during the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 837 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 451 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.76% of the companys stock.

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Ally Financial Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ALLY opened at $41.30 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.72 billion, a PE ratio of 24.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 1.21. The firms 50 day moving average price is $39.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $38.99. Ally Financial Inc. has a twelve month low of $29.52 and a twelve month high of $44.83.

Ally Financial Dividend Announcement

Ally Financial ( NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 28th. The financial services provider reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter. Ally Financial had a net margin of 8.10% and a return on equity of 9.96%. The business had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts expect that Ally Financial Inc. will post 3.57 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 31st were paid a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 31st. Ally Financials dividend payout ratio is 72.29%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Ally Financial from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Ally Financial from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Ally Financial in a research note on Tuesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price target on shares of Ally Financial from $56.00 to $51.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Ally Financial from $42.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Ally Financial currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $45.67.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ALLY

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Kathleen L. Patterson sold 29,000 shares of Ally Financial stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.86, for a total transaction of $1,184,940.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 100,203 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,094,294.58. The trade was a 22.45% 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 0.67% of the companys stock.

About Ally Financial

(Free Report)

Ally Financial Inc, a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. The company operates through Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations segments.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp reduced its holdings in Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR  Free Report) by 9.2% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 7,129,452 shares of the companys stock after selling 726,157 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corps holdings in Nutrien were worth $415,680,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Nutrien by 22.2% during the 2nd quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 231,849 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,484,000 after acquiring an additional 42,142 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Nutrien in the 2nd quarter valued at $395,842,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new position in Nutrien in the 2nd quarter worth about $349,000. Level Four Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in Nutrien by 12.4% during the second quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,000 after buying an additional 655 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new position in shares of Nutrien in the second quarter worth about $247,000. 63.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Nutrien Trading Up 1.6%

Shares of Nutrien stock opened at $58.33 on Friday. Nutrien Ltd. has a 12-month low of $43.69 and a 12-month high of $65.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $58.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

Nutrien Announces Dividend

Nutrien ( NYSE:NTR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.59 billion. Nutrien had a net margin of 5.25% and a return on equity of 6.51%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Nutrien Ltd. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.545 per share. This represents a $2.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Nutriens dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 58.76%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on NTR shares. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Nutrien in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $67.00 target price on shares of Nutrien in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. TD Securities increased their price objective on Nutrien from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Nutrien in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Nutrien from $61.00 to $60.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.94.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NTR

Nutrien Company Profile

(Free Report)

Nutrien Ltd. provides crop inputs and services. The company operates through four segments: Retail, Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate. The Retail segment distributes crop nutrients, crop protection products, seeds, and merchandise products. The Potash segment provides granular and standard potash products.

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Individuals named Amd are typically characterized by their strong leadership qualities and keen observational skills, much like the eagle that symbolizes their name. They often possess a natural authority and commanding presence that draws others to follow their lead. These individuals tend to be strategic thinkers with excellent vision for long-term planning and the ability to see opportunities that others might miss. Their personality often combines patience with decisive action, waiting for the right moment to strike while maintaining focus on their objectives.



Amd's are known for their independence and self-reliance, preferring to trust their own judgment while remaining open to valuable counsel. They exhibit loyalty to those they respect and protect those under their care with fierce determination. While they can appear reserved or distant at times, this often stems from their contemplative nature and tendency to observe situations thoroughly before engaging. Their communication style tends to be direct and purposeful, valuing honesty and clarity in their interactions with others.
Oracle Power plc (LON:ORCP  Get Free Report)s share price was up 5.3% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.05 and last traded at GBX 0.04. Approximately 292,560,500 shares traded hands during mid-day 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 Performance

The stock has a market cap of 6.29 million, a PE ratio of -20.00 and a beta of 1.44. The firms 50-day moving average is GBX 0.04 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 0.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.98, a quick ratio of 5.67 and a current ratio of 3.74.

Oracle Power Company Profile

(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.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Shake Shack, Inc. (NYSE:SHAK  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 34,619 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,866,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd owned 0.08% of Shake Shack at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SHAK. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its position in shares of Shake Shack by 159.7% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 748 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after buying an additional 460 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lifted its position in Shake Shack by 20.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 11,152 shares of the companys stock worth $1,568,000 after acquiring an additional 1,855 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its position in Shake Shack by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 9,948 shares of the companys stock worth $1,399,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC purchased a new position in Shake Shack in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $223,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in Shake Shack by 191.7% in the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 20,415 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,870,000 after acquiring an additional 13,417 shares in the last quarter. 86.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Shake Shack Price Performance

SHAK opened at $87.66 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 85.94, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.69. The company has a 50-day moving average of $91.83 and a 200-day moving average of $110.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a current ratio of 1.84. Shake Shack, Inc. has a 1-year low of $72.93 and a 1-year high of $144.65.

Insider Buying and Selling at Shake Shack

Shake Shack ( NYSE:SHAK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $367.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $363.69 million. Shake Shack had a return on equity of 10.43% and a net margin of 3.10%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.25 earnings per share. Shake Shack has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities analysts expect that Shake Shack, Inc. will post 1.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, insider Stephanie Ann Sentell sold 1,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.14, for a total transaction of $93,654.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 9,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $843,481.98. This represents a 9.99% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 8.50% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $115.00 target price on shares of Shake Shack in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Shake Shack from $125.00 to $100.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of Shake Shack from $126.00 to $102.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Shake Shack in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and issued a $86.00 price target (down previously from $148.00) on shares of Shake Shack in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $120.52.

View Our Latest Research Report on SHAK

Shake Shack Profile

(Free Report)

Shake Shack Inc owns, operates, and licenses Shake Shack restaurants (Shacks) in the United States and internationally. Its Shacks offers hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer, wine, and other products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) CFO Randy Hyzak sold 57,545 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total transaction of $3,823,865.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 53,499 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,555,008.55. This trade represents a 51.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

NYSE:LVS traded down $0.09 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $68.16. The stock had a trading volume of 1,390,036 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,597,402. The stock has a market cap of $46.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $51.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.42, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 0.89. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 12-month low of $30.18 and a 12-month high of $68.63.

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Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The casino operator reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.16. Las Vegas Sands had a return on equity of 73.14% and a net margin of 12.69%.The company had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.04 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.44 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 24.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 2.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Dividend Announcement

Institutional Trading of Las Vegas Sands

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 4th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 4th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Las Vegas Sandss payout ratio is 45.25%.

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of LVS. Total Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the second quarter valued at $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 48.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 512 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 549.5% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 630 shares of the casino operators stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 533 shares during the period. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its holdings in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 37.5% during the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 876 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. 39.16% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on LVS. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Mizuho increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $56.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Macquarie lifted their price target on Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $57.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Susquehanna raised their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Las Vegas Sands currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $64.60.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Las Vegas Sands

Las Vegas Sands Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the Peoples Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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Rhumbline Advisers trimmed its holdings in shares of Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report) by 11.3% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 160,508 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 20,428 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Southern Copper were worth $16,239,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. American Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Southern Copper by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Financial Advisors LLC now owns 10,422 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,054,000 after acquiring an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC increased its stake in Southern Copper by 1.7% in the second quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 6,577 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $646,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. PDS Planning Inc raised its holdings in Southern Copper by 3.7% during the second quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 3,330 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $337,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Southern Copper by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,504 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $253,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IFM Investors Pty Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 12,725 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,287,000 after buying an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 7.94% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Southern Copper from $121.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. HSBC reiterated a hold rating and set a $118.00 target price (up previously from $105.00) on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Zacks Research raised Southern Copper from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Citigroup restated a sell rating and set a $108.00 price target (up previously from $89.10) on shares of Southern Copper in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Southern Copper in a research note on Friday, September 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $117.94.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.35, for a total value of $27,870.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 1,713 shares in the company, valued at approximately $238,706.55. This trade represents a 10.45% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 962 shares of company stock worth $118,232. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Southern Copper Stock Performance

NYSE SCCO opened at $134.35 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $109.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.08. Southern Copper Corporation has a 52-week low of $74.84 and a 52-week high of $144.81. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $129.47 and its 200 day moving average price is $108.70. The company has a quick ratio of 4.51, a current ratio of 5.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.09. Southern Copper had a return on equity of 39.62% and a net margin of 30.98%.The company had revenue of $3.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.05 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Southern Copper Corporation will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year.

Southern Copper Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. Southern Coppers payout ratio is currently 75.47%.

About Southern Copper

(Free Report)

Southern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead.

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Russell Investments Group Ltd. lowered its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 4.3% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 333,489 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 15,004 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd.s holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $39,495,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in AEM. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the first quarter worth $26,000. City State Bank grew its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 69.2% during the second quarter. City State Bank now owns 269 shares of the mining companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Dagco Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the first quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Financial Network Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 412.5% in the 1st quarter. Financial Network Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 369 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 297 shares during the last quarter. 68.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $160.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Zacks Research downgraded Agnico Eagle Mines from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Bank of America boosted their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $209.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Citigroup upped their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $140.00 to $198.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $154.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $184.50.

Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of AEM opened at $173.89 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $166.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $141.30. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 12 month low of $76.91 and a 12 month high of $187.50. The company has a market capitalization of $87.23 billion, a PE ratio of 25.39, a PEG ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $3.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 15.97% and a net margin of 32.62%.During the same period last year, the company earned $1.14 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 EPS for the current year.

Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile

(Free Report)

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.

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Shares of Sandvik AB (OTCMKTS:SDVKY  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the eight analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company.

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on SDVKY shares. Zacks Research downgraded Sandvik from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Rothschild Redb upgraded Sandvik from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Pareto Securities lowered shares of Sandvik from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Tuesday, October 7th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sandvik

Sandvik Stock Performance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Salomon & Ludwin LLC boosted its position in Sandvik by 3,795.5% during the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 857 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Sandvik by 24.8% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,406 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $208,000 after acquiring an additional 1,473 shares during the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Sandvik by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 22,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $502,000 after acquiring an additional 3,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in Sandvik by 13.9% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 37,269 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $788,000 after acquiring an additional 4,562 shares during the last quarter. 0.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Shares of Sandvik stock opened at $30.24 on Monday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $29.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.85. Sandvik has a 12 month low of $16.94 and a 12 month high of $31.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.85, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.62 and a quick ratio of 0.86.

Sandvik (OTCMKTS:SDVKY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The industrial products company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.32 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $3.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $29.69 billion. Sandvik had a net margin of 12.24% and a return on equity of 16.56%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Sandvik will post 1.27 earnings per share for the current year.

Sandvik Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sandvik AB (publ), an engineering company, provides products and solutions for mining and rock excavation, metal cutting, and materials technology worldwide. The company offers mining and rock excavation equipment, including drill rigs and bolters, underground loaders and trucks, mechanical cutting equipment, rock tools and rock drills, and mining automation; rock processing equipment, such as crushers, screens, hydraulic breakers, demolition tools, and breaker booms.

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Scotia Capital Inc. grew its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 2.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 788,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 18,981 shares during the period. Scotia Capital Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $19,113,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Pfizer by 18.4% during the second quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. now owns 135,932 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,450,000 after purchasing an additional 21,114 shares during the period. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 22.5% in the second quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC now owns 81,688 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,980,000 after buying an additional 15,000 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 40.5% during the 2nd quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 121,497 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,945,000 after buying an additional 35,003 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORP grew its stake in Pfizer by 20.6% in the 2nd quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 4,487,561 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $108,778,000 after buying an additional 767,323 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in Pfizer by 10.1% in the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. now owns 124,200 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,011,000 after acquiring an additional 11,345 shares during the period. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on PFE. Wall Street Zen downgraded Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, September 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $30.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a report on Friday, October 31st. Citigroup lifted their price target on Pfizer from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $26.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.39.

Pfizer Price Performance

Shares of PFE stock opened at $25.76 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $27.69. The company has a market capitalization of $146.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $25.01 and a two-hundred day moving average of $24.57. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.00%.

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.

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Scotia Capital Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA  Free Report) by 217.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 175,396 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 120,199 shares during the period. Scotia Capital Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $15,678,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,395,067 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $214,095,000 after purchasing an additional 51,641 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter worth about $209,353,000. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $243,000. GM Advisory Group LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 17.6% in the second quarter. GM Advisory Group LLC now owns 9,401 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $840,000 after buying an additional 1,404 shares during the period. Finally, Garner Asset Management Corp raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 9.3% in the second quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 5,205 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $465,000 after buying an additional 444 shares during the period. 79.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSEARCA EFA opened at $95.19 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12 month low of $72.14 and a 12 month high of $96.69. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $94.14 and a 200-day moving average of $91.31. The company has a market capitalization of $68.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84.

About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance.

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Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its holdings in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 13.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 67,851 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 8,085 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $16,776,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% in the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 103.3% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 124 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ITW. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Robert W. Baird set a $265.00 price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $261.00 to $253.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $258.00 target price on Illinois Tool Works in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $263.77.

Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works

In other news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total value of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 39,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,625,817.25. This represents a 3.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 6,802 shares of Illinois Tool Works stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $265.08, for a total transaction of $1,803,074.16. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 10,314 shares in the company, valued at $2,734,035.12. The trade was a 39.74% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 0.1%

NYSE ITW opened at $249.23 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $249.76 and a 200-day moving average of $253.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12 month low of $214.66 and a 12 month high of $278.98. The company has a market cap of $72.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.17, a P/E/G ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.11.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.72 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.05% and a return on equity of 93.26%. The company had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.91 earnings per share. Illinois Tool Workss revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current year.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $1.61 dividend. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.46%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

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Stablepoint Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) by 3.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 73,419 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 2,109 shares during the period. Stablepoint Partners LLCs holdings in Edison International were worth $3,788,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Edison International by 4.9% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 51,470,117 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,655,858,000 after purchasing an additional 2,386,562 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Edison International by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,136,256 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $638,576,000 after buying an additional 407,039 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Edison International by 19.8% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 5,770,535 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $340,000,000 after acquiring an additional 953,897 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Edison International by 111.6% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,663,427 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $333,689,000 after acquiring an additional 2,987,318 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in Edison International by 11.2% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,593,002 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $288,599,000 after acquiring an additional 562,991 shares in the last quarter. 88.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Edison International Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE EIX opened at $59.08 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $56.47 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.66. The stock has a market cap of $22.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.72, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. Edison International has a 12 month low of $47.73 and a 12 month high of $88.61.

Edison International Announces Dividend

Edison International ( NYSE:EIX Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. The firms revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.51 earnings per share. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Edison International will post 4.95 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 7th were issued a $0.8275 dividend. This represents a $3.31 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 7th. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 43.27%.

Insider Activity at Edison International

In related news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total transaction of $99,486.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,946,167.24. This trade represents a 4.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently commented on EIX. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH increased their price objective on Edison International from $52.50 to $55.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Edison International from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Edison International from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Edison International in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $71.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Edison International presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $64.10.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Edison International

About Edison International

(Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors.

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Women named Angelia are typically characterized by their compassionate nature and strong intuitive abilities, often displaying remarkable empathy toward others' emotional states. They tend to be natural caregivers who derive satisfaction from helping and supporting those around them, frequently excelling in professions that require interpersonal sensitivity and emotional intelligence. Their name's association with heavenly messengers often translates into a personality that seeks to bring harmony and resolution to conflicts, making them excellent mediators and trusted advisors. Many Angelias possess a quiet strength that emerges during challenging situations, combined with a optimistic outlook that helps them navigate life's difficulties with grace.



Creativity and artistic expression often feature prominently in Angelia's personality profile, with many demonstrating talents in music, writing, or visual arts. They typically have a refined aesthetic sense and appreciate beauty in various forms, from nature to human relationships. While generally gentle and accommodating, Angelias can be surprisingly determined when pursuing goals they believe in, particularly those involving social justice or helping vulnerable populations. Their spiritual or philosophical interests often provide a foundation for their worldview, though they usually express these beliefs through practical actions rather than dogma. The combination of nurturing instincts and inner resilience makes Angelias particularly effective in roles that require both compassion and steadfastness.
Loomis Sayles & Co. L P lessened its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 0.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 274,413 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 621 shares during the quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned approximately 0.09% of The Goldman Sachs Group worth $194,216,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of GS. Winthrop Advisory Group LLC raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.4% during the second quarter. Winthrop Advisory Group LLC now owns 429 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $303,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares during the period. Avion Wealth grew its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 31.1% during the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 59 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 14 shares during the last quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC raised its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 668 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $473,000 after purchasing an additional 14 shares during the period. Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,241 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,586,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WealthBridge Capital Management LLC boosted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. WealthBridge Capital Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $350,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares during the period. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 1.3%

Shares of NYSE:GS opened at $826.51 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $787.51 and a 200-day moving average of $725.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.23. The firm has a market cap of $247.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.41. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $439.38 and a twelve month high of $841.28.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The firm had revenue of $15.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.68 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 14.79% and a net margin of 13.18%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $8.40 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be given a $4.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 32.50%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

GS has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $854.00 to $828.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $750.00 price objective (up previously from $625.00) on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. BNP Paribas Exane lifted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $685.00 to $775.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $785.00 to $855.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. They issued a market perform rating and a $785.00 price target on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $786.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Shares of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $195.8333.

Several equities analysts have commented on THG shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $198.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a report on Monday. They issued a sector perform rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on THG

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Trading of The Hanover Insurance Group

In other The Hanover Insurance Group news, EVP Denise Lowsley sold 1,619 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.47, for a total transaction of $293,799.93. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 3,511 shares in the company, valued at approximately $637,141.17. The trade was a 31.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 2.50% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of THG. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $219,000. Choreo LLC purchased a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in the first quarter worth approximately $250,000. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH bought a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $435,000. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its position in The Hanover Insurance Group by 6.4% during the first quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 10,000 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,740,000 after buying an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, Burney Co. purchased a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $202,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.61% of the companys stock.

The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Down 0.1%

THG stock opened at $185.55 on Monday. The Hanover Insurance Group has a fifty-two week low of $145.17 and a fifty-two week high of $187.40. The company has a market capitalization of $6.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.73 and a beta of 0.44. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $178.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $173.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a current ratio of 0.37.

The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $5.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.79 by $1.30. The company had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.72 billion. The Hanover Insurance Group had a return on equity of 22.43% and a net margin of 9.71%.The firms revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.05 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that The Hanover Insurance Group will post 14.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Hanover Insurance Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 26th. Investors of record on Friday, September 12th were issued a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.82%.

About The Hanover Insurance Group

(Get Free Report)

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage.

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Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

A number of other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Torrid from $7.00 to $6.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Torrid from $2.00 to $1.60 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $3.00 target price on shares of Torrid in a report on Wednesday. BTIG Research reissued a neutral rating on shares of Torrid in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Torrid in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Torrid has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $3.03.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CURV

Torrid Stock Down 1.6%

NYSE CURV traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $1.27. 117,514 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 357,891. The stock has a market cap of $125.95 million, a PE ratio of 31.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.61 and a beta of 1.48. Torrid has a 52 week low of $1.10 and a 52 week high of $7.19. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $1.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $2.68.

Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 4th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $262.81 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $259.38 million. Torrid had a net margin of 0.30% and a negative return on equity of 1.69%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.08 EPS. Torrid has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q3 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Torrid will post 0.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Ashlee Wheeler sold 16,959 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.78, for a total value of $30,187.02. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 107,443 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $191,248.54. This represents a 13.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Paula Dempsey sold 26,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.76, for a total transaction of $45,760.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 145,361 shares of the companys stock, valued at $255,835.36. This represents a 15.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 5.85% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in Torrid by 985.7% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 24,265 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 22,030 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Torrid by 30.4% in the third quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 35,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 8,250 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG acquired a new stake in shares of Torrid in the first quarter valued at about $68,000. Royce & Associates LP increased its stake in shares of Torrid by 161.4% during the third quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 41,868 shares of the companys stock worth $73,000 after purchasing an additional 25,854 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio acquired a new position in shares of Torrid during the 3rd quarter worth about $87,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.82% of the companys stock.

Torrid Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Torrid Holdings Inc operates in womens plus-size apparel and intimates market in North America. The company designs, develops, and merchandises its products under the Torrid, Torrid Curve, CURV, and Lovesick brand names. It is involved in the sale of tops, bottoms, dresses, denims, activewear, intimates, sleep wear, swim wear, and outerwear products; and non-apparel products comprising accessories, footwear, and beauty products.

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TransAlta Co. (TSE:TA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TAC)s share price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$17.63 and traded as high as C$19.90. TransAlta shares last traded at C$19.85, with a volume of 232,335 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

TA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on TransAlta from C$20.00 to C$27.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. ATB Capital upped their price target on shares of TransAlta from C$18.00 to C$20.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of TransAlta from C$23.00 to C$27.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Desjardins boosted their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$16.50 to C$21.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$20.00 to C$24.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, TransAlta presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$23.33.

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TransAlta Trading Up 2.4%

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$21.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$17.68. The stock has a market capitalization of C$6.03 billion, a PE ratio of -31.75, a PEG ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 229.66, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.74.

TransAlta (TSE:TA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TAC) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C($0.20) EPS for the quarter. TransAlta had a return on equity of 12.03% and a net margin of 7.49%.The firm had revenue of C$615.00 million for the quarter.

About TransAlta

(Get Free Report)

TransAlta is an independent power producer based in Alberta, Canada. The company operates a diverse and growing fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia consisting of hydro, wind, solar, battery storage, gas and energy transition facilities. The majority of the companys revenues are derived from the sale of generation capacity, electricity, thermal energy, environmental attributes, and byproducts of power generation.

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Tsai Capital Corp reduced its position in QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO  Free Report) by 3.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,211,741 shares of the companys stock after selling 37,994 shares during the period. QXO accounts for approximately 19.1% of Tsai Capital Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Tsai Capital Corps holdings in QXO were worth $26,101,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of QXO. Farther Finance Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of QXO during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. American Capital Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in QXO by 258.0% in the 2nd quarter. American Capital Advisory LLC now owns 1,167 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 841 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of QXO by 1,740.9% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 1,149 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC bought a new position in shares of QXO during the first quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in QXO during the second quarter valued at $28,000. 58.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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QXO Stock Up 2.5%

Shares of QXO opened at $18.72 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.15, a current ratio of 3.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The business has a fifty day moving average of $18.36 and a 200 day moving average of $19.55. The company has a market cap of $12.62 billion, a PE ratio of -89.14, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 2.26. QXO, Inc. has a 52-week low of $11.85 and a 52-week high of $24.69.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

QXO ( NYSE:QXO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.78 billion. QXO had a negative net margin of 1.09% and a positive return on equity of 2.15%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 20726.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that QXO, Inc. will post -0.13 EPS for the current year.

QXO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of QXO in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. Truist Financial dropped their price target on QXO from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Vertical Research started coverage on QXO in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. They set a buy rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of QXO in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Stephens initiated coverage on QXO in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. They set an overweight rating and a $29.00 target price for the company. Two investment 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 assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.85.

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QXO Company Profile

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QXO, Inc operates as a business application, technology, and consulting company in North America. The company provides solutions for accounting and business management, financial reporting, enterprise resource planning, human capital management, warehouse management systems, customer relationship management, and business intelligence.

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Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lowered its stake in shares of Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI  Free Report) by 91.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 25,718 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 282,937 shares during the period. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Douglas Emmett were worth $387,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in Douglas Emmett by 6.7% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 12,220 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $184,000 after acquiring an additional 766 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning boosted its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 21,024 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $316,000 after purchasing an additional 1,317 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 3.2% during the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 95,214 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,432,000 after purchasing an additional 2,919 shares in the last quarter. Davis Selected Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 2.9% in the second quarter. Davis Selected Advisers now owns 276,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,162,000 after purchasing an additional 7,930 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey increased its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 6.0% in the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 36,458 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $548,000 after purchasing an additional 2,073 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.37% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have weighed in on DEI. Piper Sandler cut Douglas Emmett from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $19.00 to $14.00 in a report on Thursday, November 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their price target on shares of Douglas Emmett from $16.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, August 30th. Finally, Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Douglas Emmett has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $16.00.

Douglas Emmett Stock Performance

NYSE:DEI opened at $12.19 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $13.43 and its 200 day moving average is $14.63. Douglas Emmett, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $11.43 and a fifty-two week high of $20.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.04 billion, a PE ratio of 55.41 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 3.49 and a current ratio of 3.49.

Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.34. Douglas Emmett had a net margin of 3.77% and a return on equity of 1.04%. The company had revenue of $250.58 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $252.73 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.43 earnings per share. Douglas Emmetts quarterly revenue was up .0% compared to the same quarter last year. Douglas Emmett has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.430-1.470 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Douglas Emmett, Inc. will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th were given a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is 633.33%.

Douglas Emmett Company Profile

(Free Report)

Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI  Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Friday.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their target price on shares of Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Gold Fields in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. HSBC reissued a hold rating on shares of Gold Fields in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Gold Fields in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $62.00 price target for the company. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group cut Gold Fields from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $39.00 price target for the company. in a report on Monday, October 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Gold Fields currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $41.88.

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Gold Fields Trading Down 0.8%

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

NYSE:GFI traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $42.89. The company had a trading volume of 4,264,995 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,517,458. Gold Fields has a 1-year low of $12.98 and a 1-year high of $47.18. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $40.84 and its 200-day moving average price is $32.07.

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GFI. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in Gold Fields by 84.7% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 5,549,220 shares of the companys stock worth $131,350,000 after buying an additional 2,545,579 shares during the last quarter. Clark Capital Management Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Gold Fields in the first quarter valued at approximately $49,186,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. lifted its position in shares of Gold Fields by 122.6% in the second quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 3,308,969 shares of the companys stock valued at $78,323,000 after acquiring an additional 1,822,689 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Gold Fields in the first quarter worth approximately $30,914,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its position in shares of Gold Fields by 32.9% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,919,432 shares of the companys stock worth $116,443,000 after purchasing an additional 1,217,594 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 24.81% of the companys stock.

Gold Fields Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Australia, and Peru. It also explores for copper and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa.

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Westshore Terminals Investment Co. (OTCMKTS:WTSHF  Get Free Report) rose 0.6% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $18.11 and last traded at $18.04. Approximately 665 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 90% from the average daily volume of 6,948 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.94.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Westshore Terminals Investment in a report on Monday, November 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Westshore Terminals Investment has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Westshore Terminals Investment Trading Up 0.6%

Westshore Terminals Investment Cuts Dividend

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $18.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $18.89.

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a $0.272 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 29th. This represents a yield of 589.0%.

About Westshore Terminals Investment

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Westshore Terminals Investment Corporation operates a coal storage and unloading/loading terminal at Roberts Bank, British Columbia. The company has contracts to ship coal from mines in British Columbia, Alberta, and the United States. Westshore Terminals Investment Corporation was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Williamson Legacy Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 11,527 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $931,000.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. bought a new position in shares of Unum Group during the second quarter valued at about $28,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in Unum Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Atwood & Palmer Inc. lifted its position in shares of Unum Group by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. Atwood & Palmer Inc. now owns 400 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Unum Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Institutional investors own 86.57% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Unum Group

In other news, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.04, for a total value of $312,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 51,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,009,070.88. This trade represents a 7.22% 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 Steven Andrew Zabel sold 7,500 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.38, for a total value of $572,850.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 113,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,692,578.66. This trade represents a 6.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.92% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Unum Group Stock Down 0.5%

UNM stock opened at $75.97 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $76.47 and a 200-day moving average of $76.64. Unum Group has a fifty-two week low of $66.81 and a fifty-two week high of $84.48. The company has a market capitalization of $12.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.09, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.30.

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $3.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31 billion. Unum Group had a net margin of 11.77% and a return on equity of 13.44%. The companys revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.13 earnings per share. Unum Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Unum Group will post 9.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Unum Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, October 24th were issued a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.87%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Unum Group from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Unum Group in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays lifted their target price on Unum Group from $92.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Unum Group from $100.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.67.

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Unum Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Zhihu (NYSE:ZH  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday.

Separately, Weiss Ratings lowered Zhihu from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Sell.

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Zhihu Trading Up 0.8%

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Zhihu

Shares of ZH stock opened at $3.69 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $325.42 million, a PE ratio of 23.06 and a beta of 0.23. Zhihu has a 12-month low of $3.19 and a 12-month high of $6.32. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $4.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.40.

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ZH. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC lifted its position in Zhihu by 1,769.9% during the 1st quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 190,786 shares of the companys stock worth $815,000 after acquiring an additional 180,583 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Zhihu by 60.0% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,941,056 shares of the companys stock worth $12,526,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102,401 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in shares of Zhihu by 20,090,000.0% during the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 200,901 shares of the companys stock worth $858,000 after purchasing an additional 200,900 shares during the period. MY.Alpha Management HK Advisors Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Zhihu during the first quarter worth about $7,231,000. Finally, Walleye Capital LLC boosted its position in Zhihu by 787.7% in the first quarter. Walleye Capital LLC now owns 126,426 shares of the companys stock valued at $540,000 after buying an additional 112,184 shares during the last quarter. 28.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Zhihu Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Zhihu Inc operates an online content community in the Peoples Republic of China. Its community allows people to seek inspiration, find solutions, make decisions, and have fun. The company offers technology, business support, and consulting services; information transmission, software, and information technology services.

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Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Attkins carries significant Christian heritage as a patronymic surname that evolved into a given name. Originating from medieval England and Scotland, it represents the tradition of 'son of Aiken,' where Aiken itself is a diminutive of Adam, connecting the name directly to the biblical first man. This creates a powerful spiritual lineage that many Christian families have valued for generations. Throughout British Christian history, the name has been associated with clergy, scholars, and missionaries who helped spread Christian teachings.



The double 't' spelling variant emerged in certain regions as families sought to distinguish their lineage while maintaining the name's religious roots. During the Protestant Reformation, names with clear biblical connections like Attkins gained popularity as markers of religious identity and commitment to Christian values. The name's journey from surname to given name reflects the broader Christian tradition of honoring ancestral faith while affirming individual spiritual identity within the community of believers.
Individuals named Babukar are often perceived within Wolof culture as embodying traditional values of strength, reliability, and community orientation. They are typically seen as natural leaders who prioritize family honor and social responsibility, reflecting the collectivist values central to Wolof society. These individuals are thought to possess a calm dignity and practical wisdom that makes them respected figures in their communities.



The name carries expectations of moral integrity and the ability to navigate both traditional and modern social contexts with grace. Many Babukars are believed to have a strong sense of cultural identity and often serve as bridges between generations, maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to contemporary life. Their perceived personality reflects the Wolof ideal of 'kersa' (respectful restraint) combined with the confidence expected of those carrying a traditional name with deep cultural roots, creating an image of someone who is both grounded in tradition and capable of leadership in changing circumstances.
"Tax IDs used to build drug supply chain"

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NEW DELHI, Nov 29 : The Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a cross-border narcotics network in which Myanmarese nationals allegedly misused the GST credentials of Indian citizens to buy chemicals used in drug manufacturing, according to a PTI report.

The agency said evidence from recent searches shows Indians procured Pseudoephedrine tablets and Caffeine Anhydrous on behalf of Myanmar-based traffickers, enabling large-scale methamphetamine production and laundering of proceeds across States.

The findings came after the ED conducted its first-ever searches along the IndiaMyanmar border on November 27 in a money-laundering probe linked to a Mizoram Police case involving the seizure of 4.72 kg of heroin worth Rs 1.41 crore.

The raids were triggered by a Mizoram Police FIR and escalating concerns over rising methamphetamine production in Myanmar and smuggling through Indias porous 1,643-km border, which has become a key transit corridor.

During searches across Aizawl and Champhai in Mizoram, Sribhumi (Karimganj) in Assam, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, investigators seized Rs 46.7 lakh in cash, froze 21 bank accounts, and recovered documents allegedly linking Indian intermediaries to Myanmar-based buyers, PTI reported.

The agency said evidence indicated that Myanmarese nationals 'misused' GST credentials of Indians to source raw materials and route payments, while local operatives handled procurement and transport, enabling a full supply chain for methamphetamine production.

The ED added that the network had financial, logistical and smuggling links across multiple Indian States, with hawala operators playing a key role in moving cash and laundering profits from the narcotics trade.

The case marks one of the EDs most significant actions in the Northeast since India tightened surveillance along the Myanmar border amid repeated narcotics seizures tied to organised crime groups operating from the Chin and Sagaing regions. The ED is expected to expand its investigation across supply networks and financial intermediaries, with further summons and attachments likely as the money trail is mapped across States. moneycontrol


Women named Birkita typically exhibit a remarkable combination of inner strength and compassionate leadership. They possess a natural authority that comes not from aggression but from deep conviction and competence, often becoming the pillars of their communities or families. Their strength manifests as emotional resilience, the ability to endure challenges while maintaining their core values, and a protective instinct toward those they care about. Birkitas are often described as having a 'quiet strength' that becomes apparent in difficult situations, where they demonstrate remarkable poise and determination.



Birkitas tend to be practical problem-solvers with a strong connection to nature and tradition. They balance modern thinking with respect for ancient wisdom, often serving as bridges between old ways and new possibilities. While they can be fiercely independent, they also understand the importance of community and relationships, creating networks of support that reflect the Celtic value of interdependence. Their leadership style typically involves empowering others rather than dominating, making them effective in collaborative environments where their strength serves to elevate the entire group.



These women often display a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty, coupled with an intuitive understanding of people and situations. They are typically slow to anger but formidable when their principles or loved ones are threatened. Birkitas tend to be lifelong learners who value both practical skills and intellectual growth, embodying the Celtic ideal of the complete person who is both thinker and doer. Their strength is balanced by a well-developed sense of justice and fairness, making them natural mediators and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Individuals bearing the name Birney are typically characterized by a unique blend of stability and adaptability, reflecting their name's meaning of 'brook island'. They often exhibit strong observational skills and emotional intelligence, able to read situations and people with remarkable accuracy. Their connection to water symbolism suggests depth of feeling and intuition, while the island aspect indicates self-sufficiency and the ability to maintain personal boundaries. Birneys are often perceived as calm centers in turbulent situations, providing reassurance and practical solutions when others feel overwhelmed. They tend to value tradition and continuity while remaining open to necessary change, making them effective in roles that require balancing established practices with innovation. Their natural leadership style is typically collaborative rather than authoritarian, and they often excel in mentoring relationships where their patience and wisdom can guide others. The dual nature of their name's meaning often manifests as individuals who can be both deeply rooted in their principles and surprisingly flexible in their approaches to challenges.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Cacamwri occupies a unique position in the Arthurian mythological tradition as one of King Arthur's loyal servants featured prominently in the Welsh prose tale 'Culhwch and Olwen,' one of the earliest Arthurian narratives. His inclusion demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Arthur's court in Welsh tradition, where even minor characters served important symbolic and narrative functions. The character reflects medieval Welsh social structures where loyalty and service were highly valued virtues, and where servants could demonstrate heroism alongside their noble counterparts.



In the broader context of Celtic mythology, Cacamwri represents the interconnectedness of Arthur's retinue, showing how every member contributed to the collective success of the court's endeavors. His presence in the hunt for the magical boar Twrch Trwyth illustrates how servants participated in significant mythological events, blurring the lines between different social classes in heroic contexts. This reflects a distinctly Celtic approach to heroism that valued capability and loyalty over strict social hierarchy.
Individuals named Cadabyr are typically perceived as natural leaders with a strong sense of responsibility toward their community. They often exhibit a blend of practical wisdom and spiritual depth, reflecting the name's origins in warrior-settler traditions. These individuals tend to be protective of those in their care while maintaining a visionary outlook that helps them build lasting institutions and relationships.



Cadabyr's personality often combines steadfast determination with compassionate leadership. They are typically seen as bridge-builders who can navigate between different groups and perspectives, much like the historical figures who bore this name mediated between warrior traditions and Christian community life. Their strength lies in their ability to create stability and security while fostering growth and development in others, making them natural organizers and guardians of tradition.



Those bearing this name often display a unique balance of strength and gentleness, capable of decisive action when needed but equally skilled at creating harmonious environments. They tend to be deeply committed to their principles and values, often serving as moral compasses within their communities. The historical weight of the name seems to inspire a sense of legacy and continuity in modern bearers, who frequently take on roles that involve building, protecting, or preserving important aspects of community life.


remaining of

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Domestic carriers Air India and IndiGo have announced potential delays and schedule adjustments in several routes following a technical directive issued by Airbus for its global A320 family fleet.

Airbus on Friday said intense solar radiation might corrupt data critical to flight controls in a significant number of A320 aircraft and that a software change is required to fix the issue.

"We are aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in service across airline operators. This will result in a software/hardware realignment on a part of our fleet, leading to longer turnaround time and delays to our scheduled operations," Air India said in a post on X.

In a similar statement, IndiGo, the countrys largest airline, said it was working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation of the changes.

"We are working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation as per Airbus notification. While we carry out the necessary inspections, we are making every effort to minimise disruptions," it said.

Safety comes first. Always. 



Airbus has issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet. We are proactively completing the mandated updates on our aircraft with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols. While we work through these precautionary  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 28, 2025

Air India Express said in a statement that it has initiated immediate precautionary action in response to an alert requiring a software fix for its Airbus A320 fleet.

While a majority of our aircraft are not impacted, the guidance applies to operators worldwide and may result in adjustments to flight operations, including potential delays or cancellations, it said.

Though the airlines did not reveal the exact number of aircraft that could be impacted, PTI quoted sources as saying that Indian operators have about 560 A320 family flights, and 200-250 of them will need software changes or hardware realignment.

Please visit https://t.co/SqGk3gEKqm to check your flight status, or #ChatWithTia on WhatsApp at +91 65600 12345. pic.twitter.com/5SNXKwZjES  Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) November 28, 2025

According to a Reuters report, Airbus has ordered immediate repairs to 6,000 of its widely used A320 jets globally. In a bulletin to the airlines, the company said the fix mainly involves reverting to earlier software, but it must be done before the planes can fly again.

American Airlines, the world's largest A320 operator, said some 340 of its 480 A320 aircraft would need the fix.
The humble chai, loved by crores and crores of South Asians worldwide, is getting a major policy push in India. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has now called for a new generation of internationally competitive tea varieties and smarter use of technology to protect both quality and farmer incomes.

Speaking at the National Conference on Safe Tea Production in New Delhi recently, he said India must move beyond its traditional strengths like Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri to build a wider catalogue of internationally marketable products that match changing tastes and wellness trends worldwide.

Goyal stressed that India, already among the worlds largest tea producers and exporters, needs to combine its rich heritage with strict safety and sustainability standards to stay ahead.

He highlighted that sustainable farming, responsible labour practices and low pesticide residues are now non-negotiable for global buyers. Government and industry must work as a team to ensure that every cup of Indian tea represents quality, heritage and trust, he emphasised, linking the sectors future to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Goyal doubled down on technology. The Minister urged researchers and young entrepreneurs to use tools like blockchain to create full traceability from plucking and processing to packaging and export, so that each batch can be tracked back to its exact origin and grade.

Such systems, he argued, can prevent mixing premium Indian teas with lower-quality or imported varieties and help farmers, especially small growers, get better prices. He also pushed for drip irrigation, weather- and pest-forecasting apps, and eco-friendly packaging to make estates more productive and climate-resilient.

At the event, Goyal pointed to a Rs 1,000crore support package for tea growers and workers and digital tools like the Chai Sahayog app, which helps small farmers realise better prices for green leaf.

He called for more skilling, mechanisation and improved opportunities for children in tea-growing regions, stressing that sectoral growth must go hand-in-hand with dignified lives in Indias hillside plantations. India is among the worlds largest tea producers and exporters, with nearly 255 million tonnes exported annually.
The Indian Navy, on Friday, received delivery of the stealth frigate 'Taragiri'an advanced multi-role frigate that incorporates stealth design, enhanced automation, and survivability upgradeswhich will bolster the force's ability to address current and future challenges in the maritime domain.

Taragiri, the namesake successor of the Leander-class frigate INS Taragiri that was part of the Indian Navy fleet from 1980 to 2013, is the the fourth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) and the third built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL).

Taragiri, the fourth ship of P17A - #Nilgiri class stealth frigates and third of the class built by @MazagonDockLtd, was delivered to the #IndianNavy on #28Nov 25 at Mumbai.



Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau & overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mbi), delivery of pic.twitter.com/D2wumAxyrp  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 29, 2025

According to the defence ministry, "This state-of-the-art frigate reflects a quantum leap in naval design, stealth, firepower, automation and survivability, and is a symbol of Aatmanirbharta in warship building." The warships have 75 per cent made-in-India content.

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite. These include the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile system, the MFSTAR (multi-function surveillance and threat alert) radar and MRSAM (medium to long range air defence and anti-missile defence surface-to-air missile system) complex, a 76 mm SRGM, and an array of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, along with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.

ALSO READ: The battle of minds: Why India must prepare for cognitive warfare

P17A frigates reflect a generational leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability, the defence ministry noted.

These ships are configured with combined diesel or gas (CODOG) engines, which use both a diesel engine and a gas turbine to power a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) on each shaft. They also feature a modern integrated platform management system (IPMS) to control and monitor the ship's systems.

Taragiri is the fourth P17A ship to be delivered to the Indian Navy in the last 11 months. The lessons learned from building the first two P17A ships have helped shorten the construction time of the Taragiri to 81 months, compared to the 93 months it took to build the first ship (Nilgiri). The other three ships in the Project 17A (one at MDL and two at GRSE) are expected to be completed and delivered by August 2027.
A cryptic Instagram post of Robert Downey Jr. has led fans to speculate that Iron Man may return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The comic illustration of Dr. Doom and Iron Man pulling on two ends of a wishbone  a Thanksgiving ritual which means anyone who pulls the larger piece will have their wishes granted  hints that Doomsday might have an Iron Man connection.

In 2023, Marvel head Kevin Feige was firm in his confirmation of the fact that Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, a.k.a Iron Man, won't return in future entries in the MCU, most notably the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

But since Downey Jr is cast in the role of Dr. Victor Von Doom, the theory floating around online is that Doom might be a variant of Tony Stark from a different timeline, or perhaps an involvement of time-travel could explain the connection  if Downey Jr is indeed playing Stark-turned-Doom. Doom is, after all, known for inventing a "time-platform" and his ability to traverse different timelines.

There's also the possibility that this interpretation of Doom might have ties to the mind-swapping storyline involving Doom and Iron Man in 'Demon in an Armor (2010), where the mind of Tony Stark is "transferred" into Doom's body.

Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars see the return of the Russo brothers to directing duties. The superhero ensemble comprises the Avengers, New Avengers (*Thunderbolts), Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Doctor Doom will reportedly be the prime focus of 'Avengers: Doomsday' in the same manner that Thanos was in the previous MCU entries.

In 2023, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans were surprised when Downey Jr. announced his return to the franchise during San Diego Comic-Con.

The Russo brothers shared in recent interviews that Downey is working on the backstory as well as the costume ideas for his character.

'Avengers: Doomsday' is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, while 'Avengers: Secret Wars' has been planned for May 2027.

Downey played Iron Man in nine films. Although he said in 2023 that he won't return to the MCU, the 'Oppenheimer' actor in July appeared at the event wearing Dr. Doom's mask and a green cloak.
The journey into the Upside Down has been quite uplifting for Netflix. The leading OTT player has shown, once again, with the latest season of its marquee show Stranger Things, that while virality, marketing, social media promotions and all those new rules of the age of the algorithm are fine, there is nothing like good, engaging content that can help you come out on top.

You could take a bet on an original story, and grow it into a major franchise that has massive global appeal, Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in an interview.

A top-of-the-pile 10,000 crore worth global appeal, in fact.

According to streaming economics data by US-based Parrot Analytics, Stranger Things has already generated one billion dollars in global revenue for Netflix since 2020  thats the equivalent of some 8,800 crore in Indian rupees. Add to that an additional 1,700 crore or so that the latest (and last) season is expected to bring in, the total revenue from just this one show is going to reward the OTT player very handsomely indeed  upwards of a mindboggling 10,000 crore rupees.

Not Game of Thrones, not Bridgerton, and not Squid Games  Stranger Things is the biggest thing on TV.

Not bad when you remember that the storyline of teens in 80s America fighting monsters from a netherworld-like Upside Down was rejected by almost every other studio in Hollywood, before Netflix decided to take a chance on it. The first season, with its homage to iconic sci-fi and horror flicks like E.T. as well as comforting doses of 1980s nostalgia, was a runaway hit when it came out in 2016, winning the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series the next year.

The show hasnt looked back since, with season after season getting bigger in production value, even while hitting new audience records  critics feedback was less consistent (especially about the first lot of the latest series), but that didnt matter as it meant a steady stream of not just off-screen revenue in merchandising, but subscription spikes every time a new season was premiered. In fact, the only criticism from fans who cant seem to get enough of the show was the inordinately long gap between seasons. The present final season, for example, comes after a nearly three-and-a-half-year gap.

Netflix dropped the first four episodes of the finale season this week on the eve of Thanksgiving in the West (Thursday in India), and the internet went crazy. As millions of fans of the series logged in to catch the new season, its servers crashed, with the OTT showing error messages for several hours before it was rectified. But for Netflix, its a badge of that ultimate Internet honour, when your show even crashes the network.

The remaining set of episodes is slated for the festive week, on Christmas Eve, and a grand, hopefully satisfying cataclysmic series finale on New Years Day.

Being a listed company, the staggered timing from the very company that taught us how to binge-watch serves a purpose. It was first tried by Netflix on Stranger Things itself during its fourth season. This time, by spreading the show across November and December and the finale to January, the company hopes to stretch subscriptions across at least three months (and two quarters), stretching the bang for their buck spent on the big show (final season episodes are rumoured to cost 500 crore rupees or so each) and getting better subscription metrics to show to shareholders and the larger market.

It should help, because Parrot Analytics say Netflix gained at least 20 lakh new subscriptions thanks to Stranger Things in the last few years alone. Season 4 got a viewership of 14 crore in the first three months alone, thus making it one of the most valuable shows in OTT history.

Then there is also the ancillary revenue  merchandising to spin-offs (there is an animated series and a broadway musical on the anvil) to music being used as BGM (Kate Bushs Running Up That Hill re-entered the charts after its use in a pivotal moment in S4, rising up to No.1 in UK singles charts  almost 40 years after its original release!) as well as live events. In fact, contrary to its usual scheme of things, the OTT giant is also planning to screen the final episode, the series finale, on January 1 in select cinema theatres, as well.

In India, Stranger Things has umpteen fans, making Netflix roll out a massive advertising strategy of splashing out on billboards across Mumbai and Delhi NCR. The show has been released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu as well, and the India team must definitely be hoping that their last years revenue of 3,768 crore rupees gets a leg up this year, thanks to Eleven, Hopper and gang. There IS an upside to demagorgons and fellow monsters who wreak terror on unsuspecting kids, very apparently.
Heavy rains are expected in the southern and Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu between November 29 and 30 as cyclonic storm Ditwah is advancing towards the states coast.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts, prompting the state government to intensify its preparedness to face the second such weather system in a month.

Fourteen other districts, including Chennai, have been placed under orange alert.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, authorities have declared a holiday for all schools in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Saturday. Colleges will also remain closed in several districts, while Annamalai University, based in Chidambaram, has postponed all examinations scheduled for today.

Cyclone Ditwah Early morning update - No changes in the Track of the cyclone. It will move parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast as coastal bypass rider.

------------------

Heavy rains have commenced in the Delta belt - Nagai district in particular (Till 3.30 am centuries in Nagai and pic.twitter.com/yZHIplq9qb  Tamil Nadu Weatherman (@praddy06) November 28, 2025

Airliner IndiGo has cancelled several flights operating to and from Jaffna, Puducherry, Tuticorin, and Tiruchirappalli on November 29.

The name, 'Ditwah', referring to a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen. Earlier in a bulletin, the IMD had said that the weather system was located about 270 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 380 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 490 km south-southeast of Chennai. It was slowly moving northwards and is expected to reach near the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early hours of November 30.

The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [Pronunciation: Ditwah] over coastalSri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards withthe speed of 7 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 2330 hrs IST of yesterday,the 28th November 2025 over the same region, near pic.twitter.com/dTa5FOs86r  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 28, 2025

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a video conference with the collectors of the delta districts, where red alerts have been sounded.

The government had deployed senior officials in vulnerable districts, and all of them had already reached their assigned areas, the chief minister said on Friday.

Puducherry Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan also held an emergency meeting with officials, directing them to take all precautionary measures.

A release from Raj Nivas said the IMD has issued a 'red alert' for Puducherry, forecasting intense rainfall on November 29 and 30 due to the cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.
Kneecap are taking legal action against Canadian MP Vince Gasparro who accused them of dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.

Kneecap take legal action against Canadian MP

The Irish group  who were due to perform in Toronto and Vancouver in October were banned from entering Canada after Gasparro accused them of amplifying political violence and publicly [displaying ] support for terrorist [groups] such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

He added on X: As parliamentary secretary for combating crime, I am announcing that, effective immediately, the members of Kneecap have been deemed ineligible to enter Canada.

This week it was revealed in new documents that the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was not involved in the decision for Gasparro to make the announcement.

Kneecap shared on Instagram: A message to Vince Gasparro:

In September we said you made comments about us that were wholly untrue and deeply malicious. You did.

It now transpires you also lied by telling the world you were acting on behalf of the Government of Canada'. This was another lie. You were not.

Your own government has made this clear.

Today we are serving legal action against you. As we said, we will be relentless in defending ourselves against outrageous and baseless accusations.

Vince. When we beat you in court, which we will, we will donate every cent of your money to assist the thousands of child amputees in Gaza.

Finally to our many fans in Canada we are working to resolve the 'compliance issues' that have been communicated by your IRCC.

We look forward to visiting Canada again in 2026 and playing to sold out shows across your land as we have done so in the past.

FREE PALESTINE.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Sir Cai (often anglicized as Sir Kay) stands as one of the most enduring figures in Arthurian legend, appearing in virtually every major version of the stories from early Welsh texts through French romances to modern adaptations. As Arthur's foster brother and seneschal of Camelot, Cai represents the complex interplay between familial loyalty and courtly duty. His character evolves significantly across different traditions - in early Welsh literature like 'Culhwch and Olwen,' he possesses supernatural abilities including the power to grow as tall as the tallest tree and generate heat so intense he could dry out soaked clothing instantly. In later French and English romances, he becomes more humanized, often portrayed as brash, quick-tempered, and occasionally mocking of other knights, yet fundamentally loyal to Arthur and the ideals of Camelot. This transformation reflects the changing cultural values from Celtic heroic traditions to medieval chivalric codes, making Cai a fascinating study in how legendary figures adapt across cultures and centuries.



Throughout Arthurian literature, Cai serves as both comic relief and serious commentary on knightly conduct. His sarcastic remarks and frequent conflicts with other knights provide humor while also highlighting the tensions within Arthur's court. Despite his flaws, Cai remains one of Arthur's most trusted companions, present at key moments from Arthur's pulling of the sword from the stone to the final battles. His enduring presence across eight centuries of Arthurian tradition demonstrates how this complex character continues to resonate with audiences, representing the idea that true loyalty can coexist with human imperfections and that the most valuable companions are not always the most perfect ones.
A DRDO scientist was found dead in his home just two days after his marriage in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday.

Aditya Verma, 28, was a joint director with the Defence Research and Development Organisation in Mysuru.

Verma was working with the DRDOs food research laboratory and had joined just two months ago. Specific information regarding his work has not been revealed.

He had gotten married on November 25 and was found dead inside the toilet at his home on Thursday.

His family said that Verma went to the bathroom at around 5:30 am on November 27. His family noticed that he did not come out for about 30 minutes. His mother then called his father.

They found Verma unconscious in the bathroom after breaking down the toilet door and then rushed him to the hospital. A post-mortem was done.

Assistant Sub Inspector of Police at the Shivaji Park police station in Alwar said that Adityas father told them that his son had gotten married on November 25. The bride came home on the 26th, and on the 27th morning, when he went to the toilet, he did not come out," he said.

"The bathroom was locked from the inside, they (family) broke the door open and rushed him to the hospital. Aditya was a scientist at DRDO, and he married a police officer's daughter. The post-mortem has been done, and the viscera report has been taken and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The parents have not accused anyone in the police complaint."

The post-mortem report has not yet been handed to the police.

Prem Saini, the medical jurist part of the post-mortem team, told NDTV that it was not possible to say what the cause of death was until the report comes in.

On October 21, DRDO scientist Akashdeep Gupta was found dead in Lucknow just six months after his marriage.

He had fallen ill after he had dinner and died in a similar manner.

His family suspected he died of a heart attack, but doctors remain sceptical. The exact cause of his death is still under the radar.

The DRDO is the research and development agency of the Ministry of Defence and it researches and develops modern defence technology for the country.

Aditya and his new wife, Navya, had booked a honeymoon trip starting from November 29.
A guest speaker invited by St Xavier's College, Mumbai, for a national seminar, has been accused of sexually harassing students.

According to media reports, at least 10 students of the college filed a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee of the college, alleging sexual harassment. The committee will conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations.

In their complaint, the students accused the guest speaker, who was invited for a national seminar and has been staying on the campus, of clicking their photographs without their consent and brushing past them inappropriately.

After these incidents were brought to the attention of the authorities, the guest speaker was asked to leave the campus premises immediately, although he was scheduled to deliver a session.

The guest speaker's parent university has also been informed about the allegations, a report in The Times of India said.

The college said it follows a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.

"We stand firmly with our students and their safety is our highest priority," the principal of the college has been quoted as saying.

The police have been informed about the incident, but an FIR is yet to be filed.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday joined growing calls of protest against the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) after it demolished the house of journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing on Thursday.

The order for the demolition on Thursday was reportedly issued late on Wednesday, after which a number of heavy excavators were brought to the house in Jammu and Kashmir's Channi area, amid heavy police presence.

Though the JDA alleged land encroachment as the reason for the demolition, Daing, who runs News Seher India (a digital news portal), claimed that it was because he had recently linked a police officer to suspected narcotics smugglers arrested in a major cross-border drug trafficking case, as per an Indian Express report.

The demolition has left Daings elderly parents, his wife, and their three children without a home. Yet, in an act that has won the hearts of hundreds of people in Jammu and the rest of India in general, Daing's neighbour, Kuldip Sharmasaid to be Hindustepped up and offered him "5 marlas of land".

I was shaken by their plight and ... have said that even if I have to beg, I will help rebuild his home. Whatever happens his home will be rebuilt, Sharma said.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media, Deputy CM Choudhary has said that the Omar Abdullah government had no role in the demolition, as it had not approved the ordersquarely placing blame on the JDA.

The government has also promised a full enquiry into not just the demolition, but also accusations of stifling Daing's journalistic rights.

They want to teach journalists and social activists a lesson ... If you are a sycophant, you are safe. If you show the truth, this is what happens, Daing told the media.

"Is my house the only illegal one in the entire Jammu city? he questioned, stating that he and his family had lived in their Channi home for 40 years after his house in Bathindi had been demolished, as per a Hindu report.
Even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar sought to put up a show of unity during a media interaction after their breakfast meeting this morning, reports suggest that the discussion failed to bring any major breakthrough in resolving the power tussle in Karnataka.

The meeting, which was held as per the advice of the Congress high command, hit a bit of an impasse with both leaders sticking to their positions, the Hindustan Times reported.

As per the report, Siddaramaiah suggested that Shivakumar, who is currently the partys state president, take up the chief minister post after the next assembly elections in 2028.

#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar meets Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the latter's residence in Bengaluru



CM Siddaramaiah has invited him for breakfast today.



Legal advisor to CM AS Ponnanna is also present.



(Source: CMO) pic.twitter.com/TGJSxFTtSA  ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025

The tug of war between the two tall leaders of the Congress in Karnataka has intensified in recent weeks, especially after November 20, when the state government completed two and a half years in office.

There were reports that when the Congress high command chose Siddaramaiah as the chief minister in 2023, the two leaders had reached an understanding, as per which the latter would be made the CM when the government reached the halfway mark.

Of late, the two leaders have been making veiled jibes at each other on social media, prompting the high command to intervene and direct both of them to call a meeting and discuss the issues.

After Saturdays meeting, both the CM and the KPCC chief affirmed that there were no differences between them and that they would abide by any decision the high command would take.

"We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion," Siddaramaiah said.

According to reports, Shivakumar is now likely to travel to Delhi to meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.
A meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar is underway at the former's residence in Bengaluru on Saturday morning to resolve the ongoing power tussle that has plunged the Congress party in the state into a deep crisis.

Following the meeting, Shivakumar is likely to travel to Delhi and meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

The CM and the Deputy CM decided to meet for breakfast as per the advice of the party high command, as the buzz over leadership change escalated in recent weeks, especially after November 20, when the state government completed two and a half years in office.

At the heart of the dispute is a purported power-sharing agreement made in 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Media reports and Shivakumar's loyalists claim that, as per the agreement, he would be made the chief minister once the government completed the halfway mark.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah maintained that he will abide by whatever decision the high command takes.

"The high command has called both of us. So I have invited him (Shivakumar) for breakfast, and we will talk there. As I said earlier, I will accept whatever the high command says; there is no change in my stand," the chief minister said on Friday.

Shivakumar, too, reiterated his loyalty to the party and said he would accept any decision the high command takes regarding leadership change in Karnataka.

The two leaders have been taking veiled jibes at each other over the past few days on social media, mounting pressure on the high command to intervene.

On Thursday, Shivakumar, in a cryptic remark, said the word power is world power and that keeping a promise is a big power move. Siddaramaiah retorted indirectly, saying a word is not power unless it betters the world.
Despite her lover brutally beaten to death in Maharashtra's Milind Nagar area on Thursday, a woman married him anyway, symbolically applying kumkum (vermillion) on the dead man's forehead, and deciding to live in his house at Nanded.

This follows the brutal murder of Saksham Tate (25) by the relatives of his lover, Aanchal Mamidwar, who had earlier opposed the relationship and had forbidden the two star-crossed lovers from meeting.

However, on Thursday, when Aanchal's relatives found out that Tate was still meeting her, six of them confronted him at Milind Nagar.

The arguments between them quickly escalated into a fight, and Tate was allegedly shot multiple timesone bullet entered his ribsand was beaten with a floor tile till he dropped to the floor dead, a Pudhari report said.

Ahead of his cremation on Friday, Aanchal took a bold, unexpected decision, and decided to marry Saksham anywaywith tears in her eyes, she symbolically applied kumkum to her head, declaring that she was married to Saksham, and that he had won. She also moved into his house in Nanded as his wife.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prashant Shinde and other officers launched a preliminary investigation into Tate's murder on Thursday.

By Friday, all six accused were taken into custody, and an FIR was filed at the Itwara police station. The main accused is Aanchal's father, Gajanan Balaji Mamidwar, while the other accused involve her mother, brother, and others.

The six accused have also been produced before the court, and have been granted eight days in police custody.

The inter-caste love story of Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamidwar has understandably caused a ruckus over Dalit-related honour killings in Nanded, as Tate's disabled father and his motherwho had reportedly accepted Aanchal as their son's bridehave also filed a complaint against the accused for not only the alleged murder, but also because they claimed the accused had threatened them before the 25-year-old's death.
Amid the intense power tussle in Karnataka between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, the two leaders on Saturday echoed a message of unity and said they would abide by any decision the Congress high command takes.

During a media interaction after their breakfast meeting in Bengaluru, both Siddaramaih and Shvakumar asserted that there were no differences between them.

"We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion," Siddaramaiah said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, "Whatever decision the high command takes, both of us will obey. There are no differences between DK Shivakumar and me... They (BJP and JDS) are saying that no pic.twitter.com/j1oCFDy5y4  ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025

He added that the meeting was "productive" and they discussed the state's priorities and the Congress partys prospects in the local body polls and the 2028 assembly elections.

"Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us, and there will be no differences in the future," he said.

Shivakumar, too, dismissed rumours of disgruntlement in the party and said they were looking to fulfil the wishes of the people.

"We have to fulfil their wishes. In that direction we are working. What the party high command decided we are working," he said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "As far as the leadership issue is concerned, we follow our party high command. Whatever they say, it is our decision. We have been loyal soldiers of the party. We know pic.twitter.com/j8Jt0hsxdN  ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025

According to media reports, Shivakumar is likely to travel to Delhi and meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

The CM and the deputy CM are locked in a bitter power tussle, and at the heart of the dispute is a purported power-sharing agreement made in 2023 between them.

Media reports and Shivakumar's loyalists claim that, as per the agreement, he would be made the chief minister once the government completed the halfway mark.
An Indian Air Force plane carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, landed in Colombo on Saturday as part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'.

The C130 aircraft reached the Bandaranaike International Airport around 1.30 am and was received by the Indian High Commission officials and Sri Lanka Air Force officers.

Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds. Indian Air Force C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo," External Affairs Minister S. Jashankar wrote on X.

#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo.



  pic.twitter.com/btzlnZeO8x  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

On Friday, India delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to Sri Lanka. The first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah has wreaked havoc in the island country. Over 80 people were killed, and thousands were left homeless as torrential rainfall triggered extensive flooding and landslides in the central hill regions.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.

Reports said nearly 35 per cent of the areas in the island are without power since early Friday, affecting around 7 million customers of the state power entity Ceylon Electricity Board.
An Oxford Union (OU) debate on Thursday about India's foreign policy towards Islamabad quickly descended into chaos, sparking social media debates on the event, and on India and Pakistan.

The debate on the motion 'This House believes that Indias Policy Towards Pakistan Is a Populist Strategy Sold as Security Policy' was called off before it could begin, a Times of India report said.

Tonights Debate at the Oxford Union:

This House Believes Indias Policy Towards Pakistan is a Populist Strategy Sold as Security Policy



Organised by MT25 President Moosa Harraj. pic.twitter.com/grdHB6Wpkc  Oxford Union (@OxfordUnion) November 27, 2025

The OU is the age-old debating arm of the University of Oxford. Its current president, who is facing backlash over the debate clash, is Moosa Harraj, who is of Pakistani origin and the son of Pakistans federal defence production minister, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj.

The Indian side included senior lawyer J. Sai Deepak, who had flown in from Delhi and had handled his court cases remotely just to attend the debate.

He was joined by UK-based Jammu & Kashmir activist Manu Khajuria and dharmic scholar Pt Satish K. Sharma, who had joined at the last minute after ex-Army Chief General M.M. Naravane and Dr Subramanian Swamy had withdrawn well in advance.

What sparked India-Pakistan tensions online?

Though the Indian delegation reportedly arrived on time, the debate was cancelled, and they were offered a debate against students instead, which they refused.

The Pakistan High Commission in the UK further fanned the flames, blaming India for "backing out" of the debate, "handing a walkover to the Pakistani side".

Moosa, who organised the debate, has been blamed of "engineering a calculated ploy to force out the Indian contingent from the debate".

Indian Delegation Backs Out Of Oxford Union Debate At Last Minute, Hands Walkover to Pakistani side



The Pakistan High Commission in London @PakistaninUK regrets to announce that the Indian delegation scheduled to participate in a high profile debate at the Oxford Union  Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) November 27, 2025

Accusing the Oxford Union of becoming a mouthpiece for the Pakistan High Commission, Sai Deepak, the Indian lawyer, also claimed that Moosa had called him later that day to tell him that he had already known the Pakistani delegation were not coming.

Its tragic that the @OxfordUnion has reduced itself to an extended arm of the ISI, with its Pakistani origin President, Moosa Harraj, engineering a calculated ploy to force out the Indian contingent from the debate.

With fresh Union elections around the corner and his term https://t.co/ENYiC0nJh8  Adit (@IndicSocietee) November 28, 2025

Pakistan's side included Zubair Mahmood Hayat, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Hina Rabbani Khar, former Pakistani foreign minister.

18. Here's the call log of the call I received from Moosa Harraj at 4.55 pm to apologize for the fact that the Pakistani team hadn't even landed in London. Also note the timestamps of the posts from Wajahat Kazmi and @PakistaninUK - at least 2 hours before Moosa's call. pic.twitter.com/v6xZ2sOxw7  Sai Deepak J (@jsaideepak) November 28, 2025

"The Pakistani team, true to its national ethos, has mastered the art of deserting the battlefield even before the battle begins," Deepak added, in an X post.
A year after the ceasefire agreement that brought a formal pause to more than twelve months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024, relations between Israel and Lebanon remain fragile, and the risk of renewed hostilities is growing.

Although the ceasefire was meant to halt cross-border attacks, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has recorded more than 10,000 Israeli air and ground violations inside Lebanese territory.

The sense that the truce is rapidly eroding was reinforced by a recent escalation in which Israel assassinated Hezbollahs top military commander, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, in a strike on Beiruts southern suburbs.

Hezbollahs deputy leader, Naim Qassem, described the killing as a blatant aggression and a heinous crime.

Reports indicated that Tabtabai had been meeting four aides to prepare for future actions when he was hit. Qassem promised that Hezbollah would respond at a time of its choosing. He said the group recognised that a new war was possible, while also acknowledging that one might yet be avoided. He urged Lebanon to prepare a comprehensive plan that relies on its army and its people to confront Israel.

The November 2024 agreement rested on two principal commitments.

Lebanon was required to remove all non-state armed groups and their assets beginning in the area south of the Litani River, leaving the Lebanese army as the only authorised armed force. Israel was required to withdraw gradually from the five border posts it occupies on hilltops inside Lebanese territory within 60 days. More than a year later, Israel still holds these positions and continues to carry out near-daily raids.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have become routine, and several attacks have also been launched on Beirut. Israel argues that these operations are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rearming or rebuilding military infrastructure.

Lebanese officials dispute this and point to mounting civilian casualties. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health recently reported that an Israeli airstrike killed 13 people in a Palestinian refugee camp.

Since the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have killed 127 civilians according to the United Nations' human rights office and more than 330 people according to Lebanons health ministry. Hezbollah insists that it has respected the terms of the ceasefire and that it has claimed responsibility for only one attack on an Israeli military post since November 2024.

A central obstacle to the success of the agreement is the disarmament of Hezbollah. The group is by far the most powerful military force in Lebanon and also a key political actor. It has rejected a United States-backed disarmament plan that the Lebanese government approved in August 2025.

Hezbollah has stated repeatedly that it will not discuss full disarmament until Israel halts its attacks, withdraws from the five occupied hilltops, and releases prisoners. This has placed the Lebanese state in a difficult position.

Although the government is politically committed to reducing the number of weapons outside state control, it cannot risk confronting Hezbollah by force, as this could tip the country into another civil war.

Despite these political limits, the Lebanese army has expanded its presence south of the Litani River in an attempt to reassert state authority in an area long dominated by Hezbollah. The army has increased its deployment to nearly 10,000 troops, closed eleven smuggling crossings along the Litani, and has begun extensive clearance of unexploded ordnance.

Since intensifying operations on September 5following the governments order to begin disarmamenttroops have uncovered 74 tunnels, 175 rocket launchers, and 58 missiles. One tunnel in the Zibqin Valley stretched nearly 100 metres, and served as both a clinic and a storage facility. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee has dismissed these efforts as inadequate, claiming that Hezbollah continues to manipulate the Lebanese army.

Critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say that he is prolonging the conflict to divert attention from legal and political troubles.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese government and army are caught in a cycle in which Israeli incursions provoke responses from non-state actors, that in turn trigger more Israeli retaliation.

It has weakened state institutions and undermined confidence in political processes. Only a stable Lebanese state able to exercise control over all armed groups can break this cycle.

They say this requires internal political cohesion and cannot be achieved solely through Israeli military pressure. Hezbollahs leadership has expressed hope that the visit of Pope Leo to Lebanon will help encourage efforts to restore calm and bring an end to Israeli attacks.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Carolynn emerged as a distinctly feminine variant of Charles during the 19th century, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with elaborate name spellings and feminized versions of traditionally masculine names. The name carries strong Christian significance through its connection to Charlemagne (Charles the Great), the Holy Roman Emperor who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout Europe. This Christian heritage made the name particularly popular among Catholic and Protestant families seeking to honor both religious tradition and royal lineage.



The double 'n' spelling became especially popular in English-speaking countries as parents sought to create a more distinctive version of the classic Carolyn while maintaining its elegant, timeless quality. Throughout the 20th century, Carolynn represented a bridge between traditional values and modern femininity, often chosen by families wanting a name that sounded both sophisticated and approachable. The name's evolution reflects broader cultural shifts in how femininity and strength were perceived and valued in Western societies.
Airbus issued a global alert to all of its A320 operators to ask them to immediately update a newly identified software issue that could affect flight controls on Saturday. About 6000 A320 planes, about half of its fleet, are thought to be affected. Thousands of its planes were grounded after the notice.

The notice was sent out after the company discovered that intense solar radiation could corrupt data that is critical to the function of onboard flight control computers.

Airbus said that they discovered the issue after an investigation into one plane that suddenly lost altitude while flying between the US and Mexico in October. The plane, a JetBlue Airways flight, had to make an emergency landing in Florida after at least 15 people were injured and had to be taken to hospitals. The sudden drop, which happened without pilot command, prompted a federal aviation investigation.

The investigation found that the flight control computer or its ELAC B hardware, which runs on the software version L104, is vulnerable to solar flares. The interference could also cause aircraft elevators to move unexpectedly in some cases, which could push the jet beyond its structural limits, according to Aerospace Global.

Flights can be controlled by coronal mass ejections (CME) or plasma being ejected from the sun into space, according to Former Qantas captain Getley, who holds a PHD in cosmic and solar radiation in aviation. The higher the severity of the CME, the more likely that it affects satellites and aircraft travelling above 28,000 ft or 8.5 kilometres. CMEs release heavy charged particles into the Earth's atmosphere.

On about 5,100 Airbus planes, the issue can be addressed using a relatively simple software update, which would only take about three hours, the BBC reported.

However, the remaining 900 aircraft would need their onboard computers completely replaced and will not be flying until the replacement is completed.

Airbus, along with its rival Boeing, makes up about three-quarters of the world's commercial aircraft fleet, which means this delay impacts the global air traffic at significant levels.
Pakistani authorities continue to deny permission for the relatives of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan to meet him, amid claims that there is a "deliberate attempt to hide his condition and prevent family from knowing whether he is safe.

On Friday, one of the sisters of Khan, Aleema Khan, filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court against the Adiala Jail superintendent and others for not being allowed to meet the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.

The authorities continue to claim that the incarcerated leader has been given all possible facilities in the prison. However, they say that the demand to meet Khan in person inside the prison is in violation of the prison manual.

Khan has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail since August 2023.

So, what do the prison rules in Pakistan say about family members and other meeting prisoners?

According to Dawn, all prisoners in Punjab jails are allowed to meet five people, including their relatives and lawyers. They are also allowed to have 30 minutes of phone time a week. These provisions are even extended to condemned prisoners.

Jail authorities reportedly conduct the 'automatic monitoring of the phone conversations of prisoners. This would mean that they can, whenever deemed necessary, listen to any communications made by those who are incarcerated.

These meetings are contingent on the prisoners behaviour. This would mean the provision for meetings is subjective. So, the prison authorities can decide if a prisoner's behaviour has been good.

"According to rules, the decision whether or not to allow an incarcerated or under-trial prisoner access to his/her lawyers or relatives was at the discretion of the concerned jail superintendent," Dawn quoted a retired prison department officer as saying.

Political prisoners are kept in special cells, and they have strict security. Rules stipulate that the political prisoners need to undergo a medical check-up to ensure that they are healthy.

Besides, the visitation rights of political prisoners can be suspended by the government if there is a concern that the meeting could lead to unrest outside.

Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Danyal Chaudhry maintained that prison meetings are allowed only under judicial orders.
As many as 123 people have been killed, and 130 others are missing across Sri Lanka amid worsening weather conditions triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

Several houses were destroyed completely or partially, leaving thousands of people homeless as the cyclone unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering extensive flooding, landslides in central hill regions and major disruptions in other parts, leaving several areas inaccessible.

Over 43,000 people have been shifted to state-run welfare centres after their houses were destroyed in the torrential rains and floods in the past few days.

The weather system was moving away from the island towards neighbouring India, but it has already left massive destruction, the disaster management centre in Sri Lanka said.

Rising floodwaters and landslides have disrupted normal life, and major reservoirs across the island nation are nearing or exceeding their capacities. A massive landslide has been reported in Ankumbura, Galkotuwa area in Kandy district.

Meanwhile, the irrigation department issued a high-risk flood warning for the next 24 hours for the low-lying areas of the Maha Oya Basin.

Three major bridges  Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge, and Kumara Ella Bridge were washed away, cutting off vital transport routes and isolating communities in Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, and Uva provinces. These routes are crucial for trade, agriculture, and relief convoys.

The disaster management officials said the severity of the weather has significantly hindered the ability of officials to reach affected sites or carry out on-ground assessments and rescue efforts.

India reaches out with aid

India, on Saturday, sent a contingent of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescuers and specialised search dogs to Sri Lanka for relief and rescue operations.

The teams, along with four rescue dogs, took off onboard an IL-76 IAF aircraft from the Hindon airbase near Delhi for Colombo around 4 am on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed two transport aircraftC-130 and IL-76carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material as part of India's humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday declared a 'state of emergency' amid damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed at least 120 people, and led to 130 others missing.

The official gazette from the island nation's government came after an all-party meeting on Friday, in which the Opposition leaders called for an emergency to be declared. The doctors' trade union also echoed this in a letter to the government.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN SRI LANKA 



President @anuradisanayake has issued an extraordinary gazette notification declaring a state of public emergency in Sri Lanka.



The gazette notification has been issued in the aftermath of the mass destruction left behind by pic.twitter.com/zk89UEKFvu  Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) November 29, 2025

The declaration is expected to speed up the process of rescue operations and distributing aid to those affected.

The cyclone has left a devastating trail of destruction in its wake, leaving several homeless, triggering landslides and floods, majorly disrupting civilian life, and rendering certain areas of the island nation inaccessible.

Over 43,000 people have been affected, most of whom have been shifted to welfare centres after their houses were either partially or completely destroyed.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that the cyclone continues to move in a north-northwestward direction, and is expected to make landfall near the coasts of southeast India by Sunday.

#WATCH | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu | Strong winds, rain and rough sea conditions in Pamban as a result of cyclonic storm 'Ditwah' moving north-northwest across Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal.



'Ditwah' expected to cross near the coast by early November 30th, says IMD. pic.twitter.com/laSbb10ZOP  ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025

The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at many placeswith the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall (more than 200mm) at isolated spotsin Tamil Nadu and eastern Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for parts of Kerala and Telangana as well.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar announced on Saturday that two Chetak helicopters from India's INS Vikrant had left for rescue operations in Sri Lanka. The Chetaks contain a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan air force personnel.

This is the latest move in India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', which earlier saw Indian Air Force (IAF) planes dispatch around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aidincluding tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food itemsto Colombo.
Colombo, Nov 29 (PTI) First responder India's relief and aid material to disaster hit Sri Lanka prompted the US and the Maldivian governments on Saturday to follow suit with assistance for the island nation.

After widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency throughout the country. In the latest update issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) here at 2 pm (local time), the death toll stood at 132 with 176 missing over the last four days as Cyclone Ditwah exited Sri Lanka on Saturday leaving a trail of destruction and damage to infrastructure.

The US announced an immediate allocation of 2 million dollars to support emergency relief efforts.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said communities across the island are facing difficult days with heavy rains and widespread flooding affecting many areas.

She stated that the United States stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka during this crisis and reaffirmed Washingtons commitment to assisting affected families.

The government of Maldives has decided to extend relief assistance to Sri Lanka through financial support of USD 50,000 and a donation of 25,000 cases of tuna cans, a statement said.

The Maldivian government has taken the decision to extend humanitarian and relief assistance on behalf of the Maldivian people to the people of Sri Lanka, it said.

Under its Operation Sagar Bandhu, India on Saturday sent around 21 tonnes of relief materials in two military transport aircraft, a day after delivering the first tranche of over six tonnes of essential supplies.

India also sent two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force personnel even as two Chetak helicopters on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joined the rescue efforts.

A total of around 27 tonnes of relief materials delivered by air and sea and more is on the way, he said on social media.
Shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) shot up 2.8% on Friday . The company traded as high as $131.41 and last traded at $131.2490. 3,893,506 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 61% from the average session volume of 10,015,415 shares. The stock had previously closed at $127.65.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on ANET shares. Piper Sandler reissued a neutral rating and set a $145.00 price target (up from $143.00) on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Arista Networks from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price objective on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Seventeen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six 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 price target of $164.31.

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Arista Networks Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $165.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 51.62, a PEG ratio of 3.37 and a beta of 1.48. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $142.42 and a 200 day moving average of $123.79.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 31.05% and a net margin of 40.90%.The companys revenue was up 27.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.40 EPS. Arista Networks has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.12, for a total transaction of $1,256,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 33,784 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,308,142.08. The trade was a 19.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Kelly Bodnar Battles sold 422 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.15, for a total value of $49,437.30. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 8,980 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,052,007. The trade was a 4.49% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 1,985,422 shares of company stock worth $290,780,281 over the last 90 days. 3.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ANET. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its position in Arista Networks by 2,118.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 244 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc increased its stake in Arista Networks by 56.7% in the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 199 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period. Knuff & Co LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 141.3% during the third quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 222 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the period. Finally, Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.47% of the companys stock.

Arista Networks Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

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Whitbread plc (LON:WTB  Get Free Report) shares were down 11.3% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 2,490 and last traded at GBX 2,493.73. Approximately 2,620,126 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 8% from the average daily volume of 2,415,451 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,812.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently commented on WTB. Citigroup raised their price target on Whitbread from GBX 3,600 to GBX 3,800 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Peel Hunt reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 3,500 price objective on shares of Whitbread in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Whitbread in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Panmure Gordon reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 3,700 price target on shares of Whitbread in a report on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Whitbread from GBX 2,800 to GBX 2,900 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 3,480.

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Whitbread Stock Down 11.3%

The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 3,018.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 2,999.53. The company has a market cap of 4.26 billion, a PE ratio of 17.43, a P/E/G ratio of -3.09 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.18.

Whitbread (LON:WTB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported GBX 133.70 EPS for the quarter. Whitbread had a return on equity of 6.83% and a net margin of 8.08%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Whitbread plc will post 227.1851852 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Whitbread

In other Whitbread news, insider Richard Gillingwater acquired 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 2,974 per share, with a total value of 14,870. Also, insider Christine Mary Hodgson bought 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 17th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 2,880 per share, with a total value of 288,000. 0.38% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Whitbread Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Whitbread is the owner of Premier Inn, the UKs biggest

hotel brand, with 86,000 rooms in over 850 hotels

and a growing presence in Germany with 10,500 rooms in

59 hotels, offering quality accommodation at affordable

prices in great locations.

People are at the heart of our business. We employ over

38,000 team members in over 900 Premier Inn hotels

across the UK and Germany.

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Livento Group (OTCMKTS:NUGN  Get Free Report) and Carlisle Companies (NYSE:CSL  Get Free Report) are both multi-sector conglomerates companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Livento Group and Carlisle Companies net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Livento Group -150.10% -4.17% -3.84% Carlisle Companies 15.48% 39.10% 15.73%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Livento Group and Carlisle Companies, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Livento Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Carlisle Companies 1 5 4 0 2.30

Earnings and Valuation

Carlisle Companies has a consensus target price of $386.67, indicating a potential upside of 21.57%. Given Carlisle Companies stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Carlisle Companies is more favorable than Livento Group.

This table compares Livento Group and Carlisle Companiess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Livento Group $1.69 million 3.64 -$600,000.00 N/A N/A Carlisle Companies $5.02 billion 2.65 $1.31 billion $17.63 18.04

Carlisle Companies has higher revenue and earnings than Livento Group.

Risk & Volatility

Livento Group has a beta of 1.17, meaning that its share price is 17% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Carlisle Companies has a beta of 1, meaning that its share price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

0.4% of Livento Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.5% of Carlisle Companies shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.5% of Carlisle Companies shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Carlisle Companies beats Livento Group on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Livento Group

(Get Free Report)

Livento Group, Inc. engages in the film and television production business. It is also involved in the artificial intelligence and machine learning technology business; development and licensing of Elisee, a software product that can capture data and create predictive behavior based on client inputs that assist the client in establishing its investment portfolio; and real estate finance and development activities. The company was formerly known as NuGene International, Inc. and changed its name to Livento Group, Inc. in June 2022. Livento Group, Inc. is headquartered in New York, New York.

About Carlisle Companies

(Get Free Report)

Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a manufacturer and supplier of building envelope products and solutions in the United States, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through two segments: Carlisle Construction Materials and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies. The company produces single-ply roofing products, and warranted roof systems and accessories, including ethylene propylene diene monomer, thermoplastic polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride membrane, polyiso insulation, and engineered metal roofing and wall panel systems for commercial and residential buildings. It also offers building envelope solutions, including high-performance waterproofing and moisture protection products, protective roofing underlayments, fully integrated liquid and sheet applied air/vapor barriers, sealants/primers and flashing systems, roof coatings and mastics, spray polyurethane foam and coating systems, block-molded expanded polystyrene insulation, and engineered products for HVAC applications. It sells its products under the Carlisle SynTec, Versico, WeatherBond, Hunter Panels, Resitrix, and Hertalan brands. Carlisle Companies Incorporated was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Women named Coretta are typically perceived as possessing a remarkable combination of inner strength and outward grace. They often demonstrate natural leadership qualities tempered with deep empathy, making them effective in both professional and personal relationships. The name suggests someone who is principled yet practical, idealistic yet grounded - capable of dreaming big while attending to necessary details. Corettas tend to be excellent communicators who can articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion.



There's often a creative or artistic dimension to Corettas, whether expressed through traditional arts, intellectual pursuits, or innovative problem-solving. They typically value education and lifelong learning, and many develop expertise in multiple areas throughout their lives. The resilience implied by the name's meaning manifests as emotional strength and the ability to recover from setbacks with wisdom rather than bitterness. Corettas often become pillars of their communities - the people others turn to in times of crisis because they combine practical help with emotional support. Their strength is typically quiet rather than showy, making them underestimated at first but deeply respected over time.
Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. (OTCMKTS:PBMLF  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 10.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $0.6110 and last traded at $0.6110. 500 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 83% from the average session volume of 3,017 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.6794.

Pacific Booker Minerals Stock Down 10.1%

The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $0.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.78. The stock has a market cap of $10.28 million, a PE ratio of -15.28 and a beta of -0.65.

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Pacific Booker Minerals (OTCMKTS:PBMLF  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, September 16th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter.

About Pacific Booker Minerals

Pacific Booker Minerals Inc engages in the exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for copper, gold, and molybdenum deposits. It holds interests in the Morrison property located in British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Booker Gold Explorations Limited and changed its name to Pacific Booker Minerals Inc in February 2000.

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Shares of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (OTCMKTS:HKXCY  Get Free Report) traded down 0.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $52.70 and last traded at $53.46. 68,860 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 59% from the average session volume of 168,061 shares. The stock had previously closed at $53.62.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Stock Down 0.3%

The businesss fifty day moving average is $55.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $54.46.

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Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, September 4th were given a $0.6979 dividend. This represents a yield of 215.0%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 3rd. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.14%.

About Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates stock exchanges and futures exchanges, and related clearing houses in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the United Kingdom. It operates through Cash, Equity and Financial Derivatives, Commodities, and Data and Connectivity segments.

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Boliden AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BOLIF  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 0.4% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $44.14 and last traded at $44.14. Approximately 825 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 94% from the average daily volume of 425 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.97.

Boliden AB (publ) Price Performance

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $41.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $34.80.

Boliden AB (publ) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Boliden AB (publ) engages in the exploring, extracting, and processing of base metals and precious metals in Sweden, other Nordic region, Germany, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Business Area Mines and Business Area Smelters.

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Enlightify (NYSE:ENFY  Get Free Report) is one of 46 publicly-traded companies in the CHEM  DIVERSIFD industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Enlightify to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership and earnings.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

0.1% of Enlightify shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 62.5% of shares of all CHEM  DIVERSIFD companies are owned by institutional investors. 14.0% of Enlightify shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.5% of shares of all CHEM  DIVERSIFD companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Enlightify and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Enlightify $79.21 million -$28.41 million -0.10 Enlightify Competitors $10.46 billion $486.03 million -96.58

Analyst Ratings

Enlightifys rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Enlightify. Enlightify 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 is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Enlightify and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Enlightify 1 0 0 0 1.00 Enlightify Competitors 726 2927 3347 110 2.40

As a group, CHEM  DIVERSIFD companies have a potential upside of 14.64%. Given Enlightifys rivals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Enlightify has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Profitability

This table compares Enlightify and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Enlightify -22.98% -18.78% -11.03% Enlightify Competitors -38.49% 0.48% 0.07%

Risk & Volatility

Enlightify has a beta of 0.97, indicating that its share price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Enlightifys rivals have a beta of 0.93, indicating that their average share price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Enlightify rivals beat Enlightify on 9 of the 13 factors compared.

About Enlightify

(Get Free Report)

Enlightify, Inc. engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various types of fertilizers and agricultural products. It operates through the following segments: Jinong, Gufeng, and Yuxing. The Jinong segment includes fertilizer products, with focus on humic acid-based compound fertilizer. The Gufeng segment refers to the compound fertilizer, blended fertilizer, organic compound fertilizer, slow-release fertilizers, highly concentrated water-soluble fertilizers, and mixed organic-inorganic compound fertilizer. The Yuxing segment develops and produces agricultural products, such as top-grade fruits, vegetables, flowers, and colored seedlings. The company was founded by Tao Li on February 6, 1987 and is headquartered in Xian, China.

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Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:FYGGY  Get Free Report) shares fell 3.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $2.11 and last traded at $2.11. 1,692 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 16% from the average session volume of 2,005 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.19.

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Stock Down 3.7%

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $2.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1.98.

About Fuyao Glass Industry Group

(Get Free Report)

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of safety glass solutions and automotive accessories for various transportation vehicles in China and internationally. It designs, manufactures, sells, and services automotive grade float glass, automotive glass, locomotive glass, luggage racks, and vehicle window trims, as well as offers relevant services.

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Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS  Get Free Report) was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday.

FMS has been the subject of a number of other reports. Zacks Research cut Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. 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. Weiss Ratings raised Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Finally, UBS Group lowered shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a sell rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $30.00.

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Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Stock Performance

Shares of FMS traded up $0.10 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $23.92. The stock had a trading volume of 146,957 shares, compared to its average volume of 370,027. The firm has a market cap of $14.04 billion, a PE ratio of 19.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.90. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $25.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $26.32. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA has a one year low of $21.83 and a one year high of $30.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44.

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.05. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA had a net margin of 3.39% and a return on equity of 6.75%. The company had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.72 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA will post 1.51 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 398.2% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,380 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 1,103 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC increased its position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 16.7% during the third quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 13,640 shares of the companys stock worth $359,000 after acquiring an additional 1,955 shares during the period. Virtus Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in the 3rd quarter worth about $290,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its holdings in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 11.9% in the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 223,222 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,877,000 after purchasing an additional 23,659 shares during the period. Finally, Mariner LLC grew its position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 49,661 shares of the companys stock worth $1,308,000 after purchasing an additional 1,651 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.37% of the companys stock.

About Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

(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.

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Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report issued on Friday.

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on Brandywine Realty Trust from $5.00 to $4.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Truist Financial downgraded shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $5.00 to $4.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an underweight rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $4.00.

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Brandywine Realty Trust Stock Up 0.7%

Brandywine Realty Trust stock traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $3.45. 1,339,987 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,475,642. Brandywine Realty Trust has a 1-year low of $3.23 and a 1-year high of $5.90. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $3.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $4.05. The company has a current ratio of 2.14, a quick ratio of 2.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. The stock has a market cap of $598.39 million, a P/E ratio of -3.22 and a beta of 1.42.

Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $121.42 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $119.11 million. Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 19.55% and a negative net margin of 38.03%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director James C. Diggs sold 23,190 shares of Brandywine Realty Trust stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.47, for a total transaction of $80,469.30. Following the sale, the director directly owned 128,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $446,491.84. This trade represents a 15.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Gerard H. Sweeney purchased 88,500 shares of the businesss 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 acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 3,042,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,282,669.80. This represents a 3.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Brandywine Realty Trust

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BDN. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 54.2% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 88,406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 31,072 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Brandywine Realty Trust in the first quarter worth about $331,000. Ethic Inc. raised its position in Brandywine Realty Trust by 10.6% in the second quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 51,245 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $218,000 after purchasing an additional 4,915 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Brandywine Realty Trust during the first quarter worth about $1,037,000. Finally, Kawa Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in Brandywine Realty Trust by 16.7% during the second quarter. Kawa Capital Management Inc now owns 3,500,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $15,015,000 after purchasing an additional 500,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.27% of the companys stock.

Brandywine Realty Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in the Philadelphia and Austin markets. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), we own, develop, lease and manage an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 160 properties and 22.6 million square feet as of September 30, 2023 which excludes assets held for sale.

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Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their price target on Delta Air Lines from $65.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on Delta Air Lines from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $66.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Seaport Global Securities raised their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $69.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty have issued a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $71.68.

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Delta Air Lines Stock Performance

NYSE:DAL traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $64.31. 3,476,225 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,961,303. Delta Air Lines has a one year low of $34.74 and a one year high of $69.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.40. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $58.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $55.76. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.99 billion, a PE ratio of 9.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.52.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, March 15th. The transportation company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.36% and a return on equity of 23.83%. The firm had revenue of $8.40 billion for the quarter. Analysts anticipate that Delta Air Lines will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.33, for a total transaction of $1,453,722.59. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 81,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,055,523.97. The trade was a 22.33% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP William C. Carroll sold 14,010 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $858,112.50. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 15,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $968,730. This represents a 46.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Delta Air Lines

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Savant Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 84.0% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 181,995 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $8,951,000 after buying an additional 83,072 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.6% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,690,361 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $160,900,000 after acquiring an additional 92,772 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 8.8% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 825,916 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $40,619,000 after acquiring an additional 67,002 shares during the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new stake in Delta Air Lines in the second quarter valued at approximately $15,138,000. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. increased its position in Delta Air Lines by 1,169.4% during the 1st quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 7,248 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $316,000 after purchasing an additional 6,677 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.93% of the companys stock.

Delta Air Lines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

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VanEck Indonesia Index ETF (NYSEARCA:IDX  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $16.90 and last traded at $17.01. 19,357 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 22% from the average session volume of 24,868 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.13.

VanEck Indonesia Index ETF Price Performance

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $16.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $15.61. The stock has a market cap of $38.27 million, a P/E ratio of 11.41 and a beta of 0.48.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On VanEck Indonesia Index ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IDX. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in VanEck Indonesia Index ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $229,000. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of VanEck Indonesia Index ETF during the first quarter valued at $949,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of VanEck Indonesia Index ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,167,000.

About VanEck Indonesia Index ETF

The Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (IDX) seeks, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors Indonesia Index (the Index). The Index provides exposure to publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Indonesia, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Indonesia.

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Shares of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the fourteen analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $655.90.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of MSCI from $655.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group increased their target price 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 boosted their price target on shares of MSCI from $588.00 to $611.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of MSCI from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn upgraded MSCI to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st.

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MSCI Trading Down 0.4%

NYSE MSCI opened at $560.60 on Wednesday. MSCI has a 12 month low of $486.73 and a 12 month high of $642.45. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $562.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $563.52. The company has a market capitalization of $42.12 billion, a PE ratio of 35.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.34.

MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The technology company reported $4.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.37 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $793.43 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $794.87 million. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 110.94% and a net margin of 40.03%.The companys revenue was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.86 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that MSCI will post 16.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

MSCI Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $1.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. MSCIs payout ratio is presently 45.63%.

MSCI announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, October 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the technology company to purchase up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Activity at MSCI

In other MSCI news, General Counsel Robert J. Gutowski sold 624 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $558.42, for a total value of $348,454.08. Following the sale, the general counsel owned 15,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,904,006.90. The trade was a 3.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 3.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On MSCI

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its position in shares of MSCI by 5.0% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 753 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $426,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in MSCI by 10.5% in the first quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,522 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $861,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc increased its position in shares of MSCI by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 37,853 shares of the technology companys stock worth $21,406,000 after purchasing an additional 3,815 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its position in shares of MSCI by 4.1% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 47,267 shares of the technology companys stock worth $26,729,000 after purchasing an additional 1,863 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of MSCI by 136.4% during the 1st quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 52 shares of the technology companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. 89.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.

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Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Cumming holds deep significance in Scottish history, originating from the powerful Comyn family who were major players in 13th-century Scottish politics. The Comyns served as Earls of Buchan and Badenoch and were key supporters of the Balliol claim to the Scottish throne. Their influence extended throughout medieval Scotland until their power was broken by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The name represents one of Scotland's most important noble families during the formative period of the Scottish nation-state.



Throughout subsequent centuries, the Cumming name has been associated with Scottish landownership, military service, and political leadership, with various branches maintaining prominence in different regions of Scotland. The name carries the weight of Scotland's complex feudal history and the enduring legacy of clan-based society, serving as a living connection to Scotland's medieval past and the evolution of Scottish identity across generations.
Tofutti Brands (OTCMKTS:TOFB  Get Free Report) and General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, risk, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Profitability

This table compares Tofutti Brands and General Mills net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tofutti Brands -8.74% -23.29% -18.27% General Mills 15.24% 23.46% 6.69%

Volatility & Risk

Tofutti Brands has a beta of 0.86, indicating that its stock price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, General Mills has a beta of -0.04, indicating that its stock price is 104% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tofutti Brands $8.82 million 0.47 -$860,000.00 ($0.13) -6.15 General Mills $19.16 billion 1.33 $2.30 billion $5.29 9.00

This table compares Tofutti Brands and General Millss top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

General Mills has higher revenue and earnings than Tofutti Brands. Tofutti Brands is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than General Mills, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Tofutti Brands and General Mills, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tofutti Brands 0 0 0 0 0.00 General Mills 2 13 4 0 2.11

General Mills has a consensus price target of $55.82, suggesting a potential upside of 17.28%. Given General Mills stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe General Mills is more favorable than Tofutti Brands.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

5.1% of Tofutti Brands shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 75.7% of General Mills shares are owned by institutional investors. 9.3% of Tofutti Brands shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of General Mills shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

General Mills beats Tofutti Brands on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Tofutti Brands

(Get Free Report)

Tofutti Brands Inc. engages in the development, production, and marketing of plant based, dairy free vegan frozen desserts, cheeses, and other food products under the TOFUTTI brand in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific, and Africa. The company offers frozen desserts, including frozen sandwiches and chocolate wafers; ice cream sandwiches; dairy free vegan cheese products, such as cream cheese, sour cream, cheese slices, and dairy free ricotta cheese alternatives; spreads; and frozen food products. It sells its products through independent unaffiliated food brokers to distributors, as well as on a direct basis to retail chain accounts or to warehouse accounts that directly service chain accounts. Tofutti Brands, Inc. was founded in 1981 and is based in Cranford, New Jersey.

About General Mills

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General Mills, Inc. manufactures and markets branded consumer foods worldwide. The company operates through four segments: North America Retail; International; Pet; and North America Foodservice. It offers grain, ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, bakery flour, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit and savory snacks, ice cream and frozen desserts, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, frozen hot snacks, ethnic meals, side dish mixes, frozen breakfast and entrees, nutrition bars, and frozen and shelf-stable vegetables. The company also manufactures and markets pet food products, including dog and cat food; and operates ice cream parlors. It markets its products under the Annies, Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Blue Buffalo, Bugles, Cascadian Farm, Cheerios, Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Dunkaroos, Edgard & Cooper, Fiber One, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Gardettos, Gold Medal, Golden Grahams, Haagen-Dazs, Kitano, Kix, Larabar, Latina, Lucky Charms, Muir Glen, Nature Valley, Nudges, Oatmeal Crisp, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Progresso, Tastefuls, Total, Totinos , Trix, True Chews, True Solutions, Wanchai Ferry, Wheaties, Wilderness, and Yoki brands. The company sells its products to grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains, e-commerce retailers, commercial and noncommercial foodservice distributors and operators, restaurants, convenience stores, and pet specialty stores. General Mills, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Intech Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Grindr Inc. (NYSE:GRND  Free Report) by 38.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 23,327 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,537 shares during the quarter. Intech Investment Management LLCs holdings in Grindr were worth $530,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Creative Planning purchased a new stake in shares of Grindr in the second quarter worth approximately $310,000. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its stake in Grindr by 1,174.1% in the 2nd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 442,143 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,037,000 after buying an additional 407,440 shares during the period. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey lifted its position in Grindr by 60.2% in the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 7,960 shares of the companys stock worth $181,000 after buying an additional 2,992 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Grindr by 27.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 657,167 shares of the companys stock worth $14,919,000 after buying an additional 141,339 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fox Run Management L.L.C. acquired a new stake in shares of Grindr during the 2nd quarter valued at $432,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.22% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on GRND. JMP Securities dropped their price target on shares of Grindr from $27.00 to $23.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Grindr in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Grindr from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on Grindr from $26.00 to $20.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Citizens Jmp dropped their price objective on Grindr from $23.00 to $21.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.50.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director James Fu Bin Lu sold 1,000,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.15, for a total value of $13,150,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 25,588,867 shares in the company, valued at approximately $336,493,601.05. The trade was a 3.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director George Raymond Zage III acquired 1,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $13.15 per share, with a total value of $13,150,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 7,733,283 shares in the company, valued at $101,692,671.45. This trade represents a 14.85% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 3,878,039 shares of company stock worth $52,674,966. Insiders own 67.70% of the companys stock.

Grindr Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:GRND opened at $12.82 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.37 billion, a P/E ratio of -34.63 and a beta of 0.22. The business has a 50-day moving average of $13.93 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.80. Grindr Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $11.73 and a fifty-two week high of $25.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.73, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82.

Grindr (NYSE:GRND  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.04. Grindr had a positive return on equity of 80.21% and a negative net margin of 11.99%.The business had revenue of $115.77 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $113.53 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.09 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 29.6% on a year-over-year basis. Grindr has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Grindr Inc. will post 0.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Grindr Profile

(Free Report)

Grindr Inc operates social network and dating application for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities worldwide. Its platform enables LGBTQ people to find and engage with each other, share content and experiences, and express themselves. The company offers ad-supported service and a premium subscription version.

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Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Reduce from the six ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating on the company.

WIT has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Wipro in a report on Thursday, October 30th. CLSA cut shares of Wipro from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th.

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Institutional Trading of Wipro

Wipro Stock Performance

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WIT. First Affirmative Financial Network grew its stake in shares of Wipro by 29.7% in the 3rd quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 35,790 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 8,185 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its position in Wipro by 117.6% in the 3rd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 215,671 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $567,000 after buying an additional 116,554 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd increased its stake in Wipro by 233.8% in the 3rd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 362,266 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $953,000 after buying an additional 253,722 shares during the period. Voleon Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Wipro during the 3rd quarter worth $563,000. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC raised its position in Wipro by 264.2% during the 3rd quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 3,308,080 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $8,700,000 after buying an additional 2,399,745 shares during the last quarter. 2.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Shares of WIT stock opened at $2.73 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $2.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.80. Wipro has a 1 year low of $2.55 and a 1 year high of $3.79. The firm has a market cap of $28.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.17, a PEG ratio of 16.16 and a beta of 1.02.

Wipro Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Wipro Limited operates as an information technology (IT), consulting, and business process services company worldwide. It operates through IT Services and IT Products segments. The IT Services segment offers IT and IT-enabled services, including digital strategy advisory, customer-centric design, technology and IT consulting, custom application design, development, re-engineering and maintenance, systems integration, package implementation, cloud and infrastructure, business process, cloud, mobility and analytics, research and development, and hardware and software design services to enterprises.

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Rinkey Investments decreased its stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFLO  Free Report) by 17.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 680,627 shares of the companys stock after selling 139,988 shares during the quarter. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF makes up 10.4% of Rinkey Investments investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Rinkey Investments owned approximately 0.51% of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF worth $34,474,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Robbins Farley purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new position in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the second quarter worth $30,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 250.2% during the second quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 704 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 503 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group purchased a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at $39,000.

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iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Performance

iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF stock opened at $50.60 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $50.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $50.55. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $50.36 and a 1-year high of $50.69.

About iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF

The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. Treasury floating rate bonds. TFLO was launched on Feb 3, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Free Report) by 23.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,357,200 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,776,544 shares during the quarter. Morgan Stanley accounts for 1.1% of Schroder Investment Management Groups portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. Schroder Investment Management Groups holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $1,318,055,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,234,883,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 117,769,345 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $13,740,149,000 after purchasing an additional 7,636,547 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley in the 1st quarter valued at about $767,506,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 21.2% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 17,056,916 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,990,030,000 after purchasing an additional 2,989,122 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new position in shares of Morgan Stanley during the second quarter worth about $343,236,000. 84.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Morgan Stanley news, CEO Edward Pick sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.34, for a total transaction of $16,434,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 574,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $94,493,199.24. The trade was a 14.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.19% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $155.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Barclays raised their price objective on Morgan Stanley from $156.00 to $183.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on Morgan Stanley from $145.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on Morgan Stanley from $176.00 to $184.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Three 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. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $173.38.

View Our Latest Research Report on MS

Morgan Stanley Trading Up 1.1%

Shares of MS stock opened at $169.75 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $269.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.33. Morgan Stanley has a 1 year low of $94.33 and a 1 year high of $171.77. 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 stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $161.33 and a 200 day simple moving average of $147.82.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $2.80 earnings per share 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 firm had revenue of $17.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.42 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.88 EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Morgan Stanley will post 8.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Morgan Stanley Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, October 31st were given a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio is currently 41.03%.

Morgan Stanley 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.

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Schroder Investment Management Group grew its holdings in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 24.7% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 2,944,438 shares of the energy producers stock after buying an additional 584,077 shares during the quarter. Schroder Investment Management Groups holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $264,234,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Navalign LLC lifted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 1.1% during the second quarter. Navalign LLC now owns 9,918 shares of the energy producers stock worth $890,000 after buying an additional 108 shares during the period. Tritonpoint Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tritonpoint Wealth LLC now owns 8,329 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $747,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. Iowa State Bank raised its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Iowa State Bank now owns 22,193 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,992,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,097 shares of the energy producers stock worth $368,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First National Bank Sioux Falls boosted its position in ConocoPhillips by 4.6% during the second quarter. First National Bank Sioux Falls now owns 2,572 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $231,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other ConocoPhillips news, Director William H. Mcraven acquired 5,768 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $499,970.24. The trade was a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

ConocoPhillips Price Performance

Shares of COP opened at $88.55 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The companys fifty day moving average price is $89.90 and its 200-day moving average price is $91.81. ConocoPhillips has a 1-year low of $79.88 and a 1-year high of $108.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $109.42 billion, a PE ratio of 11.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.58.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 14.60% and a net margin of 15.26%.The firms revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.78 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year.

ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a $0.84 dividend. This is a boost from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is currently 47.52%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have commented on COP. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Tuesday. Susquehanna cut their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips to $113.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $115.00 price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on ConocoPhillips from $129.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $115.16.

View Our Latest Analysis on COP

ConocoPhillips Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

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Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm purchased 12,261,570 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $1,288,936,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Prologis by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 121,741,332 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $12,797,449,000 after acquiring an additional 401,922 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Prologis by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 22,416,833 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,345,922,000 after purchasing an additional 310,333 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its position in Prologis by 1.6% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,506,899 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,735,205,000 after purchasing an additional 253,338 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Prologis in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,456,768,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Prologis by 3.6% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 10,875,240 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,143,205,000 after buying an additional 379,308 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.50% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on PLD. UBS Group set a $133.00 target price on Prologis in a research note on Monday, November 10th. BMO Capital Markets raised shares of Prologis from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $119.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Prologis in a report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Prologis from $113.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Industrial Alliance Securities set a $119.00 price target on shares of Prologis in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $125.39.

Prologis Price Performance

Prologis stock opened at $128.55 on Friday. Prologis, Inc. has a 52-week low of $85.35 and a 52-week high of $129.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $119.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.48, a PEG ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $121.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62.

Prologis (NYSE:PLD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. Prologis had a net margin of 36.71% and a return on equity of 5.55%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.43 earnings per share. Prologis has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.780-5.810 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Prologis

In other news, Director Cristina Gabriela Bita sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.00, for a total value of $111,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 9,829 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,019. This represents a 9.23% 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. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 2,000 shares of company stock worth $230,415. Insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock.

About Prologis

(Free Report)

Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries.

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Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC cut its holdings in shares of Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:PSP  Free Report) by 16.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,978 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,547 shares during the period. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF were worth $894,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Manchester Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF in the second quarter worth about $41,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF during the second quarter worth about $47,000. MAI Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF by 1,807.1% during the first quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 1,335 shares of the companys stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 1,265 shares during the last quarter. Finally, O ROURKE & COMPANY Inc acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF during the second quarter valued at about $218,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.39% of the companys stock.

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Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF Stock Up 1.1%

PSP stock opened at $66.15 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $323.47 million, a PE ratio of 14.07 and a beta of 1.33. Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF has a 52 week low of $53.60 and a 52 week high of $72.97. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $67.19 and a 200 day moving average of $68.67.

Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF Profile

PowerShares Global Listed Private Equity Portfolio (the Fund) is based on the Global Listed Private Equity Index (Index). The Fund focuses to invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities, which may include American depository receipts (ADRs) and global depository receipts (GDRs), which comprises the Index.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp trimmed its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 31,802,712 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 1,297,528 shares during the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources accounts for 1.3% of Mackenzie Financial Corps portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Mackenzie Financial Corps holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $1,000,187,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Scotia Capital Inc. grew its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 14.8% in the 2nd quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 7,129,824 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $223,920,000 after purchasing an additional 918,291 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 16.0% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 113,584 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $3,567,000 after acquiring an additional 15,704 shares in the last quarter. Epacria Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. Epacria Capital Partners LLC now owns 222,838 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $6,997,000 after purchasing an additional 14,879 shares in the last quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the second quarter valued at approximately $441,000. Finally, Choreo LLC raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 4.9% in the second quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 22,002 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $700,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.03% of the companys stock.

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Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance

NYSE:CNQ opened at $33.82 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.99 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1 year low of $24.65 and a 1 year high of $34.97. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $32.11 and a 200-day moving average of $31.65.

Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $6.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.81 billion. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 19.67% and a net margin of 19.00%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.5875 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. This represents a $2.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.9%. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 73.89%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research raised shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. Wells Fargo & Company raised Canadian Natural Resources to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $62.00 target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $62.00.

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Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

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).

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Vinva Investment Management Ltd decreased its position in shares of Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 13.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 65,002 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 9,842 shares during the period. Vinva Investment Management Ltds holdings in Devon Energy were worth $2,096,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 81.1% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 5,029,987 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $188,131,000 after buying an additional 2,252,918 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Devon Energy by 2.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 82,780,738 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $3,096,000,000 after acquiring an additional 2,098,568 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Devon Energy in the first quarter worth approximately $69,975,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,558,362 shares of the energy companys stock worth $132,051,000 after purchasing an additional 1,779,382 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Encompass Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter worth $63,561,000. 69.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have commented on DVN. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $42.00 target price on shares of Devon Energy and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Argus upgraded Devon Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Devon Energy in a research note on Tuesday. Siebert Williams Shank reduced their target price on Devon Energy from $52.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Devon Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.89.

Devon Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:DVN opened at $37.08 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.26 billion, a PE ratio of 8.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Devon Energy Corporation has a 12-month low of $25.89 and a 12-month high of $38.88. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $34.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $33.68.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $0.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 16.57%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.10 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Corporation will post 4.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.59%.

Devon Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Individuals named Cyneheard are often perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities and a natural authority. They tend to be decisive, courageous, and protective of those in their care, reflecting the name's possible meaning of 'royal protector'. Their personality often combines strategic thinking with practical action, making them effective in positions of responsibility where quick decisions and firm leadership are required.



Cyneheards typically exhibit loyalty and commitment to their principles and communities. They value tradition and honor, often serving as pillars of stability in their social circles. While they can be assertive and determined, they also possess a strong sense of justice and fairness. Their combination of royal bearing and protective instincts makes them natural leaders who inspire confidence and respect in others, though they may sometimes struggle with being overly rigid or traditional in their approaches.
Amcor (NYSE:AMCR  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Saturday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 0.800-0.83 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 0.800. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AMCR has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Amcor from $11.00 to $9.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Amcor in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on shares of Amcor in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. They set a sector perform rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Amcor in a report on Friday, September 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $10.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Amcor from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $10.20 target price for the company in a report on Friday, October 10th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $10.91.

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Amcor Stock Performance

Shares of Amcor stock opened at $8.54 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $19.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.71, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Amcor has a 1 year low of $7.66 and a 1 year high of $10.70. The firms 50-day moving average is $8.21 and its 200 day moving average is $8.79.

Amcor (NYSE:AMCR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.19. Amcor had a return on equity of 19.43% and a net margin of 3.40%.The business had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.77 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. Amcors revenue was up 71.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Amcor will post 0.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Amcor Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a $0.13 dividend. This is a boost from Amcors previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.1%. Amcors payout ratio is presently 152.94%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Amcor

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AMCR. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Amcor by 398.6% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 16,015,722 shares of the companys stock worth $147,184,000 after buying an additional 12,803,785 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Amcor by 29.9% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 47,111,558 shares of the companys stock valued at $385,373,000 after acquiring an additional 10,846,351 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Amcor by 7.2% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 139,077,241 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,137,652,000 after acquiring an additional 9,375,255 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in Amcor by 136.5% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 14,807,749 shares of the companys stock worth $136,083,000 after purchasing an additional 8,546,367 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Amcor by 224.5% during the 2nd quarter. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC now owns 7,286,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,964,000 after purchasing an additional 5,041,009 shares during the period. 45.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Amcor

(Get Free Report)

Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund lessened its stake in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,433,111 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 72,296 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $221,997,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the second quarter valued at $1,889,858,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Charles Schwab by 15.4% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 148,395,252 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,616,380,000 after buying an additional 19,817,022 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 595.7% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,488,777 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,212,461,000 after buying an additional 13,262,309 shares during the period. Primecap Management Co. CA increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 229.3% in the 1st quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 14,002,078 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,096,083,000 after buying an additional 9,749,728 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 12.3% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 82,048,984 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,422,795,000 after buying an additional 8,954,248 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $114.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Friday, October 17th. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $110.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, October 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $112.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.45.

Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

In related news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total value of $301,056.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at $1,168,454. The trade was a 20.49% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total value of $299,122.65. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 34,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,245,830.74. The trade was a 8.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 9,482 shares of company stock valued at $905,295. Insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.2%

SCHW stock opened at $92.94 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $93.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $92.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.55. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $65.88 and a fifty-two week high of $99.59. The stock has a market capitalization of $165.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.76, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.02.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.06. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 21.26% and a net margin of 35.93%.The company had revenue of $6.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.93 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.71 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.29%.

Charles Schwab Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Virtus Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 12,839 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,354,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Aflac in the 2nd quarter valued at about $432,201,000. Level Four Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Aflac by 1.8% during the second quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 63,960 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,745,000 after purchasing an additional 1,146 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of Aflac by 12.3% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 92,718 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,778,000 after purchasing an additional 10,120 shares during the period. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC lifted its holdings in Aflac by 18.0% during the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 107,371 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,323,000 after buying an additional 16,393 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Korea Investment CORP grew its stake in Aflac by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 357,688 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,722,000 after purchasing an additional 11,803 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.44% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Aflac

In other Aflac news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 786 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.75, for a total transaction of $89,407.50. Following the transaction, the director owned 24,829 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,824,298.75. The trade was a 3.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Frederic Jean Guy Simard sold 1,722 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.50, for a total value of $193,725.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 1,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $153,450. This represents a 55.80% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 22,822 shares of company stock worth $2,571,002. Corporate insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Evercore ISI increased their price target on Aflac from $110.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Aflac from $107.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Piper Sandler set a $125.00 price target on shares of Aflac and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Aflac from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 9th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of Aflac from $108.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $111.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Aflac

Aflac Stock Down 0.2%

AFL stock opened at $110.31 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $57.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.01, a PEG ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a current ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Aflac Incorporated has a twelve month low of $96.95 and a twelve month high of $115.83. The companys 50 day moving average is $110.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is $106.27.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, February 27th. The financial services provider reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Aflac had a net margin of 15.32% and a return on equity of 15.08%. The business had revenue of $5.91 billion during the quarter. Research analysts expect that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Aflac announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, August 12th that allows the company to repurchase 100,000,000 shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Aflac Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.61 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 18th. This is a positive change from Aflacs previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Aflacs dividend payout ratio is 31.85%.

About Aflac

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund lowered its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 0.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,876,800 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,600 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $341,822,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 31.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 8,531 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,097 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Capstone Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $238,000. Eastern Bank raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 10.1% during the first quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 3,345 shares of the companys stock worth $531,000 after buying an additional 306 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Foster & Motley Inc. acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at approximately $249,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of PM stock opened at $157.25 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.12 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $155.69 and a 200-day moving average of $166.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $244.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.43.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The firm had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 106.52%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. KGI Securities assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price objective on Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, UBS Group cut 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 equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.00.

Check Out Our Latest Report on PM

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd increased its holdings in Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB  Free Report) by 47.9% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 126,993 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 41,114 shares during the period. Quadrature Capital Ltds holdings in Williams Companies were worth $7,973,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of WMB. Flaharty Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the first quarter worth $25,000. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in Williams Companies by 104.8% during the 2nd quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 469 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in Williams Companies during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in Williams Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. 86.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

WMB has been the topic of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on Williams Companies from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Williams Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Williams Companies from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Williams Companies from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $68.21.

Williams Companies Trading Up 1.2%

Shares of Williams Companies stock opened at $60.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a current ratio of 0.54 and a quick ratio of 0.48. Williams Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $51.58 and a 1 year high of $65.55. The firm has a market cap of $74.44 billion, a PE ratio of 30.63, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $60.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $59.52.

Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The pipeline company reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by ($0.02). Williams Companies had a return on equity of 16.23% and a net margin of 21.63%.The company had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.87 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.43 EPS. Williams Companiess quarterly revenue was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. Williams Companies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.010-2.190 EPS. Analysts expect that Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Williams Companies Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. Williams Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 103.09%.

Insider Transactions at Williams Companies

In other news, SVP Terrance Lane Wilson sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.53, for a total value of $242,120.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 302,645 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,319,101.85. This represents a 1.30% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.44% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Williams Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Williams Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in the United States. It operates through Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services segments. The Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment comprises natural gas pipelines; Transco, Northwest pipeline, MountainWest, and related natural gas storage facilities; and natural gas gathering and processing, and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region.

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Shares of Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE  Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company.

SKE has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised Skeena Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Desjardins upgraded shares of Skeena Resources to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, TD Securities assumed coverage on shares of Skeena Resources in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. They issued a buy rating on the stock.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Skeena Resources

Skeena Resources Price Performance

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SKE. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in Skeena Resources by 174.0% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 314,370 shares of the companys stock worth $3,172,000 after purchasing an additional 199,654 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources during the first quarter valued at approximately $359,000. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its position in shares of Skeena Resources by 49.4% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 221,443 shares of the companys stock worth $2,234,000 after buying an additional 73,215 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Skeena Resources in the 1st quarter worth approximately $717,000. Finally, Medici Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Skeena Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,934,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.15% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE SKE opened at $20.71 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -19.00 and a beta of 1.25. Skeena Resources has a 1-year low of $8.53 and a 1-year high of $21.16. The business has a 50-day moving average of $17.88 and a 200-day moving average of $16.14.

Skeena Resources (NYSE:SKE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.06) by ($0.03). Research analysts expect that Skeena Resources will post -0.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Skeena Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada.

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Vinva Investment Management Ltd cut its stake in Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) by 17.7% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 25,094 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 5,400 shares during the period. Vinva Investment Management Ltds holdings in Edison International were worth $1,279,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Kentucky Trust Co boosted its position in Edison International by 66.7% in the 2nd quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT bought a new stake in shares of Edison International during the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. American National Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Edison International by 5,064.3% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 723 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in Edison International in the second quarter worth approximately $44,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.95% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Edison International

In other Edison International news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total value of $99,486.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 35,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,946,167.24. This trade represents a 4.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Edison International Stock Performance

Shares of Edison International stock opened at $59.08 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $22.73 billion, a PE ratio of 7.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.47 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.66. Edison International has a one year low of $47.73 and a one year high of $88.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.82.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.18. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.31 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.51 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. Research analysts expect that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Edison International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 7th were paid a dividend of $0.8275 per share. This represents a $3.31 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.6%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 7th. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 43.27%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on EIX shares. Cowen started coverage on Edison International in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a buy rating for the company. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $52.50 to $55.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Edison International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Edison International in a research report on Monday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Edison International to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Edison International presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $64.10.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Edison International

About Edison International

(Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors.

Further Reading

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Virtue Capital Management LLC cut its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 53.7% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 2,428 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,819 shares during the quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $371,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GFG Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Johnson & Johnson in the 1st quarter valued at $47,000. 1248 Management LLC purchased a new stake in Johnson & Johnson in the first quarter worth $48,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the first quarter worth $52,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 66.4% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 376 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. 69.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Johnson & Johnson

In other Johnson & Johnson news, EVP Jennifer L. Taubert sold 56,471 shares of Johnson & Johnson stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $177.81, for a total value of $10,041,108.51. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 178,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,652,491.53. The trade was a 24.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.16% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

JNJ has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Argus set a $210.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $209.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Daiwa Capital Markets raised Johnson & Johnson from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $203.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Scotiabank initiated coverage on Johnson & Johnson in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $230.00 target price for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $201.05.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:JNJ opened at $206.89 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $191.33 and a 200 day moving average of $173.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The company has a market capitalization of $498.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.38. Johnson & Johnson has a 52 week low of $140.68 and a 52 week high of $207.81.

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 (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $24.02 billion for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is presently 50.19%.

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.

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West Family Investments Inc. increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 47.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,154 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,613 shares during the period. West Family Investments Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,485,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Abound Wealth Management increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 566.7% in the 2nd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 160 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc raised its position in Philip Morris International by 266.7% during the second quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. Finally, Kelly Lawrence W & Associates Inc. CA purchased a new position in Philip Morris International during the first quarter valued at $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Stock Performance

Shares of Philip Morris International stock opened at $157.25 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $155.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $166.81. The company has a market cap of $244.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.49, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.43. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $116.12 and a one year high of $186.69.

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 (EPS) for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The business had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. On average, analysts predict 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. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were paid a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 106.52%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on Philip Morris International and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, KGI Securities started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.00.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Philip Morris International

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.

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Virtue Capital Management LLC lessened its holdings in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 53.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,002 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 1,158 shares during the period. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $293,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of MCD. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of McDonalds by 29,382.3% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,676,339,000 after purchasing an additional 5,718,087 shares during the period. Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the second quarter worth about $1,412,069,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in McDonalds during the first quarter worth about $1,324,961,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in McDonalds by 16.8% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,341,460 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $2,917,993,000 after buying an additional 1,344,954 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in McDonalds by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 71,331,031 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $20,840,787,000 after buying an additional 921,936 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.29% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently commented on MCD. Citigroup decreased their price target on McDonalds from $381.00 to $375.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on McDonalds from $322.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Truist Financial lowered their target price on McDonalds from $360.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on McDonalds from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $350.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $324.57.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 13,134 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.42, for a total transaction of $3,945,716.28. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 4,606 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,383,734.52. This trade represents a 74.04% 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, CMO Edith Morgan Flatley sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $315,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 6,858 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,160,270. This trade represents a 12.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 34,463 shares of company stock worth $10,549,351. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

McDonalds Stock Down 0.2%

NYSE MCD opened at $311.75 on Friday. McDonalds Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $276.53 and a fifty-two week high of $326.32. The business has a fifty day moving average of $303.73 and a 200-day moving average of $304.20. The stock has a market cap of $222.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.50.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 EPS 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 analysts expectations of $7.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.23 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current year.

McDonalds Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a $1.86 dividend. This is a boost from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 63.48%.

McDonalds 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.

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Individuals named Dalen are often characterized by their strong sense of purpose and creative problem-solving abilities. They tend to be practical yet imaginative, combining hands-on skills with innovative thinking. This blend of practicality and creativity makes them excellent at turning abstract ideas into tangible results. Their association with the blacksmith archetype suggests resilience, patience, and the ability to withstand pressure while transforming raw materials into something valuable and useful.



Dalen's typically possess a quiet confidence and spiritual depth that others find compelling. They are often drawn to mentoring roles and enjoy helping others discover their own strengths and talents. The supernatural element in their name's description suggests an intuitive nature and sensitivity to spiritual matters. They tend to be dependable friends and family members who provide stability during difficult times, much like the steady, reliable nature of a master craftsman. Their combination of earthly practicality and spiritual awareness makes them well-rounded individuals who can navigate both material and metaphysical challenges.
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $287.50.

AIT has been the subject of several research reports. Industrial Alliance Securities set a $290.00 price objective on Applied Industrial Technologies in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Bank of America lifted their price target on Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Applied Industrial Technologies from $290.00 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. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $265.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 15th.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AIT

Applied Industrial Technologies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:AIT traded up $1.50 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $258.82. 131,765 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 360,185. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 2.36 and a current ratio of 3.55. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $254.69 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $251.52. The company has a market cap of $9.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.91, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.99. Applied Industrial Technologies has a 1 year low of $199.96 and a 1 year high of $280.95.

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $2.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. Applied Industrial Technologies had a net margin of 8.61% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The companys revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.36 earnings per share. Applied Industrial Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.100-10.850 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Applied Industrial Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Applied Industrial Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 17.71%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Applied Industrial Technologies by 2.9% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,453 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $338,000 after buying an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in Applied Industrial Technologies by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,410 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $369,000 after buying an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 653 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $170,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 4,631 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,209,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the period. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 15,526 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,609,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. 93.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Applied Industrial Technologies Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (NYSE:TEN  Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $21.16 and traded as high as $24.64. Tsakos Energy Navigation shares last traded at $24.1630, with a volume of 283,837 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $24.00 price objective on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Tsakos Energy Navigation has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.00.

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Tsakos Energy Navigation Stock Up 1.2%

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $23.41 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $737.83 million, a P/E ratio of 8.75 and a beta of -0.15.

Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.11. Tsakos Energy Navigation had a net margin of 14.17% and a return on equity of 12.03%. The company had revenue of $158.84 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $170.78 million. On average, equities analysts expect that Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd will post 3.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 11th will be given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 11th. This represents a yield of 399.0%. Tsakos Energy Navigations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.45%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tsakos Energy Navigation

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $267,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its stake in Tsakos Energy Navigation by 1.0% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 104,285 shares of the companys stock worth $1,779,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation during the second quarter valued at approximately $384,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 312.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 993 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in the second quarter worth approximately $58,000. 19.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. engages in the provision of seaborne crude oil and petroleum product transportation services. Its activities include the operation of crude tankers, product tankers, and liquefied natural gas carriers. The company was founded by Nikolas P. Tsakos and Michael Gordon Jolliffee in July 1993 and is headquartered in Athens, Greece.

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Ensign Energy Services Inc. (TSE:ESI  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$2.31 and traded as high as C$2.57. Ensign Energy Services shares last traded at C$2.56, with a volume of 35,745 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on ESI. Atb Cap Markets upgraded Ensign Energy Services to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Ensign Energy Services from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and raised their price target for the stock from C$2.50 to C$3.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, CIBC upped their target price on shares of Ensign Energy Services from C$2.50 to C$2.75 in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ensign Energy Services has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$3.30.

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Ensign Energy Services Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.02, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 1.30. The company has a market cap of C$487.49 million, a PE ratio of -10.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 202.94 and a beta of 1.63. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of C$2.51 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$2.31.

Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C($0.02) EPS for the quarter. Ensign Energy Services had a return on equity of 2.37% and a net margin of 1.86%.The company had revenue of C$411.16 million during the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that Ensign Energy Services Inc. will post 0.2901354 earnings per share for the current year.

Ensign Energy Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ensign Energy Services Inc offers services in drilling and well servicing, oil sands coring, directional drilling, underbalanced and managed pressure drilling, equipment rentals, transportation, wireline services, and production testing services. Ensign produces enhanced drilling with the help of its proprietary automated drilling rigs.

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Kuhn & Co Investment Counsel decreased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,444 shares of the companys stock after selling 645 shares during the period. Kuhn & Co Investment Counsels holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,027,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PG. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 233,211,283 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,155,222,000 after purchasing an additional 3,189,111 shares in the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 655,209.0% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 76,028,952 shares of the companys stock worth $11,832,680,000 after buying an additional 76,017,350 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,415,933 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,439,341,000 after buying an additional 1,060,713 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth $5,099,644,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 29,644,000 shares of the companys stock worth $5,051,930,000 after acquiring an additional 248,792 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Barclays lowered their price target on Procter & Gamble from $164.00 to $153.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $163.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Berenberg Bank boosted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $152.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, BNP Paribas reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $177.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, August 15th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $171.53.

Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.1%

PG opened at $148.40 on Friday. Procter & Gamble Company has a one year low of $144.09 and a one year high of $180.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $149.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $155.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $346.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.66, a PEG ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.36.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.63% and a net margin of 19.74%.The firm had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.93 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. Analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 24th were given a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.61%.

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In other news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 4,252 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $647,281.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 53,992 shares in the company, valued at $8,219,202.16. This trade represents a 7.30% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 11,684 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total value of $1,778,655.32. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 319,932 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,703,248.36. The trade was a 3.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 30,308 shares of company stock valued at $4,611,852 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble Co engages in the provision of branded consumer packaged goods. It operates through the following segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. The Beauty segment offers hair, skin, and personal care. The Grooming segment consists of shave care like female and male blades and razors, pre and post shave products, and appliances.

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UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the thirty analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, nine have given a hold recommendation and eighteen have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $397.12.

A number of research firms have weighed in on UNH. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $310.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. Leerink Partners set a $410.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $325.00 to $395.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Zacks Research upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $440.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, August 26th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in UNH. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd increased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 685.7% during the 1st quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 55 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 48 shares during the last quarter. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC increased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 69.4% during the third quarter. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC now owns 83 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Finally, 1248 Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock.

UNH traded up $0.04 on Friday, reaching $329.75. The stock had a trading volume of 2,464,462 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,051,992. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $343.37 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $314.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. UnitedHealth Group has a 12-month low of $234.60 and a 12-month high of $622.83. The company has a market cap of $298.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.47.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.87 by $0.05. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 19.23% and a net margin of 4.04%.The firm had revenue of $113.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $113.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $7.15 EPS. UnitedHealth Groups revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th will be paid a $2.21 dividend. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 8th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.14%.

About UnitedHealth Group

(Get Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Hill & Smith PLC (LON:HILS  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,005.74 and traded as high as GBX 2,230. Hill & Smith shares last traded at GBX 2,215, with a volume of 102,923 shares traded.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on HILS shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on shares of Hill & Smith from GBX 2,555 to GBX 2,625 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Shore Capital restated a hold rating on shares of Hill & Smith in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,530 target price on shares of Hill & Smith in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 2,650 price target on shares of Hill & Smith in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,601.67.

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Hill & Smith Trading Up 0.9%

About Hill & Smith

The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2,126.14 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,007.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.30. The stock has a market cap of 1.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.49 and a beta of 1.31.

(Get Free Report)

Our purpose is to create sustainable infrastructure and safe transport through innovation.

Hill & Smith PLC is an international group with leading positions in the supply of infrastructure products and galvanizing services to global markets. Through a focus on leading positions in niche markets we aim to consistently deliver strong returns and shareholder value.

Supplying to, and located in, global markets the Group serves customers from facilities in Australia, India, Sweden, the UK and the USA, building a presence in international markets, where countries are upgrading or improving their infrastructure as their economies grow.

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West Family Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 193.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,395 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,897 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 0.8% of West Family Investments Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest position. West Family Investments Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,426,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,669,349,000 after buying an additional 50,002,551 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,680,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,038 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,707,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,495,261,000 after acquiring an additional 81,587 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake 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 acquiring an additional 11,537,661 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $8,827,714,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. DZ Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $930.00 to $1,100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and set a $830.00 price objective (down previously from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Loop Capital set a $950.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to 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 Trading Down 2.7%

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $1,074.94 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $889.37 and a two-hundred day moving average of $799.23. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,111.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The stock has a market cap of $1.02 trillion, a PE ratio of 70.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.18 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 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.

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Victoria Gold Corp (CVE:VIT  Get Free Report) shares crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$8.30 and traded as high as C$8.45. Victoria Gold shares last traded at C$8.30, with a volume of 136,122 shares.

Victoria Gold Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$474.98 million and a PE ratio of -13.34. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.76. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$8.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$8.30.

About Victoria Gold

(Get Free Report)

Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its principal property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada.

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John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE:JHI  Get Free Report) shares passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $13.85 and traded as low as $13.80. John Hancock Investors Trust shares last traded at $13.90, with a volume of 30,512 shares trading hands.

John Hancock Investors Trust Stock Up 0.6%

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $13.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.85.

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John Hancock Investors Trust Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 12th were given a dividend of $0.3158 per share. This is a boost from John Hancock Investors Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. This represents a $1.26 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.0%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

John Hancock Investors Trust Company Profile

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Riverbridge Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC now owns 33,638 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $471,000 after purchasing an additional 784 shares during the period. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. raised its position in John Hancock Investors Trust by 4.3% in the third quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 40,157 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $562,000 after acquiring an additional 1,644 shares during the period. Aviance Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 5.8% during the 3rd quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC now owns 34,356 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $481,000 after acquiring an additional 1,871 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 71,791 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $974,000 after acquiring an additional 2,370 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 10,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $140,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares in the last quarter. 27.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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John Hancock Investors Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. It invests in the fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of corporate and government bonds, debt securities.

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Profitability

This table compares M&F Bancorp and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets M&F Bancorp N/A N/A N/A M&F Bancorp Competitors 16.58% 9.98% 1.05%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares M&F Bancorp and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio M&F Bancorp $29.33 million $4.77 million 9.55 M&F Bancorp Competitors $598.42 million $154.64 million 13.52

M&F Bancorps rivals have higher revenue and earnings than M&F Bancorp. M&F Bancorp 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.

Risk and Volatility

Insider and Institutional Ownership

M&F Bancorp has a beta of -0.5, suggesting that its stock price is 150% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, M&F Bancorps rivals have a beta of 0.69, suggesting that their average stock price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500.

50.4% of shares of all BANKS  SOUTHEAST companies are held by institutional investors. 2.9% of M&F Bancorp shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 12.5% of shares of all BANKS  SOUTHEAST companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

M&F Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.3%. M&F Bancorp pays out 12.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS  SOUTHEAST companies pay a dividend yield of 2.1% and pay out 24.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

M&F Bancorp rivals beat M&F Bancorp on 10 of the 11 factors compared.

About M&F Bancorp

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M&F Bancorp, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for the Mechanics and Farmers Bank that provides consumer and commercial banking products and services in North Carolina. It offers deposit products, including demand deposits; checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company provides loans for commercial and residential real estate, and construction; and consumer and other loans; as well as ATM services. M&F Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

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Individuals named Dannelle are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of spiritual depth and practical wisdom. They tend to exhibit strong moral convictions and a natural inclination toward fairness and justice, reflecting the name's meaning of 'God is my judge.' Many Dannelles demonstrate excellent judgment in difficult situations and often serve as trusted advisors to friends and family. Their inherent sense of responsibility and integrity makes them reliable and principled individuals who approach life with thoughtful consideration.



Beyond their serious qualities, Dannelles typically possess warm, nurturing personalities with strong intuitive abilities. They often excel in caregiving roles and have a natural talent for understanding others' emotional needs. While they maintain high personal standards, they're usually compassionate rather than judgmental toward others. Their combination of spiritual awareness and emotional intelligence allows them to navigate complex social situations with grace and wisdom, making them valued members of their communities and cherished friends.
Whitecap Resources Inc. (OTCMKTS:SPGYF  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $6.79 and traded as low as $6.68. Whitecap Resources shares last traded at $6.79, with a volume of 1,253,043 shares traded.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Desjardins raised shares of Whitecap Resources from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Whitecap Resources currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Whitecap Resources Trading Down 0.3%

About Whitecap Resources

The firms fifty day moving average is $6.79 and its 200-day moving average is $6.71.

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Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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Shares of Buffalo Coal Corp. (CVE:BUF  Get Free Report) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.01 and traded as low as C$0.01. Buffalo Coal shares last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 26,000 shares trading hands.

Buffalo Coal Stock Up 100.0%

The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.01 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.01. The company has a market capitalization of C$7.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.33 and a beta of 0.58.

About Buffalo Coal

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Buffalo Coal Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a coal mining company in South Africa. It primarily focuses on the Aviemore anthracite mine covering an area of approximately 5,513 hectares and Magdalena mine covering an area of approximately 1,844 hectares located in the Kwa-Zulu, Natal Province of South Africa.

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TwentyFour Income (LON:TFIF  Get Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 112.79 and traded as low as GBX 112.60. TwentyFour Income shares last traded at GBX 113.21, with a volume of 1,434,252 shares traded.

TwentyFour Income Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of 910.42 million and a PE ratio of 8.13. The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 112.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 112.23.

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TwentyFour Income (LON:TFIF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The company reported GBX 6.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. TwentyFour Income had a net margin of 1,552.21% and a return on equity of 103.44%.

TwentyFour Income Company Profile

TwentyFour Income Fund Limited is a London listed closed-ended fund which targets less liquid, higher yielding UK and European asset backed securities.

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In contemporary naming practices, Del maintains a consistent though modest presence, particularly valued for its retro charm and cross-cultural accessibility. The name experienced its peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, coinciding with the fame of musicians like Del Shannon, but has since settled into steady but infrequent usage. Today, it appeals to parents seeking short, strong-sounding names that are easy to pronounce yet distinctive. Del is often used both as a standalone given name and as a nickname for longer names such as Delbert, Delano, or Delmar. Its usage spans various demographic groups and is appreciated for its versatility - working equally well in formal and casual contexts. While not currently trending dramatically upward, Del maintains a loyal following among those who appreciate its blend of European heritage and American simplicity, ensuring it remains in circulation rather than disappearing entirely from naming landscapes.
Only the most lock-in Kansas City news watchers might remember about 11 months ago when former KC Mayoral candidate Jason Kander enjoyed the national media spotlight for organizing a "rescue mission" for Afghans who had helped the U.S. military.

The pinnacle of the MSM adulation might have been an exceptionally salutary report from 60 Minutes.

It was an important moment that revealed Kansas City's foremost Democratic Party leader STILL holds the power to move the discourse on the national & international front.

Now . . .

Following a tragic & fatal shooting in the nation's capital and ensuing immigration crackdown by the White House . . . The legacy of that mission might be conflicted by political and partisan bickering.

Local news might be working on follow-up but we wanted to put the deets out there first so that we can more accurately gauge spin from both directions.

First . . . Here's the latest social media statement shared by Jason Kander wherein he offer prayers & concern for soldiers along with a plea for friendly Afghans . . . Check-it:

"Praying for the two soldiers attacked in DC and for calm and compassion toward the tens of thousands of Afghan refugees making this country better each day.



"Let us not react in a way that causes them to live in fear."

Here's that 60 Minutes special via www.TonysKansasCity.com embed . . .
Today we notice the most obvious recession indicator that we've witnessed during the current political epoch.

KANSAS CITY SHOPPING DISTRICTS ACROSS THE METRO SEEMED EMPTY AS RECESSION FEARS, JOB LOSSES, RISING COSTS AND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE FADES!!!

Political hacks can assign blame wherever is most convenient . . . But local streets reveal that economic hardship has taken hold and it's doubtful that all that spending has moved online.

The reality: Times are harder in Kansas City and locals are adjusting.

Here's a quick report to confirm what many of us have already witnesses in our homes, amongst family & friends and simply looking around our community.

Check-it . . .

"Stores in the Kansas City Metro are reporting a downturn in business, and shoppers who show up are enjoying the change."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fox4KC: Kansas City Metro sees slower Black Friday spending
Here's a peek at the defense and a counter to a recent legal claim . . . Check-it:

Katie Allen had worked for the Kansas State Department of Education for less than a month when she posted a social media comment on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.



"Well deserved," she commented on a Sept. 10 Facebook post following Kirk's killing that shared a quote from the conservative activist about gun violence . . .



The state is pushing back against Allen's lawsuit in which she alleges two counts of First Amendment retaliatory discharge for exercising speech rights. Allen on Sept. 24 filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Kansas City against KSDE and education commissioner Randy Watson.



The Kansas State Department of Education argues that it didn't fire Allen but says she voluntarily resigned from her research analyst position.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

CapJ: Kansas argues ex-employee voluntarily resigned after Charlie Kirk post

Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card.

Developing . . .
Or . . .

An X-mas gift of an "Adult Time" subscription is probably the PERFECT GIFT for an increasingly anxious, fidgety and frustrated dude.

However . . .

In Kansas this ban, surprisingly, hasn't shut down most adult content sites.

And . . .

Enforcement and legal consequences have "climaxed" (pun intended) as this kind of legislation plays out in higher courts and many states don't want to expose themselves to legal payback if the decision goes against them.

For now . . .

Here's the notice that will encourage some to find a VPN or just become a bit more clever regarding all the smut that's already on social media . . . Check-it:

Mandatory age verification lands in Missouri on November 30, 2025 . . . All websites containing 33% of "material harmful to minors" need to comply. Missouri is the latest US state to enforce age verification rules.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Tech Radar: Missouri to enforce mandatory age verification in two days

Developing . . .




With special thanks to TKC readers . . . We share a bit of spicy local political news.

The basics . . .

KANSAS CITY SOCIALISM CONFRONTS AN ELECTION CHALLENGE IN THE NEXT 4TH DISTRICT CONTEST!!!

We've talked about about "Beca" the upstart challenger . . . For those who might doubt her socialist credentials. Here's a recent dead-tree feature that kinda confirms it . . .

Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan Special to The Kansas City Star: Zohran Mamdani won because he listened. Kansas City wants that, too

However . . .

NOW BECA CONFRONTS AN EXPERIENCED CHALLENGER!!!

We recently learned . . .

Former Missouri State Rep. & School Board member Ingrid Burnett recently launched her campaign committee for the 4th District and is now on a collision course with the KC's favorite Instagram socialist.

Consider . . .

Insiders tell us that this should be a battle royal given that Ms. Burnett is a far more experienced candidate with stronger neighborhood connections AND a record of winning tough elections.

Either way . . .

We're looking forward for these two progressive ladies to fight for the soul of our cowtown's center city and battle for the love of this town's most fickle voting district.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, has expressed her deep sorrow to the Chinese people over the loss of life and injuries caused by a major fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong, Trend reports via the parliamentary press service.

She conveyed her condolences in a letter addressed to Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC).

Gafarova extended her heartfelt sympathies to the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to the entire Chinese nation on behalf of herself and the members of the Parliament of Azerbaijan. She also wished a swift recovery to those who were injured.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Azerbaijani State Security Service has conducted a search in the house of Popular Front Party's Chairman Ali Karimli, Trend reports.

The search was conducted as part of a criminal case against the former member of the Security Council of Azerbaijan Ramiz Mehdiyev.

Further details will be provided.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Azerbaijani State Security Service (SSS) has conducted search in the house of Member of the Presidium of Popular Front Party Mammad Ibrahim, Trend reports.

Previously, the SSS has conducted a search in the house of Popular Front Party's Chairman Ali Karimli.

The Sabail District Court of Baku has made a decision in the criminal case against the former member of the Security Council of Azerbaijan Ramiz Mehdiyev.

The court granted the petition regarding Mehdiyev, who was brought to criminal responsibility for particularly serious crimes, and chose a preventive measure in the form of house arrest for a period of four months.

He is accused under Articles 278.1 (actions aimed at seizing state power), 274 (treason) and 193-1.3.2 (legalization of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) Ali Karimli and member of the Party Board Mammad Ibrahim are being interrogated by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The interrogation of Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim was carried out as part of the investigation launched against them.

Earlier, a search was conducted in the house of the Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan Ali Kerimli and the member of the Board of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan Mamed Ibrahim.

According to the report, the search and interrogation of the homes of Ali Kerimli and Mamed Ibrahim are related to the criminal case against Ramiz Mehdiyev, which is being investigated by the State Security Service.

The court granted the petition regarding Mehdiyev, who was brought to criminal responsibility for particularly serious crimes, and chose a preventive measure in the form of house arrest for a period of four months.

He is accused under Articles 278.1 (actions aimed at seizing state power), 274 (treason) and 193-1.3.2 (legalization of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 30. On November 28, the first consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland were held in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani delegation at the consultations was headed by the Head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Emil Safarov, and the Polish delegation was led by the Head of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Justyna Chrzanowska.

The current state and prospects for developing cooperation in the field of consular services with the Republic of Poland, including the possibility of signing new bilateral documents in this area and the digitalization of consular services, were discussed during the consular consultations.

During the talks, the parties exchanged views on prospects for multilateral and bilateral cooperation and the expansion of ties in the areas of justice, internal affairs, the prosecutor's office, migration, and consular affairs.
Individuals named Desiderio are often perceived as passionate, determined, and deeply emotional. They tend to be driven by strong desires and ambitions, whether in personal relationships, creative pursuits, or professional goals. This name suggests someone with intense feelings and a capacity for deep commitment, often displaying remarkable persistence in achieving what they want. Their 'desired' nature translates into a personality that seeks meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of life.



Desiderios are typically charismatic and persuasive, able to inspire others with their vision and determination. They often possess artistic sensibilities and appreciate beauty in various forms. However, this intensity can sometimes manifest as impatience or frustration when their desires are delayed or thwarted. They value deep connections and meaningful experiences over superficial interactions. Overall, Desiderios are seen as individuals who live life with profound purpose and emotional depth, often leaving a significant impact on those they encounter.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 30. On November 26-29, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev visited the Kingdom of Morocco, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

On November 26, the Deputy Minister delivered a report on "Foreign and Security Policy of Azerbaijan" to the faculty and students of Hassan II University, one of the country's leading higher education institutions located in Casablanca.

In his report, Rzayev provided information on Azerbaijan's active foreign policy since the restoration of independence, bilateral relations, and initiatives within international organizations. It was noted that next year Azerbaijan will host such prestigious events as the World Urban Forum and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit. In addition, answers were given to questions regarding bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco, cooperation within international organizations, as well as recent developments in the region.

Then, as part of the visit, the Deputy Minister took part in the 17th International MEDays Forum, held under the patronage of the King of Morocco in Tangier.

The forum was attended by approximately 7,000 delegates from 120 countries. Speaking at a panel session dedicated to the global energy agenda, the Azerbaijani Deputy Minister provided information on the country's energy policy and noted that Azerbaijan, as a reliable partner, makes a significant contribution to regional and global energy security. The speech also noted achievements in the field of using alternative energy sources.

In his speech at the panel session on conflicts on November 29, the Deputy Minister touched on the importance of conflict resolution and compliance with the norms and principles of international law in interstate relations. Furthermore, having provided information on the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in August of this year, Fariz Rzayev emphasized that new opportunities have emerged for lasting peace and cooperation in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Today, Azerbaijan's Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) hosted the "ICT Career Fair," aimed at students and graduates of higher education institutions, as well as alumni of IDDAs educational programs, Trend reports.

Over 900 young participants had the opportunity to meet representatives from 20 leading state and private organizations operating in Azerbaijans information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

At the exhibition's opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Board of IDDA Rashad Khaligov spoke about the importance of the mentioned project and the contributions it will make to the countrys ICT sector. He also highlighted the role of the educational projects organized by the agency in discovering young talents and integrating them into the labor market.

Later, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the State Employment Agency, Hasil Abbasov, and Chief Technology Officer of Bayraktar Technology Azerbaijan, Onur Ocak, shared their opinions on the opportunities the exhibition presents for the professional development of young people.

The event continued with a panel discussion on the topic "Digital Azerbaijan: The role of youth in digital transformation," attended by representatives from various organizations. During the discussion, topics such as accelerating digital transformation in the country, opportunities for youth participation in this process, and the development of their digital skills were addressed.

After the panel discussion, the participating youth visited company booths to gather information about career opportunities, took part in individual mock interviews, and attended career counseling sessions.

The event continued with "Talk sessions" and "TechQuiz".

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the companies.

The main objective of the project was to bring together students and graduates studying in the field of information and communication technologies with leading IT companies in the country, supporting their professional development, expanding internship and employment opportunities. The exhibition also provided companies with the opportunity to discover talented young people and establish new partnerships for future collaborations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Bayraktar Technology Azerbaijan has welcomed 52 young professionals into its internship program, emphasizing the importance of industry-academia collaboration for career development, said Onur Ocak, the companys Chief Technology Officer, Trend reports.

Speaking at the "ICT Career Fair 2025," Ocak highlighted that initiatives like this hold significant importance in Turkiye as well. They help align universities, government agencies, and industry toward common goals.

"Today, we have come together on a dynamic career platform that unites government agencies, universities, and industry leaders. We recognize the vital role these platforms play in shaping future opportunities and fostering collaboration.

I would like to thank the Innovation and Digital Development Agency for creating this opportunity. At Bayraktar Technology Azerbaijan, we continue to operate in high-tech fields, including secure systems software, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, manufacturing, and industrial operations. We have also launched experience programs in Azerbaijan similar to those we implemented in Turkiye last year, which we believe will be highly beneficial," he said.

He added that out of 775 applications from Azerbaijan, 52 young professionals were accepted into the internship program, with 15 already starting work. Ocak also noted that the program will continue year-round through collaboration with universities, similar to Bayraktar Technologys initiatives abroad and in Sweden.

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Photo: State Committee for Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Fuad Muradov, Chairperson of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Tamas Jozsef Torman, Hungarys Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the committee.

During the meeting, Muradov commended the success of diaspora policies under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership and noted that Hungary would soon host a meeting of heads of diaspora affairs from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). He emphasized that such events not only strengthen the bonds among participating countries but also create new avenues for collaboration.

The ambassador was briefed on Azerbaijans diverse diaspora initiatives abroad, which include Azerbaijan Houses, weekend schools, and Coordination Councils, as well as the active role the diaspora plays in shaping the international information space.

In expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Torman underscored the importance of deepening cultural ties between Hungary and Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed Hungarys unwavering support for Azerbaijans position and provided insights into Hungarian communities abroad. Torman also conveyed his optimism regarding the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the realm of diaspora engagement.

The conversation further addressed ways to strengthen connections between Azerbaijani and Hungarian diaspora organizations, promote cultural and humanitarian projects, expand youth exchange programs, and implement joint initiatives.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the II INTERNSHIP program for diaspora officials from OTS member and observer countries, which includes visits to Azerbaijan and the Karabakh region.

Demonstrating his interest in Azerbaijani culture, Ambassador Torman expressed a desire to learn the Azerbaijani language. In response, he was presented with the Azerbaijani Language book for diaspora members and A Grammar of Contemporary Azerbaijani for foreigners learning the language, published with the support of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on the prospects for further cooperation between the two countries.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) promptly conducted technical inspections across its Airbus fleet following official directives from the aircraft manufacturer, Trend reports via AZAL.

Following the inspections, three aircraft were identified as requiring corrective measures. In accordance with these recommendations, the software on these planes was reverted to the previous, stable version.

The directives from Airbus were issued after malfunctions were detected in the flight control systems of A320 family aircraft. The manufacturer indicated that strong solar radiation could interfere with certain flight control data. In response, an urgent software update was initiated, and operators were provided with the necessary guidance.

AZAL confirmed that all technical issues were swiftly and comprehensively addressed, with all aircraft now operating in standard mode.

"Flight safety remains our top priority," the airline emphasized. "All operations are fully aligned with manufacturer requirements and comply with international civil aviation standards."

The Airbus recall followed incidents in which strong solar activity caused disruptions in flight control systems, potentially leading to unexpected trajectory changes without crew input. This recall impacts approximately 6,000 aircraft, representing more than half of all A320 aircraft in operation globally.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 29. Today marks the official 'Day of Silence' in Kyrgyzstan, as stipulated by electoral law in advance of tomorrow's early elections for the Zhogorku Kenesh, the nation's Parliament, Trend reports.

The 'Day of Silence' commenced at 8:00 a.m. today, marking the official end of the election campaign period, which concluded simultaneously. This legal measure aims to provide voters with a period of tranquility, free from external influence or distraction, to facilitate a more thoughtful decision-making process.

On this day, all forms of campaigning are prohibited by law. Candidates are forbidden from promoting or opposing others, discussing electoral platforms, or distributing campaign materials. Additionally, all political activity in the media, including on digital platforms, is strictly banned.

In order to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, more than 10,000 law enforcement officers will be stationed across the country throughout the day of silence and on election day. Their primary role will be to prevent any breaches of election law and to ensure public order.

Voters will cast their ballots on November 30, 2025, in the election for new members of the Zhogorku Kenesh. Following a period of heightened political and social activity, the 'Day of Silence' serves as a reminder for voters to reflect on their choices in a calm and undistracted environment.
Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 29. Uzbekistan and Oman discussed the initiative to establish a new bank in Uzbekistan in partnership with foreign investors, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The issues were addressed during a meeting between Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, and Omar Bahram, Chief Executive Officer of the investment firm UzOman.

The discussions focused on organizational matters, regulatory frameworks, and the necessity for a structured, phased approach to project implementation.

Additionally, the progress of existing joint initiatives with UzOman was reviewed, alongside opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing collaborations and broaden practical cooperation. Both sides acknowledged that the partnership provides a solid foundation for launching new initiatives and attracting further investment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening business dialogue, expanding institutional partnerships, and maintaining a constructive flow of information across key areas of mutual interest.

UzOman Investment Company, a joint venture formed in 2010 by the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan and the Oman Investment Authority, plays a pivotal role in Uzbekistans economic development. The companys investments span various sectors, including real estate, logistics, retail, and education.
Iran's product exports to EAEU upscale in 8M2025

Irans trade with EAEU members grew in the first eight months of the current Iranian year, with exports rising 11 percent in value and 10 percent in weight. Iran exported $1.46 billion worth of goods to the bloc and imported $3.22 billion in return. Imports from Russia alone reached $3 billion, increasing in value but declining in volume.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. The average prices of Azeri LT CIF, Azeri Light FOB Ceyhan, and Urals (EX NOVO) crude oil brands fell, while the average price of Dated Brent crude oil increased this week, Trend reports.

The average price of Azeri Light CIF oil produced at Azerbaijan's Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field decreased by $1.66, or 2.46 percent, compared to last week, to $65.90 per barrel.

The highest price for this grade of oil during the reporting period came in at $67.04 per barrel, while the lowest dropped down to $64.80 per barrel.

This week, the average price of Azeri Light crude oil on FOB terms at the Turkish port of Ceyhan was $65.42 per barrel, which is $1.61, or 2.46 percent, less than a week before.

During the reporting period, the maximum price for this grade of oil was $64.96 per barrel, and the minimum price was $62.68 per barrel.

URALS oil averaged $44.65 per barrel, down $5.41, or 10.8 percent, from last week. The highest price for URALS oil during the week was $46.71 per barrel, and the lowest was $43.30 per barrel.

Dated Brent crude oil averaged $63.76 per barrel for the week, up $0.46, or 0.73 percent, from last week. The highest price for Dated Brent crude oil for the week was $64.44 per barrel, and the lowest was $62.84 per barrel.

Oil type/date 24.10.2025 25.10.2025 26.10.2025 27.10.2025 28.10.2025 Average price Azeri LT CIF $67.04 $64.80 $65.28 $66.05 $66.34 $65.90 Azeri Light FOB Ceyhan $64.96 $62.68 $63.17 $63.97 $64.29 $63.81 Urals (EX NOVO) $46.71 $44.85 $44.31 $44.07 $43.30 $44.65 Dated Brent $63.67 $62.84 $63.55 $64.28 $64.44 $63.76

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Individuals named Devanie typically exhibit a profound depth of character combined with creative sensitivity. They often possess an introspective nature, finding inspiration in quiet moments and natural beauty, much like the Irish landscapes that inspire poets. Their dark-haired descriptor in the name's meaning often manifests as a certain intensity in their personalitythey approach life with passion and commitment, whether in artistic pursuits or personal relationships. These individuals tend to be observant and perceptive, noticing subtleties that others might miss.



Devanie's poetic association suggests someone with strong communication skills and emotional intelligence. They often excel at expressing complex ideas and feelings, whether through writing, speech, or other artistic mediums. There's typically a balance between their grounded, practical side (reflecting the 'dark-haired' stability) and their imaginative, visionary qualities (the poet aspect). They may be drawn to careers in arts, education, counseling, or any field requiring both empathy and creative problem-solving. Their combination of earthy practicality and artistic vision makes them both dreamers and doers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Eindhoven, a Dutch municipality, has signed an advisory agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), funded by the European Commission, to advance its long-term route towards climate neutrality, Trend reports via the Bank.

The municipality aims to become a fully circular city by 2050 and to use only sustainably generated energy from 2045 onward  a transition that requires a decisive shift away from fossil fuels, particularly natural gas.

To achieve this, the municipality plans to develop a centralized district heating network and integrate suitable renewable heat sources. The advisory assignment, managed by the EIB under the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, will support the development and implementation of the financing strategy for this major heating investment program. It will also identify which components of the needed financial scale-up still require development, in coordination with the EIB and financial market stakeholders.

The advisory work includes preparing and reviewing the project investment plan and defining the financing strategy for establishing a new municipal energy entity. It also covers a technical review of proposed interventions, demand analysis, strategic considerations for tariff structures, risk management, an implementation timeline, and guidance on organizational arrangements to support the project.

The municipality recently received the European Commissions Mission Label and has become the first city in the Netherlands to obtain dedicated EIB Advisory support under the program funded by the Commissions Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Kazakhstan is urgently rerouting oil exports to alternative routes due to an emergency in the waters of the port of Novorossiysk, Trend reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Energy.

The Ministry reported that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's marine infrastructure facilities in the Novorossiysk port area were attacked by unmanned floating craft, resulting in serious damage to the VPU-2 single-point mooring unit. "The unit has been taken out of service until a full range of repair and restoration work is completed," the ministry reported.

The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that such actions against purely civilian critical infrastructure facilities are unacceptable. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is an international energy project, and any forceful intervention against its facilities creates direct risks to global energy security and causes significant damage to the economic interests of consortium participants, including the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"In order to minimize negative consequences and maintain production rates at large fields, the Ministry has urgently activated a plan to redirect oil export volumes to alternative routes.

The situation is under the special control of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the report notes.

KazMunayGas and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) signed a framework agreement on the transit of Kazakh oil in 2022. A test shipment of 7,000 tons of oil from the Kashagan field was carried out through Azerbaijan in March 2023.

KazMunayGas and SOCAR signed an agreement to gradually increase the volume of oil transit through Azerbaijan in March 2024. According to the document, the supply volumes are expected to reach 2.2 million tons per year.

About 1.1 million tons of Kazakh oil were shipped from the port of Aktau toward Azerbaijan in 2023 for further export via the BTC pipeline. In 2024, this volume increased to 1.4 million tons. In 2025, oil exports via BTC are planned to reach 1.7 million tons
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Iran and European parties have highlighted the critical need to continue strategic consultations to address regional and international developments, Trend reports.

The topic was addressed during a phone conversation on November 28 between Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, and Kaja Kallas, the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who also serves as Vice-President of the European Commission.

During the conversation, Minister Araghchi outlined Irans stance on its nuclear program, with both parties engaging in a constructive exchange of views on the matter. The dialogue also encompassed a range of other issues of mutual interest.

On September 26, the United Nations Security Council convened to deliberate on a draft resolution presented by Russia and China, which sought to extend the term of Resolution 2231 and prevent the activation of the "Snapback" mechanism. The resolution was met with mixed reactions: four members voted in favor, nine opposed, and two abstained. Consequently, as of September 28, the Security Council's sanctions targeting Iran were reinstated.

Resolution 2231, adopted by the UN Security Council on July 20, 2015, marked a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, annulling six prior resolutions against Iran and lifting extensive sanctions related to its nuclear program.

Under Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), if a member state files a complaint over another partys violation of the deal, a review process begins. If the issue is not resolved, the complainant can escalate it to the UN Security Council. Should the Council accept the complaint against Iran, international sanctions may be reactivated, and the Council may even authorize military action against Iran.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Western countries oppose Iran's acquisition of new nuclear technologies, nor want Iran to achieve this, Mohammad Eslami, the country's vice president and chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization, said at the opening ceremony of cold plasma technology-based treatment clinics in Bandar Abbas city, Iran's southern Hormozgan Province, today, Trend reports.

According to him, the direction chosen by Iran in the nuclear sector regards new technologies that are effective for revival, which have no end.

Eslami also said that the 12-day military airstrikes against Iran targeted places that provide services to the population. For example, the plant providing 20 percent of the fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor, the purpose of which is only to produce radioisotopes in Iran, was hit.

The vice president noted that the Tehran Research Reactor produces various types of radioisotopes for 1.5 million people a year.

"The two clinics launched today in Bandar Abbas are the 10th and 11th clinics in Iran to treat wounds using cold plasma technology. Plasma technology has a wide scope and can be used in agriculture, industry, the environment, healthcare, health and treatment," he added.

Iran announces various programs related to the nuclear industry to reflect the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

On the morning of June 13, Israel carried out military air strikes against Iran, leading to the deaths of numerous high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other senior personnel.

Meanwhile, on the same evening, Iran responded to Israel with Operation True Promise III: hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones were launched at several targets, including Tel Aviv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

On June 22, the U.S. launched military airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. It was reported that the airstrikes destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities.

In addition, on the evening of June 23, Iran launched airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar.

On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Israeli government had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement noting the cessation of attacks.

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This special episode sees Michael revisit his fifth travel series  Himalaya. For Michael, this epic journey across the world's highest mountain range is the fulfilment of boyhood dreams inspired by the 1953 ascent of Everest by Hillary and Tensing. Beginning in the famous Khyber Pass, he travels through Pakistan and India and ascends into Nepal and Tibet to reach Everest base camp itself, before venturing into the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. But Michael's journey isn't all about scaling peaks  it's also about finding out what life is like for the people who live in some of the harshest environments on Earth. He is curious to see countries that were cut off by the mountains for centuries and that have developed their own distinct cultures and ways of survival, to discover the different ways that religion influences society here, and to meet the hardy inhabitants of the mountains. Along the way, Michael sees Pakistan's historically volatile North West Frontier region and narrowly avoids a bull during a bull-racing festival. Crossing the border into India, he visits the Sikh city of Amritsar and the Golden Temple, where he learns about Sikhism and eats with the thousands of pilgrims who come there. And in Dharamshala, he learns about Buddhism and meets the Dalai Lama  who turns out to be a Palin fan. Moving ever upwards into the mountains, Michael suffers from altitude sickness, and at one point thinks he might have to give up. But he recovers and is rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna range. Eventually, he reaches Everest base camp, where he reflects on the achievement of walking in the footsteps not only of Hillary but of the earlier British explorers Mallory and Irvine, who were childhood heroes of his. Being curious to find out how people live up at high altitude, he spends time with a Nepalese yak-herder and his family, making a real connection despite not speaking their language. In Nagaland, he has a chat with an elderly headhunter, who turns out to be much friendlier than he looks. Finally, Michael journeys through the isolated and magical nation of Bhutan, before descending to sea-level in Bangladesh. (Senderinfo)
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Bihar 10th Date Sheet 2026 | Practical from Jan 19, Theory from Feb 17

According to the Bihar Board 10th Date Sheet 2026, the Matric or Secondary Theory exams will be conducted from February 17 to 25, 2026

BSEB Bihar 10th 2026 Exam: The Bihar School Board of Education (BSEB) has released on its official website the detailed time table and date sheet of the 10th (Matric or Secondary) board exams 2026.

The Bihar board also released the date sheet and schedule of practical and internal assessment.

According to the BSEB 10th Time Table 2026, the Practical Exams of Class 10 Matric (Secondary or Matriculation) will be held from January 19, 2026 and Theory Exams from February 17, 2026.

All schools should conduct internal assessment and practical exams of the Class 10 (Matric or Secondary) students from January 19 to 20, 2026, the Bihar education board said in the annual exam calendar released in PDF.

BSEB 10th Time Table 2026

As per the time table and date sheet released by the Patna board, the Bihar Board 10th exams for Theory Papers should be conducted from February 17 to 25, 2026.

As per the BSEB 10th Date Sheet 2026, the board exam will begin with Hindi, Urdu, Maithli, Bangla and other mother tongue.

Class 10th Social Science paper will be held on February 20, Science paper on February 21, English language on February 23, and the all important Mathematics paper on February 24, 2026.

The 10th board exam of the year 2026 will end on option subjects including Security, Tourism, Retail Management, Electronics and Hardware etc.

The Class 10 board exam 2026 will be held in two shifts. The first shift will be held from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm (with 15 15-minute cool-off time), while the second shift will run from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.

BSEB 10th Admit Card 2026

The Bihar board had earlier released the class 10 dummy admit card of all registered students, advising them to inform their schools in case any mistake or error is found.

The actual admit card will be relesed soon. Students should note that admit card (hall ticket) is the compulsory document without which they will not be allowed to appear for practical as well as theory exams.



Bihar 10th 2025 Board Exams

The Matric or Class 10 Exam in the year 2025 was conducted by the Bihar Board of Secondary Education (BSEB) from February 17 to 25, 2025.

The result of the Bihar Class 10 board exam declared on March 29, 2025.

According to the 10th result announced by the Bihar board , overall pass percentage was 82.11 - down by around 0.80 as compared to 2024 when the pass percent was 82.91%.

The pass percent of girls in the 10th board exam 2025 was 80.67% whereas that of boys was 83.65%.

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India going through extremely sensitive, worrying phase: Jamiat Ulama

The Jamiat Ulama i Hind Saturday November 29, 2025 at its National Governing Meeting expressed concerns over the current situation in India

Bhopal: The Jamiat Ulama i Hind Saturday November 29, 2025 at its National Governing Meeting expressed concerns over the current situation in India.

"India is going through an extremely sensitive and worrying phase", President of Jamiat Ulama i Hind Maulana Mahmood Madani said while address the organisation's National Governing Meeting held at the Barkatullah Education Campus in Bhopal.

Mahmood Madani also accused that "systematic attempts are being made to empower a particular class while rendering other communities legally helpless, socially isolated, and economically humiliated."

"These efforts are taking shape in the form of economic boycotts, bulldozer actions, mob lynching, sabotage of Muslim endowments, and organized campaigns against religious seminaries and Islamic symbols", he said.

"Fundamental rights at stake"

Maulana Madani also criticized the new Conversion Law, and asserted that the Constitution grants every citizen the freedom to follow and propagate their religion.

"However, the newly framed conversion law in various states seeks to curtail this fundamental right", he said.

"The law is being enforced in such a manner that religious preaching itself becomes a punishable offence, while those involved in ghar wapsiconversion into Hinduismenjoy complete immunity. This creates an impression that society is being pushed in a particular ideological direction", he added.

"Smear campaign against Islam and Muslims"

Maulana Madani also condemned the baseless propaganda surrounding Love Jihad and similar labels.

He said that anti-Islam forces have distorted the sacred Islamic concept of jihad, turning it into a term synonymous with violence, and have coined expressions like love jihad, land jihad, education jihad, and spit jihad to malign Muslims and insult their religion.

"Unfortunately, some government and media officials also use such terms irresponsibly", he said.

He clarified that jihad in Islam is a noble duty aimed at eliminating injustice, protecting humanity, and establishing peace. Even armed struggle is sanctioned only to prevent oppression and disorder.

Moreover, jihad is not an individual or private undertaking; only a legitimate and organized state authority can determine it under Islamic jurisprudence.

"India, being a democratic and secular nation, is not an Islamic state; hence any debate about physical jihad here has no relevance.

"Muslims are constitutionally bound citizens, and the government is responsible for protecting the rights of all. He emphasized that the greatest form of jihadjihad al-akbaris the struggle against ones own ego, greed, anger, and moral weaknesses", he said.

Speeches of Distinguished Scholars

Darul Uloom Deobands Rector and Shaykh al-Hadith, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, spoke on spiritual purification (tazkiyah), emphasizing sincerity of intention as the foundation of all religious and communal efforts.

Maulana Muhammad Salman Bijnori, Vice President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and senior teacher at Darul Uloom Deoband, described faith as the greatest divine blessing for which every sacrifice is justified. He stressed the need for establishing schools with an Islamic environment to protect future generations from ideological deviation.

He dismissed accusations against madrasas as baseless and invited critics to visit these institutions, calling them transparent like an open book.

He further stated that Indian Muslims have never been and will never be aligned with anti-national elements, and true Islamic teachings inspire sincere patriotism.

Other notable speakers included Mufti Muhammad Salman Mansoorpuri (Darul Uloom Deoband), Mufti Iftikhar Qasmi (President Jamiat Ulama Karnataka), Maulana Abdullah Maroofi (Darul Uloom Deoband), Maulana Ameenul Haq Abdullah (General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama UP), Maulana Abdul Qawi (Vice President, Jamiat Telangana), Mufti Ashfaq Qazi (Mumbai), Maulana Nadeem Siddiqi (Maharashtra), Maulana Sajid Falahi, Mufti Abdul Razzaq Amrohvi, Maulana Yahya Karimi, Maulana Zainul Abidin (Karnataka), and Mufti Saleem Sakars etc.Maulana Niyaz Ahmad Farooqi presented the annual budget.

Resolutions

The meeting adopted clear and comprehensive resolutions on several significant issues, including the Waqf Act, Islamophobia, the fabricated notion of Love Jihad, protection of madarsas, Establishment of schools within an Islamic environment, the Uniform Civil Code, and the ongoing genocide in Palestine.



In the first session Prof. Syed Nauman Shah Jahanpuri (Vice President, Jamiat UP) presented the resolution on protection of Islamic madrasas and establishment of modern schools with an Islamic environment.

Maulana Muhammad Aqil Qasmi (President Jamiat Western UP) presented the resolution on combating growing hate and Islamophobia.Mufti Shamsuddin Bijli (Jamiat Karnataka) presented the resolution on the myth of Love Jihad.Mufti Javed Iqbal Qasmi (President Jamiat Bihar) presented the resolution on Palestine.

Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim (President Jamiat Kerala) presented the resolution on the Uniform Civil Code.Maulana Abdul Qadir presented the resolution on the situation in Assam and SR-related issues.Haji Muhammad Haroon (President Jamiat MP) presented the resolution on the Waqf Act.

Awards and Elections

Three state units - Western UP Zone, Assam, and Nagaland, were honored with the Shaikh-ul-Hind Award for outstanding performance.

Eleven districts  Bijnor (UP), Murshidabad (WB), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Hailakandi (Assam), Kishanganj (Bihar), Sipahijala (Tripura), Bangalore (Karnataka), Hojai and Dimapur (Assam), Jehanabad (Bihar), and Sitapur & Mau (UP), received the Shaikh-ul-Islam Award for excellence in membership drive, unit formation, social reform, and religious education.

Maulana Muhammad Salman Bijnori (Darul Uloom Deoband) and Qari Muhammad Ameen Pokran were elected as the two Vice Presidents of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, while Qari Muhammad Shaukat Ali Vait was re-elected as Treasurer.

More than 1,500 members of the Governing Council from across India participated in the session.

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The gaming landscape in 2025 has shifted dramatically, with indie developers rising to levels once thought exclusive to major publishers. By mid-year, indie studios claimed eight of Steam's top 20 most-played titles, outperforming big-budget AAA releases despite spending a fraction on development and marketing. This surge reflects a broader movement: players are choosing games driven by creativity, experimentation, and passion rather than spectacle for spectacle's sake.

At the same time, gaming trends 2025 reveal a widening performance gap between AAA studios and smaller teams. Many AAA titles have stumbled with technical issues, aggressive monetization, and formulaic design. Meanwhile, indie successes often exceed 90% on Metacritic, earning praise for innovation, emotional storytelling, and unique gameplay mechanics. This powerful shift highlights the growing momentum of indie games and encourages the industry to rethink the AAA vs indie hierarchy.

Creative Freedom Driving the Indie Game Boom

One of the strongest factors behind the indie game boom is the unmatched creative freedom that smaller teams and solo developers enjoy. Without layers of corporate oversight or shareholder pressure, indie creators can take risks that AAA studios usually avoid. Games like "Blue Prince", developed by a solo creator, deliver intricate puzzle design that evokes classics like "Myst" while offering something completely new. These projects thrive through community buzz and organic discovery rather than multimillion-dollar marketing campaigns.

Similarly, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" showcases how indie and AA studios excel in blending genres and cultures. By combining JRPG mechanics with French cinematic storytelling, the developers created a style that stands out instantlysomething unlikely to materialize in the risk-averse AAA environment. These examples demonstrate how creativity, not budget, is becoming the winning factor in the AAA vs indie comparison.

Steam's democratizing distribution model continues to level the playing field as well. With better visibility for smaller titles, more players are discovering inventive games like "Schedule 1" and "R.E.P.O"., which climb the charts based on gameplay quality, not marketing spend. This surge of fresh voices and innovative projects cements why the indie game boom remains one of the strongest forces shaping modern gaming.

Player Preferences Shifting Gaming Trends 2025

Players in 2025 are choosing games that offer real value, consistent performance, and meaningful long-term engagement. High-priced AAA releases often fail to meet these expectations, launching with bugs, missing features, or intrusive monetization. Meanwhile, indie titles continue gaining momentum by delivering depth, fairness, and replayability at a fraction of the cost.

Many AAA games launch at $70 yet arrive with technical issues, unfinished systems, or aggressive microtransactions that push players away.

yet arrive with technical issues, unfinished systems, or aggressive microtransactions that push players away. Indie games typically cost $10$30 and often deliver hundreds of hours of replayability without exploitative mechanics.

and often deliver of replayability without exploitative mechanics. "Project Zomboid" exemplifies long-term engagement, with active development and community-driven features keeping players invested for years.

This growing preference strengthens the indie side of the AAA vs indie debate, highlighting a shift toward content-rich, player-first experiences.

Nearly half of Steam's top performers in 2025 come from indie or AA teams, showing how dramatically player priorities have changed.

Streaming platforms, influencers, and social media help indie hits spread faster than expensive AAA advertising campaigns.

Instead of cinematic trailers, players now look for strong gameplay systems, high replay value, and mod supportall major pillars of gaming trends in 2025 .

. Platforms like Steam, GOG , and new subscription services continue to push the market toward sustainable pricing and fairer monetization.

, and new subscription services continue to push the market toward sustainable pricing and fairer monetization. Developers who prioritize transparency, ongoing updates, and community trust gain long-term loyalty that AAA studios often struggle to maintain.

The 2025 ecosystem makes it clear: players care less about massive budgets and more about authenticity, quality, and longevity in their gaming experiences.

How the Industry Is Responding to the AAA vs Indie Shift

The success of indie titles has not gone unnoticed by the major studios. Many AAA companies are adopting indie-like practices, forming smaller in-house teams or acquiring indie studios to leverage their creativity. This shift is driven by the realization that flexibility and experimentation lead to more successful games than rigid corporate planning.

More publishers are funding independent projects through grants, accelerator programs, and publishing deals that preserve creative control. This hybrid approach is reshaping the AAA vs indie landscape, producing "AA" titlesgames with bigger budgets than indies but far less risk than full AAA productions. These games often strike a balance between artistic vision and market demands.

Additionally, engines like Unity, Unreal Engine 5, and Godot have drastically lowered the barrier to entry, making high-quality production accessible for even small teams. Modding communities, early access programs, and Patreon-backed development cycles allow creators to collaborate directly with their audiences, fostering deeper relationships and more responsive game design. These evolving practices show how the industry is adapting toand benefiting fromthe indie game boom.

Conclusion

The indie game surge throughout 2025 showcases a decisive shift in what players value most. Instead of prioritizing flashy graphics or blockbuster budgets, gamers are rewarding creativity, authenticity, and well-crafted experiences. This change has enabled indie studios to outperform many AAA titles in both sales and player retention, reinforcing the dominance of the indie game boom.

Looking ahead, the future of gaming will be shaped less by budget and more by bold ideas, responsive development, and genuine community engagement. As gaming trends 2025 continue to evolve, the lines between AAA vs indie will blur, but one truth remains clear: innovation wins. And right now, indie developers are leading that charge with confidence and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What defines indie versus AAA games in 2025?

Indie games are typically developed by small teams or individuals with limited budgets, while AAA titles come from large studios with significant financial backing and large-scale production pipelines.

2. Why are Steam charts dominated by the indie game boom?

Strong word-of-mouth, innovative mechanics, affordable pricing, and frequent updates help indie games outperform corporate-backed AAA releases.

3. Can AAA studios compete with gaming trends 2025?

Yesif they prioritize stability, creativity, and fair monetization. Players reward studios that focus on quality rather than blockbuster hype.

4. Which indie titles outperform AAA releases this year?

Games like "Blue Prince", "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33", "Schedule 1", and "R.E.P.O". have climbed the charts thanks to originality and strong community support.

Originally published on Tech Times
Individuals named Dillen are typically characterized by strong leadership qualities and natural confidence, much like the lion symbolism embedded in their name. They often exhibit courage in facing challenges and possess a protective instinct toward those they care about. Dillens tend to be determined and persistent, approaching life with a sense of purpose and conviction. Their strength is not merely physical but often manifests as emotional resilience and moral fortitude.



Socially, Dillens are often charismatic and command respect naturally, though they may sometimes be perceived as reserved or serious. They value loyalty deeply and form strong, lasting relationships with those who earn their trust. While they can be competitive and ambitious, they typically balance these traits with a strong sense of fairness and justice. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them both formidable opponents and devoted allies in personal and professional contexts.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Eduarda has deep roots in Christian European nobility, particularly within Portuguese and Spanish cultures where it gained prominence during the medieval period. The name was often bestowed upon daughters of wealthy families who were expected to continue the tradition of charitable works and patronage. Throughout history, women named Eduarda have been associated with maintaining family legacies while simultaneously serving their communities through philanthropic endeavors. In many Catholic regions, the name carries religious significance tied to stewardship and the Christian duty of caring for others, reflecting the biblical principle that 'to whom much is given, much is expected.' The name embodies the ideal of using one's position and resources for the betterment of society, making it particularly popular among aristocratic and merchant classes who valued both status and social responsibility.



During the Age of Exploration, the name spread to Portuguese colonies, where it became associated with women who played crucial roles in establishing educational and religious institutions in new territories. In Brazil, for instance, several prominent Eduardas were instrumental in founding convents, schools, and hospitals during the colonial period. This historical context reinforced the name's association with benevolent leadership and community building. The name's enduring appeal across centuries speaks to its powerful combination of aristocratic heritage and ethical responsibility, making it a timeless choice that continues to resonate with families who value both tradition and service.
Women named Eldora are often perceived as warm, radiant individuals who bring light and positivity to those around them. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a nurturing nature, making them natural caregivers and community builders. Eldoras are frequently described as optimistic, resilient, and possessing an inner strength that helps them overcome challenges. Their sunny disposition often makes them popular in social circles, while their inherent wisdom and spiritual depth attract others seeking guidance.



Many Eldoras demonstrate creative talents and a strong appreciation for beauty in all its forms, from art and music to nature and human relationships. They tend to be loyal friends and devoted family members, valuing tradition while embracing progress. The solar symbolism of their name often manifests in their ability to illuminate complex situations and inspire others with their vision and warmth. While they can be strong-willed and determined, Eldoras typically balance this with compassion and emotional intelligence.
Francesca Albanese and Greta Thunberg to join Rome rally.

Around 100,000 people are expected to join a major rally in Rome on Saturday to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The USB trade union, which organised a national general strike on Friday against the Italian government's "war budget", has urged workers to take to the streets in large numbers on Saturday and "block everything", as they did during recent mass rallies for Gaza in Italy.

Among the aims of the protest is to reject the government's "warmongering and rearmament policies" and to call for an "end to all complicity with Israel and the genocide in Palestine", USB said in a statement, adding: "Let us remember that Italy is among the main suppliers of weapons to the Israeli state, while the genocide continues."

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, is set to attend the rally along with climate activists Greta Thunberg and Thiago Avila, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla this autumn.

The demonstration will begin at 14.00 at Piramide before making its way through the Aventino area and past the Colosseum to San Giovanni, resulting in street closures and the re-routing of multiple bus lines.

Image: Greta Thunberg. Photo credit: Ryan Nash Photography / Shutterstock.com.
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has officially launched the search for Irelands pioneering farmers and woodland owners with the opening of the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards. With a prize fund of 8,000 and the coveted RDS Silver Medal for category winners, the Awards celebrate the dedication, innovation and vital stewardship defining the future of Irish forestry.

Entries are now open and will close on Friday, December 19, 2025.

As Irelands national forestry awards, the RDS is seeking champions who are actively implementing Climate-Smart agricultural practices on their land. The Awards recognise farmers and woodland owners who successfully balance sound commercial management with environmental protection and the enhancement of biodiversity.

Category winners will each receive 2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal with runners-up receiving 1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit.

Entries are now open and will close on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The awards are divided into fouramain categories designed to reward excellence across the economic, environmental and community development sectors:

 The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises working farmers who seamlessly integrate forestry into their overall farm enterprise, demonstrating active forest management to strengthen wider sustainability and economic benefits.

 The Silvicultural Excellence and Innovation Award is aimed at landowners who demonstrate exceptional technical management in timber production (broadleaf, conifer, mixed or coppice), setting the standard for commercial forestry in Ireland.

 The Community Woodland Award celebrates and rewards communal ownership and/or management projects that establish and manage forests in a way that delivers significant, measurable and sustainable benefits to the local economy and environment.

 The Native Woodland Conservation Award is dedicated to those achieving excellence in the conservation and sustainable management of native and long-established semi-natural woodlands, boosting biodiversity and local economic opportunity.

Sarah Keating, Sustainability and Innovation Programme Manager, RDS said: "The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are our national platform to truly celebrate, showcase and reward the vital stewardship of Irelands farmers and landowners. Their commitment to climate-smart practices is defining the future of our rural economy and environment. That is why we have kept the categories simple so everyone can see themselves reflected.

"If youre a farmer integrating trees for better sustainability, the Farm Forestry Award is for you. If youre focused on growing high-quality timber using best practice, enter the Excellence and Innovation Category.

"If you are managing a woodland for the benefit of your local community, the Community Woodland Award is the one for you. And if youre expertly tending to our precious native woodlands, enter the Conservation Award.

"We urge all landowners to enter and let us shine a light on your important contribution."

Entry forms and further information on the RDS Forest and Woodlands Awards is available online at RDS Forest & Woodland Awards - RDS. Completed entries can be emailed to forestry@rds.ie before the deadline of Friday, December 19.

The winners will be announced in April 2026 at a special ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall, forming a key part of the annual RDS Foundation Festival. The prestigious event offers all applicants an invaluable opportunity to network with peers, experts and policymakers and attend talks on critical topics like sustainable land use, bioeconomy and timber use in construction.

The RDS extends gratitude to its partners for their support and dedication; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Teagasc and Woodlands of Ireland.
Deputies from the South East region condemned the stalled N24 Waterford to Cahir project during a Dail debate.

Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath raised the floundering project this week inside the Dail chamber. The Independent TD said: Only 80,000 was given in 2025 to keep the project alive. It did not keep it alive; it actually wound it down.

"The councils of Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny met last Monday night. They are very anxious that this will go ahead.

Deputy McGrath pointed to the high number of road casualties in the region.

The number of fatalities over the decades has been just appalling," he said. "Twenty-five percent of all fatalities are on that part of the road, which goes from Foynes Port to Rosslare Europort and on to Waterford Port. It is so important for infrastructure, connectivity, trade, business, tourism and everything."

He later added: The 65km stretch, which is through Tipperary, is 1% of the county's road network yet accounts for 25% of road fatalities, which the Minister of State will agree is an alarming and unacceptable statistic.

The Deputy for Tipperary South concluded: I cannot impress enough how important this is for people living on the route, farming on the route and people who want to get planning permission for anything else. This development must get the green light.

Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy appealed to the Minister of State to call for swift intervention the Department of Transport, TII and the Minister for Transport.

He said: It is not a local issue. It is a bottleneck that is affecting connectivity between Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford and ultimately the functioning of our ports and supply chains. The N24 is a spine linking two major cities yet one half of the corridor moves ahead while the other is left waiting. That is simply not tenable.

Waterford TD Conor McGuinness added his support, alongside fellow Sinn Fein Deputy David Cullinane, for the project to move forward to the 'Detailed Design' stage.

He said: I know Deputies from Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny are supportive of that and working in unison to get the Government to do the right thing by the N24.

Deputy Cullinane stated: The only funding that was given from the Government this year was to buy out the contract of the company that actually did the work on the preferred route. There are real concerns that this vital road is now being put on hold.

The Waterford to Limerick road really needs to be improved. Deputy McGuinness and I, and all the Oireachtas Members from across the affected counties, will continue to raise this to ensure that it gets proper funding next year.
According to a new report, South East Technological University (SETU) has delivered an impact of just over a billion euro to the economy.

On Wednesday, November 26, staff, students, academics, local representatives and stakeholders assembled on campus for the publication of the universitys Economic and Social Impact Study.

The report unveiled key findings on the progress and influence, both economic and social, of the only university within the South East region.

President of SETU Professor Veronica Campbell stated in her speech that the institution is now one of the region's largest employers and generates up to 350 million in return.

She said: "SETU supports over 3,600 jobs both directly and indirectly, employing a network of staff across disciplines and professions at its campuses spanning the South East. We are one of the regions largest employers. Our international students also enrich our campuses and communities, contributing 28 million every year to the regional economy."

'SETU is working'

Chairperson of the Governing Body Professor Patrick Prendergast said in his speech: "The findings are clear; SETU is working. It delivers significant value, educationally, economically and socially. The estimated economic impact of the University last year stands at over 1 billion. As SETUs governing body, we are committed to fulfilling our leadership role on the basis of evidence.

It's why today's economic and social impact study is so important. It provides the reliable information that effective strategic planning requires.

Prof. Prendergast ended: With the continued support of government, industry partners and our communities, I am confident that SETU will continue to deliver transformative impact, economically, socially and culturally across the South East and for our country as a whole.

The report was independently developed by economic consultants Indecon.

Major investments

Managing Director at Indecon Alan Gray was at the event and spoke a few words from the podium about the report's findings.

He said: "Due to its unique position as the only university in the region, SETU is likely to hold greater regional significance than many universities elsewhere in Ireland. SETU plays a vital role in building skills, enabling individuals to achieve their potential, enhancing enterprise capacity, and strengthening the regions attractiveness for foreign investment and high-skilled employment.

Dr Colm OReardon, Secretary General at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, gave the final address, commending SETU staff, students and hinting at substantial major investment from the Government in the very near future.

Dr O'Reardon said: "I'm very confident that SETU will be a significant beneficiary of that investment, particularly based on everything we've heard today, that will add to the work that we're doing in terms of expanding programs, particularly the veterinary and pharmacy program, and to the work that's going on the car parking, the new STEM building. I think it adds up to a significant level of investment in the future that we're talking about, which is about doing what we know works."

According to Prof. Campbell: "The study shows that our 2023 graduates alone will generate 634 million in lifetime returns. Nearly 70% of those surveyed told Indecon that studying at SETU has significantly improved their employment prospects, and just over 60% reported greater earning potential as a direct result of their degree."

Regional Development

The report covered the regional impact of the university in terms of students, showing that the majority of the student body are from the South East region. For the 2023/2024 term, 42.8% of students from Waterford were enrolled at SETU.

The report read: At least 16% of students said they would be unlikely to go to college or university in Ireland if SETU didnt exist.

Student numbers are expected to rise by up to 30% by 2040.

The report comes at a time when the South East is attracting wider scrutiny over its lack of economic and developmental supports in comparison to other regions.

In 2024, the South East region accounted for 7.1% of all agency-assisted jobs across Ireland. The agencies include the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Udaras na Gaeltachta-supported companies. The South East region is at the third-lowest rung nationwide, above the Border region (6.0%) and the Midlands (3.6%).

Prof. Campbell later told the Waterford News & Star that her team were "absolutely delighted" by the findings of the Indecon report.

She said: I think it is a really fantastic testament to SETUs contribution to the region when youre actually able to put numerical value on that and an economic value in this case.

Its the aggregated range of activities that SETU are engaged in that has this overall impact of 1 billion. It shows that for every 1 of public investment into the university, the university generates a return of 5.

Future works

Looking forward, Prof Campbell spoke briefly about the incoming courses in veterinary and pharmacy. She commented: "These programs are on the CEO already, and we are doing some refurbishment of existing spaces, but we also have plans for a new veterinary and pharmacy building on The Glassworks in Waterford."

According to Prof. Campbell, the first veterinary and pharmacy building will be on the former Waterford Crystal site; "All going well, that will be there for 2028."

On the subject of student accommodation, Prof Campbell said sites have been identified on SETU's land and that feasibility studies have been carried out.

She said: "Some of our own student accommodation here is really oversubscribed, and we have many students who are commuting long distances, and we really want to be in a position to provide more student accommodation for them.

"We are engaged with the Department on how we unlock that because we know the importance of having affordable student accommodation at SETU and the South-East."
A country, forged in Catholicism, is facing a church crisis.

Ireland has a dire shortage of priests, mass attendances have plummeted and churches risk closure.

To secure the future, immediate and serious change is critical.

Amidst this, the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore is strategizing, hard at work to face up to the reality.

This special report from the Waterford News & Star explores the current position of the church locally.

Our interviews with key clergy members in the diocese have shone a light onto the pressing issues; the shortage of priests, an ageing clergy, dwindling mass attendances, potential closure of churches and the unexpected generation, who may provide the answers.

Priest numbers

Fr. Liam Power, at the Pentecost Sunday celebration at St. Joseph and St Benildus Church. Photo: Joe Evans

Once a leading exporter of priests to the world, Ireland now has far too few priests to maintain even its own parishes.

The country finds itself facing a critical shortage, the consequences of which have been detrimental to the entire infrastructure of the church.

In the past 30 years, the number of working priests nationally has halved to about 2,000.

This year, just 13 new seminarians began their priestly formation at Irelands national seminary for the catholic church, St. Patricks College.

There are currently 87 priests serving in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

Number of seminarians who began their academic programme and priestly formation for Irish dioceses in the past 15 years at Irelands national seminary for the catholic church, St. Patricks College in Maynooth.

In Census 2022, almost 90,000 people in the county identified themselves as Catholic (71%), down from 81% in Census 2016.

There are an estimated 44,000 Catholic households in the diocese, with a total population of roughly 127,363.

This equates to roughly one priest per 1,464 people.

There are already a small number of parishes in the diocese that have no resident priest. The reasons for this scarcity vary.

Included are the broad secularization of society in the past decades, and the requirement of celibacy for priests.

Parish priest in St. Joseph St Benildus & St Mary's in Waterford city, Fr Liam Power, pointed to the limited opportunities for women as another contentious issue.

"The church is still seen to be patriarchal and anti-woman for some," he said.

'It's not going to be easy'

The priests of Waterford & Lismore. Photo: John Power

Fr. Power worked in his youth as an engineer.

He was ordained in 1980, at a time when there were nearly 300 clerical students studying.

I always felt that I should be a priest, he said.

When I was younger, I used to say that it wouldnt be me to become a priest, but it just kept at me and so I decided to go prove to myself that I could do it. I eventually realised that this is really where I should be.

There are approximately 17,000 people in Fr. Powers parish, with around 1,000 people regularly attending mass, most for funerals, communions, and baptisms.

There were four priests in this parish when the parish was half the size a few decades ago, now we have only one and a half priests here, he said.

You have to accept as a priest that theres so many things you cant reach on now. Its very, very challenging.

The workload amongst priests all over the country has massively increased, and the need for additional vocations has never been greater.

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, told the Waterford News & Star that there is no easy solution, however.

I'm very conscious of the fact that we need to be working to promote the priesthood and get young vocations in, but it's not going to be easy.

'They are out there'

The latest priestly ordination in the diocese was only last week, when Dublin native Rev. Stuart McGovern was ordained in the Cathedral.

A positive, celebratory occasion for the diocese, but questions still remain over where additional priests can be pulled from.

In recent years, there has been a small but steady number of men beginning their studies for priesthood in Irish dioceses, Bishop Cullinan said.

While this is encouraging, in no way should this trend make us complacent. We need more priests and we must continue to do what we can to promote priestly vocations in our parishes.

I do believe that they're out there."

The ordination of Fr. Stuart McGovern at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. Photo: John Power

One way in which the diocese has been coping with the shortage is by turning towards the global priest population for reinforcement.

In the diocese currently, there are four Indian priests, three African priests, two Polish priests and one Croatian priest.

The arrival of these men has been strongly welcomed, and their work is paramount.

It doesnt appear to be a long-term solution, however, as Ireland is not unique in its shortage.

I think its a stop-gap thing for the moment, Fr. Power said.

Theres also a shortage of priests in Africa, for example, so for a priest from Africa to come here, I think its unfair for them.

He added that not all who come to Ireland are able to navigate the cultural shift.

Culturally, it is a huge transition for them.

The ageing clergy

Numbers are needed, and quickly, as the average age of priests across the country remains high, hovering at around 70.

There is concern that priests may feel as if they are unable to retire due to a shortage of replacements.

This was demonstrated just last week in Waterford, when parish priest of Portlaw/ Ballyduff Fr Francis Xavier fell ill, resulting in a weekend mass being dropped and no weekday masses until he returns.

The Association of Catholic Priests noted with concern recently that many older priests, some well into their 70s and 80s, are being asked to take on increased responsibilities due to the ongoing decline in priest numbers.

Whilst many of these men continue to serve out of deep commitment and a profound sense of duty, the ACP warns: We believe they may be taken advantage of.

The official age of retirement for a priest is 75, however, most decide to carry on past that age.

In the diocese locally, we heard that most priests are happy to continue serving past retirement age, so long as they have a strong team around them to distribute the workload.

Resultingly, the role of laypeople is becoming increasingly vital.

'Facing the reality'  Church closures

New lay leadership roles and committees have been introduced across the diocese of late.

Parish pastoral councils, finance councils, and volunteer parish workers have been increased to handle daily operations, ensuring that when the parish phone rings, the church still answers faithfully.

The growing importance of laypeople has been emphasised strongly by the church locally.

Fr. Liam Power, at the Pentecost Sunday Celebration at St. Joseph and St Benildus Church. Photo: Joe Evans

By developing the lay liturgies and the lay volunteers, you can at least get more of a reach, Fr. Liam Power, Parish Priest in St Joseph and Benildus, said.

In his own parish, there is massive work being done by a range of ministry teams.

This is a big development. Theres huge scope for lay ministry and sharing leadership with myself as the priest."

We have also seen in the past number of weeks the ordination of two deacons in the diocese, who can assist priests with weddings and funerals.

Crucially, they can also get married themselves, so long as they have married prior to being ordained.

Such reinforcement is critical, as parish churches across the county are begging for additional hands to ensure they remain open.

'Absolute gems'

The role that churches play in local parishes cannot be overemphasised.

85 churches have sat serenely for centuries across Waterford from the city to the rural Comeragh area of the county, and further west into Dungarvan and Waterfords Gaeltacht areas.

Parishioners care deeply about their church, and there are countless church committees across the county working on a voluntary basis to maintain and protect them.

When you look around the diocese, you really see the beauty of the churches, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said.

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan. Photo: Joe Evans

In the cathedral in the city, we get so many tourists coming to see it, and why? Because they're just so beautiful. Our churches are absolute gems.

Mass attendances

The difficulty of maintaining churches, however, is overwhelming, and not helped by dwindling mass attendances.

Attendance is quite low relative to the overall population of the parish," Fr Power said, "It wouldnt even be 10% attending, and it's going way down. Its a real challenge.

While mass attendance is low, most households still value the church's role in hosting funerals, weddings and baptisms.

Obviously most people don't go to mass, but by the same token, they do see the value of it, especially when somebody dies, or for community building, Bishop Cullinan said.

Fr Power added a similar sentiment, saying: I find that at funeral times, times of confirmation etc, there is that search for faith there. So people still have a faith within them that wants to be nurtured and expressed and celebrated at particular times.

Will churches close?

Fears around church closures are ever rising, and it is predicted that smaller churches in the diocese will close eventually.

Last year, a letter was circulated outlining that only six priests were covering 13 churches in the west of the county.

Having a mass in each of our churches every week or every day is going to become increasingly difficult," the Bishop said.

I certainly don't want to be closing churches and if a decision has to be made to close a church, it will always be in conjunction with the reality, and what the parishioners are doing to face that reality."

Meanwhile, Fr. Power also said that keeping churches open will become more and more challenging.

We have a tiny amount of people attending mass, and smaller churches in the diocese might only have a handful of people at Sunday mass.

We have to be realistic about this, if trends continue, there will inevitably have to be church closures.

Churches, of course, suffer from massive overheads, and insuring a church in the diocese costs upwards of 8,000 annually.

A church cannot open unless insured.

Resultingly, parishioners will need to assume an increased responsibility in the financial upkeep of their churches.

Bishop Cullinan said: We come to the church, maybe only periodically, and yet we expect the church to be insured, heated, lit and maintained. That has to be up to the parishes."

It will be a huge challenge for locals to gather the necessary resources, but parishioners will have to get together, fundraise, and take on additional responsibilities for maintaining their church, Fr Power added.

Parishes are taking active steps, and many have installed finance councils to oversee monetary aspects.

In Stradbally Church, for example, a trial tap payment device has been installed in recent weeks, where 5 or 10 phone donations can be made conveniently. Assuming that the tap machine is a success, it will be rolled to Faha and Ballylaneen churches in the future, a statement said.

In turn, it is subtly encouraging notes rather than coins to keep the waning coffers filled.

The future: Is the fate of the church in the hands of Gen Z?

Change is difficult for everyone, but there will have to be serious changes, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan strongly emphasised during our interview.

In a letter circulated earlier this year, he suggested options, such as reducing the number of masses, the closing of churches or amalgamating parishes.

Just last month, four Waterford parish communities amalgamated into one.

The aim of the new structure is to allow parishes to work closer together in day-to-day administration and liturgical collaboration.

It is predicted that this will happen more and more.

Another measure, which has been taken, is a new general rule that restricts the number of funerals that take place on Sundays.

The diocese held 1,176 funerals in 2024, and priests are struggling to keep up.

Priests have largely supported the ruling.

I think it is a good ruling in light of the shortage of priests, because priests are under big pressure, Fr. Liam Power, Parish Priest of St Joseph and Benildus, said.

There's a lot of extra work in funerals, and if you have to do a mass directly before a funeral youre not at your best and can't give your best to the people."

While some changes may be unsettling, they signal the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore's ongoing attempts to address the issues head on.

A huge amount of work is still needed, but within the church there are signs of hope.

Jubilee year of hope

Shortly before his death, Pope Francis declared 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope.

A host of young people appear to becoming more enthused, and in their search for spiritual meaning, they are turning to the church for hope.

Polls suggest that both France and England are experiencing a Catholic resurgence, driven, surprisingly, by young people.

A recent Irish poll found that 18-24 year-olds (Gen Z) are somewhat more favourable towards religion and spirituality than those aged 25-35 (Millennials).

18-24 year-olds are more likely to read spiritual or religious books, watch spiritual or religious content and follow individuals on social media who discuss spirituality and religion.

This is happening, the Bishop said.

The curve is beginning to go upwards. It's small, but it's happening. So I'm certainly very hopeful.

He said that in recent times he has noticed a rising number of young people entering the front doors of the city's Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within, to say a prayer.

They may not be going to mass, but theyre certainly praying and they're searching. They're looking for something real and true and authentic. I'm very hopeful about that. I can see great things for the future.

Fr. Power corroborated recent poll findings, saying that "young adults are beginning to rediscover the faith that they abandoned".

There are indications in various parts of the world this is actually happening. Its not just a lowkey phenomenon or aberration.

Is it happening on a scale which is significant enough to create real change, however?

Youth and Young Adult Ministry Officer for the diocese, Nodlaig Lillis, said that it is not so much about the numbers of young people who are joining, but more so the growing enthusiasm that is demonstrated from those who do.

She has seen firsthand that young people, particularly young men, are turning to the church locally and nationally.

Were far from the ideal numbers, but it is happening, she said.

I think in the church going forward were not talking about big numbers, were talking about smaller numbers of people but who are really invested and who are actively choosing to be there.

Gen Z in particular are a very open generation and I dont think theyre dealing with the anger and cynicism towards the church that might have been there in past decades.

They are getting involved here and theyre choosing to be here themselves, which makes it more meaningful for them."
There have been reports of 36 voluntary redundancies being tendered at Garrett Advancing Motion branch in Waterford.

A source has informed the News and Star that workers were informed this week about looming redundancies.

This has sparked concern for employees, as only a few months ago around a dozen workers took voluntary redundancies due to lost part numbers.

According to the source, at present there are 45 employees on staff and 112 workers on the floor.

The news of redundancies have ignited fears over job losses, only four weeks before Christmas.

Garrett Advancing Motion set up in Waterford in 1979. Some employees have been working under the company for decades.

The branch is located in the IDA Industrial Estate off the Cork Road.

Garrett Advancing Motion have been contacted for comment.
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".

The Waterford News & 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.

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 at Waterford Airport, will specialise in Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs).

Aerospace Academy

Head of Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Dr Hardiman shared a few words with the News & 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."

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 underwater and over," she said. "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, (it) 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 be 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 Centre of Excellence for aviation, rather than just an airport that you can fly and go to Lanzarote in."
Ellen O'Donoghue

Two of four men arrested in relation to an incident where a firearm was discharged in Limerick city in May have been charged.

The incident occurred in the Hyde Avenue area, Ballinacurra Weston in the city on Thursday, May 8th, 2025.

The two men, both in their 20s, are due to appear before a special sitting of Limerick District Court to be held at Killmallock Court on Saturday, November 29th.

The two other men arrested, who are both in their late teens, remain detained at garda stations in the Co Limerick area under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Investigations are ongoing, gardai said.
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BusinessCompaniesRare earths Opinion Rinehart hates renewables, but her green metals bets are booming Colin Kruger Senior business reporter November 29, 2025  2:00am

November 29, 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

There was nothing unusual in billionaire Gina Rineharts rant against anything with an environmental hue last weekend when her trusted lieutenants from Hancock Prospecting fronted her National Mining Day event. As always, renewables are seen as anathema to her carbon-intensive iron ore and coal interests. Rinehart even slammed her own mining partner Rio Tinto for spending billions to curb its carbon emissions. Their investors dividends are being sacrificed on the green altar, according to Rinehart. Gina Rineharts abhorrence of the renewable sector does not extend to the minerals underpinning it, which have soared thanks to Donald Trump. Monique Westermann The religion of carbon-neutral propaganda unfortunately burdens humanity by much more expensive energy costs, especially propagated by the wrongly called renewable energy, Hancocks Tad Watroba said at the mining day event. If the energy transition is, as some say, an operation on the open heart of our economy, then so far, this operation has failed miserably, said Hancock iron ore head Gerhard Veldsman.

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Drones Crash and burn: How Australias $6b drone-killer lost the plot Colin Kruger Senior business reporter Right on cue this week, the Rinehart-backed Lynas Rare Earths told investors it had lost a months production of rare earth processing thanks to ongoing power disruptions in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, which have hobbled its new processing plant. The Lynas ASX announcement highlighted a line from 2021, when it originally signed the energy deal, saying it was meant to ensure access to cleaner power in lieu of costly, emissions-intensive diesel generators. Rineharts Hancock Prospecting highlighted media reports on the production downgrade suggesting that renewables were to blame. Except that, as Lynas chief executive Amanda Lacaze made clear to investors at the annual meeting in Sydney this week: It was not.

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We dont see it being associated with the source of the energy. It is primarily a network condition, Lacaze told investors on Wednesday. The actual problem is the fact that the gold mining town continues to be served by a single high voltage 220Kv power line. It is literally a single point of failure for the region despite the billions of dollars WA has made from the iron ore boom. Lynas Rare Earths chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze at the companys processing plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Bloomberg Lacazes point with the diesel reference in the Lynas ASX statement was that Lynas was hoping to rely on something more environmentally friendly than the diesel generators that power most remote mining sites including, until recently, its Mt Weld lithium mine. One of the benefits for Kalgoorlie was access to grid power. And as it turns out, that has not been as successful as we thought that it was going to be, she told this masthead.

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Lynas is now scrambling to ensure any ongoing problems will not lead to a drop in production for the financial year and its short-term solution is likely to be diesel. But you only need to look at Mt Weld to see where Lynas and other miners see their long-term energy future. Mt Weld features a 7MW solar farm, a 24MW wind farm, and a 12MW battery storage system, which means, as Lacaze told investors this week, it can run for weeks at a time entirely on renewable energy. Solar, wind turbines, batteries. It is everything Rinehart loathes in spades, as anyone who heard the Mining Day speech can attest. So why is Rinehart one of the biggest investors in Lynas, which survives on providing these crucial elements to wind turbines and EVs, as well as electronics and defence applications? And it is not an outlier either among her multi-billion dollar investment portfolio, which extends to cattle, tech and an enviable list of properties.

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Rineharts Hancock Prospecting has recently emerged as the largest shareholder in US-based rare earths group MP Materials. Closer to home, it also has a substantial stake in Arafura Rare Earths. But nothing highlights the contrast between Rineharts rhetoric and business interests better than ASX-listed Vulcan Energy. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold up signed agreements on critical minerals and rare earths last month. AP Rineharts Hancock Mining holds a substantial shareholding in Europe-based Vulcan Energy, which is betting its future on producing zero-carbon lithium. Vulcan received a 100 million ($177 million) grant from the German government last year to help with its commitment to decarbonising Germanys energy landscape, as its chief executive Cris Moreno said.

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But her rare earth forays have been in a class of their own, thanks to one particular friend of Rineharts. All of her rare earth investments soared after US President Donald Trumps trade warfare with China made it necessary to build a critical minerals supply chain that cant be choked off by China. The term rare earths refers to 17 minerals and elements crucial to the manufacture of many high-tech products such as mobile phones, electric cars, wind turbines and, most crucially, military equipment such as fighter jets and nuclear submarines. The broader critical minerals sector includes metals like lithium, which serves electric cars, batteries and solar cells. Chinas restrictions on rare earth exports pretty quickly demonstrated how vital the countrys supplies were to crucial US industries and its defence generally.

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Related Article Rare earths Trumps critical minerals deal unearths a bonanza for Aussie miners This is why Arafura and MP Materials have directly benefited from taxpayer funding under deals announced by the White House and the Australian government last month. Lynas is receiving funding from US defence due to its status as the only operator of a rare earths supply chain outside of China. Rineharts buying spree of rare earths and lithium stocks in recent years meant no one was better positioned to benefit from this boom than her. According to Forbes, the value of her high-tech metal investments soared to more than $US2.5 billion after of Trumps deals last month. It is now a growing slice of Rineharts $US33 billion fortune, sourced almost entirely from her inheritance of the companys iron ore tenements.

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What no one from Hancock Prospecting is willing to explain is why is Rinehart investing so heavily in these sectors. Australias richest person, and its most avid climate denier is not someone you would expect to indulge a contrarian voice within her trusted circle. But with so much of her wealth dependent on the fortunes of China, some say a rapidly changing geopolitical environment might mean some insurance is called for. From iron ore to lithium, rare earths, copper and potash, Rinehart has methodically built a portfolio that reads like a Western-aligned counterweight to Chinas critical minerals dominance, the Australian Strategic Policy Institutes John Coyne says. Rinehart is playing a different game, and shes playing it well. Her portfolio reflects not just commercial acumen, but strategic foresight.

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But we shouldnt expect her to stop tilting at the wind turbines her money is funding. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
Individuals named Galiene are often perceived as possessing an innate elegance and refined sensibility, reflecting the name's aristocratic Arthurian origins. They tend to exhibit grace under pressure, diplomatic skills, and a natural ability to navigate complex social situations with poise and intelligence. This classical foundation suggests someone who values tradition while maintaining a modern perspective, often serving as a stabilizing influence in their personal and professional relationships.



The name carries connotations of quiet strength and subtle influence rather than overt power. Galienes are typically thoughtful observers who prefer to lead through example and wisdom rather than force. They often possess artistic sensibilities and an appreciation for beauty in all its forms, from visual arts to literature to the natural world. Their communication style tends to be measured and considerate, making them excellent mediators and trusted confidantes who others naturally turn to for guidance and support.
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PoliticsFederalWeddings Anthony Albanese marries Jodie Haydon at The Lodge, first prime minister to wed in office James Massola Updated November 29, 2025  3:23pm ,first published November 29, 2025  2:35pm 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 101 View all comments

Anthony Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, married in a small, family occasion on a warm but gusty afternoon at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, making him the first prime minister to be wed while in office. The happy occasion rounded out a momentous political year for the prime minister in which he led the Labor Party to its second term in office with an increased majority that eviscerated the federal Coalition. We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends, Albanese and Haydon said in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon at their wedding on Saturday. Mike Bowers Details of the wedding were tightly held for months, and it is understood the couple decided on the date and venue during a week-long holiday on the tiny Pacific island of Palau in October.

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While the wedding took place at the prime ministers official residence, all expenses related to this event were being paid for privately by Albanese and Haydon. Related Article Anthony Albanese Australian prime ministers wedding as it happened: Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon marry The wedding was the first for Haydon, 47. Albanese, 62, was previously married to former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt for 19 years. They have one child, Nathan, and separated in 2019, before divorcing. Plans for the wedding were closely guarded for both privacy and security concerns. The latter was a large part of the reason Albanese and Haydon chose to hold the event at the prime ministers Canberra residence, where security could be much more easily managed than at other venues such as the prime ministers Sydney Harbour residence, Kirribilli, or on the NSW Central Coast, where Haydon was born. The couple have grown fond of Canberra and were happy to be able to be married at their residence in the national capital. The nuptials were held the day after the parliamentary year finished on Friday.

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The couple were married by a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast, where much of Haydons family still live, and the couple wrote their own vows. Haydon was walked down the aisle by her parents, Bill and Pauline Haydon, while the Ben Folds song, The Luckiest, played. Her five-year-old niece, Ella, was the flower girl and the prime ministers dog, Toto, was the ringbearer. Albaneses son, Nathan, was among the guests on hand to celebrate the day. The guest list included many of Albaneses closest political allies, including senior ministers Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Don Farrell, Tony Burke, Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers, Tim Ayres and Jenny McAllister and their partners, as well as NSW state MPs John Graham and Jo Haylen, who once worked for Albanese. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (at front) and partner Dave Skinner arrive at The Lodge with Treasurer Jim Chalmers (right) and wife Laura Chalmers. Alex Ellinghausen ALP national secretary Paul Erickson and his partner, Dimity Paul, and the prime ministers chief of staff, Tim Gartrell, were also on hand, but the event was a relatively small affair with a limited guest list.

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No other world leaders, past or present, attended, but well-wishes were delivered on social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X to congratulate Haydon and his good friend Albanese. Wishing them a happy married life, the post read. Related Article Opinion

Weddings Three cheers for the bride and her unique wedding day dilemma Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana, posted their best wishes. The pair dined with Albanese and Haydon in London in September when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had them to dinner at 10 Downing Street. Congratulations, @alboMP. Diana and I send all best wishes, Carney posted on X. Also spotted among the ministers, high-powered bureaucrats and close family members were friends from Albaneses childhood growing up in an inner-city Sydney social housing estate, including Sherie Dewstow and Rod Burns.

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The pair were among a number of Albaneses childhood friends who paid him a surprise visit in Canberra in 2022, at the start of his first term in parliament as prime minister, and who returned to Canberra to visit Albanese on the first day of his second term as prime minister earlier this year. Related Article Weddings Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette: The story behind Jodie Haydons dress No members of the Coalition were spotted among the guests, but Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was quick to send her best wishes. Congratulations to Anthony and Jodie! she said in a statement issued shortly after the news broke. I wish them every happiness as they continue building their lives together. After making their vows, witnessed by Haydons brother, Patrick, and the PMs cousin, Helen Golden, the newly married couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonders hit, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours).

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Their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Haydon wore a flowing white dress with long sleeves by Sydney designer Romance was Born, while the prime minister wore a suit from Australian menswear store MJ Bale. The wedding rings were supplied by Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, Sydney, where Albanese had an engagement ring designed for Haydon. Dimity Paul and Paul Erickson, the ALP national secretary, arrive at The Lodge. Alex Ellinghausen Albanese and Haydon will take a five-day honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday next week at an undisclosed location. The wedding capped a historic year for Albanese after the prime minister in May secured a crushing election victory where Labor won a record 94 seats in the lower house.

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Albanese paid tribute to his fiancee on election night, saying she probably wasnt expecting this to be in your life half-a-dozen years ago. I am so grateful for your support, your friendship and your love. You make me so happy, which matters, you have my heart, I love you and I look forward to living our lives together, he said. Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentines Day, February 2024, on a balcony at The Lodge, after an intimate dinner at Italian and Sons, about five years after the couple first met in late 2019. The Sydney-born, Central Coast-raised partner of Australias 31st prime minister has rarely given interviews or spoken publicly about the relationship. Albanese and son Nathan, with ringbearer Toto before the ceremony in Canberra. Mike Bowers The couple met at a business event in Melbourne in late 2019 when Albanese had been opposition leader for a year. His election victory in May 2022 catapulted Haydon, an industry superannuation manager, into the spotlight as she accompanied Albanese to a NATO summit in Spain and on several other trips, including Queen Elizabeths funeral, King Charles coronation and a state dinner hosted by former US president Joe Biden.

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Their relationship made headlines in October last year when 2GBs Ben Fordham revealed that Albanese had bought a $4.3 million clifftop house on the NSW Central Coast, near Haydons family, to be the couples post-politics home. Albanese and Haydon are both Catholics and enjoy similar music, walking the prime ministers dog, Toto, watching the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team and playing games of pool at The Lodge. One of Albaneses closest political allies, Penny Wong, last year married her long-term partner, Sophie Allouache, after close to two decades together. Details about that ministerial wedding were tightly held, much like Albanese and Haydons wedding. It was held at the Bird in the Hand winery in the Adelaide Hills. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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WorldEuropeVale Tom Stoppard, playwright who dazzled with verbal gymnastics, dies aged 88 David Crowe November 30, 2025  3:00am 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

Tom Stoppard, the playwright whose work ranged from cerebral theatre to Hollywood blockbusters, has died at the age of 88. Friends and admirers reacted with dismay to his death on Saturday in the United Kingdom, where he took the theatrical world by storm in the 1960s and became one of the nations greatest literary talents. British playwright Tom Stoppard has died, aged 88. AP The success of his sharp dialogue on stage led film directors to seek him out to create movies, including Shakespeare in Love  for which he shared the Oscar for best original screenplay  and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. His agent said he died peacefully at his home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.

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He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language, the firm, United Agents, said in a statement. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him. View post on X In a sign of the breadth of his appeal and the range of his friendships, his death drew reactions from royalty to rock stars and writers. Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright, said Mick Jagger in a social media post. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him.

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King Charles said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were deeply saddened by the news. A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history, the King said. He ended his public statement by quoting a line from Stoppard: Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else. Australian writer Kathy Lette described Stoppard as one of the wittiest people she had ever met. A conversation with him left you reeling from irreverent and imaginative quip-lash, she posted.

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While Stoppard rose to the heights of English literature, he was born to Czech parents in 1937 and spent his early life in what was then Czechoslovakia before fleeing with his family to Singapore and India. Stoppard in 2023 with the Tony award for best play for Leopoldstadt. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP After his father died in Singapore in 1942, his mother, Martha, married an English officer, Kenneth Stoppard, and moved the family to England in 1946. Stoppard, who described himself as a bounced Czech, only learnt of his familys Jewish heritage late in life  and discovered that all four of his grandparents had died in the Holocaust. He was raised with his brother as an English boy and told little about his mothers early life. The exploration of his family history led him to write his most personal play, Leopoldstadt, which was first performed in 2020 and told the story of a Jewish family in Vienna over the first half of the 20th century.

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While he began his working life as a journalist in Bristol in his late teenage years, he was drawn to the theatre and began by writing plays for radio and television. Stoppards breakthrough came with the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. His breakthrough came in 1963 when his first major stage play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, packed theatres by creating a comic drama out of two of the minor characters in Hamlet  using some of Shakespeares dialogue. He combined history, philosophy and comedy in a series of plays, including Travesties in 1974, in which he created a meeting between historical figures such as James Joyce and Vladimir Lenin during the First World War. Arcadia, first performed in 1993, combined science and mathematics in a drama about a teenager, Thomasina Coverly, growing up in 1809, and the rediscovery of her life more than a century later.

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His movie work included the screenplay for Steven Spielbergs Empire of the Sun and Terry Gilliams cult classic Brazil, but he did not always seek a public credit for his work. When Spielberg called Stoppard in to complete Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the playwright worked with the pen name Barry Watson and added comic touches to the result. Spielberg is said to have remarked that every line of dialogue in the film came from Stoppard. His work on Shakespeare in Love created the most successful film about the literary giant, based on the notion that the Elizabethan playwright was dogged by writers block while attempting a play called Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter. In one play, The Real Thing, first performed in 1982, a character, Henry, sums up the writing life: I dont think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when youre dead. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Updated WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war Fatal combination: Zelensky left exposed by loss of top aide in spiralling corruption scandal Aliaksandr Kudrytski , Volodymyr Verbianyi and Daryna Krasnolutska Updated November 29, 2025  11:21am ,first published November 29, 2025  12:51am 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 resignation of Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff leaves the Ukrainian president deprived of his most important adviser at a critical moment in the fight against the Russian invasion. Andriy Yermak has been Zelenskys lead negotiator in talks with Ukraines allies and helped convince the US to leave out some unpalatable elements from a proposed peace plan last week. Aides say the relationship between Andriy Yermak (left) and Volodymyr Zelensky goes beyond work. AP His departure, amid a spiralling corruption scandal, comes just as US President Donald Trump is pushing Ukraine to make concessions to Russia to end almost four years of fighting and Zelenskys forces are facing shortages of weapons and funding. Yermaks decision followed a search of his apartment by anti-graft investigators early on Friday, Kyiv time. While authorities didnt offer an explanation for the raid, they have been pursuing a widening probe that has drawn in several ministers and one of Zelenskys former business partners. Yermak said he was co-operating fully with the investigation. He hasnt been accused of involvement of any wrongdoing.

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I am grateful to Andriy for always representing Ukraines position in the negotiation track exactly as it should be. It was always a patriotic position. But I want there to be no rumours or speculation, Zelensky said in a video posted on Telegram. There will be a reboot of the office of the president of Ukraine. Related Article Analysis

Russia-Ukraine war The dictator next door: Why these dealmakers wont stop Putin Yermak has been a fixture at Zelenskys side since the full-scale invasion began in 2022 and the Ukrainian leader has long sought to fend off criticism of his aides outsized influence. Zelensky said hell hold consultations with potential candidates to take over the running of his office. A Ukrainian delegation  including National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya  is heading to the US for further talks, a person familiar with the matter said. They are expected to meet Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Florida to discuss the peace plan, the person said requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

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At talks in Geneva last weekend, Yermak had represented Ukraine and managed to persuade the US to redraft the terms of a deal that appeared to favour Russia and amounted to an ultimatum that Kyiv had to accept by November 27. The Trump-backed 28-point peace plan  drawn up between the US and Russia  would have seen Ukraine give up additional swaths of territory that Moscow has failed to capture and dramatically reduce the size of the Ukrainian military. Yermak (far right) has been a key representative in talks with the US on ending the war in Ukraine. AP Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a social media post on Friday that the political crisis in Kyiv is a fatal combination, coming as Hungarian leader Viktor Orban is in Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff will be in Moscow next week as part of Trumps efforts to broker a settlement. Questions have also been growing over Witkoffs role in the negotiations since Bloomberg News published a transcript of a call last month in which he advised a senior Kremlin official on how Putin should appeal to Trump.

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Putin said on Thursday that he was willing to fight until Ukraine gives up the territories he seeks to control. The Russian president said Trumps proposals for ending the war in Ukraine could be the basis for future agreements, but no final version exists yet. The US president said on Tuesday there had been tremendous progress on his peace proposal over the past week. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war Ukraine nuclear corruption scandal ensnares Zelenskys friend. The timing couldnt be worse Yermaks resignation highlights the tensions between the presidents inner circle and the countrys anti-graft agencies, set up at the insistence of Kyivs Western backers. Zelensky won power in 2019 with a promise to stamp out the corruption that has plagued Ukraine for decades, but his domestic opponents and international allies have recently questioned how seriously hes been pursuing that goal. In July, the president unsuccessfully sought to gain control over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, or NABU, and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office, known as SAPO. The attempt drew widespread condemnation and triggered Ukraines largest street protests since the Russian invasion.

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The agencies responded with a probe targeting Zelenskys allies. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war Return to the dark days: Protests take aim at Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion The findings of a 15-month investigation allegedly placed the presidents former business partner at the centre of a large-scale scheme aimed at siphoning money from a state-run energy company. The funds were supposed to be used to protect energy infrastructure against Russian air strikes. Timur Mindich, who helped run the TV production company that catapulted the Ukrainian leader to stardom as a comedian before his presidential bid, fled the country before an attempt to arrest him. The drive to root out corruption has led to the dismissal of two ministers and implicated former deputy prime minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, who denies any wrongdoing. While Zelensky himself has faced a wave of public outrage  including from lawmakers in his ruling party  following the scandals.

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Women named Haani typically exhibit personality traits that mirror the qualities of daylight itself - they bring clarity, warmth, and energy to any situation. These individuals often possess natural leadership abilities combined with a nurturing spirit, making them effective in both professional and family contexts. Their optimistic outlook enables them to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and they have a remarkable ability to 'light the way' for others during difficult times. Haani's are generally morning people who approach each day with fresh perspective and enthusiasm. They tend to be highly organized and dependable, valuing consistency and reliability in their relationships and work. Emotionally, they're often described as 'sunny' - quick to smile, generous with compliments, and skilled at creating positive social atmospheres. However, like the day that must eventually yield to night, Haani's also understand the importance of rest and reflection, often demonstrating wisdom in knowing when to be active and when to step back.
Individuals named Hippolytus are often perceived as possessing strong moral convictions and principled character. They tend to exhibit steadfast loyalty to their beliefs and values, sometimes to the point of rigidity. Like their mythological namesake, they may demonstrate exceptional discipline and self-control, particularly in matters of personal conduct and relationships. This moral steadfastness often manifests as reliability and trustworthiness, making them valued friends and colleagues who can be counted on to maintain their commitments.



However, this strength of character can also present challenges. The same determination that makes them principled can manifest as stubbornness or an unwillingness to compromise when faced with conflicting viewpoints. Their dedication to ideals often earns them respect but may also create distance in personal relationships. The name suggests someone who values integrity above popularity and who maintains their principles even under significant pressure or temptation, though they may need to learn flexibility to navigate complex social situations successfully.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Hrothbertina emerges from the Germanic Christian tradition as a feminine form of Hrothbert, combining 'hroth' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright). The name gained prominence during the Christianization of Germanic tribes when traditional elements were blended with Christian values. Throughout medieval Europe, Hrothbertina appeared among noble and religious families, particularly in regions where Frankish influence met Christian missionary work. The name symbolized the integration of Germanic cultural identity with the new Christian faith, representing women who maintained traditional values while embracing religious devotion.



During the Carolingian Renaissance, names like Hrothbertina reflected the synthesis of classical learning, Christian theology, and Germanic heritage that characterized the era. The name was particularly popular in monastic communities where women could achieve recognition for their intellectual and spiritual contributions. As Christianity spread through Germanic territories, Hrothbertina became a bridge between old warrior aristocracy values and new Christian virtues of humility and service. The name's persistence in historical records, though rare, demonstrates how Christian naming practices incorporated local linguistic elements while maintaining theological significance.
Consultants who signed up for HSE public-only contracts with the Department of Health have a duty to discharge their responsibilities on a seven-day week basis and this should be happening in Mayo University Hospital (MUH), according to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

The minister was in Castlebar last Monday week, November 17, where she held a press briefing after touring the hospital. Asked what working arrangements she was advocating for staff at the hospital as part of current reforms taking place there, the minister replied: We have agreed a series of reforms at macro level with additional staff put in. Mayo is the last hospital to implement the Safe Nurse Staffing Framework (a key government policy to ensure safe nurse-to-patient ratios) and I am very happy they have agreed to do that now and we have put the staff in to make that available. We want to see for example the Acute Medical Assessment Unit working not five days of the week but seven days of the week. We want to make sure the use of our additional resources are used in intelligent ways that are relevant to the needs of the hospital.

So, the additional staff and the entire staff should not be rostered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings but on Thursday evenings and weekends, when people present. Ive heard the argument that if you move people from the week to the weekend that impacts patient safety, but it is not the case. If you have ten people, it is better to have eight of these during the week and two at the weekend, rather than ten Monday to Friday and then leave the hospital in crisis on Saturday and Sunday. The impact that has on patient safety is very significant and also on people coming in for elective surgeries that really need to happen, but that end up getting cancelled because of mismanagement or an inconsistent flow in the hospital. That is just not okay. It doesnt happen in other parts of Ireland and shouldnt be the standard accepted here either.

The minister clarified she is not asking for individual consultants to work seven days a week.

I am not suggesting one consultant works seven days and falls over at the end of it. That is obviously ridiculous. But if you have signed a contract with the people of Ireland to work over six days or in the evenings and you are being paid a very good salary to do that - and we have doctors coming to Ireland to get the benefit of that contract - well you should discharge it and I expect to see consultants rostered at weekends who have signed that contract. I think thats reasonable because it is you, the taxpayers, who are paying for it.

The minister said only 38% of the consultants are on the public-only consultant contract in University Hospital Limerick but the hospital has "already achieved an excellent flow including with the non public-only contract holders".

"So it is possible elsewhere and is being done in other parts of the country, so why not also in Mayo.
It was one of the best uses ever of an All-Ireland ticket.

The year was 1951, and John Twin McNamara was restless. He had just finished three years of second-level school in Achill and wanted to make for England. He was a man with big dreams and felt trapped in school.

England was where his father, Anthony, worked and lived for most of the year in order to provide for his wife and children in Dooagh on Achill Island. It was a way of life for generations of Achill people, and a young John Twin was drawn to it. A different country, earning money, escaping the penury of Achill Island life.

But his father was aghast. He was working in England and providing for his family so that his children would not have to follow his footsteps. He wanted them to go to school, onto third level and get a professional job that would keep them in Ireland, preferably keep them in Achill.

John and his twin brother Pat wanted to go picking potatoes in Scotland, aged 13. It was back-breaking work that had drawn young Achill Islanders for decades. Anthony was having none of it. To school they went.

Now, three years later, Anthony was fighting a similar battle with his twin sons. He must have wondered how they saw romanticism in emigrating to England. Did they not see how hard it was to leave your family for 11 months of the year to go to the UK?

But then children see the world differently to their parents. John Twin saw it as an adventure and given he had never been to Dublin, never mind abroad, working on sites in London must have seemed so exotic.

His father dangled another carrot  boarding school in Nathys of Ballaghaderreen. John dug his heels in.

One last throw of the dice, then.

Mayo were All-Ireland champions and were preparing to defend their title.

He saw education as the only escape for us from the emigrant ship. He said, If you go back to school, Ill send you the money to go the All-Ireland. We couldnt refuse that. We had never been to Dublin before, John Twin told the Irish Independent ahead of the 2021 All-Ireland final.

It was just amazing. We had to keep our word and go back to school. And it changed the course of our lives. Pat became a dentist and I became a teacher... My father was a wise and wonderful man.

And while Anthony McNamaras drive to allow his children to fulfil their potential and make successful careers for themselves was an inspired move, perhaps not even he could appreciate the impact John Twin would have on his native Achill.

But for Anthonys insistence and the dangling of a seat at the All-Ireland final, Achill would be culturally poorer right now.

John Twin McNamara, who passed away aged 90 last month, has left an indelible impact on his beloved Achill. He greatly enriched the culture of Achill through his varied passions for traditional music, the Irish language, local history and the collection and preservation of songs, poetry and stories.

He was a champion of the Achill community across many decades and his passion for the culture of his home place was a lifelong pursuit. As recently as three years ago, he released an album of 18 songs called Oilean mAislingi (Island of my Dreams), which included some of his own compositions, some old Achill songs and some Achill poems to which he composed the music. All bar one of the songs, which were a mixture of Irish and English, were recorded between John Twins 84th and 86th birthdays.

He was a man in a hurry and full of conviction; he would campaign assidiously for what he believed in. He was frequently persistent but always the height of civility and good manners.

He was a key driver in the Achill Human Rights Committee, set up in the 1960s to campaign for balanced development for Achill, which was being left behind by central government and haemorrhaging many of its brightest and best to emigration, a reality John Twin was all too familiar with.

He was a leading light in the renowned Dooagh Pipe Band and imparted on generations of school children in Dooagh NS the importance of tradition around them in terms of music, language and culture.

Indeed, it is hard to single out one particular area where John Twin left the biggest impact as the breadth of his influence is felt so widely but in Scoil Acla, he has a legacy that anyone would be honoured to have.

Scoil Acla is a wonderful organisation, serving as a beacon for traditional music, language and the arts on Achill Island. It was originally established in 1910 by cultural giants of the era like Emily Weddall, Darrell Figgis, Eva OFlaherty and An Paorach (Francis Hugh Power). However, it went into abeyance for many decades.

John Twin was one of the driving forces in getting it up and running again in 1985 and played a huge role in its continued success across the decades that followed. It celebrated its 40th year since its revival last summer.

The Scoil Acla week every summer, when aspiring traditional musicians, young and old, descend on Achill is one of the islands busiest weeks of the year. It is a huge boon to the local economy, but it is so much more than that. It enriches Achill in a far more profound way than mere economics. In that week, Achill is a centre of musical and cultural greatness.

Watching the sessions on the beaches during the Scoil Acla week, as musicians of all ages from all over Ireland and beyond play together in a wonderful ensemble, is a joyful experience.

Seeing the smiles of children from Achill go to Scoil Acla classes in the winter to learn to master the tin whistle, banjo, flute, fiddle, accordion and much more and then see them shine in the summer is glorious.

A hard-working local committee make it happen but none of it would have been possible without their beloved shining light, John Twin McNamara.

John was a man of vision, generosity and spirit  a true Achill man whose love for our island, for our culture and for our people knew no bounds," they said in a heartfelt tribute. He played a rol larnach - a fundamental role in the re-establishment of Scoil Acla, helping to reignite that flame of creativity and community that has flourished ever since and is now the beating heart of our cultural life in Achill.

Earlier this year, John Twin was a fitting recipient of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Gradam na hEigse Lifetime award for his efforts to revive Scoil Acla.

Declan Weir was among the last generation of children taught by John Twin at Dooagh NS. Declans tribute to John Twin sums up perfectly the layered impact of a great teacher, in every sense of the world.

Were lucky when we encounter someone in the world who impacts our life in a singular, positive way. I dont know what the word is to describe someone who shapes you in a multi-faceted way, alters your perspective, changes how you value your history, your music, your traditions and heritage. A teacher who enriched your mind as well as your spirit. Educated you and your friends as well as generations of people you care about. Set you up for a life much richer than it would have been without their passion and effort. Whatever that word is, John McNamara was worthy of it. A great teacher and friend, were indebted to him.

Achill is a richer, better place because of John Twin McNamara. For generations to come, his impact will be felt and we can thank the carrot his father offered in 1951.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny, windy, and cold with wind chills in the teens and 20s all day. West winds will gust 25-35mph. A few lake-effect snow showers are possible north of I-78 in the afternoon and evening, especially in the Poconos. .

Tonight

Partly cloudy, cold, and brisk. Wind chills in the teens overnight.
Igrayne is traditionally characterized by noble grace, maternal strength, and remarkable resilience in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Her portrayal across Arthurian literature suggests a woman of deep emotional complexitygrieving the loss of her first husband while navigating the political realities that make her the mother of a legendary king. She embodies the archetype of the destined mother, possessing both the beauty that captivates kings and the inner fortitude required to bear the weight of prophecy.



Modern interpretations have enriched her personality, emphasizing intelligence, political acumen, and personal agency. Rather than merely a passive vessel for Arthur's birth, she is often depicted as a woman who understands her role in larger historical currents while maintaining her personal integrity. Her ability to transition from Cornish duchess to British queen suggests adaptability, wisdom, and a profound sense of duty. The personality traits associated with her name combine regal dignity with emotional depth, creating a figure who represents both the sacrifices and the strengths of motherhood on an epic scale.
Women named Inocenta are typically characterized by their genuine, trustworthy nature and strong ethical compass. They approach life with a sincerity that others find refreshing and comforting, often serving as moral anchors in their social circles. Their innate sense of fairness makes them excellent mediators who can see multiple perspectives without judgment. Inocenta's tend to be deeply empathetic individuals who naturally understand emotional nuances and provide thoughtful support to those around them.



While they possess quiet strength, Inocenta's may sometimes struggle with setting boundaries, as their compassionate nature can lead them to prioritize others' needs over their own. They value authenticity in relationships and are known for their loyalty once trust is established. Their thoughtful approach to decision-making means they rarely act impulsively, preferring to weigh consequences carefully. This combination of emotional intelligence, moral integrity, and reliable character makes Inocenta's valued members of any community, though they may need to consciously develop assertiveness to complement their naturally gentle disposition.
New Zealands attempts to coerce the Cook Islands over its relationship with China will not work, Prime Minister Mark Brown said in an interview aired on Cook Islands Television last week. He said the Pacific island country still wants New Zealand support but the two countries need to work together as partners with the Cooks maintaining its sovereignty.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters [AP Photo/Sergei Grits, Cliff Owen]

Earlier in November, it was revealed that New Zealands National Party-led government had suspended two aid payments amounting to $NZ29.8 million since February to the Cook Islands. The aid boosts the Cook Islands budget for core sectors including education, tourism and health. Following the withdrawal of the first aid payment in June, Brown said the punitive decision would harm the countrys most vulnerable citizens.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, leader of the right-wing populist NZ First party in the ruling coalition, blocked the payments after Brown signed strategic deals with China in February without consulting Wellington. Peters claimed prior approval was required under the terms of the Cook Islands constitutional position as one of New Zealands semi-dependent Realm countries.

Peters told Brown in a letter in October that the gravity of the Cook Islands breach of trust raised concerns about its approach to the constitutional realities which impose clear limits on your freedom to act on foreign affairs, defence and security matters without reference to New Zealands interest or those of the Realm. Brown, however, insists that Wellington was advised the China deal would not include security matters and that there was no need for New Zealand to sit in the room while it was drawn up.

Peters diplomatic bullying is part of increasingly belligerent attempts by Wellington to maintain its neo-colonial domination over the impoverished Cook Islands. New Zealands ruling establishment responded with outrage over the agreement with Beijing which covered economic development, including fisheries, infrastructure and undersea minerals, as well as strengthening diplomatic relations. The documents contained no military clauses.

In his television interview Brown declared: The withholding and the pausing of financial assistance, development assistance, we dont feel that that is a useful tool to try and coerce, if you like, a country into changing its policiesit certainly is not going to work with us. By using its cash reserves the government had, Brown said, ensured the funding cut would not affect the delivery of public services, while GDP growth rate meant it was well placed for the coming years.

The dispute is an expression of the sharp geopolitical tensions created by the advanced US-led preparations for war against China. New Zealand and Australiaboth imperialist allies of the USare seeking to block Chinas growing economic and diplomatic influence in the Pacific and are presenting Beijing in increasingly hysterical terms as a military threat. While using aid to pressure Pacific states, they are militarising the region and forcing them to cut economic and diplomatic ties with Beijing.

In 2001, New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a Joint Centenary Declaration which broadly states that the two governments must consult regularly on defence and security issues. However, the declaration explicitly affirms the Cook Islands right to enter independently into treaties and other international agreements with any government or international organisations.

The Cooksa tiny state with fewer than 20,000 peopleis heavily dependent on outside aid. It has been diplomatic partners with China for almost 30 years, signing agreements to develop local infrastructure, and has diplomatic relationships with 70 different countries.

According to Brown, the Cook Islands government fulfilled its obligations to consult with New Zealand regarding the content of any diplomatic and economic deals and has followed established protocol in its talks with China. I would not expect any of the countries that we discuss our bilateral relations with to have them share those documents with a third country, and the reciprocal arrangement would also exist, he said.

Brown assured the Cook Islands parliament his government is taking steps to mend the rift. Officials and ministers had engaged consistently with New Zealand across every formal channel that is available to us, he declared.

Brown however emphasised that the Cook Islands remain self-governing and independent in external affairs and that restoring the relationship must not come at the expense of their growing independence. While we are fully committed to our relationship with New Zealand, we have learned a valuable lesson in that weve seen the risks that arise from over reliance on any single partner for our development needs, he said.

Brown indicated a willingness to exclude countries other than NZ from involvement in security and defence issues, but this is evidently not enough to satisfy Wellington.

New Zealand, along with Australia, regards the southwest Pacific as its backyard. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared recently that New Zealands funding would remain paused until the Cook Islands government took unspecified steps to restore trust. The opposition Labour Party has joined in the denunciations of the Brown government, expressing only mild concern that Peters hard-nosed approach could be counter-productive.

New Zealands universally anti-China media plays a grimy role demonising the Cook Islands over its purported treachery. On November 24, the New Zealand Herald published an inflammatory special investigation alleging that the Cook Islands flag has been flown by over 100 oil tankers accused of illicitly trading Russian and Iranian oil. It claims the operation is run by a private shipping registry owned by Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) which was set up in 2000 by government insiders and delivers modest fees to the Cooks government.

According to the Herald, the flagged shadow fleet enables pariah countries Russia and Iran to generate huge revenues. It also gives end users, notably China and India, a secure flow of energy at cheap rates while evading unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and Europe. Allegedly, nearly half of the flagged tanker fleet of 150 vessels has been formally sanctioned by the US, United Kingdom or the European Union.

Brown has refused to comment on the Herald story. Peters declared that New Zealands support for Ukraine in the war with Russia was being deliberately undercut by the Cook Islands: This is a completely unacceptable and untenable foreign policy divergence, he fumed. The flag registry is just one of a range of actions and statements by the Cook Islands, Peters said, that have damaged its free association relationship with New Zealand and the trust that underpins it.

In other words, any alleged activity that can be sheeted home to the Cook Islands government and construed as inimical to Wellingtons pro-US agenda for escalating war is deemed illegitimate. The Cook Islands and other Pacific countries must accept their subservient neo-colonial status.

Whatever truth is in the Herald article, the flag operation is likely similar to those run, among others, by Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands, the sale of passports of convenience by Tonga, Nauru and Vanuatu, or the tax havens and offshore financial centres in Fiji, Niue and Samoa, all desperate attempts to attract foreign capital.

Ultimate responsibility for the proliferation of such venturesmany blacklisted by capitalist overseers and financial institutions such as the EU and OECDlies with the imperialist powers. For the past century they have kept the fragile Pacific micro-states in conditions of poverty, economic backwardness and oppression, while exploiting them for cheap labour and now, for geo-strategic ends in the escalating US-led confrontation with China.
On November 17, 24-year-old worker Jack McGrath was killed at BlueScopes Port Kembla steelworks after he was hit by a steel beam that fell while being lifted by a crane. McGrath, who was employed as a rigger by contractor Ventia, was apparently working on a major $1.15 billion project to reline the steelworks No.6 blast furnace.

Part of the Port Kembla steelworks

Work was temporarily halted in the area where McGrath had been working, to allow SafeWork New South Wales (NSW) inspectors to investigate the scene. However, BlueScope kept the rest of the large industrial complex operating. Employees and contractors, while forced to continue working, were told by the company not to speak to anyone about the incident.

At a moving funeral service yesterday in Kembla Grange, more than 700 people gathered to mourn McGraths passing. Family and friends, still clearly shocked and traumatised by his sudden death, remembered the young man as generous, loving and fiercely loyal.

In a further testament to the impact of McGraths death on the local community, a mural of his name was painted on a wall in his home town of Dapto.

McGraths death is part of a broader trend of workplace tragedy. An average of 191 workers are killed on the job each year in Australia, more that one every two days, according to Safe Work Australia. Last year, 37 construction workers were killed at work, 20 percent of all workplace fatalities in the country. Only two industries, transport, postal and warehousing and agriculture, forestry and fishing, claimed more lives.

This is by no means an Australian phenomenon. The scourge of workplace deaths and serious injuries is on the rise globally, as corporations impose productivity increases and speed-ups to sate the demands of their financial backers. These are not accidents, but examples of social murder perpetrated by an economic system, capitalism, under which everything, including workers health and lives, is subordinated to profit.

The very organisations that purport to defend workers safety in fact serve to cover over the threats. Investigations by SafeWork NSW and equivalent bodies in other states are invariably dragged out over several years, allowing anger to subside before a ruling is made that is invariably a whitewash. Recommendations may be handed down, but are rarely implemented or enforced, and the company escapes with a token fine, amounting to a tiny fraction of the profits made in the intervening period.

These cover-ups would not be possible without the complicity of the trade union bureaucracies.

At BlueScope, union bureaucrats told workers they were working with the relevant authorities to investigate McGraths death. Like the companys gag order, this was aimed at hosing down the development of any independent action by workers to demand health and safety improvements.

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) NSW deputy executive officer Chris Christodoulou declared that, in addition to working with SafeWork NSW, the union would do our own investigation and drill down to ensure that this never happens again.

The fraudulent character of this bluster is plainly exposed in the bureaucracys immediate response to McGraths death, that is, to tell workers to get back on the job and let the officials and SafeWork NSW handle it.

Workers can place no more faith in the unions investigation than that of SafeWork NSW. Under the CFMEUs watch, construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the country.

This situation is perpetuated because the CFMEU, and all the unions, work hand-in-hand with management and the government safety bodies to cover over the real underlying cause of dangerous working conditions, the subordination of workers health and lives to the interests of corporate profit.

To fight this, workers need to take matters into their own hands. Rank-and-file committees, independent of the pro-business union bureaucracies, must be established in workplaces everywhere, as the only means through which workers can fight for improved safety, wages, conditions, and even for their lives.

****

World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke to local residents about McGraths death and the broader issue of workplace safety.

Muhammad heard about McGraths death from a friend who is in the same trade. He said, Shes 17 now, and shes reconsidering her life decisions, in the wake of the tragedy. Nobody wants to be at work if theyre in fear for their life.

Muhammad saw a clear connection between the incident and the rapacious demands of big business for ever-greater profits. He said: The companies, especially big companies like BlueScope, should pay more attention to the workers and their safety rather than productivity and the revenue theyre generating every year. If there were no workers, there would be no productivity.

Humans and their safety should always be the first priority, instead of putting pressure on workers to be more productive and work longer hours.

They want people to work more, be more efficient at work, while at the same time they dont pay them enough. They want to pay as little as they can, like minimum wage, but they want them to work at double or triple their strength.

Muhammad was concerned the company would receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist from any official investigation, as is frequently the case. He said: No amount of money can pay for a human life. But a token fine doesnt do anythingthese companies make a lot of money, they can easily afford it. If you have a lot of money, you can get away with anything.

He agreed that a rank-and-file inquiry was needed to find the truth of what happened to McGrath: Absolutely! There should be an investigation. If its left to the company, its going to be a cover-up. Workers should lead the investigation.

Lorraine, a young customer service worker, said McGraths death was very tragic to society as a whole, and especially to his parents, family and friends. At just 24 years old, he had his whole life ahead of him, but lost his life to work.

The big corporations should put more money into ensuring that the workers are healthy and safe, because we all know they get lots of money. Companies just see people as numbers and dont really take into account what the employees are saying.

Lorraine connected the drive of management for speed-ups and productivity increases to increased danger for workers: A smaller workforce doing more work, at the end of the day, can bring tragic deaths, because workers are too tired, especially working big machines or down a mine.
The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke to Hermosillo residents about the November 1 explosion at a Waldos convenience store, which killed 24 people and injured at least a dozen more.

Reports indicate that a fire began at an electrical transformer improperly installed inside the store before causing an explosion. The store lacked basic safety measures, such as emergency exits, and had been operating without a civil protection plan since 2021.

The death toll rose to 24 after 81-year-old Marco Segundo Reyes, a Waldos worker, succumbed to his injuries on November 7.

The tragedy is still a raw nerve in Hermosillo, the capital of the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. At the corner of the block where the explosion happened, residents have set up a memorial to the victims, including signs demanding, No more tragedies  no more victims.

A sign outside the Waldos convenience store in Hermosillo, Mexico. It demands No more tragedies  no more victims"

Bertha, a Telmex employee with decades of experience, told the WSWS that she had been in the area when the explosion happened.

I was here that day, when we heard the noise, the big noise, and then we saw a lot of smoke. Then we started running. The people, all the people were confused, and me too. Then we found out that the fire was here, and we had to wait. The police came immediately, and then they started saying that there were six dead, and then, you know? Ten, 20, and there were two pregnant women, and that was very sad. And thats all I can say, because I cant find the words to express my feelings.

She rejected the explanation that this was a simple accident. What the news says here on the radio or on TV, about what happened  they say it was an accident or something like that. And the people, they just say no, right? That it was  intentional, yes, there were bad intentions.

To the extent that the investigation by the State Attorney Generals Office (FGJE Sonora) is not a cover-up, it is widely expected that it will reveal government corruption at multiple levels.

Jose, a meatpacking worker on a disability pension, emphasized the failure of government oversight. He said the explosion was caused by poor safety management, they didnt inspect it properly. They would just come and do a quick check and leave. They only based it on what they were told. They would file the report and leave. But they didnt really check. They didnt do the job properly.

When asked about working conditions more broadly in the country, he bluntly stated that they were, Well, bad. Yes, very bad  throughout the whole country.

Things like this happen everywhere. Another similar incident just happened in Veracruz.

Jose also experienced unsafe conditions at his job at Bachoco, a multinational poultry company, including rapid temperature changes and repeated ammonia exposures, contributing to his disability.

Damaged vehicles are parked in front of a convenience store destroyed by a fire, in Hermosillo, Sonora state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/Abraham Tellez]

Norma Corona, a homemaker, was at her grandmothers house a few blocks away when the explosion happened. I didnt hear the explosion, but I heard the noise of the police, the firefighters, ambulances, she said.

I think a quicker response from the firefighters was needed, based on what I saw and how they acted at the time, because I did see that the police arrived first instead of the firefighters.  The way they do it here, where the police arrive first, is something that needs to be improved and worked on; the efficiency of the response team needs to be prioritized.

She added, I think that corruption in the country has a lot to do with it, which is one of the main reasons why it happened there because they neglected security, right?  In general, I think there is a great lack of security. And even more so knowing about the issue from the perspective of my cousin specifically, who works directly with civil protection. What she has also told me is that the same corruption that exists causes everything to be overlooked when it needs more attention. But in general, there is a lot of work that needs to be done on that.

Pablo, a security guard at a residential complex, said, If civil protection did its job properly and checked what its supposed to check, none of this would have happened.

When asked about the governments response to the inferno, he affirmed: Well, I say that the government has something to do with this, because if there wasnt so much corruption, as I explained earlier, none of this wouldve happened. In fact, many of us are fed up with all the bribery here on the part of the government with the business owners.

Daniel and his partner waited to speak to our reporters. Daniels partner said of the impact on Waldos workers, I feel that this is an injustice, because theyre just normal people who simply came to work and do their jobs every day.

She had worked for over a decade at Liverpool, a large department store, until a recent incident when she and her coworkers smelled toxic gasses. Out of nowhere, it smells bad, it smells bad, it smells bad, she recalled.

Managers ignored it, Like nothing happened. In my opinion, you could have been getting poisoned. And they didnt do anything. [Coworkers said,] Im dizzy, and, I feel sick. [The company said,] No, you stay here, keep working, keep working.

The next day we arrived, and it was like nothing happened. We heard through gossip and from the store  oh, they paid the fine. But theyre working like nothing happened.

Protesters hold photographs of some of the 49 children who died in a 2009 fire at the ABC day care in Hermosillo. Photo taken at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Wednesday, June 5, 2013. [AP Photo/Ivan Pierre Aguirre]

Many interviewees noted parallels between the Waldos fire and a fire at the ABC Daycare in 2009, which killed nearly 50 children and injured dozens more, including several adult caretakers.

Daniel noted that, while the ABC fire had a larger death toll and affected children, the most vulnerable, there were parallels between the incidents that pointed to the government.

I strongly, strongly disagree with the government because currently the government is doing very badly. Weve all already seen what happened with the march and all that protest and everything that happened at the kindergarten.  But more than anything, what happened was due to negligence, to not checking, to not having proper surveillance.

Pablo, the security guard, said it was similar to the 2009 fire because the government was also involved in the ABC Daycare fire. Just like here. They didnt do their job properly here.

ABC Daycare had numerous safety faults but nevertheless operated and received federal funds. It was co-owned by two women, one of whom was the cousin of then-President Felipe Calderons wife, and both were married to Sonoran officials.

Norma declared that the situations were exactly the same, noting a lack of security in terms of civil protection, failing to comply with the guidelines and the structures that should be in place for emergency situations like these.

A memorial outside the Waldos convenience store in Hermosillo, Mexico

Interviewees also stressed that workers everywhere, not just in countries like Mexico with particularly dangerous working conditions, needed to be vigilant. Pablo, given the opportunity to address his fellow workers globally through the WSWS, encouraged them to be more vigilant and that any detail they see in their workplaces, they should report it, or if not, they should leave immediately.

Yet they also discussed some of the factors impeding a worker-led safety regime and emphasized that workplace safety is not an individual problem with an individual solution.

Jose stressed, Well, I would say that the government needs to get its act together here. They need to take things seriously and put competent people in charge, not just people who are occupying the position and thats it, theyre going to fulfill their hours and leave, no. They should go into the stores, inspect them, check them, and those people shouldnt stay in the position for a long time. They should be replaced.  There are many qualified people.

Norma noted the connections between wages, job insecurity and working conditions. First and foremost, if salaries are also a factor, then that aspect should be improved as well, so that everything improves in general. Because if you dont have a good salary, people dont demand more; they dont care about the working conditions. Due to their own needs, working people are limited to a certain level, precisely because they need their jobs so much that they settle for any job, really. So they dont pay attention to the workplace or the work environment itself, simply because they need to receive a paycheck.

These comments point to the need for a broad movement of the working class to fight for higher wages, safe working conditions and other social rights. This movement can only be successful to the extent that it spreads beyond any single workplace, sector or even country. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is leading this fight, having assisted workers in several countries in establishing rank-and-file committees, creating a structure to allow workers to fight back internationally.

The Waldos explosion illustrates to the need to develop a network of rank-and-file committees in Mexico, linking their struggles up with the struggles of workers in the US fighting against industrial slaughterhouses and the fascist, anti-immigrant policies of the Trump administration. Central to this will be the development of socialist consciousness throughout the hemisphere, as part of the fight of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) for the United Socialist States of the Americas.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Ivane has deep roots in Hebrew tradition, deriving from the name John which means 'God is gracious.' While traditionally masculine in many cultures, the feminine form Ivane has been embraced in various regions, particularly in Georgia where it carries significant cultural weight. The name represents a connection to divine grace and blessing, often given to express gratitude for a child's birth or to invoke divine protection.



In Georgian culture specifically, Ivane has been borne by numerous historical figures, particularly in noble families and intellectual circles. The name's association with prominent scholars, writers, and military leaders has given it an air of sophistication and strength. Its usage reflects the blending of Christian traditions with local naming customs, creating a unique cultural identity that honors both religious heritage and national pride.



The name's journey through different cultures demonstrates how names adapt and evolve while maintaining their core spiritual meaning. From its Hebrew origins to its Georgian prominence, Ivane represents the universal human desire to connect children with divine protection and purpose, making it more than just a name but a statement of faith and hope for the future.
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Screenshot from Palestine National TV moments after Israeli soldiers executed two Palestinians during a raid in Jenin earlier this week. [Photo: Palestine National TV]

On Thursday, Israeli forces carried out a summary execution of two unarmed Palestinians in the West Bank after they had surrendered, in an event recorded live on video.

The victims, Yusef Asasah, 39, and al-Muntaser bel-lah Abdallah, 26, were shown in the video lifting their shirts to prove they had no weapons and lying on the ground in surrender. Israeli forces directed them to enter a building, had them lie on the ground, and then shot them multiple times in a hail of automatic rifle fire.

Since the start of the Gaza genocide, Israeli military forces and settlers have killed over 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, with the perpetrators given legal impunity for these murders. United Nations human rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said that the brazen killing was yet another apparent summary execution.

The shooting occurred as part of an ongoing assault on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Everyone saw that they were posing no threat to the Israeli forces, said Shai Parnes of the Israeli human rights group BTselem, yet the soldiers decided to shoot them and kill them on the spot.

The summary execution, a war crime under international law, was openly defended by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who declared, The [Israeli] fighters acted exactly as expected of them  terrorists should die.

The incident marks the first time since the beginning of the genocide in Palestine on October 7, 2023 that footage has been released showing Israeli forces carrying out a summary execution using small arms. But eyewitness accounts and direct physical evidence point to the existence of dozens or hundreds of such murders.

In April 2024, nearly 300 bodies were discovered in a series of mass graves near Nazer Hospital in Southern Gaza. Many of the dead were handcuffed and showed signs of being shot at close range.

The victims of these executions are just part of the more than 60,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli bullets and bombs since the start of the Gaza genocide nearly two years ago, and the tens of thousands more who have died from hunger, disease and deprivation.

That Israeli forces are not only executing unarmed Palestinians with TV cameras rolling, but the cabinet of the Israeli government is defending these actions, exposes the fact that the peace deal signed by Israel and Hamas is nothing more than an enabling act for genocide throughout all of Palestine. Israel is, in fact, accelerating its plan to annex Gaza and the West Bank.

One week ago, Zohran Mamdani, the newly-elected mayor of New York City and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, stood and grinned behind President Trump as Trump declared, We actually have now for the first time peace in the Middle East after 3,000 years. Speaking of Trumps actions, Mamdani said that he appreciate[s] all efforts toward peace.

Trumps claim, made by a leading architect of the Gaza genocide and a public advocate of ethnic cleansing, is a ridiculous fraud. But the US media has echoed Trumps lie of enacting peace in Palestine and has largely stopped reporting on Israels mass killings in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria. The New York Times, for example, did not carry a story on Israels execution in the West Bank on the front page of its Friday edition.

Earlier this month, Trumps peace deal was given the imprimatur of the UN Security Council, which voted on November 17 to pass a resolution welcoming the historic Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity and praising the constructive role played by the United States of America.

This shameful resolution was passed with the votes of not only the imperialist powersFrance, the UK, the United Statesbut also with the votes of the bourgeois regimes of Algeria and Pakistan, and with the endorsement of the Palestinian Authority. China and Russia, which could have blocked the resolution with a no vote, abstained.

As Craig Mokhiber, former director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, declared, Not a single member of the Council had the courage, principle, or respect for international law to vote against this US-Israel colonial outrage.

The Trump plan creates the framework for the permanent neo-colonial domination of Palestine, turning over the government of Gaza, in defiance of the right to self-determination, to a board of peace headed by the imperialist powers, led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Under the plan, Israel retains control of more than half of the Gaza Strip. It is moving to make this occupation permanent as part of a systematic effort to annex Gaza.

Since the declaration of the ceasefire on October 10, Israel has violated its terms over 500 times, killing 350 Palestinians and wounding about 900 others. It has carried out near-daily attacks throughout Lebanon, and this week carried out an airstrike in Syria that killed 13 people.

The peace plan has, moreover, enabled Israel to turn its attention to the West Bank as part of a systematic project to annex the whole of Palestine into greater Israel. The attacks on Lebanon and Syria are, moreover, preparatory to a war against Iran.

In September, Netanyahu announced a plan to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, effectively cutting the Palestinian territory in half. The settlement plan, in the words of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to bury the idea of a Palestinian state.

In October, Israeli lawmakers voted 25-24 to advance a bill declaring that the laws, judicial system, administration, and sovereignty of the State of Israel shall apply to all areas of settlement in Judea and Samaria.

These actions have been accompanied by a wave of settler violence against the Palestinian population in the West Bank. Over 1,000 Palestinians have been injured so far in settler attacks, double the rate of last year, and tens of thousands have been forcibly removed by the Israeli government.

The events since the announcement of the so-called Gaza ceasefire have thoroughly exposed those who promoted Trumps peace planincluding the corporate media, the Democratic and Republican parties, the imperialist powers of Europe, and the bourgeois regimes of the Arab world.

In the United States, this neo-colonial scheme was launched by the Biden administration and the Democratic Party and it is now being completed under Trump and the Republicans. This bipartisan unity was embodied in the grotesque display last week by Mamdani. A not insignificant factor in Mamdanis election was popular opposition to the genocide. Now he pledges a partnership with its chief architect.

The genocide in Palestine is part of a far broader imperialist war, stretching from the Middle East to Ukraine to the Asia-Pacific. Stopping it requires the mobilization of the international working class, the only force capable of halting the war machine.

In the Middle East, this means waging a struggle for the political independence of the working class from all factions of the capitalist class and forging the closest possible unity in action with workers in the imperialist centers of North America and Europe. On this basis, workers throughout the region must fight for their democratic and social rights based on the perspective of a United Socialist States of the Middle Easta goal that is inseparately linked to the international working class defeating imperialism through the socialist reorganization of society worldwide.
President Donald Trump holds up a photograph as he speaks to reporters after speaking to troops via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Following the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard soldiers on Wednesday, President Donald Trump on Thursday night published a statement announcing that his government would remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.

Trump further pledged to permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries and declared that only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation. Trumps call for reverse migration comes just over a month after the Department of Homeland Security posted Remigrate on X.

Remigration  interchangeable with reverse migration in fascist discourse  is a central demand of Great Replacement theorists, white nationalist movements in Europe and the United States, and racists advocating the forced removal of ethnic, religious, and immigrant populations deemed undesirable. Once the Nazis came to power in the 1930s, and especially after the Kristallnacht pogrom of November 1938, the Schutzstaffel (SS) began aggressively pressuring German Jews to emigrate.

Drawing directly from the same ideological architecture that animated ethnic purges in the 20th century and also underpins contemporary fascist movements, only hours before Trump announced that only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation, US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow declared that the agency would begin intensified screening of migrants from 19 countries classified as high-risk.

The list includes Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The directive took effect immediately, covering all pending and future immigration requests filed on or after November 27, and was issued without public legislative approval. Nearly every country named is either presently under US sanction or military occupation, or targeted in active war planning.

Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Iran, Sudan, and Yemen have all been bombed or invaded within the last decade. Marines and private contractors operate openly in Haiti. US military forces and Special Operations planners are advancing ground strike options against Venezuela.

Trumps posts blame immigrants for every crisis produced by capitalism. He claims refugees are the leading cause of social dysfunction in America, linking them to failed schools, high crime, urban decay, overcrowded hospitals, housing shortages, and large deficits. He singled out Somali migrants, declaring they are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota, and describing Somalian gangs roving the streets looking for prey.

He directed bile at elected officials, calling Rep. Ilhan Omar the worst Congressman/woman, and labeled Minnesota Governor Tim Walz seriously retarded. Such language expresses the degeneration of a ruling class devoid of humanity.

Trump and the billionaires he represents know that refugees and immigrants are not responsible for collapsing infrastructure, overcrowded hospitals, or homelessness. American capitalism is responsible. As David North, citing Oxfam, outlined in his recent London lecture, inequality in America has been skyrocketing for decades:

The wealthiest 0.1% own 12.6% of US assets.

From 1989 to 2022, the top percentile gained 101 times more wealth than the median household.

40% of the US population, including nearly half of all children, are poor or low-income.

The US is one of the richest societies in history, yet for the working class, life expectancy falls as COVID-19 runs rampant, tens of millions cannot afford housing or medical care, and workers labor longer for less. As millions struggle to survive, Trumps cabinet and top appointees exceed $60 billion in net worth. Sixteen rank among the 813 billionaires in a nation of 341 million people.

Trumps attacks on immigrants are aimed at obscuring this reality and dividing the working class from their brothers and sisters in the US and internationally. They serve not only as a spearhead for attacks on the democratic rights of the entire working class, but also serve to shield his and the Democrats responsibility for decades of imperialist war, which created the so-called migrant crisis. During Americas multi-decade global war on terrorism, over 37 million people have been forced to leave their homes due to imperialist violence.

Among those who were forced to migrate to the United States appears to have been the suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. Lakanwal is currently facing multiple charges, including murder, after he shot Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia and Andrew Wolfe, 24 on Wednesday. Beckstrom died on Thursday from her injuries while Wolf remains hospitalized and in critical condition as of this writing.

This combo from photos provided by the US Attorney's Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, shows National Guard members, from left, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. [AP Photo/U.S. Attorneys Office]

Lakanwal came to the United States in September 2021 after the US military withdrew from Afghanistan. Multiple reports have confirmed that he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency in 2011, while he was still a 15-year-old child, and participated in Zero Unit - paramilitary death squads run by the CIA during the 20-year occupation of the country. In 2018, Rolling Stone described Zero Units as the CIAs secret army, trained by American special-operations soldiers.

While there is much information still to be uncovered, Lakanwals life illustrates what US intelligence has long-called blowback  the unintended consequences of US covert and overt military and political operations to advance the interests of US imperialism. During the US occupation, Lakanwal was trained to kill by the CIA. Then he was placed into civilian life in the country whose war created him. What the US did to Afghanistan returned to Washington.

Killing on behalf of the US government apparently took its toll on Lakanwal, as it has on thousands of US military veterans who returned from wars suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A childhood friend of Lakanwal, Muhammad, told the New York Times: He would tell me and our friends that their military operations were very tough they were under a lot of pressure.

Muhammad recalled Lakanwal telling him at his 2021 wedding that he had started smoking marijuana to deal with demons that haunted him. When he saw blood, bodies, and the wounded, he could not tolerate it, and it put a lot of pressure on his mind, Muhammad recalled.

One question stands unanswered: under conditions of Trumps mass deportation campaign, what pressures and threats did Lakanwal face? The Trump administration apparently granted him asylum in April. If that was the case, why did he drive across the country to shoot two soldiers the day before a major national holiday? Did he maintain contact with his CIA handlers?

More broadly, if asylum recipients are told that citizenship may be revoked, that migrants who do not love our Country may be removed, and that reverse migration will be the policy, what degree of psychological stress will a person like Lakanwal, already traumatized, face?



There is no question that Trump is using Wednesdays shooting to create conditions to invoke the Insurrection Act and rule as president-dictator. Following the shooting, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that 500 additional troops would be deployed to D.C. on the orders of Trump. A federal judge ruled the deployment illegal just last week, but this did not prevent Democratic D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser from agreeing to joint patrols between Guard units and the Metropolitan Police.

Leon Trotsky warned that capitalism in degeneration transforms the earth into a foul prison. Trumps anti-immigrant pogrom and military occupations bring that prison to life. Stopping this trajectory will not occur through the Democrats, who are already collaborating with the aspiring dictator. It will come only through the united action of the working classimmigrant and native-bornagainst the ruling class that fears them both.
Starbucks is facing an escalating strike as unionized workers shut down more than 120 stores across 85 cities on Black Friday, demanding higher pay and better staffing.

The walkout, which began on Red Cup Day, November 13, started with 65 stores in over 40 cities and has now grown into what could become the longest strike in Starbucks history.

The strike comes at a critical time for retailers. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with customers hunting for bargains on everything from groceries to electronics.

According to CNBC, Starbucks baristas are using the high-traffic day to pressure the coffee chain into addressing their demands, which include higher wages, improved working hours, and the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges for alleged union-busting.

"It's time for Brian Niccol and Starbucks executives to stop stalling and cut the excuses," said Michelle Eisen, spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United, the union representing striking employees.

Despite the walkouts, Starbucks said 99% of its more than 17,000 US locations remain open. "Regardless of the union's plans, we do not anticipate any meaningful disruption.

When the union is ready to return to the bargaining table, we're ready to talk," a Starbucks spokesperson stated.

Starbucks workers' union escalates strike on Black Friday https://t.co/a1Te9m2MtN pic.twitter.com/9AS0yyhbA4  Yahoo News (@YahooNews) November 28, 2025

Starbucks Faces Largest Labor Action in Years

Contract negotiations have been stalled for months. In February, mediation efforts failed to bring both sides together, and in April, union delegates rejected Starbucks' proposed package that guaranteed annual raises of at least 2%.

Workers United represents over 11,000 baristas and approximately 550 Starbucks stores, making it one of the most significant labor actions the company has faced, Reuters reported.

The union has strategically timed strikes during high-profile events. Starbucks Workers United has targeted Red Cup Day and the holiday season in previous years to maximize visibility and pressure on management.

Since 2022, employees have staged one-day "Red Cup Rebellions," and in December 2024, baristas walked out for a five-day strike over unresolved issues with pay, staffing, and scheduling.

This strike aligns with other labor actions on Black Friday. Workers at Amazon warehouses in Germany and protesters outside Zara stores in Spain have also taken action to push for collective bargaining agreements and labor improvements.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Individuals named Jolisa are often perceived as creative, graceful, and expressive. They tend to possess a natural elegance and artistic sensibility that draws others to them. Jolisa's are typically known for their strong aesthetic appreciation and ability to find beauty in everyday situations. They often excel in fields that allow creative expression and have a knack for making their surroundings more beautiful and harmonious.



These individuals are usually socially adept, with warm, engaging personalities that make them popular among friends and colleagues. They value relationships deeply and often serve as peacemakers in group dynamics. Their intuitive nature helps them understand others' emotions, making them excellent listeners and trusted confidantes. While they appreciate beauty and harmony, they also possess inner strength and determination that helps them overcome challenges with grace and resilience. The combination of these traits often makes Jolisa's natural leaders in creative and community-oriented settings.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Kaleb (typically spelled Caleb in English Bibles) holds significant cultural importance as one of the most prominent figures in the Hebrew Bible. As one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land of Canaan, Caleb distinguished himself by returning with a faithful, optimistic report despite the intimidating presence of giants and fortified cities. His name became synonymous with courage, loyalty, and unwavering faith in God's promises. The biblical account describes Caleb as having 'a different spirit' and following God wholeheartedly, which earned him the rare privilege of entering the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering when most of his generation perished.



Throughout Jewish and Christian traditions, Caleb has been celebrated as a model of faithfulness and perseverance. His story has inspired countless sermons, religious teachings, and artistic representations over centuries, establishing him as an enduring symbol of righteous courage and divine reward for steadfast belief. The name's association with these qualities has made it particularly meaningful in religious communities and among families valuing biblical heritage. In modern times, the name continues to carry these deep cultural resonances while adapting to contemporary naming practices through variations like the 'K' spelling.
The royal family has been booked and busy lately, but honestly, when are they not? From King Charles to Princess Anne to Prince William, everyone seems to have a full schedule championing causes that matter. And, as always, that comes with a fresh wave of gorgeous royal photos. Based on Duchess Sophies latest outing, that trend is still going strong.

The Duchess of Edinburgh recently toured South and Central America, stopping in Peru, Panama, Guatemala and Belize. Buckingham Palace shared a carousel of photos from her trip, including a truly striking shot of Sophie in the middle of a lush forest.

In the image, Sophie takes up just the bottom right corner, while the rest of the frame is filled with deep greenery and jagged rocks. She reaches for a branch that seems just out of reach, showing how massive the forest really is. Another shot captures her looking up as someone climbs one of the towering trees, nature definitely stealing the show.

The rest of the photo carousel highlights Sophie connecting with locals, meeting with community leaders and chatting with children and artisans.

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"The Duchess of Edinburgh has been in Peru this week, visiting at the request of the @ForeignAndDevelopmentOffice," Buckingham Palace wrote in the caption of the November 15 post. "During her first visit to the country, The Duchess joined celebrations for over 200 years of UK-Peru relations and attended engagements on themes including environmental protection and womens empowerment."

They also outlined her various activities while in the country.

"In Iquitos, HRH visited Indigenous Womens Rights Defenders, hearing firsthand about the role they play in territorial governance, tackling environmental crime and climate change," the post continued. "In Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve, HRH visited the 20 de Enero community, where she met local school children, spoke to female artisans about their crafts, and learnt from those who skilfully climb the aguaje palm trees to collect its fruits."

"The Duchess saw more of the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon by joining the release of taricayas (yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle hatchlings) on a nature walk. In Iquitos, HRH visited Divino Nino Jesus Vision Centre, which runs social eye care programmes in southern Lima and the Amazon, focusing on underserved communities, and delivering nearly 30,000 cataract surgeries in its 20 years of operation," the post concluded.

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Whether shes trekking through the jungle or attending official meetings, one thing is clear: Duchess Sophie can pull it all off effortlessly.

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Duchess Sophie Wears Black & White Floral Dress and Its as Chic as It is Winter-Ready
NEED TO KNOW

Caitlin Covington is pregnant with baby number three!

The influencer, known as the face behind the viral "Christian Girl Autumn" meme, shared the news in a sweet Thanksgiving-themed skit performed with her husband and two daughters

Covington shares two daughters, Morgan and Kennedy with her husband Chris Dorsch



Caitlin Covington, the influencer behind the viral "Christian Girl Autumn" meme, is pregnant with her third baby!



In a sweet post to her account on Thanksgiving Day, the influencer, her husband Chris Dorsch and the couple's two daughters, Kennedy and Morgan, took to the platform to concoct a sweet skit announcing the pregnancy.



In the video, the family sits around their Thanksgiving table, as Covington and Dorsch mimic a post-meal conversation.

Caitlin Covington/Instagram Caitlin Covington and family. Caitlin Covington and family.

"That was a great Thanksgiving meal," Covington said to her husband in the video, who responds affirmatively, saying "I'm so full I feel like there's a baby in my belly."



Then, Covington, rubbing her stomach, replies, with a knowing glance to the camera, "Me too. But maybe that's because there is a baby in my belly," as she unfurls a collection of sonogram pictures.



The couple's daughter's Kennedy and Morgan can immediately be heard celebrating, with one of them screaming, "I'm going to be a big sister!"

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Dorsch looks at the camera before taking one final bite of pie and says, "I'm not ready for this," the couple's daughters still screaming in the background.



Covington started documenting her love for the Autumn season in a blog as an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early 2010s.

Caitlin Covington/Instagram Caitlin Covington. Caitlin Covington.

Her first bit of viral fame came in 2019, when the X account Blizzy McGuire posted a photo of Covington and another influencer in the fall foliage with the caption, Hot Girl Summer is coming to an end, get ready for Christian Girl Autumn.



Every year since, the internet has had its eyes on the influencer every fall to see what content shell create next.



I do feel pressure, especially during fall, because I feel like everyone looks to me for fall content, Covington admitted to PEOPLE last year.

So I try to hold myself to a certain standard and brainstorm new creative ideas. I spend hours researching and planning outfits for fall. Theres a lot of pressure, and I want my videos and pictures to be well received.



Since then, Covingtons full-time job has revolved around sharing her life, particularly her passion for fall, on social media. She is an ambassador for brands like Nordstrom and Rufflebutts and has worked with Walmart Fashion, MacKenzie-Childs, Abercrombie & Fitch and Lululemon.



Her husband, a former data analyst in the financial sector, recently left his job to join Covingtons business and spend more time with the family.



Read the original article on People
Sean Diddy Combs reportedly organized and funded an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner  at least by prison standards  for 1,000 of his fellow inmates at New Jerseys FCI Fort Dix.

A rep for the Bad Boy Records founder, whos currently serving a 50-month term for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, told TMZ that he worked with an internal group called Bankroll Bosses to purchase the provisions from the commissary and spent two days preparing the food.

They then distributed the food to every housing unit at Fort Dix, enough for about 200 people [in] each building, according to former gang leader B.I., who helped organize the dinner.

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The traditional menu is said to have included turkey roast and trimmings, mashed potatoes, corn and a holiday dessert.

Thanksgiving, to me, is about making sure other people eat, Combs told the outlet. Everybody misses their family. People get depressed during the holidays. We just wanted to come together as a family and do our own thing.

He added that despite certain beliefs about prison, theres a strong brotherhood. We all look out for each other.  Its like a little bit of home in a dark place.

Thursday marked Combs second Turkey Day behind bars following his arrest in September 2024. He spent more than 13 months in custody at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center before, during and after his trial for charges connected to the elaborate sex performances dubbed freak-offs.

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He avoided a potential life sentence when he was acquitted in July of sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

On Oct. 30, he was transferred to the low-security Fort Dix, located about 35 miles northeast of Philly. He was there when he rang in his 56th birthday earlier this month.

Diddys attorneys specifically requested the move to Fort Dix, which houses a drug treatment unit that could help him address his substance abuse issues and, if successful, potentially shave time of Combs sentence.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons currently lists his release date listed as June 4, 2028, though hes appealing his convictions. His legal team requested an expedited appeals process, which a judge granted earlier this month, with a potential hearing as early as April of next year.
The Dancing with the Starsfamily celebrated Thanksgiving togetherfor the 11th year in a row. Two days after crowning the latest mirrorball champion, cast members from the ABC celebrity ballroom competition gathered at host Alfonso Ribeiros Southern California home for their annual Thanksgiving Day feast. And what a feast it was.

On Nov. 28, Ribeiros wife, Angela, posted an Instagram video that gave fans a look at the 2025 Thanksgiving celebration. The clip started with a close-up look at the spread, which included turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, vegetables, an array of salads, and an adorable fruit platter in the shape of a turkey.

The elaborate outdoor setup featured multiple tables under a large tent, as well as Disney-themed bouncy houses and a trampoline for the kids.

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Veteran Dancing with the Stars pro dancers Mark Ballas, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, Hayley Erbert, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Peta Murgatroyd were all spotted in the clip, which also featured a group shot of all of the dinner guests.

Our 11th Annual DWTS Thanksgiving#blessed, Angela Ribeiro captioned the video.

Thank you for the all the love! Ribeiro Thanksgiving is our favorite tradition and a vibe!!!  commented former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The Turkey Day tradition at Ribeiros house started after Ribeiro competed onand wonDancing with the Stars in the fall of 2014.

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In 2018, he told Parade he hosted an annual friendsgiving that included cast members from the ABC dancing show. Our normal Thanksgiving isnt normally family, so we always do friends, Ribeiro said at the time. Ill bring friends from Dancing with the Stars. We try to do friendsgiving every year.

During a 2022 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Ribeiro explained that he became close friends with the cast and crew of Dancing With the Stars well before he was named a co-host for Season 31 that year.

The dancers are really true friends of ours now, he said in the TV interview. For Thanksgiving, we actually invite all of the dancers to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, because a lot of them are from different places. They might be from Russia, or from South Africa, or Ukraine, or wherever. They dont have family here in California. [But] this is your family.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Contrary to the title of Piers Morgans new book, woke is not dead. Still, it is at least in retreat. As we can see from the fact that even the New York Review of Books, that august bastion of the liberal intelligentsia, now seems ready to concede that the whole thing was a terrible mistake.

In the latest issue is an essay entitled Where Wokeness Went Wrong. As well as sensible, its highly entertaining. Because it contains a story that gloriously encapsulates the madness of identity politics in the early 2020s. Indeed, it may well be the single funniest episode of that entire preposterous era.

After the young black poet Amanda Gorman gave a recital at Joe Bidens inauguration as US president, in January 2021, publishers across Europe scrambled to buy up the rights to her work. Naturally the poems had to be translated. But this, of course, was the age of Black Lives Matter. So all these European publishers decided that such a task could only be performed by translators who, like Ms Gorman, were both female and black. Any other choice would be colonialist, exclusionary, patriarchal, and almost certainly racist. So they eschewed the services of their usual translators, and set about anxiously hunting for candidates who met this essential specification.

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That may seem comical enough in itself. But it gets better. Because, owing to a shortage of black translators in Denmark, a Danish publisher resorted to a brown woman who wears a hijab.

Wonderful. How I would love to have been a fly on the wall in that office.

Sorry, boss. We cant find any black women who speak both English and Danish. Would a Muslim do?

Sure, why not. Close enough.

I only wonder what the Danes would have done if they hadnt been able to find a Muslim, either. Would a Hindu woman have been acceptable? A Romani Gypsy? Where would they have drawn the line?

How about this one, boss? Heres a photo.

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For crying out loud, shes Chinese.

Well, theyre still an ethnic minority.

Minority? Theres 1.5 billion of them. Get back to your desk. I demand a Maori, at the bare minimum.

A modest proposal for the NHS

Trans activists believe its imperative to give puberty-blocking drugs to children who fear that they were born in the wrong body. Opponents, however, point out that it can cause serious and irreversible damage to a childs development, health and sexual function, which is why its already been banned.

So whos right? To find out, the NHS is to conduct a trial, in which it will give puberty blockers to around 220 children, who could potentially be as young as eight.

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Im sure were all very grateful to the NHS for undertaking this vital and impeccably ethical research. And so, once its finished, Id like to propose another trial, in a similar spirit.

The Aztecs believed that, in order to appease the rain god Tlaloc and ensure a plentiful harvest, it was essential to carry out child sacrifice. But were they right? I suggest that the NHS conducts a trial, to find out.

Following the ancient traditions of the Aztecs, NHS researchers would dress around 220 children in special robes, lead them to a shrine on a sacred mountaintop, and sacrifice them. Then, the following autumn, they can analyse Britains crop yields, to see whether or not the mighty Tlaloc has granted our farmers a greater than usual bounty.

Admittedly, some critics may argue that being ritualistically sacrificed could have a significant impact on the childrens health and wellbeing. But personally I feel that we should be open-minded and follow the science. If my modest proposal encourages the rain god to look more favourably on Britain, it will surely have been worthwhile.

How to save Sudan

The devastating war in Sudan, declared Yvette Cooper this week, has caused the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. To bring the horror to an end, she added urgently, We need the same international energy coming together around Sudan as weve seen coming together around Gaza.

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The world, however, shows little sign of heeding the Foreign Secretarys plea. Which is odd. In response to Israels attacks on Hamas, after all, enraged Leftists spent two years marching the streets of every Western nation, bellowing about genocide. So why do they exhibit so much less interest in a massacre that cant be pinned on the worlds only Jewish state? Its a real head-scratcher. A veritable three-pipe problem, my dear Watson.

Still, Ms Cooper mustnt worry. Because Ive got a simple solution for her.

The man said to be responsible for much of the slaughter in Sudan is a warlord known as Hemedti. Most people around the world, however, probably dont know his name. Ms Cooper, therefore, should try referring to him as Hemedstein, or Hemedwitz, or Hemedberg.

Before you know it, the Left will be marching furiously through every city in the West.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday

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.
JD Vance gave a speech to troops in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on Thanksgiving.

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

One turkey "joke" during his "standup routine" (I say that v. loosely) didn't go over so well!

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

Related: Most People Should Be Able To Name 10/12 Of These Thanksgiving Dishes  Can You?

Here's that joke:

Vance: Who really likes -- be honest with yourself, who really likes Turkey? You are all full of shit. Everybody who raised your hands Turkey doesn't actually taste that good. Chicken is good all the time. pic.twitter.com/4TDDHAihUv  Acyn (@Acyn) November 26, 2025

CSPAN/Acyn/Twitter: @Acyn

For those who can't watch the vid, here's the transcription

"Who really likes, be honest with yourself, who really likes turkey? You're all full of shit. Everybody who raised your hand, I know, think about it. And here's, here's how I know that every single one of you who raised your hand is lying to me. How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey just randomly?"

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

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"Just, you know, a nice summer afternoon, we're gonna go get an 18-pound turkey? Nobody does it cause turkey doesn't actually taste that good. But on Thanksgiving, on the most American holiday, I got a, I got a fan over here, on the most American holiday, we're gonna cook a turkey, by God, because that's what Americans do. We cook this gigantic American bird, and we do all kinds of crazy things to make it taste good."

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 26: U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks to members of the US military on November 26, 2025 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The Vice President visited Fort Campbell to serve a Thanksgiving meal to service members ahead of the holiday. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Related: Only People With Sophisticated, Expensive Palates Can Name These 12 Luxury Foods  Can You?

Right. Ok. Anyway...

RiverRockPhotos / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Let's look at the jokes about this joke because that's the best part.

Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

Related: I Bet You Can't Name All 27 Of These Desserts

We have:

"Having this little charisma is honestly impressive."

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"Doing 2014 twitter discourse in real lifehes the worst of us but he is in fact a millennial."

"What is your problem man. can you just be a normal human being for 5 or even 6 seconds."

Related: 50% Of People Who Took This Easy "Fancy" Food Quiz Passed, But I'm, Like, 99.999% Sure You're Gonna Fail

"This is a wild way to admit you dont cook a good turkey."

"He's trying to do bits like trump and flopping so hard."

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And lastly, "I don't think he will be a president."

Also in Food: People Are Sharing Their Jaw-Dropping Thanksgiving Feuds That Ruined The Entire Holiday, And I Honestly Can't Believe Some Of These

Also in Food: If You Can't Get At Least 10 Right On This Thanksgiving Food Quiz, I Know Your Food Is Bland As Hell

Also in Food: Miss Norway's Wild National Costume Is Going Super Viral For Obvious Reasons

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
As a teen, Emma Coronel Aispurothe wife of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzmanwas pulled into a dangerous world of drugs, power and violence, putting her own life in danger and ultimately landing her behind bars as the dramatic love story played out.

Coronel offered a glimpse inside her life as the wife of one of the worlds most wanted men in Oxygens Married to El Chapo: Emma Coronel Speaks, reflecting on the romance and the cost they each would ultimately pay as law enforcement closed in.

To this day, she said in the Nov. 28 special, I still wonder what would have happened, if I had married someone else.

For more true crime:

Charmed by the Devil Unravels Journalist's Haunting Obsession with a KillerUntil She's Caught in His Web

Indiana Man Strangles Pregnant Stepsister to Death in Cornfield After She Accuses Him of Rape

Angelina O'Mara Breaks Silence From Prison After Murdering Both Husband and Boyfriend

Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Emma Coronel Meet

Although Coronel was born in California, she grew up on a ranch in the Mexico state of Durango.

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I lived at home with my parents and three siblings, she shared. There was no drinking water or electricity and of course, there was no television. We were entirely cut off from the world.

To support their families, many farmers in the region turned to growing marijuana.

Thats the way people made a living, she said. I grew up seeing and believing that the government were the bad guys. Its like either you starve to death or you do what you have to do to survive.

Emma Coronel Aispuro

Coronel first crossed paths with Guzmana man 32 years her seniorwhen she was just 17 years old. The pair met at a local party where Coronel was trying to earn votes for an upcoming beauty pageant.

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I heard there was an important person at the party I was going to and they told me that person wants to dance with you, Coronel remembered. A man arrived and he told me, My name is Joaquin.

By then, Guzman was already a fugitive after a 1993 shootout at the Guadalajara airport that killed Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo.

I dont know if I recognized his name, Coronel admitted. Whenever I say that, people always say How could you not know? How could you not know if hes on TV? I didnt have a TV.

RELATED: Man Dresses as Dead Mother in Mrs. Doubtfire-Style Scheme to Allegedly Collect Her Pension

What Was Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Emma Coronels Life Like Together?

Coronel went on to win the beauty pageant and months later, just after her 18th birthday, she and Guzman were married at her familys ranch.

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It was a symbolic marriage, she said. We didnt have a civil union.

Guzman was still trying to evade authorities and often hid out in the mountains.

I wasnt going to live in the mountains on the run, Coronel said of their early life together. I was in my stable house in Culiacan. People didnt know my face. I could go around like any girl.

At the time, their relationship was mostly a long-distance union, maintained over texts, but Coronel also occasionally took secret planes into the mountains to visit her new husband. There, theyd watch movies together and she would make homemade enchiladas.

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She noted, For me, that was a normal life.

For a while, Coronel said Guzman carried the relationship, often telling her she was the most beautiful woman in the world, until she ultimately fell in love herself.

Emma Coronel Insists She Didnt Talk to Joaquin El Chapo Guzman About Work

As the violence in the area escalated, Coronel told producers she was isolated from the bloodshed.

Thank god, until now, I have never been in a situation where I have seen someone lose their life, she said. I have never ever been in a situation like that.

RELATED: Florida Man Takes His Own Life in Elaborate Suicide Plan Using a Weather Balloon

She claimed that Guzman also kept much of his life running Mexicos dangerous Sinaloa cartel away from her.

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He didnt sit and talk to me about his work, she insisted. Nor did I ask him about it, nor did I watch him working.

In 2011with Guzman still on the runshe gave birth to the couples twin daughters in California, according to the documentary. The news soon made international headlines, putting her safety and that of her daughters at risk like never before.

It forced her to question her decision to marry the notorious outlaw.

If I hadnt married him, she noted, my father and my siblings never would have gone to prison.

According to Coronel, her husbands notorious past may have been behind the governments decision to arrest her father and brother for drug trafficking, sending each to prison for 10 years.

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There were also reports in the media suggesting that Guzman was a serial cheatersomething she said he always denied.

El Chapo

Joaquin El Chapo Guzman is Arrested, Before Brazen Prison Escape

As the drug-related violence reached new heights in the area, the pressure to find Guzman intensified among the law enforcement communities. Despite the constant threat of capture, Guzman still arranged a secret rendezvous in 2014 with his wife and daughters at the Miramar Hotel in Mazatlan.

We were all really surprised that he hung around, that he stayed in Mazatlan, Retired DEA Special Agent Carl Pike said. It was just amazing to us that someone who was so tactically smart would do something so tactically dumb. It kind of gave breathe to the theory that Emma was truly his weakness.

RELATED: Why New Jersey Nurse Behind Shocking "Suitcase Murder" Drugged, Shot, Dismembered Husband

Guzman and Coronel were sound asleep when authorities broke down the door around 4 a.m. armed with rifles.

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I think that was the moment I felt the most fear because my daughters were in the next room, she said. I felt fear of death.

Guzman was taken into custody and sent to El Antiplano Prison, one of the highest-security prisons in Mexico.

Coronel moved nearby and often visited her husband behind bars.

Those were some very hard, very tough months for me, she said. I took on a lot of responsibilities, that to be honest, kept me very stressed.

Then in July of 2015, Guzman made a brazen prison escape, disappearing into a hole made in the floor of his shower into a long ventilated underground tunnel where a motorbike was waiting.

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Coronel declined in the documentary to talk about what role, if any, she played in the escape.

Guzman was once again a free man, but it wouldnt be for long. He was captured in January of 2016 and later extradited to the United States to face federal charges including narcotics trafficking, murder conspiracy, using a firearm in furtherance of his drug crimes and participating in a money laundering conspiracy, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

I felt very sad because I knew it was one of his fears, Coronel said of her husbands extradition. I knewthat one of his fears had come true.

RELATED: "Killer Grandma" Leads Police on Multi-State Chase After Two Shocking Homicides

Emma Coronel Attends Trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman

Coronel was a constant presence at Guzmans 2019 trial. According to the Oxygen special, she wanted to give her usband emotional support. The pair were known to exchange longing glances at one another, on occasion even earning reprimands from the judge to keep their focus at the front of the courtroom.

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During the trial, prosecutors laid out the evidence they had that Guzman directed his hitmen to kidnap, interrogate, torture and slaughter members of rival drug organizations, at times carrying out acts of violence himself, according to the statement from the DOJ.

When questioned about her husbands alleged activities, Coronel seemed to distance herself from the allegations.

I have good memories of him, so I cant say that Joaquin is bad, she said. I cant talk about something I havent seen.

Married to El Chapo: Emma Coronel Speaks

He was convicted on 10 federal counts and sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison for the crimes.

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Coronel said although she wasnt surprised by the verdict, she found herself feeling more of a sadness.

She faced her own legal troubles in 2021 after federal prosecutors accused her of carrying out crimesincluding helping orchestrate his prison escape to help her husband. She pleaded guilty in June of 2021 to charges of money laundering, drug trafficking and a criminal violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and was sentenced to 36 months in prison, according to the DOJ.

It was quite hard. Being separated from my daughters was the worst, she said of her time in prison. You have time to think, to cry, you dont have anything to distract you. I was falling into depression.

RELATED: Mom Found Dead With Ax Lodged in Her Head After Her Daughter, 3, Was Left With the Body For Hours

Emma Coronel Aispuro G

Where is Emma Coronel Today?

Coronel was released from prison on Sept. 13, 2023 and was ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution. She was ordered to serve 4 years of probation.

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She told Married to El Chapo: Emma Coronel Speaks, that she continues to live one day at a time and is focused on new opportunities.

Since I got out of prison, Ive been working on different projects, she said of how she supports her twin daughters. My parents have also been helping me. It hasnt been easy.

Shes working on developing her own brand and has been doing modeling work, even walking on the runway during Milan Fashion Week.

I opened and closed the runway, she said. I modeled a wedding dress and an evening gown. It was a very beautiful experience that I will never forget.

While it's still unclear whether Coronel will ever be free of the cartel, she insisted that she wanted to move forward with her life.

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In the final moments of the documentary, Coronel seemed to show some contrition, offering an apology to those impacted by the cartels violence.

I sympathize with all the people who lost a loved one, who have suffered, she said. Truly, truly, I am very sorry.
France and Indonesia are strengthening their strategic cultural partnership through an expanded suite of cinema initiatives, as the France-Indonesia Film Lab returns for its second edition at JAFF Market.

Indonesia is a key priority for the French government, and culture is at the heart of the strategic partnership, according to Fabien Penone, French ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste and ASEAN. The partnership recognizes that both countries have important and dynamic cultural industries covering different sectors, especially cinema, he says.

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The collaboration builds on high-level governmental commitments, including state visits by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Prabowo Subianto. In July, the French culture minister welcomed Indonesian counterparts to Paris, where they adopted a cultural roadmap with particular emphasis on cinema, Penone says.

The France-Indonesia Film Lab, running Nov. 27 through Dec. 1 in Yogyakarta, has scaled up significantly from its inaugural 2024 edition. We are identifying emerging talents in Indonesia, and we are following them, mentoring them, Penone tells Variety at the JAFF Market. This year, we have identified six Indonesian teams, producer and film directors who are in the process of developing their first or second feature film. The objective is basically to pave the way for future Indonesia-France co-productions.

The lab has been reinforced with two key components. First, cinema scriptwriting, with the support of CNC cinema agency, Penone says. We are mentoring those young talents for them to get the tools to be in capacity to meet our producers to pitch. The second component is an industry lab designed to help filmmakers better understand the French ecosystem, including financing options and institutional support.

Looking ahead, in 2026, we will organize co-production meetings not only for Indonesia, but some other Southeast Asian countries, and then they will have the opportunity to meet our producers, he says.

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Five French experts are participating in this years lab, including Thomas Rosso, the general coordinator from Cannes Critics Week, and four producers already working in Southeast Asia. The lab is longer than last year, so we have much more time to accompany these young talents, Penone notes.

Beyond the lab, France is launching multiple initiatives to elevate Indonesian cinemas international profile. The French Cinematheque will host a retrospective of Indonesian cinema beginning Dec. 10 in Paris, showcasing major Indonesian films from independence to present day and providing visibility for Indonesian cinema to French audiences and industry professionals, Penone says.

Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon will attend and meet with French Culture Minister Rachida Dati to discuss further operationalization of the July roadmap.

In 2026, Indonesian filmmakers will gain visibility at specialized French festivals. Gerardmer Film Festival will spotlight Indonesia for the first time, with filmmaker Joko Anwar as guest of honor, Penone says. The ambassador notes this creates opportunities to screen Anwars work, describing him as among Indonesias most talented horror and fantasy filmmakers.

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Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival will also feature Indonesian short films. We think there are many opportunities for young Indonesian filmmakers because the short movies here are very creative, very interesting. We want to showcase the dynamism of Indonesian cinema, Penone says.

Cannes Critics Week has announced Next Step Studio Indonesia, a short film co-creation program for emerging Indonesian directors launching in May 2026.

The partnership emphasizes reciprocal learning. This is real partnership, Penone says. We are co-financing all our programs, co-defining the objectives, and co-implementing all the initiatives. We have a lot to learn and gain from our partnership with Indonesia. We consider that both countries are creative with a lot of stories to tell, with a lot of talents. We want to merge our soft power.

The collaboration operates on principles outlined in the Borobudur Declaration between the two presidents. France is working with Indonesias Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Creative Economy and regional governments including Jakarta and Central Java.

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While France and Indonesia have not formalized a co-production treaty, Penone emphasizes results over bureaucracy. We want to be very operational. You can sign many papers. What we want is concrete results, and this is the way we are working, he says. The strategic framework exists through presidential declarations and ministerial roadmaps, with a clear goal to develop co-production through concrete projects rather than just agreements on paper.

JAFF Market, Indonesias first large-scale film market, is emerging as a key platform. We consider JAFF Market as very strategic. The market is growing. It is beginning to be one of the most important cinema markets in Asia, and for sure, in Southeast Asia, Penone says.

The French Embassy has organized Festival Sinema Prancis in Indonesia for 26 years, with this years 27th edition coinciding with the Indonesia-France Film Lab at JAFF Market.

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Guillermo Galoes Sleepless City, a hybrid drama set inside Europes largest informal settlement, took the top narrative prize at the inaugural Doha Film Festival. The weeklong event, which closed Friday, reflected what festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi described as a determination to champion bold voices and stories that connect audiences across borders.

The film, a portrait of a marginalized Madrid community, led a slate of winners that ranged across Spain, Libya, Brazil, Palestine and Sudan, underscoring the global reach of a first edition already leaning toward politically engaged cinema.

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The international feature film jury, led by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rithy Panh, joined by Raja Amari, Brigitte Lacombe, Dhafer LAbidine and Alessandra Speciale, chose the film unanimously for the top prize, praising Sleepless City for its sensitive blend of fiction and documentary, calling it a powerful portrayal of contemporary youth struggles, noting its respectful direction and its ability to reflect the fracture between tradition and modernity with quiet force.

Shot over several years in the neighborhood of La Canada Real on the outskirts of Madrid, this years SACD screenwriting award winner at Cannes, follows 15-year-old Toni as looming demolitions threaten the precarious home he shares with his scrap-dealer family. Rather than constructing drama, the film observes it, letting everyday gestures accumulate into a portrait of a community rarely depicted on screen.

Documentary Honors for a Personal Political Reckoning

The documentary prize went to My Father and Qaddafi, Jihan K.s intimate investigation into the disappearance of her father, a Libyan diplomat-turned-dissident abducted in Cairo. The film blends testimony and archive material to piece together a life shaped by resistance, impressing the jury with its clear, personal approach to political history.

Other Standouts in the International Feature Film Competition

The jury also recognized several other titles across the international feature lineup. Pablo Perez Lombardinis The Reserve received a Special Mention for its tense portrait of a forest ranger confronting environmental devastation in rural Mexico.

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The Best Performance Award was shared by Majd Eid and Nader Abd Alhay for their work in Once Upon a Time in Gaza, winner of best director honors in this years Un Certain Regard at Cannes. Set in Gaza in 2007, the film follows a student whose side gig delivering food for a charismatic restaurateur draws him into a dangerous game with a corrupt policeman.

Best Artistic Achievement was jointly awarded to Kamal Al Jafari for With Hasan in Gaza and Chie Hayakawa for Renoir, two films praised for their nuanced use of archival and visual storytelling.

Short Film Jury Highlights Inventiveness Across Regions

In the international short competition, presided over by head of Locarno shorts selection committee, Eddie Bertozzi, Leonardo Martinellis Samba Infinito was cited for its unflinching trust in the power of cinema and the arts to heal social and private wounds. The short follows a street cleaner mourning his sisters death whose chance encounter with a lost child during Carnival becomes a brief moment of connection.

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Other awards went to Aria Sanchez and Marina Meira, who won Best Director for Primary Education, a sharp look at power and conformity among schoolchildren; Milica Janevski, named Best Performance for her turn in Upon Sunrise as a Serbian mother pushed to the edge of survival; and to LMina and young actor Ammar Ahmed in Zizou, both receiving Special Mentions.

Youth Jury Makes a Stark Political Statement With The Voice of Hind Rajab

One of the festivals most talked-about titles, The Voice of Hind Rajab, the opening feature, took the Ajyal Feature Award, chosen by a youth jury aged 16 to 25. The film reconstructs the final phone call of a six-year-old girl trapped under fire in Gaza, blending real recorded audio with staged reenactments. Its simplicity gives the recorded voices a force thats hard to shake.

The Ajyal Short Award went to Sulaimani, Vinnie Ann Boses Paris-set animated film about two young women from Kerala whose chance encounter in Paris is an exploration of diaspora, memory, and identity through the language of food.

Local Filmmaking Comes Into Focus in Made in Qatar Awards

The festivals commitment to nurturing homegrown talent came through in the Made in Qatar competition, where Justin Kramers Fahad the Furious won Best Film. The short from the Qatar-based American director, part family drama, part comedic character study, follows a young man whose secrecy sets off a chain of misunderstandings inside his traditional home. Rashid Al Sheeb earned the Abdulaziz Jassim Award for Performance for his leading role in the film.

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Eiman Mirghani won Best Director for Villa 187, a story of memory and loss set within a family forced to leave the Doha home that defined them for decades. Project Aisha, a tense drama about a mother whose unorthodox attempts to care for her injured daughter push her family to the breaking point, received a Special Mention from the Made in Qatar jury.

Audience Award for Cotton Queen, a Story of Heritage and Transformation

Festivalgoers voted Cotton Queen as the Audience Award winner, marking a strong international showing for Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani. Expanding the world of her award-winning short Al-Sit, the feature follows teenage Nafisa as her Sudanese village faces pressure to modernize, and as she herself becomes the focal point of competing visions for the future. Shot after the outbreak of war in Sudan, with Sudanese refugees recreating the village in Egypt, the productions circumstances echoed the films themes of resilience and displacement.

A Debut Edition with a Clear Sense of Direction

With 97 films from 62 countries, the inaugural edition laid out a broad mandate, mixing personal dramas, inventive shorts, and politically grounded documentaries with a growing slate of local work. The industry activity around the festival signaled Qatars ambitions, but the programming itself did some heavy lifting in its own right. Doha introduced itself as a place that wants to attract international filmmakers while building its own creative base, a dual focus reflected in a set of winners that felt urgent, assured, and cohesive.

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The '80s were good to Ke Huy Quan.

As a kid, the Vietnamese-American actor starred as Short Round in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and Data in "The Goonies," making him one of the most recognizable young faces in the world and cementing his place in the collective memory of a generation who consider those films an integral part of their childhood.

MORE FROM JOEY GUERRA: 'Wicked: For Good' fuels a Houston drag queen's fight to leave the bubble and raise her voice

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But the transition to adult roles proved difficult, as it often does. Quan also realized that Hollywood had few opportunities for Asian actors. He eventually found himself in Houston, living with family and managing his sister's restaurant in the early '90s.

Ke Huy Quan played Short Round, Indiana Jones' loyal and daring young sidekick, in 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'. (Times Union Historic Images)





"Houston - that's where my family is," Quan says excitedly during a Zoom call. "I lived there for one year when I was a struggling actor. My family was trying to help me and said, 'Hey, Key, come on up to Houston. We'll take care of you'."

The restaurant, which he thinks was called Ocean Seafood, was written up in a local paper that made the connection to Quan's Hollywood past.

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"People would come, and I would serve them, and they would ask me questions about the movies that I did," he says. "Luckily, I was a very bad manager. That didn't quite work out, so that's why I moved back to Los Angeles."

Kerri Green, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Sean Aastin, Ke Huy-Quan, Jeff B. Cohen, Martha Plimpton in 'The Goonies'. (Warner Bros)





A few more struggles and almost two decades later, Quan reemerged in the 2022 film "Everything Everywhere All at Once," winning the Academy Award for best supporting actor. He's now a pivotal part of the Marvelverse with his role in the Disney+ series "Loki" and is back on the big screen as the voice of Gary De'Snake in "Zootopia 2." The animated franchise is an allegory for various social issues, including prejudice and identity, told through the lens of a society populated by predators and prey. Quan's Gary is the first reptile to be seen in a century in Zootopia and becomes the focus of a police investigation led by Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

"The city of Zootopia is built on diversity among predators and prey and all the creatures in between. Every single one of them brings something really unique to it," Quan says.

Ke Huy Quan accepts the award for best actor in a supporting role for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' at the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 12, 2023. (TODD HEISLER/NYT)





He could just as well be talking about Houston, often cited as the most diverse city in the country. Texas has the largest concentration of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in the South, and the Houston metro area has one of the top 10 largest Asian-American populations in the United States, according to 2020 census data. The greater Houston area is home to over 157,000 Vietnamese-Americans, more than any other metro area besides Los Angeles.

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That constant exchange of cultures and the challenge of finding your place among them is what resonated with Quan about "Zootopia 2."

In 'Zootopia 2', cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) find themselves unraveling a mystery alongside a snake called Gary De'Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan). (DISNEY)





"Empathy is the antidote to prejudice, and if we spend enough time understanding other's experiences, fear will eventually give way to connection. We are better as a community if we're together and not separated," he says.

Quan says he gets back to Houston at least once a year to visit family. And though his time in the city was one spurred by a difficult transition, he continues to return to the unwavering community his family has built here, which includes around 60 people. That's quite the reunion.

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"At that time I was really sad, but in retrospect, yeah, I guess things happen for a reason," he says. "I'm really grateful for this incredible second opportunity that I'm having right now. This is what I love to do, and I feel very lucky that I get to do it. Getting to meet a lot of people in person over the last few years has been very heartwarming. And just knowing that my own story has inspired them to not give up, to continue, that's a great feeling."

This article originally published at Ke Huy Quan, once a 'bad manager' at a Houston restaurant, is now an Oscar winner in 'Zootopia 2'.
Individuals named Kaseeb are often perceived as fortunate and blessed with natural abundance in various aspects of life. They typically exhibit a generous, nurturing personality, much like the fertile meaning of their name, often serving as sources of support and growth for those around them. Their presence tends to bring prosperity and positive energy to their social and professional circles.



Kaseebs are usually optimistic, resourceful individuals who have a natural ability to attract opportunities and make the most of them. They possess an innate understanding of timing and often seem to be in the right place at the right time. While they enjoy material comforts, they typically maintain a balanced perspective, understanding that true wealth includes spiritual and emotional richness. Their fortunate nature often extends beyond personal gain to benefit their families and communities.



These individuals often display remarkable resilience and adaptability, able to thrive in various circumstances. They tend to be natural leaders who inspire confidence in others, and their generous spirit makes them popular within their social networks. The name's meaning often manifests in their ability to cultivate relationships and opportunities, creating fertile ground for personal and professional growth throughout their lives.
Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic on Friday inaugurated a new exhibition in Slovenia about her decade-long collaboration with her late ex-partner, featuring hundreds of unseen performance-related documents.

For the exhibition at Ljubljana's modern art museum Cukrarna, Abramovic allowed curators to access her private archive in the United States and select even the "most intimate" of documents, recordings and pieces that are now on display, she told journalists at the opening.

Known for works that push her body and her audience to extreme limits, the show in Slovenia traces Abramovic's 12-year-long collaboration with her former partner, German polaroid artist Ulay, that began in 1976 when they first met until the time they split.

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Visitors can browse through hundreds of videos, photos, sketches of their collaboration that are on display for the first time, as well as diving into private documents such as diary pages and private letters.

"At the time they were not even remotely thinking about changing the course of (modern art) history or becoming a 20th century canon," Alenka Gregoric, co-curator of the exhibition, told AFP.

She and her team spent over two years exploring Abramovic's archives and Ulay's legacy in Ljubljana, where he died in 2020, having unlimited acces to personal documents, audio recordings, drawings, and performance plans never intended to be published.

At Cukrarna's main hall, visitors first see an old black Citroen van that was the couple's "home" from 1976 onwards, when they embarked on what they called a "nomadic life".

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"It was uncompromised work, we call this art vital... it was no compromise to any (art) market because we never sold our work, nobody thought of buying it," Abramovic told journalists at the inauguration of the exhibition, adding the time she spent with Ulay was a time "of incredible freedom and incredible poverty".

"Ulay was not an easy human being. He was wonderful, charismatic, interesting, sexy and complicated. Our life was up and down," she said.

After their relationship ended, she said she had to start anew and redefine her work to succeed.

"I never give up," said Abramovic, who was awarded the coveted Praemium Imperiale international arts prize earlier this year.

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She called on young artists not to be "afraid of anything or anybody".

The exhibition will officially open to the public on Sunday, the birthday of both Marina and Ulay -- and will be on display until May 2026.

During that time, some of their performances will be reproduced by young artists.

bk/kym/phz
TV Time: The nine most enjoyable hours of television you are likely to see this year are the rerelease of The Beatles Anthology, which includes never-before-released footage of the band.

The Israeli series, BTipul (In Treatment), became iconic for a reason: Its a brilliant concept, executed with great skill. Now that it has been 20 years since it was first released, it is streaming on Hot VOD and Next TV, and will start running on Hot 3, Sundays through Thursdays, at 2:30 p.m., on November 30.

I saw it when it first came out, but hadnt seen it since, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it holds up. The most revolutionary element of the series is its simplicity. Its about a psychologist, Reuven Dagan (Assi Dayan, in one of his last and best performances), and each episode shows him with a patient or with Gila (Gila Almagor), another therapist who acts as his supervisor. It was originally shown, one episode at a time, every evening of the week, and it created a sensation in Israel in 2005. Eventually, the series, which was created by Hagai Levi, Nir Bergman, and Ori Sivan, was adapted all over the world, in dozens of languages and countries. English speakers are most likely to be aware of the HBO version, In Treatment, starring Gabriel Byrne. Another US version, with Uzo Aduba as the therapist, came out in 2021. Part of the reason it has been adapted so frequently is that it must be so cheap to produce: All you need is one set and two actors (or, in the case of the couple therapy sessions, three).

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But the real reason for its success is that nothing is so dramatic as characters revealing the secrets of their souls. Many series, such as The Sopranos, used the device of having a character see a therapist. BTipul cut out everything else, and it turned out that a therapist and a patient talking was so entertaining that it was all you needed to see.

The first two episodes will grab you right away. Ayelet Zurer, the Israeli actress who went on to star opposite Tom Hanks in Angels & Demons, plays Naama, the patient in the first episode. She was never better than in this episode, playing a commitment-phobic young woman who reveals how she cheated on her boyfriend, and then admits that she has fallen head-over-heels in love with Reuven. He is taken aback, more than he should be  therapists are taught that transference, a phenomenon in which patients feel they have developed romantic or sexual feelings for their psychologist or psychiatrist, is a common part of treatment. His shock gives away the fact that he is also smitten with her, and we learn later in his session with Gila that he is having trouble with his wife, Yael (Meirav Gruber).

Lior Ashkenazi plays his second patient, Yadin, an arrogant, conflicted pilot who bombed a house that turned out to have been filled with civilians, including children, on the orders of his commanders, who mistakenly thought terrorists were hiding there. He is both vulnerable and demanding, and Reuven struggles to be sympathetic toward him.

THE BEATLES filming Magical Mystery Tour in The Beatles Anthology. (credit: Walt Disney Studio)

The other patients in the first season are Ayala (Maya Maron), a suicidal teenage gymnast, and a couple, Orna (Alma Zack) and Michael (Rami Heuberger, who died recently), who have been trying for years to have a baby, but now that the wife has finally gotten pregnant, she isnt sure she wants this child.

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The second and final season features some new characters, played by Tali Sharon (Srugim), Assi Levy, Yisrael Poliakov of HaGashash HaHiver, and Moni Moshonov, among others.

In addition to having been remade, the series has been endlessly imitated, so it may not have quite the impact that it did when it was first released, but seeing Israels biggest stars get such a dramatic showcase is still fun to watch. The real star, though, is the writing, and it hasnt dated. The characters talk like real people, with all the repetitions and hesitations of actual speech, and thats a big part of what makes the show so gripping. The scripts were edited by a therapist, and they were widely watched by Israeli mental-health professionals, who mostly gave them high marks for accuracy.

The Beatles Anthology rerelease

THE NINE most enjoyable hours of television you are likely to see this year are the rerelease of The Beatles Anthology, which is streaming on Disney+. Even if you saw this series in 1995 when it was first shown, anyone who loves the Beatles will want to see it again. The sound has been tweaked and improved, and a new episode was added with never-before-released footage of Paul, George, and Ringo working with George Martin on bringing to life two songs John had recorded on cassette that were found after his death, Real Love and Free as a Bird.

While the much-publicized series, Get Back, was an edited version of the footage of the bands 1969 recording and rehearsal sessions, it showed them right before their breakup, when animosity among the four was at an all-time high. The Beatles Anthology, by contrast, is like a Beatles home movie, and it emphasizes that while they may have bickered after nearly a decade into a uniquely intense partnership, they never stopped caring for each other.

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Neil Aspinall, the Beatles friend and road manager, started putting together this series, based on their personal photos, videos, and interviews, as well as other previously released pictures and clips, in the mid-1970s, but it was shelved for decades. In the early 1990s, the surviving three Beatles went back to work on it, and it was clearly a labor of love. While Johns life was tragically cut short in 1980 when he was murdered outside his home in New York, his voice is heard throughout, from the many interviews he gave over the years. The voices are those of the Beatles, joined occasionally by Martin and Aspinall; its their story, in their words.

The series, which was co-produced by Ringo, Paul, and various family members of John and George, is a sweet-spirited, extremely detailed look at the groups evolution. No matter how many other documentaries you have seen about the Fab Four and no matter how many memoirs and articles about them you may have read, there is much here that will be new to you. There are clips of George performing Raunchy, the song that got him accepted to the band, as well as rare early performance clips and their very earliest recordings.

Other highlights are filmed clips of the Beatles snapping photos of the New York skyline from inside the plane, bringing them to the Big Apple for the first time, and audio clips from inside the studio, as the Beatles, in collaboration with Martin, became more adventurous on every record they made. Its interesting to see how the song, A Day in the Life, was put together: the first and last parts were by John, and Paul contributed the Woke up, fell out of bed middle section.

Its especially nice to see the three in the 1990s, reminiscing and jamming together. George puts their long, strange trip  to borrow a phrase from another band  into perspective when he notes that at 17, he was performing in Hamburg with the group, and by age 23, he was recording Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. This series will make you realize what a lot of living and music they packed into just a few years when they were so very young.
When HGTV stars aren't building and designing houses, many of them return home to their families.

Christina Haack has a blended family with Tarek and Heather El Moussa, including four kids in total. Meanwhile, Fixer to Fabulous' Jenny and Dave Marrs have four children of their own, and Renovation Resort Showdown couple Bryan and Sarah Baeumler have five kids.

On the other hand, Home Town hosts Ben and Erin Napier have two daughters, and Property Brothers star Drew Scott has a young son and daughter.

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HGTV fans have also not forgotten about Fixer Upper alums Chip and Joanna Gaines and their five kids. Similarly, Married to Real Estate stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, along with their three children, were part of the network for several years.



Heres everything to know about all of the HGTV stars kids.

01 of 08

Chip and Joanna Gaines 5 Kids

Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty; Joanna Gaines/Instagram Joanna and Chip Gaines ; Joanna and Chip Gaines with their kids Joanna and Chip Gaines ; Joanna and Chip Gaines with their kids

Chip and Joanna, who married in 2003, may have their own Magnolia Network now, but viewers originally watched their family grow on HGTVs Fixer Upper over five seasons.

The Gaines family includes five children: Drake, born in February 2005; Ella, born in October 2006; Duke, born in May 2008; Emmie, born in January 2010; and Crew, born in June 2018.

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As the kids have grown older, theyve appeared on their parents shows less frequently, but fans still catch glimpses of them on TV and social media.

"They're so young and we want to give them the chance to have a normal childhood," Joanna told PEOPLE. "When we wake up in the morning, I think we're normal. But then you go to Target and it's definitely different. We're both in awe."

The couple have also said that their biggest priority is "instilling kindness" in their children.

"Every day we try to teach our own kids to be kind to themselves, to each other, to neighbors and especially to those who look like they are alone," Joanna shared.

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02 of 08

Christina Haacks 3 Kids

Christina Haack/Instagram (2) Christina Haack with her sons Brayden and Hudson ; Christina Haack with her daughter Taylor Christina Haack with her sons Brayden and Hudson ; Christina Haack with her daughter Taylor

Christina rose to fame alongside ex-husband Tarek on HGTVs Flip or Flop. The pair welcomed their daughter, Taylor, in September 2010 and their son, Brayden, in August 2015.

After they divorced, Christina welcomed her third child, Hudson, in September 2019, with her now ex-husband Ant Anstead.

Haacks kids occasionally appear on her social media and shows, including Christina on the Coast, Christina: Stronger by Design and Christina in the Country. However, she tries to keep their airtime to a minimum.

They film with us maybe a maximum of an hour, maybe once a month," she told E! News in January 2023. I want them to go to college and then later, much later, if that's something they want to do and pursue, more power to them. But most importantly, I just want them to have normal childhoods."

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However, Christina admitted that her daughter has a knack for the industry.

Taylor is just a natural, she told the outlet. She's actually really good at design, and she's really good on camera. It kind of freaks me out, but I don't want her to do any of that for a while."

03 of 08

Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussas 3 Kids

Tarek El Moussa/Instagram Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa with Taylor, Brayden and Tristan Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa with Taylor, Brayden and Tristan

After welcoming Taylor and Brayden with Haack, Tarek married Selling Sunset star Heather Rae El Moussa and they welcomed son Tristan in January 2023.

Now, the blended family appears on The Flipping El Moussas and The Flip Off.

I feel like the kids love it that we're doing a show together, and they can see their parents all working together, Heather said on The Jennifer Hudson Show in January 2025. They love it. Theyre very supportive.

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The only thing Tarek loves more than flipping houses is being a dad.

"I'm just obsessed with my kids, he told PEOPLE in July 2022 when he learned he was expecting baby No. 3. They're my everything, so having another one is just icing on the cake. I'm so excited.

04 of 08

Bryan and Sarah Baeumler's 4 Kids

Sarah Baeumler/Instagram Bryan and Sarah Baeumler with their children Bryan and Sarah Baeumler with their children

Renovation Resort Showdown couple Bryan and Sarah are parents to four kids: Quintyn, born in January 2005; Charlotte, born in April 2007; Lincoln, born in November 2010; and Josephine, born in November 2012.

The pair moved their family from Canada, where they star in several TV series, to the Bahamas in 2020 to take on their biggest challenge yet: restoring a massive abandoned resort for HGTVs Renovation Island series.

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Bryan and Sarah called it a huge family adventure.

[The] project checked all the boxes, they told PEOPLE in 2020. The kids love to travel, and were always seeking adventure.

Since then, the Baeumlers have returned home to Canada.

05 of 08

Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jacksons 3 Kids

Prince Williams/WireImage Mike Jackson, Egypt Sherrod and their kids attend HGTV's 'Married To Real Estate' Season 4 Watch Party on March 17, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike Jackson, Egypt Sherrod and their kids attend HGTV's 'Married To Real Estate' Season 4 Watch Party on March 17, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Married to Real Estate stars Egypt and Mike have three kids, including two they welcomed together: Kendall in January 2012 and Harper in February 2019, and Jacksons older daughter from a previous marriage, Simone, who was born in September 2001.

Their blended family was featured on their show until its surprise cancellation in June 2025.

Mike and I just landed back in the States after an unforgettable family trip through the Mediterranean, and we're met with unexpected news, Sherrod wrote on Instagram.

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Despite the disheartening cancellation, she said she was still appreciative of the show, the crew, and fans. The former host penned, And most of all  grateful that we are still very much married to real estate (and to each other).

Earlier that month, Sherrod revealed in a Fathers Day post what made her husband such a great dad.

Watching you be a father is one of the greatest gifts of my life. Your steady presence, your unwavering support ... speaks volumes about the man you are, she shared. Thank you for being the kind of dad our children will always look up to ... You are everything a father should be.

06 of 08

Jenny and Dave Marrs 5 Kids

Jenny Marrs/Instagram Dave and Jenny Marrs with their kids Dave and Jenny Marrs with their kids

Fixer to Fabulous pair Jenny and Dave share five children: twin sons Nathan and Ben, born in May 2010; daughter Sylvie, born in January 2012; daughter Charlotte, born in May 2014; and son Luke, born in June 2019.

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The duo recalled seeing Sylvie, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the first time while considering adoption, and immediately falling in love with her.

"I feel like God put [it] on our hearts that she was ours, and right when you knew, it was just like, 'Yup.' It was a key in a lock," Dave told PEOPLE in November 2019.

"The emotion of it was really similar to the birth of our bio children  that first time holding them," Jenny added. "I get emotional thinking about it, 'cause it was just really special."

Jenny and Dave know their family look[s] a little bit different than most, but their priority is showing all of their kids that "we're the exact same," Dave told PEOPLE in April 2023.

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Adoption is a part of our family, Jenny added. It's a part of our story, but they're all just our kids.

07 of 08

Ben and Erin Napiers 2 Daughters

Erin Napier/Instagram (2) Erin Napier and Ben Napier; Helen and Mae Napier Erin Napier and Ben Napier; Helen and Mae Napier

Home Town hosts Ben and Erin are the proud parents of two girls: Helen and Mae, born in January 2018 and May 2021, respectively.

The pair keep their kids lives fairly private, but they have shared rare glimpses into their family activities on the show.

In March 2024, the foursome went fruit picking on an episode of Home Town. Our girls are obsessed with blueberries, Erin shared in a clip. Its their favorite food in the world.

The parents have been open about limiting their children's screen time and encouraging them to participate in other hobbies and activities.

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It's less about what we don't want them to use and more about what we want them to do with the adolescence that they're going to be given," Erin told PEOPLE in February 2024.

"We want to focus on is helping our girls find their gifts in the real world, and when they're older, much older, I think they'll be mentally prepared for what social media is and the tool that it can be," she added.

08 of 08

Drew Scotts 2 Kids

Drew Scott/Instagram (2) Drew Scott with daughter Piper ; Linda Phan with Parker and Piper Drew Scott with daughter Piper ; Linda Phan with Parker and Piper

Property Brothers star Drew Scott and his wife, Linda Phan, welcomed their kids  Parker and Piper  in May 2022 and May 2024, respectively.

After years of struggling to conceive with no success, Drew told PEOPLE in April 2022 that they were so lost, and finally sought the support of experts.

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Now, as parents of toddlers, he has said that their biggest parenting success comes from partnership and communication.

"The real, open dialogue between Linda and me is a huge part of me being a better dad, Drew shared in June 2023. Because she'll give me a slight reminder if I'm not doing something I promised to do. It's not just about the baby, it's also about your communication with your partner."

Read the original article on People
Jonathan Beck Reed believes that there's a little bit of Ebenezer Scrooge in everybody.

Given the Oklahoma actor's long history of portraying the curmudgeonly protagonist of Charles Dickens' enduring yuletide tale "A Christmas Carol," he should know.

"They see in him a chance at redemption ... and I think it gives them hope," Reed said. "That's why it's survived for so long."

The Edmond resident is reprising the role of the ill-tempered miser whose Christmas Eve encounters with four ghosts prompt him to immediately alter his life in Lyric Theatre's beloved annual production of "A Christmas Carol."

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Presented by Devon Energy, the holiday tradition returns with performances Nov. 28-Dec. 27 at Lyric's Plaza District theater.

"It's one of my favorite roles ever to play, because there's a complete journey. It's not like you're just picking up a character at some point in their life, and you have to create all of the background," Reed said. "This is sort of handed to you on a silver platter. So, it's really nice as an actor to get to go on that journey and get to live it in front of the audience. ... I never get tired of it."

Jonathan Beck Reed returns to star as Ebenezer Scrooge in Lyric Theatre's 2025 production of "A Christmas Carol."

How does OKC's Lyric Theatre annually adapt Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol?'

Since 2011, Lyric Theatre has staged a faithful version of Dickens cherished 1843 novella "A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" that's adapted and directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron.

"I would say 95% of the script is his actual words, and I committed to not making the dialogue more modern ... because I found that that actually enhances the show," Baron said. "It brings you to a different time. ... But it's so specific that it allows you actually to think about our own time."

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For Reed, Lyric's 2025 production marks his 10th time to take on the role of Dickens' famed penny-pincher whose stony heart is softened by a series of ghostly visits on Christmas Eve.

"I did the national tour for two years, and then I did a production at Lyric years ago that was a premiere production of a show called 'A Country Christmas Carol' that took place after the Second World War," the Oklahoma City native recalled.

"It wasn't Bob Cratchit; it was Bobbie Joe Cratchit. Her husband, Bob, was a pilot in the Second World War, and he died and she's raising the kids on her own. Eb Scrooge is the mean man in town who she works for. ... It's a really cute version."

Not only is Reed marking his sixth time playing Scrooge with Lyric Theatre, but he also starred in a 2007 co-production between Oklahoma City University, his alma mater, and Oklahoma City Repertory Theater, which he co-founded.

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"I always gets emotional when Jonathan does the scene with the nephew ... when it wraps up," Baron said. "We're thrilled to have him back with us."

Most recently, Reed shared the role of Scrooge with W. Jerome Stevenson during Lyric's three-year run of performing "A Christmas Carol" outdoors at the Harn Homestead during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the innovative production gain national and even international attention, but it also created for Reed one of his all-time favorite memories playing Scrooge.

"We did it in the snow one time out there. There was 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground when we got there. ... I thought we were gonna cancel because it was tentative for a while. They kept saying, 'We don't know if we're gonna do the show. It's kind of a wait and see.' And I was like, 'Please, God. Please, God. Please, God, let us do the show,'" Reed recalled.

"It was great because the audience was so with us. They braved the storm like we did. They were huddled together, and they were so appreciative. It was a really spiritual experience."

From left, Jonathan Beck Reed plays Ebenezer Scrooge and Caleb Barnett as the Ghost of Christmas Present in Lyric Theatre's 2022 production of "A Christmas Carol" at the Harn Homestead.

How does Lyric Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' give back to the community?

Lyric took its annual production of Dickens' often-adapted "Ghost Story of Christmas" back inside its Plaza District theater in 2023, and thanks to a $1 million gift from Devon Energy, the nonprofit arts organization was able to continue its holiday tradition with a new set, costumes, lights and sound effects.

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The 2025 production features choreography by Lyric Executive Producer Ashley Wells, Victorian-era outfits by costume designer Jeffrey Meek and sprawling set design by Adam Koch, which includes two swings so that Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past (Gabriella Beck) can soar above audiences.

"I love sets and costumes and props. I love to get immersed in all of that and kind of disappear. Because I'm an artist, I also look at things and how they're put together, the effort it takes to make something look distressed," Reed said. "I'm excited to be on that stage, in the audience and flying and all that."

The timeless tale's 2024 run reached a pair of milestones for the state's official theater: It was the largest attended show in Lyric's history, and it raised the highest donation total to help feed Oklahomans in need in the history of the production.

Lyric annually collects money for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during its run of A Christmas Carol." For the past 14 years, audiences have contributed more than $285,000 to the Regional Food Bank, and last season, theatergoers contributed in excess of $36,000.

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As the cast members help with those collection efforts, Reed said it has led to more opportunities to share the magic of Dickens' iconic story.

"At the end of the show, we take our hats and stuff to get money, and the effect the show has on people, I never knew until then  because they would come up and tell you," Reed said. "They'll go on and on and tell you these things about the way the show affects them and changes them. It's interesting ... and it's wonderful, too."

The 2024 cast of Lyric Theatre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol" performs inside the Plaza Theatre in Oklahoma City.

'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'

When: through Dec. 27.

Where: Plaza Theatre, 1727 NW 16, Oklahoma City.

Tickets: https://lyrictheatreokc.com/shows/lyrics-a-christmas-carol-2025.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: An OKC actor is Scrooge for the 10th time in Lyric's 'A Christmas Carol'
If youre considering Caribbean cruise options for your next vacation, youll find a variety of itinerary options to choose from with Carnival Cruise Line. Options range from short three-, four-, and five-day Bahamas cruises visiting the cruise lines new resort destination, Celebration Key, to eight-day or longer sailings to the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean.

With the addition of Celebration Key to Carnivals destination lineup, the cruise line has started offering more short cruises from Florida to the popular Bahamas port. These short cruises are proving popular, but if youre considering one, you may be wondering: How short is too short for a cruise?

Carnival cruisers recently shared their opinions on that on the popular Facebook page of the cruise lines brand ambassador, John Heald.

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Carnival is offering more short cruises to Celebration Key in The Bahamas.Image source: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival ambassador asks cruisers for opinions on three-day cruises

After sharing details on a sold-out, three-day weekend cruise to Carnivals Celebration Key setting sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on Carnival Glory on Nov. 28, Heald asked his followers for their opinions on three-day cruises.

The brand ambassador invited his followers to share their thoughts on three-day cruises in comments on the post, whether they had sailed on one, considered it, or decided against it because of the short length.

Related: Carnival cruisers say this cabin type is a must-have. Heres why

Healds three-day cruise post received more than 1,800 comments, with Carnival cruisers sharing a range of opinions on short sailings.

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For some loyal cruisers, a three-day cruise was the introductory sailing that converted them to a cruise lover.

Our very first cruise was a three-day on the Ecstasy. My husband thought hed get seasick so we started with a short three-day. We were hooked and no seasickness, Cindy Vincent commented.

Three-day cruises are perfect for first-timers, but cruise lovers often prefer longer sailings

Starting with a short cruise is a smart strategy for first-time cruisers who arent sure whether cruising will be for them. But are three-day cruises too short for seasoned cruisers?

Many cruise lovers say the more time they can spend on a cruise, the better.

We even feel seven days is too short! Most preferred length? 14 days, Kathleen Henry commented.

Related: Guard against cruise motion sickness and rough seas with these tips

Many passionate cruisers prefer longer cruises, especially if they have to travel long distances to get to the cruise departure port.

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Our first cruise was a three-day to see if we liked it. Now, 51 cruises later here we go on a 14-day. Its too expensive to get to the cruise ship so have to stay awhile after we get there, Kathleen Thompson explained.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Three-day cruises appeal to those short on vacation time

For those who live close to a cruise home port, however, a short, three-day weekend sailing is perfect for a quick getaway.

We take them every month just to break up our routine at home. They are perfect. We love sailing on Glory. We have done all of the long cruises in the Caribbean. Three days are perfect especially since we live only 45 minutes from port, Dawn Hitsman commented.

Related: Should you go without cruise Wi-Fi? Heres what Carnival cruisers say

Others who take three-day cruises appreciate that Carnival offers short cruise options that allow them to take a quick vacation when vacation time and budgets are limited.

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Getting on one today! Short trips are wonderful breaks for people with crazy busy lives (and short on the pocketbook too), DaLana Rigby said.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While many people dream of a white Christmas with snow and hot chocolate, others want to use their holiday time off to escape the winter and celebrate in a fun destination.

Read More: 5 Ways To Travel Like a Millionaire Without Spending Like One

Find Out: 9 Low-Effort Ways To Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week)

Traveling during the holidays, especially flying, can be pricey due to high demand as people crisscross the globe to visit friends and family. Yet with proper planning, and some flexibility such as on airline and hotel choices, you can still find great holiday deals for waterfront destinations.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

If youre willing to drive about an hour from the Orlando airport, you can reach this beachfront destination that often has daytime temperatures in the low 70s around Christmas  and it only gets down to around 60 at night. Since its not as heralded as some other Florida winter destinations like Palm Beach and Miami, you can often score great hotels for around $100-$200 over Christmas.

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Plus, if it rains or you want a change of scenery, a nice family activity is to visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum.

Naples, Florida

One of the warmest parts of the U.S. in December is Naples, on the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida. You can typically enjoy highs in the mid-70s and lows in the high 50s/low 60s. Another perk is that you can often find direct flights to nearby Southwest Florida International Airport in the Fort Myers area, which is about 30-40 minutes from many parts of Naples.

While Naples can be on the ritzy side, there are still plenty of deals to be found if youre not too picky. You can find some hotels or vacation rentals for under $200, which might then be a short drive or bike ride to beautiful public beaches. To keep costs down, you could check out places like Celebration Park, where you can enjoy food trucks along an inlet.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

California typically isnt warm enough to swim at the beach in December, so if youre looking for a Pacific destination to soak up the sun, consider going south to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Not only are the temperatures great  often in the low 80s during the day and mid-60s at night  but December is part of its dry season, so you can hopefully avoid a white or gray Christmas.



Prices vary significantly based on the level of luxury you want, but you can find nice accommodations for around $100 or less per night. In addition to great beaches, Puerto Vallarta has features like charming cobblestone streets in its downtown area.

Caye Caulker, Belize

For a more adventurous Christmas trip, consider flying to Belize City and then taking a 45-minute ferry to Caye Caulker (or you could fly to the island from the mainland if you have a bigger budget). There, you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and diving, with relatively modest but very affordable accommodations  some well under $100 per night.



The weather is often great, with high temperatures typically in the mid-80s and lows of around 70. And while it may not have as many widespread sandy beaches as other destinations, its beautiful turquoise waters provide a welcome winter retreat.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While youre probably not going to get tropical weather here in December, the temperatures can still be quite mild and a welcome reprieve for those visiting from snowy locales. Think daytime temperatures in the 50s or 60s and nighttime temps in the 40s  so youll still probably want some layers, but it can be a more comfortable way to enjoy Christmas festivities for those coming from places like the Northeast or Midwest.

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Normally, Myrtle Beach is a pricey tourist destination, but since this is the offseason, you can find great deals, such as hotels and vacation rentals for under $150 per night. Some places might be closed this time of year, but you can still find lots of great family-friendly activities, including beautiful lighting displays and holiday shows.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Waterfront Destinations to Warm Up This Christmas  Even If Youre on a Budget
Everything is bigger in Texas, including affordability, as it continues to attract families and professionals seeking a lower cost of living, strong job markets and a high quality of life. However, with rising housing prices in major metros like Austin and Dallas, many middle-class Americans are searching for more budget-friendly alternatives. Whether youre relocating for work, retirement or a fresh start, finding an affordable city in Texas doesnt mean compromising on your lifestyle.

Discover More: GOBankingRates Original Research Center

Read Next: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

GOBankingRates cast out its research nets to find the most affordable cities in Texas for middle-class families, based on factors like housing costs, average income, monthly expenses and overall cost of living. These cities offer the perfect balance of affordability and livability, making them ideal for those looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing lifestyle.

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From Southlake to Murphy, here are the six most affordable cities in Texas for the middle class.

1. Southlake

Population: 31,044

Average home value: $1,266,801

Average monthly expenditures: $2,187

Median middle-class income: $250,000

Annual cost of living: $109,956

Leftover savings: $140,044

Livability score: 76

Southlake is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Texas thanks to its blend of upscale living, excellent public schools and a strong, close-knit community. Though it may be on the more luxurious side, this city also offers prime real estate, low crime rates and convenient access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, making it ideal for professionals and retirees alike.

2. Colleyville

Population: 25,906

Average home value: $897,101

Average monthly expenditures: $2,173

Median middle-class income: $203,566

Annual cost of living: $85,356

Leftover savings: $118,210

Livability score: 79

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Another one of the most desirable suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Colleyville offers a perfect blend of luxury living, top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods. Colleyville is ideal for families and professionals seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities and spacious homes, and it is often considered one of the best places to live in North Texas.

Check Out: The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every State

3. Fulshear

Population: 26,986

Average home value: $534,795

Average monthly expenditures: $2,260

Median middle-class income: $178,398

Annual cost of living: $62,460

Leftover savings: $115,938

Livability score: 71

Fulshear is one of the fastest-growing and most desirable suburbs near Houston, offering a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with access to big-city conveniences. It has plenty of housing options and is loaded with new home developments. Fulshear is ideal for families, retirees and professionals seeking scenic landscapes, low crime rates and expanding infrastructure, all wrapped up in an affordable cost of living.

4. Prosper

Population: 34,567

Average home value: $799,407

Average monthly expenditures: $2,078

Median middle-class income: $187,603

Annual cost of living: $77,754

Leftover savings: $109,849

Livability score: 70

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As one of the most sought-after and fast-growing suburbs in North Texas, Prosper lives up to the name as it gives you a blend of luxury living, top-rated schools and a community where everyone knows your name. With its abundance of new home developments, spacious neighborhoods and proximity to Frisco and McKinney, Prosper is ideal for you if you are looking for growth potential in your real estate investment, low crime rates and high-quality education.

5. Keller

Population: 45,598

Average home value: $641,668

Average monthly expenditures: $2,173

Median middle-class income: $172,654

Annual cost of living: $68,472

Leftover savings: $104,182

Livability score: 83

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has no shortage of affluent and prospering neighborhoods, and Keller is definitely one of them. Offering a perfect mix of small-town vibes and big city bustle, it is an ideal place for families, retirees and professionals seeking a high quality of life. You can enjoy access to beautiful parks and walking trails while being just a few minutes from major employment hubs.

6. Murphy

Population: 21,001

Average home value: $577,859

Average monthly expenditures: $2,075

Median middle-class income: $165,109

Annual cost of living: $63,088

Leftover savings: $102,021

Livability score: 80

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Murphy, Texas, is a hidden gem among the affordable suburbs near Dallas, offering a peaceful, family-friendly community with excellent schools and a strong local economy. It is ideal for families and professionals seeking a high quality of life without the high price tag. With easy access to major highways, parks and shopping centers, Murphy is another one of the best places to live in North Texas.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities in Texas to find the most affordable places to live for middle-class households. Cities in Texas with a total population of at least 20,000 were identified using the US Census American Community Survey, along with the total households and median household income. The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as two-thirds to double the median household income. Using the median household income for each Texas city, the middle class within each city was calculated. The cost of living indices were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and using the national average expenditure costs, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure costs can be calculated for each city. The average single-family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. Assuming a 10% down payment, and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage cost can be calculated for each city. Using the average mortgage and expenditure cost, the total cost of living for necessities can be calculated. Using the median household income and average cost of living for necessities, the leftover savings for a middle-class household can be estimated. The cities were sorted to show the largest leftover savings first. All data is up to date as of October 29th, 2025.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Most Affordable Cities in Texas for the Middle Class
Antoinette, a 62-year-old truck driver from Fort Worth, Texas, recently called into The Ramsey Show with a direct question: I dont have anything saved for retirement and I want to become a first-time homeowner. I dont know if thats stupid and ridiculous or if its possible.

Shes Not Alone

Millions of Americans are facing retirement with little or no savings, and many are still chasing major life goals like homeownership. For Antoinette, the situation is even more complicated: shes got about $8,000 in debt, a nearly $1,000 monthly car payment, and no clear idea how much she owes on her recently purchased 2023 minivan.

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Hosts Ken Coleman and Rachel Cruze were direct. Let's focus on the possible part, Coleman said. Given that you have zero retirement or very little retirement.

Antoinette admitted that she struggles with memory and numbers, saying, Im really bad with money. I mean, numbers. While she does track her bills every other month, she said she wasn't prepared with details. Had I known you were going to be asking me these questions, I would have had this stuff.

You called a money show, my friend, Cruze fired back and emphasized that the lack of knowledge was the biggest issue: The excuse that Im bad with numbers cant be an excuse anymore. You are an adult. You are smart. You are capable. And we have to get this under control.

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Facing Reality And Making A Plan

Cruze then laid out a precise set of instructions: call the dealership, get the exact loan amount, pull up Credit Karma, list all debts, and take a picture of the list to keep it handy. The message is: no more winging it.

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Antoinette earns around $7,500 a month but spends nearly $1,000 on the minivan loan. Coleman had some issues with that fact and asked her, Why do you need a minivan if youre driving a truck all the time? Antoinette had an answer ready: Because I go home sometimes.

You're more than likely going to have to sell the minivan and get a beater $2,000 car, Cruze told her. I want you to be out of this debt so that you can start saving for retirement.

See Also: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors  Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen

Antoinette pushed back: Why would I want a $2,000 beater car that's just going to break down all the time? Cruze countered with a story of another truck driver, Christopher, who did just that. He ended up buying a $2,000 car and it runs great.

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They also encouraged her to check if her employer offers a 401(k) or retirement plan. Antoinette said they do, but she hasn't contributed. What's the point of that at my age? she asked.

Because you have nothing, Coleman responded bluntly. If I want to retire with dignity, I've got to start saving money. And I can't save money if I'm in debt.

The hosts told her that homeownership could still be a goal, but only after stabilizing her financial foundation. In the meantime, Cruze suggested Antoinette listen to the show every day for the next six months. I want this knowledge to soak in, she said.

Read Next: Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone  don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building

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This article A 62-Year-Old Dave Ramsey Caller Has No Retirement Savings But Wants To Buy A First Home. Is It 'Stupid And Ridiculous' Or Somehow Possible? originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Amankora Paro Lodge

I've spent the entire flight from Katmandu to Paro filming out the window, but when the captain points out Mount Everest, I freeze. At check-in my husband, Shravan, quietly insisted on these seats. After 25 years of marriage, it's these small acts of foresight that still catch me by surprise.

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For months we planned this trip to mark our silver anniversary. I wanted something quieta mindful holiday in a place unspoiled by chain restaurants where we could reflect, not rush. Beautiful, mystical Bhutan, with its remote location in the Himalayas and its famous emphasis on Gross National Happiness, felt ideal.

Our earlier travels were mostly about thrills, indulgences, and late nights. For years we avoided quiet places where night fell early in favor of cities that pulsed with life: London, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Dubai. We swam in the Dead Sea, sailed the Nile, and danced in a bunker turned club in Beirut. On our honeymoon we stayed out till dawn in Bali, shopped in Hong Kong, and explored the Great Wall of China. It was during our travels that the virtues of being married to each other became most evident. Travel gives a relationship a chance for a reboot. You're two strangers in a country, united in the strangeness of the world around you.

Chris Schalkx

Chris Schalkx

In Paro, our guide, Phub Tenzin, awaits in a graceful knee-length gho, Bhutan's traditional men's garment. We mention our preference for old monasteries and hikes. We've booked at the calm, minimalist Amankora lodges in Thimphu and Paro. Tucked into the forested hills, they're designed like traditional dzongs, the country's famous fortress-like architecture.

The sound of the gushing brook and forest birds is why we've left behind the noise of Mumbai. The stillness starts from the moment we arrive in Thimphu: no reception desks, no meal times, no schedules, no clocks. Shravan reluctantly agrees to put his gadgets away, and I do my best to set aside my worries about our children.

Chris Schalkx

We spend our evenings by the fire, feeling a lightness even before we've sipped the local whiskeys and cognacs. This unhurried rhythm, without his laptop or my phone, with no packed itinerary, becomes the essence of our time in Bhutan.

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We try archery in the woods near our lodge. Neither of us hits the target, but we laugh at each other's poor aim as if we were kids again. At Babesa Village Restaurant, inside a 500-year-old building in the city, we sit cross-legged on the floorme with an assist from years of yoga and him with considerable effort. We're served a traditional Bhutanese meal: mustard greens, red rice, fish curry, boldly flavorful cheese and chiles known as ema datshi, and butter tea. It is oddly comforting being inside a centuries-old farmer's house that feels beyond time, with its wood staircase and low beams worn smooth with age.

After hiking up to the 18th-century Wangditse monastery, we spin the prayer wheels together as I chant Om mani padme hum. Inside, surrounded by butter lamps and intricate iconography, even my skeptical husband bows before the Buddha. Later we sit by the steps of the temple in silence. Experiencing this stillness together is a far cry from the frenetic adventures that once defined our travels.

Back at the lodge we book a private consultation with an 88-year-old astrologer, Ap Dorji. He calculates our fortunes using an abacus and wooden tablets. Later I learn my husband was told all his good fortune came from marrying mea fact I make sure he hears again and again for the remainder of the trip. Dorji tells me I've descended from the realm of gods clutching flowers in my hands and will one day return there. Naturally, this is my favorite part of our trip.

At dawn the next day, we head for Tiger's Nest, Paro's famous cliffside monastery. I manage the hike, navigating the steep, treacherous path 10,240 feet up. Tenzin, our guide, keeps a watchful eye on me. Meanwhile my husband gleefully texts selfies from far above, his proud grin leaping off the screen.

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The ancient monastery clings to the rock face, suspended between earth and sky like a benediction. Outside, prayer flags flutter, their colors sharp against the gray cliff, carrying blessings down to the valley below.

Matt Dutile

After the descent we sink into a hot stone bath infused with artemisia. On our last morning we sit facing the hidden peaks of Jomolhari, which has finally revealed itself. We lapse into a companionable silencea literary cliche I used to doubt was real. Before we leave a monk performs a prayer ritual for our safe journey, invoking deities with a peacock feather, rice, and water. We leave with blessings, and the memory of a stillness we didn't know we needed.

This article appeared in the December 2025 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

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When it comes to cruise lines have the best food, Quark Expeditions may not immediately spring to mind. But for an exclusive, unique, and memorable dining experience, Quark Expeditions delivers a dining experience that stands out. On select cruises in Greenland and Iceland, guests can enjoy the signature Tundra to Table chef's menu, introducing diners aboard the Ultramarine to a food they're most likely unfamiliar with: modern Inuit fusion. The experience is far more meaningful and interesting than your typical, crowded dinner buffet, where you need to follow the unwritten rules of dining on cruise ships, like how to get the freshest food.

Tundra to Table makes use of impeccably fresh, local ingredients: seafood straight from the Arctic waters, and locally-sourced game like musk ox. The four-course dinner is prepared by Inuit chefs who are knowledgeable about their Indigenous culinary heritage. They use the freshest traditional ingredients to create modern Inuit fusion dishes that embrace contemporary flavors while celebrating their culinary cultural heritage.

The experience is an add-on at $125 USD per person at the time of writing. Profits are split between the chefs, the Inuit Igapall project that partnered with Quark on developing Tundra to Table, and the Qajuqturvik Community Food Center, a non-profit organization in Nunavut, the northernmost territory of Canada, that helps address food insecurity in a region with a population that is 85% Inuit.

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Read more: The Best Way To Thank Your Cruise Cabin Steward And Make Their Day

Taste an unforgettable Tundra to Table dining experience

Chef preparing dishes during the Tundra to Table dining experience - Nicolas Singh

Tundra to Table is the only Inuit menu of its kind offered aboard a polar cruise. Led by Greenland chefs Peter Berthelsen and Miki Siegstad, each creation connects and introduces diners to Inuit culture through elemental flavors and storytelling. The chefs met in culinary school in 2011, and together they're developing innovative Inuit fusion dishes. Today, they work alongside other Inuit chefs through Igapall to share meals inspired by their heritage and traditions.

In the evening, about 20 passengers gather at either Balena restaurant or Bistro 487, both intimate settings with views that overlook the Arctic landscapes. Not only do guests indulge in incredible Inuit-Nordic fusion dishes, but they also learn about culture and culinary traditions through conversations with the chefs during the feast. After dessert, the chefs have often joined the diners to continue the lively and educational discussion and speak more about the sustainable methods used to gather the ingredients, and the meaning behind Greenlandic food customs.

In a Quark Expeditions YouTube video, the chefs spoke of the experience: "With the guests sometimes we do a Q and A, and I talk a lot about our culture. I feel so privileged that I can serve all the food to all these guests from all over the world," explained Chef Siegstad. Chef Berthelsen added, "It makes me so proud to do that, the Greenlandic cultural food lives on still, and will live on for our future."

Enjoy modern Inuit fusion cuisine amid Artic views

A chef puts finishing touches to a caribou dish served with Labrador tea - Nicolas Singh

For Tundra to Table, each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to highlight Greenland and Nunavut, with approximately half of the ingredients regionally sourced, with 20% from small community suppliers or even foraged by the chefs themselves. The program also avoids using animal products from species that are endangered or at risk, such as whales and polar bears. They gather the majority of their ingredients through sustainable harvesting practices and traditional hunting methods, as far as possible carried out by local Indigenous peoples.

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During the add-on experience, guests indulge in meat and seafood dishes such as freshly-caught Arctic fish and free-range game like musk ox, reindeer, or caribou. The menu includes four courses, each plate exquisitely presented; some garnished with edible flowers and herbs meticulously arranged using tweezers. Dishes vary by voyage, but examples include beer-braised musk ox, honey-glazed ptarmigan  a type of wild bird, or pickled halibut with lumpfish dip and freshly-baked bread.

Guests have raved about the experience. In the same YouTube video from the Quark Expeditions, one in particular highlighted how meaningful it was: "I was intrigued by the whole concept of learning anything about Inuit cooking. Enjoying the food made by people who've grown up here and were cooking from their own traditions makes it all more real and beautiful and meaningful." With Tundra to Table, not only are you participating in an exceptional dining experience, you're aboard a ship that's cruising under the very skies where the Aurora Borealis shines. If you're lucky, you might catch the dazzling phenomenon, since both Greenland and Iceland are two of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

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Read the original article on Islands.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Kearney originates from the Irish surname O Cearnaigh, meaning 'descendant of Cearnach.' The name Cearnach itself derives from the Irish word 'cearnach,' meaning 'victorious' or 'warlike,' reflecting the martial traditions of ancient Celtic society. This name carries deep roots in Irish clan history, particularly associated with families from County Cork and surrounding regions, where bearers of this name were known for their warrior heritage and leadership roles in their communities.



Throughout Irish history, the Kearney name has been borne by families who maintained strong cultural traditions despite periods of English rule and cultural suppression. The name represents resilience and cultural preservation, with many Kearney families emigrating during the Great Famine and subsequent periods, spreading the name to North America, Australia, and other parts of the world. Today, it stands as a symbol of Irish diaspora and the enduring legacy of Celtic warrior spirit in modern contexts.
It was in a remote quadrant of the Indian Ocean, on the deck of a chartered motor-yacht, hove-to off the shore of Little Andaman Island, that I got a clear picture of how committed photographer John Seaton Callahan was to his singular brand of global surf exploration. Following a protracted voyage from Thailand, during which engine trouble twice forced a return to port, the assembled crew of pro surfers recruited by Callahan to be the first-ever to visit this far-flung, ordinarily off-limits archipelago (to non-Indian nationals) were restive, to say the least. So that when at the very first spot marked on Callahans British Admiralty charts they found a perfect, peeling six-foot left reef break, it seemed that the corrosive mix of hardships and boredom were washed away by the magic of a pristine surf discovery.

Or so it seemed, until after only a few hours of surfing  the first in weeks  Callahan called the surfers back to the boat, commanding the skipper to pull up anchor and continue the search further along the island coast. A veritable mutiny ensued, with one particularly incensed pro threatening bodily harm (no names, at least not here.) Callahan stood his ground, however, insisting that the whole point of this expedition  which he was solely responsible for arranging  was to explore the globes remote coastlines. And with swell in the water, and conditions ideal, who knew what we might find around the next distant point. The crew wasnt buying it, but none were too keen about swimming home, so they sulkily clustered up in the bow, muttering protests. Yes, muttering, until revealed around that distant point was an epic, tropical Jeffreys Bay: long, uniform lines of spinning tubes, never-before seen by another surfer.

That incident at sea was Callahan in a nutshell; no one in the history of the sport has taken the search for surf as seriously, and has chronicled those surfaris so comprehensively. As exhibited in the new book surfEXPLORE  Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide, a massive, full-color volume profiling expeditions to 28 of the countries on whose shores Callahan has focused his lens and fertile imagination. Seemed like a good time, all these years later, to catch up with John for perspective on his endless quest for untracked waves. You could say I owe him  that session in the Andaman point break was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

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After years making a name for yourself shooting surfing in Hawaii, what first triggered your shift from what might be called conventional surf photography, to scouring the planet to document previously unridden waves?

I grew up in Hawaii and when you look at a map, it is very clear  the Hawaiian Islands are but tiny dots in the vast, open expanse of the North Pacific Ocean. I think it is only natural for island people, once they have thoroughly explored their small part of the world, to wonder what else might be out there? and if they have the time and the means, to go out and look around. Thats what Ive been doing.

There has also been a shift from the someone to the something in the surfing photography world. Now that we are past the magazine era, there is less emphasis on personalities in surfing and as surfing has spread around the world, people are more interested in the where than the who.

In magazine days in the 1970s and 80s, when the surfing world was much smaller, personalities sold magazines and made advertisers happy so photographers were encouraged to focus on people. Now, personalities fuel growth on individual Instagram accounts and surfing editorial images are more focused on where  giant waves at Nazare, Mavericks and Teahupoo and of course; the all-time favorite, the mystery lineup with no one surfing that can result in hundreds of comments for a single image in a large Facebook group like Legendary Surfers with 300,000 members.

Theres always plenty to explore in Indonesia. Photo: John Seaton Callahan

Describe an experience on one of your earliest expeditions that really set the hook, inspiring you to become more serious about your surf exploration efforts.

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I think some of those Isla Natividad projects with SURFING magazine were instrumental in stoking my interest in finding new waves in other places in the world. Not only did Natividad have very good waves, but the whole story that Larry Flame Moore told about figuring out the setup with Sean Collins  the normal onshore wind for most of Baja California Sur would actually blow offshore at Natividad, as the island was positioned far enough west so south swell could make it to the east side of the island. It was putting together the different variables of swell, wind, tide and location that was appealing, so I started thinking about how to apply this rational thought process to other locations that might have good waves.

Before sophisticated surf forecasting and Google Earth, what tools did you rely on to remotely search the worlds coastlines and oceans for remote, undiscovered surf spots.

It wasnt easy  paper maps of some type were the only source of information. Most maps published at this time were intended for driving, showing roads and intersections, so not particularly useful for anything to do with the shoreline or the ocean.

As looking for new waves involves ocean bathymetry as much as the land contours, the best source of information was a nautical chart, either the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) or the UK British Admiralty series. When I was at UCLA, there were any number of specialty libraries on campus and one of them was the UCLA Map Library, which was small and rather obscure but was only maps! It was the first place I was exposed to a nautical chart and soon realized many of the DMA and British Admiralty charts were the same information, due to information sharing agreements between the U.S. and the U.K.

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Describe your very organized magazine feature production protocol: which surfers you recruited for your expeditions, and why.

I was always looking for people who could bring more to the table than just their surfing ability. At the sponsored-surfer level, everyone can ride waves, I was always looking for people who had an interest in exploration, new places, new cultures, people who had some travel knowledge and experience so we could avoid the dreaded stereotype of the pro surfer who goes on an international surf trip for two weeks to Indonesia, Angola or Peru and never takes his headphones off except to go in the water and surf!

Certainly you couldnt have always scored. Describe your most memorable dry hole.

Ha, ha, thats true. I like to tell people you can always score waves, it just depends how long you are willing to wait. That is true up to a point, as no matter how much time, money, effort and research you put into a project, no one can control the ocean.

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We have had several projects in The Philippines where we were in the right place at the right time, but there was no typhoon activity in the western Pacific, nothing. It was hot and sunny with 15 knots offshore southwest wind all day, every day but no waves  dead flat, not even a ripple. When you are spending a thousand dollars a day of other peoples money on a chartered live-aboard boat and there is no surf at all, people start getting anxious and soon, very soon, negative opinions regarding your leadership, knowledge and experience at doing this sort of thing are being expressed, to put it mildly.

For contrast, describe your most memorable discovery. Was it because of the waves you found, or some particular experience along the way?

We have had several situations where, looking at perfect, empty waves in a lineup that has never been surfed by anyone I couldnt help thinking This is what its all about  all the time, money, effort and planning, this is it right here.

One of those times was the first day we pulled up at what we later called Kumari Point in the Andaman Islands and saw the long, offshore rights at the point, breaking through several hundred meters of flawless sections all the way to the beach with the Onge aboriginal village at the base of the point. This location had looked good on the charts with a northwest wind and a southwest swell and that turned out to be true, very true, and it is certain we were the first group of people ever to surf at this location. No one has ever come forward to claim otherwise!

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When it comes to more traditionally organized surf travel stories, how would you characterize the difference between the standard look what we found feature, and the approach youve taken throughout the decades?

I would say its all about context. The kind of projects I have tried to do with The surfEXPLORE Group have always been about more than just the waves. We always look into the local culture, customs and particularly the people, how they react to having visitors in the area and if they want visitors or not. In the magazine days, editors like yourself were concerned with keeping editorial features on track and readers entertained and that meant waves and more waves, cutting the National Geographic stuff to a minimum and focusing on what surf magazine readers want, which is more waves.

surfExplore dives into Callahans many adventures, which entailed much more than just surfing.

In the face of years of the surf medias hypocritical exploitation policy of show but not tell, youve always at least identified the countries youve visited. Explain why.

This is actually part of a much bigger question about the validity of secret spots  is concealing locations a valid strategy? Or is it just rich, selfish, white people trying to keep poor brown people poor for decades, so they can continue to return to their cheap paradise surf holiday locations season after season, being waited on by brown people and surfing high-quality, warm-water waves with as few rich, white Western surfers like themselves as possible?

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In contrast, lets look at one of the most famous waves in the world, Lagundri Bay on the south coast of the island of Nias in North Sumatra, a flawless reef break considered by many to be the best right-hand barrel in the world.

I have to think there are more than a few residents of Sorake Village, the village in front of the wave, who must wake up in the morning and think they are the luckiest village in Indonesia if not the world, for the incredible gift in their backyard. The waves were something that they did not grow or make, that had nothing to do with government or religion and that until in 1975 the three orang putih [white men] turned up with surfboards, paddled out and started riding the waves in front of the village. Waves that up to that point had no purpose, but were, in fact, a hazard to the locals in their hand-carved wooden fishing canoes.

Once the word began to circulate, more surfers arrived in the village. Losmen were built to accommodate these visitors and money began to flow into Sorake. Growth was uneven until 2005, when a major earthquake in the region raised the sea floor approximately two meters, turning what had been a good wave into a roaring eight to ten-second barrel, improving wave quality while other famous waves in the area, like Bawa and Asu in the Hinako Islands, were not as good after the earthquake and eventually lost favor and visitors.

In the past 20 years, foreigners provided capital after the earthquake and more guest houses have been built, run by local families on their land in a cooperative arrangement, ensuring everyone in the village who wants a job can have one. These guesthouses provide an endless supply of income to local families for nine months of the year, as thousands of international visitors travel tens of thousands of kilometers to arrive at an obscure village on Nias Island to surf one of the best waves in the world.

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This massive increase in living standards has made Sorake the richest village on Nias and is entirely attributed to international visitors and their money, an increase in wealth which never would have happened at all if Lagundri Bay had been kept as a secret spot for the benefit of a few rich, white Western surfers and their friends.

Im sure you remember that time in the Andamans, when, after everything it took for you to get the Crescent and crew to that remote spot on the map, and happened to find a perfect, six-foot left reef break, you experienced a near-mutiny when you announced we were pulling up anchor and proceeding to explore the rest of the coastline while the conditions were so ideal. Had anything like that happened to you before, or has it since?

Yes, that was a difficult situation, to move the boat from a location with very good waves after all the difficulty and drama just to get there, yet with the incredible waves we found at Kumari Point, it turned out to be the right decision. But weve had similar situations on other projects, when moving was not something other people wanted to do. One of them was on a live-aboard boat off the coast of Morotai in North Maluku province of Pacific Indonesia. After a long transit from Manado in Sulawesi, we were at a good left reef wave, a wave that has since become one of the more popular waves in this area, and there was swell and good conditions. And just like that time in the Andamans, most of the surfers on the boat just wanted to stay there and surf. And again, I said we need to move and look around exactly because we have good swell and conditions. If we wait until it goes flat, we could go right past setups that we cant see because there is no swell. It took an hour or so of spirited discussion to convince everyone to pull the anchor, but we were rewarded with a nice right-hand point later the next day that we probably would have gone right past it if we had been looking when there was no swell.

surfEXPLORE  Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide is available from Schifferbooks.
Welcome to Cayo Chachahuate, Roger Alvarez announced with an easy smile. As I stepped ashore, I couldnt help grinning back: for the first time in three days, it had finally stopped raining. Alvarez, our Honduran guide, was happy to be standing on this speck of an island, which lies nine miles north of the mainland of Honduras. With the sun fully out, tropical colors seemed to reenergize the landscape. Turquoise water ran out to the horizon; coconut palms towered over the latte-colored sand.



Ponant A male frigate bird. A male frigate bird.

Alvarez took us through the small settlement on crescent-shaped Chachahuate. The island is one of the Cayos Cochinos, photogenic coral islets that form part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. But our small band wasnt there to snorkel or swimwe wanted to learn more about the Garifuna. This community of people has mixed Indigenous Caribbean and Black African heritage and was collectively exiled by the British from their home island of St. Vincent in 1797. Many settled on the coast and islands of Belize and Honduras, where Garifuna continue to live today.

Ponant A Zodiac excursion near La Ensenada, Honduras. A Zodiac excursion near La Ensenada, Honduras.

"This island is an extension of a bigger village on the mainland, Alvarez explained. Many of the 100 or so full-time residents of Chachahuate are fishermen, and living conditions are primitive: theres no running water, and everyone has to evacuate whenever a bad storm comes around. But the Garifuna have built a community there: a nursery for children, several convenience stores, rustic bars, and even a basic bed-and-breakfast for the small number of backpackers who come over to the island on rudimentary speedboats.

Ponant A stateroom on Le Bellot. A stateroom on Le Bellot.

I, on the other hand, had arrived on Le Bellot, a 92-suite Ponant expedition ship. With its chic pool deck, stylish lounges, multiple bars, and high-end restaurants, Le Bellot was the antithesis of the pangas bobbing in the harbor. Designed for small ports, the ship was also the perfect platform from which to explore a part of the Caribbean Sea that few cruise passengers visit. Whats more, Ponant was the first cruise line to visit many of the ports we saw during our 10-day tour.

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The trip was full of fascinating excursions, including one to Guanaja, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, and its satellite islet Bonacca. Guanaja is densely covered in fir trees, fringed by mature mangroves, and sparsely populated. By contrast, Bonacca is packed with homes, many of which are built on stilts over the water, which is filled with tropical fish.

At times, the weather played havoc with our plans, like a scheduled visit to Cuero y Salado National Park, a wildlife refuge along the Honduran coast. The idea was to spend the day looking for caimans, white-faced capuchins, and the many species of birds that live in the area, but high winds created waves that proved insurmountable, even for Le Bellots fleet of Zodiacs.

Fortunately, there was plenty to do on the ship: talks by our team of expedition leaders, including Alvarez, and dance lessons from the performers who would entertain us with live music in the evenings. I also joined trivia sessions to meet my fellow cruisers, most of whom were French-speaking. (Though Ponant is headquartered in Marseille, the onboard staff were bilingual and the cruise was conducted in both French and English.)

After several days on the coast of Honduras, we sailed back toward Belize City. En route we anchored off Placencia, a resort town set on a skinny peninsula, where I spotted manatees and iguanas hiding in the mangroves and bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the harbor. We also paid a visit to Half Moon Caye, an island 50 miles east of mainland Belize thats part of the Lighthouse Reef. There I lost track of time while snorkeling in impossibly clear water. Eventually I made my way back to shore, only to find magnificent frigate birds playing out their mating ritual: the vibrant red throat pouches of the males were, like so much else Id seen, dazzling to behold.

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A version of this story first appeared in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "The Secret Side of the Caribbean."

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Few foods embody the idea of a fancy meal quite like lobster. They've come a long way from the food that was once considered so low-class that it was fed to prisoners and used as fertilizer. These days, if you want lobster, you pay a premium price for it. Even at a chain like Red Lobster, a Maine lobster tail and a rock lobster tail can cost around $45. At other restaurants, a single rock lobster tail may set you back almost $50. Considering the cost involved, you want to make sure you're getting what you pay for. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous restaurants might be trying to pull a fast one on you by offering fake lobster in place of the real deal. So how can you tell the difference?

Tasting Table spoke to Franklin Becker, chef and owner of Point Seven restaurant in Manhattan. We asked how a diner might be able to spot fake lobster, and his advice came down to taste and texture. "Fake lobster has a milder, more uniform flavor and has a slightly rubbery texture," Becker says. "It is definitely different from the real thing."

If you're ordering a dish that's made with lobster, look for confirmation that it's real lobster. The menu should specify if it's rock lobster or Maine lobster, for instance. If it doesn't, ask if the server can confirm the type of lobster. Is your ravioli made with claw meat or tail meat? The chef should be able to answer those questions easily.

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Read more: 15 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Eating At A Steakhouse

The prevalence of fake lobster

lobster on mac and cheese - Lauripatterson/Getty Images

A restaurant can't fake lobster if you order a whole lobster dinner or a lobster tail. However, there are plenty of dishes that only use lobster meat. Dishes like lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque. A 2016 investigation by Inside Edition showed that as much as 35% of what is listed as lobster is actually something else altogether, often white fish like whiting or pollock, or langostino.

"Langostinos are more crablike in texture and have a milder flavor than lobster," Becker told us. "They are also much smaller." They look like large shrimp and are similar to lobster, but you're not paying for similar when you go out to a restaurant. Even if they are tasty, they should be listed as langostino on a menu, not lobster.

When the story broke and it was found that Red Lobster was also using langostino in dishes like bisque, the company released a statement acknowledging it. The statement referred to it as langostino lobster and said the restaurants use several kinds of lobster, and that's one of them. In 2005, the FDA allowed langostino, previously called squat lobster or Colorado langostino, to be sold as langostino lobster. The Government Accountability Office noted that, at the time, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council took umbrage with this because they felt it devalued real lobster by letting an inferior product use the name.

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The price is another indicator. A lobster dish at an unbelievably low price is cause for concern. Real lobster isn't cheap. If you can't see lobster in the dish, or the price seems very low, or the menu calls it langostino lobster, you're probably not getting what you want.

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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
There is a story about how Costco's low food court prices fully demonstrates the brand's appeal. The big-box warehouse famously charges only $1.50 for a hot dog and soda combo, which hasn't increased since 1985. When former CEO W. Craig Jelinek joined the company, he was shocked it was still that cheap and he told Costco founder Jim Sinegal the store needed to raise the price. Sinegal told him, "If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you. Figure it out." That playful (hopefully) threat has gone done in Costco lore as a perfect example of its commitment to low prices. But why are cheap food court prices so important to the company?

There are two big reasons; one practical, one philosophical. The first is that Costco's food court items are a classic example of "loss leaders." This is the practice of deliberately charging below cost on certain items to draw customers into the store and retain their loyalty. Keeping food court prices low sends a message to Costco shoppers that the store is putting their experience first. The company makes up for what it loses on food court items by charging a little more for other items in the store. Costco also likes to encourage customers to spend time exploring the huge store and finding new deals and having a cheap food court entices people to stay longer.

Read more: 12 Best Costco Prepared Foods To Buy And 11 To Avoid

Costco's low food court prices act as loss leaders and builds trust in the brand

Costco food court - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock

The other big reason behind Costco's affordable food court is part of founder Sinegal's philosophy  you build trust with customers by doing the right thing. Short term cash outs and cost cutting measures may be tempting, but people value a company that treats them right, even when it's difficult. This has extended to how Costco treats its employees, and the company is consistently rated as one of the best large employers to work for. The food court feeds into the narrative of respect towards customers; if they know they are getting an amazing deal on food, they are more confident Costco is charging them fairly on other items.

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While the hot dog combo is the most famous example of Costco's food court bargains  it reportedly sells around 200 million a year  it's hardly the only one. There are Costco's outrageously affordable rotisserie chickens that are still priced at only $4.99. People love Costco's extra-cheesy pizza and the huge slices are only $1.99, while an entire pizza is $9.99. And then you have the beloved cheese and bacon stuffed chicken bake at just $3.99. Considering the quality of the food is also quite high, the warehouse store offers some of the best bargain meals in the country. And that's just how Costco likes it.

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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
North Dakota calls your name when you wish to explore the rural charms amid the unhurried expanse of America's heartland, where prairies stretch endlessly in every direction and two-lane highways ribbon through lush green farmlands. To appreciate the true beauty of North Dakota, you might want to skip the state's largest town, Fargo, known for its intriguing attractions, and arrive at a small city like Rugby in Pierce County, where historic landmarks, roadside diners, and small boutiques take you back on a trip down your memory lane.

Located almost in the center of North America, the city's quaint appeal lies in the genuine warmth of its residents and the sense of community spirit, which will make you feel welcome no matter if you are visiting for a day or a week. Above all, even as a small town, Rugby has quite a few attractions, including but not limited to the Prairie Village Museum, the monument of the Geographical Center of North America, and more.

If you are planning a trip to Rugby, take a flight to Minot International Airport, about 65 miles west of the city, and rent a car from the airport to take a countryside drive along U.S. Highway 2. You can also arrive at Grand Forks International Airport and visit Devil's Lake, the city that is known as fisher's paradise and also called the "Perch Capital of the World" before reaching Rugby. If you want to avail public transportation, hop on Amtrak's Empire Builder train, which connects Rugby with nearby cities including Fargo, Minot, and Grand Forks.

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Read more: The Best Vacation Destinations Where The US Dollar Goes Furthest

Landmarks and the art scene that define Rugby

Historic post office in downtown Rugby North Dakota - Dirk Wierenga/Shutterstock

Rugby has long been known for its historical landmark, the geographical center of North America, which is marked by a 21-foot-high stone monument and surrounded by flags representing each U.S. state, Canadian province, and Mexican state. Though the claim that Rugby stands at the center of North America has been recently contested, the monument still adds to the charm of the town and the pride of residents.

After visiting the monument, head to Prairie Village Museum to step back into an earlier era of North Dakota history. The museum sprawls across several acres and features 20 historic buildings that tell the stories of ordinary people who settled in the region. Among the structures, you'll find a Penn train depot, a vintage church, a gallery showcasing antique cars, a general store, a saloon, York (ND) Jail, and an 1887 log cabin. The museum has an admission fee of $8 for adults. As per its official website, Prairie Village & Museum is closed for maintenance during the winter months and opens to the general public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

While touring the small town, you can also swing by the Victorian Dress Museum, which houses a collection of Victorian-style clothing, lending you a glimpse into 19th-century fashion in a building that was previously known as Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. (To arrange a visit, contact the number on the North Dakota tourism website.) Additionally, Rugby's Post Office displays the famous oil-on-canvas painting, "Rugby, the Geographical Center of North America." Commissioned by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts in 1943, this work by Kenneth Callahan  one of the pioneering artists of the Pacific Northwest  captures the town's unique geographical significance through the lens of mid-century American art.

Eclectic shops and where to rest

Main Street Boutique at Rugby, North Dakota - @mrsashleyberg Instagram

After visiting the must-see landmarks, the quaint shops of Rugby might tempt you to spend an afternoon browsing their offerings. The Main Street Boutique at South Main Avenue is one of Rugby's cherished gems. The boutique not only features trendy clothes and accessories but also holds cooking classes for a nominal fee quite frequently and arranges other fun events for the community. For unique gift shopping, including quirky prints, wall decor, antique gems, and more, you can also visit This 'N' That, only steps away from Main Street Boutique.

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After a day of strolling around the city, when hunger strikes, Rugby's humble eateries will not disappoint your taste buds. According to TripAdvisor, the top-rated restaurant of the city is Rancho Grande, loved by many for its friendly staff and delicious menu of Mexican food. If you'd like to explore a retro eatery instead, head to Rockin Relics, where you can get sumptuous soups, sandwiches, and homemade desserts.

For accommodations, consider a cozy yet upscale hotel like Cobblestone Inn & Suites, where you get all modern amenities, complimentary breakfasts, and a lounge to unwind. To explore more of North Dakota's scenic treasures, drive to Bottineau, a highly underrated city full of unique attractions.

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Norway's fjords are one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders. Carved over millions of years by vast walls of ice moving towards the sea, they form a gorgeous, unmissable landscape sure to impress any adventurous traveler. With their deep, sinuous valleys and icy water winding its way between perilous, snow-covered crags, it is easy to understand why a getaway to the picture-perfect getaway to Norway's fjords is on so many people's bucket lists.

There are fjords in other parts of the world, like Porteau Cove Provincial Park or Gros Morne Park National Park in Canada, but nothing compares to the sheer scale and magnificence of Norway's offerings. And while there are plenty of amazing spots around the country to find these fascinating and fantastic natural phenomena, it is hard to look past Geiragnerfjord, described by many as the "jewel in the crown" of the Norwegian fjords, and one of only two to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. The eye-catching scenery of the fjord, and its charming village of Geiranger, (named the best place to visit in Scandinavia in 2022), make it a wonderful destination for anyone looking for outdoor adventure and spectacular natural beauty.

The village of Geiranger lies at the eastern end of Geirangerfjord, near the west coast of Norway, the region that boasts the best of Norway's natural beauty. It is a remote, hard-to-reach area, with the nearest international airport of Alesund being around three hours drive away. Many visitors arrive in Geiranger on a fjord cruise from Alesund, and there are daily train and bus departures from Oslo and Trondheim, if you are comfortable with a slower pace of travel.

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Read more: Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Europe

Dramatic scenery and stunning waterfalls

Aerial view of the Seven Sisters waterfall and Geirangerfjord - biletskiyevgeniy.com/Shutterstock

While Geiranger is a tiny, secluded village, with a population of fewer than 300 people, it is also Norway's third-biggest cruise port and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. During the summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors stay in the village to explore the glorious countryside and stunning fjords that surround it. The landscape of the region is exceptional, with towering cliffs, deep pine forests, and dramatic waterfalls cascading into the sea. The scenery was supposedly the inspiration for the Disney film "Frozen," and it feels wild and otherworldly all at once.

The best way to experience the majesty of Geirangerfjord is from the water on a boat trip. For many, this means a fjord cruise, staying on board a ship as it makes its way up from Alesund, eventually arriving at Geiranger. But if you are based in Geiranger there are an array of shorter boat trips which are just as impressive. You can even hire a kayak and paddle under your own steam for a wonderfully serene experience.

Geirangerfjord is home to some of the most famous waterfalls in Norway, and they are the highlight of a trip for many visitors. The most impressive and most-visited set of falls is the Seven Sisters, seven individual cascades that tumble 1,345 feet down a steep cliff into the fjord below, and are best seen by boat. Across the fjord from the sisters is Friaren, the suitor, who is supposed to be attempting to woo one of the sisters, according to local legend. Another impressive waterfall near the town is the Storseterfossen, an immensely powerful cascade that can be reached on a hike, and which you can walk underneath.

Adventurous hiking routes and canyon adventures around Geirangerfjord

Woman hiking on a cliff with fjord landscape - Oleh_slobodeniuk/Getty Images

While much of the focus on Geirangerfjord is on the water, the area boasts some of the best hiking in Norway and is a paradise for tourists who want to get out into the backcountry and explore. The hike to (and behind) the Storseterfossen waterfall is one of the most popular, but there are plenty of other great routes to discover. The Mail Route at Ljbrekka, located at the opposite end of the fjord from Geiranger, is amazing. It's a steep trek that twists and turns its way up and over the steep summit of Ljfjellet, following the historic route once taken by postmen in the 1700s. Another brilliant option is the hike from Skagehola to Homlong, which offers incredible views of the Seven Sisters waterfall.

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For travelers who need even more adrenaline-pumping excitement in their itineraries, a canyoning adventure might be just the ticket. A guided tour through Gudbrandsjuvet canyon involves climbing, swimming, rappelling, ziplining, rope bridges, and a via ferrata balance bridge, as well as thrilling cliff jumps into the icy waters of the fjord!

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Documenting tribal life around the world, Terrence Mendoza brings remote cultures to light through photography. | Credit: Terrence Mendoza

Terrence Mendoza is a travel and portrait photographer on a mission to document remote tribal traditions before they disappear under the pressure of globalization.

Travelling to small villages in Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, South Sudan and India, he captures intimate portraits and environmental scenes  often venturing along barely used tracks or dry riverbeds to reach communities rarely seen by the outside world.

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Armed with his Nikon Z6 and Z7 II, Mendoza uses wide-angle lenses for ceremonial and tribal scenes, and his 70-200mm lens for fine-art portraits. Take a look at his photography, in which he aims to raise awareness and protect these cultures by showcasing their beauty, diversity and resilience.

Discover more of Terrence Mendoza's work here | Credit: Terrence Mendoza

"Modernization, such as the building of roads to formerly inaccessible areas, is influencing tribal dress and customs  and not in a good way. I set out to highlight the diversity of these tribes, in the hope that raising awareness of this often-overlooked issue may help to protect their cultures.

"My trips took me off the beaten track to small villages in Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, South Sudan and India, camping in remote regions and traveling along barely used tracks or dry river beds to visit the tribes.

"I initiated each visit without my camera, so I could get to know my subjects first and once the connection was made, it was easier to introduce the camera. I traveled with an interpreter, although for portrait work, it was easier to make a personal connection without this added distraction.

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"Without a common language, portraiture was often challenging. However, I found such interactions to be rewarding, often emotionally moving. Showing the subjects their image on the back of the camera invariably created a positive reaction."

With a 45.7MP full-frame sensor at its heart, the Z7 II is a powerhouse camera intended to take on the likes of Canons R5 and Sony's A7R IV , while also tempting existing DSLR owners to make the switch | Credit: Phil Hall

"I love using my Nikon mirrorless kit. With tribal dancing or ceremonies, I use 24mm or wider, which allows me to keep the horizon low, get close to the action and let the subject dominate the frame. Environmental portraits also benefit from getting close and keeping the horizon low.

"However, for fine-art portraits, I use my go-to 70-200mm lens at the long end, stopped down to f/4.0, shooting early morning or late in the day, with low sun. I position my subject with the background far enough away to create pleasing bokeh. If I'm shooting with the harsh overhead sun, I look for a shaded area.

"With my images, I want to share the emotional connection I had with these people, their beauty and dignity, their hospitality and friendliness. I feel privileged to have spent time getting to know them all, and my enduring impression is how cheerful and welcoming they are."

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A trip to Italy is on many travelers' wishlists of destinations to see. The grand Roman Colosseum in Rome, the picturesque canals in Venice, the towering Duomo in Florence, and not to mention the mouthwatering food scene in Naples. Although popular, and for good reason, why not get off the tourist trail this summer and set foot in the city of Turin, or Turino as it's known to Italian locals? This underrated tourist destination in Italy is home to incredible food, and is the perfect romantic escape boasting stunning views.

Visit Italy just launched their brand new "99% of Italy" travel campaign, urging tourists to see the other areas of Italy and not only visit the 1% of the country, which is Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples and Cinque Terre. While all of these places are stunning and hold historical significance for Italy, Visit Italy is hoping the campaign will shed light on lesser known areas in Italy, and spotlight some hidden gems that could benefit from extra tourism.

Turin offers visitors everything you'd expect from Italy, fantastic restaurants, delicious food, rich history, and charming, cozy side streets. But unlike the more famous cities and towns, it remains off the beaten path, so you can enjoy all these treasures without the crowds, making it one of the best Italian destinations to add to your bucket list.

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Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth

A city steeped with timeless elegance and sweet history

An aerial view of the city of Turin, Italy's rooftops and scenery - saiko3p/Shutterstock

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of northwest Italy, Turin lies in the Piedmont region, where the Po River has its origins. Turin is easily accessible by rail from the Italian fashion capital of glitzy Milan, and can be reached in about an hour. Turin also boasts its own international airport, Turin Airport (TRN), making it easy to fly into the city as well.

What was once Italy's first capital city and home to the famous Fiat, this quaint Italian town is also known for elegant Baroque architecture that's sure to stop you in your tracks as you walk around its charming streets. Steeped in culture, history, and charm, Turin is a hidden gem with stunning news of the Italian Alps. Filled with museums, restaurants, and vibrant local culture, Turin offers a unique, more intimate Italian experience that's often overlooked by tourists, and deserves to be at the top of any Italian travel itinerary.

Turin boasts a rich, sweet history that dates back to 1560, and is renowned as the birthplace of the globally beloved Ferrero and Nutella brands. The city's talented chocolatiers were confectionery pioneers that experimented with ingredients to transform liquid chocolate into a more solid form. This innovation paved the way for iconic treats like pralines, truffles, and countless other chocolate delicacies that have since captured the hearts, and taste buds, of chocolate lovers worldwide. For those looking for a sweetly authentic time, book the Turin Chocolate Tasting Experience for about $51 per person, where you'll indulge in tasting some of Turin's famous chocolate and try a Bicerin, a historic drink from the 1800s.

Turin for two. Enjoy world class cuisine, museums and romantic streets

View of Turin Italy's main square with pink sky at sunset - Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Turn up the romance for an unforgettable date night, with a visit to some of Turin's highly-rated restaurants, museums, and scenic walking paths along Po River. For an unforgettable restaurant experience, head to Tre Galline, or Three Hens for a meal that's loved by locals and tourists alike, and renowned for its authentic local cuisine. Also known for being the birthplace of the aperitif, it's no surprise that Turin epitomizes "la dolce vita," offering the perfect setting for a night to remember.

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Turin offers something exciting to experience year-round for visitors. During summer, you'll be able to enjoy many outdoor music festivals and cultural events, whereas in winter, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped Alps peaking over Turin, or spend quiet time enjoying one of the many museums in Turin, like the 16th-century Palazzo Reale, which was once home to Italy's former ruling family. A trip to Turin is not complete without visiting the Egyptian Museum, which is spread out over four floors filled with artifacts and mummies. Tickets must be booked in advance, and can be found directly on their site.

Turin is an ideal city to enjoy picturesque streets while walking hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. Stop to admire the Piazza Castello, which is one of Turin's most beautiful squares and from there, you'll be able to see the Duomo di Torino. Make sure to climb the 210-step bell tower of the Duomo for stunning views of the Alps in the distance and terracotta rooftops of Turin below. After a stroll along Po River, make sure to end your day in Turin by visiting the grandiose Piazza San Carlo and basking in the beauty of the Baroque architecture, while indulging with aperitivos and people-watching at the historic Caffe San Carlo and Caffe Torino.

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From Woodys column archives, June of 2017

Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with seams of gold and, in the process, making the object even more beautiful for having been broken.

There is, however, one more ingredient necessary to make this magical transformation a reality: a new perspective. One must embrace the gilded flaws.

Kintsugi, it seems to me, need not be limited to pottery. Looking at pieces of our everyday lives with a new perspective can bring previously unseen beauty into focus.

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For example, consider a parable of a farmer who had lived on the same land his entire life. It was a good homestead, yet as the years passed the farmer began to wonder, Is there something better for me?

Like his crops, the farmers discontentment grew and grew until he eventually decided to find a better farm. He listed his property with a realtor who prepared a truthful ad putting emphasis on the positive features: Ideal location, modern equipment, healthy livestock, acres of fertile ground with dependable irrigation and high yield on harvests, sizeable well-kept barn, charming two-story house on a hill overlooking the flat pasture.

When the realtor read the ad to the farmer for approval the new client replied: Hold everything! Ive changed my mind. I dont want to sell after all. Ive been looking for a place just like that my whole life!

I thought of this fable when my daughter came home to celebrate her 13th birthday. In addition to a big party that provided a reunion with dear friends and family, Dallas enjoyed something very small and routine: taking our 10-year-old boxer, Murray, for his morning and evening walks around the neighborhood.

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Every day we would walk the same one-mile loop, Dallas noted afterward, yet every day I would notice new, startling details: a small bird strutting jauntily across the street, like a band leader in a parade; sprinklers watering a front yard of brown grass; a toddler shrieking with glee, running in circles in a driveway as her mother watched with a tired smile and raised a hand to us in greeting as we walked by; bushes laden with bright red berries; a father and son playing catch.

After a pause, she added a golden observation: So many rich and beautiful details that would be so easy to miss if you were not paying attention and looking for them.

Murray, all the while, exuberantly sniffed plants and lampposts and studied the sidewalk as if it were brand-new territory to explore  even though he had traveled the route thousands of times before. Perhaps just as a man can never dip his hand into the same river twice, a dog never walks the exact same path.

My walks with Murray, Dallas further shared, were a reminder to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and see the beauty in each day because, as my brother likes to say, Each day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

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Speaking of Greg, he phoned me shortly thereafter after finishing an evening run in New York City. The run itself was nothing special, a short four-miler after a long workday at a relaxed pace on a paved path along the East River.

Indeed, it was fairly indistinguishable from hundreds of runs he had done since moving to Manhattan a couple years earlier except for this, which he shared on the phone: Pops, you should have seen the sky and clouds changing colors over the Brooklyn Bridge  

His voice overflowed with kintsugi.

  it was so beautiful I paused mid-run to just look up and take it all in.

Woody Woodburn

Woodys Holiday Ball Drive is underway! New sports balls can be dropped off through Dec. 8, or online orders delivered to, Sanbell at 1672 Donlon St. in Ventura, 93003. Please email me about your gifts at woodywriter@gmail.com so I can add your generosity to this years tally and acknowledge you in a future column.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Woodburn | Finding golden beauty in daily life
Kentucky's very own Texas Roadhouse started in Indiana in 1993 but has since expanded across the globe. The corporation's take on Texan food and hospitality has now been exported to 10 countries outside of the US. It started in 2011 when the casual dining chain took its line-dancing servers to Dubai, a part of the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the Kuwait-based franchising company the Alshaya Group. Together Texas Roadhouse and Alshaya expanded throughout the Middle East to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Just like the honey cinnamon butter glazed rolls as they bake, Texas Roadhouse expanded even more. Not just in Western Asia, the chain is in East Asia, as well. There are operations in South Korea, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Plus, the country that Texas was originally a part of, Mexico, also hosts a few of the chain's locations. Add those all up with the restaurants in 49 US states (no venues in Hawaii), plus the US territory of Puerto Rico, and that's a lot of the world getting their cowboy on.

Read more: Texas Roadhouse Vs LongHorn Steakhouse: Which Chain Restaurant Should Steak Lovers Choose?

What people who have visited are saying about the international locations

Texas Roadhouse menu in Shanghai - shanghaidispatch / Instagram

International Texas Roadhouse locations tend to make Americans feel right at home. Unlike chains like McDonald's that have menus with large changes from country to country, Texas Roadhouse largely keeps the same steaks (which we have ranked), burgers, chicken, and rolls. They remove pork from menus in Muslim-majority countries. In Taiwan you can still find pasta on the menu, including penne with buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and fried chicken strips on top.

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One Floridian on TripAdvisor calls the Dubai location their favorite Texas Roadhouse. "I happen to like my burgers flame grilled. This Texas Roadhouse will grill them on the "steak" grill and I get a great burger," they explain. Another customer on TripAdvisor, this time traveling to Shanghai, loved their stop at the local Kentucky-based, Texas-themed chain. "A wonderful place! I Felt like I was at home," they exclaimed.

If you're traveling abroad and feeling homesick, it sounds like you can always find a piece of Americana here. There's nothing wrong with stopping in and breathing in a bit of air full of the scents of steak on the grill and hot rolls in the oven to recenter yourself before you do more exploring.

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People named Khloe are typically associated with a dynamic and engaging personality characterized by strong social intelligence and natural warmth. They often possess an infectious energy that makes them popular in social circles and effective in communication-oriented roles. The name suggests someone who is adaptable and resilient, able to navigate various situations with grace and confidence. Many Khloes demonstrate a blend of traditional nurturing qualities with modern independence, creating a personality that is both caring and self-sufficient. They tend to be perceived as approachable and genuine, with an ability to make others feel comfortable and valued. This combination of traits often leads Khloes to excel in fields requiring interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to connect with diverse groups of people while maintaining their authentic self-expression.
It's easy to look at a housecat napping in a sunbeam and forget its wild origins. Domestic cats are just one tiny, cuddly branch of a vast and ancient feline family tree. Many branches of that tree have unfortunately withered away, leaving behind fossils, old photographs, and cautionary tales.

There are tens of remarkable feline breeds that no longer roam the Earth. Some were colossal predators of the Ice Age, others are domestic breeds that have since vanished. Unfortunately, some cats that we know today are dangerously close to joining them. Here is a list of 12 extinct cats that remind us of the delicate balance of nature.

1. Saber-Tooth Cats

Image Credit: AKKHARAT JARUSILAWONG / Shutterstock.

Often pictured battling woolly mammoths, the Saber-Tooth Cat is one of the most famous prehistoric predators. This feline, known scientifically as Smilodon, was not a single species but a genus of cats that lived from the Eocene to the Pleistocene Epoch. The extinction of the Saber-Tooth Cat is tied to the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago.

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Their most prominent feature was a pair of enormous, curved canine teeth that could reach up to 11 inches long. These teeth were surprisingly fragile and likely used for precision stabbing attacks on the soft throats of large prey like bison and camels, rather than for crushing bone. Their bodies were powerfully built, with a robust, bear-like physique and shorter tails, suggesting they were ambush predators, not long-distance runners.

2. Bali Tiger

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Bali Tiger was the smallest of all tiger subspecies, a distinction that made it unique to its island home. Native exclusively to the Indonesian island of Bali, this tiger was roughly the size of a leopard or mountain lion. It possessed a short, deep orange coat with fewer, darker stripes compared to other tigers.

For centuries, the Bali Tiger was an integral part of the local ecosystem and held a place in the island's folklore and traditions. The arrival of Europeans on Bali marked the beginning of the end for this tiger. Viewed as a dangerous threat and a prized trophy, the Bali Tiger was hunted relentlessly. The last confirmed sighting of a Bali Tiger was in the late 1930s, and it was officially declared extinct in 2008. Its story is a stark example of how human activity can eradicate a species in a very short time.

3. American Lion

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Imagine an African lion, but about 25 percent larger. That gives you an idea of the American Lion, one of the most formidable predators of Pleistocene North America. Roaming from Alaska to Peru, this colossal cat was a dominant force, likely preying on horses, camels, bison, and even young mammoths.

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Unlike the stocky Saber-Tooth Cat, the American Lion had long, slender legs, suggesting it was a capable runner that could pursue its prey over open grasslands. Its powerful jaws were built for delivering a crushing bite. Like many other large mammals of the era, the American Lion could not survive the dramatic environmental shifts at the end of the last Ice Age. As its food sources vanished, the American Lion's reign came to a close.

4. Dinofelis

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Dinofelis was a genus of large predatory cats that ranged across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America between around 5 and 1.2 million years ago. These cats featured prominent saber-like canines (though less extreme than some true saber-teeth) and powerful limbs, suggesting they hunted sizeable prey and even hominids in some cases. Their distribution and adaptations made them notable apex predators in mixed habitats of the Pliocene to early Pleistocene.

As environments shifted toward colder climates and open grasslands, Dinofelis faced the twin pressures of habitat change and prey transformation. Its forest-edge and mosaic-habitat specialization left it exposed when those systems receded. Ultimately, Dinofelis succumbed to the changing world, leaving only fossil traces of its hunting prowess.

5. South China Tiger

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The South China Tiger is a tragic case of a species pushed to the brink by human action. Considered the "stem" tiger from which all other subspecies evolved, it is a critically endangered feline that is functionally extinct in the wild. This means that while some individuals exist in captivity, no wild populations have been confirmed for decades. This tiger is smaller and more ancient in its lineage than other mainland tigers, with a tawny coat and narrower, more widely spaced stripes. It once roamed the forests of southern China.

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The decline of the South China Tiger began in the mid-20th century. During this period, it was targeted in large-scale "pest control" campaigns, and thousands were hunted. This was followed by rapid industrialization and agricultural expansion, which fragmented and destroyed its habitat. By the time conservation efforts began, it was too late to save the wild population. Today, a small number of South China Tigers survive in zoos and breeding centers, but their genetic diversity is extremely low, making any potential reintroduction to the wild a monumental challenge.

6. American Cheetah

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

North America once had its own version of a cheetah, a sleek and speedy cat known as Miracinonyx trumani. Though not a direct ancestor of the modern African cheetah, it was a remarkable example of convergent evolution, developing a similar lightweight body, long legs, and flexible spine for high-speed pursuits.

Fossil evidence suggests the American Cheetah was a cross between a cheetah and a puma, adapted for running down prey like the pronghorn antelope across the plains of North America during the Pleistocene. It was unable to adapt to the new environment and changing prey availability; this swift hunter vanished along with many of its contemporaries.

7. Barbary Lion

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Barbary Lion, also known as the Atlas Lion, was a magnificent subspecies from North Africa, with a range that stretched from Morocco to Egypt. It was famous for its immense size and the males' extensive dark manes that often extended down their chest and belly. These lions were a symbol of power and were used by the Roman Empire in gladiatorial contests.

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Unlike their sub-Saharan relatives, who live in prides on the savanna, Barbary Lions were believed to be solitary or live in small family groups in their forested mountain habitat. Centuries of human persecution spelled doom for the Barbary Lion. They were hunted extensively for sport and captured for zoos and menageries. The last confirmed wild Barbary Lion was shot in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in the mid-20th century.

8. Eastern Cougar

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Eastern Cougar was a subspecies of cougar that once inhabited the eastern regions of North America, from southeastern Canada down to South Carolina. These large, adaptable predators were at the top of the food chain in the eastern forests. As European settlers expanded across the continent, they brought with them livestock and a deep-seated fear of large predators.

The Eastern Cougar was systematically hunted, trapped, and poisoned through bounty programs that lasted for centuries. This relentless persecution, combined with the widespread deforestation that destroyed their habitat and wiped out their primary prey, the white-tailed deer, caused their numbers to plummet. By the early 1900s, they had vanished from almost their entire range. Despite occasional unconfirmed sightings, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted an extensive review and found no evidence of a surviving population. In 2011, the Eastern Cougar was officially declared extinct.

9. Homotherium

Image Credit: Whitesachem - Own work - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Homotherium, often called a scimitar-toothed cat, had long limbs, somewhat shorter saber-teeth, and adaptations for faster movement than many of its contemporaries. Its morphology suggests it may have hunted in open environments, chasing down large prey rather than ambushing it in dense cover. Fossil evidence from across Europe, Asia, and North America shows its broad range and flexibility as a predator.

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Despite its broader adaptations, Homotherium did not survive the shifts of the late Pleistocene. Altered prey communities, shrinking habitats, and human pressures combined to destabilise its world. The disappearance of Homotherium marks the end of one of the most successful saber-toothed lineages on Earth.

10. Metailurus

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Metailurus was a medium-sized, extinct false saber-tooth cat that lived in Africa, Asia, and Europe between about 10 and 2 million years ago. Unlike Smilodon, it was more lightly built, with long legs suited for ambush hunting of medium-sized prey. Fossil evidence shows it had shortened, blade-like canines and a muscular body, making it a predator capable of taking down fast and agile animals. Its adaptations highlight a different hunting strategy than large saber-tooth cats, relying more on speed and precision than sheer strength.

Metailurus eventually went extinct due to environmental changes that altered prey availability and habitats. As forests and grasslands shifted and competitors evolved, its ecological niche disappeared. Its extinction reflects the broader pattern of specialized predators vanishing when ecosystems no longer support their hunting strategies, leaving only fossilized remains to tell the story of its prowess.

11. Panthera youngi

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Panthera youngi is a lesser-known but still formidable extinct big cat, discovered in fossil form in China and considered part of the early tiger lineage. With a large body and powerful build, it would have dominated substantial prey and occupied apex-predator status in its region. Its existence underscores the diversity of big cats in prehistoric Asia before modern species emerged.

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As Asias ecosystems shifted through the Pleistocene, the niche that Panthera youngi occupied became unstable: forest contractions, prey changes, and arriving competitors gradually undermined its survival. Ultimately, this once-powerful predator vanished, known only through scattered fossil remains, making way for modern tiger species to evolve.

12. Snow Leopard

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The elusive Snow Leopard, known as the "ghost of the mountains," is an iconic cat that made the list because, while it's not extinct, it faces a precarious future. Its extinction would be disastrous for the ecosystem, as they are keystone predators. Their extinction would lead to an explosion of their prey, such as blue sheep, which would lead to overgrazing and general habitat degradation.

These beautiful felines inhabit the high, rugged mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. Their thick, smoky-gray coat patterned with dark rosettes provides perfect camouflage against the rocky terrain. They have large paws that act like snowshoes and a long, thick tail used for balance and warmth. Snow Leopards are shy and solitary, making them incredibly difficult to study. Conservation programs are working to mitigate these threats, but the future of this magnificent mountain cat is far from secure.

Loss of Beauty

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The stories of these felines are more than just interesting facts. They are chronicles of adaptation, survival, and sometimes, failure to overcome overwhelming odds. The wild cats that vanished during the Ice Age were victims of natural climate shifts, but the more recent extinctions and near-extinctions are almost entirely our responsibility.

The tales of the Bali Tiger, Eastern Cougar, and, currently, the snow leopard serve as powerful warnings. Understanding the past gives us the tools to protect the magnificent cats that still grace our planet, ensuring they do not become just another chapter in a history of loss.
The Brief

A shooting was reported at Westfield Valley Fair mall about 5:40 p.m.

Three victims  including a 16-year-old girl  were found injured at the scene.

Police are investigating, but said the shooting "appears to be an isolated incident" and connected to a gang-related altercation.

A suspect fled the scene before police arrived, and authorities are on the lookout.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Three people were shot at the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose on Friday afternoon, and authorities are investigating.

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The San Jose Police Department announced on X just after 6 p.m. that officers were at the mall investigating reports of the shooting, which was reported about 5:40 p.m.

The shooting happened outside the womens Macys on the second floor of the mall.

Panic and screams

Video taken from those inside the mall showed people screaming and running for safety, as well as dozens of others taking shelter in a hallway.

"We were just eating dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and all of a sudden a stampede of people come running our way," said Tyler Pina of Morgan Hill. "I did hear a couple shots there at the end. We ended up hiding in somebodys backyard with a group of like 10, 15 of us for about 30 minutes."

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Police initially reported that they found two victims at the scene, but later said just after 8:35 p.m. that three victims  a man, a woman and a 16-year-old girl  had been found with gunshot wounds and were taken to a hospital for treatment of what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

"A shooting in a crowded mall on a busy shopping day is deeply concerning," said SJPD Chief Paul Joseph. "To reassure our community, we are increasing patrols throughout the weekend while our Detectives continue their focused work to identify and locate the individual responsible. I have full confidence the suspect will be brought to justice swiftly."

Dig deeper

The police department later said that the shooting "appears to be an isolated incident" and not an active shooting.

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The department said that a preliminary investigation indicated a male suspect "became involved in a verbal altercation" with the male victim before pulling out a firearm and firing multiple shots. The department also added that the incident was gang-related, but said the circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation.

The suspect fled the scene of the shooting before police arrived.

"It was not targeting unsuspecting shoppers," Sgt. Jorge Garibay of the San Jose Police Department said. "Something had occurred between this male and one of our victims transpired, and then the shooting occurred. However were still trying to figure out what transpired prior to the shooting."

SJPD also said that the woman and the girl who were injured were believed to have been uninvolved bystanders.

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"This is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend," San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said on X in the wake of the shooting. "My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable."

The SJPD said officers evacuated the mall in order to confirm that there was no ongoing threat, and advised the public to avoid the area as officers investigated the scene and worked "to ensure everyones safety."

What they're saying

Several shaken Macys employees could be seen embracing outside as the mall was evacuated and officers swept the property.

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Shoppers described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted.

"I was in Macys shopping for lipsticks with my mom and my brother and we heard loud bang sounds," said Ruhama Thomas of San Jose. "We didnt think much of it and then glass shattered, so we ducked down. It kept coming so we started running out and then we heard more gunshots once we were outside."

"I saw people running and I got scared so I ran," said Emma Schriefer of Morgan Hill.

Other shoppers described getting separated from their loved ones in the mayhem.

"We were getting pushed over because we were just trying to look back to our friends making sure they were safe," said Colin Sawaya of Santa Clara.

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"I almost lost my shoe," said Ison Danh of Santa Clara.

SJPD is asking anyone who may have cellphone video that may assist the investigation to reach out to the department.

The Westfield Valley Fair mall reopened at noon on Saturday.
Pennsylvania State Police are offering a $5,000 reward for information that solves the case of a womans murder at a local car wash 35 years ago.

PSP Troop A in Greensburg says the investigation continues into the homicide of 25-year-old Deborah June Waggoner in Westmoreland County.

Waggoners body was found the morning of April 19, 1990, inside her vehicle, which was parked at a car wash in Carbon, Hempfield Township.

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State police say Waggoner was living with her boyfriend and his mother on Acorn Drive in South Greensburg at the time of her death. She had been working as an assistant manager at a local RAX fast-food restaurant.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Murder at the Car Wash: New information on a cold case gives victims family hope

Waggoner had left her home the evening before to buy cigarettes for her boyfriend and wash her car.

The car washs operator was locking up for the night when, according to police, he saw Waggoner vacuuming her car by herself.

A police officer found Waggoners vehicle parked in the same place the next day. Waggoner herself had been strangled to death.

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Anyone with information about the case is told to call PSP Greensburg at 724-832-3288 or PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-472-8477 or online by clicking here.

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Nov. 28AIKEN  At 11 a.m. on Nov. 28, 1950, officials from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the DuPont corporation told city officials and the local press that nuclear materials production facilities to be known as Savannah River Plant would be constructed in Aiken and Barnwell counties.

The announcement 75 years ago an influx of $260 million in construction capital ($3.5 billion in today's dollars) and thousands of workers also brought the news that some rural communities would be relocated to make way for the facility.

Twelve teams from the AEC and DuPont simultaneously informed state and city officials in Aiken, Columbia and Barnwell, in South Carolina and Augusta and Atlanta. A concurrent operation in Washington, D.C., informed members of Congress. Another team of executives traveled to the Southern Governors Conference in Charleston, to formally deliver the news to S.C. Gov. Strom Thurmond and governor-elect James F. Byrnes.

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"AEC To Construct Huge Plant Near Aiken" read the banner headline in the next day's Aiken Standard and Review on Nov. 29.

"The United States Atomic Energy Commission today announced that the new production plants to be designed, built and operated by the E.I. du Pont de Nemours Company of Wilmington, Delaware will be located in Aiken and Barnwell counties, South Carolina near the Savannah River. About 256,000 acres will be acquired for the site. Exact boundaries remain to be determined. The new site will be known as the Savannah River Plant," the story read, quoting the press release verbatim.

At the bottom of the page was reporter Ed Kenney's first-person account of the press conference announcing the project, held in Aiken's federal courthouse on Park Avenue.

"The news that an Atomic Energy plant would be constructed in Aiken and Barnwell counties stunned this resort city, but the people on her streets and in her stores took the news that broke from Washington in stride," Kenney wrote.

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"As I sat in the room at the federal courthouse not one of the prominent men in town knew what was awaiting us," he wrote.

Don Miller of DuPont made the announcement.

"Mr. Miller spoke slowly, and we knew that this community's life would have to be altered to get in line with this tremendous undertaking by the government in our county," he recounted.

Miller told those assembled "that the nation would be told by press and radio at 12 noon" and then read the press release Aiken Standard and Review would published verbatim the next day.

Kenney quoted Aiken Mayor Odell Weeks as saying "Aiken will cooperate with the government in this great project and we will support the Atomic Energy Commission in their work here."

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Kenney wrote that "prominent Ellenton merchant" H.M. Cassells said, "We will cooperate with you to the fullest and we heartily welcome this project to this area. I sincerely believe that the people in and around Ellenton will cooperate also."

"My first reaction to this startling announcement was that the men in this room had been told the news, and the clock on the wall conveyed the fact that it would be twenty-five minutes before the nation would know," Kenney wrote.

"What would this mean to you and me? That was the question that I wanted answered. Here is the best answer I can give with the information available," he wrote. "It is nothing to be frightened by. It does not mean that the people in this area will be subjected to any kind of radiation."

He wrote that "the community will not be in any danger."

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"The plant will manufacture atomic materials, not atomic weapons. All possible precautions will be taken, and there is no danger whatever to the people in this area," Kenney wrote.

"It does mean that more capital will be coming to Aiken and this city will have to take on the needs and cares of several thousand extra people," Kenney wrote. "Approximately 8,000 people in this area will be deployed in the construction of the plant."

Housing them will require "Federal Housing projects, trailer camps, and hastily built barracks. Of course, in due time Aiken's boarding houses, hotels, and surrounding motor courts will be called on to help," he wrote.

His story says that the location of the plant was selected "for military reasons that cannot be stated by officials," but the press releases gives some insight, listing four criteria used in the site's selection: vulnerability to attack, operating requirements of the facilities, nearby population centers and "public health and safety considerations."

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Translated in hindsight, this means that it was out of range of Soviet bombers, there was a nearby source of water for operations, there were population centers nearby so a government community would not have to be established as at Los Alamos, New Mexico and that it was remote enough that the surrounding population would be buffered from any accidents.

A map distributed during the announcement showed the town of Jackson included within the perimeter, with a shaded pentagon between Jackson and Ellenton numbered "1" and a larger shaded hexagon straddling the line between Aiken County and Barnwell County at the center of the site numbered "2".

"To make way for the plants and the surrounding security and safety zone, it will be necessary for about 1,500 families to relocate in the next 18 months. The Federal-State agricultural agencies are organizing to give help to the families who must relocate," the press release read.

"The first families affected will be those in Area 1 and 2 on the map. These general areas will be vacated at an early date to make way for construction. Exact boundaries of these areas cannot be defined until engineers have established to location of the facilities," the release reads.

"During construction, Aiken will be well packed, and will experience a gradual growth after the plant begins operation," Kenney wrote. "Just what material the plant will produce is not known."
A daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma has resigned from parliament amid allegations that she lured 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russias war against Ukraine.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudlas resignation on Friday comes after police said she was under investigation for her alleged role in luring South Africans to Russia. The police announcement came after a group of men aged 20 to 39 ended up on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine.

Zuma-Sambudla had served as a member of parliament since June 2024 for uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), an opposition party created by her father in 2023 following his expulsion from South Africas then-governing African National Congress.

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The national officials have accepted comrade Duduzile Zuma-Sambudlas decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back safely to their families, the MK Partys national chairperson, Nkosinathi Nhleko, told a news conference.

MK officials said Zuma-Sambudlas resignation was voluntary and that her departure from the National Assembly and all other public roles was effective immediately.

The MKs Nhleko also said that the party was not involved in luring the men to Russia and that Zuma-Sambudlas resignation was not an admission of guilt, but added that MK would help support the families of the men stranded in Ukraine.

Zuma-Sambudla was present at the news conference but did not speak, and has not publicly responded to the accusations from her half-sister.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, left, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, appears in court on charges of terrorism in Durban, South Africa, on November 11, 2025 [EPA]

South Africas government said earlier this month that 17 of its citizens were stuck in Ukraines Donbas region after being tricked into fighting for mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts.

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Then, last weekend, police said they would investigate Zuma-Sambudla after her half-sister made a formal request for the probe into her and two other people.

According to police, an affidavit submitted by Zuma-Sambudlas half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, alleged that Zuma-Sambudla and two other people tricked the South Africans into fighting by promising to provide them with security training in Russia. The identities of the other two people were unclear.

The affidavit alleges the South Africans were handed over to a Russian mercenary group and forced to fight in the conflict. It also says that eight of the 17 men were members of Zuma-Sambudlas and Zuma-Mncubes extended family.





South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told Al Jazeera that the government had received distress calls from the group caught up in the Ukraine war, and authorities were working ever so quietly at all levels to secure their safe return.

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But also, there is an investigation that is ongoing, thats looking at how they were recruited, who was involved, and what were they promised? Magwenya said.

On Thursday, Jordan became the latest country to rebuke Russia for recruiting its citizens to fight, following the killing of two Jordanian nationals.

While Jordan did not specifically reference Russias war on Ukraine, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would take all available measures to end the further recruitment of Jordanians, and called for Moscow to terminate the contracts of its currently enlisted citizens.

Ukraine says Moscow has recruited at least 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries, according to figures shared by Ukrainian Brigadier General Dmytro Usov, who also said that almost 3,400 foreigners have died fighting for Russia.

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Michael Appel, reporting for Al Jazeera from Johannesburg, said Zuma-Sambudla is seen as a divisive political figure in South Africa, and is already facing serious charges related to unrest in South Africa in 2021 that led to the deaths of hundreds of people.

She has denied any wrongdoing in that case and has pleaded not guilty to inciting violence through social media posts.




Tyson operates meat plants in Nebraska communities, including Omaha. Its plant in Lexington, Nebraska, is set to close in January. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  Nebraska state agencies are partnering with Lexington nonprofits and other groups to help connect Tyson Foods workers and their families with support as 3,200 people lose their jobs with the closure of the towns longtime beef plant.

On Wednesday and Thursday, a state and local rapid response layoff services event is scheduled for Tyson workers at the Dawson County Fairgrounds, according to a statement Saturday from Gov. Jim Pillens office.

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Representatives of the Nebraska Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Economic Development and Agriculture will offer information about available resources, including unemployment insurance benefits, job search help and economic support programs, the statement said.

Tyson is to convey timing for the event to workers.

This holiday season will look different for these families, but we know that Nebraskans show up for each other, Pillen said. We are seeing that happen in Lexington.

Tyson on Nov. 21 announced it is closing the longtime Lexington beef plant, eliminating jobs around Jan. 20. The company also is laying off about 1,700 workers at its plant in Amarillo, Texas.

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Tysons announcement of the closures did not specifically address why it targeted the Lexington plant over other facilities. A recent earnings report indicated the processing giant stands to lose $600 million in its beef business next fiscal year, on top of the already-incurred $720 million loss over the last two years.

Pillen has said a factor was the age and efficiency of the plant, which originally was constructed around 1973 to manufacture combines and other farm machinery. It was converted and opened as a meatpacking facility in 1990.

State labor officials said workers should file an unemployment claim when their employment ends, not before. Individuals who quit their jobs due to an upcoming layoff are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits, the statement said. The state Department of Labor says it will provide reemployment services to impacted workers. Inquiries can be emailed to ndol.rapidresponse@nebraska.gov.

State Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber said Nebraska employers also are coming together for job fairs. Details are to be announced soon.

Katie Thurber leads the Nebraska Department of Labor. (Courtesy of Governors Office)

In addition to state agency efforts, the Lexington Community Foundation is distributing information about local organizations providing and accepting assistance to support workers. People can visit givebiglexington.org for more information.

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Pillen has said he did not learn of the Tyson decision until around noon on Nov. 21, the afternoon Tyson released a public statement on the closure. The governor told the Examiner that the good news is that Tyson officials are exploring other options for the Lexington plant property, including repurposing it into a specialty, value-added agricultural operation.

Tyson did not respond to a reporter seeking comment on that possibility.

This is a difficult time for the community and the impacted workers, but they have truly come together to help make DOLs efforts possible, Thurber said in the Saturday statement about the outreach session. An event of this size would not be happening this quickly without community support.

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A haze of particulate pollution hangs over downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

While the federal government steps away from climate agreements, Salt Lake City is reiterating its commitment to become more sustainable ahead of the 2034 Olympic Games with a 2040 deadline to achieve goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

In an update presented to the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday, the citys Sustainability Department highlighted milestones, including a major one  the citys greenhouse gas emissions fell 11% from 2009 to 2024, said Catherine Wyffels, air quality and environmental program manager at the department.

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This is primarily due to a shift to cleaner energy sources, Wyffels said in a presentation. So while this 11% may not seem like much, its important to remember that it happened during a period of a lot of growth.

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Per capita emissions also declined 25% in the same period, she said. But theres still a long way to go to meet the citys climate goals.

After conducting surveys across the city with a special focus on the west side, which disproportionately experiences the effects of pollution, the city found that Salt Lakers top environmental concerns are drought and air quality.

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People are interested in anything they can do in their homes to save under utility bills, she said. A lot of support for clean renewable energy for both homes and businesses. People like street trees in their neighborhoods, and then also a lot of support for increased access to transit, walking and biking infrastructure.

All of those are solutions to the citys primary climate risks, which according to the Sustainability Department, are driven by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

The report presented to the City Council is still preliminary and is scheduled for an update next spring. Whenever its done, the city hopes it can help trace a path to achieve its goal to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2030 and cutting 80% of emissions by 2040.

Salt Lake City is in the top three metro areas in the country for urban heat island intensity, with the west side of the city feeling those effects more strongly, Wyffels said. Urban development amid continued growth is expected to exacerbate the issue.

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The citys sustainability department also highlighted some achievements including an 80-megawatt solar farm that provides a lot of the citys municipal energy and has saved around $1.5 million in electricity bills, said Sophia Nicholas, deputy director at the citys Sustainability Department.

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We have a lot of the solutions at hand. We just need to have the wherewithal, political will, money, to implement them on a global basis, Nicholas said. And it is happening actually in other countries, but when youre looking at our emissions profile in Salt Lake City in particular, about half of it comes from electricity, and thats why its been so exciting to see that we have realized a reduction in our electric grid carbon intensity due to investments in a cleaner grid.

Despite the progress there are still some issues. Seasons in Salt Lake City are getting hotter, Nicholas said. In the last 50 years, the average temperature in Utah has risen more than 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit, about twice the global average.

That may not sound like much, she said during the meeting, but a few degrees change in the average temperature means our city and our region is and will continue to experience increasing drought, wildfires, flooding, extreme heat days and poor air quality.

The city met federal air quality standards

For 15 years Salt Lake City and Provo, some of the densest cities in Utah were nonattainment areas for the Environmental Protection Agencys 24-hour standards for fine particular matter pollution known as PM2.5. This month, however, the federal agency announced both municipalities were finally in compliance.

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The achievement of cleaner air in Utah resulted from extensive planning and collaboration among the public, industry, and various government levels, leading to significant investments and the implementation of 23 new rules targeting emissions from multiple sources, Bryce Bird, director at the Utah Division of Air Quality, said in a statement.

He pointed to some efforts supported by the state Legislature, including incentives for retrofitting and replacing high-emission wood stoves and diesel vehicles, as well as transit updates and education campaigns.

However, in terms of energy, the state also modified its policy in 2024 to consider energy resources by listing these attributes in order of priority: adequate, reliable, dispatchable, affordable, sustainable, secure and clean. That law worried environmentalists, who said it could lead to the prioritization of coal and move the state away from a strong market of renewables.

Utah has also criticized the federal air quality regulations, even disputing Environmental Protection Agency air quality rules in court.

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In a new political ad in Georgias Senate race, GOP Rep. Mike Collins campaign released a video featuring incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff saying he knows his vote to shut down the government will hurt farmers: But I wouldnt know. Ive only seen a farm on Instagram. Ossoff never said any of this. When challenged on spreading disinformation using Ossoffs likeness and voice, Collins campaign doubled down, saying they were pleased the ad sparked conversation  proving they were either oblivious to the dangerous precedent or had simply decided to embrace it as strategy.

While political cartoonists have long created derogatory or lampoonish images of elected officials and candidates for public office, the political imagery that can be created by artificial intelligence blurs truth and fiction in unprecedented ways. AI can make falsehoods look authentic and, when used by politicians themselves, it becomes particularly harmful. AI use that started as experimentation by campaigns has evolved into something far more troubling: It now merges satire, disinformation and official messaging that misleads voters and distorts democratic discourse.

In New York Citys recent mayoral race, former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomos campaign released an ad on social media, which was later deleted, featuring purported criminals for Zohran Mamdani  a parade of racist caricatures that included a pimp in a purple suit, along with a drunk driver, shoplifter and domestic abuser endorsing the Democratic nominee. In one sequence, a Black man shoplifts from a bodega, his face visibly morphing mid-clip as he puts on a keffiyeh and mask before robbing the store. As AI tools grow more sophisticated, Mamdanis election may serve as both a warning and a testament: A warning of how easily political imagery can be weaponized, and a testament to the electorates enduring capacity to look beyond manipulation.

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In recent weeks we have seen the official X account of the National Republican Senatorial Committee post a video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., also talking about the government shutdown. Every day gets better for us, the AI-generated video says. While the quote is accurate, the image of Schumer maniacally grinning as he says it is completely fabricated.

Taking such creative license with elected officials images confuses the electorate about what is real. And, even if the Cuomo campaign claimed their ad represented their genuine beliefs about Mamdani supporters, portraying AI-generated individuals as real people destroys voters ability to distinguish fact from propaganda. It feeds the worst instincts in our politics  rewarding deception over debate, spectacle over substance.

In these cases, political operatives are generating disinformation and misleading the public at a time when confidence in the government to protect the common good is low and shaken by the recent government shutdown. When AI-generated videos portray something that never happened with such realism, it stops being satire and is instead a false representation. Voters encountering these images have no way to know theyre fabricated  and thats precisely the point.

The dangers of weaponized media manipulation are not theoretical. In Rwanda, hate radio broadcasts during the lead-up to the 1994 genocide systematically dehumanized Tutsis as cockroaches and spreading false claims about planned attacks on Hutus. These broadcasts didnt just report hatred. They manufactured it, creating a shared false reality that made mass violence seem not only justified but necessary. Through relentless repetition, the mediums authority normalized the dehumanization until neighbors turned on neighbors.

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Todays AI-generated political content operates with a similar psychological architecture. Imagine if those orchestrating the genocide has possessed todays tools to fake videos of Tutsis attacking, chatbots fabricating eyewitness accounts and AI manipulating footage of political leaders suggesting retaliation. When politicians deploy these tools to portray opponents as criminals, threats or caricatures, theyre not just lying. Theyre constructing an alternate visual record designed to shape and control collective perception. The Rwandan radio didnt cause the genocide on its own, but it prepared the national mind for it.

The minds of the public are now being desensitized to ridicule, and to racist images. Another video of Schumer, this time with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., had racist overtones, showing Jeffries wearing a sombrero accompanied by mariachi music. Critically, it appeared on President Donald Trumps official X account. The video recalls the yellow journalism of William Randolph Hearsts New York Journal  only now, what once took hours to print and eventually reached thousands can be created in seconds and seen by millions.

When elected officials themselves engage in such behavior, it further erodes moral character as a basis for evaluating our government officials, normalizes such racism and ridicule as a part of the American political process, and redefines cruelty as content  none of which serves the American people well. While satire was intended to serve as a moral check on power, now politicians themselves are using it as a tool of power, wielding both viral velocity and institutional authority.

But perhaps most insidiously, AI-generated political content blurs the line between opinion and fact. What begins as a politicians viewpoint  Jeffries is soft on immigration, Schumer celebrates chaos  gets packaged into seemingly authentic visual evidence. As content like this is amplified and reshared across social media, it transforms from obvious manipulation into what resembles verified fact. This is truth-impersonating propaganda: personal opinions weaponized through AI to look like objective reality, posted from public official accounts that lend them institutional credibility.

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In the aftermath of the nationwide No Kings protests on Oct. 18, Trump posted another AI-generated video showing him as a fighter pilot dumping what appears to be feces on American protestors. Beyond the obvious cruelty of a president mocking citizens exercising their constitutional rights, the video underscores his inherent disrespect for the people he represents, as an elected officials primary concern should be advancing the American peoples interests and informing them. When he models using AI for such frivolous, mocking, hurtful purposes, Trump is also turning a deaf ear to such concerns.

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.

Such irresponsible applications of AI reinforce the need for regulatory safeguards, though the current political climate suggests this is highly unlikely to happen at the federal level. States have the ability to mandate limitations on inappropriate AI use, though we may be fast approaching the volume of AI-generated ads that would make enforcement challenging. In fact, a disclaimer on a lie does not undo the lie; it merely documents that deception occurred, and every day that passes without comprehensive federal action pushes us closer to a political landscape where truth becomes fundamentally unverifiable.

More than ever, we need leaders with strong moral character, personal discipline and the ability to model prudential choices about when and how to use such a powerful technology. Given that AI uses a tremendous amount of energy and water, public servants should be applying it towards solving societys most intractable problems, not creating racist tropes or belittling people for exercising their democratic rights.

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The voting public has the power to make AI ethics a defining issue that shapes norms of behavior around technology. Judicious use of AI should become a defining attribute of successful candidates in future elections. One of us co-authored Voting for Ethics: A Guide for U.S. Voters, Second Edition, which outlines what voters can look for in candidates using AI responsibly. Candidates using AI ethically will have transparent policies outlining their use of AI and campaign ethics codes. Notably, Ossoff responded ethically to Collins campaign video falsely depicting him and announced that he would not be using AI-generated deepfakes  drawing a line that more candidates must follow.

In the United States, California has set the pace, enacting a series of laws in 2024 that make transparency and integrity in AI use not just ethical ideals, but a legal requirement. The European Unions AI Act  widely regarded as the most comprehensive framework  requires all AI-generated content, including deepfakes, to be clearly labeled with watermarks or metadata. Major platforms like Facebook and TikTok must identify and flag manipulated audio and imagery with penalties reaching up to 35 million euros for non-compliance. Already, deepfake election incidents have struck at least 38 countries. In Romania, the 2024 presidential election was annulled in part due to AI-powered interference through coordinated disinformation campaigns and manipulated online content.

Tech leaders need to own their role in the degradation of democracy and prepare for justifiable backlash and reputational damage from economic boycotts. Inaction translates to a legitimate business risk with potential legal liability as AI-generated political content continues to erode public discourse and confidence in government officials. When allegiance to power trumps commitment to principles, tech leaders shouldnt be surprised when both users and history hold them accountable.

The irresponsible use of AI by people in government leadership positions suggests that we are at a moment that transcends politics. What is societys moral code? If politicians, news outlets, and civic organizations adopted a civic covenant for the AI age, much like current journalistic standards, could we create a healthier public square?

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Like other civic duties, such as voting, verifying information before sharing can become a new norm for responsible citizenship. Ultimately, it is the vote that gives us the power to communicate to political figures how we expect them to steward this powerful technology and use it for the common good. Technology amplifies whatever moral climate it enters, and right now, that climate is being shaped from the highest office to local leaders who seemingly treat deception as strategy. The ultimate question is not whether we can restore truth to politics, its whether we will act before the damage becomes irreversible.

The post AI fuels a new wave of political lies appeared first on Salon.com.
Robert Scott, a 25-year-old Akron man, will serve up to 13 years in prison for his complicity in the 2020 shooting death of 8-year-old MiKayla Pickett.

Summit County Prosecutors do not believe Scott fired the shot that killed MiKayla. Still, police said he was one of several people who opened fire at a party at a home along Roselle Avenue in Akron.

"Those individuals showed up at the party, opened up fire, and there was at a minimum 50 shell casings at the party," Summit County Assistant Prosecutor Zach Neumann said during Scott's sentencing hearing.

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Plea bargain: Akron man pleads guilty to role in 2020 fatal shooting of 8-year-old MiKayla Pickett

Summit County Common Pleas Judge Kelly McLaughlin sentenced Scott on Nov. 26 to 10 to 13 years in prison. Scott had pleaded guilty to two counts of complicity to commit felonious assault and one three-year firearm specification.

Attorneys Richard Kutuchief and Rhonda Kotnick represented Scott.

What do attorneys, law enforcement say happened?

MiKayla was shot during a backyard birthday party in the 700 block of Roselle Avenue in Akron's Sherbondy Hill neighborhood at about 11:45 p.m. Aug. 12, 2020. A 14-year-old girl was also shot in the leg. Akron police said the teenager and MiKayla were "caught between a hail of gunfire" outside the home.

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After Scott arrived at the party with three other individuals, gunshots erupted, but detectives could not determine who shot first, or if that individual was among Scott's group, court documents show. One of Scott's friends first told detectives that Scott didn't open fire, but two years later, he said Scott had fired his gun.

At least eight individuals opened fire, the sentencing memorandum explained. Police recovered about 100 shell casings in the yard, but none were found near where Scott is said to have opened fire, defense attorneys said in the memorandum.

"No one is identified at any time who Robert was in complicity with, nor with whom he aided and abetted in the charged crime," the memorandum read. "There is no determination as to who shot the bullet resulting in (MiKayla's death)."

Scott repeatedly denied being a shooter, defense attorneys said. He told a detective that one of his friends opened fire at the party.

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Four people were arrested and charged in the incident, but so far, Scott's case is the only one to reach a conviction, according to court documents and Beacon Journal reporting.

Donte Farmer and Emanhi Thomas had their cases dismissed without prejudice in 2023, which means prosecutors can take up their cases again should new evidence arise.

Jaevone Suggs was also arrested, but his case does not appear in Akron Municipal Court or Summit County Common Pleas Court. Suggs was fatally shot in March 2024.

Who was MiKayla 'Kay Kay' Pickett?

MiKayla's family called her "Kay Kay." She was a student at Portage Path Community Learning Center. She took dance classes and gymnastics with the goal of becoming a professional dancer.

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Her mother, Shoskamika Risper, said her daughter was a homebody, was lovable and had a good heart.

Risper said she was at work when a babysitter took MiKayla to the party, one street away from where she lived. She told the Beacon Journal in 2020 that they had known the people throwing the party, but she didnt know her daughter was there.

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Robert Scott gets prison sentence in death of 8-year-old Akron girl
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik called out President Donald Trump on Facebook for his comments on Truth Social about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota.

Trump called Walz "the seriously retarded Governor" and said Omar is always wrapped in her swaddling hijab" in a Thanksgiving night post about immigration Nov. 27.

Malik also highlighted derogatory comments Trump made recently about three female White House reporters.

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Malik on Facebook said that while Trump's insults have been taking place for a decade, "its still worth pointing out that this behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our country."

Such behavior wouldn't be tolerated from a friend, colleague or child, Malik said.

"What I am worried about is the example this guy [Trump] is setting for millions of people every day, for a decade now  and with each post, character and basic decency matter less and less," Malik commented Nov. 28.

Many of the followers on the "Malik for Akron" Facebook page were supportive.

Thank you Mayor. Standards of decency and respect that we teach our children apply to the highest office of this country," one person wrote.

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Another person called Trump a bully and thanked the mayor for speaking out.

Another person said, I hate that young men are watching the way this President treats and talks about women. What in the world are we accepting as normal human decency?

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron mayor calls out President Trump for derogatory post
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Lateef holds profound significance in Islamic and Arabic cultures as one of the 99 Names of Allah (Asma ul-Husna), specifically 'Al-Lateef,' meaning 'The Subtle One' or 'The Most Gentle.' This divine association gives the name deep spiritual weight and makes it particularly revered among Muslim communities. In Egyptian culture specifically, the name has been popular for centuries, often chosen by parents who wish to imbue their sons with qualities of gentleness, subtle intelligence, and refined character. The name appears frequently in classical Arabic literature and poetry, where it symbolizes the delicate, nuanced aspects of human nature and divine grace.



Throughout Islamic history, many scholars, poets, and leaders have borne this name, further cementing its cultural importance across the Muslim world from North Africa to South Asia. In modern Egypt, the name maintains its traditional appeal while adapting to contemporary society, representing a connection to Islamic heritage and Arab cultural identity. The name's enduring popularity reflects the continued value placed on the qualities it represents - subtlety, wisdom, and gentle strength - in Egyptian and broader Islamic societies.
The waste left over from spent fossil fuel may contain a treasure trove of rare-earth elements worth billions of dollars.

In a 2024 paper, geologists calculated that the waste ash from coal burnt in fossil fuel power plants may contain as much as US$165 billion worth of rare earth elements  and up to $97 billion may be feasibly extractable.

Working to recover these elements, says a team led by geoscientists at the University of Texas at Austin, could provide the US with a homegrown source of these critical elements without the hard work of mining or dependence on imports, which currently supply the majority of the country's rare-earth materials.

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"This really exemplifies the 'trash to treasure' mantra," says geologist Bridget Scanlon of the Jackson School of Geosciences. "We're basically trying to close the cycle and use waste and recover resources in the waste, while at the same time reducing environmental impacts."

Related: Strange Metal From Beyond Our World Found in an Ancient Treasure Stash

Rare earth elements, or REEs, are a group of 17 elements consisting of the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table, plus yttrium and scandium. These elements are classified as "critical minerals" in the US, and they're crucial to hundreds of industries and technologies, including batteries, wind turbines, electric cars, and smartphones.

The US doesn't have much in the way of REEs reserves of its own. Instead, it depends almost entirely on imports, with the majority  around 70 percent  coming from China.

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However, recent research suggests there may be an untapped deposit of REEs hiding in plain sight: The 52 billion tons of coal-ash waste produced by US power plants since the 1950s.

Here's how it works. Coal  ancient, fossilized plant matter  is not pure, but takes up trace amounts of other materials as it forms and hardens over eons. Those trace amounts are so small that they're not worth the effort of extraction; they certainly wouldn't exceed the value of the coal as a fossil fuel resource.

But when coal is burned, something interesting happens. The combustible parts of coal, such as carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur, burn away as gases, leaving behind the non-combustible parts. That includes clay minerals, quartz, and REEs.

Because most of the coal's mass vanishes as smoke, the concentration of REEs in the glassy ash left behind is 4 to 10 times higher than in unburnt coal.

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To be clear, these concentrations are much lower than commercial ores. However, refining coal ash doesn't require more extractive mining  it uses what has already been unearthed  so it would be a worthwhile endeavor.

Co-led by Scanlon and geologist Robert Reedy, the team compiled decades of data on ash composition, extraction efficiency, and waste storage locations across the US. They estimate 11 million tons of REEs may lie in accessible coal-ash deposits between 1985 and 2021  nearly eight times the amount in current US reserves.

The total theoretical value of the 15 lanthanide REEs in all US coal ash is about $56 billion. Depending on the site, 30-70 percent of that coal ash is accessible, reducing the total value in accessible ash to $14 billion.

The lanthanides that can feasibly be extracted from that accessible coal ash are worth up to $8.4 billion, the researchers determined.

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However, adding yttrium and scandium to the mix skyrockets these figures to a total overall value of $165 billion, of which $97 billion is recoverable, according to the paper.

Win a $10,000 Space Coast Adventure Holiday

This is largely theoretical; extraction methods are still under investigation. But it's a valuable enough treasure trove that scientists and the US government are taking the possibilities seriously.

"In addition to enhancing energy security in the US through development of REE resources, the economic value of producing these REEs could help offset the costs of remediation of unlined ash landfills or ponds in environmentally vulnerable areas," the researchers conclude.

"The potential for REE resource development from coal ash should be evaluated globally in nations where coal ash is available."

Related: Rare Earth Element Crystals Found Forming in a Plant For The First Time

There are many other means of potentially sourcing rare earth elements, but many of them may also pose difficulties in extraction.

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In recent years, scientists have suggested that volcanoes could be a fertile source of the valuable minerals.

"Extinct iron-rich volcanoes are often mined for iron ore," geologist Michael Anenburg from Australian National University explained at The Conversation.

"Our results indicate existing mines at such locations can potentially be modified to produce rare earths as well."

Another source is plant life. In research published only this month, scientists discovered a fern with an incredible superpower hidden in its tissues: the ability to collect and store rare earth elements from metallic soils, naturally extracting the resources from the ground.

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"Rare earth elements are critical metals for clean energy and high-tech applications, yet their supply faces environmental and geopolitical challenges," Chinese Academy of Sciences geoscientist Liuqing He and colleagues explained in their paper.

"Phytomining, a green strategy using hyperaccumulator plants to extract metals from soil, offers potential for sustainable REE supply but remains underexplored."

While scientists explore the opportunities, there's no doubt a lot is riding on how the world will choose to extract these valuable elements.

The coal-ash research was published in November 2024 in the International Journal of Coal Science & Technology.

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Shoppers celebrated Small Business Saturday nationwide this weekend, and here at home, businesses need the support more than ever.

With more than 9,000 structures lost in the Eaton Fire, the businesses in Altadena that survived not only lost their customers, but they lost their community.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association, along with the community, gave small businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire a big holiday shopping boost on Saturday.

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In Altadena, mom and pop shops like Sidecca are struggling to make money.

"We need it. We need it more than ever now," said Adriana Molina, the owner of Sidecca.

Her store was forced to shut down in January when the Eaton Fire burned much of Altadena to the ground.

She reopened her boutique just in time for Small Business Saturday.

"Today is probably one of the most important days to support your local businesses," Molina said.

Altadena's Mariposa Junction, a thriving commercial hub, was once home to 13 local businesses, but the fires reduced that number to just six.

This weekend, the chamber of commerce and its partners hosted the Altadena Small Business Market, asking consumers to come back to Altadena and show some love to businesses such as The Robynn Joy Company.

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The owner, Joy Potter, makes candles named after the community's well-known streets.

"Capture wonderful scents of living here, and growing up here and loving here," Potter said.

And there's the El Patron Mexican Restaurant, which is trying to avoid laying off staff.

"We haven't been super busy at all," said employee Silvia Acosta.

The National Retail Federation estimates 187 million people planned to shop this holiday weekend, with 36% of them shopping local on Saturday.

In Altadena, the community showed up.

"It means everything," said Alex Crow of Tomorrow Bagel. "We're nothing without people, and that's what's been so wonderful, connecting with the people, and we need them. They are the lifeblood of small business."

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Each of the business owners is determined to stick it out.

"I've lived here for 30 years. I lost my house in the fire, along with so many others. We're a tough community. Everyone is really committed to rebuilding," said Caroline Britton, the owner of Carciofi Design.

"I'm going to stay strong and try to stay in business, you know, for our town," Molina said.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) established a new youth organization called Generation Deutschland (GD) on Saturday at a founding congress accompanied by massive protests.

More than 800 participants adopted a youth statute with rules on the role and work of the new organisation, which, unlike its predecessor Junge Alternative, is to be closely linked to the AfD.

Several people with minor injuries were treated at the city's university hospital as protests raged against the founding of the new group.

Around 10 to 15 officers also suffered minor injuries, the police said.
For the hundreds of communities whove been saddled with data centers in recent years, the bulky fixtures are sources of unbearable noise, soaring energy prices, and plenty of electrical fires.

Add another grim possibility to that list: debilitating rare cancers.

Reporting on the data center boom in the state of Oregon, Rolling Stone tells the story of Jim Doherty, a cattle rancher and former county commissioner of Morrow, in eastern Oregon.

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Dohertys story began when he noticed a rise in bizarre medical conditions among the countys 45,000 residents, linked to toxins in the local water. Working with the county health office, the rancher-turned-official began a survey of 70 wells throughout his jurisdiction  68 of which, his testing found, violated the federal limit for nitrates in drinking water.

Of the first 30 homes he visited, Doherty told RS that 25 residents had recently had miscarriages, while six had lost a kidney. One man about 60 years old had his voice box taken out because of a cancer that only smokers get, but that guy hadnt smoked a day of his life, he told the publication.

But the spike in cancer-causing pollution wasnt just the fault of local farms, as Doherty expected. It had its roots in a 10,000 square foot data center by the commerce giant Amazon, which first went online in Morrow County in 2011.

Basically, the allegations go like this: industrial megafarms operating in the area are responsible for churning out millions of gallons of wastewater, laden with nitrates from fertilizers. All that waste has to go somewhere, which is one way of saying it mostly ends up in the ground.

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Amazons hulking data center, thirsty for water to cool its blazing hot computer chips, supercharged this process, adding millions of gallons of wastewater a year to the heavy volume of farm runoff, which Morrow County was already struggling to keep up with. Soon even the deepest reaches of the local aquifer were tainted, according to RS, as huge volumes of data center and agricultural wastewater saturated the water table.

This meant that the data center itself began taking on the toxic sludge as it drew on groundwater to cool its electronics. When it did, evaporation only further concentrated the wastewater, which occasionally contained nitrate levels eight times higher than Oregons safe limit. The super concentrated data center water then made its way back into the waste system, where it ostensibly piled up all over again.

In response to the allegations, Amazon spokesperson Lisa Levandowski said that our data centers draw water from the same supply as other community members; nitrates are not an additive we use in any of our processes, and the volume of water our facilities use and return represents only a very small fraction of the overall water system  not enough to have any meaningful impact on water quality.

Morrow County residents, however, beg to differ.

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The historical precedent here is Flint, Michigan, Kristin Ostrom, executive director of activist group Oregon Rural Action (ORA), told RS. In part because of how slow the response to the crisis has been, and in part because of whos affected. These are people who have no political or economic power, and very little knowledge of the risk.

How can you live with yourself knowing that the water you put in peoples houses is causing miscarriages or cancer, or God only knows how it stunts the growth of a kid? area resident Kathy Mendoza told RS.

Mendoza, along with members ORA, told the outlet shes suffering an excruciating joint and muscle condition brought about by exposure to nitrates.

How could they do that? Then these people go out and show their faces in public, she continued. And theyre still making money with it, every time those deals get cut for new data centers.

More on data centers: Metas $27 Billion Datacenter Is Wreaking Havoc on a Louisiana Town


Across America, food is getting more expensive almost by the day. Now, with changes to federal programs, many people who relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to put food on the table are no longer able to do so.

Residents in Southern Illinois are experiencing some relief from their growing food insecurity thanks to the quick action of the area's food bank programs, The Southern Illinoisan reported.

What's happening?

Franklin County's monthly mobile market saw 219 families arrive to claim more than 13,000 pounds of food this month, up from the usual 125 to 150 families. Another food pantry in Murphysboro saw 129 more families in October than in September. Coordinators at these charitable organizations expect to see more during the holidays.

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"The holidays are already one of the most difficult times of the year," said Megan Ragan, executive director of the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center, per the Southern Illinoisan. "Many parents are forced to choose between buying Christmas gifts for their children and putting groceries on the table."

Ragan's organization, like many others, began fundraising and organizing drives after learning about SNAP benefits being cut. Families that relied on that financial assistance now need to turn to other sources to feed their children and themselves.

Why is the reduction in benefits important?

The cost of groceries is increasing across the U.S. at the same time that we are producing an incredible amount of food waste. Between 30% and 40% of our food supply goes into the trash instead of into hungry mouths. This already makes it hard for many families in the U.S. to get enough food.

In the past, the SNAP program has helped many, but not all the vulnerable and food-insecure people in the country. The more people are cut from the program, the more that the already scarce and stretched resources of voluntary charitable programs will be pushed to their limits to feed those with no other options.

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Meanwhile, even families that were originally well-fed are starting to feel the economic burden of rising food costs in the country.

What's being done about increasing prices?

If you want to fight food waste and also lower your grocery costs, Martie offers highly discounted foods and other grocery essentials, including up to 80% off brand-name goods. It's all high-quality and in date; Martie can offer these prices by buying up overstock and surplus inventory. This way, perfectly good items that would otherwise be thrown away are kept out of the landfill, and you can buy them at incredibly discounted rates.

You can also grow your own food at home and shop smarter at the grocery store to stretch your dollar a little further.



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A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld an almost $1 million penalty against President Donald Trump and his attorneys for "sanctionable conduct" in a racketeering lawsuit they brought against Hillary Clinton and other Democrats over the 2016 election.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld the dismissal of Trump's $24 million lawsuit, agreeing that many of its legal arguments "were indeed frivolous."

The three-judge panel also found that U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks of Southern Florida did not err when he sanctioned Trump and his then-lawyer and now-acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and ordered them to pay $937,989.39 for their "bad faith" arguments.

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The suit had alleged that in the lead-up to the 2016 election, Clinton conspired with others to weave a false narrative about Trump and Russia, to discredit, delegitimize and defame him.

Middlebrooks found that the suit was filled with frivolous claims, including a malicious prosecution claim without a prosecution, and a trade secret claim without a trade secret.

This case should never have been brought. Its inadequacy as a legal claim was evident from the start. No reasonable lawyer would have filed it, Middlebrooks wrote. He said the suit was intended to "harass" and was being used for a political purpose.

The then-former president, he said, knew better.

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Mr. Trump is a prolific and sophisticated litigant who is repeatedly using the courts to seek revenge on political adversaries. He is the mastermind of strategic abuse of the judicial process, and he cannot be seen as a litigant blindly following the advice of a lawyer. He knew full well the impact of his actions, Middlebrooks wrote, finding that sanctions should be imposed upon Mr. Trump and his lead counsel, Ms. Habba.

A spokesman for Trump's legal team said it continues to fight back against all Democrat-led Witch Hunts, including the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax."

"President Trump will continue to pursue this matter to its just and rightful conclusion, the spokesman said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
On Friday, Donald Trump claimed that he will reverse everything that Joe Biden has signed with an autopen.

Related: Trump says he plans to cancel most of Bidens executive orders

The automated signature machine has been a tool used by presidents at the White House for decades.

Here is what it is, what we know about Bidens use and why Trump continuously brings it up.

What is an autopen?

The autopen, which was patented in the US in 1803, is a robotic device that replicates signatures of a person using real ink. The autopen is often used to sign materials in bulk.

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According to a 2005 guidance from the justice department, the president need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature to a bill he approves and decides to sign in order for the bill to become law.

Instead, the president may sign a bill  by directing a subordinate to affix the presidents signature to such a bill, for example by autopen.

Have other presidents used it?

Yes, numerous presidents have used the autopen, dating back to Thomas Jefferson, who used an early version of the device, according to the Shappell Manuscript Foundation. Harry Truman was rumoured to have used the pen, as well as Gerald Ford and Lyndon B Johnson, who allowed the device to be photographed in the White House.

Other presidents include John F Kennedy as well as Barack Obama, who used the device to sign various legislation including the Patriot Act and an appropriations bill while overseas.

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In March, Trump said he had also used the autopen for what he described as very unimportant papers.

What do we know about Bidens use of autopen?

Trump has claimed on his Truth Social platform that the autopen was operated by other people without Bidens approval, making approximately 92% of his executive orders invalid, but there is no evidence of the extent of Bidens autopen use in office.

A Republican-led oversight committee released a report in October on Bidens use of the autopen that made many sweeping claims but did not include any concrete evidence that aides conspired to enact policies without Bidens knowledge or that he was unaware of laws, pardons or executive orders signed in his name. Democrats on the committee denounced the report as a sham.

Biden has defended his autopen use, telling the New York Times in March that I made every decision and that he directed his staff to use an autopen on clemency warrants because were talking about a whole lot of people.

Why does Trump keep bringing this up?

Bidens use of the autopen has been a favourite attack of Trump for a while. In March, Trump claimed without evidence that Bidens pardons were void, vacant and of no further force and effect because they were signed with an autopen. Throughout his campaign trail and into his presidency, Trump has also repeatedly claimed that Bidens cognitive state hindered his presidential duties.

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Earlier this year, Trump hung a photo of an autopen instead of Biden in the White Houses new presidential gallery.

The autopen claim has been heavily pushed by the Oversight Project, an extension of the Trump-allied rightwing thinktank Heritage Foundation, which released a report into Bidens autopen use. Whoever controlled the autopen controlled the presidency, it claimed in a post earlier this year. However, the report did not include any evidence that Bidens aides conspired to implement policies without his approvals.

Nevertheless, following Trumps announcement on Friday, the Oversight Project hailed the president, saying: We will follow up with the relevant authorities to identify what fraudulent documents are still being treated with legal effect.

Can Trump actually do what he is threatening?

It remains unclear how Trump plans to undo the majority of Bidens decisions, although presidents are legally allowed to reverse executive orders signed by their predecessors. However, the president does not have authority to overturn his predecessors pardons, according to legal scholars who point to the constitution.

Lucy Campbell contributed reporting
The Islamic Republic has denied that it launched an attack.

Ballistic missiles appeared to have been launched towards the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq over the weekend, according to local social media reports.

The reports linked the missiles to Iran, but the Islamic Republic has denied that it launched an attack.

The reports come days after a drone attack on an important gas and energy installation caused power outages in the region.

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Documentation of ballistic missile sent from Iran towards the Kurdistan region (credit: Telegram, Amichai Stein)

Reports of ballistic missiles come despite Iran-Iraq ties

Last month, it was reported that the IDF and Mossad are preparing for possible increasing threats against Israel from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Walla cited sources from the military's Northern Command as saying. The report also said that IRGC Commander Esmail Qaani had visited Iraq and met with senior militia leaders.

In January of this year, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid highlighted ties to Iranian state media, saying that "Iran is an important and large neighbor to IraqIran cannot be ignored by Iraq, and Iraq cannot be ignored by Iran.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report. This is a developing story.
It's no secret that billionaires and their superyachts have created quite a stir over the last few years. With the ships seemingly getting larger and their carbon emissions following suit, observers have criticized the superyachts' impact on the environment.

For Russian billionaire Leonid Mikhelson, his impact nearly expanded well beyond the waters of the Balearic Sea.

As reported by Luxurylaunches, Mikhelson and his $150 million superyacht Pacific made a significant splash in 2016 when he docked in Arenys de Mar on the coast of Spain. The 280-foot luxury behemoth is well-known for its unique color-shifting exterior. Built by the German shipyard Lurssen, the ship was delivered to Mikhelson in 2010.

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The ship also boasts a number of over-the-top features, such as not one, but two helipads. Pacific also comes equipped with an elevator, a pool, and enough room for 12 guests and 28 crew members. With two MTU diesel engines, Pacific is capable of producing significant carbon emissions, adding to air pollution and potential water contamination.

According to a study conducted by Oxfam, the carbon pollution from superyachts is a large contributor to rising global temperatures.

"Oxfam identified 23 superyachts owned by 18 billionaires and estimates the average annual carbon footprint of each of these yachts to be 5,672 tons, which is more than three times the emissions of the billionaires' private jets," the study's executive summary reads. "This is equivalent to 860 years of emissions for the average person in the world."

While Mikhelson and his ship turned into a must-see spectacle for locals, the billionaire also made his presence known in another way. Mikhelson's team was allegedly spotted exploring the surrounding towns and inquiring about various properties along the coast of Spain that he was interested in purchasing.

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According to the mayor of the nearby town of Sant Vicenc de Montalt, Mikhelson and company acted "as if they were playing Monopoly, buying everything." However, the natural gas magnate's plans were derailed when he and his team were informed that coastal properties in Spain required government tenders.



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A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Trump administration to reject the outcome of the upcoming elections in Myanmar, which they said could not be free or fair amid its ongoing civil war.

The lawmakers warned that the Dec. 28 elections are designed to manufacture legitimacy for the China-backed junta after its 2021 coup and ongoing campaign of violence against the Burmese people. The junta has struggled to control territory in the years since, even with China and Russias military and political support.

In keeping with Americas commitment to democracy and internationally recognized human rights, we urge the Trump administration  and all of Americas 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, they wrote to President Trump.

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Myanmars citizens have resisted the juntas rule, which dissolved political parties in 2023 and persecuted state officials previously elected in 2020, at great risk of death, imprisonment and torture, the letter read.

Under these conditions, the United States must categorically reject this electoral farce, the letter concluded.

The letter was sent by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and James E. Risch (R-Idaho), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Brian Mast (R-Fla.). Risch serves as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Mast is the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The letter was issued the same day that human rights groups criticized the Trump administration for ending the temporary protected status on Monday of refugees who fled Myanmar following the coup and civil war.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the decision after Myanmars military said conditions have improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement. The military told the DHS that it has planned free and fair elections and successful ceasefire agreements, as well as national reconciliation.

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem is treating those people just like her familys dog that she famously shot down in cold blood because it misbehaved  if her order is carried out, she will literally be sending them back to prisons, brutal torture, and death in Myanmar, Phil Robertson, the director of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, told The Associated Press.

Robertson added that Noem is seriously deluded if she thinks the upcoming elections in Myanmar will be even remotely free and fair, and she is just making things up when she claims non-existent ceasefires proclaimed by Myanmars military junta will result in political progress.

Citizens who committed serious crimes would be prosecuted according to the law, but the rest would be given special leniency, government spokesperson Maj. Gen. Za Min Tun told the AP.

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In 2021, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing took hold of power from democratically-elected President Aung San Suu Kyi in a military coup detat. The overthrow led to Suu Kyis imprisonment, along with over 300,000 people arrested for political reasons, according to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Bloodshed followed after the shadow government, National Unity Government, allied with the armed civilian-run Peoples Defense Force to confront the regime, The New York Times reported in 2024.

The Associated Press contributed.

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Women named Laurentia typically exhibit a blend of classical dignity and modern strength, reflecting the name's rich historical roots. They often possess natural leadership qualities combined with a thoughtful, analytical approach to challenges. Their determination and perseverance mirror the name's association with victory, making them particularly effective in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals. Many Laurentias demonstrate strong organizational skills and a methodical nature, allowing them to excel in structured environments while maintaining creative problem-solving abilities.



In interpersonal relationships, Laurentias are known for their loyalty, integrity, and deep commitment to their principles. They value meaningful connections and often serve as trusted advisors or confidantes within their social circles. Their communication style tends to be measured and insightful, reflecting a mind that considers multiple perspectives before reaching conclusions. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their warmth, wisdom, and steadfast support. The combination of traditional values with contemporary adaptability makes Laurentias particularly effective at bridging different generations and cultural contexts.
The Rogers County Board of Adjustments denied a special exception Nov. 18, setting back a plan to build a battery storage facility in Oologah.

The Public Service Company of Oklahoma, which provides power to customers across the 14-state Southwest Power Pool, has generated electricity at its sprawling Northeastern Station in Oologah since 1961. PSO made a filing with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in September requesting a rate increase to help it pay for eight new projects  including a battery storage unit in Oologah not dissimilar from the one the Oologah Town Board rejected in January.

Northeastern Station sits on land zoned agricultural. PSO representatives appeared before the adjustment board Nov. 18 to ask for an exception so the company could build the projects referenced in its rate filing.

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Brittany Senters, deputy director of the Rogers County Planning Commission, said Northeastern Station sits on AG land because that part of Rogers County wasn't zoned in the 1960s.

"The zoning was brought into the planning commission for that area in 2003," Senters said. "The plant was already existing, and everyone was given the zoning of agricultural. PSO has started off as a coal plant, and they have converted some units to natural gas. They do have a project to add two more units for natural gas and a battery storage facility."

Michael Gordon, communications director for PSO, said the rate case hearings before the corporation commission wouldn't start until February 2026. He said the company wanted to do its due diligence by conforming with county zoning before the hearings.

Gordon said PSO expects customer demand to outstrip its power generation capacity by 2027. He said a battery bank in Oologah would help by storing energy produced at Northeastern Station.

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"Why Oologah?" Gordon said. "One reason would be we already own the land. We don't have to go out and buy more land to put generation on. ... By being so close to generation, we can charge the battery right here, and then during peak times, or when it's cost-effective for us to release the battery cheaper for our customers, we can do that from right there."

As they did in January, when Black Mountain Energy Storage asked the town planning board for a zoning change to build a battery bank, Oologah residents showed up for the Board of Adjustment meeting in droves. For more than an hour, a parade of concerned neighbors pleaded with the board to turn PSO down.

Many residents said they feared the facility could catch fire; according to FEMA, lithium batteries create toxic, flammable gases when they fail.

"It's not the little lithium batteries that are in our phones and in our electric vehicles," said Oologah resident Cynthia Stewart. "We've seen that when they start burning, it's runaway. It's a huge fire. There's nothing that's going to put it out, and it's going to kill our town."

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Shana Atkins of Verdigris said she worried a fire would release toxic gases into the air and heavy metals in the soil and water. She referenced the January fire at the Moss Landing battery storage facility in California, after which researchers found elevated levels of nickel, manganese and cobalt in the surrounding marshland.

PSO brought James Caulfield, a consultant for the company Fire & Risk Alliance, to respond to residents' fire concerns. Caulfield said he has been a firefighter for two decades and uses that experience to train firefighters on responding to blazes at battery storage facilities.

Caulfield said PSO's battery bank would be significantly smaller than Moss Landing's battery facility; he compared their sizes to a shipping container and three Home Depot stores, respectively. He said production and testing of battery storage units has gotten much more sophisticated and granular since Moss Landing's batteries were built in 2020.

He said battery bank fires primarily emit four gases: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.

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"Can carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide kill you? Yes, absolutely," Caulfield said. "Unfortunately, I've been to too many of those calls, but when we open those garage doors at that call for service, we don't harm the neighbor. We don't harm the person walking across the street. The nature of the gases is they rise and they dissipate."

Residents also criticized PSO and the adjustment board for public notice of the hearing. Patricia Lyle of Oologah asked why the county had published notice of the hearing in the Claremore Progress and not in the Oologah Lake Leader.

The notice, published Nov. 1, said PSO had applied for an exception to place "public utilities structures in an AG zoning district."

"Utility structures? That could be anything," Lyle said. "That could be a power pole, that could be an outhouse, that could be a shed with rakes in it. I mean, it gives you no idea that a battery energy storage system, I think it's called, is going to be constructed there."

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Elmer Neil, chairman of the adjustment board, said he and the other volunteer board members didn't know any more about the exception request than the public. He said he'd learned everything he knew about the plan at the meeting.

That prompted several people to stand up and talk over one another, evidently furious the board hadn't known the details of the request prior to that evening.

"The burden of proof is on the applicant," said Claremore resident Amber Robinson Rodriguez. "PSO should have provided this to the board. They have clearly not done any of that. So you guys don't even have enough to make a determination."

The adjustment board agreed. When it came time to vote, board member Kevin Abbott made a motion to deny, which Neil seconded.

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"I think there's too many questions," Abbott said. "Hasn't been proven."

The residents who attended the meeting started clapping before the board could even call the roll for a vote. Abbott, Neil and board member Julie Hays all agreed to deny PSO's request.

Gordon, the PSO spokesperson, said he was disappointed the request failed but noted that none of those who spoke at the meeting said they opposed the planned natural gas units.

He said one of the first steps of any economic development project is securing the proper zoning. He said PSO plans to coordinate with Rogers County to determine possible next steps for securing zoning that allows the plant to expand.

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The adjustment board's decision doesn't go to the Rogers County Commissioners for final review; PSO could only challenge it by making a written appeal to the adjustment board within 10 days.

"Because it was denied, we'll have to come up with other solutions," Gordon said. "If we're able to find a battery energy storage solution, we'll work with the developer to make sure safety protocols are not only barely meeting the expectations, but exceeding those expectations. We're a member of the community, too, so we whatever we do, we want to make sure it's safe for our employees, safe for our customers, safe for the communities."
A body found in a canal in October has been identified as Nerida Martel, leading to the arrest of her partner, who reported her missing.

The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office responded to a call about a body floating in a canal. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the body of 37-year-old Nerida Martel, according to a press release.

Investigators determined that Martel had been reported missing days before her body was found. Through their investigation, they identified Saul Garcia Gonzalez, a 40-year-old, as the suspect.

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The Sheriffs Office Homicide Bureau took over the investigation after the body was discovered. Detectives worked with the Homicide Street Violence Task Force to locate and arrest Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, who shared an address and child with the victim, was charged with one count of second-degree murder.

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FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  The celebration of lights kicked off its opening day at Morris Park in Fairmont, where the holiday themed light show welcomed vehicles to drive through the displays and listen to music.

At the park, there were over 540 individual light displays over a more than one mile drive for guests to enjoy. Candy canes, Santa, crosses and even a West Virginia miner were all examples of some of the light showcases.

Youth USA Boxing Team 412 visits Clarksburg

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12 News spoke to Debbie Roupe, an attendee of the light show, who shared her gratitude for the event.

I thought it was wonderful. We have been coming up here for years and from where they started to where it is today, its really terrific, Roupe said.

The event charges ten dollars per car and forty dollars per bus. The money raised goes to the Tygart Valley United Way and the south Fairmont Rotary Club. Last year they raised $75,000.

I just think its great that so many people come out and support such a beautiful fundraiser, Roupe said.

The light show will be open to the public on select dates leading up to December 29th.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
As soon as the calendar shifted to November, Florida public school districts were flooded by demands from charter school operators seeking space inside public schools  without paying rent.

The letters came after Florida law changed to expand the states Schools of Hope program. Previously open to the states worst-performing schools, the program now allows charter schools to operate within public-school buildings that have vacant classrooms located near traditionally disadvantaged communities.

Criticism of the expanded program has grown, even among traditional school choice advocates. The private, nonprofit companies have been accused of double-dipping by accepting Floridas education voucher money while demanding access to cafeteria space, support staff, and maintenance on the public districts dime.

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The requests have also become a logistical nightmare for districts whose staff are under contract for specific working hours, but whose schedules may not align with those of the charter school.

Theres a lot of issues, Orange County School Board member Alicia Farrant, a conservative school choice advocate, said.

A bill has already been introduced in Tallahassee to eliminate the option for two schools to coexist under one roof. It will be considered in the next session.

Orange and Seminole counties provided records of all schools where theyve received a request to co-locate a charter school program. Volusia County also supplied a request for one school that was made in October, before it was legal, by a company trying to jump the gun.

The requests totaled space for more than 18,000 students across nearly 50 schools in Orange County (as well as 800 students at Osceola Countys NeoCity Academy), and more than 3,500 students in Seminole County.

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If all requests were granted and seats filled, 10% of Orange County students would attend a School of Hope after five years. The district would not get funding for them, though it would still be responsible for providing support staff and maintenance for those spaces.

As of last week, both Orange and Seminole counties had rejected all the applications for Schools of Hope submitted to them either because the vacant space was actually being used, the school requested was ineligible or the company making the request was not an allowed provider.

Before November, Orange County did approve a request from one provider  KIPP Academy  to open two schools on the west side of Orlando. Those schools will not share spaces with a public school.

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ChristianaCare has announced that a cybersecurity incident of its third-party electronic medical records vendor Oracle Health, formerly Cerner Corp., exposed patients' information and medical records.

Delaware's largest health care provider did not release the number of affected patients, but letters are being mailed to patients whose information was involved in this incident.

The data varied by patient, but it could include names; Social Security numbers; and patient medical records, such as medical record numbers, doctors, diagnoses, medicines, test results, images, care and treatment.

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DATA BREACH: How to protect your information after it has been compromised

"ChristianaCares IT systems were not impacted, and there was no disruption to ChristianaCares clinical operations," according to a Nov. 26 statement issued by ChristianaCare.

When did the data breach occur?

Oracle Health informed ChristianaCare in April that an unauthorized third party gained access to legacy Cerner systems as early as Jan. 22.

On Sept. 29, Oracle Health provided ChristianaCare with a list of patients whose information may have been involved in the breach.

The data breach affected multiple health care organizations across the country.

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ChristianaCare said it is offering a two-year membership to credit monitoring and minor identity protection services to patients affected by the data breach.

Anyone with questions about this incident can call ChristianaCare Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 833-745-1528.

Other cybersecurity incidents strike ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare and its third-party vendors have been hit with other cybersecurity incidents in recent years.

Most recently, ChristianaCare's website went down in February 2023 after a pro-Russian "hacktivist" group KillNet hacked the hospital's website.

Service was restored within a few hours of the attack, and it affected only access to ChristianaCare's public website. No other information technology systems or data security were impacted by the attack, the hospital said.

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Additionally, in September 2020, ChristianaCare notified more than 26,000 patients about a security incident experienced by its third-party vendor called Blackbaud, which provides nonprofit organizations with data services related to donors and fundraising activities.

Blackbaud informed ChristianaCare that an unauthorized individual gained access to backup copies of databases used by its customers that may have contained information including names, dates of birth, mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, gift amounts and/or last visit date.

Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: ChristianaCare notifies patients of Oracle Health data breach
A Cincinnati man is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Warren County, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Donald Dakin, 74, was seriously injured in a car crash at about 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28.

According to highway patrol, a preliminary investigation revealed that Dakin was driving a box truck while traveling north on Jeffery Road near Ross Road in Washington Township.

Dakin went off the side of the road, overcorrected and overturned while traveling off the left side of the roadway, hitting an embankment.

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Dakin died at the scene. He was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

The crash is under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lebanon Post.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 74-year-old man dies in single-vehicle crash in Washington Township
Maryland State Police have charged four people in connection with a Nov. 18 house fire near Clear Spring that the agency described as a "triple murder," according to a police news release issued Saturday afternoon, Nov. 29.

The state police homicide unit was called to the fire scene after state fire marshals discovered signs of foul play and trauma to the victims that was inconsistent with fire-related injuries, according to state police.

A K-9 alerted to accelerants at the home when investigating the fire.

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Investigators do not believe the "incident" was a random act of violence, the release states.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the three people who were found dead at the house fire lived at the home. They were identified as as Brittany Ray, 31; Harold Flichman, 36; and Brianna Mae Weishaar, 25.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel. The cause and manner of their deaths is pending autopsy results from the chief medical examiner's office in Baltimore, the release states.

Three adults were found dead after an early morning fire on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in this home along National Pike, also known as U.S. 40, east of Clear Spring in Washington County, Maryland. Provided by the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office

Chance of snow in forecast: Is it going to snow in Washington County, MD, and Franklin County, PA?

Who has been charged related to triple murder related to Clear Spring-area fire?

Those charged, and the charges they are facing according to state police and online case dockets, are:

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Darnell (aka Donnell) Hawkins Jr., 47, of Baltimore, who faces charges including three counts of first-degree murder and a count each of first-degree arson and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/violent crime. The state police release says Hawkins is from Baltimore, while his online case docket lists him as being from Essex in Baltimore County. He was arrested Nov. 28 in Baltimore County and was being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

Tony Smith, (aka Tony Brandon Smith), 43, of Hagerstown, who faces charges including three counts of first-degree murder and a count each of first-degree arson, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/violent crime, and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was arrested Nov. 23 in Montgomery County and was being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

Maurice Samuel Mouzon, 46, of Baltimore, who faces charges including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, distribution of narcotics and wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun. His online case docket lists him as being from Brooklyn, Maryland, which is a neighborhood in South Baltimore. He was arrested Nov. 21 in Baltimore County and was being held at the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Facility.

Kierra Renee White, 35, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, who faces charges including accessory after the fact for first-degree murder. She was arrested Nov. 25 in Baltimore County and was being held at the Washington County Detention Center.

According to their dockets, the alleged crimes were committed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, except for Mouzon's alleged crimes. Mouzon's online docket lists his alleged crimes to have occurred on Monday, Nov. 17.

All four suspects were being held without bond, according to state police.

State police said more arrests are expected, according to the release.

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State police "urge" people with pertinent information related to the investigation to contact the state police Hagerstown Barrack at 301-766-3800, the release states. Calls may remain confidential.

The active investigation is being conducted by the state police homicide unit and allied law enforcement. The latter includes the state fire marshal's office, the FBI, the Hagerstown Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriffs Office. The Office of the State's Attorney in Washington County is supporting the investigation.

Wounded Guardsman is from Martinsburg: What to know about W.Va. National Guard members killed, wounded in DC

House fire east of Clear Spring

Firefighters responded around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to the 13800 block of National Pike for a reported house fire, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's earlier posts on Facebook.

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The single-family home is between Shady Bower Lane and St. Paul Road. National Pike also is known as U.S. 40.

The fire scene was between Clear Spring and Hagerstown.

Firefighters found the home fully involved with fire and found three people dead at the scene.

Two family dogs were safely rescued and transferred to the Humane Society of Washington County.

Almost 60 firefighters and support personnel responded. Crews arrived to heavy fire on the first floor and in the basement, according to a news release from the Washington County Division of Emergency Services.

The multi-agency response was coordinated by the Division of Emergency Services and involved units from Maryland and Pennsylvania, including Clear Spring Fire, Williamsport Fire & EMS, Maugansville Fire, Funkstown Fire, Community Volunteer Fire, Longmeadow Fire, Hancock Fire, Greencastle Fire, Mercersburg Fire, Community Rescue Service, Clear Spring Ambulance, the state fire marshal's office and Emergency Support Services.

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A team of deputy state fire marshals, along with K-9 Quinn, and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and Forensic Science Division are investigating the deadly blaze.

K-9 Quinn has busy career start: Western Maryland gets its first fire dog in over 20 years

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland State Police investigating triple murder at house fire scene
Each school day, students throughout Hunt County get to work in their various career education classes where they not only learn job skills but also  in many cases  have opportunities to earn professional certifications or college scholarships.

Two school years ago, Commerce High Schools agricultural sciences students were able to take their learning experiences to a higher level when construction was completed on their new Ag shop and barn.

I was very very active in FFA throughout my high school career and then uh actually went to uh college over here at East Texas State University on an Ag scholarship  so these kinds of programs  have had a huge influence on my life, Commerce ISD Superintendent Steve Drummond said on the most recent episode of his district Q&A show, Behind the Stripes.

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One of the main benefits of a school district having its own ag barn is that students who show livestock have a place to board their animals while they get them contest ready.

Weve got a big show team this year, FFA and animal science teacher Jackie Haynes said. It continues to grow every year. Our barn is completely full, so were pretty excited about it.

Another benefit of having the 40-to-45 animals at the schools Ag facility is that theyre centrally located, making it easier for Haynes to respond to her students concerns about their animals, when they arise.

Its an all day everyday situation, Haynes said. [Students] could call me at midnight, because they know that if something happens with an animal to call me and let me know. Same thing if they need a vet or anything like that.

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I mean, you never know whats going to happen, she added.

In addition to FFA and animal sciences, another program that makes heavy use of Commerce High Schools new Ag facility is its Ag mechanics program, where students learn how to weld amd build and repair heavy duty farm and ranch equipment.

Weve got about 10 projects started as of right now, FFA and Ag mechanics teacher Courtney Goodwin said. I expect us to have few more roll out by the time the county fair gets here (April 24-May 3).

Weve got tractor restoration. Were going to have two tractors this year  which is kind of new for us, Goodwin added. Here on campus, weve also got a greenhouse, a 16-foot gate ... a 9-foot-wide maintainer blade, and those are just some of the big [projects].

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In addition to choosing, planning and doing projects for contests, Ag mechanics students also have opportunities to do repair work for local farmers and ranchers, a fact that Drummond attested too.

I run a farm myself  and when I have things break out there, I can always count on Ms. Goodwin to help me with some of that stuff, Drummond said.

Of course, I always make a donation to the (FFA) chapter. I dont get anything for free, Drummond said with a laugh.
An aerial view of "Firehenge," the viral marketing effort of a Rapid City brewer with Nebraska ties along Interstate 90 in South Dakota near Kadoka. (Courtesy of Firehouse Brewing Co.)

KADOKA, S.D.  Nebraskas quirky replica of Englands prehistoric Stonehenge, Carhenge, is about to get some new competition in a neighboring state. And a former Nebraskan is behind it.

Rising from a dusty, prairie ridge along Interstate 90 near this Badlands-area town is a collection of firetrucks dubbed Firehenge.

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Its creator, an Omaha Burke High School grad who runs a Rapid City brewery, said the ring of 10-ton firetrucks vertically arranged in a circle is more about promoting his Firehouse Brewery Company than trying to lure away visitors from Alliance, Nebraskas popular Carhenge, about 200 miles to the south.

Bob Fuchs, the owner of a Rapid City brewery and pub and an Omaha Burke grad, is building a Firehenge to publicize his business. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

The new South Dakota version of the roadside attraction, which sits just off I-90, also includes a collection of buried fire hydrants called Doghenge. By next summer, the new henges will include a gift shop where visitors can purchase brewery souvenirs and canned beer and wine from the Firehouse Brewing Co., South Dakotas first and oldest brewery.

We are just having a ton of fun out here. Just come out and see it, said Bob Fuchs, the co-owner of the brewery who graduated from Burke in 1981. And, he adds, bring your dog.

A city official in Alliance, which took over ownership of Carhenge in 2013, said she doesnt expect local residents to mount a monumental fuss over a competing henge in the general vicinity.

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I think all of these things are fun, said Shana Brown, the director of cultural and leisure services for Alliance.

As it turns out, both Carhenge and Firehenge have plenty of competition in tourisms Carhenge-replica category.

Theres a Foamhenge (made out of foam) in Virginia, a Truckhenge near Topeka, Kansas (made out of farm trucks), a Phonehenge (made out old telephone booths) in South Carolina, and a Strawhenge (made out of bales) in Bavaria, Germany.

Years ago, a Twinkiehenge was built during a Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. There was once a Snowhenge in Michigan and a Fridgehenge (made out of old refrigerators) once graced the plains near Santa Fe before complaints caused its demise.

Recent displays of the northern lights made a spectacular image at Carhenge, located just north of Alliance, Nebraska. (Courtesy of the City of Alliance)

A couple decades ago, a reporter was summoned to Chadron, where a suspected Hayhenge had been built northeast of town. Round hay bales had been arranged in a circle at a local ranch.

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In the kinda-old-henge category, theres a full-size concrete replica of Stonehenge in Maryhill, Washington, that was built in 1918 to honor people lost in World War I.

And near Carbury, North Dakota, theres a circle of granite walls that serves as a 21st Century solar calendar, which is the suspected purpose of Stonehenge, a prehistoric circle of stones aligned for ceremonial purposes to indicate the summer and winter solstices, and the spring and fall equinoxes.

Carhenge was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders and his relatives as a memorial to Reinders father, who had lived on the farm north of Alliance where the collection of 39 American cars  arranged to align with the solar calendar  now sits.

The off-beat attraction draws about 100,000 visitors a year, according to Brown, and features a staffed gift shop from May through September. An estimated 4,000 people gathered there for the solar eclipse in 2017.

This summer, a mural fest was held at Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska, during which several muralists gave the off-beat attraction a new look. (Courtesy of the City of Alliance)

Carhenge has appeared in films, commercials, television shows and in song. Last summer, it hosted a group of muralists, who painted murals on the grey-painted cars, providing a new look for the motorcar monument.

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Fuchs, the Firehenge creator, said hes not haunted by henges but had visited Carhenge shortly after it was first created.

The inspiration for his firetruck circle came during a recent marketing meeting for his brewery, which was established inside a former Rapid City firehouse built in 1915.

Fuchs has long parked old firetrucks, purchased from all corners of the Midwest, next to his brewery billboards to draw more attention to his business. He says that he often hears that visitors to Rapid Citys downtown area ask wheres the Firehouse?

Its guerilla marketing, Fuchs said during a recent visit to Firehenge. Its very effective.

A closer look at Firehenge in Kadoka, South Dakota. (Courtesy of Firehouse Brewing Co.)

At the marketing meeting, one of Fuchs aides was playing with a toy firetruck. Once she set it on end, vertically, an idea was born.

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He said he has no plans to hoist a firetruck so it sits horizontally across two vertical trucks  like the stones at Stonehenge and cars at Carhenge. Too many liability concerns, Fuchs said. More firetrucks may be planted this spring, though, he said. And a YouTube video, featuring a visit by aliens to Firehenge, is in the works, Fuchs adds.

Over the din of a front-end loader smoothing out a gravel parking lot, he said its been a lot of fun.

I get to explore my artistic side by planting fire trucks in the prairie, Fuchs said.

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A former federal prosecutor and Republican strategist blasted President Donald Trumps absolutely indefensible Thanksgiving Day outburst.

On Wednesday in Washington, D.C., two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on deployment, which Trump ordered in August, ostensibly to fight crime. One of those soldiers died from her wounds the next day. The suspected gunman, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly fought for a CIA-backed paramilitary group in Afghanistan, is in custody.

On Thanksgiving night, Trump said on Truth Social that he is declaring a permanent pause on immigration from Third World Countries. He also targeted Somali immigrants, especially those in Minnesota. The president also ripped Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), deeming him seriously retarded. Trump also criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somali immigrant, for being always wrapped in her swaddling hijab and baselessly claimed she married her brother and came to the U.S. illegally.

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Appearing on Fridays edition of The Lead on CNN, Joseph Moreno was asked by guest host Boris Sanchez about Trumps remarks.

What happened to Happy Thanksgiving? Sanchez asked.

Moreno replied:

Boris, youre putting your finger, honestly, on whats so difficult to be a conservative-leaning citizen, who, my whole life has cherished vigorous, but respectful debate. And so when you see something like this, which is absolutely indefensible, and youre sitting at the Thanksgiving table, and your family and friends say, How can you possibly support an administration that comes out with messages like this? Its not easy. And you have to take the big picture view. Do you think that were better off as a country now than we would be under a Biden or Harris administration? And is it worth putting up with a president that puts out messaging like this? Its a tough one, and Im not gonna pretend I know the answer to that.

Earlier on CNN, Republican strategist Melik Abdul offered a similarly incredible response to the presidents Thanksgiving Day broadsides.

So, I was one of those who said when I saw it yesterday, I was like, Oh, bro, you gotta be kidding me now, Abdul said.

Watch above via CNN.

The post Conservative on CNN Rips Trumps Seriously Retarded Comment: Absolutely Indefensible first appeared on Mediaite.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Leathlobhair occupies a unique place in Irish cultural history, reflecting medieval Ireland's complex relationship with illness and social identity. Originating during a period when leprosy was present in Ireland, the name initially described individuals affected by the disease but evolved into hereditary surnames for families who either cared for lepers or themselves overcame the condition. This transformation from descriptive term to family name demonstrates how Gaelic society sometimes reclaimed stigmatized identities. The families bearing this name and its derivatives played significant roles in preserving Gaelic culture during periods of English domination, with many serving as hereditary historians, physicians, and poets to Irish chieftains. The name's survival through centuries represents the resilience of Irish cultural identity and the ability to transform potential stigma into a source of family pride and historical continuity.



In the broader context of Irish naming traditions, Leathlobhair exemplifies how physical characteristics or conditions could become permanent family identifiers. Unlike many cultures that avoided names with negative connotations, Gaelic tradition sometimes embraced them, perhaps as protective measures or acknowledgments of difficult truths. The name's evolution into modern surnames like Lally and Lawlor shows how Irish families navigated the complex process of anglicization while maintaining connections to their Gaelic roots. Today, the name serves as a historical reminder of how communities have historically dealt with disease, disability, and social exclusion, offering insights into both medieval Irish society and universal human experiences with stigma and identity formation.
Venezuela has condemned US President Donald Trump's statement that the airspace around the country should be considered closed.

The country's foreign ministry called Trump's comments "another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people".

The US does not have legal authority to close another country's airspace and the Venezuelan statement accused Trump of making a "colonialist threat".

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The US has built its military presence in the area and carried out at least 21 strikes on boats it said were carrying drugs, killing more than 80, without providing evidence. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has said the US actions are attempt to oust him.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."

The White House did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.

Some Democratic and Republican members of the US Congress have expressed anger that Trump has not sought legislative approval.

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"Trump's reckless actions towards Venezuela are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign war," top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer posted on X on Sunday.

"Under our constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war."

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, until recently a close Trump ally, said: "Reminder, Congress has the sole power to declare war."

Trump's comments come just days after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines of "heightened military activity in and around Venezuela", leading to several major airlines suspending flights there. Caracas then rescinded their take-off and landing rights.

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Venezuela's foreign ministry urged "the international community, the sovereign governments of the world, the UN, and the relevant multilateral organisations to firmly reject this immoral act of aggression", in a statement on Saturday.

The same day, Venezuela's military conducted exercises along coastal areas, with state TV showing anti-aircraft weapons and other artillery being manoeuvred.

The US has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, and about 15,000 troops to within striking distance of Venezuela.

[BBC]

It has insisted that the deployment - the largest by the US in the region since it invaded Panama in 1989 - is to combat drug trafficking.

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Trump warned on Thursday that US efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin "very soon".

The Venezuelan government believes the aim of the US is to depose the left-wing Maduro, whose re-election last year was denounced by the Venezuelan opposition and many nations as rigged.

Fellow left-wing President Gustavo Petro of Colombia - who has also faced US sanctions - has said he believed the US was using "violence to dominate" Latin America, though other leaders in the region have welcomed Trump's stance.

The US has also designated Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns  a group it alleges is headed by Maduro  as a foreign terrorist organisation.

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Labelling an organisation as a terrorist group gives US law enforcement and military agencies broader powers to target and dismantle it.

Venezuela's foreign ministry has "categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejected" the designation.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said Friday that officers would assist the National Guard in patrolling the District, following the shooting of two guardsmen Wednesday.

MPD is working with our law enforcement partners to best support National Guard Members on assignment in Washington, DC, said an MPD in a statement sent to DC News Now.

What we do and dont know about the National Guard members shot in DC

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According to a report by The Washington Post, the move would redirect officers from tasks in neighborhoods so they can accompany guardsmen; however, the order is subject to change.

Two West Virginia National Guard members, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot while patrolling the city as part of the Safe and Beautiful Task Force. Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thursday. As of Friday, Wolfe remained in the hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

West Virginia National Guard member shot in DC dies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 500 National Guard members to be deployed in the D.C hours after the shooting took place.

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The Washington Post noted that conversations are also underway with Metro Transit Police, U.S. Park Police, and several other law enforcement agencies to pair officers with National Guard troops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Nov. 29Albuquerque Public Schools students made significant gains in reading, improved math scores, graduated at a higher rate, showed greater preparation for college or a career and attended classes more often, according to the latest state accountability report.

"We're headed on a really good trajectory, our staff is working really hard, and when you put in that much effort  and they're really embracing change to some of the things we're doing  seeing results is what keeps the momentum going," Superintendent Gabriella Blakey said. "I am really pleased to see it."

The gains for the largest district in the state are notable, as New Mexico is often ranked among the lowest states nationally in terms of student academic performance.

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Data from the annual NM Vistas report compiled by the state Public Education Department for the 2024-25 school year found that 43% of APS students were proficient in reading and 25% in math.

Those figures represent 9 and 2 percentage-point increases, respectively, from the 2023-24 report. The district saw a 3 percentage point decrease in students' science proficiency during the 2024-25 school year, bringing it to 35%.

"I think certainly we want to be leaders in the state," Blakey said. "We recognize the value that that brings as being the largest district in the state, that we set an example, and that we carry a lot of weight in the data."

The district also saw a 2% increase in graduation rates, with 74% of students graduating from high school in four years. Fifth-year students graduated at a 70% rate, and 73% of sixth-year students graduated.

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When it comes to students' preparation after walking the stage, APS saw a nearly 47 percentage point increase from the previous report. According to the data, 88% of district students participated in college- and career-readiness courses during the 2024-25 school year. In the previous school year, 41% had done so.

Additionally, attendance figures improved in the most recent NM Vistas report. During the 2023-24 school year, the report stated, 50% of APS students regularly attended class. For the 2024-25 school year, that jumped 19 percentage points to 69% of students regularly attending class.

However, Blakey and district leadership take issue with the way the PED interprets attendance data, noting that the district is more focused on eliminating chronic absenteeism than on daily attendance numbers. The NM Vistas report describes regular attendance as "students who were present more than 90% of enrolled school days."

Similar to APS  where around 20% of all its public school students are enrolled  New Mexico saw gains in literacy as well. The state and its largest district showed identical proficiency rates in math, science and reading in the latest report.

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"I would say that since 2019, the state has made a huge investment in early literacy, and that is moving towards structured literacy," said Amanda DeBell, PED's deputy secretary of Teaching, Learning and Innovation. "We see that that investment is paying off."

While celebrating the success in improved reading skills, both PED and APS acknowledged that math scores are the next area needing improvement. Both institutions also stressed the need for schools to sustain the success seen last school year.

"When we see our statewide proficiencies hovering at less than 50% for reading and math ... I would reiterate that schools and we at the PED have to keep providing those opportunities for school districts," DeBell said. "The work must continue."
NEED TO KNOW

Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered 31 years ago, on Nov. 28, 1994

The infamous serial killer was 34 years old when he died

Dahmer was serving 16 consecutive life sentences when he was bludgeoned to death

More than three decades ago, Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered in prison  an act that struck an eerie similarity to the first person he killed years earlier.

On Nov. 28, 1994, Dahmer  who bludgeoned a hitchhiker named Steven Hicks to death in 1978  suffered the same fate at the hands of fellow inmate Christopher Scarver while serving 16 consecutive life sentences. Dahmer had raped, murdered and dismembered at least 17 boys and young men in Milwaukee, and engaged in cannibalism and necrophilia with some of their bodies, before getting caught in 1991.

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The gruesome details of Dahmer's slayings, as well as the tragic failed attempts to report his murders sooner, shocked and captivated the world when his crimes were finally discovered.

He was eventually convicted of 15 murders in Wisconsin and sentenced to 15 consecutive life sentences in prison in February 1992, with the 16th conviction and life sentence coming later. He was not convicted of one of his 17 confessed killings due to lack of evidence  though he didn't live long enough to serve much time.

Heres what to know about Jeffrey Dahmer's death in prison 31 years ago.

How did Jeffrey Dahmer die?

Milwaukee County Sheriff's Dept./AP Jeffrey Dahmer Jeffrey Dahmer

Fellow inmate Christopher Scarver beat Dahmer and a second inmate, Jesse Anderson, to death at Columbia Correctional Institution.

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Scarver told the New York Post in 2015 that Dahmer would sculpt human limbs from food and use ketchup for blood, unsettling other prisoners. He kept his distance from Dahmer, who typically had a guard with him at all times because of his conflicts with other inmates.

On Nov. 28, 1994, Scarver, Anderson and Dahmer were left unattended and unshackled to clean the gym bathroom. While Scarver was filling his mop and bucket, he claimed that one of the men poked him in the back, but he didn't know who it was.

"I turned around, and [Dahmer] and Jesse were kind of laughing under their breath," Scarver recalled. "I looked right into their eyes, and I couldn't tell which had done it." The men then split up, and Scarver, who had reportedly kept a newspaper clipping about Dahmer's crimes in his pocket, grabbed a 20-inch, 5-lb. metal bar from the gym.

Scarver claimed that he followed Dahmer into a staff locker room and confronted him about the crimes outlined in the newspaper clipping. "I asked him if he did those things 'cause I was fiercely disgusted," Scarver told the New York Post, adding that Dahmer was "shocked."

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He described what happened next: "He started looking for the door pretty quick. I blocked him. He ended up dead. I put his head down." Scarver said he then quickly went to another locker room where Anderson was working and did the same to him.

Guards found Dahmer on the bathroom floor with severe head wounds from being hit with the bar and from his head being slammed into the wall. He was hospitalized and pronounced dead an hour later.

Scarver committed both murders within about 20 minutes. As for why he did it, Scarver said his motivation went beyond Dahmer's behavior behind bars. "He crossed the line with some people  prisoners, prison staff," Scarver claimed. "Some people who are in prison are repentant  but he was not one of them."

When did Jeffrey Dahmer die?

Scarver murdered Dahmer on the morning of Nov. 28, 1994. Prison guards found him on the bathroom floor at around 8:10 a.m., and he was pronounced dead at a hospital about an hour later.

Where did Jeffrey Dahmer die?

Allan Y. Scott / AP Jeffrey Dahmer Jeffrey Dahmer

Scarver bludgeoned Dahmer to death at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisc.

How old was Jeffrey Dahmer when he died?

Born on May 21, 1960, Dahmer was 34 years old when he died.

What were Jeffrey Dahmer's last words?

Marny Malin/Sygma/Getty Jeffrey Dahmer Jeffrey Dahmer

Dahmer's last words aren't publicly known. At his sentencing, he expressed remorse for his crimes and said he took "full responsibility" for the rapes and murders of his victims.

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"I hope God has forgiven me," Dahmer said, according to The Washington Post. "I know society will never be able to forgive me. I know the families of the victims will never be able to forgive me for what I have done."

Dahmer said he had turned to religion after the killings, telling the court he "created a holocaust" when he strayed from a higher power. I should have stayed with God. I tried and I failed, he said. Dahmer also addressed the multitude of statements from the families and loved ones of his victims.

"I feel so bad for what I did to those poor families, and I understand their rightful hate," he said. "I have seen their tears and if I could give my life right now to bring their loved ones back, I would do it."

How did the public react to Jeffrey Dahmer's death?

Bill Waugh/Pool/AP Catherine Lacy and Rose Colon Catherine Lacy and Rose Colon

Dahmer's murders traumatized the families of his victims and many others in the Milwaukee community, but the public reaction to Dahmer's death was divisive. While many were happy to know that Dahmer's reign of terror came to a definitive end, others were upset that he wasn't alive to suffer in prison for the atrocities he'd committed.

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Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann told The New York Times after Dahmer's death: "This is the last sad chapter in a very sad life. Tragically, his parents will have to experience the same loss the families of his victims have experienced." Regarding Scarver, he added, "I hope there will be no economic returns or celebration as a folk hero for the man that killed Jeffrey Dahmer."



Dahmer's own parents were even split in their response to his death. According to The Washington Post, Dahmer's mother, Joyce, wanted to preserve her sons brain for scientific studies into his behavior, while his father, Lionel, wanted it cremated with the rest of his body. In the end, both Dahmers body and his brain were cremated, per the Los Angeles Times.

Many believed that the Milwaukee police failed the gay and Black communities by not catching Dahmer sooner despite warnings from the killer's Black neighbors. Glenda Cleveland, Dahmer's former neighbor, reported him to the police several times to no avail. In May 1991, Cleveland's daughter, Sandra Smith, and niece, Nicole Childress, called 911 for 14-year-old Konerak Sinthasomphone after spotting him naked, bleeding and barely conscious in the street.

Dahmer convinced the responding police officers that Sinthasomphone was his boyfriend who had had too much to drink. He killed the boy after the officers left.

How have Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes been portrayed in the media?

EUGENE GARCIA/AFP via Getty, Courtesy Of Netflix Jeffrey Dahmer, Evan Peters

Dahmer's combination of serial killing, necrophilia and cannibalism has fascinated true crime fans for decades, inspiring the graphic novel and film My Friend Dahmer starring Ross Lynch and Ryan Murphy's series Dahmer  Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story starring Evan Peters.



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Family and friends of Dahmer's victims have spoken out about how the multiple TV and film portrayals of the killer and his slayings are "retraumatizing."

Read the original article on People
A new Russian messaging platform that authorities hope will replace WhatsApp and Telegram is getting rave reviews from government officials, but on the streets of Moscow, reception has been mixed.

Max, released by Russian social media giant VK earlier this year, has been touted as a "super app" -- capable of doing everything from accessing government services to ordering a pizza, similar to China's WeChat or Alipay.

The government has directed manufacturers to include it on all new phones and tablets starting September 1, while simultaneously blocking calls on its foreign-owned rivals in what critics have called a brazen attempt to force users to switch.

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Officials insist Max is safe and will cut Russia's dependence on foreign-owned platforms that store data abroad, but rights advocates warn the app -- which lacks end-to-end encryption -- could be used as a powerful surveillance tool.

"I don't trust it much," said Ekaterina, a 39-year-old doctor who refused to give her last name.

Her employer required her to install the application for work but she mainly uses WhatsApp for personal communication, she said.

"There's a personal history of messages that I don't want to lose, as well as work-related communication," she said of WhatsApp.

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"I have many clients on it."

- 'I don't see a problem' -

Russians may not have much of a choice.

On Friday, media regulator Roskomnadzor announced it was considering fully banning WhatsApp, accusing it of being a vessel to perpetrate "crime". It had already blocked calls on the platform from August.

WhatsApp, which boasts almost 100 million users in the country, accused Russia of wanting to ban it because it is "secure".

"The situation is mixed," 33-year-old Andrei Ivanov told AFP.

He said he feared information from WhatsApp could be "stolen by other countries", but that it was "convenient to communicate there".

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"It is a certain restriction of our freedoms," Ivanov said of the plans to strong-arm users into switching.

WhatsApp, owned by US technology giant Meta, uses end-to-end encryption. This means messages are scrambled when they leave the sender's device and can only be read by the recipient.

The platform says it uses Meta's servers to store encrypted messages while they are being delivered but deletes them once this is done, and has refused to hand them over to governments.

Some in Moscow were unconvinced, nonetheless.

"I understand that everything created abroad is now a threat to us," said Russian pensioner Sergei Abramov, 67.

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He said he saw no "big problem" if WhatsApp got shut down.

Maria Isakova, a 36-year-old designer, agreed.

"Our nation is inherently good at adapting to changing circumstances. We adapt -- there are other messengers, there are alternatives to switch to," she said.

"I don't see any issues."

bur/sbk
Britains environment watchdog has been branded utterly ludicrous after admitting it has no idea how long it will take to clear an illegal rubbish dump in Oxfordshire.

The Environment Agency (EA) said on Thursday it could not give a timeline for removing a mountain of waste that sits between the River Cherwell and the A34, near Kidlington.

In a statement, the EA said: While we cannot give a timeline for this work, we ask the public to remain patient.

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The statement prompted a rebuke from countryside campaigners and politicians, who highlighted the fact that the EA has put 24-hour protection in place at the site.

Tim Bonner, the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: This sounds utterly ludicrous from the Environment Agency.

Their first and clear duty is to clear up this mess before it has any further impact on on the river and surrounding habitats. The Environment Agency needs to get on with doing the job taxpayers pay it to do.

He added: Protecting a pile of rubbish is pointless. Removing it is the task they need to be carrying out.

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Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said: Whats the point of the EA if they are not able to prevent this sort of crisis, nor be able to get it cleaned up? They might as well resign and lets replace them with competent people who do the job properly.

Hundreds of tonnes of rubbish have been illegally dumped in the patch of Oxfordshire countryside in question over a period of months. Most of the rubbish is shredded waste and plastic. Environmentalists fear that the pile of rotting waste risks contaminating the land and killing wildlife.

The waste mountain has become a national scandal after aerial footage was published showing the extent of the dumping.

Illegal fly-tipping was first reported to the EA as early as July but very little action appears to have been taken. According to the green quango, it issued a cease and desist letter to the landowner but criminals continued to dump waste.

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On Nov 25, a 39-year-old from the Guildford area in Surrey was arrested in connection with the illegal dump. He has since been released while inquiries continue.

The EA said it did not want taxpayers to pay for the clean-up effort and was looking at other options.

It said: Our position remains that, as a matter of principle, we believe that those who pollute  rather than taxpayers  should cover the costs of clean up.

We are reviewing options for site clearance with local partners. Unlike the criminals that dumped it there, we have to ensure this vast amount of waste is handled correctly.

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.
HOMER CITY, Pa.  A Philadelphia-based environmental group may appeal a Department of Environmental Protection decision set to award an air quality permit for a proposed $10 billion Indiana County energy campus data center.

Even while requiring Homer City Development to increase some additional monitoring measures, the states fast-tracked permit will allow an alarming level of volatile organic compounds into the environment  for very little benefit, Clean Air Council Executive Director Alex Bomstein said.

These are compounds that contribute to smog and ozone issues, Bomstein said. Any over time, they can lead to all kinds of health issues.

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For all of its foul pollution, Homer Citys previous coal-fired power plant was capable of generating enough power to support up to 2 million homes, he said.

This (new) plant isnt being designed to heat homes and run the lights in Pennsylvania. Its primarily going to run an AI data center to relieve people of their jobs, he said.

Well be getting millions of tons of pollution without any of the benefit.

State officials and the Homer City projects developers view the project far differently.

State environmental officials issued the air quality permit, after indicating the proposed facility meets regulatory guidelines  including those restricting greenhouse gas emissions.

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Project developers, meanwhile, say the up to 4.4 gigawatt facility will transform the community by creating approximately 200 high-paying jobs and leading to hundreds more to support the business in Indiana County, planners said.

Approximately 3,000 laborers in the trades will likely be needed to build the power generating station and data center on 3,200 acres approximately 26 miles northwest of Johnstown.

Receiving air quality plan approval is a major milestone for our team, our partners, and the entire region, said Corey Hessen, CEO of Homer City Generation. We truly appreciate the efforts of both Governor Shapiros office, which helped move this process forward, and the expert team at PA DEP, who diligently reviewed our application to ensure that the project would proceed in full compliance with Pennsylvanias air quality regulations.

The facility will also be designed to produce energy for the power grid. But AI, or artificial intelligence, technology requires massive amounts of electricity and the projects primary intent is to help feed that need, developers have said.

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Environmental groups worry the technology  and data centers they require  will drive up the cost of electricity.

Bomstein noted that groups like the Clean Air Council have 30 days to file an appeal to the permit  and other regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the project can go to construction.

The high level of carbons that would be emitted into the air by the plant  not just over Pennsylvania but across multiple states  are one key concern, he said.

If these ranges rise to the maximum the state allows, we could be talking about $508 million in health-(related) harms annually ... from this pollution, Bomstein said.

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He estimated the projected cost in health harms at up to $211 million in Pennsylvania.

The Homer City projects planners have said the new plant will cut greenhouse emissions by 65% compared to the previous plant, which was known as a top polluter in Pennsylvania.

Bomstein said its clear certain pollutants, such as Sulphur dioxide emissions, would drop.

But the potential level of ammonia  the same substance found in products such as window cleaner  would rise substantially if they reach permitted levels, he said, citing eye and respiratory dangers.

He said those levels could exceed legal limits. The Clean Air Council wants to see more steps taken to ensure excessive amounts of the substance arent being emitted into the environment.

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Bomstein credited Department of Environmental Protection officials for requiring increased testing of the emissions that will rise from the plants towering stacks.

As initially outlined, that certain pollution would have been measured every five years. The DEP will instead require it every three years, he said.

DEP officials approved a plan that added 53 new conditions beyond the standard state air quality regulations, state officials said this fall.

That includes requiring that the best available control measures be used in the future and to enhance certain record-keeping and post start-up testing measures, a notice in the Pa. Bulletin shows.

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But there are still a number of other complaints that werent addressed, he added.

This is just something you cant let go, Bomstein said.

Thats why the community and groups like ours will keep fighting.
As the clock ticks toward the congressionally mandated deadline of 19 December by which Donald Trumps justice department must release its files related to Jeffrey Epstein, there is intense speculation about the contents of these documents  but also questions as to what happens when they are released.

The US president on 19 November signed a bipartisan bill requiring that the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, disclose these documents to the US public within 30 days. Given that other tranches of materials related to the disgraced financier included damning correspondence with high-profile individuals, many expect that still more names of the rich, famous and powerful will be named.

Victims of Epstein and their advocates, including an overwhelming majority of Congress, have expressed hope that they will also learn why he was able to avoid meaningful prosecution for years despite numerous minors telling authorities that he abused them.

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Many also believe that these papers could lift the veil on more details of Trumps relationship with Epstein, as the president, who had been his friend before a falling-out, is mentioned repeatedly in previously released communications.

Trump, whose decision to sign the bill marked a reversal from his months-long opposition to it, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. His representatives have slammed reports of Trumps prior ties to Epstein as tired and pathetic attempts to distract from all the success of President Trumps administration.

If Trumps justice department does comply with this law  as Bondi has vowed it will  experts and observers told the Guardian that the long-fought battle for transparency could prompt deep ramifications for those named in the files. These could range from severe ostracism to legal liability.

Sam Bassett, a criminal defense attorney with the Austin, Texas, firm Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, explained that statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes in various states have expanded in recent years. Federal law does not have time limits for pursuing sex crimes involving minors.

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Prosecutors might be able to pursue cases and other investigations if these files were to reveal enough evidence for somebody to seek charges and or an indictment.

It is possible, depending on the jurisdiction, Bassett said.

That wouldnt mean that charges would automatically result for anyone implicated with even damning evidence, given logistical constraints. Given the passage of time, theyre going to have to be pretty selective on which kind of which case or cases they would seek prosecution on, Bassett said.

Spencer Kuvin, the top legal officer of GoldLaw and an attorney for several Epstein victims, voiced similar sentiments about possible prosecution for Epstein associates.

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Once these files are released, the next step is simple: follow the evidence wherever it leads. The documents should be treated as actionable intelligence for further investigations and potential prosecution, Kuvin said. Every name, every communication, every corroborated act that points toward facilitation, cover-up, or participation in Epsteins trafficking network should trigger renewed investigative scrutiny.

There is also the potential of well-warranted social ostracism for any exposed Epstein associates who have stayed off the radar so far.

People who were communicating with Epstein after his conviction in Florida should be seen by the public for what they are: individuals that were complicit or facilitated a sex trafficker, Kuvin said.

For my clients, transparency is not the end goal  justice is. The files must be the beginning of long-overdue accountability.

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Kuvin said authorities must correct past institutional failures.

If the files reveal misconduct inside federal agencies, the government has a duty to confront those failures openly and create structural protections, so no victim is ever sidelined again, he said. This isnt just about uncovering crimes  its about rebuilding trust with survivors who were betrayed by the system.

Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky, who pursued sexual harassment lawsuits against the former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes and co-launched the non-profit Lift Our Voices, said that seeing the files was imperative. The information, in turn, could guide appropriate next steps.

I think that the possibilities are endless as to what could be the result. I think there could be more criminal charges. I think that there could be accountability, not only for individuals, but institutions or other groups that may be named, said Carlson, who believes the files will be released. I think theres a tremendous amount of information out there that were not aware of yet.

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If you only consider the fact that we learned so much just from the emails that the House oversight committee released, then you can only imagine how much would be in the million pages of documents.

Skepticism about this disclosure persists, however, given multiple carve-outs for withholding information. This legislation does not allow redaction of names only because those identified might face embarrassment or reputational damage, but one provision does permit the withholding of documents that might impinge on ongoing investigations.

Bondi, deferring to Trumps request, has assigned a prosecutor in New York to investigate former president Bill Clinton, the LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and other Trump political adversaries who once associated with Epstein. Both Clinton and Hoffman, who have not been accused of misconduct related to Epstein, have denied wrongdoing and expressed remorse for their prior association with him.

Many have wondered whether the Clinton and Hoffman investigations will be used as an excuse to keep secret documents which should otherwise be subject to disclosure. The justice departments track record on disclosing these documents  one of Trumps campaign promises  has been spotty.

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Roginsky, who is among those who thinks the administration could invoke these investigations to withhold files, also noted Trumps broad power. The law does allow him to classify certain aspects of these files, and he has unilateral authority to determine what is classified as a matter of national security, she said.

Another possibility: They release some of the files that are embarrassing politically to people the president wants to embarrass, that the administration wants to embarrass, but not potentially to himself or his allies.

Should the information come out as required by law, views vary on how to best present an analysis to the public. Asked whether Congress should prepare an analysis similar to the 9/11 commission report, Kuvin said absolutely.

This case deserves nothing less than a full, independent, public accounting. The Epstein scandal wasnt just a trafficking operation  it was a catastrophic breakdown of federal, state and local institutions, Kuvin said. A 9/11-style commission, with subpoena power and independence from political influence, is the only mechanism capable of mapping out Epsteins network, identifying systemic failures, determining who intervened, who looked the other way and why, [and] recommending safeguards to prevent anything like this from happening again.

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Without a commission, were piecing together fragments of truth from a system that already failed these survivors once.

Carlson said that the bipartisan agreement on transparency gave her hope that there might be agreement across the aisle in next steps.

Depending on whats in these files, both parties might decide that if both parties have people that fall down, or whatever the case may be, that its important for the country  and for moving us all forward  that they come together and do come up with some sort of a report.

For Roginsky, the landscape is so different that a report wouldnt have the same impact as it did after 9/11, further underscoring the need for disclosure.

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I think we are living in a very different world than we were living in after 9/11, she said. I think that there is such a level of mistrust right now that even a 9/11-style commission is not going to be perceived by everybody, and, certainly, I think by enough people, to be legitimate.

Jennifer Plotkin of Merson Law, a firm that has represented 33 Epstein survivors and is pursuing a lawsuit over federal authorities inaction on allegations decades ago, was succinct in describing what she thought should come next.

The government should accept accountability and responsibility to Epsteins victims in the FBI by resolving the matter instead of fighting with the survivors like it is now, Plotkin said.

Asked about transparency concerns, a White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, said: President Trump has been consistently calling for transparency related to the Epstein files  by releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House oversight committees subpoena request, and President Trump recently calling for further investigations into Epsteins Democrat friends, the Trump administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have.

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If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging.

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If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform.

Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each.
Up to three lanes in each direction of Interstate 5 in the Fife area between 54th Avenue East and Porter Way will be closed for construction work to permanently restripe the roadway during the night Tuesday through Friday, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Northbound lanes will be closed from 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Dec. 2 through Dec. 5. Southbound lanes will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5:15 a.m., according to WSDOT. Expect some traffic delays.

If its raining, the work may be rescheduled.

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The road work is part of a larger state Route 167 project to add new connections to Interstate 5, the ports of Tacoma and the Sea-Tac Airport. The lane closures will let crews permanently restripe the roadway, as part of the project, according to WSDOTs website.

Follow live traffic updates at https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/?featuretype=alert&featureid=674410.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Pentagons investigation of Sen. Mark Kelly over a video that urges American troops to defy illegal orders has raised a slew of questions, and some criticism, from legal experts.

Some say the Pentagon is misreading military law to go after Kelly as a retired Navy fighter pilot. Others say the Arizona Democrat cannot be prosecuted as a member of Congress. A group of former military prosecutors insists he did nothing wrong.

The Pentagon announced the investigation last week after President Donald Trump's social media post accusing Kelly  and the five other Democratic lawmakers in the video  of sedition punishable by DEATH."

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was facing investigation because he is the only one in that group who formally retired from the military and is still under the Pentagons jurisdiction.

Kelly dismissed the inquiry as the work of bullies" and said it would not deter him and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable.

Its not totally unheard of'

Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor, said there has been a significant uptick in courts-martial of retired service members in the past decade. While courts have debated the constitutionality, the practice is currently allowed. He said there have been roughly a dozen such prosecutions across the service branches.

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There are roughly 2 million people who formally retired from the military and receive retirement pay, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. Service members are generally entitled to retirement pay after completing 20 years of active duty.

Todd Huntley, a retired Navy captain and judge advocate general, or JAG, said it is rare to prosecute retirees for something that happened after they retired.

Its not totally unheard of, said Huntley, who now directs Georgetown's national security law program. I actually prosecuted a enlisted guy who had been retired for 16 years. He was essentially assaulting his adopted daughter. Basically no one else had jurisdiction so we prosecuted him.

A ridiculous conclusion

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Colby Vokey, a prominent civilian military lawyer and former military prosecutor, said Hegseth appears to be misreading the Uniform Code of Military Justice to justify the Kelly investigation.

Vokey said Hegseth has personal jurisdiction over Kelly because Kelly is entitled to retirement pay. But Vokey said Hegseth lacks subject matter jurisdiction because Kelly made his statements as a senator.

Vokey said case law has evolved to where the military can prosecute an active-duty service member for a crime committed off base, such as robbing a convenience store. But applying military law to a retired service member and assuming that means every offense ever is kind of a ridiculous conclusion.

Lets say you have a 100-year-old World War II veteran who is retired with pay and he steals a candy bar, Vokey said. Hegseth could bring him back and court-martial him. And that in effect is what is happening with Kelly.

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Patrick McLain, a retired Marine Corps judge and former federal prosecutor, said the cases he has seen of retirees being called back "are more like extreme examples of fraud or some of these child pornography cases.

"Ive not seen anything like the kind of the wackadoodle thing theyre trying to do to Sen. Kelly for essentially exercising his First Amendment right to free speech, which they dont like, McLain said.

He did it as a civilian

Charles Dunlap, a Duke University law professor and retired Air Force lawyer, said in an email that military law can restrict speech for service members that is protected for civilians under the First Amendment.

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But even if the video was found to have violated military law, a key issue may be whether the law can be applied to someone who is retired, Dunlap said.

A group of former military lawyers, the Former JAGs Working Group, said in a statement that Kelly did not violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The video simply described the law as it pertains to lawful versus unlawful orders, the group said. It did not suborn mutiny or otherwise encourage military members to disregard or disobey lawful orders issued to them.

Troops, especially uniformed commanders, have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful. Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders  colloquially known as the Nuremberg defense, as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler  does not absolve troops.

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Kelly and the other lawmakers did not mention specific circumstances in the video. Some Democratic lawmakers have questioned the legality of the Trump administrations attempts to send National Guard troops into U.S. cities. Kelly has pointedly questioned the use of the military to attack alleged drug boats off South Americas coast, saying he was worried about the military officers involved with the mission and whether they were following orders that may have been illegal.

Michael OHanlon, director of research in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, said any case brought against Kelly likely would be thrown out or end in an acquittal.

OHanlon said it might not have been politically smart to wave a red flag in front of the bull but he does not see the legal grounds for a court martial.

Saying that you shouldnt break the law cannot be a crime," OHanlon said. But in addition, he did not do it as a military officer. He did it as a civilian.

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Separation of powers

Kellys status as a senator could block the Pentagon's investigation because of constitutional protections for the separation of powers in the U.S government.

The Constitution explicitly shields members of Congress from White House overreach, said Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University.

Having a United States senator subject to discipline at the behest of the secretary of defense and the president  that violates a core principle of legislative independence, Kreis said in a telephone interview.

Kreis said such protections were a reaction to the British monarchy, which arbitrarily punished members of Parliament.

Any way you cut it, the Constitution is fundamentally structurally designed to prevent this kind of abuse, Kreis said.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Lokelani holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition as the official flower of Maui and represents the beauty and fragility of the islands' natural environment. The name connects to the introduction of the Damask rose to Hawaii in the early 19th century, which became naturalized and integrated into local flora. In Hawaiian culture, the lokelani rose symbolizes love, beauty, and the delicate balance of nature, often featured in lei-making, celebrations, and romantic expressions.



The name embodies the concept of 'aloha aina' (love of the land) and serves as a reminder of Hawaii's unique botanical heritage. It represents the cultural adaptation and integration of introduced species while maintaining respect for native ecosystems. Lokelani carries the weight of Hawaiian history, connecting modern bearers to their ancestral lands and traditions, making it more than just a name but a statement of cultural identity and environmental stewardship.
Did Ohio Democrat Amy Acton spread a fake video of Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy advocating year-round school, as social media posts claim? No, that's not true: Four days into the controversy over year-round school, the Ramaswamy campaign had not publicly stated the video was fake and declined to answer questions from Lead Stories. The Columbus Dispatch quoted an un-named Ramaswamy staffer saying Ramaswamy floated the idea in casual conversation, but made no formal proposal to add hours and days to the school year. There's no obvious sign of AI fakery in the clip. The Ramaswamy campaign appears to have taken down its version of the clip and replaced it with a shortened version that no longer contains the controversial bit. Multiple jump cuts in the original and replacement video show both were edited and not one continuous shot.

The fakery claim appeared in a November 25, 2025 X post (archived here) on the @timcast account, with accompanying text that said "If we are playing this game, we are done." It continued:

A Democrat candidate circulated a fake AI video of Vivek Ramaswamy promoting something he never said.

This is what the post looked like on X at the time this fact check was written:

In the clip posted by Acton, Ramaswamy says:

Make parenting more affordable by making school year-round and going 'til 4 o'clock instead of 3 o'clock so you don't have to pay for childcare.

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The Columbus Dispatch, covering the claims by Ramaswamy supporters that Acton had posted a fake video, found the original Ramaswamy campaign video included those remarks, but that that the campaign took down the original version of the video and replaced it with a shorter version that left off the segment in which he talked about year-round school. Lead Stories has found no archived version of the Ramaswamy campaign's original version, although Acton and others saved it to use in criticizing him.

An unnamed Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson was quoted saying to the Dispatch that Ramaswamy's remarks were: "casual back-and-forth on TikTok" but not a "policy rollout."

In the last version of the Nov. 25 Ramaswamy campaign TikTok post titled "How to ACTUALLY make life affordable", there are abrupt transitions (called "jump cuts) that show material was either changed, added or removed by the Ramaswamy campaign at 00:00:03; at 00:00:05, 00:00:15 and 00:00:18 and 00:00:23. In the first example, for instance, there's an abrupt zoom in on his face, followed two seconds later by an abrupt zoom out.

Lead Stories reached out to the Ramaswamy campaign for comment at 1:51 p.m. on Nov. 26 and again later in the day. Lead Stories contacted Ramaswamy's campaign again on November 28, but the campaign did not take the opportunity to take responsibility for the year-round-school clip, nor to call it fake. This fact check will be updated if the campaign responds to address the claim of video fakery.
Overconsumption has long been associated with the holiday season, but a TikTok user's aggravating discovery about a Family Dollar's wasteful practices took it to a new level.

What's happening?

In retail environments, holidays tend to govern much of the inventory and merchandising cycle.

Seasonal items are cycled out aggressively to make way for more merchandise, and according to TikTok user believeinyrdreams (@believeinyrdreams), it's worse than shoppers think.

"Nothing ever shocks me  but this kinda did," said the user, who also goes by Dee.

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In the clip, she explained that during a visit to Family Dollar, she overheard employees discussing holiday decorations.

"One of the employees was beyond, beyond upset  like, she was having an anxiety attack," Dee recalled. As she continued listening, she overheard that in the past, employees were permitted to divert a few items from the trash, with the rest of the unsold merchandise donated.

She learned that a recent policy change meant that all unsold Family Dollar merchandise "had to go in the dumpster," including "boxes that haven't been opened."

The employees' anger was so contagious that Dee approached them, learning that the policy led to dumpsters that were perpetually overflowing rather than donations.

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"When I see this sheer waste, it disgusts me," a visibly enraged Dee seethed.

"Buc-ee's doesn't even put theirs on sale, they throw them in the dumpster! I asked why [and] was told a write off is more profitable than donating!" a user replied.

"It's been like that. They also destroy the products so that people can't use them," another commented, referring to the retail practice of destroying unsold goods to render them unusable.

"They just throw them away. In black bags. I worked for Family Dollar," a third admitted.

Why is seasonal retail waste concerning?

Not unlike fast fashion, discount variety stores like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General specialize in high-turnover, low-cost goods, a cycle that exacerbates consumption.

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The issue isn't confined to dollar stores, though, as big box chains like Home Depot have been caught engaging in similarly flagrant seasonal waste.

All of this merchandise generated emissions during manufacturing, in transit to the store, and en route to a landfill, all without ever being used.

American landfills are overflowing, and they are also a major source of methane emissions.

Instead of solely harming the planet, unsold items in the supply chain can often be donated to those in need, something commenters and the original poster repeatedly emphasized.

Is Family Dollar doing anything about this?

Family Dollar's 2024 Sustainability Report mentioned "donations" or "donating" 13 times, primarily in the context of sums of money.

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A section indicated that "12,000 product donations" to Boys & Girls Clubs of America had been made, as well as "product donations" to military families through Operation Homefront.

Family Dollar also disclosed donations to natural disaster relief efforts but provided no details.

Notably, many cited donations were "collected," suggesting they were solicited through customer purchases rather than from existing inventory.

Although "waste" appeared 24 times, most instances were vague and primarily concerned operational waste.

The word "unsold" did not appear at all.

What's being done about seasonal retail waste more broadly?

TikTok commenters lamented that "every store" was guilty of similar wasteful practices, and while the statement was hyperbolic, it wasn't exactly false.

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Consumers hold a lot of power, however, and choosing to vote with their own family dollars by shopping sustainably funds responsible retailers while reducing demand for low-quality goods.

Moreover, supporting mainstream brands' planet-friendly initiatives can help cut down on corporate waste.



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.
It was like a ghost sighting. And the FBI agents had to be sure they werent mistaken.

The investigators, conducting surveillance near a Starbucks in Mexico City on Jan. 22, 2024, had just seen two men walk in.

One of them, a hulking six-foot-three-inch figure, may just have been the ghost theyd been hunting.

They checked a 2013 Quebec drivers licence photo to be certain. He looked different, all these years later. But there was little doubt when the man was later heard inside, using his real first name.

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Ryan.

The FBI had managed to get eyes on Ryan James Wedding, a Canadian they suspected of running a violent cocaine-smuggling operation across South and North America.

The episode at the coffee shop  described by U.S. prosecutors in court documents summarizing their case against Wedding  amounts to the only sighting that authorities have confirmed publicly, since Wedding first fled criminal charges in 2015.

So, why didnt they arrest him, then and there?

(FBI)

The question has been swirling on social media since U.S. federal authorities earlier this month announced new charges against Wedding, 44, and his alleged associates and increased the bounty for his capture to $15 million.

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For starters, theres the jurisdiction issue. Any arrest in Mexico would have to be carried out by Mexican authorities, says retired FBI special agent Kenneth Gray.

Even if the FBI had location information on Wedding, and the information was provided to the Mexican authorities, there is no guarantee that they would move on this information in a timely manner and make an arrest, said Gray, now a professor in the criminal justice department at the University of New Haven, Conn.

But theres another reason, as laid out in the hundreds of pages of indictments, extradition-related documents and other court records reviewed by CBC News over the past year.

It was the RCMP who had sought Wedding in 2015, when he was living in Montreal. Born in Thunder Bay, Ont., Wedding disappeared after he was charged in a large-scale conspiracy that involved bringing boat loads of cocaine from South America to Atlantic Canada.

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By 2024, Wedding had surfaced in Mexico  living under aliases such as James Conrad King, Jesse King and Public Enemy  and was on the FBIs radar. His drug-smuggling network, now linked to dozens of murders, had allegedly grown to a transnational empire, raking in $1 billion US a year.

Working with the Mounties, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles police and other agencies, the FBI was building its own case against Wedding. It was only supposed to be a matter of time before Wedding was captured and put on trial in L.A.

That meeting at the Starbucks was just one step in the sprawling investigation.

That afternoon, Wedding talked business with two fellow Canadians. One would be in custody within months. The other  an FBI informant  would wind up dead.

Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, left, was killed in Medellin, Colombia, in January 2025 after working with the FBI to help bring down the violent drug-smuggling network allegedly led by fugitive Ryan Wedding. U.S. prosecutors allege Andrew Clark, right, acted as Wedding's top lieutenant. (Name withheld/U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California)

The meeting had been set up by Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, a Montreal-born drug trafficker in his earlier 40s whod befriended Wedding in 2011, as they both served time in a Texas prison.

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After their release, Acebedo-Garcia started working for Wedding in two key roles, according to the U.S. prosecutors. He would co-ordinate Weddings cocaine shipments to Canada, and launder money back to him in Mexico.

The pair had communicated over encrypted chat platforms almost daily or weekly since 2013, the prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

But  little did Wedding know  their relationship had recently taken a turn.

A month before the meeting in Mexico City, Acebedo-Garcia had agreed to work with law enforcement, in the hopes of avoiding prosecution himself.

He would go on to help investigators infiltrate communications and meetings involving Wedding and his accomplices, according to court records, as part of the sprawling FBI-led Operation Giant Slalom, named after Weddings previous career as an Olympic snowboarder.

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By January 2024, Acebedo-Garcia was working at the behest of the FBI and carried a recording device to that meeting over coffee.

Investigators identified the other man whod walked in with Wedding as his networks second-in-command, Andrew Clark. A former Toronto-area elevator mechanic, Clark had already met with Acebedo-Garcia earlier in the week, allegedly boasting about sending 2,000-3,000 kg of cocaine per month to Canada, including 600 kg to Alberta.

Clark and Acebedo-Garcia purportedly discussed a plan to hire a Toronto-area trucking network to move drugs from California to Canada, at a flat rate of between $175,000 to $225,000 per shipment.

The two men appeared to get along.

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Really nice to meet u bro ty for all, Acebedo-Garcia told Clark over the encrypted messaging app Threema, according to excerpts of their chat included in Ontario court filings.

Yes bro..very nice to meet you, Clark responded, unaware the FBI was monitoring  and directing  his new friends communications.

Acebedo-Garcia would go on to have more meetings with other suspected Wedding accomplices in Brampton, Ont., and Dubai. He agreed to testify against the alleged kingpin at trial and helped the FBI gather enough evidence to finally make their move.

Clark was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024 in the Guadalajara area, in a dramatic operation involving the Mexican navy. He has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy and four murders in Ontario, including the mistaken-identity shooting of an Indian family.

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In all, more than 30 suspected members and associates of what U.S. prosecutors call the Wedding Criminal Enterprise have been indicted, with other arrests carried out in Colombia, Alberta, B.C., Ontario, Quebec, California and Florida.

But Wedding remains nowhere to be found.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stands near a wanted poster of Wedding as she speaks with reporters during a news conference at the Department of Justice earlier this month in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)

In March, he was added to the FBIs list of 10 most-wanted fugitives. CBC News reported months later that the FBI was focusing some manhunt efforts on a region in central Mexico, near the Mexican capital where he was seen in January 2024.

As for Acebedo-Garcia, he was fatally shot in the head while eating with friends at a restaurant in Medellin, Colombia, on Jan. 31, 2025  almost exactly a year after the fateful meeting with Wedding and Clark at a Starbucks. U.S. prosecutors allege the assassination was orchestrated by Wedding.

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Our agents and law enforcement will relentlessly pursue you and anyone who assists you and bring you to justice, Bill Essayli, L.A.s top federal prosecutor vowed last week in a public warning to Wedding.

Your days are numbered.

CBC News senior reporter Thomas Daigle has extensively covered the search for Ryan Wedding. He can be reached by email at thomas.daigle@cbc.ca.
The NYPD released video of first responders dropping through a manhole cover to rescue a construction worker who fell down the manhole in Washington Heights last week.

On November 20, Police and firefighters worked together to reach the construction worker, who was trapped but conscious after falling roughly 15 feet.

The 35-year-old man was taken to the hospital to get treated for pain in his right ankle.

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A Fox News guest host is getting a reality check on social media after her over-the-top claim about President Donald Trumps energy levels.

Trump, 79, has been seen struggling to stay alert in public since returning to the White House early this year. Last week, the New York Times reported that Trump is holding fewer events, traveling less and working shorter days as a concession to the realities of an aging president.

Politics: Unpopular And Under Pressure  Has Trump's Autocratic Offensive Stalled?

But Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe, filling in for Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle, slammed the report, defended Trump, and attacked former President Joe Biden.

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The man is almost 80 but hes also a machine. I mean, he barely sleeps, he works around the clock and he constantly talks to the press and meanwhile Biden always slept, worked sometimes, and never talked to the press unless they were asking about ice cream flavors, she said.

Boothes claim comes amid growing concerns over the presidents health  including a hastily announced visit to Walter Reed Medical Center last month for a routine yearly checkup just six months after his annual physical.

That test included an MRI, which Trump later said was perfect.

Politics: Donald Trumps Gross Answer To National Guard Member Funeral Question Draws Fury Online

However, neither he nor the White House has explained why he needed an MRI in the first place.

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Hes also faced questions over his vigor and energy levels.

Trump seemed to nod off repeatedly during his criminal trial in New York last year, although he and his legal advisors denied it.

And this year, hes been seen battling heavy eyelids at White House events.

Politics: Trump Absolutely Loses It Over NYT Story On His Energy, Calls Female Reporter Ugly

Earlier this month, a Washington Post analysis found that Trump spent nearly 20 minutes battling to keep his eyes open during an Oval Office meeting. Similarly, MS NOW host Katy Tur  who covered Trumps 2016 campaign  told The Daily Beast that Trump doesnt have the same amount of energy and isnt as coherent as he used to be.

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Hes always been not entirely coherent, but its different now. Hes slower. His speech is slower, she said. You can see him falling asleep sometimes, or appearing to fall asleep in the Oval Office.

Trump has attacked reports of his flagging energy, writing on Truth Social this week:

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! Politics: Trump Grants Clemency To Private Equity Executive Who Defrauded Thousands

However, critics on X said the photos of Trump at recent events tell the real story of his energy levels:

 unless hes in a meeting. https://t.co/E4BYqBreuM  Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) November 29, 2025

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At his criminal trials, the RNC convention, cabinet meetings, funerals, diplomatic events, pressers...

Hes not woke or awake. pic.twitter.com/fURRm9WDzW    C H E E K Y   (@andreagail_k) November 29, 2025

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Fox spent years calling Biden sleepy and too old, now the same hosts swear 79-year-old Trump is an unstoppable machine who never sleeps. The hypocrisy is deafening.  Richard Angwin (@RichardAngwin) November 29, 2025

I've seen more footage of trump sleeping at inappropriate times than I've seen of him making consecutive coherent statements. https://t.co/wL5or0QxQY  WTAF, America?! (@FightingForDem7) November 29, 2025

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
National gas prices have fallen below $3 per gallon, the lowest average in four years, according to a recent analysis.

On Nov. 28, GasBuddy, the gas price tracking app, announced gas prices fell to their lowest since May 2021. Averages were $2.99 at the pump as of Nov. 29, according to the app's online tracker.

That's good news for Americans driving during the holiday season.

We havent seen the national average fall this low in over four years, and the speed and breadth of the decline are remarkable," Patrick De Haan, GasBuddys head of petroleum analysis, said in a statement. "Every single state has seen relief at the pump over the past week, a rare feat that underscores how challenging the fundamentals are for gasoline prices right now.

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.

Of course, prices differ vastly across the country  from around $2.36 in Oklahoma, to about $4.54 in California. But average prices have fallen in all 50 states in the last week, GasBuddy said. As of Nov. 28, 30 states had average prices below $3 per gallon, with more states expected to join the list, De Haan said on X.

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AAA, the North American federation of motor clubs, calculated the national average at about $3.01 a gallon. However, in California, the average price per gallon as of Nov. 29 was $4.57, about the same price as a month ago, according to AAA. In Washington, the average price per gallon of $4.18 on Nov. 29, was down 14 cents from a month ago, according to AAA.

As USA TODAY previously reported, GasBuddy and AAA have slight differences in how they calculate average prices. Whereas GasBuddy gathers data from customers using its app or local gas station discounts, AAA draws from swipes by companies fleet credit cards at gas stations across the country.

GasBuddys analysis said price drops are being driven by a litany of factors. These include decreasing crude oil costs, aided by more supply from OPEC+, the group of oil-exporting countries, and record American oil production, as well as improvements to refinery outputs and easing seasonal fuel demand.

Before Thanksgiving, AAA said the country has seen little fluctuation in gas prices, partly due to lower crude oil prices and no major storms hitting Gulf Coast refineries. A record of at least 73 million were expected to travel by car for Thanksgiving, AAA said.

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This story has been updated with new information.

Medora Lee and Mike Snider of USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gas price average below $3 nationwide, GasBuddy says
A deputy in south Georgia is facing several charges after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says he was stalking his ex, who was also a deputy.

The Coffee County Sheriffs Office asked the GBI earlier this month to help them investigate several incidents of harassment and property damage that may have involved one of their deputies.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Shantokeo Rolax, 41, was working as an investigator with the sheriffs office and was placed on leave while the GBI investigated.

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The GBI says that Rolax sent harassing text messages, conducted surveillance, trespassed and obstructed the investigation.

TRENDING STORIES:

Once it was determined that Rolax was going to be arrested, the sheriffs office fired him.

He was booked into the Coffee County Jail on charges of:

Criminal trespass

Stalking

Harassing communications

False report of a crime

Influencing witnesses

Obstructing law enforcement officers

Unlawful conduct during a 911 call

False statements

Violation of oath by a public officer

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A Georgia man is facing fraud and money laundering charges after he was accused of stealing from business owners.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says Carl Anthony Needham Jr., 31, submitted an application for an Emergency Bridge Loan pretending to be a business owner.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

But the real business owner also submitted a loan application.

The FDLE says the actual business owner submitted an application for $25,000, while Needham submitted one for $38,000. The information on both applications matched, but Needhams pointed to a different financial institution.

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Investigators did not catch the Needhams application was fake, and approved the loan.

TRENDING STORIES:

Those funds were intended to help small businesses find their footing after the devastating hurricanes in 2024, not for criminals to steal and fund their criminal activities," said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.

They say he tried to cover up the theft by moving the money around into several other accounts.

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Earlier this month, the FDLE, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Paulding County Sheriffs Office arrested Needham. He has since been extradited to Taylor County, Florida.

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Germany's Green Party wants the country to join an international effort to make private jet flights and first and business class travel more expensive to offset the ecological harm caused.

"With private jets, the super-rich are damaging the climate and, with their luxury lifestyle, are particularly responsible for the destruction of our planet," said a motion passed at a party conference in Hanover on Saturday.

"The 50 richest billionaires emit on average more CO2 in just 90 minutes  via private jets and yachts  than the average person does in their entire lifetime," it added.

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The Greens are therefore campaigning to join an initiative by several countries that are pushing for an extra tax on luxury air travel.

The so-called Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition currently comprises eight countries, including France, Spain, Kenya and Barbados.

Following France's example, this would mean a levy of 420 ($486) for each passenger on a private jet within Europe and up to 2,100 for international flights, according to the Greens' calculations.

The party also wants to close "tax loopholes in kerosene tax" and require private jets to use a particularly high proportion of climate-friendly fuels.

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Germany's ruling coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz - which does not include the Greens - recently decided to reduce the ticket tax on air travel as of July 1, 2026  in a move that drew sharp criticism from climate activists.

Flying is by far the most climate-damaging way to travel. Just 1% of the world's population is responsible for more than half of the greenhouse gas emissions from commercial aviation, according to the Premium Flyers Solidarity Coalition.

At the same time, premium air travel has increased significantly, with emissions from private aviation rising by 46% between 2019 and 2023.
If you haven't been to Boston's South Station recently, you may have missed construction of shiny, new fare gates in front of the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak platforms.

The MBTA said the gates will be operational soon and will require passengers to scan their tickets before entering the boarding area.

Currently, anyone can walk onto the train platforms at South Station with or without a ticket. Once onboard, conductors typically check tickets at each seat.

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This used to be the case at North Station until fare gates were installed in 2022. The MBTA said it is implementing fare gates at each Boston Commuter Rail station for "a more consistent fare-paying experience across transit modes."

Fare gates at South Station on Nov. 25, 2025.

This change at South Station comes as the MBTA steps up fare enforcement across the board. In September, it implemented a stricter subway "fare check" process, threatening to fine passengers caught without paying.

When will the fare gates at South Station begin working?

Now that construction is finished, the fare gates at South Station will begin operating in December, according to an MBTA spokesperson. A specific date was not given.

As for other stops, fare gates at Ruggles are scheduled to be installed in the winter of 2025-26, the MBTA said. The Back Bay fare gates are slated to be installed in early 2026.

How to use the new South Station fare gates once they begin working

Passengers can use an mTicket, CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, paper ticket, Amtrak ticket, or active military ID to get through the fare gates at South Station. Children 11 and under can still ride the MBTA for free, and their accompanying adult can ask a staff member to open the gate.

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The fare gates do not accept contactless payment with debit or credit cards, or with phones using a mobile wallet.

While the MBTA Commuter Rail fare gates operate similarly to subway fare gates, they require passengers to scan their Commuter Rail and Amtrak tickets both upon entering and exiting the platform area.

This means if you purchase a ticket while traveling inbound to South Station, you will need to scan it at a fare gate to exit the station once you get to Boston, according to the MBTA.

While the fare gates are an additional way to ensure riders pay for tickets, passengers will still have to show their tickets onboard the train so conductors can verify their ticket zone, the MBTA said.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: South Station has new fare gate, ticket system. What to know.
Women named Lorian are often perceived as strong, determined individuals with a natural grace and competitive spirit. They tend to be achievement-oriented, drawing inspiration from the name's victory symbolism, and often exhibit leadership qualities combined with compassionate understanding. The laurel tree's symbolism of endurance and evergreen nature translates to personalities marked by resilience and consistent character.



Lorians are typically creative problem-solvers who balance ambition with emotional intelligence, making them effective in both professional and personal relationships. Their personality often reflects the dual nature of the laurel tree - strong and enduring yet graceful and aromatic, symbolizing both strength and beauty in character. This combination of determination and grace allows them to pursue goals while maintaining meaningful connections with others, embodying the Christian values of perseverance and compassion.
If you live in New South Wales, Queensland, or South Australia, you will soon be able to enjoy several hours a day of free energy courtesy of the government.

According to The Guardian, households in these states will have "access to three free hours of power a day," tentatively starting in July. It may sound too good to be true, but Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen explained that the initiative will reduce strain on the grid by encouraging homeowners to use more energy during the day when demand is lower and sunshine is readily available.

Bowen said that over 4 million homes have solar energy, so the program will have a big impact on sustainability and people's electric bills. So, how can customers take advantage of this exciting solar sharer offer?

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The Guardian reported that customers are required to have a smart meter to sign up. If they don't have one, it can be installed by an energy provider, most of the time at no additional cost. As long as utility companies meet the standards set by the Australian Energy Regulator, they will be able to offer solar sharer plans.

Going solar is one of the simplest ways to save money on energy bills while benefiting the planet by reducing pollution. TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to upgrade with its free tools that let homeowners compare quotes from vetted contractors and save up to $10,000 on installations. One Solar Explorer partner, EnergySage, also provides a mapping tool that shows available tax incentives, along with the average cost of a home system, based on your state.

Since owning a system is not in everyone's budget, another Solar Explorer partner, Palmetto, offers solar leasing programs that allow consumers to reap the benefits of sun-powered energy without the high upfront cost. Through its LightReach program, you pay no money down while avoiding fluctuating energy prices, making it the best of both worlds.

If you want to cut your monthly spending even more, consider pairing solar with a heat pump, which works by transferring heat rather than generating it to increase efficiency. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the right system and installer to suit your needs.

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Regarding the Australian solar program, participating companies have not been announced, though details are expected as the launch date approaches. The government hopes to work with other states starting in 2027.

Helen Oakey, CEO of the environmental nonprofit Renew, explained how homeowners can maximize their benefits.

"It's about being smart with your timing," she told The Guardian, adding, "If you've got an electric vehicle, you can plug it in for a midday solar snack rather than charging overnight."



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.
This article was originally published in Honolulu Civil Beat.

The number of bus drivers serving Hawaii schools has reached its highest point in four years, but the Department of Education is still falling short of meeting families transportation needs.

This year, 545 bus drivers are serving Hawaii schools, up from 436 last fall, according to recent datafrom the DOE. The department is still short 130 drivers, who are primarily provided through the bus companies Ground Transport Inc. and Roberts Hawaii.

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The department sparked widespread criticism from parents and lawmakers last August when it abruptly cancelled over 100 bus routes for students days before the new school year. To avoid severe shortages this year, DOE consolidated some bus routes with low ridership and launched a new carpooling initiative for parents, according to a recent memo from Deputy Superintendent Jesse Souki.

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Last year, nearly half of Hawaii students didnt qualify for bus transportation because they lived within walking distance to their local schools or received a geographic exception to attend a campus outside of their neighborhood. This fall, nearly 13% of students rely on the bus services available to regular education students, down from roughly 16% in the 2023-24 academic year.

Special education students receive their own bus services that are required under federal law.

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Demand for bus drivers has fallen over the past two years, with DOE contracting for 694 drivers in 2023, compared to 675 this fall. Bus companies were better able to keep up with DOEs demands before the Covid-19 pandemic, and the state was only short 28 drivers in 2019.

Despite the decline in DOEs need for drivers, the costs of transporting kids has increased over the past several years. Last school year, the department spent a total of $76 million in state and federal funds on student transportation, compared to $60 million in 2022.

To reduce families reliance on buses, the department has offered free city bus passes to middle and high school students on Oahu and Kauai. In the first quarter of the school year, roughly 6,200 Oahu students and 99 Kauai students took advantage of the bus passes, according to the DOE, with the majority of participants from Oahu schools.

Maui and Hawaii County already offer free bus services to students.

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This fall, DOE also introduced a carpool pilot program, which allows parents in the Mililani and Kekaulike complexes to connect with nearby families who can transport their kids between school and home.

Only 3% of families in the complexes have registered for the program, according to the DOE.

The department will give more updates on student transportation during Thursdays Board of Education meeting.
Heavy traffic is expected over the weekend as millions of Americans make their way back home after celebrating Thanksgiving.

Nearly 82 million people are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving week, according to the AAA.

Commuters are hitting the roads, taking trains or heading to the airports for flights amid the holiday travel rush. Travel experts say the best times to head home are Saturday before 10 a.m., Sunday before 11 a.m. and Monday after 8 p.m.

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Here's what you need to know about traffic surrounding planes, trains and automobiles across the Tri-State area:

Air Travel

Many people are opting to fly this Thanksgiving. Airlines for America says U.S. airlines will carry an all-time high of 31 million passengers until Dec. 1.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving -- Nov. 30 -- will be the busiest day to fly, according to Hopper.

The cheapest days to leave for your trip are Thanksgiving Day or three days earlier, on Monday, Nov. 24, Expedia said. The cheapest days to fly home were Black Friday (Friday, Nov. 28) or this upcoming Travel Tuesday (Tuesday, Dec. 2).

Check your flight status









Train Travel

NJ Transit

New Jersey Transit is adding additional service for the Thanksgiving weekend for the rush of travelers.

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Regular weekend schedule will operate on both Saturday and Sunday on all NJ Transit rail lines.

Officials say to book tickets for earlier these days as ridership is expected to be lighter earlier in the day. Also make sure to allow extra travel time as traffic congestion can impact bus travel time to and from NYC.

More information on the New Jersey Transit website.

Long Island Rail Road

The Long Island Rail Road is expected to run on a regular weekend service schedule on both Saturday and Sunday.

Check the latest LIRR schedules here.

Metro-North

Similar to the Long Island Rail Road, the Metro-North Railroad is expected to run on a regular weekend service schedule on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

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Check the latest Metro-North schedules here.

Road Travel

A record 73 million people were expected to travel by car for Thanksgiving, up by 1.3 million people from last year, according to AAA.

If you're heading home on Saturday, Nov. 29, or Sunday, Nov. 30, analytics company INRIX recommends hitting the road before 1 p.m.

Traffic could be more than double what it is on a typical day in cities including Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Seattle, INRIX warned.

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As southeastern Wisconsin braces for the coming snowstorm, some businesses, municipalities and organizations are already canceling the plans for this weekend.

Here's a running list of what's been canceled or postponed so far.

This story will be updated as more information is available.

Village of Greendale declares snow emergency

The Village of Greendale is declaring a Snow Emergency for the period beginning at noon Saturday, Nov.29 and ending at 5 p.m. Nov. 30.

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The village plans to plow the public streets, alleys and highways to make them passable for motorists.

Village officials are also reminding residents that vehicles left on the street after declaration of a snow emergency are subject to being plowed in or towed at the owners expense. Parking in municipal lots is available if needed.

Brookfield winter farmers market has been cancelled

The Brookfield winter farmers market scheduled for Nov. 29 has been cancelled, according to a post on the event's Facebook page.

The market is expected to resume Dec. 6.

https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldWIFarmersMarket/posts/pfbid0kLpKpnsorZUfULh1QFByQD12azqpc3dYZ6Ne7JMqtdSX3UBHxKTzjRxWsgW7j5dNl

Snow blankets the area along 56th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Nov. 10, 2025. Several inches of lake effect snow fell overnight covering the area.

Sun Prairie Fire & Lights Holiday Parade has been cancelled

The 110th Annual Fire & Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony previously scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. has been cancelled due severe winter weather. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 3 a.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Around 9-12 inches of snow is expected in the region.

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"Our priority is the safety of participants, spectators, and staff. With a Winter Storm Warning in effect and expected snowfall rates during the event window, proceeding would create significant travel and safety risks," city officials said in an email.

To receive snow-related updates from the City of Sun Prairie, visit the city website at www.cityofsunprairie.com, follow the city's Facebook page or sign up to receive text alerts via TextMyGov by texting SPNOTIFY to 91896.

Sun Prairie declares a snow emergency for Nov. 29 and Nov. 30

The City of Sun Prairie Public Works Department is declaring a snow emergency staring at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 until noon on Sunday, Nov. 30.

2025 Grafton Christmas Parade has been rescheduled

The Village of Grafton announced that the 2025 Christmas Parade will be rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 11a.m. due to significant public safety concerns related to the winter storm forecast for this weekend. The decision was made jointly by the Village President, Department of Public Works, Police Department, and Ozaukee Central Fire Department after evaluating expected weather and safety impact.

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The village cited the weather, which is forecasted to be 4-7 inches of accumulation in Grafton; emergency response and resource allocation; community safety and impact.

"The Village recognizes the Christmas Parade as a cherished community tradition and appreciates the significant effort invested by participants and volunteers. While rescheduling may be disappointing, safety must come first. The Village of Grafton thanks the community for its patience, understanding, and cooperation as crews prepare for the weekends winter storm," the Village of Grafton Police Department said in an email.

Milwaukee's leaf rake-out deadline has been extended

The 2025 Milwaukee leaf rake-out deadline was extended to Sunday, Nov. 30, which is the last day residents may rake leaves into the street for collection, city officials said in an email. Officials also noted this is not the final day of leaf pickup; the city will conduct a final sweep after Nov. 30, which may take 23 weeks to complete.

With significant snowfall expected this weekend, standard leaf collection operations will be impacted, city officials said. Snowplows will do their best to navigate around large leaf piles, similar to how they navigate around parked cars.

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However, leaves not properly piled or buried under snow will be pushed back toward curbs and driveways during plowing. The city is asking residents to rake those leaves back into the street after plowing is complete. Visit the DPWs leaf website here for more information.

Making Spirits Bright Holiday Lights Show in Sheboygan cancelled

The Sheboygan County Rotary Club's Making Spirit Brights Holiday Lights Show has been canceled for Nov. 29. Santa's Station will also be closed Saturday night.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee snowstorm cancellations include area parade, farmers market
Pope Leo visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque on Saturday, but was not welcomed by the head of Turkey's state-run religious organization despite earlier plans.

Hezbollah welcomed Pope Leo XIV with a statement filled with complaints about Israel, as the pontiff is expected to travel to Lebanon on Sunday after his visit to Turkey concludes.

The Islamist group claimed Lebanon, with its diverse composition, represents a civilizational link between the followers of the two Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Islam, and between the followers of religious, cultural, and secular trends in every country and continent of the world.

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After years of persecution, there are estimated to be only a hundred Jews remaining in the country who practice their faith covertly in Beirut.

Hezbollah, who were found to have murdered a Christian politician who criticized the group, claimed, The conflicts the world is witnessing today stem, at their root, from the refusal of some to acknowledge or respect the rights of others, whether due to differences in religion, color, race, language, or other factors.

Christian Lebanese politician Elias Hasrouni was assassinated by the Islamist terror group in 2023, the IDF proved in November. Another member of the Christian Lebanese Forces party, Pascal Sleiman, was kidnapped and killed in the Byblos District of northern Lebanon in April last year.

Pope Leo XIV visits the Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, during his first apostolic journey, in Istanbul, Turkey, November 29, 2025. (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

Hezbollah claimed that respect for human rights was in decline, claiming many were resorting to force instead of resorting to justice. The terror group, which began launching rockets at Israeli civilian communities in solidarity with Hamas on October 8, 2023, pointed to Israels war in Gaza as an example of said decline.

Hezbollah calls Gaza war genocide in statement welcoming pope to Lebanon

The tragedy that Gaza in occupied Palestine witnessed during the past two years, and continues to witness, is a tragedy resulting from the Zionist occupiers' persistence in usurping the rights of the Palestinian people to their land, their homeland, and their right to self-determination, Hezbollah claimed, while complaining about the international system's refusal to adopt the standard of justice and right to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in our region, between the rightful owners of the land and homeland, and the usurping occupier.

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Continuing to point to Israels recent conflicts, Hezbollah complained the Lebanese people are experiencing hardships as a result of the Zionist occupation of parts of their land, and the continuation of its attacks against them and the threat to their security and stability in their country.

Claiming that Israel is driven by greed to control their water, land, and gas wealth, and attempting to force the Lebanese to submit to its endless security, expansionist, and political conditions, Hezbollah claimed that global powers had failed to protect the security of Lebanon.

What the Israeli enemy did in Gaza against the Palestinian people is a clear act of genocide; What [Israel] is doing in Lebanon is a blatant and unacceptable aggression that we condemn, the terror group continued.

We in Hezbollah take this opportunity of your auspicious visit to our country, Lebanon, to reaffirm our commitment to coexistence, to consensual democracy, to maintaining internal security and stability, and to safeguarding national sovereignty by standing with our army and our people to confront any aggression or occupation of our land and country, the group concluded. We also affirm our legitimate right to reject foreign interference that seeks to impose its tutelage on our country and our people, and to usurp our national decision-making and the powers of our constitutional authorities.

Pope Leo visits Islamic holy sites during visit to Turkey and receives lukewarm welcome

Pope Leo visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque on Saturday, removing his shoes in a sign of respect but not appearing to pray in his first visit as leader of the Catholic Church to a Muslim place of worship during his four-day visit to Turkey.

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The first US pope bowed slightly before entering the mosque and was led on a tour of the expansive complex, able to hold 10,000 worshippers, by its imam and the mufti of Istanbul.

Leo, walking in white socks, smiled during the 20-minute visit and joked with one of his guides, the mosque's lead muezzin - the official who leads the daily calls to prayer.

The Vatican appeared surprised that Leo had not stopped to pray during the visit and that he had not been welcomed to the mosque by the head of Turkey's state-run religious organization, known as the diyanet, as had been planned.

About three hours after the visit, the Vatican released a press statement saying both the prayer and the welcome had occurred, although they had not. The Vatican press office said the release had been sent in error.

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Askin Musa Tunca, the muezzin, told journalists after the mosque visit that he asked Leo during the tour if he wished to pray for a moment, but the pope said he preferred to just visit the mosque.

The Vatican said in a statement immediately after the visit that Leo undertook the tour "in a spirit of reflection and listening, with deep respect for the place and for the faith of those who gather there in prayer."

While Leo did not appear to pray during the tour, he did joke with Tunca. As the group was leaving the building, the pope noticed he was being guided out a door that is usually an entryway, where a sign says: "No exit."

"It says no exit," Leo said, smiling. Tunca responded: "You don't have to go out, you can stay here."
(Texas Scorecard)  A federal criminal complaint alleges an illegal alien from Honduras tried to smuggle dozens of other illegal aliens in a refrigerated produce trailer in South Texas.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas, authorities discovered 51 illegal aliens packed into a refrigerated trailer that was supposed to be hauling produce at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Freer.

According to court filings, Greibein Alexis Pinot-Duartez was taken into custody at the scene.

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Agents said Pinot-Duarte appeared nervous, repeatedly volunteered that he was hauling bananas, and refused consent to break the trailer seal before a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to concealed humans at the rear of the trailer.

At secondary inspection, agents found the trailers temperature was 55 degrees and stacked with heavy produce boxes concealing a false plywood compartment packed so tightly with illegal aliens that only one person could exit at a time.

Many inside allegedly had no jackets, were visibly shivering, complained of numb or cramped limbs, and told agents they could not have escaped on their own due to the cramped space and 3040 pound boxes blocking the only exit.

According to the affidavit, all 51 individuals admitted to being in the country illegally and were taken to the Hebbronville Border Patrol Station for processing, while Pinot-Duarte was arrested and charged for transporting illegal aliens in reckless disregard of their unlawful status.

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Investigators said the bill of lading and load manifest were fictitious, the truck took an indirect route from the Rio Grande Valley to avoid other checkpoints, and Pinot-Duarte admitted he had been paid to drive the same tractor-trailer on at least one previous trip.

Prosecutors charged the driver under federal alien-smuggling statutes, which carry steep penalties when large numbers of people are involved or the conduct creates a serious risk of injury or death.

If convicted, Pinot-Duarte could face up to 10 years in federal prison followed by removal from the United States.

Pinot-Duarte remains in federal custody pending trial.




Francis thought the phone call was an extortion at first  or, at the least, a sick prank. But as his daughters crying voice on the other side of the line continued, Francis realized it was all much worse.

On the morning of Nov. 20, Francis 19-year-old daughter and Boston-area college student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza set off to surprise her Austin-based parents with a trip home from college for Thanksgiving. But at the Boston airport, federal immigration agents arrested her, telling the surprised college freshman she had a deportation order. It was all confusing to Francis, too.

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In reality, we didnt think she had a deportation order, the father of three, whose last name the Statesman is not publishing due to his immigration status, told the Statesman on Friday. If we had known, I dont think we would have sent her.

The familys life changed just as fast as the facts began to emerge.

Despite a federal judge issuing a stay on Lopez Bellozas removal from the country the day following her detention, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Lopez Belloza approximately 48 hours after her arrest.

In quick succession, the agency moved Lopez Belloza to its Boston-area immigration processing center, a military base, a detention center in Texas, and finally  with her ankles and wrists shackled  to her native Honduras, her lawyer Todd Pomerleau told the American-Statesman. Lopez Bellozas family brought her from Honduras to the United States when she was 7, eventually settling in Austin. She graduated from IDEA-Rundberg and gained acceptance to the prestigious Babson College.

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Pomerleau, a Boston-based lawyer who specializes in immigration habeas litigation, which challenges the governments power to detain people unlawfully, said Lopez Bellozas arrest is the first he has worked on where a client was detained while flying domestically  signaling what he believes to be an expansion of ICE arrests at airports.

Pomerleau argues that the government violated several of his clients rights to due process, including by detaining her without showing her a removal order and by impeding her right to counsel. Pomerleau said he was informed of the case through friends of Lopez Bellozas family and agreed to take it on, but that ICE impeded his attempts to communicate with her until after she was deported.

He called the events leading to the deportation an alphabet soup of constitutional violations.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to the Statesmans request for comment in time for publication. They told the Boston Globe, who first reported the story, that Lopez Belloza had a deportation order going back to 2015.

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Pomerleau cast doubt on this claim, saying the family had asylum proceedings under way until 2017. Francis said that his family was denied asylum, but that they had been assured by the judge that they did not have deportation orders.

Some in President Donald Trumps circle applauded the deportation. Border Patrol Operations Commander Gregory Bovino replied on X to an ABC News report on the proceedings, saying Why even mention this illegal alien was an 18 year old college student? Completely irrelevant except that an illegal alien may have taken a university slot from an American citizen.

A quick deportation

Lopez Belloza made it as far as her boarding gate on Thursday, Nov. 20. It was there, before the morning sun rose, that attendants told her to go to customer service because her boarding pass wasnt working. At the customer service desk, Pomerleau said his client was immediately surrounded, handcuffed.

Within a day of learning of Lopez Bellozas detention, Pomerleau secured a deportation stay from a federal judge through a habeas petition arguing his clients rights were violated. A Massachusetts judge signed off on the stay at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, according to a copy of the order reviewed by the Statesman.

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At around that time, ICE was flying Lopez Belloza to Texas, Pomerleau now believes; though at the time that information was not on ICEs detainee locator.

On Monday, when Pomerleau contacted Francis, the lawyer said he was shocked to hear Lopez Belloza had already been deported and was in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula with her grandparents.

Pomerleau said he plans to continue to fight Lopez Bellozas case in federal court to try to force the agency to return her to the United States. He pointed to the fact that federal court orders eventually required the agency to bring migrant Kilmer Abrego Garcia to the United States after it ignored a judges orders and deported him to El Salvador.

Lopez Belloza, Pomerleau said, does not have a criminal record.

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In the months before she left for college, Francis, a tailor, sewed his daughter black and navy blue suits. He was proud of his daughters dreams and aspirations and of the scholarship she received to go to school so far away and study business. Lopez Belloza told her father that she wanted to help him start his own business when she graduated.

We would talk to her every day, Francis said.

It was Francis boss, a family friend, who paid for Lopez Bellozas surprise trip home for Thanksgiving as a thank you to his employee. His family cherished the Thanksgiving tradition of preparing a meal together, Francis said.

This year, Francis and his wife had not made any homecoming plans for their daughter. Worse than a holiday without their eldest daughter, the couple spent their Thanksgiving receiving friends arriving to console them.

We know this is our reality, a lot of others are going through this too, Francis said. We want others to know whats happening. So others can be ready.
Shes never been the patient kind. But after her husband was taken by the U.S. Border Patrol on Nov. 18, all Esmeralda Escobar can do is wait.

Escobar reads her Bible whenever she thinks of Moises Benitez Diaz, just like he told her to do. To stay patient, shes clinging to Psalm 25: Let me not be ashamed. Let not my enemies triumph over me. Let none that wait on thee be ashamed.

Our prayers arent in vain, Escobar told The News & Observer in a phone interview Tuesday, a week after agents seized Benitez Diaz.

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A lot of people are praying with us for the same thing, and you know, Gods not gonna leave us now, Escobar said. He hasnt left us, and hes not gonna leave us now.

Benitez Diaz was one of at least 370 people detained during Operation Charlottes Web, an immigration sweep that started in Charlotte and spread to the Triangle.

The N&O previously reported on Apex landscaper Fernando Vazquez, a U.S. citizen who was taken into custody in Cary on Nov. 18  even after, Vazquez said, agents saw his N.C. REAL ID.

Vazquez sat in the back of a gray Chevy Tahoe next to another man who was detained but said he didnt know the mans name.

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Escobar told The N&O that man was her husband.

Benitez Diaz, a 27-year-old Raleigh resident, is currently being held at D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston, Georgia.

His detainment comes at a critical period. Escobar, also 27, is due to deliver the couples third child, a baby girl named Eliana, on Dec. 14. Benitez Diaz, who owns Capitol Construction and Roofing, is the sole breadwinner of the family.

Benitez Diazs first court hearing is Dec. 5, Escobar said.

She created a GoFundMe for the familys legal fees after construction superintendent Chris Dupre  for whom Benitez Diaz is a regular subcontractor  suggested she start one. Dupre shared the fundraiser with his church. His pastor, the Rev. James Kubal-Komoto, emailed The N&O about Benitez Diazs situation. As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe had eclipsed its $30,000 goal.

Moises Benitez Diaz (right) celebrates his daughter Rochelles Disney princess-themed birthday. His wife, Esmeralda Escobar (left) said he is Rochelles regular guest at her tea parties.

Pure friendship

Benitez Diaz came to the United States from Mexico as a first-grader, Escobar said. The two met when they were 13 at a youth event and were already good friends when they started dating in 2019. They married in 2021.

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Benitez Diaz was always there for Escobar  even before they started dating. She recalled a time she had a panic attack and felt like I couldnt breathe. She called Benitez Diaz to tell him she didnt feel well. He came to her house that night and sat with her in her car to help her through it.

Hes not the type of person that ever does things to try to get something in return, Escobar said. [That] was something very new to me, having that type of pure friendship.

When Escobars maternal grandmother died in Mexico a few years ago, her mother hadnt seen her since she had left for the United States almost 30 years earlier. She became visibly depressed and lost motivation to do things she normally would do.

Benitez Diaz suggested Escobar go to her moms house to cook her meals. Her mother didnt want anything but asked her to make pasta and seafood boils for her brothers and appreciated the chance to sit and talk. Her mood slowly improved.

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On the one-year anniversary of Escobars grandmother passing, Benitez Diaz thought he and Escobar should give her mom a bouquet of sunflowers, her grandmothers favorite flower. The couple has kept that tradition every year since.

Benitez Diaz always dreamed of going to college and had the chance to do so around 2018. But then his father was arrested by immigration enforcement. (His father was released after several months in custody and eventually obtained permanent residency.)

So Benitez Diaz started work at Raleigh Custom Carpentry as Dupres apprentice to support his mother and his seven younger siblings.

He has helped me get to where I am

Benitez Diaz started out as a framer, then moved to siding and trim, a crew that required more attention to detail and a nose for what a specific job required.

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Beyond just completing the job, Benitez Diaz offered to help clients move in or carry stuff around, Dupre said. After he finished, clients often asked if he could do random tasks they couldnt find others to do.

One person asked if Benitez Diaz could build a hidden door for a litter box. Another asked if he could build a Murphy door  a door that acts as a bookshelf  to have more space than his HVAC closet allowed. He had no experience building either, but he figured it out. And the results, Dupre said, were so freaking cool.

This is very skilled, detailed carpentry work, Dupre said. There [are] not a lot of people around that can actually do this work  or, if they can do the work, [are] able to do it in a way thats affordable to the type of people that want this work done.

Dupre moved on from Raleigh Custom Carpentry to become a superintendent, first at Metrocon, now at Singh Development. In both places, Dupre said, he regularly turned to Benitez Diaz  who had started Capitol Roofing and Construction in 2020  as a contractor.

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He was always the right fit, especially when Dupre had no else to do the job he needed. That included projects at Dupres own place when he moved in 2024.

Dupre offered to pay Benitez Diaz, but he declined, grateful for the help Dupre had given his career. When Benitez Diaz did request a favor, it wasnt for himself. He wanted to see if Dupre had any painting jobs for a friend who was out of work  and then offered to pay the painter himself.

Another part of being a good superintendent, Dupre said: finding qualified people to do work. In that respect, Benitez Diaz made his job easy.

He has helped me get to where I am, Dupre said. Like, in life.

Moises Benitez Diaz (middle) holds his son and daughter in his arms. Benitez Diazs wife, Esmeralda Escobar, said both her kids keep asking where he is  she hasnt told them yet he was detained by Border Patrol.

The day he was detained

Dupre is still mad at himself, he said. The morning of Nov. 18, he had tried to call Benitez Diaz to advise him to stay home.

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N.C. Gov. Josh Stein and Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell had confirmed the night before that federal agents were headed to the Triangle, The N&O previously reported. Dupres company sent an internal memo with a clear message: if you dont feel safe for any reason, dont come to work.

Its more because of the situations like Fernando [Vazquez], Dupre said. We have a lot of people that we know are legal who dont look legal. We know that theres racial profiling going on. We dont want you to come in.

Dupre didnt push the issue because Benitez Diaz wasnt doing a job for his company. He probably would have gone anyway, Dupre said, caring more about getting the job done for other people than his own safety.

That morning, Benitez Diaz was working at Lightbridge Academy, a daycare and preschool with a location in Cary. Lightbridge needed someone to install chalkboards so they looked like they were built into the wall  not just mounted onto it  a job requiring Benitez Diazs skill, Dupre said.

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Benitez Diaz was completing the job with his brother, Mario, Escobar said, when Border Patrol agents rolled up to Lightbridge.

Agents asked Mario where he was from, Escobar said. Mario said he was from here. The agents moved on. Escobar thinks they believed him because Mario has green eyes and a lighter complexion than Moises.

Moises, however, immediately told agents he had the right to remain silent. The agents accused him of not cooperating and took him into custody.

Benitez Diaz was in the back of the agents Chevy Tahoe from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while agents drove around in search of more people to detain, Escobar said. He told Escobar that the agents joked about going viral on the video Vazquez recorded of agents releasing him from custody and throwing his belongings on the car. The video has almost 6 million views on TikTok.

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Benitez Diaz also told Escobar he overheard agents saying they would pick up anyone who looked Hispanic, Escobar said.

Around 3 p.m., agents took Benitez Diaz to Cary, Escobar said, then to New Hanover County Jail in Wilmington, where he was finally able to call her at 11 p.m. He told her he would be taken to Charlotte the next morning.

Benitez Diaz didnt call Escobar until midnight on Nov. 20, Escobar said. He told her hed been put on a plane from Charlotte to Florida and then a bus to Folkston. His ankles and wrists were no longer chained, and he was finally able to eat something. Escobar said Benitez Diaz told her he had only had crackers to eat and water to drink until he got to Georgia.

The N&O previously reported that Vazquez said Benitez Diaz told him to tell his brother they got me. Escobars sister picked Mario up from the job site. His voice was shaking, and he was upset, Escobar said. Her sister took him to her house and got food for him. He couldnt eat.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not responded to The N&Os questions about Benitez Diazs treatment in custody.

DHS claimed Benitez Diaz has a felony conviction. He doesnt.

On Nov. 19, DHS published a press release titled DHS Continues to Catch the Worst of the Worst During Operation Charlottes Web. The agency published a photo of Benitez Diaz and said he was a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for felony larceny and previously arrested for possession of stolen goods.

Court records show Benitez Diaz was charged with two counts of felony larceny in Wake County in 2022. His attorney in the case, Seth Percy, told The N&O in an email that the two felony charges were dismissed and that Benitez Diaz completed a misdemeanor diversion agreement on one count of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods  after which the charge was dismissed.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman corroborated Percys account that Benitez Diaz was not convicted of any offense in a text to The N&O.

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He was offered a diversion for first-time offenders on a misdemeanor possession of stolen property and completed all terms at which time all charges were dismissed, Freeman wrote.

The N&O previously reported that evidence suggests many of the people arrested during Operation Charlottes Web do not have criminal records or violent criminal histories, contrary to the federal governments claim that it is targeting the worst of the worst. DHS has not responded to The N&Os questions about why it claimed Benitez Diaz had felony convictions.

Escobar also disputes how DHS characterized her husbands arrest.

Benitez Diaz was charged with felony larceny after selling a machine he took from a work site that was later reported stolen, she said. The family had financial troubles, and Benitez Diaz was allowed to sell thingss that otherwise would have been thrown away, she said.

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Benitez Diaz took the machine from near the trash after an employee told him it was being thrown away, Escobar said.

But when law enforcement officers questioned employees, they denied telling him he could sell it. Escobar said Benitez Diaz completed community service, and the charges were dismissed.

Because Benitez Diaz arrived in the U.S. as a child, he was eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. But by the time he could afford to apply for DACA  since 2024, filing for the renewal form costs $85, and filing for the work permit costs $470 to $520, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fee schedule  the program stopped processing new applications after a judge deemed it illegal in 2021.

So instead, Benitez Diaz has sought citizenship through his marriage to Escobar, a permanent resident who got her U visa at the start of 2025.

Escobar was in the process of filing an I-929 form for Benitez Diaz, which allows U-1 holders to petition for their family members to obtain permanent residency.

Now, whether hell get to stay in the country at all is in limbo.

Benitez Diaz holds his son as they pose for a photo. His wife, Esmeralda Escobar, said the two would build obstacle courses and race cars through them before he was detained by Border Patrol on Nov. 18.

Where is Dad? Where is Dad?

Benitez Diaz is not around, but Capitol Construction and Roofings contracts have to be honored somehow. So Escobar, a stay-at-home mom, is handling all the paperwork and invoices while Mario completes the jobs Moises would have done.

Having to take some of the business on has been very stressful, Escobar said. Like, I can see all the things that he didnt really share  like, all the stress that work causes him, because its very complicated.

Escobar said she had to go to the emergency room Monday night after suffering extreme contractions. Seeing how stressed she is, doctors now want to see her twice a week ahead of her delivery date. She has diabetes and high blood pressure  both harder to manage with her current ordeal  and her last two deliveries were complex.

Her kids keep asking her where Daddy is. Escobar tells them for now that hes on a business trip. She knows shell have to tell 5-year-old Rochelle the truth soon because Benitez Diaz has never been away for more than one or two days.

Her 2-year-old son, Elijah, isnt old enough to understand what a work trip is. A few nights before Tuesday, Escobar said he woke up in the middle of the night screaming, Where is Dad? Where is Dad?

Even with his busy schedule, Benitez Diaz always made time to take the kids for bike rides after work, Escobar said. The Monday before he was detained, he went straight to Chuck E. Cheese after work. He texted his wife at 6:30 p.m. to meet him there with the kids  a surprise trip for the family to spend time together.

Now, Elijah doesnt have his dad to build obstacle courses and race cars through them. Rochelle has lost her painting buddy, her tea party guest and a loyal customer at her pretend-grocery shop.

They really miss their dad right now, Escobar said.
A Northern Indiana Republican announced Nov. 28 that he will vote against Indiana redistricting following President Donald Trump's use of a slur in a Thanksgiving social media post.

Trump's Nov. 27 Truth Social post  one in a series of anti-immigrant comments posted Thursday  referred to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the "r-word." Though the word was formerly used in medical contexts, it's now widely regarded as offensive, and disability advocates seek to end its use.

"Those of you that don't know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome," state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, wrote on Facebook. "This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences."

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Trump has pushed for several states, including Indiana, to redraw congressional maps to create more safe Republican districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Redistricting in Indiana appeared to dead for 2025 when state Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray announced Nov. 14 that his chamber did not have the votes to support it. But Bray reversed course Nov. 25 and said the Senate would in fact vote on whatever proposal the House sends their way.

The House is scheduled to convene Dec. 1 to discuss a new map, and the Senate is set to vote Dec. 8. Both chambers would have to pass a measure to send it to Gov. Mike Braun to be signed into law.

Bohacek, who had not previously made a public statement on redistricting, was one of 19 Republican senators who voted to reconvene in January rather than meeting on redistricting in December.

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Indiana's redistricting fight has in recent weeks drawn both Trump's ire and threats to lawmakers in their homes.

Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Sen. Mike Bohacek to vote no on redistricting after Trump uses 'r-word'
Around 10 people with minor injuries visited the university hospital in the German town of Giessen as protests ramped on Saturday against the founding of a new youth organization by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The people came on their own, received "accident surgery treatment" mainly for injuries to hands and legs and then left again, a hospital spokesman told dpa.

At midday, the police also spoke of "several slightly injured" members of their ranks.

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Two local schools were also set up to provide first aid if needed, said the hospital spokesman, adding that it continued working normally, including providing emergency treatment for heart attacks and strokes.

Police were keeping the emergency routes clear, he said as the protests grew around and inside the historic university town of some 90,000 residents, one third of whom are students.

AfD leadership arrives for youth assembly

Meanwhile, the event began with a delay of more than 2 hours as the road blockades and protests prevented many of the roughly 1,000 planned attendees from reaching the venue.

AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, along with the designated head of the new youth group, Jean-Pascal Hohm, were also delayed, leaving numerous seats in the exhibition hall empty at the start of the assembly.
Shin Min Ah is now gaining more attention from people after her comments about wedding dresses, which she shared just several weeks before her expected wedding in December with long-time boyfriend Kim Woo Bin. The confirmation of their wedding comes after years of public support for their love relationship.

According to Koreaboo, the actress recently appeared in a new video feature where she reflected on her fashion evolution over the years. The project revisited the various outfits she had worn in dramas, photoshoots, and events.

Harper's Bazaar presented a feature in which Shin discussed iconic looks from her career, including several wedding gowns she had worn onscreen. The video introduced the segment of her remarks with her wedding dress from the series "No Gain No Love."

Shin Minah chose the wedding dress she wore in the drama Tomorrow With You the memorable one



So well get to see her wedding dress on December 20th  modern, feminine and beautifully simple, perfectly matching her style #ShinMinAh #ShinMinA pic.twitter.com/HaXzzmoPbK   (@whiterosestea) November 26, 2025

Shin Min Ah then said, "I liked the one from Tomorrow, With You, explaining that while most wedding dresses are flasy and feminine..."

In the video, a brief caption introduced her next comment about the dress's details.

She continued with, "This particular dress was modern and simple."

Her comments soon had fans speculating whether the actress might be teasing the style she'll don for her own ceremony next month. The comments section of the Harper's Bazaar video and social media platforms were filled with speculation and congratulatory messages from viewers.

One user shared, "The December bride Minah, who looks better in a wedding dress than anyone else in the world.. Congratulations on your marriage ."

Another comment was introduced with a brief note stating it came from a separate viewer.

The user said, "Her face is already perfection, so she looks beautiful no matter what she wears. Woo Bin-ssi, wishing you both happiness "

Shin Min Ah and Kim Woo Bin will be holding their wedding on December 20, one of the most highly-anticipated Korean celebrity weddings this year.

In other news, as reported by Kenh14, Shin Min-ah and Ju Ji-hoon will reunite for the third time in the highly anticipated Disney+ fantasy drama "The Remarried Empress," drawing strong fan excitement as the pair returns to the screen after their previous collaborations in "Lucifer" (2007) and the controversial film "The Naked Kitchen (2009)."

Their new roles reverse their past dynamic, with Ju Ji-hoon portraying Emperor Sovieshu, who casts aside his devoted wife, while Shin Min-ah plays Empress Navier, a character who regains her power by remarrying Prince Heinrey, played by Lee Jong-suk.

Fans have taken to social media to compare the emotional turmoil of Shin's past characters to her new, more empowering role, while industry insiders note the casting was intentional to leverage the duo's long-standing chemistry.

With its themes of betrayal, resilience, and feminine strengthcombined with a high-profile cast"The Remarried Empress" is already positioned as one of 2025's most anticipated dramas, set to premiere on Disney+ later this year.
Individuals named Mab are often perceived as creative, imaginative, and possessing a mystical quality about them. They tend to be intuitive and sensitive to their surroundings, with a natural ability to understand others' emotions and motivations. Their creative nature often manifests in artistic pursuits, writing, or other forms of self-expression. Mabs are typically independent thinkers who value their autonomy and have a strong sense of self, often marching to the beat of their own drum rather than following conventional paths.



While they can be dreamy and contemplative, they also possess practical wisdom and the ability to navigate complex situations with grace. Their combination of intuition and intelligence makes them excellent problem-solvers who approach challenges from unexpected angles. People with this name often exhibit a quiet confidence and resilience, drawing strength from their rich inner world and connection to something larger than themselves. They may be seen as somewhat enigmatic or mysterious, drawing others to them through their unique perspective on life and their ability to see magic in the ordinary.
Business Insider flew with a Royal Air Force Voyager aerial refueling tanker this week.

The Voyager refueled British and Swedish fighter jets in Eastern Europe, close to Russian territory.

This is what it's like in the tanker, which is crucial for enabling long-distance air operations.

ABOARD A BRITISH VOYAGER AIRCRAFT  With rows of economy seats, overhead baggage bins, television screens, and illuminated seatbelt signs, the cabin of this Royal Air Force tanker looks nearly identical to that of a commercial jetliner.

But out the window, NATO fighter jets are flying just a few feet away, receiving fuel from the Voyager at nearly 30,000 feet and at speeds around 300 miles per hour near the militarized Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It's a fast and dangerous job, where even the slightest mistake could be deadly.

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The Voyager  essentially a flying gas station carrying enough fuel to keep fighter jets flying for thousands of miles  is the RAF's only air-to-air refueling tanker, crucially allowing the UK to extend the range of NATO air operations.

Business Insider embarked on a Voyager flight this week for a NATO mission in support of Eastern Sentry, defensive operations that include air patrols launched in mid-September after roughly 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace.

Since then, NATO fighter jets  enabled by the Voyager aircraft  have regularly flown patrols, missions, and training exercises along the Eastern flank of the alliance, serving as a warning to Russia.

NATO has increased its fighter jet activity in Eastern Europe in response to Russian drone incursions. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

'We can operate anywhere'

Under the cover of clouds and darkness early Thursday morning, the Voyager  call sign KAYAK21 departed from base at RAF Brize Norton, west of London, for a nearly nine-hour journey that took the tanker over the Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe, and on the edge of Russian territory, before returning to England.

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Several times during the journey, the Voyager refueled an assortment of British Eurofighter Typhoon and Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter jets, a process that takes roughly 10 minutes. Finnish F/A-18s Hornets joined along at one point before splitting off.

The Voyager is based on the twin-engine Airbus A330-200. It became fully operational with the RAF in 2013, replacing the VC10 as the UK's main tanker aircraft. It is typically staffed by two pilots and a mission systems operator, who facilitates the air-to-air refueling process.

The Voyager KC3 variant features two underwing pods for refueling fighter jets, equipped with retractable hoses, and a third centerline hose for larger aircraft.

The Voyager is based on the Airbus A330-200. Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Voyager looks like a normal commercial plane but with only economy seats. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

Tankers like the Voyager or the US military's KC-135 Stratotanker are designed to extend the range of fighter jets, early warning aircraft, and other aircraft, enabling longer-distance and duration air operations.

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Aircraft would be limited in range or forced to spend time refueling at bases without the tankers, said one of the Voyager pilots, who, like other members of the crew, could not be named for security reasons.

With the air-to-air refueling capability, "we can operate anywhere in the world," the pilot said.

In a demonstration of this capability, a Typhoon fighter took off from Scotland on Thursday and linked up with the Voyager over the North Sea. The jet traveled with the tanker over Eastern Europe and logged more than 2,000 miles by the time it returned to base.

This aerial refueling capability provided by the Voyager helps enable the NATO fighter jets to monitor Russian threats, as they are tasked with doing under the Eastern Sentry operation, the other pilot said.

The Voyager is crewed by two pilots and a mission systems operator. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

Fighter jets get within just a few feet of the Voyagers to refuel. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

The Voyager can carry up to 109 metric tons of fuel and nearly 300 passengers, although there were only 12 people aboard the tanker on Thursday, giving the feel of a severely undersold commercial flight on the world's least-busy travel day.

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Fighter jets take a very methodical approach to the fuel hose, inching closer until a locking mechanism connects the basket at the end of the hose trailing the tanker to a mechanical arm at the front of the jet.

Two aircraft operating in proximity are inherently dangerous, but a Voyager pilot said they reckon with this by training a lot and doing the refueling process very slowly.

The Voyager offloaded about 20 metric tons of fuel to the Typhoons and Gripens during the flight, which brought the tanker to the edge of Russian and Belarusian airspace as it slipped through the Suwaki gap, a thin corridor between those two countries that connects NATO members Lithuania and Poland.

Around here, the Voyager crew experienced some GPS interference  a common occurrence near Russian territory and one of the biggest issues that the tankers have to deal with, the mission systems operator said.

The fuel hose extends from the wing of the Voyager. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

A RAF Eurofighter Typhoon receives fuel from the Voyager. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

The Voyager has a defensive suite designed for some types of surface-to-air missiles, but it lacks protection against electronic attack. Still, the pilots were able to quickly mitigate the effect by switching over to other systems, they said.

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GPS interference has been prominent in the Baltic Sea region for several years, but it has worsened amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the mission systems operator said.

The operational tempo is high right now, with several Voyager flights operating daily out of RAF Brize Norton. The tankers aren't always doing air-to-air missions; sometimes they're transporting personnel or cargo.

Thursday's mission focused on training with other nations, refueling the jets as they engaged in simulated combat with each other. It's all part of NATO's increased efforts to caution potential Russian activity in Eastern Europe just by being present in the area.

The message to Russia, one of the pilots said, is that "we're using this airspace. And we're using our rights to be in this airspace."

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEED TO KNOW

Luke Truesdell was convicted of killing four people with a metal pipe in 2024

He was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder on Monday, Nov. 17

Truesdell was reportedly high on methamphetamine at the time of the murders

An Iowa man who beat four people to death with a metal pipe was convicted on multiple counts of murder.

Luke Truesdell was found guilty on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder on Monday, Nov. 17, according to reports from KCRG, the Des Moines Register and KGAN.

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In June 2024, Truesdell used a metal pipe to fatally beat Romondus Lamar Cooper, 44, Keonna Victoria Ryan, 26, Amanda Sue Parker, 33, and Brett Anthony Brown, 34, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

KCRG reported that the beatings occurred in a detached garage in Marion, Iowa.

The sheriff's office said at the time that Truesdell's possible motive was "the possibility of the crime being made into a movie."

The movie comments were suppressed from the jury, the Register reported.

All four victims sustained blunt force trauma, according to police. Brown was initially taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died. The other three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The Register reported that Truesdell told police he believed the people he attacked were involved in sex trafficking, though there was no evidence to support that belief. The paper further reported that Truesdell said he was high on methamphetamine and had not slept in two days.

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Truesdell was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of Ryan, Parker and Brown and second-degree murder in Cooper's death, KCRG reported. He faces life in prison at his sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2026, per the outlet.

Read the original article on People
A winter storm warning continues in Des Moines and most of Iowa as snow blankets the Midwest.

The National Weather Service at 2:41 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 issued the warning for Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, Grundy, Black Hawk, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Tama, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose and Davis counties.

More: How much snow did we get? See the latest Iowa totals from the winter storm

Should I try to travel?

You're better off staying off the roads.

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According to Iowa State Patrol, there have been a total of 354 calls for service from Friday, Nov. 28, noon to Saturday, Nov. 29, noon. That included 105 crashes and 10 injuries.

The NWS warns: "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

Great reference on road conditions from the @iowadot. They are working hard to clear roadways but it will take time. Travel conditions remain poor across much of Iowa early this morning. 8:30 am CST 11/30/25 #iawx https://t.co/ULUnlRvvEs pic.twitter.com/RTpbRDtQYx  NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) November 30, 2025

"Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order."

See weather radar for Des Moines area

Here's the radar for the Des Moines area.

Weather

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Embedded content: https://radar.weather.gov/ridge/standard/KDMX_loop.gif

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

At 8:50 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:

WHAT: Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

WHERE: Portions of central, north central, northeast, northwest, south central, southwest, and west central Iowa.

WHEN: Until 6 a.m. Sunday.

IMPACTS: Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile because of falling and blowing snow. Rural road closures possible due to snow drifts.

Des Moines snow ordinance in effect; sledding hills open

As of 7 p.m. Friday, Des Moines' snow ordinance is in effect for snow routes.

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No parking will be allowed until further notice, the Des Moines Police Department said in a release.

When snowfall ends, crews will make a final pass before moving into residential districts. Updates will be posted at DMSnow.org.

There will not be a delay to waste collection unless otherwise stated, the city said.

Meanwhile, after more than 4 inches of snowfall, Des Moines Parks and Recreation has opened Waveland Golf Course and Grandview Golf Course for free public sledding.

Elizabeth Sayre sleds at Waveland Golf Course on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Des Moines.

Des Moines Public Schools cancels weekend events

Des Moines Public Schools has announced it has canceled all weekend events because of the storm, citing safety concerns.

That includes all practices, rehearsals and events, officials said.

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"We understand this may cause disruptions, but the safety of our students, staff and families is always a top priority," DMPS officials said in a post.

What is a winter storm warning?

The National Weather Service issues warnings based on local impacts. A winter storm in Texas might trigger a warning with far less snow than the same storm in Wisconsin, because local infrastructure, typical weather and public safety needs differ.

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.

Iowa weather watches and warnings

Here are the weather watches and warnings for the area.

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Here's how to keep on top of the weather.

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See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Winter storm warning continues over most of Iowa and Midwest
We will not be a launching pad for threatening neighboring countries, but we will spare no means to confront and deter Israeli aggression," Syria's information minister reportedly said.

Israel is attempting to drag Damascus into a confrontation through multiple provocations, a senior Syrian intelligence official, Hamza al-Mustafa, claimed on Saturday, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel is miscalculating when it thinks it can impose facts on the ground, he claimed. We are not ashamed to say that we are not in a position of strength, especially after liberation, and we want to focus on rebuilding the country.

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We will not be a launching pad for threatening neighboring countries, but we will spare no means to confront and deter Israeli aggression.

Syrian officials condemn Israeli operations

Speaking on the incident inBeit Jen, in which a number of IDF soldiers were wounded while arresting two terror suspects earlier this week, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani claimed Israel "threatened regional peace and security."

Calling the incident a violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law, he demanded that the United Nations and Arab League put an end to the situation.

The comments came as the minister met with his Danish counterpart.

Syrias Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Alabi, condemned Israel's operation earlier.

This is a developing story.
The Office of the President of Israel has expressed concern over the proposed renaming of Herzog Park in south Dublin.

The park, in Rathgar, was named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog, a former president of Israel, in 1995.

On Monday, Dublin city councillors will vote on a motion to rename the park.

An agreement by members of the council's Commemorations and Naming Committee last July recommended to the full council the removal of the Herzog name from the park. There was one objection.

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In a statement on X on Saturday, the office of current Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is Chaim Herzog's son, said it was following reports of the proposal "with concern" and that removing the name would be "shameful and disgraceful".

It said that the move would harm "the unique expression of the historical connection between the Irish and Jewish peoples".

Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel, was born in Belfast in 1918 [BBC]

"Beyond being an Israeli leader, Chaim Herzog was also a hero of the campaign to liberate Europe from the Nazis and a figure who dedicated his life to establishing the values of freedom, tolerance, the pursuit of peace, and the fight against antisemitism," the statement adds.

"His father, Rabbi Isaac HaLevi Herzog, served as the first chief rabbi of the Irish Free State and left a significant mark on the life of the Irish nation in those days.

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"Naming the park after his son some three decades ago expressed appreciation for his legacy and the deep friendship between the Irish and Jewish peoples.

"Unfortunately, this relationship has deteriorated in recent years, yet we still hope for the recovery of these important ties."

'This proposal is offensive'

Tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris said he completely opposes plans to rename the park.

"It is wrong. We are an inclusive republic," he said on social media.

"This proposal is offensive to that principle. I urge all party leaders to join me in opposition to this."

Ireland's foreign affairs minister, Helen McEntee, also urged councillors to vote against the name change.

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"The government has been openly critical of the policies and actions of the government of Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, and rightly so," she said in a statement.

"Renaming a Dublin park in this way - to remove the name of an Irish Jewish man - has nothing to do with this and has no place in our inclusive republic."

'Deeply concerning'

The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) has also described the move as "deeply concerning", Irish broadcaster RTE has reported.

Chair of the JRCI Maurice Cohen called on councillors to reject the motion, saying the "removal of the Herzog name from this park would be widely understood as an attempt to erase our Irish Jewish history".

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A motion regarding the name of the park was first raised in December 2024 by Labour Party councillor Fiona Connelly, who sought a report on the process that was taken in naming it.

She said she had been informed that the park's naming did not follow the correct procedures.

People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy also raised the issue in January and sought information about the protocols for renaming the park.

In 2014, a blue plaque marking Chaim Herzog's north Belfast birthplace was taken down [BBC]

In 2014, a blue plaque marking Chaim Herzog's north Belfast birthplace was taken down out of concern for staff and residents living in adjoining premises.

Anti-Israeli graffiti was daubed on the building, objects thrown, and an attempt made to remove the plaque.

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Chaim Herzog was born in Belfast in 1918 but his family eventually emigrated to the Middle East.

He held a number of positions in the newly-created state of Israel in 1948, including ambassador to the United Nations. He served as president from 1983 to 1993.

Last year, Israel announced it would close its Dublin embassy after accusing Ireland of "crossing every red line" [PA]

Last year, Israel's foreign minister announced that the country's embassy in Dublin would close over "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government".

Former Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said the decision was "deeply regrettable". He also rejected that Ireland is anti-Israel.

The move followed Ireland's announcement of its support for South Africa's legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of "genocide", and the recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Norway and Spain..

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The current military campaign in Gaza began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were abducted.

Israel responded by launching ground and air strikes which have led to more than 70,000 deaths so far, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

In September, the world's leading association of genocide scholars declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, which the Israeli government denies.

At the time, the UN and some Western nations said that they would only consider a ruling by a court that genocide is taking place as authoritative.

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A new Joplin ordinance aimed at reducing squatting, or the unauthorized use of vacant homes and other properties by trespassers, has received first-round approval from the Joplin City Council.

City Attorney Peter Edwards said the ordinance is modeled after a Missouri law and a Florida anti-squatter law.

He explained that the ordinance is designed to address unlawful occupancy of properties with the the goal of improving the health and safety in Joplin. It is aimed at combatting the number of fires that have been occurring in the city on properties occupied by people without permission.

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The ordinance, discussed at the Nov. 17 meeting of the council, makes it unlawful for a people to occupy or trespass on property owned by other people.

"We hope that by passing this and getting the message out it will reduce the number of unlawfully occupied residences," the city attorney said.

Council member Chuck Copple asked how police officers are supposed to know a person found on a property has unlawfully entered.

Edwards said one of the efforts by the city in recent years has been to encourage people to know their neighbors to recognize when a house or building is being used by someone who may not have permission to be there. He said those neighbors could report activity they believe is not authorized to Joplin police.

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"It's going to be a complaint-driven process," he said.

He cited a situation where an unauthorized person moved into a house after the owner died.

"There is a presumption that if you're not the owner or don't have a lease, you don't have any legal rights to live there, the city attorney said.

Copple said, in the past when he leased property, he did not have the lease documents easily accessible, and he questioned whether many people who rent or lease a house could easily prove they are there legally.

The city attorney said a lack of utility services could indicate to law enforcement that people are not in the property legally.

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Copple countered that he knows people who have no electricity or water because they can't afford utility services, and he questioned how a police officer would have the time to look into whether the property is inhabited without permission.

The city attorney said that when police go to investigate a property, squatters are not going to be able to produce any evidence that they have any legal right to the property. He said he believes some of those who take over someone else's property would be honest with a police officer asking questions and admit they do not have permission to be there.

Also, property owners can sign an affidavit at the police department that prohibits trespassing and gives police permission to make an arrest if a stranger is found on the affiant's property.

The city attorney said there are at least 100 houses across the city right now that are not occupied and the owner has not submitted a trespass affidavit.

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Copple said he knows of one particular residence currently that has multiple people living in the backyard and others inside the house. The owners had died two years ago, he said.

The city attorney said police officers will be educated on enforcing the ordinance. "We feel like it's state law and now it's going to be an ordinance, and it's another tool we can use to clean up some of these neighborhoods," Edwards said.

Asked what is the advantage of having a city ordinance instead of enforcing state law, the city attorney said that enforcing the state law would push violations into county court but a city ordinance would allow the cases to be prosecuted in Joplin Municipal Court. The city attorney said county deputies can enforce the state law where needed.

Council member Ryan Jackson said there had been squatter situations in his neighborhood. He knew of a case where it took six months to get county enforcement to act on the state law to take action against the squatters. He said he also knew of several incidents where the council voted to demolish houses and they burned down before they could be safely torn down because trespassers started a fire.

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Joplin Assistant Fire Chief Andy Nimmo told the Globe that trespassers don't usually set fires intentionally to damage or destroy the property. He said the fires are usually ignited to provide warmth but spread.

City officials said that is why this issue is one of safety.

Nimmo said that in 2023, there were 62 fires in vacant houses where people who were houseless had been staying. That was 61% of the total fires in Joplin that year. In 2024, 56 fires were started without intention to do damage and were in houses with no utility services. That was 44% of the total fires that year.

In each case, the fire marshal investigates the cause of the blaze and the Joplin Police Department investigates. If they find criminal intent, the cases are referred to police detectives, Nimmo said.

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These fires not only jeopardize those who start the fires and neighbors but also the lives of firefighters who have to go in to extinguish the blazes, he said.

The fire department believes the proposed ordinance will give authorities a way to try to reduce these cases once people are informed of the consequences, Nimmo said.

The council will take a final vote on the ordinance at its next meeting.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nov. 29LAKE BRONSON, Minn.  One year into construction, a project to replace the aging dam at Lake Bronson State Park is on schedule for completion late next year  weather-permitting  project managers say.

The centerpiece of Lake Bronson State Park, 312-acre Lake Bronson was created by a dam built in the 1930s on the south branch of the Two Rivers to serve as a water source for the Kittson County communities of Bronson and Hallock.

The reservoir also became a prime source of recreation for area residents and is the only recreational lake in Minnesota's northwesternmost county.

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"Normally, two-thirds of the people who visit this park (live) within 30 miles," said Timothy Williamson, manager of Lake Bronson and Old Mill State Parks. "A lot of people up here use the lake.

"This is a very popular spot."

The dam at Lake Bronson had deteriorated to the point where it was considered dangerous and needed to be replaced. In 2020, state lawmakers approved a $20 million bonding appropriation for the project.

Barr Engineering of Minneapolis designed the project, and Ames Construction of Burnsville, Minnesota, is in charge of building the new dam and demolishing the old structure.

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"The people who built this dam almost 90 years ago did a really nice job," Williamson said. "About every 30 years, the lake had to be lowered because they were fixing something, but the dam had lived its life. There were some structural issues, especially during high water."

The new dam will improve safety for everybody who lives downstream, Williamson said.

"Just the safety aspect will be a big plus for the years to come," he said.

According to Stacy Smith, acquisition development program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Division of Parks and Trails, the original bid for replacing the dam was about $28 million. Additional state and federal funds have supplemented the original appropriation, and the cost of the project is on track to be under $30 million, she said.

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The state of Minnesota owns the dam, and the DNR manages and operates the site.

"With the good weather and work of the entire team, we've been able to keep on schedule," Smith said. "That's a great achievement for us."

Work on the project began in September 2024 with drawing down the lake by about 15 feet, Williamson said. The project also includes widening the bridge over the dam on Kittson County Road 28 from one lane to two.

"The bridge improvements were essential to the project," Smith said.

As of early November, contractors had completed the new spillway and were pouring concrete for the labyrinth weirs  spillway structures with a zigzag shape designed to increase flow capacity without raising the height of the dam.

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"With the new spillway being done, I'd say we're 50% (complete)," Tyler Doll, project manager for Ames Construction, said during a recent tour of the construction site. "But we've still got to demo the old dam. With that, we've got to build a coffer dam and divert the water to a new spillway as we're digging up the old dam."

Construction crews will soon wrap up work for the winter, and progress next summer will be entirely weather dependent, Doll said. Weather was favorable most of the summer, he said, but heavy rains in October forced them to scrap plans to demolish the old dam this fall.

"That would have put us at probably 75% done, but the weather did not cooperate," Doll said.

As expected, the project has had a significant short-term impact on the park's recreational offerings. The DNR has closed the lake to public access until the project is complete, and areas of the park near the construction site, including the Lakeside and Lakeside Extension campgrounds, also are off-limits.

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Other trails and amenities remain open, but park visitation is down considerably this year. According to statistics from the DNR, there were 29,648 visits to Lake Bronson State Park from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31 of this year, down from 80,103 during the same period in 2024.

"It had a big impact," Williamson said. "Fourth of July was really quiet here, which is very unusual. The lake is the draw, and when you tell people they can't use the lake, it's been very noticeable."

That will continue until the project wraps up, the lake is refilled and the DNR restocks the lake.

The DNR's area fisheries office in Baudette, which oversees the Lake Bronson fishery, has a stocking plan for replenishing the fish population.

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Lake Bronson offers fishing for a variety of species, including walleyes, perch and pike, and while a lot of fish either swam upstream or washed downstream through the dam during the drawdown, Williamson says he also thinks "a bunch of fish" are still in the lake.

"I will say the colony of pelicans that decided to stay most of the summer may have impacted how many fish are left in this lake," Williamson said. "I've never seen the pelicans stay as long as they did.

"They were here from May almost until the end of July."

The state and federal permits needed for the Lake Bronson project required archaeological teams to survey the site to ensure construction didn't impact cultural resources above and below the ground.

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Jennifer Rankin, director of archaeology at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, was at Lake Bronson throughout the summer and fall surveying archaeological sites throughout the lakebed and adjacent shoreline areas.

The area contained archaeological sites ranging from the post-glacial period to remnants of the Works Progress Administration camp that housed the original dam builders, Rankin said. They found Native American sites dating back about 10,000 years, she said, with artifacts ranging from stone tools and pottery to fire and hearth features.

"This area was kind of a center for hunting and processing bison," Rankin said. "There's very strong evidence that they were processing a lot of the bison bone."

Some sites were camps, others were for cooking and others were for processing hide or other materials, she said.

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"We're actually seeing kind of a full comprehensive history with being able to access these landforms," Rankin said. "They're kind of like a time capsule that has been preserved through time. The lake itself actually allowed for excellent preservation. It's not something that we see at a lot of other archaeological sites because they've been exposed to the elements."

Among more recent findings, "the amount of fishing tackle that we came across was amazing," she said. That included tackle from the 1930s and 1940s to the present.

"I'm huge with the outdoors and so that was one thing that I was super interested to see," Rankin said. "You could do a study on the history of fishing, which is something we don't have a good record for in archaeology."

The archaeological work also offered the opportunity for volunteers to participate. From July into October, volunteers from the Lake Bronson area and as far away as southern Minnesota and the Dakotas took part in the archaeology work, Rankin said, usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays and the occasional Saturday.

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The Kittson County Historical Society, museums throughout the region, news outlets and word of mouth helped spread the word about the archaeology volunteer opportunities, Rankin said. On a typical day, there'd be 20 to 25 volunteers onsite, she said, along with busloads of students when the school year started.

"Any time that we actually have that opportunity to involve the public, it's kind of a win-win for all of us," Rankin said. "The one key thing about volunteering and the community is that everybody brings a very different perspective to the table. And any time you have those scenarios where you can bring a lot of people together with very diverse backgrounds, you're able to learn a lot more.

"It's a huge effort, but it's awesome when you can actually bring a lot of people and work with them in archaeology, because we don't always get this kind of perfect scenario."

This winter, she said, the archaeology team will work with the Kittson County History Center and Museum in Lake Bronson to analyze and process the artifacts they've collected."

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The volunteer opportunities resulted in "slightly unanticipated" but "amazing connections" with the community, the DNR's Smith said.

"I can't state how important it was to the project to have so many people be interested and engaged in the archaeology work that happened, the volunteer work that happened, this past year," Smith said.

If the weather cooperates and construction can proceed as scheduled, the hope is to finish the project by late fall 2026 and reopen the park to its full suite of recreational amenities in 2027.

"This park is a huge part of the community," Smith said. "It continues to be mostly open to visitors and there's still lots of opportunities for recreation in the park. We are looking forward to being able to wrap up this project in the next year and fully open the park again."
Tens of thousands plan to take to the streets in the central German town of Giessen on Saturday to oppose the founding of a new youth organization by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Municipal authorities and the police expect up to 50,000 participants at around 30 registered demonstrations, rallies and vigils in the university town of some 90,000 inhabitants, a third of whom are students.

A police spokeswoman told dpa on Saturday morning that several participants were already moving through the city. Authorities had previously warned of possible traffic disruptions in Giessen and the surrounding area due to the incoming groups.

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The protesting Widersetzen (Resist) alliance also announced that it will block access routes to the founding meeting with the aim of preventing it from taking place.

The AfD wants to establish a successor organization to the now disbanded Young Alternative (JA) called "Generation Germany." The JA was dissolved following a party conference decision in March, after it was listed as extremist by the federal intelligence agency.

The new organization 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 a "confirmed right-wing extremist."

The police and interior minister of the state of Hesse, Roman Poseck, said they are preparing for a "challenging large-scale situation" in Giessen, partly because calls for violence from the left-wing scene were circulating in advance.

Several thousand police officers from Hesse and 14 other federal states, as well as federal police forces, are expected to be on duty.
Authorities arrested eight more people in connection with the most devastating fire in Hong Kong in decades, which has claimed at least 128 lives, officials said on Friday.

Hong Kong's Anti-Corruption Commission said the eight  seven men and one woman aged 40 to 63  include four employees of a consultancy overseeing renovations at the now-destroyed Wang Fuk Court residential complex and three subcontractors involved in scaffolding work. The eighth was a project intermediary.

The fire broke out in a building of the complex on Wednesday and subsequently spread to other blocks, each with more than 30 floors. City official Chris Tang said on Friday the death toll has risen to 128, with a further 200 people still missing, while many bodies are still unidentified.

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Among the 79 injured people are several firefighters, while one 37-year-old fireman died in the operation.

The fire brigade extinguished the flames and completed its search and rescue work on Friday. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known.

Three men arrested on Thursday

Police had already arrested three men on Thursday, including two directors and a technical advisor of a construction company, on suspicion of manslaughter. They are accused of using unapproved materials for scaffolding nets and polystyrene panels that may have fuelled the fire's rapid spread.

Tang said 108 bodies have been retrieved from the tower blocks, while four people died in hospital. The remaining 16 bodies were still in the buildings, he said, although the authorities could not rule out the possibility of further bodies being found.

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Bamboo scaffolding had been erected around the apartment blocks for ongoing renovations to the complex, which dates back to the 1980s. Authorities said some materials used in the work may not have met safety regulations.

The government of the Chinese special administrative region announced that it would switch to steel scaffolding as soon as possible following criticism over the fire safety of bamboo scaffolding.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Menelaus occupies a crucial position in Western cultural heritage as one of the pivotal figures in the Trojan War cycle. As the King of Sparta whose wife Helen was abducted by Paris, triggering the decade-long conflict, he represents the archetype of the wronged husband and the catalyst for one of mythology's most significant events. His story, primarily preserved in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, explores complex themes of honor, vengeance, and the consequences of desire that resonated throughout Greek culture. Beyond the immediate Trojan narrative, Menelaus appears in numerous Greek tragedies and later Roman adaptations, where his character development reflects evolving attitudes toward kingship, marriage, and the aftermath of war. His eventual reconciliation with Helen and their return to rule Sparta became symbolic of restoration and the enduring nature of royal authority despite profound personal and political challenges. The character of Menelaus also serves as an important contrast to his brother Agamemnon, highlighting different approaches to leadership and the costs of war.
ELKHART  Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) said it was monitoring forecasts and preparing for potential inclement weather through the holiday weekend.

Forecasters were calling for strong winds through Thursday and said an accumulating rain-snowfall mix was expected in southwest Michigan and north-central Indiana as temperatures plunge below freezing. Another round of snow, with perhaps several inches of accumulation, was expected Saturday and Sunday.

I&M said it was prepared to safely and quickly respond if outages occur.

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We understand our customers rely on us to power their everyday lives, and this is especially important at the holidays, a release from the utility said. Thats why weve been working to improve reliability and reduce outages throughout our service territory by replacing aging poles and power lines, using smart meter data to identify potential issues, and trimming trees and branches that can cause damage to power lines.

I&M customers were encouraged to prepare ahead of the potential weather by making sure phones are charged and batteries, water and medications are on hand.

Customers should connect with I&M and download the I&M app to report outages and monitor their account. Customers can enroll in text and email alerts at IndianaMichiganPower.com.
A Japanese energy company operating a gas plant close to Darwin, Australia, admitted it miscalculated its toxic chemical releases by more than 13,000%, reported Capital Brief.

What happened?

Inpex revealed that its Bladin Point gas plant, only a few kilometers from Darwin's downtown area in Australia's Northern Territory, released 556.9 tonnes (614 tons) of benzene (a toxic chemical) in 2023-24. The company had previously reported only 4.12 tonnes (4.5 tons) during that timeframe.

The revelation followed government regulators in the Northern Territory opening an investigation into the company. Inpex also revealed a separate Oct. 13 incident in which storms caused 36,000 liters of oil to flow into the harbor and into mangrove forests around Darwin.

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"This diabolical failure is another sign that the gas industry has got our regulators and politicians in a chokehold. We've been hearing about air quality sensors going off at the Inpex plant for years, and this has confirmed our worst fears," said Kirsty Howey, executive director of Environment Centre NT.

Why does inaccurate pollution reporting matter?

The enormous difference between reported and actual chemical releases points to problems with oversight of industrial sites located near where people live. Benzene can cause serious health problems with long-term exposure.

The company stated that air quality measurements in Darwin stay far below thresholds that trigger further review. But the miscalculation going undetected until now exposes flaws in monitoring systems designed to protect people living close to industrial operations.

When companies report inaccurate pollution data, communities can't make smart decisions about their health and safety. The oil spill harms marine life in the harbor and damages coastal forests.

What's being done about industrial pollution accountability?

Government regulators in the Northern Territory started investigating Inpex's reporting practices. The company said it's reviewing pollution calculations from past years and working with environmental authorities.

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If you live close to industrial sites, you can request air quality information from your local environmental agency. Contact your representatives and ask them to support stronger monitoring requirements for industrial pollution.

Community groups often monitor what industrial facilities release and push for better protections. Joining or supporting these organizations helps hold companies accountable when they harm local environments.



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Investigators are trying to determine if a man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or a bullet fired by a Houston Police Department officer in north Houston on Friday afternoon.

The situation unfolded during a disturbance at a family gathering, HPD said.

Houston police stated that a family member had been reported to have taken a car and a gun from the home. The car was recovered, but the man still had the gun and continued on foot.

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HPD said officers intercepted the man near the underpass at West Hardy Road and E. Crosstimbers and began talking to him.

At one point, the man had the gun pointed at his head, and the officers had their weapons pointed as well.

HPD said the officers tried to get the man to put down the weapon, but were unsuccessful.

Investigators said that is when the man pulled the trigger, at the same time as another officer discharged theirweapon. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The officer who fired is said to be a two-year veteran with HPD.

HPD said it is unable to say if the man made any verbal threats to the officers or if he ever pointed the gun at them.

An investigation is currently underway.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram.


A man was killed Friday evening when a fire tore through a home in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia and spread to a neighboring house, officials said.

Officials believe the flames started as part of some kind of electrical issue.

The blaze broke out around 4:45 p.m. near 33rd Street and Ridge Avenue.

Deputy Fire Chief Bill Demski said crews arrived within four minutes to find heavy flames on the second and third floors, and reports that someone was still inside.

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Man found dead after flames tear through Strawberry Mansion home

"We arrived four minutes after the initial phone call to find heavy fire on the second and third floor, with occupants saying there was somebody still inside," Demski said.

Two police officers tried to rescue the person before firefighters arrived, but were unable to reach him.

Two other people escaped the home, but a third person - a man about 40 years old - was found dead at the top of the stairs on the second floor, Demski said. The victim has not been identified.

Firefighters spent about 40 minutes extinguishing the flames. The fire spread to the home next door, which is now uninhabitable. At least one person from that house was displaced.

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"It was a single alarm with extra resources added. The place had some unique features that allowed the fire to spread to the house next door," Demski said.

Meanwhile, a separate investigation is now underway after someone went through the first responders' gear and stole personal items, including the keys belonging to two firefighters.

"It was discovered that one of the firefighter's personal vehicles that was parked at the station was stolen, and we believe that is directly related to the keys that were stolen from the truck here on location," said Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace, who called the crime particularly egregious and upsetting.

"We have this character that's taking advantage of the public's trust, going through emergency vehicles and stealing from them," Pace added.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
Police said a man was found shot and killed Nov. 29 in north Phoenix.

At about 1:50 a.m., police responded to a welfare check near 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, where they found a man with "multiple gunshot wounds," according to Sgt. Jen Zak, spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department.

The man, who was not identified, was pronounced dead on location by the Phoenix Fire Department, Zak said.

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According to Zak, the shooting was being investigated as a homicide.

It was not immediately clear what led up to the welfare check or whether any suspects were identified.

Zak said 19th Avenue just north of Thunderbird was temporarily closed while investigators processed the scene, but the roadway has since cleared.

Police asked anyone with information about the death to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446).

This is a developing story, check back to azcentral.com for more details.

Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police investigating after man shot and killed
A 29-year-old Englishman from Leeds has been handed a 10-month prison sentence following his conviction for 13 counts of illegal waste dumping, commonly known as fly-tipping, across the United Kingdom. Leeds City Council shared footage and photos in a YouTube video of the immense amount of waste dumped in several places  but not a waste management facility.

The individual used a small vehicle and trailer to transport household waste to privately owned land at multiple sites over a two-week period in April and May. He did so without the proper waste-carriers license and was later ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation to a landowner.

His 10-month prison sentence is suspended for two years, meaning he must meet the terms of the order and stay out of trouble for at least two years, or he risks serving the original 10-month sentence in addition to any punishment for new offenses.

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While on the surface this may appear as if it's a local nuisance and not a big deal, it's actually far more serious. Illegal waste dumping is deeply harmful to the environment and public health.

When waste is abandoned outside of regulated systems, it can leach toxic substances into soil and waterways, harm wildlife, release methane and polluting gases as organic materials degrade, and even trigger fires, which ultimately happened at one of the dumping sites the perpetrator used.

Waste dumping is not just an eyesore; it's a direct blow to the local ecosystem.

"This case and the sentence which has come with it shows that no matter what type of vehicle you use, if you are flytipping in Leeds, we will track you down with our dedicated serious environmental crime team moving quickly to find those responsible," Councillor Mohammed Rafique said in a news release.

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This case is a reminder that protecting the planet doesn't happen only through sweeping international climate deals; it also happens in our neighborhoods. Enforcing waste regulations, reporting illegal dumping, and choosing licensed disposal services are simple but powerful steps that make a difference.

At the end of the day, community involvement is key to keeping our cities clean and our environment safe.



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When 37-year-old Nerida Martel vanished in early October, her boyfriend offered a chilling explanation  that maybe immigration agents had taken her away.

But days later, Martels body surfaced in a Miami canal  and now investigators say her own boyfriend, Saul Garcia Gonzalez, had fabricated the ICE claim, and is charged with killing her.

Gonzalez, 40, had told deputies he last saw her on October 6 when he left their home to take their two-year-old daughter to daycare. He said Martel was planning to catch a ride to work. But she never showed up, which shocked her employer because she was diligent about her work, the Miami Herald reported.

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Gonzalez told a concerned friend that Martel was possibly in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the sheriffs office. But when her name didnt appear in federal detention records, the friend urged him to file a missing persons report.

Investigators soon found discrepancies in Gonzalezs story. He told authorities that he last saw Martel at home, but told others he had dropped her at a bus stop before work, according to an arrest affidavit cited by NBC Miami.

Saul Garcia-Gonzalez, 40, is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his 37-year-old girlfriend Nerida Martel (Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department)

Cellphone data further undercut his claims with records showing Martels phone never left the couples home on October 6, while Gonzalezs device traveled to the canal where her body was later found, less than half a mile away. The phone data also showed Gonzalez returning home and then traveling back to the canal with both phones, before Martels phone was shut off.

There was a previous 911 call to the couples home in May, when a woman was heard screaming for help with a man yelling in the background. A childs voice was also audible, but deputies were unable to locate the caller.

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On October 11, just days after Gonzalez reported Martel missing, her body was found floating in a canal near SW 168th Street and SW 205th Avenue around 3:40 p.m., according to the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office.

An autopsy later determined she died from a gunshot wound to the head, and the Medical Examiners Office ruled her death a homicide on November 25. That day, Gonzalez was arrested for second-degree murder. He denied killing Martel.

Through investigative means, MDSO Homicide Bureau detectives were able to determine that the victim had been murdered by the subject, the sheriffs office said in a release.

Gonzalez appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge denied him bond, NBC Miami reported. He is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Detention Center.
Peru's government declared a state of emergency at its southern border with Chile on Friday, expecting an influx of people trying to flee far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast's potential presidency.

Under the decree, Peru's military will reinforce border control in the southern Tacna region for 60 days, past Chile's December 14 run-off election, in which immigration hardliner Kast is facing off against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara.

The state of emergency will also serve "to address crime and other situations of violence" in the border area.

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"The Peruvian National Police will maintain control of internal order, with support from the Armed Forces," according to the order.

Peru's President Jose Jeri had announced earlier on Friday that such an action was forthcoming, after dozens of migrants were reported to be stuck at the Chile-Peru border.

A video posted by the Chilean governor of the Arica border region, around 2,200 kilometers (1,370 miles) north of Santiago, showed dozens of people attempting to exit from Chile at the Chacalluta-Santa Rosa border crossing.

A Venezuelan migrant told the online news outlet The Clinic that the group was trying to leave Chile "for fear that they remove us by force" if Kast becomes the next president.

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"They don't want to let us into Peru," the migrant, who preferred to remain anonymous, said.

The Peruvian station Radio Tacna broadcast images of migrants carrying children on the highway near the border crossing.

- '103 days left' -

Peru is both a source of, and country of transit for, migrants fleeing other parts of Latin America to Chile, one of the region's most prosperous and stable nations.

The reverse migration trend comes just over two weeks before the Chilean presidential run-off, in which Kast is favored to win.

Kast, a 59-year-old ex-MP on his third run for president, has given the country's around 330,000 undocumented migrants an ultimatum to self-deport or be thrown out and lose everything if he takes office.

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He blames undocumented migration for a surge in violent crime over the past decade.

"To undocumented immigrants in Chile, I say you have 103 days left to leave our country voluntarily," Kast said in a video posted on Friday on his social media.

He was referring to March 11, the date when the successor of outgoing center-left President Gabriel Boric, is sworn in.

Peru's Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told a press conference Friday evening that the issue will be addressed via a "binational migration cooperation committee" beginning next week.

However, he stressed that Peru will not accept any more undocumented migrants.

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Since 2015, more than 1.5 million Venezuelans have arrived in the country, fleeing a humanitarian and political crisis.

"We will not allow irregular migration. We do not have the conditions or capacity to receive more migrants," he said.

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An audit by the state court system uncovered a decades-old backlog of tens of thousands of unpaid Port Chester parking tickets that with fines and penalties totaled nearly $9 million, the Rye Town administrative judge said in a letter to Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace.

In the letter on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Town Judge Max Di Fabio assailed a lack of enforcement of parking tickets over the years as the audit determined that there were 53,815 outstanding parking tickets from 2000 through August of this year. The base fines for those tickets totaled $2,408,660, with penalties and statutory escalations raising that to $8,799,630.

The audit, of the Rye Town Court, has not been made public. The Village Court of Port Chester was dissolved and its functions  including jurisdiction over village parking tickets  were assumed by the town court as of May 2021.

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The court is expected to file default judgements with the Westchester County Clerk against those who failed to pay their tickets over the past two years. And "final notice" letters demanding payment will be written to those who didn't pay tickets between 2000 and 2023.

Di Fabio called those "remedial steps" recommended by an OCA senior analyst, Matthew Post.

Rye Town Court in the Port Chester police/court building, Nov. 28, 2025

According to Di Fabio's letter, Post also advised him to make the District Attorney aware of the "scope of the problem" so prosecutors "may determine whether any additional enforcement tools civil, criminal, or otherwiseare appropriate, particularly with respect to the most egregious or high-dollar repeat offenders among the pre-2023 tickets."

The judge on his own also urged Cacace to have her office determine "whether any current or former Village officials or employees (including those who previously served in judicial administrative roles) bear civil or criminal responsibility for the systematic non-enforcement of these parking infractions and the resulting multi-million-dollar loss of public funds."

Parking machine on Main Street in Port Chester, Nov. 28, 2025

Di Fabio declined to comment. A spokesman for Cacace said the DA's Office has received the letter and is reviewing it. Asked about the audit and Di Fabio's reference to Post's directives, a spokesperson for the Office of Court Administration said Wednesday they were looking into the matter.

Current, former Port Chester officials react

The previous town administrative judge, Anthony Provenzano, left the bench last year and is currently director of the Port Chester Housing Authority and the village corporation counsel, a position uncommon in village governments. He said he serves as legal advisor to the village Board of Trustees separate from the village attorney.

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He said that in the time he oversaw the town court since it took over Port Chester court functions, seeking default judgements had not been a priority. He also thought that was the role of the village prosecutor. The lawyer currently in that position, Matthew Troy, said that was news to him, as such prosecutors deal with tickets only when not guilty pleas have been entered or violators are seeking a reduction of fines, not when they have gone ignored.

Asked about Di Fabio's apparent reference to him and other court administrators possibly bearing responsibility for the suggested malfeasance, Provenzano said that would be up to the DA to decide.

Village Mayor Luis Marino said the village board discussed the matter Wednesday night, but he declined to comment, citing the investigation. He said the board was being advised by Village Attorney James Carpiniello, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

A 2011 amnesty program waiving late penalties for those who paid outstanding tickets was moderately successful. At the time, the village had about $1.6 million worth of unpaid parking tickets  or $5.9 million when late fees were added in, The Journal News/lohud reported then.

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There was also an amnesty program launched after 2019 but details were not immediately available. Marino referred questions about that to Village Manager Stuart Rabin, who did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday and Friday.

...

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Port Chester parking ticket backlog sees millions owed, NY audit finds
The governor of the US state of Minnesota has sharply responded to a verbal attack from US President Donald Trump.

Democrat Tim Walz called on the social media platform X on Friday for the Republican president's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to be disclosed, thereby indirectly questioning Trump's mental fitness.

An MRI provides images of the body's interior, which can reveal joint damage, heart attacks or tumours. At the end of October, Trump stated that he had undergone an MRI examination. The results were "perfect," the 79-year-old president said. However, they were not published, which fuelled speculation about what might be visible on the scans.

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The confrontation between Walz and Trump was triggered by a tirade from the US president on his platform Truth Social. In the post, he attacked people from "failed nations" living in the United States, accused them of criminality in general terms, and insulted Walz.

US administration reacts harshly to Washington attack

The dispute comes after an attack on two National Guard members in Washington, leaving one female soldier dead and the other critically injured in hospital.

In response, the Trump administration announced stricter measures targeting people from Afghanistan, the country of origin of the suspected attacker. Comprehensive checks of Afghan refugees in the US are planned, and attention has also turned to people from other countries experiencing ongoing conflicts.

Human rights organizations have warned against exploiting the act of an individual to discredit entire population groups.
People named Ruark are often characterized by a unique blend of strength, intelligence, and quiet confidence that makes them natural leaders. Their personality typically reflects the name's meaning of 'famous ruler,' manifesting as strong decision-making abilities, reliability, and a protective nature toward those they care about. Ruarks tend to be deeply principled individuals who value honesty and integrity, often serving as moral compasses in their social and professional circles. They usually possess excellent strategic thinking skills, able to assess complex situations and develop effective solutionsa trait that likely stems from the name's warrior origins. Despite their strength and capability, most Ruarks display surprising emotional intelligence and empathy, making them approachable leaders rather than distant authority figures. They often have a strong connection to tradition and family history while being forward-thinking and adaptable to change. This balance between respecting the past and embracing the future makes Ruarks particularly effective in roles that require bridging different perspectives or managing transition periods. Their quiet determination and steadfast nature often inspire confidence in others, creating natural followership without the need for overt displays of authority.
UPDATE @ 6:58 a.m.:

The Missing Adult alert has been cancelled.

INITIAL REPORT:

A missing adult alert was issued statewide for a missing Ohio woman.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Columbus Police Department issued a statewide Missing Adult alert for a 69-year-old woman who walked away from her residence and did not return.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Police are looking for 69-year-old Cindy Smith, who walked away from her home on Hanna Drive in Columbus around 10 p.m. on Nov. 28 and did not return.

Law enforcement is concerned for her safety.

Smith is a white female, 52 tall, weighs 140 pounds, and has gray hair and hazel eyes.

If you see Smith or know of her whereabouts, call 911 or contact the Columbus Police Department at 614-645-4747.

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COLUMBUS GROVE  A helpful citizen helped locate a 66-year-old man with early signs of dementia who wandered away from his vehicle on Thanksgiving Day, according to Capt. Mark Brecht of the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.

Family members called about the missing man at 6:44 p.m. Thursday, after hed been missing about 40 minutes. He was located by the citizen at 7:02 p.m. in a field at Road Z and Road 13P, nearly a mile and a half from where hed last been seen. The citizen walked with the man until authorities arrived. Law enforcement transported him back to his residence with no signs of injuries or hypothermia.

Assisting at the scene were the Columbus Grove fire and police departments and Putnam County EMA. Drones were on their way from Elite Drone Services and the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, but the man was located before theyd arrived, Brecht said.
Nov. 28MITCHELL  On the long list of everyday household frustrations, changing the toilet paper roll rarely makes headlines. But for Mitchell native Zach Mohr, that small annoyance opened the door to a full creative venture  one that blends engineering, design thinking and an eye for objects most people overlook.

Mohr, a 2019 Mitchell High School graduate, is the founder of Figura Studio, a young product design and manufacturing studio built around a simple idea: everyday objects deserve better design. The idea took shape while he was making custom furniture in Mitchell  elegant, durable pieces crafted from wood and welded steel. The work was meaningful, but its reach was limited.

"Custom pieces only go to a handful of clients," Mohr said. "I wanted to make things that could reach more homes."

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That shift led him away from large-scale furniture and toward small, functional objects people use every day. Figura Studio, based in Wichita, Kansas where Mohr lives, exists to make those ordinary items worth noticing  thoughtful forms made from substantial materials, shaped to feel intuitive in the hand.

Everything at Figura is designed and manufactured in-house, from sketch to prototype to assembly. Even the company name, drawn from the Latin for "shape" or "form," reflects Mohr's belief that good design begins with getting the details right.

And the first test of that philosophy was the most ordinary object imaginable: a toilet paper holder.

Mohr's debut product is the Roto, a minimalist, spring-loaded holder that replaces the traditional pop-out bar  the one that always seems to fall into the sink or bounce across the bathroom floor.

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He can't pinpoint the exact moment the idea struck. But somewhere between daily routines and household tinkering, he realized the standard holder could be simpler.

"I just thought I could make it better," he said.

Changing the roll shouldn't require awkward pressure, or two hands, he added. Often, the small struggle of wrestling a spring bar can be especially difficult for people with limited grip strength or mobility.

The Roto solves that with a spring-loaded frame that rotates open and closed with one hand  a detail Mohr jokes he may trademark.

"I put on the packaging, 'the one-handed roll changer.' Maybe I'll trademark that or something," he said.

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Using skills he gained studying mechanical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines  and a 3D printer in his apartment  he built the first working prototype in about a month. Dozens of iterations followed as he refined tolerances, tested materials, and installed prototypes in his own bathroom.

The concept itself didn't need dramatic rethinking.

"Once the mechanism worked, it worked," he said.

Mohr filed a patent for the Roto in April, hoping to eventually license the design to other manufacturers or brands. The product is now patent-pending.

He printed more than 50 units during the prototyping phase and began selling them in August. As he interacted with early customers, one conversation with Bim Bam Boo  a Minneapolis-based sustainable toilet paper company  sparked a new insight: the Roto could be especially helpful for people with limited dexterity.

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That idea led him back home to LifeQuest in Mitchell, where the residential services program purchased a dozen Rotos and received a donation of four more. The holders will be installed in new microhomes and existing apartments undergoing remodels, and a few LifeQuest clients living independently are ordering their own.

"It was a win-win," said residential program manager Kacee Regan. "Something as simple as changing the toilet paper roll can be hard for some people. This makes it easier  and it supports someone from our community."

While Mohr works full-time as an engineer at Textron Aviation designing components for Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. Figura Studio is his creative workshop. He's also pursuing a master's degree in innovation design at Wichita State University, a program he said gives him more of the design-thinking side to balance his engineering background. One recent school project involved building an autonomous trash-picking robot.

At Figura, the Roto is only the beginning. Mohr built the brand so multiple products could eventually live under one roof, and he's already imagining a premium Roto line made from aluminum, brass and stainless steel. Transitioning from 3D printing to injection molding is his next major step  one that will reduce production time and support higher-volume manufacturing.

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Even the packaging reflects his attention to detail. Mohr partnered with Arka to create custom mailer boxes with a simple, modern look. One feature he's especially proud of is the wrapped text on the front that unfolds as the box opens  a small reveal, he said, that mirrors the clean, clever feel of the product inside.

Mohr hopes to sell his first 100 units locally, including at boutique shops and even farmer's markets. He continues to refine the product, explore new materials, and pull ideas of other things to create from a long list he's kept since high school.

If there's one lesson he'd share with other inventors, it's this: don't do everything yourself.

"Know how to delegate," he said. "Let experts do what they're good at so you can focus on what you do best."

For Mohr, what he does best is noticing the overlooked  and turning it into something better. The Roto may be small, but for him, it's a glimpse of the larger design world he hopes to build.
Israels winter surge in health and welfare demands exposes gaps created by overloaded ministries and stalled parliamentary committees

Israel heads into the winter months with its major civilian ministries operating under an unusual configuration that opposition lawmakers say has sharply reduced the governments ability to respond to urgent public needs. After the

Knesset approved permanent appointments placing eight ministries in the hands of two senior ministers, Yesh Atid lawmaker Tatiana Mazarsky described a system running on minimal power, with both political leadership and parliamentary oversight stretched thinner than at any point in recent years.

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The arrangement, which the coalition says is temporary, emerged after ultra-Orthodox parties resigned their ministerial posts over the stalled conscription bill earlier this year. Their departure left several ministries without a political head for nearly four months. To prevent a continued vacuum, the coalition appointed Minister Yariv Levin to lead the Labor, Religious Services, Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, and Justice ministries, while Minister Haim Katz was assigned to Health, Welfare, Tourism, and Housing. The Interior Ministry, still without a minister, has had several statutory authorities transferred to the prime minister.

According to the government, the appointments were necessary to maintain continuity. Mazarsky rejected that framing. You cannot manage four ministries, she told The Media Line. A minister becomes someone who signs whatever is placed in front of him. That is not the way an elected government is supposed to function. Her critique focused not on political maneuvering but on the practical impact across public systems that require sustained decision-making, coordination, and oversight.

From right: Dvora Sherer and Tatyana Mazarsky (credit: PR)

She said the timing of the reshuffle, occurring as Israels public health system braces for winter illnesses, has left critical issues unattended. Ministries must be led by someone who understands their agenda and can set priorities, she said. When you overload a minister with multiple portfolios, you guarantee that urgent matters are pushed aside.

Mazarsky pointed to the measles outbreak, which has spread in communities with lower vaccination rates. A coordinated campaign needs to be approved, budgeted and implemented, she said. That coordination is not happening because the minister responsible is also dealing with three other portfolios. In public health, delay always has consequences.

Worries for Israel's mental health infrastructure

Another concern is mental-health infrastructure. According to Mazarsky, the national suicide-prevention framework has been unable to secure the budget expansion originally planned, despite a documented rise in demand for mental-health services. There is no momentum behind the program, she said. Requests for action sit unanswered. The system is overloaded and understaffed, yet decisions that should be immediate are postponed for weeks or months.

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She said she raised the issue directly in writing to the relevant minister but never received a reply. It was not ignored maliciously, she said. It was ignored because the minister simply does not have time to read the material, let alone act on it. That is what happens when one person is asked to run four ministries.

Mazarsky also cited an incident involving Israels central water-quality laboratory, which she said had been operating only partially due to gaps in its operational budget. When she brought it up in the plenum, she said ministers seemed unaware of the situation. This is a basic public-safety function, she said. If the minister responsible is occupied with multiple portfolios, he may not even know that a critical facility is not functioning.

Her concerns extend beyond the ministries themselves. For months, several Knesset committees have not convened.

Among them is the Health Committee, which Mazarsky describes as completely inactive. The committee is responsible for holding hearings, examining regulations, questioning officials, and reviewing emerging risks within the health system. There are no discussions and no protocols, she said. Entire areas of parliamentary oversight are simply absent.

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To compensate, she and a group of opposition lawmakers have begun organizing alternative committee meetings with civil-society groups, medical professionals, and advocacy organizations. It is not formal oversight, but at least it allows us to understand what is happening on the ground, she said. Doctors, nurses, parents associations, they have nowhere else to raise their concerns. Someone has to listen.

Israel has previously experienced periods in which multiple ministries were concentrated under a single figure. Past governments led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw occasions when he simultaneously held portfolios such as Foreign Affairs, Health, Communications, and Defense. What distinguishes the current moment, Mazarsky said, is the combination of overloaded ministers and nonfunctioning parliamentary committees. In earlier periods, the committees were active, she said. Now we have ministries without full-time ministers and committees without meetings. That combination is what makes the situation dangerous.

Governance analysts have echoed this concern. The Israel Democracy Institute warned that assigning several full-scale ministries to one minister exceeds reasonable administrative capacity, noting that these ministries are not symbolic; they involve complex regulatory responsibilities, large budgets, and constant operational adjustments. Without dedicated ministers, the institute cautioned, policy decisions may lag or stall altogether.

Mazarsky said that even opponents of the coalition should be concerned about the long-term impact. This is not only about politics, she said. These ministries are responsible for issues that affect every household. Health, welfare, housing, these are not empty titles. They need leadership.

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She stressed that relying on civil servants to fill the gap is not a sustainable solution. Officials can maintain routine operations, she said, but they cannot set national priorities or respond to emerging problems. That requires political leadership. And right now, large parts of the system are functioning without it.

The coalition has argued that the arrangement is temporary and that once the conscription bill passes, the ultra-Orthodox parties may return to their ministries. Mazarsky warned that the transition itself is already costly. Winter has begun, she said. Hospitals are under pressure. Infectious diseases are rising. Mental-health needs are escalating. These systems require ministers who are present and engaged.

Asked whether she believes the government will alter course in the near future, she hesitated. Critical systems are on minimal power, she said. Ministers cannot manage four portfolios effectively. Committees are not meeting.

Decisions are delayed. The public deserves a government that is fully functioning, not one that drifts through the winter without clear leadership.

She said she and her colleagues will continue pressing for full restoration of both ministerial functions and parliamentary oversight. Oversight cannot wait for political convenience, she said. The country needs decisions, not placeholders.
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A map of Sunda, Sahul and the Western Pacific, with arrows showing potential north and south migration routes suggested by genetic analysis. | Credit: Helen Farr and Erich Fisher

A new study of nearly 2,500 genomes may have finally settled the debate about when modern humans arrived in Australia. Using a diverse database of DNA from ancient and contemporary Aboriginal people throughout Oceania, researchers have determined that people began to settle northern Australia by 60,000 years ago and that they arrived via two distinct routes.

Experts have long debated the date that humans first arrived in Australia , a feat that required the invention of watercraft. While some researchers have used genetic models to support a "short chronology" of 47,000 to 51,000 years ago for the arrival, others have marshaled archaeological evidence and Aboriginal knowledge in support of the "long chronology," in which the first arrivals happened 60,000 to 65,000 years ago.

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In the new study, published Friday (Nov. 28) in the journal Science Advances , researchers analyzed an "unprecedentedly large" dataset of 2,456 human genomes to answer the question of when humans journeyed from Sunda (the ancient landmass, also known as Sundaland, that included what are today Indonesia, the Philippines and the Malaysian Peninsula) to Sahul (a paleocontinent that included modern-day Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea).

"This is the most comprehensive genetic study to date addressing this question, and it lends strong support to the long chronology rather than the short chronology," study co-author Martin Richards , an archaeogeneticist at the University of Huddersfield in the U.K., told Live Science in an email.

The team's analysis also revealed two distinct sets of people arriving via northern and southern routes. "This conclusion fits very well with the archaeological and oceanographic/paleoclimate evidence for an entry into Sahul at around 60,000 years ago," Richards said.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers used a molecular clock approach, which assumes that mutations in DNA sequences occur at a fairly constant rate over time. By looking at the differences in two DNA sequences, researchers can estimate when those sequences diverged from one another.

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In the study, the research team used several statistical methods to analyze mitochondrial DNA (which is passed down through the mother's line) and Y-chromosome data (which is passed down through the father's line). All of their statistical models lined up with a date of about 60,000 years ago for the settlement of northern Australia.

But the genetic data also revealed two distinct settlements around the same time. One group of people arrived in Australia via southern Sunda (the Indonesian islands), while another came from northern Sunda (the Philippine archipelago).

The two groups were initially part of the same population that moved out of Africa around 70,000 to 80,000 years ago, Richards said, and "we think they split during the dispersal east, in South Asia or Southeast Asia," possibly 10,000 to 20,000 years before they reached Australia.

"Our results indicate that Aboriginal Australians along with New Guineans have the most ancient unbroken ancestry of any group of people outside of Africa," Richards said.

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Along the way, these early human pioneers likely interbred with archaic humans such as Homo longi , H. luzonensis and even "the hobbit" H. floresiensis , according to Richards, but it is currently unclear to what extent modern humans interacted with archaic people in the region.

Adam Brumm , an archaeologist at Griffith University in Australia who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email that the research supports the idea that early human movements had a crucial role in the initial peopling of Sahul. "I would put my money, if I had any, on the 'long chronology' model," Brumm said.

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Drowned land off Australia was an Aboriginal hotspot in last ice age, 4,000 stone artifacts reveal

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Ancient Indigenous weapons from Australia can deliver 'devastating blows,' 1st-ever biomechanics study of its kind reveals

Australia's oldest rock painting is an anatomically accurate kangaroo

This genetic study has wide-ranging implications for the antiquity of Aboriginal people in Australia. "Many Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islanders understand they have always been in Country," study co-author Helen Farr , an archaeologist at the University of Southampton in the U.K., told Live Science in an email.

"This data supports a really deep heritage for these communities," Farr said, and "it tells of the close links people have had with Country and Sea Country for at least 60,000 years." But it also proves that seafaring knowledge and skills, which are not found in the archaeological record, were key to early humans' survival.

Editor's note: This article was updated on Monday (Dec. 1) at 4:30 a.m. ET to correct an error in Helen Farr's original quote that said "Aboriginals believe they have always been in Country" to "Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islanders understand they have always been in Country."
Moldovan President Maia Sandu complained that her country's airspace has also been violated in the course of massive Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, in a social media post on Saturday.

"On their way to kill civilians, Russian drones have once again violated Moldovan airspace, forcing its temporary closure," Sandu said. Take-offs and landings at the airport in the capital Chisinau were also temporarily impossible this time, which led to delays and diversions to neighbouring Romania, Moldovan media reported.

Moldova has repeatedly reported airspace violations in the course of the Russian war in Ukraine. Just on Tuesday, the Moldovan police published a photo of a drone.

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"We condemn the attacks and stand with Ukraine," Sandu continued. After a 10-hour attack on Ukraine, she said this was not the language of a country that claimed to be negotiating peace, referring to the planned talks. Russian representatives are expecting a US delegation in Moscow in the first half of the week to negotiate an end to the war on Ukraine.

Russia bombards Ukraine with drone and missile attacks nightly, repeatedly violating the airspace of other countries in the process. Moscow has also stationed its own troops in the breakaway, pro-Russian region of Transnistria in Moldova.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and the Miami Springs Police Department announced the arrests of Darrell Lamont Robertson Jr., 24, and Eushuun Ileyana Thomas, 22.

Both suspects face human trafficking and prostitution-related charges, with Robertson also facing battery and child abuse charges.

The arrests occurred after police responded to a 911 call from the victim around 2 a.m. on November 22, 2025.

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The victim, a 20-year-old mother, was found in distress with her 2-year-old daughter in the hotel room.

She claimed to have been trafficked across multiple states, including Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and New York, and forced into commercial sex work.

The victim reported that Robertson, her alleged pimp, would beat her if she refused to perform sex acts.

She was branded with an infected stiletto tattoo, a mark of ownership that both she and Thomas shared.

The State Attorneys Office highlighted this case as an example of successful multi-agency collaboration between local police and the Human Trafficking Task Force.

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A judge denied bond for Robertson and for Thomas on the human trafficking charge.

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Nov. 28MORGANTOWN  As part of its most recent update to the area's Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board removed improvements to the five-legged intersection of Point Marion, Stewartstown, Canyon and Farm View roads from its Tier 1 priority list.

But that's not to say the intersection isn't a priority.

Instead, MPO Executive Director Bill Austin explained, the MPO will look to use suballocated funds to help expedite the work.

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Austin said the intersection, composed of a busy crossroads (Point Marion and Stewartstown roads) complicated by the proximity of an offset access point for large housing developments (Farm View Road), "is really a failing intersection at both the morning and afternoon peak periods."

The MPO notes movement through the intersection is hampered by a number of factors, most notably the fact that Farm View Road approaches Point Marion Road near, but not at, the existing traffic signals, leading to driver confusion regarding right-of-way. Further, billboards and street clutter, a lack of pedestrian infrastructure and overly wide driveways and business access points near the intersection add confusion and increase the potential for conflicts.

"Our most recent observations have indicated that the situation has worsened significantly since the last time we looked at it, " Austin said.

According to information previously included in the MTP, there are two prevailing options for improving the situation.

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The first would realign Farm View Road to intersect with Stewartstown Road across from Cathy Drive.

The second would keep all five approaches as they're currently situated and replace the intersection with a 120-foot single-lane roundabout.

Both options would also include the installation of curbs and gutters, new sidewalks, street trees, high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian countdown signals, cross access between adjacent businesses and the closure of the automotive service center driveway closest to the intersection.

Planning and design for the project has been estimated in the $2.5 million to $4 million range, though Austin said those numbers may need revisited.

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For its end, the policy board agreed to steer a to-be-determined amount of its suballocated funding to help promote the project.

While the money does come with some restrictions in terms of use, suballocated funds are largely discretionary dollars provided to the MPO through the Surface Transportation Block Grant and Carbon Reduction Program.

Annually, the MPO receives about $400, 000 through the Carbon Reduction Program and about $470, 000 from the Surface Transportation Block Grant. Between the two, the MPO currently has a balance of about $3 million.

Austin said exactly how much of that money is utilized for this project will require further discussion with the West Virginia Division of Highways and the Federal Highway Administration.

"Since the policy board approved the use of those funds for the project, we will be asking WVDOH to program the funds for the project, most likely in fiscal year 2026-'27. The project schedule for implementation will be worked out with WVDOH at that time, " he said.
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One night in 1952, five transient objects (blue circles) appeared and disappeared within an hour, archival sky surveys show. Scientists are digging into the decades-old mystery. | Credit: Villarroel et al. / Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific; Hubble Space Telescope (background)

More than 70 years ago, astronomers at the Palomar Observatory in California photographed several star-like flashes that appeared and vanished within an hour  years before the first satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched into orbit.

New peer-reviewed research revisiting those midcentury sky plates reports that these fleeting points of light, called transients, appeared on or near dates of Cold War nuclear weapons tests and coincided with a spike in historical UFO reports. Could these things all be related? Researchers are trying to find out.

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While such flashes can sometimes be traced to natural phenomena such as variable stars, meteors or instrumental quirks, several of the Palomar events share distinctive features  including some sharp, point-like shapes that appear to line up in straight rows  that the authors of the new research say defy known natural or instrumental causes.

"We've ruled out some of the prosaic explanations, and it means we have to at least consider the possibility that these might be artificial objects from somewhere," study co-author Stephen Bruehl , an anesthesiologist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Tennessee who is interested in UFOs, told Live Science. Bruehl co-authored two recent papers with Beatriz Villarroel , an astronomer at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics in Sweden.

"If it turns out that transients are reflective artificial objects in orbit  prior to Sputnik  who put them there, and why do they seem to show interest in nuclear testing?" Bruehl added.

Not all researchers agree with this interpretation of the images, however  with some experts noting that technological restrictions of the time make this data very hard to interpret with any certainty. Michael Garrett , director of the University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics in the U.K. who was not involved with the new studies, praised Villarroel's team for their creative use of archival data but cautioned against interpreting these results too literally.

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"My main worry is not the quality of the research team but the quality of the data at their disposal," he said. Before Sputnik, the data are poor  especially the anecdotal UFO, or UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon) reports, which Villarroel's team acknowledges it did not assess for validity.

"The scientific method is well suited to investigating such anomalies, but it takes time, replication and patience," Garrett told Live Science. "I suspect that with better data, these apparent correlations would go away."

Vanishing lights in the sky

An illustration of ESA's Einstein probe detecting a transient X-ray event, likely from an exploding star. | Credit: OPENVERSE/Einstein Probe Science Center

Transient objects are a recurring phenomenon in astronomy. Modern sky surveys such as the Zwicky Transient Facility in California and the Pan-STARRS in Hawaii have already detected thousands of these fleeting events, and the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory is expected to identify millions each night over the next decade.

Many of these transients have been successfully linked to known astrophysical processes, including sudden flares from comets and asteroids, explosive deaths of stars, variability in accreting black holes, and neutron-star mergers that produce kilonova afterglows.

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To search for such events in the pre-space-age sky, the new research examined digitized images from the first Palomar Observatory Sky Survey ( POSS-I ), conducted between 1949 and 1958. That survey relied on about 2,000 photographic glass plates, each coated with a light-sensitive emulsion that reacted to incoming light, preserving an imprint of stars, galaxies and other celestial objects. These were manually loaded into the Samuel Oschin Schmidt Telescope for 50-minute exposures that captured broad stretches of the northern sky, and were later scanned and converted into a digital archive.

Villarroel's team examined 2,718 days of survey data and found transient sky events on 310 nights, with as many as 4,528 flashes appearing on a single day across multiple locations but absent from images taken immediately before or after the events, and from all later sky surveys.

When compared with the UFOCAT database of historical UFO reports, the researchers found that transients were 45% more likely to occur within 24 hours of aboveground nuclear tests conducted by the U.S., Soviet Union and Great Britain, and that each additional UAP report on a given day corresponded to an 8.5% rise in transients.

The analysis, published Oct. 20 in the journal Scientific Reports , describes these as "associations beyond chance" between transients, nuclear testing and UAP reports. According to the researchers, this finding echoes long-standing speculations that extraterrestrials might be drawn to human nuclear activity, though the authors emphasize that the data do not prove any causal link.

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But what if its the opposite? A more straightforward explanation, some experts say, is that the flashes, and perhaps some of the reported UFOs, were by-products of the nuclear detonations themselves. Michael Wiescher , a nuclear astrophysicist at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, told Scientific American that such explosions can inject metallic debris and radioactive dust into the upper atmosphere, where they might appear as brief, star-like bursts of light through a telescope.

Villarroel and Bruehl said they considered that possibility but countered that radiation-induced glows or fallout contamination would produce diffuse smudges or streaks, not the star-like points seen on Palomar's sky plates. And if the flashes were fragments of bomb casings hurled into orbit, those objects would need to reach roughly 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) above Earth, where modern geostationary satellites reside, to appear motionless over a 50-minute exposure.

Such a scenario seems implausible "unless a miracle occurred," Bruehl told Live Science. "There's no easy explanation for what these transients are and why they show up at nuclear tests."

The imperfect past

Astronomer Edwin Hubble looks through a telescope at Palomar Observatory in 1949. | Credit: Getty Images

Several other astronomers suggest that the mystery likely lies not in the skies but in imperfect photographic plates and error-prone records of the time.

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Robert Lupton , an astronomer at Princeton University who develops algorithms to extract meaning from optical data and was not involved with the papers, noted that astronomy has a long history of misinterpreting apparent alignments  including early debates over quasars , when astronomers once thought their apparent pairings in the sky meant they were physically connected, only to later learn they were chance alignments.

"The thing that's hard is to know what the anomalies in the data really look like, and the number of other weird things that we could have seen," Lupton told Live Science. "I thought that using pre-Sputnik data was clever, but hard."

Apparent alignments like those seen in the Palomar Observatory data may stem from imperfections in the photographic material itself, said Nigel Hambly , a survey astronomer at the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. who examined this issue in a 2024 paper . Spurious linear features, he said, can arise from mundane causes  diffraction spikes from bright stars that look like lines, dust, hair and other debris adhered to the emulsion that mimic aligned transients. In some cases, scratches introduced during the copying or digitization of old photographic plates can also create such artifacts, he said.

These problems are especially common when researchers work with copies rather than the originals, as was the case with Villarroel's team, because flaws can persist through generations of reproductions, Hambly said.

A turning point in UFO studies?

Mainstream interest in UFOs was recently revived after several high-profile inquiries into U.S. Navy videos that purported to show unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). | Credit: U.S. Navy

Researchers interviewed for this story agree that independent analyses are essential, and several proposed reexamining the same historical data and other archives of scanned plates from observatories active before 1957, ideally from the Northern Hemisphere and with complete, time-series images like those from the Palomar Mountain. Revisiting the original Palomar plates themselves and conducting a microscopic "forensic" examination could help determine whether the reported transients truly appear on the originals or were introduced later, Hambly added.

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Inspecting the plates by eye can often reveal the difference between a genuine detection and a spurious blemish in the emulsion "at a level of detail that is lost in the digital scans, even with very high-resolution imaging," Hambly said.

Whether these mysterious flashes prove to be evidence of UAPs, classified military technology, or simply artifacts of a bygone imaging process, the ongoing debate underscores how science probes the unknown and tests the extraordinary.
CHICAGO  Northwestern University will pay a $75 million fine to settle allegations of antisemitism from the Trump administration, restoring hundreds of millions of federal funding, officials announced Friday.

As part of the agreement, Northwestern also said it will continue following federal anti-discrimination laws, review its international admission policies and terminate an agreement reached with pro-Palestinian demonstrators last year.

The nearly $800 million in federal research funding was abruptly paused in April. The money is expected to be fully restored within 30 days, according to a statement from Northwestern University interim President Henry Bienen.

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This is not an agreement the University enters into lightly, but one that was made based on institutional values, Bienen said. As an imperative to the negotiation of this agreement, we had several hard red lines we refused to cross: We would not relinquish any control over whom we hire, whom we admit as students, what our faculty teach or how our faculty teach.

Other universities have agreed to pay fines to restore federal funding, as President Donald Trump pressures institutions to align with his political priorities. He has particularly criticized elite universities as hubs of antisemitism and progressive culture.

Northwesterns $75 million settlement, to be paid over three years, is the second-highest amount agreed to by a university. In August, Columbia University pledged to pay $200 million in a similar deal.

Todays settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administrations fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. Institutions that accept federal funds are obligated to follow civil rights law  we are grateful to Northwestern for negotiating this historic deal.

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The deal will allow Northwestern to draw on all research funding, including overdue payments, lift any stop-work orders on non-terminated grants and protect the universitys eligibility for future grants. It will also close all pending investigations from the Department of Education, Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services related to anti-discrimination laws and race-based admissions.

As part of the agreement, Northwestern also said it would commit to Title IX  which prohibits sex-based discrimination  by providing single-sex housing and locker room facilities for women upon request.

Additionally, it will review its international admissions and develop training to socialize international students to the norms of a campus dedicated to inquiry and open debate, Bienen said. To ensure compliance, Northwestern said it will establish a committee on its board of trustees dedicated to the agreement.

The paused funds had sent shockwaves through Northwesterns research infrastructure beginning in April. As administrators scrambled to cover expenses, they resorted to a string of budget cuts  including hundreds of layoffs this summer.

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The intense federal pressure led to the abrupt resignation of former President Michael Schill in September. Schill had faced an onslaught of conservative criticism since last year over his handling of Northwesterns pro-Palestinian encampment and the resulting agreement he reached with demonstrators.

In its deal with the Trump administration, Northwestern said it would terminate that agreement.
Individuals bearing the name Seafraid are typically associated with a calm, thoughtful nature and strong leadership qualities. They tend to be diplomatic peacemakers who value harmony and seek to resolve conflicts through wisdom and understanding rather than confrontation. The name suggests someone who possesses inner strength and resilience, able to maintain composure and principle even under significant pressure. Historically, bearers of this name were often community leaders, scholars, or spiritual figures who balanced traditional values with progressive thinking, reflecting the name's meaning of 'peace from God' in their approach to life and relationships.



These individuals are often perceived as reliable and deeply principled, inspiring trust through their consistent character and commitment to fairness. They typically exhibit a blend of spiritual depth and practical wisdom, making them effective mediators and advisors. The name carries connotations of someone who bridges different perspectiveswhether cultural, political, or personaland finds common ground. While peaceful by nature, they are not passive, demonstrating determination and courage when defending their community or principles. This combination of diplomatic skill and inner fortitude makes them natural leaders who earn respect through both their character and their actions.
Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. government in a deal with the Trump administration to end a series of investigations and restore hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding.

President Donald Trump's administration had cut off $790 million in grants in a standoff that contributed to university layoffs and the resignation in September of Northwestern president Michael Schill. The administration argued the school had not done enough to fight antisemitism.

Under the agreement announced Friday night, Northwestern will make the payment to the U.S. Treasury over the next three years. Among other commitments it also requires the university to revoke the so-called Deering Meadow agreement, which it signed in April 2024 in exchange for pro-Palestinian protesters ending their tent encampment on campus.

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During negotiations, interim university president Henry Bienen said Northwestern refused to cede control over hiring, admissions, or its curriculum. "I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case," he said.

The agreement also calls for Northwestern to continue compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, develop training materials to socialize international students with the norms of a campus dedicated to open debate, and uphold a commitment to Title IX by providing safe and fair opportunities for women, including single-sex housing for any woman, defined on the basis of sex, who requests such accommodations and all-female sports, locker rooms, and showering facilities.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the deal cements policy changes that will protect people on campus from harassment and discrimination.

The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities, McMahon said.

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Trump has leveraged government control of federal research money to push for reforms at elite colleges he has decried as overrun by woke ideology.

The fine agreed to by Northwestern is the second-largest behind Columbia, which agreed in July to pay the government $200 million to resolve a series of investigations and restore its funding. Brown and Cornell also reached agreements with the government to restore funding following antisemitism investigations.

Harvard, the administration's primary target, remains in negotiations with the federal government over its demands for changes to campus policies and governance. The Ivy League school sued over the administration's cuts to its grant money and won a court victory in September when a federal judge ordered the government to restore federal funding, saying the Trump administration used antisemitism as a smokescreen.

This fall, the White House tried a different approach on higher education, offering preferential treatment for federal funds to several institutions in exchange for adopting policies in line with Trumps agenda. The administration received a wave of initial rejections from some universities leadership, citing concerns that Trumps higher education compact might supplant academic freedom.

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The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million in a settlement with the Trump administration to restore hundreds of millions in federal funding that was withheld amid an investigation into alleged civil rights violations and antisemitism on campus.

The settlement, announced on Nov. 28, will reinstate nearly $800 million in federal funding that was frozen in April as the administration cracked down on universities including Northwestern, Cornell and others. The funding freeze came after the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers scrutinized college campuses for their handling of pro-Palestinian protests last year.

The agreement dictates that the Chicago-area school will pay $75 million to the U.S. Treasury Department over three years, according to news releases from the Department of Justice and the school. It also puts an end to the investigations into complaints over the school's admissions, policies on transgender students and handling of alleged antisemitism on campus.

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The federal funding should be fully restored within 30 days, interim Northwestern President Henry Bienen said, adding that the agreement "ends a deeply painful and disruptive period in our universitys history."

Signs are displayed in front of Deering Meadow, where an encampment of students protested in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Northwestern University campus on April 25, 2024.

Bienen, who took over as interim president after Michael Schill resigned the post in September, entered the stage during a politically fraught period of Northwestern's history. The payment to the government is not an admission of guilt, he said.

Todays settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administrations fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.

More: Ivy League colleges face a reckoning after Columbia's Trump deal

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Bienen said Northwestern maintains control over whom it hires, whom it accepts as students and what its faculty teaches.

"Northwestern runs Northwestern. Period," he said.

As part of the settlement, Northwestern will create a committee to ensure compliance with the terms, comply with federal anti-discrimination laws (which Bienen noted it already did) and terminate an agreement reached with pro-Palestinian protesters last year. The university said its recent policies enacted to support Jewish students will continue under the terms of the settlement.

The settlement also requires Northwestern to adhere to Title IX policies by providing safe and fair opportunities for women, including single-sex housing for any woman, defined on the basis of sex, who requests such accommodations, and all-female sports, locker rooms and showering facilities. It does not impose new restrictions on transgender members of the school community, Northwestern said.

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Earlier this month, Cornell University, also targeted with a federal funding freeze, agreed to pay $30 million to the government and invest an equal amount into agricultural research to restore $250 million in frozen grant money.

Contributing: Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northwestern to pay $75m in deal with Trump admin to restore funding
A Manhattan green card holder detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than three months was released to reunite with his disabled son just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

When Heury Gomez returned home on Nov. 22, he said his first order of business was eating a decent meal, then seeing his mother and 18-year-old son Noah, who lives in a hospital in Westchester county. Gomez is the sole caretaker for Noah, who is non-verbal, suffers epilepsy and depends on a tracheostomy tube.

Gomez cousin, Carolina Zapata, described the father and sons reunion as a beautiful moment, that brought her to tears.

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I was filled with so much emotion. I was so happy, Gomez, 43, said in Spanish. Noah was really happy. He was smiling and laughing a lot. Every time I see him happy, its very fulfilling for me. Im just so grateful to God for the opportunity to be with him again.

Noah, who had been sleeping more than usual in the months his father had been gone, has been continually upbeat in the days following his return.

He lights up immediately as soon as he sees or hears his dad, Zapata, 36 said.

In a cancellation of removal hearing on Nov. 12, a government attorney did not show to counter Gomezs attorneys argument that he should not be deported. Zapata was one of more than 150 supporters who showed up to the virtual hearing online.

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When I got on, he was crying out of fear, Zapata said of Gomez. But then when it was informed to him, the judges decision, and everything the judge was saying, as far as his character, he was smiling and then just crying out of joy. He was very, very overwhelmed with emotion.

Judge Ian Simons issued the decision to release Gomez from North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, citing the extraordinary hardship his son would face if he was deported, according to his lawyer, Brian Pu-Folkes.

After nearly three months of unnecessary detention, the Court recognized what was always true, that Heury met the laws requirements and deserved to be reunited with his son. Justice, at long last, prevailed, Pu-Folkes said in a statement.

I just felt an overwhelming sense of just pride and joy and just confirmation of who Heury is, Zapata said. Yes, this is about justice and this is about fighting back. But this is also about, at its core, helping my cousin, whos like my brother, and how I know in my gut, in my heart, he didnt deserve that.

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Federal agents detained Gomez at Newark International Airport on Aug. 6 as he returned home from a short birthday trip to Mexico  a respite before he began the medical home training necessary to bring Noah home from the hospital where he has lived permanently for seven years.

Gomez decision to bring Noah home to his Manhattan apartment and care for him full time came followed by a months-long custody battle, Zapata said.

Gomez, originally from the Dominican Republic, entered the country legally and has held a green card for nearly twenty years, according to Zapata.

Homeland Security officials cited a prior arrest as the reason for his detention.

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On August 6, CBP arrested Heury Gomez Grullon, a criminal illegal alien, who was deemed inadmissible when he tried to enter the country. He was previously convicted of two counts of assault with intent to cause physical injury and petty larceny, a DHS statement said.

The Trump administration has labeled green card holders illegally in the country if they have criminal histories the administration believes disqualifies them from remaining in the country.

Zapata says her cousins arrest was a decade ago and that he was convicted on misdemeanor charges.

The convictions stemmed from a petty argument over an EBT card with his former partner, she said. Gomez served 20 days in jail, completed probation and paid fines for the 2015 convictions, but always maintained his innocence, Zapata said.

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While detained in Michigan, Gomez said he felt unsafe.

It was a very frustrating and stressful experience, because youre in an environment where theres good people, but theres also a lot of not so good people. So you dont feel safe or secure. Youre mixed in there with other people who are real criminals.

Gomez also said there was sometimes not enough food to go around, sparking several detainee riots.

The friends hed made in detention were so happy, and so surprised, when he was released, given how unusual it was, Gomez said.

Theyre taking away a lot of innocent people who havent really done anything or who have super minor convictions but arent really a danger to society, and having them go through this entire detention process that is really unfair. Its very frustrating, he said.

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Gomez and Zapata have already resumed the medical training required to bring Noah home to their Hells Kitchen apartment where they will care for him around the clock.

Im focusing on my son Noah, and continuing to provide for my family, to get back on my feet and work hard. And doing everything I can to just move past this, Gomez said.

Zapata said she hopes her cousin will take the time he needs to process the whole ordeal.

This has been a traumatizing experience for him, Zapata said. As happy as we are and I know as relieved as he is, only he knows what he went through in there. And it doesnt erase the injustice and the scars that are left behind from this whole ordeal that was so unnecessary.
After four years of lower levels, a reservoir in Penang, Malaysia, has reached 99% capacity thanks to consistent downpours, reported New Straits Times.

The Air Itam dam hit 99.4% of its total volume this week. The reservoir hadn't been this full since late 2021, when it reached just over 93% capacity.

Over 20 inches of rain fell on the dam's surrounding watershed between early September and late October. Water managers will increase daily extraction to supply a nearby treatment facility that provides drinking water to local residents.

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The increased water access benefits the community in multiple ways.

Water managers will extract up to 65 million liters each day, nearly triple the normal volume. This higher extraction rate stops the reservoir from overflowing into local drainage networks, which protects neighborhoods built on lower ground from flooding.

Malaysia's water authority chief, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, shared positive news about the region's water outlook.

"The nearly full Air Itam dam marks a significant milestone for Penang's water security, providing a strong buffer for the state's water supply after four years of lower reservoir levels," he said in an official statement.

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Other reservoirs in the region have been recovering well after they received more than 30 inches of rain over the past two months. Officials expect one large dam to reach between 80% and 85% capacity by early next year, just before the dry season arrives.

If you live in an area where changing rainfall patterns have been affected, you can help your community prepare by raising your voice and supporting local water conservation efforts. Contact your representatives and voice your support for policies that protect watersheds and invest in water infrastructure.

These investments help communities adapt to changing weather patterns. They also help protect the natural ecosystems that depend on stable water sources.



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Health officials in Northern California are sounding the alarm after a dangerous mosquito species capable of spreading diseases was detected in San Jose, giving more proof of its expanding territory across the state.

What's happening?

The Aedes aegypti mosquito  known for transmitting viruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever  was recently discovered near Kelley Park, according to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District. It's the first detection in that specific area, but far from the only one.

"This year in particular, we've had so many detections throughout new parts of the county," said Taylor Kelly, the district's scientific-technical services manager, to ABC News.

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The species, first detected in California in 2013, has now been found in 27 counties statewide and appears to be establishing itself in Northern California after spreading from the southern and central regions. Officials warn that A. aegypti's ability to "move with people"  hitching rides in cars or breeding in small containers of water  makes containing the pest's spread difficult.

Why are mosquitoes in new areas concerning?

Unlike most native mosquitoes, A. aegypti is more aggressive and prefers to bite during the day. Aside from being a nuisance, these insects pose a major public health risk. The species has already been linked to local dengue cases in California, prompting fears of future outbreaks. Beyond adding strain to local health systems, A. aegypti also disrupts ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Experts say warming global temperatures are likely helping mosquitoes spread into new territories. As heat and humidity rise, conditions become increasingly ideal for the insects to survive and reproduce, expanding their populations into areas that were once too cool to support them. For example, mosquitoes were recently discovered in Iceland for the first time ever  one of the few remaining places in the world where they weren't established.

What can we do to fight the spread of vector-borne diseases?

Local and state agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and the World Mosquito Program, are ramping up surveillance and public outreach. Experts say residents should dump standing water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing and scrub out containers that have collected water. California residents are also encouraged to report bites and take photographs of the mosquitoes, which have black-and-white stripes.

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Ultimately, addressing the bigger cause of rising global temperatures is important to prevent our natural ecosystems from permanently changing. Educating yourself on critical climate issues is a good place to start learning about things we can do individually to make a difference, from transitioning to cleaner energy and conserving native plant and wildlife species.



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A script "Ohio" lit up Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's soon-to-open University Hospital ahead of the Ohio State vs Michigan game.

Volunteers lit 88 patient rooms across 10 of the building's 24 floors to write Ohio on the west side of the building facing State Route 315, according to an OSU news release.

The Buckeyes play the Wolverines at noon in Ann Arbor. It's the rival teams' 121st game, and OSU has lost the past four times.

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According to the news release, the idea to light up the building came from Tanner Gorman, a construction project manager who has worked on the hospital for three years. He previously lit up the rooms with an "OH-IO" to greet staff as they arrived at an early-morning dress rehearsal in October.

Volunteers lit up Ohio State's coming University Hospital with a script "Ohio" ahead of the Nov. 29 OSU vs. Michigan game.

Both designs were pretty easy to plan. I filled out a spreadsheet with all of the room numbers and then it just came together, Gorman said in a news release.

The script Ohio will remain on the building through the weekend. The 820-room University Hospital will open in early 2026.

The Ohio State vs Michigan game will be live on Fox and Fubo, and radio coverage will be broadcast on WBNS-FM 97.1 The Fan and WBNS-AM 1460 The Fan 2.

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Public safety and breaking news reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Wexner Medical Center tower lit up ahead of Ohio State-Michigan game
EDWARDSBURG, Mich.  One person died early Thursday in a mobile home fire near Cass Countys Painter Lake.

The Edwardsburg Fire Department was called at about 3 a.m. near Painter Lake. When they arrived, they found the home was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters later search the rubble and found one person dead.

The name of the victim was not released until family members could be notified, the report said.

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The Edwardsburg Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Cass County Sheriffs Office, Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit, and SMCAS Ambulance.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was underway.
MADRID, Nov 29 (Reuters) - About one third of Spanish pork export certificates have been blocked after the first outbreak of swine fever for three decades, Spain's agriculture minister said on Saturday.

"Of the 400 export certificates to 104 countries, a third are blocked. We are working to open them as quickly as possible," Agriculture Minister Luis Planas told a press conference.

The virus, last recorded in Spain in 1994, was detected in six wild boar near Barcelona.

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Planas said the value of the country's pork exports is 8.8 billion euros ($10.20 billion), of which 58% goes to the European Union.

He said exports to the EU were not affected except those which fell within a 20-kilometre zone near the source of the outbreak.

"Our task is to keep international markets open," he added.

Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia has barred access to a major natural park after six wild boar found dead near Barcelona tested positive for African swine fever.

The Collserola park was closed for all leisure activities and outdoor activities were restricted in 60 villages near the centre of the outbreak, the Catalan Agriculture Ministry said late on Friday.

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Catalan authorities will deploy traps for wild boar and deploy police to enforce barriers to the area.

African swine fever is not harmful to humans but spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boar.

Taiwan was the latest country to announce restrictions on Spanish pork imports, when its agriculture ministry said on Saturday it had banned all pork products and live pig imports.

China has banned pork imports from Barcelona province, a Chinese Customs document seen by Reuters showed.

Britain on Friday said it would temporarily stop imports of pork meat from Catalonia. Mexico has suspended imports of pork products from Spain.

$1 = 0.8624 euros)

(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Kirsten Donovan)
It is often said that the first casualty when war comes is truth. A criminal warrant just issued in Germany shows that war continues to claim its victims. However, this warrant could prove to be as great an indictment not just of the government of Volodymyr Zelensky, but also of former President Joe Biden.

This week, a German court issued an arrest warrant for Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov, which may finally confirm what was long suspected: that Ukraine was responsible for the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the waters near Denmark and Sweden.

The Biden administration may have been given prior warning. It was allegedly told years ago by a Ukrainian whistleblower that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor and blow up the Nord Stream project. The operation was reportedly led by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces.

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Nevertheless, after the attack, the Biden administration and many in the media fueled speculation that Russia had destroyed its own pipeline, despite evidence and logic to the contrary. It was another convenient claim of a Russian false-flag operation that allowed the Biden administration to ignore the possibility that Ukraine had not only engaged in environmental crimes but had also knowingly lied to its allies.

For years, some of us have questioned the official account from the Biden administration about the available evidence of those responsible.

The suggestion of a Russian attack on a Russian pipeline never seemed logical. However, the administration was funneling billions in support for Ukraine, funding that has now exceeds an estimated $180 billion. Having Ukraine sabotage pipelines to our allies would hardly be opportune when many were questioning the costs to U.S. citizens.

The Biden administration was not alone in running interference for Ukraine, as Zelensky denied responsibility despite mounting evidence to the contrary. When another alleged Ukrainian saboteur was found in Poland, a Polish court blocked the extradition to Germany and ordered his release. The reason? The judge did base the decision on Ukrainian denials. Instead, he declared that the act had been committed in the name of a just war. (Poland remains the frontline against Russian aggression in Europe).

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An Italian court did not engage in such rationalization. It ordered the extradition of Kuznietsov, believed to be a key figure in the conspiracy. The attack involved leasing a yacht in the German port of Rostock, using forged IDs and a screen of intermediaries. Kuznietsov insists that he was an army captain serving in Ukraine at the time.

If the investigators are correct, it was not just the Ukrainian government that was lying to us. Biden was also presumably informed by the intelligence agencies of this evidence. Yet Biden kept suggesting anyway that the Russians were covering up the truth. He told the public, The Russians are pumping out disinformation and lies. We will work with our allies to get to the bottom [of) precisely what happened] Just dont listen to what Putins saying. What hes saying we know is not true.

Ironically, even if we were told about this evidence, the public might still have supported the commitment to Ukraine. After all, Ukraine is the victim of a horrendous invasion that has involved repeated charges of war crimes against the Russian forces. However, the public has a legitimate expectation that a country that is receiving billions in support will not engage in environmental attacks on our allies. These pipelines were in the economic zone of two NATO countries.

As the Germans work to find the truth, the question is whether the American public will ever be given transparency on our own governments complicity or knowledge. The public was asked to pump billions into a war while the administration allegedly covered up an attack by Ukraine on a Western pipeline  and then may have misled the public.

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The public also has a right to know if the CIA was told in advance that this attack was coming and either gave tacit approval or said nothing to our allies.

While Johnson is often quoted on his 1929 line about truth in war, the line following was equally poignant: this mode of propaganda whereby  people become war hungry in their patriotism and are lied into a desire to fight. We have seen it in the past; it will happen again in the future.

It may have happened in the U.S., and truth was not the only casualty. The American people were treated as chumps who could not handle the truth.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of the best-selling book The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.

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A person is dead after a shooting Saturday in Jacksonvilles Craven neighborhood. Police were called to the scene in the 9100 block of Warwickshire Road at about 7 p.m. in reference to reports of a person being shot, a police news release states.

Officers arrived and found the person dead inside the home. Police did not say if the deceased person was a man or woman. Multiple people were taken to police headquarters in downtown Jacksonville for questioning, the news release states.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated, the news release states. Due to this, the classification of the incident is pending.

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Siegfried holds profound cultural significance rooted in Germanic mythology and medieval literature. The name gained legendary status through the Nibelungenlied, an epic poem from around 1200 AD, where Siegfried is the heroic dragon-slayer who bathes in the dragon's blood to become invulnerable, except for one spot on his back where a leaf fell. This archetypal hero represents the ideal Germanic warrior - brave, strong, and destined for greatness. The character was later immortalized in Richard Wagner's opera cycle 'Der Ring des Nibelungen,' where Siegfried appears as the central hero in the third opera, 'Siegfried.' Throughout German cultural history, the name has symbolized national heroism, purity of purpose, and the tragic fate that often accompanies great heroes.



During the 19th century German Romantic movement, Siegfried became a symbol of German national identity and cultural revival. The character's journey from unknown youth to legendary hero resonated with Germany's own aspirations for unity and prominence. However, the name's association with German nationalism also led to its appropriation by various political movements, particularly during the Wilhelmine era and later by the Nazis, who mythologized Siegfried as an Aryan ideal. This complex history gives the name layers of meaning that span from pure heroism to political symbolism, making it one of the most culturally loaded names in the German tradition.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  President Jose Jeri of Peru said his government on Friday would declare a state of emergency along the country's southern border and deploy more armed forces to the area as a large number of Venezuelan migrants venture north from Chile, where anti-immigrant sentiment has surged during a fraught presidential campaign.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing crises in their home countries or seeking better opportunities abroad long have traversed the continent and the Peruvian border to build new lives in Chile, one of Latin Americas most stable and prosperous nations.

But scores of people without legal status in Chile  mostly Venezuelans who abandoned their country's economic ruin and authoritarian rule in recent years  are now also headed in the other direction as Chile prepares to harden its stance against immigration.

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The favorite to win Chile's presidential runoff on Dec. 14, ultraconservative lawyer Jose Antonio Kast, has built his campaign around popular fears over immigration from Venezuela and a rise in organized crime. He filmed a campaign video at Chile's porous desert border with Peru last week, warning immigrants without formal status to get out of the country while they still can.

You have 111 days to leave Chile voluntarily, Kast said in the ad, referring to the number of days until a new administration takes over from current left-wing President Gabriel Boric. If not, we will stop you, we will detain you, we will expel you. You will leave with only the clothes on your back.

Soon Peruvian media was awash with images of migrant families rushing north from Chile into Peru, their belongings stuffed in backpacks and garbage bags.

Within days, Jeri traveled to the same area to inspect border controls and sent armed forces to boost security operations.

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Residents in Chiles northern border towns reported growing chaos as crowds of people who left Chile but lacked permission to enter Peru were stranded in limbo. On Friday, Jeri convened his Cabinet to declare a state of emergency in the region.

There is no clear figure for how many people have decided to leave Chile against the backdrop of Kasts threats of mass deportations and what immigration lawyers describe as increased xenophobia in the South American country, home to 18.5 million people.

On Friday, Kast released a new video repeating his warning to immigrants and urging Boric to intervene. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela dismissed his comments, saying that a presidential candidate cannot speak on behalf of the Chilean government.

When asked how Kast's campaign impacted the outflow of migrants, Chilean Minister of Security Luis Cordero responded that rhetoric sometimes has consequences.

People cannot be used as a means to create controversy for the elections, he said. Our main purpose is to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

___

Pereda Zavaleta reported from Lima, Peru
U.S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is lashing out at a report that he ordered military officials to "kill them all" during one of the Trump administration's strikes in the Caribbean aimed a boat allegedly carrying drug cargo.

"As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland," Hegseth, 45, said in a Nov. 28 post on X.

The defense secretary was responding to a Washington Post story citing two anonymous sources that claimed he ordered troops to leave no survivors after a missile struck the vessel, which was traveling off the Trinidad coast, as two individuals were clinging to the smoldering wreckage.

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Since September, the Trump administration has attacked at least 21 boats traversing international waters, killing 83 people. Trump and other officials defend the boat strikes as an attempt to crackdown on illegal narcotics flooding into the U.S., but lawmakers from both parties have criticized the administration for providing no intelligence briefings or other evidence about what the vessels are carrying.

"At this point, I would call them extrajudicial killings," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said during an Oct. 26 appearance on Fox News Sunday. "This is akin to what China does, what Iran does with drug dealers  they summarily execute people without presenting evidence to the public. So it's wrong."

Sept. 15, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a boat allegedly trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea. Sept. 15, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a boat allegedly trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea. Oct. 3, 2025: The U.S. military killed four people in a strike on a vessel that was allegedly transporting substantial amounts of narcotics, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 3. Oct. 3, 2025: The U.S. military killed four people in a strike on a vessel that was allegedly transporting substantial amounts of narcotics, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 3. Oct. 17, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a vessel alleged to be smuggling drugs for Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 17. Oct. 17, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a vessel alleged to be smuggling drugs for Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 17. Oct. 21, 2025: The U.S. military killed two people in a strike on a vessel allegedly smuggling illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 22. Oct. 21, 2025: The U.S. military killed two people in a strike on a vessel allegedly smuggling illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 22. Oct. 22, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a vessel allegedly smuggling illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 22. Oct. 22, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a vessel allegedly smuggling illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 22. Oct. 24, 2025: The U.S. military killed six people in a strike on a boat in the Caribbean, alleged to be carrying narcotics, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 24. Oct. 24, 2025: The U.S. military killed six people in a strike on a boat in the Caribbean, alleged to be carrying narcotics, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Oct. 24. US military conducts deadly boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers 1 of 12 Sept. 15, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a boat allegedly trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who shared the story about Hegseth's alleged order, raised similar concerns about the constitutionality of the strikes in an Nov. 28 post on X.

"If you want to know why Hegseth is panicking about reminders that there is accountably for giving or carrying out illegal orders, its likely because he knows he has given illegal orders to murder people," Murphy said.

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The report comes amid a U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, which Trump has argued is necessary to combat gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, and others like Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. A Venezuelan criminal organization known as Cartel de los Soles, for example, was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. on Nov. 24.

Hegseth defends ditching 'kid gloves approach' to drug war

Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of War  formally known as the Department of Defense  at the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 18, 2025.

Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which are at the center of humanitarian rules and international standards, any wounded or sick combatants are to be retrieved and receive care by either side in a conflict.

But in his Nov. 28 post slamming the report, Hegseth argued that each "trafficker we kill is affiliated" with a terrorist group and the current U.S. operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law.

"The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people  including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans  to flood our communities with drugs and violence," he said.

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"The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them."

Legal scholars and others, however, continue to raise questions about the legality of the boat strikes and spokespersons for the White House, Justice Department and the Pentagon have not responded to USA TODAY requests for comment on what laws the administration is using to justify the attacks.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in an Nov. 28 statement that his powerful panel has directed inquiries to the defense department about the strikes, "and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances."

Wicker, along with Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking Democrat on the committee, have sent Hegseth multiple requests for basic information including legal justifications and intelligence underpinning individual strikes.

Several legal experts have spoken out, too, saying Trump and his administration's rationale marks an unprecedented step by U.S. using the military, rather than law enforcement, to enforce the drug war with congressional approval.

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During Trump's first term he expressed admiration for foreign leaders who instituted the death penalty for drug traffickers, including former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte who is facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court for war on drugs policies.

Trump said last month he saw no reason to involve Congress when asked about the boat strikes, suggesting lawmakers and voters wouldn't mind such actions in the name of stopping illegal narcotics.

"I dont think were necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war," Trump said. "I think were just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. Were going to kill them. Theyre going to be, like, dead."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth slams 'kill them all' report on Caribbean boat strikes
(Diana Ramirez / De Los; Photos by Alex Brandon / AP, Susan Walsh / AP)

President Trump has united the Latino vote ... in its disdain for the policies of his second term.

A new study from the Pew Research Center found that a majority of U.S. Latino adults disapprove of the job Trump has done since returning to the White House earlier this year.

Ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids throughout the country and continued economic turmoil have led many Latinos to grow upset with the politician  whose 2024 campaign centered on carrying out the "largest deportation operation in American history" and fixing the nations fledgling economy.

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Pews findings revealed that 70% of Latinos disapprove of the way Trump is handling his job as president. When it came to immigration, 65% disapproved of the current administrations approach to the issue. Regarding the economy, 61% said Trumps policies have made economic conditions worse.

Read more: In 2025, Latinx voters proved they're not beholden to any party

However, party affiliation still played a significant role in how Latinos graded Trump's performance. Overall, 81% of 2024 Latino Trump voters approved of his job so far  an impressive level of support, though it has notably dipped from 93% since the onset of his second term.

Among Latinos who voted for Kamala Harris, Trump had a 4% approval rating in February, which has since plummeted to 0%. His approval rating with 2024 Latino nonvoters moved from 42% down to 27%. As a whole, the president's approval rating among all Latino groups has slumped from 42% at the beginning of the year to 27% this fall.

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In the Pew study, Latino voters also expressed pessimism about their future in the U.S. Of those surveyed, 68% said the situation for U.S. Latinos is worse today than it was a year ago, 9% responded that it was better and 22% felt it was about the same. Harris voters overwhelming felt the situation is worsening for Latinos at 89%; 66% of nonvoters agreed with that assessment; and 31% of Trump voters felt Latinos were worse off now than last year.

A plurality of voters who went red in 2024  40%  felt the situation for Latinos in the U.S. was about the same year over year. Additionally, 28% of that voting bloc believed U.S. Latinos are better off now compared with 2024.

Read more: Column: Has Trump already lost the Latino vote?

This data set lines up with a recent Axios/Ipsos poll conducted in partnership with Noticias Telemundo.

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Of the more than 1,100 people surveyed, 65% said that its a bad time to be Latino or Hispanic in the U.S.; when the poll was conducted in March 2024, that figure stood at 40%. When broken down by party, 84% of Democrats said it was a bad time, compared with 68% of independents and 32% of Republicans.

At 78%, a majority of those polled by Pew felt that Trump's policies have been more harmful than helpful to the Latino community. Harris voters were once again united against Trump with 97% agreeing that his policies have negatively affected their community. Nonvoters were in agreement with 78% feeling the Republican president's policies have had adverse effects on Latinos.

Trump voters were split on the issue with 41% saying Trump's policies have been helpful to Latinos, 34% believing they've been harmful and 22% responding that they've had no effect.

Read more: California Republicans are divided on Trumps immigration enforcement policies, poll finds

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These findings seemingly muddle the narrative that Latinos nationwide have made a rightward turn politically in recent years.

In the 2024 presidential election, Trump garnered 48% of the Latino vote compared with Harris 51% share and significantly jumped past the 36% clip that he got in the 2020 presidential election. Initial 2024 exit polls actually underestimated Latinos Trump support, with the Republican candidate tracking at 46% of the Latino vote on election day.

Additionally, 47% of naturalized citizens of all ethnic backgrounds voted for Trump in 2024, compared with 38% in 2020. In that same voting bloc 51% voted for Harris in 2024, a notable drop from the 59% who voted for Joe Biden in 2020.

Latino naturalized citizens recorded a 12% bump in voting for Trump, jumping from 39% in 2020 to 51% in 2024.

Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This weekend, millions of people are heading after Thanksgiving.

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Overall, AAA expects nearly 82 million people to travel this holiday weekend.

Its a jump from last year and nearly 10 million more than in 2021.

A drive that would have taken David Campbell about 45 minutes took him less than 10, thanks to his plane.

Campbell got his private pilots license over 30 years ago.

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He mainly flies around the Ohio area, turning long car rides into short flights.

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He said its convenient.

Years ago, when we had the eclipse here, another partner in the plane and his two people flew down to Kentucky or Tennessee ... when we came back, we looked down on the interstate for miles and miles, miles were completely bumper to bumper, Campbell said.

Although he saves time, he said gas to fill up the plane costs more than double the gas we spend to fill up our cars.

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Its a different type of fuel. Id like for it to come back down some; it costs a lot, Campbell said.

He said he flies two to three times a week, only taking the plane up if he weather allows for it.

I see what the winds are, what the ceiling is, the ceiling where the clouds are, and this time of year, thats particularly important, because if you get in the cloud youll pick up the ice because its so cold, Campbell said.

AAA said the Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the single busiest travel day of the year in the U.S.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The Youngstown Police Department said a missing 12-year-old girl has been found.

Police posted a photo of the girl last week, but said she was found safe.

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 WKBN.com.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) established a new youth organization called Generation Deutschland (GD) on Saturday at a founding congress accompanied by massive protests.

More than 800 participants adopted a youth statute with rules on the role and work of the new organization, which, unlike its predecessor Junge Alternative, is to be closely linked to the AfD.

Several people with minor injuries were treated at the city's university hospital as protests raged against the founding of the new group.

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The people came on their own, received "accident surgery treatment" mainly for injuries to hands and legs and then left again, a hospital spokesman told dpa.

Around 10 to 15 officers also suffered minor injuries, the police said.

New group linked more closely to party

The Junge Alternative (JA) disbanded in the spring after the AfD severed ties with it. As an independent association, the JA was only loosely affiliated with the AfD and its members, excluding the executive committee, did not have to be members of the party and acted largely independently.

That gave the AfD little influence over the JA. As an association, the JA, which was classified as a proven far-right extremist group by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, also ran the risk of being banned.

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Now only those who are already members of the AfD can join the new AfD youth organisation. Violations of the rules or misconduct can thus be punished, up to and including expulsion from the party. The organization is to be open to all AfD members under the age of 36, in what AfD leader Alice Weidel called a training ground for the party.

She said GD was primarily intended to produce capable young talent for the parent party, also with a view to next year's state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where polls suggest the party could come to power for the first time, meaning many positions would need to be filled.

"So this is a training ground for government responsibility, said Weidel.

Protests delay arrivals

The event began with a 2-hour delay as the road blockades and protests prevented many of the roughly 1,000 planned attendees from reaching the venue.

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AfD leaders Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, and the designated head of the new youth group, Jean-Pascal Hohm, were also delayed, leaving numerous seats in the exhibition hall empty at the start of the assembly. They sharply criticized the blockades.

A group of demonstrators attempted to break through to the venue in the exhibition halls and a dpa reporter on site said some 30 to 40 people tried to break through the police barriers. The police pushed the activists back with a water cannon.

Weidel said AfD lawmaker Julian Schmidt was "beaten up" on the sidelines of the protests. He confirmed the attack to dpa, saying he was attacked by around 20 people after parking his car near the hall and suffered bruises and red marks on his nose and cheekbone as a result. He called the incident a new level of confrontation.

The police said that an AfD lawmaker had been injured nearby and that the suspected perpetrator had been arrested, and the investigation was ongoing. The police did not provide any further details or the name of the person involved.

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Counter-demonstrations began early in the day with up to 50,000 demonstrators from all over Germany expected during the course of the day.

By early afternoon, the police reported a number "in the low five-digit range" and said many protested peacefully. Thousands of officers were also deployed from all over Germany in what was one of the largest police operations the state had seen.

The size of the operation was also due to calls for violence circulating in advance from the left-wing scene, police said.

Protesters blocked several roads in the vicinity of Giessen, including federal highways.

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At some of the clashes, protesters threw bottles at members of the emergency services. At one blockade, officers used pepper spray against people throwing stones.

Protesters chanted "All together. Against fascism" and "Stop the arsonists" at a rally at the train station and gathered at other areas in the city.

The largest demonstration began near the city centre and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), which organized the rally, said afterwards that there were more than 20,000 demonstrators.

Merz slams violence

Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized the clashes. "Tonight you will see television images from the city of Giessen that are anything but pleasant, a clash between the far left and the far right," Merz told a state party conference. "I want us in the political centre of our country to show that we can solve problems."

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Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt echoed his comments. "Demonstrating is a fundamental right, so it must be allowed. Gathering is also a fundamental right, so that must also be allowed," he said at a state party conference in Leipzig. "But I can only say: I have the utmost respect for the police officers when I see masked people, anarchists, people with flares and torches approaching the police with the intention to use violence," he said. "There is no fundamental right that justifies using violence against our security forces."
A "critically missing" 47-year-old woman has been located and is safe, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.

Around 12:45 p.m. Nov. 29, Milwaukee police asked for the public's help in locating the woman, who was last seen at approximately 1 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 2900 block of West Oklahoma Avenue

Around 3:30 p.m., police said the woman "has been located and is safe."

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police locate 'critically missing' 47-year-old woman in Milwaukee
Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbuls Blue Mosque and celebrated Mass on Saturday on the second day of his trip to Turkey as he stressed the need for Christian unity.

Leo was following in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the mosque in a gesture of respect to Turkeys Muslim majority. Leo did not pray at the mosque despite an invitation by an imam.

After the mosque visit, Leo met with Turkeys Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. Later Saturday, he celebrated Mass before 4,000 faithful at Istanbul's VW Arena, where he appeared alongside Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and appealed for unity among Christians and other faiths.

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This is the pope's first foreign trip. He will also visit Lebanon.

Leo, history's first American pope, is expected to speak in broader terms about peace in the Middle East.

Here is the latest:

Some waited in line for hours to see Leo

Michelle and Josue Alverez, both 32 and from Virginia, stood in line for four hours without a ticket in the hope of seeing the pope.

We only found out the pope was coming here on Wednesday and our whole itinerary changed, Michelle said. We had to wait until everyone else went in and only got in more than an hour after the service started.

Twice one of the sisters dealing with the people arriving told us to go home because she said we wouldnt get in. We were watching the start of the service on our phones, not knowing if we would get in and finally we did.

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The pope passed really close to us on the way out because we were at the back. It was amazing to be so close to him.

Croatians Marija Mikulic, 47, and Jalana Micic, 40, were two others who got into the congregation at the last minute.

We came late because we didnt have a card to get in and were not on the list, Jalana, from Bosnia-Herzegovina, said. We waited 2 hours and are so lucky and blessed to get inside.

Leo makes an appeal for unity with other Christians and religions

Pope Leo XIV has urged Turkeys Catholics to forge bonds of unity with other Christians and people of other faiths as an invitation to become peacemakers.

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Leo made the appeal during a Mass on Saturday in Istanbul for Turkeys tiny Catholic community, which numbers around 33,000 in a country of 85 million, mostly Sunny Muslims.

Leo recalled that three bridges span the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul linking East and West. He said Turkish Catholics, too, should form bonds of unity on three levels: with other Catholics, other Christians, and people of other faiths.

The Mass was being celebrated in the Volkswagen Arena, which can seat more than 4,500 people. It came on the penultimate day of Leos maiden trip. On Sunday he leaves for Beirut.

Crowds gather ahead of Mass in Istanbul

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Crowds continued to gather outside Istanbuls VW Arena on Saturday, where Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to lead Mass despite the rain.

Among them was Safak Volkan, 62, who said she was moved by the occasion even though she is not Christian herself. This is very interesting to me as this is his first visit, his first international visit. We are happy, she remarked, standing next to her husband and children who are Christians.

Others traveled from abroad to witness the historic moment.

Alex Salton, 69, a TurkishFrench national living in France, came to Turkey specifically for the popes appearance. Its a nice visit. But this is rainy today unfortunately. It would have been better if there is sun, he said.

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Christians from all over the world traveled to see Pope Leo in Istanbul

Renato Marai was among a group of 26 visitors from Florence, Italy, who traveled to Istanbul to see the pope.

We are all from the same parish and we wanted to come because we follow the pope, he said. Its wonderful to see him on his first foreign trip, a really important moment for our group.

Felix Ehrenbrandtner, an Austrian studying Turkish history at Istanbul University, said Leos visit was significant as the roots of Christianity are in Turkey.

Tarcin Unlu, meanwhile, was among many Turkish attendees. A recent convert to Christianity from Islam, she said she was looking forward to Mass scheduled for later Saturday. I am still going through the conversion process. I became Christian because I thought it was the best religion for me, but my family is definitely not happy.

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Her friend, Rodrick Nuel, originally from Nigerias Biafra region but now living in northern Cyprus, said the papal visit sent a powerful message for the global Christian community. Also, as Turkey is 99.9% Muslim and just 0.1% Christian, it shows the pope is reaching out to other religions as well.

Ansu Aksoy, who was raised as an Armenian Catholic in Istanbul, said she was not religious but secured an invite to Mass through a local priest. I usually find Mass to be a bit of a show and Im interested to see the pope on stage. Its not like he comes to Turkey every day.

Leo and Orthodox spiritual leader Bartholomew vow to work for common Easter date

Pope Leo XIV and the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians have vowed to work courageously to find a way for Catholic and Orthodox churches to set a common date for Easter.

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Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made the pledge in a joint statement signed in Istanbul at the patriarchal palace.

The statement didnt commit to a decision for a common date. But it said: It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year.

Eastern and Western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054 and remain divided over a host of issues, not least among them different dates to celebrate feasts that are common to them.

The occasion of the declaration was the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the meeting of bishops that produced the creed, or profession of faith, that is recited today.

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We are convinced that the commemoration of this significant anniversary can inspire new and courageous steps on the path towards unity, the statement said.

Pope Leo prays at the church of the leader of Orthodox Christians

Pope Leo XIV has prayed in the patriarchal church in Istanbul of the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians in another gesture of unity.

In the elaborate Church of St. George, Leo attended the doxology alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The doxology is a short hymn of praise and glory to God that is sung by Christians.

Leo said he was certain the encounter will also help to strengthen the bonds of our friendship.

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Eastern and Western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. Leo and popes before him have vowed to work to unite Christians again.

Bartholomew, for his part, noted the significance that Leo chose to open his pontificate with his visit to Turkey.

The main reason of the visit was to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the unprecedented gathering of bishops that produced a creed, or proclamation of faith, that is still recited by millions of Christians today.

Leo's charter gets a needed software fix

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Not even Pope Leo XIV was spared from the Airbus software fix that has forced short-term disruptions in commercial flights around the world.

Leo is flying along with the papal delegation and press corps aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Friday ordered airlines to install a new software update on all Airbus A320 family of aircraft. The order came after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said Saturday that ITA was working on the issue. He said the necessary component to update the aircraft was on its way to Istanbul along with the technician who would install it.

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Leo is scheduled to fly from Istanbul, Turkey, to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon.

Vatican corrects record of pope's visit to Blue Mosque

The Vatican has corrected the official record of Pope Leo XIVs visit to Istanbuls Blue Mosque to remove a reference to him stopping for a brief moment of silent prayer.

The popes planned itinerary and the Vatican spokesman had said in advance of the trip that Leo would pause for a prayer as his predecessors had done in the towering 17th-century mosque. But Leo merely toured the mosque.

The Vatican had initially reported the visit went ahead as foreseen. But it subsequently revised the record to say he visited in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.

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There were other changes to the mosque visit, as well.

The Vatican had initially said the head of the Diyanet religious affairs directorate would welcome Leo at the mosque. But the director, Safi Arpagus, wasnt there, and a spokesman for the Diyanet said Arpagus hadnt been expected, noting that he met with Leo upon his arrival Thursday in Ankara.

The Vatican didnt explain the discrepancy. Leo was welcomed instead by the Turkish culture and tourism minister and several imams.

Hezbollah calls on Leo to reject injustice

Lebanons militant Hezbollah group called on Pope Leo XIV to reject injustice and aggression, in reference to the near-daily Israeli strikes despite a ceasefire that ended the 14-month war between the two sides a year ago.

In a statement Saturday, Hezbollah welcomed the pontiffs trip to the crisis-hit nation, saying the group is committed to the countrys religious coexistence, democratic accord and preserving its security.

We rely on Your Holinesss stance in rejecting the injustice and aggression our homeland, Lebanon, is subjected to at the hands of the Zionist invaders and their supporters, Hezbollah said, referring to Israel and the U.S.

Hezbollah is allied with several Christian groups in the country, including the Free Patriotic Movement and Marada Movement.

Devout Catholics brave the weather to attend Istanbul Mass led by pope

Crowds of devout Catholics have braved the pouring rain and tight security measures to reach the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul, where Pope Leo XIV is set to lead Mass.

Maria Banasik waited for her friends at a cafe near the arena, four hours ahead of the scheduled Mass, saying they were excited to be part of Leo's first overseas visit.

In the global situation now, his visit is of great importance, said Banasik, a Polish national who lives in Ankara.

The expectations for this visit are high, especially when it comes to the issue of Israel and Palestine... And of course, the Ukrainian war is also very important for us in Poland," she said.

Banasik added that she hoped Leo would signal a return to more traditional values than his predecessor.

Boosted security measures in Lebanon ahead of popes visit

Lebanon increased security measures ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Mediterranean nation, with a ban on the movement of some trucks and a freeze on all licenses to carry weapons.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement Saturday that trucks will be banned from entering the capital, Beirut, and the governorate of Mount Lebanon as of Sunday morning until Tuesday night. Trucks delivering food, water and fuel tankers as well as garbage trucks, will be excluded from the ban.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Michel Menassa issued an order banning anyone from carrying weapons in the same areas as of midnight Saturday for three days.

Vatican spokesman says Leo's Blue Mosque visit was to contemplate

Spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement after questions arose about whether Leo prayed in the mosque or not, describing the mosque visit as a silent one to contemplate.

Bruni said: The pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.

Past papal visits to the mosque have always raised questions about whether the popes would pray in the Muslim house of worship or merely visit as a sign of respect to Muslims.

Blue Mosque Imam invites Leo to pray

Asgin Tunca said he had invited Leo to pray, but the pope declined.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Tunca said he had told the pope that the mosque was Allahs house.

Its not my house, not your house, (its the) house of Allah, he said. He said he told Leo: 'If you want, you can worship here, I said. But he said, Thats OK.

He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased, he said.

Pope visits Blue Mosque

Leo visited the iconic mosque in Istanbul, where the head of Turkeys Diyanet religious affairs directorate showed him the structure's soaring blue-tiled dome.

The Vatican said Leo would observe a brief minute of silent prayer."

Leo was following in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the mosque in a gesture of respect to Turkeys Muslim majority.
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP)  Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbuls iconic Blue Mosque on Saturday but didn't stop to pray, as he focused more on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for Eastern and Western churches to be united.

Leo took his shoes off and, in his white socks, toured the 17th-century mosque, looking up at its soaring tiled domes and the Arabic inscriptions on its columns as an imam pointed them out to him.

The Vatican had said Leo would observe a brief moment of silent prayer in the mosque, but he didn't. An imam of the mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he had invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was Allah's house, but the pope declined.

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Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: The pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.

Leo, history's first American pope, was following in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, as it is officially known, in a gesture of respect to Turkeys Muslim majority.

Papal visits to Blue Mosque often raise questions

But the visits have always raised questions about whether the pope would pray in the Muslim house of worship, or at the very least pause to gather thoughts in a meditative silence.

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When Pope Benedict XVI visited Turkey in 2006, tensions were high because Benedict had offended many in the Muslim world a few months earlier with a speech in Regensburg, Germany that was widely interpreted as linking Islam and violence.

The Vatican added a visit to the Blue Mosque at the last minute in a bid to reach out to Muslims. He observed a moment of silent prayer, head bowed, as the imam prayed next to him, facing east.

Benedict later thanked him for this moment of prayer" for what was only the second time a pope had visited a mosque, after St. John Paul II visited one briefly in Syria in 2001.

There were no doubts in 2014 when Pope Francis visited the Blue Mosque: He stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, his head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, May God accept it.

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With Leo, though, even the Vatican seemed caught off guard by his decision not to pray. The Holy See had to correct the official record of the visit after it originally kept the planned reference to him pausing for prayer.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the imam Tunca said he had told the pope: Its not my house, not your house, (its the) house of Allah. He said he invited Leo to worship "But he said, Thats OK.

He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased, he said.

A joint declaration on Easter talks

In the afternoon, Leo prayed with the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew, at the patriarchal church of Saint George.

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There, they prayed the doxology, a hymn of praise and glory to God, and signed a joint declaration vowing to take courageous steps on the path to unity including to find a common date for Easter.

Eastern and Western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. While ties have warmed, they remain divided and other schisms have formed.

It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year, the joint statement said, referring to Easter.

The Vatican said in his remarks to the patriarchs gathered, Leo pointed to the next Holy Year to be celebrated by Christians, in 2033 on the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion, and invited them to go to Jerusalem on a journey that leads to full unity.

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Leo's final event was a Catholic Mass in Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena for the country's Catholic community, who number 33,000 in a country of more than 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslim.

Renato Marai was among a group of 26 visitors from Florence, Italy, who traveled to Istanbul to see the pope. Its wonderful to see him on his first foreign trip, a really important moment for our group, he said.

Tarcin Unlu, meanwhile, was among many Turkish attendees, a recent convert to Christianity from Islam. "I became Christian because I thought it was the best religion for me but my family is definitely not happy, Unlu said.

Her friend, Rodrick Nuel, originally from Nigerias Biafra region but now living in northern Cyprus, said the papal visit sent a a powerful message for the global Christian community.

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Also, as Turkey is 99.9% Muslim and just 0.1% Christian, it shows the pope is reaching out to other religions as well, he added.

The Airbus software update doesn't spare pope

While Leo was focusing on bolstering relations with Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims, trip organizers were dealing with more mundane issues.

Leo's ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter was among those caught up in the worldwide Airbus software update, ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The order came after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

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The Vatican spokesman, Bruni, said the necessary monitor to update the aircraft was on its way to Istanbul from Rome along with the technician who would install it.

Leo is scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of his inaugural trip as pope.

___

Fraser contributed from Ankara, Turkey.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths alleged order to kill everyone aboard a suspected Venezuelan drug boat is slated to face intense oversight by the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee.

SASC chair Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, and SASC member Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, released a joint statement Friday promising vigorous oversight into the facts regarding a Sept. 2 drug boat strike in which the U.S. killed everyone aboard a suspected narcotics vessel, then killed the two survivors of its first attack with another missile.

Roger Wicker (left) and Jack Reed (right) promised

The committee is aware of recent news reportsand the Department of Defenses initial responseregarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," reads the statement.

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The Committee has directed inquiries to the Department, and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.

The SASC's statement promising

On Friday, the Washington Post reported that on Sept. 2, Pete Hegseth ordered that the U.S. military kill everyone on board a boat suspected of carrying narcotics off the coast of Trinidad.

A missile struck the vessel and killed nine of the eleven people aboard the ship. When the Special Operations commander overseeing the attack realized there were two survivors in the water, he fired a second shot to comply with Hegseths order, killing the remaining survivors.

The order may amount to a war crimeand therefore punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or death, per the U.S.s definition of war crimes, which can apply to U.S. nationals and armed service members.

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Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer, told the Post that the attack amounts to murder, because Venezuela and the U.S. are not in an armed conflict.

The order to kill everyone on board would in essence be an order to show no quarter, which would be a war crime, he said.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth insisted the orders were legal and the Washington Post was putting out

Hegseth, 45, brushed off the report as fake news, saying on X, As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.

He also defended the legality of the attack by saying, Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization, and, Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflictand approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command."

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Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman and Senior Adviser, said on Friday, We told the Washington Post that this entire narrative was false yesterday. These people just fabricate anonymously sourced stories out of whole cloth. Fake News is the enemy of the people.

The protocol for future suspected drug boat strikes was altered after the Sept. 2 attack, and the military was instructed to detain any survivors.

Donald Trump retroactively announced the U.S. was at war with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the Caribbean, and therefore anyone involved in the strikes would be exempt from prosecution. / Pete Marovich / Getty Images

Though the attacks have garnered bipartisan frustration, its unclear what the Senate Armed Services Committee could do if it concludes Hegseths strikes were illegal.

In the weeks following the attack, President Trump, 79, attempted to retroactively insulate those responsible from legal consequences by informing Congress that the U.S. was in a non-international armed conflict with designated terrorist organizations, and therefore those who killed suspected narcotics traffickers would be exempt from criminal prosecution.

Thats one of the problems with the law of armed conflict  the state using force is judge, jury, and executioner, said Huntley.
People named Spenser typically exhibit a unique blend of practical intelligence and creative sensibility. Their namesake meaning as 'provider' often manifests in their personality as natural caretakers who take genuine pleasure in supporting others. They tend to be excellent problem-solvers who approach challenges with both analytical rigor and creative insight. Many display a quiet confidence that comes from competence rather than arrogance, making them natural leaders who inspire trust rather than demand obedience. Their literary associations often translate into strong communication skills and appreciation for language, storytelling, and cultural knowledge.



Spensers frequently demonstrate remarkable balance between opposing qualitiesthey can be both logical and intuitive, traditional and innovative, serious and humorous when appropriate. They typically possess strong moral convictions but temper them with practical wisdom, avoiding rigid idealism in favor of workable solutions. Their stewardship heritage often shows in their responsible approach to resources, relationships, and commitments. While they can be reserved in unfamiliar situations, they become engaging and articulate when discussing subjects they care about. This combination of reliability, intelligence, and depth makes Spensers valued friends, colleagues, and partners who bring both competence and character to their endeavors.
Immigrant advocates stopped a large-scale federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency operation near Canal St. Saturday by blocking the entrance to a Chinatown garage where the masked agents had gathered, temporarily preventing them from leaving, officials and advocates said.

ICE agents needed to call in the NYPD, who arrested protesters after giving multiple warnings to stop blocking the sidewalk and the garage entrance.

Once the caravan of ICE agents moved out of the garage, NYPD officers were recorded pepper-spraying demonstrators as they tried to chase the departing motorcade, throwing debris and garbage from a nearby dumpster at their vehicles. The departing ICE agents drove to New Jersey to regroup, a law enforcement source told The News.

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Several protesters were taken into custody after they ignored multiple warnings to back away from the building, the NYPD said. Some were charged with disorderly conduct for jumping the barricades and throwing garbage, and dragging planters and city garbage cans into the street. The exact numbers and charges were not immediately disclosed Saturday afternoon. At least 10 people were seen handcuffed and escorted away by cops as the protest raged on.

I saw the NYPD pepper-spray, mace people, protester Jay Walker, 58, told the Daily News. (The protesters) were trying to impede the ICE trucks from going on.

Another protester, who asked to be named only as Mia, said she was knocked down to the ground during the ensuing chaos.

I was trying to block ICE vehicles from arresting my neighbors, Mia, 22, said.

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The scheduled ICE operation was believed to be similar to one that occurred on Canal St. a month ago when agents, in a surprise raid, swooped in to target illegal street vendors. The protesters on Saturday managed to locate ICEs rallying point  the garage  and quickly alerted fellow protesters to join them, sources said.

Monica Klein, a spokesperson for Mayor-elect Mamdani, condemned the planned ICE action.

The Mayor-elect has made it clear  including to the President  that these raids are cruel and inhumane, and fail to advance genuine public safety. New York Citys more than 3 million immigrants are central to our citys strength, vitality and success, and the mayor-elect remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every single New Yorker, upholding our sanctuary laws, and deescalation rather than use of unnecessary force.

Because of New Yorks sanctuary city law, the NYPD is barred from helping the feds with civil immigration enforcement, but cops can be called in if a crime or violation is being committed, such as protesters blocking sidewalks or stopping traffic.

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Ricky Patel, Department of Homeland Security special agent in charge of the New York field office, called Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and apologized over the way the situation unfolded, a source with knowledge of the conversation said.

She told him that what happened today is unacceptable, the source said. ICE has tried this twice with these shows of force that are intended to cause chaos and disorder on our streets, but all they are doing is putting the public, federal agents and her cops in harms way. She warned them that this needs to stop because, if it happens again, someone will get hurt and it will be entirely on them.

In a statement, Emily Covington, an ICE spokesperson, said the federal agents were confronted by hundreds of violent rioters.

Following social media posts calling agitators to ICEs location in New York City, individuals dressed in black clothing with backpacks, face masks and goggles showed up and began to obstruct federal law enforcement officers, including by blocking the parking garage, she said. NYPD was called and responded to hundreds of violent rioters, which resulted in the arrest of multiple agitators.

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When individuals broadcast the location of ICE, they are putting a target on the backs of officers. Our law enforcement is facing a 1,150% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats as they make lawful arrests of criminal illegal aliens.

We are grateful for the NYPD officers that responded to these violent agitators and stopped the lawlessness that ensued. We will never apologize for enforcing the law and removing criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members and terrorists, from our communities. We wont let violent rioters slow us down, and anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The confrontation started just before noon as a large crowd dropped traffic cones and stood in front of the entrance to the Centre St. garage near Howard St., about a block from Canal St. Videos on news sites and social media show masked agents going back inside the garage as the protesters showed up. Some of them watched the gathering crowd from a second-floor landing.

Within an hour, dozens of protesters had converged on the garage. ICE agents called in the NYPD to set up barricades and push the protesters blocking the sidewalk and garage exit back so they could leave.

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Is this what you want, tearing America apart? one protester demanded to know from an ICE agent.

Other protesters linked arms in front of the garage, chanting, ICE out of New York! as others pounded on the plastic barricades.

NYPD officials said they received a call for a disorderly group on Centre St., blocking egress from a building.

Cops made multiple arrests as they tried to move the protesters away from the garage entrance, the NYPD confirmed. According to a police source, the cops who pepper-sprayed protesters were from the Strategic Response Group. However, some of the SRG officers themselves were also seen staggering along and rubbing their eyes in pain after being pepper-sprayed.

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Some protesters learned a procession of ICE agents were leaving the garage from another entrance and ran over there, dragging large planters and garbage cans into the middle of the street.

One of the tactics that people use is that they take the garbage cans and push them into the street to try to impede the traffic, Walker said. When that happens, the garbage falls out.

Confrontations like this between ICE agents and protesters in other cities have resulted in stepped-up federal law enforcement activity amid the Trump administrations sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

City Hall declined comment.

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Last months raid on Canal Street also provoked a grassroots response. As dozens of ICE agents detained a total of nine allegedly undocumented vendors at the Oct. 21 enforcement action, a crowd of people gathered to protest, then followed the agents down to 26 Federal Plaza  ICEs Manhattan processing and detention center  where a larger protest took place.

Earlier this month, the Daily News reported that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch received advance notice from the Trump administration last month that ICE agents were hours later going to conduct an immigration enforcement raid along Canal St. In response, sources say, Tisch directed NYPD officers to stay away from the ICE agents as they arrested vendors along the busy shopping street.
Kat Hovnanian joined some 150 members of her far-flung family at her aunt's home in Red Bank for their annual Thanksgiving dinner and waited for the proceedings to begin.

They would carry on the tradition: Her aunt would cook up a storm. They would gather around a long table filled with food. One of the young cousins would read a poem. They would recite a family prayer in Armenian. And then they would eat.

"It's honestly very straightforward," Hovnanian, 22, said. "There's nothing we do that's out of the ordinary. This year, it's just shocking that the poem ended and, like, the table just came crashing down."

Hovnanian's Instagram video of the Thanksgiving feast going down in a heap is going viral, picked up by U.S. and international news sites alike. By 2 p.m. on Saturday, it had 325,000 likes and more than 5,000 comments. And it was the Jersey Shore's latest contribution to social media.

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The video is less than 10 seconds long, but it managed to tell a story that had the emotional weight of a 30-minute sitcom or, as Hovnanian put it, a "cringy Hallmark movie."

Belmar NJ Coldplay kiss cam video: Belmar woman who filmed viral hit reveals how it all happened

Hovnanian in an interview with the Asbury Park Press filled in the details. She said her aunt spent a week preparing for Thanksgiving, cooking turkey, ham, steak, lasagna, salads, sweet potatoes and more, then setting them out in a buffet on a long table covered by a white table cloth.

Hovnanian and other family members gathered around and took out their phones to record the pre-meal festivities. The video clip picks up with Hovnanian's 12-year-old cousin finishing a poem and the family clapping and calling out "Bravo!"

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In a beat, the table behind her cousin collapsed, the family gasps, Hovnanian pans out to catch her aunt  the aunt who just spent the past week cooking the whole spread  cover her mouth in horror, as a faint laugh can be heard.

"I'm shocked that I did this, but I turned my camera to film her (aunt's) reaction, and I zoomed out and took like a pan out view of what was happening, and I guess this was kind of subconscious  I didn't even think this was going to be posted anywhere  but I was just like holy [expletive] I cannot believe this just happened," Hovnanian said.

The family rushed in to salvage what they could. The men dismantled the table and put it away. Others threw out food that had glass and porcelain pieces. Kat called her cousins who were still on the way, jokingly telling them they might want to pick up pizza.

More: Taylor Sam's in Bay Head slapped by harsh lesson over price of edgy TikTok marketing

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But Hovnanian said the turkey and steak made it unscathed, and her aunt had more food in the kitchen.

"When everyone sat down, it was just kind of silent," she said. "Everyone got their plates, but instead of having 10 pieces of turkey, everyone had one. Everyone knew we couldn't be overeating because there might not be enough left to feed this humongous family. So we all sat down. It was delicious."

The family came to the conclusion that no one was at fault. Nobody bumped the table. A dog in the background is securely in its owners arms. In the end, they decided, the food's distribution was too heavy for the table to bear.

With her aunt beginning to laugh again, Hovnanian began to compare videos with other family members and decided they need to post it for posterity's sake. Kat, who was the only one to capture her aunt's reaction, had a feeling that it would go viral.

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It would strike a chord with anyone trying to have a perfect holiday and falling short, which is pretty much everyone. Hovnanian put it on her Instagram account and had 100,000 views in the first 40 minutes.

"Happy Thanksgiving," she wrote in the caption, "from my family to yours!"

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry since 1999. He can be reached at mdiamond@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: How a Red Bank Thanksgiving dinner came crashing down and went viral
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has outlined a controversial vision for Ukraine's future, suggesting the country should exist after the war primarily as a buffer state between Russia and NATO.

In remarks to Sunday's edition of Die Welt newspaper, published on Friday, Orban indicated that territorial concessions to Russia would be inevitable.

He spoke of a post-war settlement in which areas negotiated at an international peace conference would remain under Russian control, while all land west of that line  up to Ukraine's eastern NATO border  would constitute the reduced Ukrainian state.

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Orban also suggested limiting the size and capabilities of Ukrainian armed forces operating within this buffer zone.

His comments followed a contentious visit to Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin to push for a swift end to the conflict while emphasizing Hungary's interest in stable and favourable energy supplies from Russia.

The Hungarian president said it was time to abandon illusions and face reality as outlined in the US 28-point peace plan. He argued that prolonged delays in reaching a deal would benefit Russia rather than Ukraine, resulting in further losses of territory and lives.

He also said Russia would be gradually reintegrated into the global economy, according to the US plan, with sanctions lifted over time. Additionally, frozen assets would be used to create US-Russian investment funds, and business relations would resume.

Orban said that European support for Ukraine is fully borne by the population, rejecting the idea that Russian funds contribute financially. "The fairy tale that Europeans are financing the war with Russian money is over."
A Republican strategist on CNN slammed President Donald Trump for calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) seriously retarded in a Thanksgiving Day social media post.

On Wednesday, two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. after being deployed there by Trump in August, one of whom died on Wednesday. The suspected gunman is a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly fought for a CIA-backed paramilitary unit during the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan.

On Thanksgiving, Trump posted on Truth Social that he is declaring a permanent pause on immigration from Third World Countries. The president has also singled out Somali immigrants, who are particularly prominent in Minnesota. Additionally, Trump slammed Walz as seriously retarded and criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somali immigrant, for being always wrapped in her swaddling hijab.

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On Fridays edition of The Arena on CNN, guest host Manu Raju read excerpts from the post before turning to Republican operative Melik Abdul.

That was the language from the president of the United States on Thanksgiving night, Raju said. Youre the Republican in the room. Can you defend that?

No, and I never do, Abdul replied, stating that Trumps comments speak to a very small base of right-wingers. So, I was one of those who said when I saw it yesterday, I was like, Oh, bro, you gotta be kidding me now, because he said something, I think it was swaddling. She was in a swaddling hijab. Like, youre using the image that we usually associate with Christmas and Christ and Jesus. And youre saying that as a swaddling hijab.

Abdul went on to say that Trumps Thanksgiving remarks and others like them harm downballot Republicans.

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So what happens to the Republican Party? he asked. Not Donald Trump, but what happens to the Republican party? And I think that Donald Trump needs to also be focused, as much as he is on his own approval rating and MAGA on the rest of the party downballot, because these are one of the things that people say over and over again that they just do not like.

Watch above via CNN.

The post Republican Strategist Cant Believe Trumps Thanksgiving Day Rant: Bro, You Gotta Be Kidding Me first appeared on Mediaite.
Homeowners in six of Rogers County's 12 ZIP codes can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to bolster their roofs against severe weather.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is providing the grants through its Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program. Residents in the following ZIP codes wholly or partially in Rogers County are eligible: 74015, Catoosa; 74017, Claremore/Foyil; 74021, Collinsville; 74036, Inola; 74053, Oologah; and 74055, Owasso. They can apply at strengthenoklahomahomes.com.

Ashley Scott, deputy commissioner of external affairs for the insurance department, said 79 homes have been fortified through the grant program since it began March 3 as a pilot in nine Oklahoma City-area ZIP codes. Scott said they've seen their insurance premiums go down an average of $730.

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"Insurance companies are huge proponents and supporters of these processes because they know that having a more resilient roof line helps to bring down claims," Scott said. "Of course, the less they have to pay out, the better off everyone is, and the lower premiums can stay. It's a positive for both the homeowner and the industry."

The grants first came available to Rogers County residents in May, when the insurance department added 74017 and 74055 to its list of eligible ZIP codes. In August, the department closed applications from its first 27 ZIP codes but opened them to 63 more, including the other four in Rogers County.

Scott said starting Nov. 12, residents of all 90 ZIP codes that have been part of the grant program can apply. She said OID, funded primarily by premium taxes assessed on insurance companies, is trying to expend the rest of the money the Legislature allocated to the program this fiscal year.

"We basically have the remainder of the grants available, up to 1,000," Scott said. "... I want to say it's 600-plus that we have available now. We've had some that were not able to move through the process for different reasons."

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Scott said only people who own a single-family home and use that home as their primary residence may apply. Applicants must prove this by supplying their homestead exemption form, obtainable at the county assessor's office.

She said most of the people whose applications have stalled didn't have their homestead exemption form. Homestead exemptions are permanent, but Scott said people can only obtain them from Jan. 1 to March 15.

Applicants must also supply proof of their homeowner's insurance policy and their most recent 1040 income tax return. Scott said OID is prioritizing awarding grants to lower-income homeowners.

"It just helps us to be able to know they do have coverage on the home if anything were to happen between the application period and the end," Scott said. "It also allows us to see those savings that are being garnished by the homeowner once that certification is done, because we can see what their premium was previously."

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After OID approves an application, the homeowner gets access to an online portal. Scott said the portal will populate a randomized list of evaluators approved by OID to inspect roofs for eligibility. At least three evaluators serve each ZIP code, she said, and hiring one costs anywhere from $400 to $800.

Scott said the evaluator will determine if a roof can be fortified according to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. A dry stack foundation immediately disqualifies a home, she said.

"They're notating if there's any attachments on the roof, like a dish for satellite TV or solar panels or other things that might need extra workarounds to get the project to the fortified standard," Scott said. "... They'll come out to the house at least twice, maybe three times."

Then, three approved contractors will present competing bids to perform the roofing work, which the grant program covers for up to $10,000.

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The evaluator will then submit documentation to IBHS, which makes the final arbitration on the roof's sturdiness. Scott said insurance companies trust an IBHS certificate as proof of a home's resilience, thereby lowering the homeowner's premium.

"They've done probably 15, 20 years of research on different roofs and shingles," Scott said. "They go to Home Depot in different areas around the United States and grab product right off the floor ... and then they go test that, and that's how we get our approved shingles list."

Applications close Dec. 31, Scott said, but the program will likely launch statewide next January. She said OID isn't planning to offer commercial roof grants in the near future.

"We really want to solidify this process and make a dent for homeowners and consumers in the state," Scott said.
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Satellite footage of the volanic eruption in Ethiopia, courtesy of Eumet View. | Credit: EUMETSAT 2025

Hayli Gubbi volcano in Northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday (Nov. 23) for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, causing havoc in villages nearby. Satellite imagery detailed billowing plumes of pale ash stretching across the arid region.

Before Sunday, the volcano's last known eruption roughly coincided with the beginning of our current Holocene Epoch, when the last ice age came to close after 2.6 million years.

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No deaths have been reported from Hayli Gubbi's eruption, but villages located in the remote district of Afdera became caked in ash, impacting both homes and livestock, AP reports .

Abedella Mussa, a health official for the Afdera district, told AP that mobile medicinal services were dispatched from the Afar region to help the kebeles (neighborhoods) impacted by the eruption.

The massive clouds of ash that erupted 8.7 miles (14 km) into the sky drifted to Pakistan and Northern India, causing flight cancellations for a few days during the week, and began moving toward China.

Atalay Ayele, a seismologist and researcher at the Institute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy at Addis Ababa University, told Reuters that Ethiopia is home to about 50 active volcanoes.

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"At any time, these volcanoes can be active or can show manifestations of activity," Ayele said in the Reuters report.

While there were no scientific forecasts for the event, locals told Al Jazeera reporters that they had noticed a little smoke coming from Hayli Gubbi in the days leading up to the eruption.

Hayli Gubbi's eruption isnt the first time Ethiopia has seen volcanic activity this year. Erta Ale volcano in the Afar region, known for decades of continuous volcanic activity that has created an ongoing lava lake, saw reports of a dense black cloud rising from the volcano in mid-July 2025.

Hayli Gubbis activity this week has reportedly ceased as of Friday (Nov. 28).
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The Spanish San Jose galleon sank in the Caribbean in 1708 after a battle with the British. . | Credit: Painted by Samuel Scott (1702-1772); Public Domain

Valuable shipwrecked treasures are now seeing the light of day after they sank along with the San Jose galleon off the coast of Colombia more than 300 years ago.

The incredibly well-preserved items that were retrieved, including a cannon, a porcelain cup and three coins, are just a taste of the wreck's vast riches. The galleon is often dubbed "the Holy Grail of shipwrecks" as it went down with a huge cargo of 200 tons (180 metric tons) of gold, silver and gems that was said to be worth around $18billion in 2018. The recovery is part of an ongoing project by the Colombian government to investigate the wreck and recover the precious artifacts.

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The recovery of the objects "opens the possibility for citizens to approach, through material testimony, the history of the San Jose galleon," Alhena Caicedo Fernandez , director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, said in a translated statement .

The San Jose was a 62-gun Spanish galleon that in June 1708 was leading a treasure fleet of 18 ships from South America to Europe when it was attacked by British warships. The galleon sank during the ensuing battle  though researchers dispute whether or not it exploded  killing the ship's 600 crew and passengers.

Researchers finally located the wreck in 2015 , south of Cartagena and about 2,000 feet (600 meters) below the surface. Its discovery prompted a number of parties (including the Colombian government, Spain, a U.S. company and the Indigenous Bolivian Qhara Qhara nation) to claim ownership of the ship and its valuable cargo. But the Colombian government decreed that all shipwrecks in its waters belong to the country, and has since moved to survey and later salvage the wreck and its contents.

In the following years, researchers conducted searches of the wreck using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), capturing images of coins, cannons, porcelain cups and gold bars. The latest finds are part of the second stage of the project, which aims to begin recovering and preserving artifacts from the wreck, the Colombian Ministry of Culture said in the statement.

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The objects recovered from the site include a bronze cannon, fragments of rope, wood and metal associated with the cannon; three bronze and gold coins; two complete porcelain cups; and several porcelain fragments. The items were retrieved using robotic equipment and were quickly taken aboard a ship to be preserved: The cannon was placed in a refrigerated container while the coins were stored in salt water to prevent deterioration, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), which was involved in the project, said in a statement .

The scientists will continue work to preserve the artifacts, the Ministry of Culture said. The government eventually hopes to place these and other items from the wreck in a museum.
Officials in a major capital in the Middle East are contemplating drastic measures to manage dire water shortages driven by a severe drought.

What's happening?

The BBC reported that the Iranian capital of Tehran is on the brink of running out of water. The lack of rainfall has caused the dams supplying the city to fall to less than 10% of capacity. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that rationing and other extreme options are on the table if the rains don't come: "If rationing doesn't work, we may have to evacuate."

Unfortunately, there's no end to the drought in sight, and the country has begun controversial cloud seeding operations in a desperate attempt to induce rain. Iran's Meteorological Organization reported an 89% drop in rainfall compared to last year, the worst drought in fifty years.

Why is Iran facing huge water shortages?

Iran's water woes aren't especially new. The World Resources Institute ranks Iran as the 14th-most water-stressed country in the world. It's one of 25 nations with "extremely high" baseline water stress.

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Part of the issue is the over-extraction of groundwater; 70% of Iran's groundwater is considered over-extracted. Iran has doubled its cultivated lands since the revolution as it sought self-sufficiency. However, the nation's infrastructure hasn't been adequately updated to meet that increased demand and output. It's causing Tehran to sink by about 30 centimeters a year, and other misguided ventures are hardly helping.

Additionally, the heat-trapping pollution of dirty energy makes extreme weather events like droughts longer and more severe. A warmer atmosphere makes rainfall more erratic and causes arid areas to become even drier. The situation is further complicated by geopolitical tensions. Regional conflicts are damaging the already poor water infrastructure and limiting Iran's diplomatic options.

What can be done about the droughts?

The story highlights the importance of staying up to date on climate issues. As dire as the situation may seem, there are steps that Iran could and should take to improve its water security.

Cloud seeding is unlikely to be the answer, but pivoting to more sustainable, less water-intensive agricultural practices could free up enough water to slake Tehran and other large cities' thirst. As Al-Jazeera reported, agriculture accounts for over 90% of the nation's water use, and much of that is wasted. Even a modest cut in water used for agriculture would provide short-term relief.



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A 31-year-old housekeeper in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, suffered serious injuries after a coyote attacked her in a backyard bordering a wooded nature preserve, according to ABC 7 News. Surveillance footage captured the frightening encounter that left the woman requiring a month of rabies shots.

What's happening?

The attack occurred around 1:20 in the afternoon on Oct. 20 while the woman stood outside with the family's golden retriever. Video shows the coyote pouncing without warning, leaving open wounds on her shoulder, arm, back, and leg.

The homeowner rushed outside soon after to fight off the animal. The coyote also went after the dog but caused no serious injuries before fleeing into the woods.

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"That coyote really attacked that woman. That coyote is probably rabid. Everyone listening should be careful today," said veterinarian Dr. Dyan Muller, who lives across the street.

"If you live near a wooded area, that's where you got to be more aware of your surroundings, because obviously they lurk in heavily brushed areas," Woodcliff Lake Capt. Chad Malloy told the news outlet.

Officials haven't caught the coyote, so they can't confirm whether it carried rabies. Police euthanized a coyote in September after it attacked two people walking their dogs in nearby Saddle River.

Why are coyote encounters concerning?

These attacks highlight the growing conflicts between humans and wildlife as habitat destruction pushes animals further into residential areas. Human population growth and resource shortages force coyotes and other animals to venture closer to neighborhoods searching for food and territory.

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Preserving wildlife corridors and green spaces allows animals to thrive without having to enter residential areas, reducing risks for humans and wildlife.

What's being done about wildlife conflicts?

Woodcliff Lake police have contacted New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to monitor the situation. Capt. Malloy has urged residents to remove attractants for animals from their properties.

"Keep pet food inside; don't leave it outside. Keep your garbage cans locked, again clear any kind of heavy brush that's in the area because they like to hide in that," he said, also recommending removing bird feeders, which drop seeds that attract the small animals coyotes hunt.

Conservation efforts nationwide focus on protecting wildlife corridors and restoring natural habitats. Scientists are also developing new coexistence strategies that allow animals and people to share the landscape safely.



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An investigation ordered by a high-ranking cardinal into clergy abuse at one of the countrys top Catholic universities seemed poised to clear a major hurdle when lawyers sat down last week with a key figure holding potentially damning information.

But for the second time in six months, nothing happened when former Seton Hall University president Joseph Nyre was ready to dish  and his attorney says its because the school is trying to silence the truth. Nyre showed up, the attorney said, but school officials effectively blocked him from answering any questions.

Its the latest point of conflict in an investigation spurred by POLITICOs reporting on Seton Halls current president, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, who was named to the position despite previously facing allegations he mishandled sexual abuse claims on campus. Just this month, a state judge ordered Seton Hall to turn over roughly 20,000 pages of documents on those and other allegations and chastised the New Jersey school for not doing so years earlier.

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The aborted interview is more than just discord between Nyre and his former employer. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, who sits on Seton Halls governing boards, promised the schools full cooperation and a transparent review of the facts when he hired the law firm that sought to interview Nyre.

Unfortunately, Seton Hall did not get the memo and continues to do everything in its power to obstruct the investigation, in essence threatening Dr. Nyre with sanctions if he provides honest answers to investigators, said Nyres attorney Armen McOmber.

Something similar happened before. In May, lawyers for the university blocked Nyre from participating in the investigation because, in their view, contractual obligations prohibited him from sharing any confidential information he may have as a result of his employment as president.

For the latest interview, the university pointed POLITICO to a judges order in a separate, ongoing lawsuit that said Nyre cannot discuss confidential information with investigators, essentially putting a judicial directive above the cardinals. The school declined to comment.

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That friction between the court and the church appears unresolved.

Cardinal Tobin stands by his earlier statement that there should be no restrictions on Ropes & Grays efforts to access all relevant information and witnesses, the Archdiocese of Newark said in a statement. Cardinal Tobin remains committed to a transparent examination of the facts and is optimistic that the review will be completed as expeditiously as possible.

Tobin leads the Archdiocese of Newark and is a member of the College of Cardinals that selected Pope Leo XIV in May. In February, he hired Ropes & Gray to conduct a comprehensive investigation into a 2019 inquiry on clergy abuse.

That earlier investigation came in response to sexual abuse claims against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the longtime archbishop of Newark and Washington It found decades of sexual harassment and a culture of fear and intimidation under McCarrick, according to a summary published by the university. McCarrick died this year at age 94.

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Reilly, who once served as a secretary to McCarrick, was not accused of abuse himself. But an action plan adopted by the university recommended he be removed from school boards and not hold leadership positions there. He took a year-long sabbatical and, after Nyres departure, became university president last year with unanimous support of the schools Board of Regents and Tobin, who called Reilly the right person at the right time for Seton Hall.

Tobin said his inquiry would examine how the findings related to Reilly and whether they were communicated to any and all appropriate personnel at the Archdiocese and Seton Hall University.

Nyre was president of the university when the 2019 investigation by lawyers at Latham & Watkins concluded and its findings were delivered to university leaders through another law firm, Gibbons P.C. That 2019 investigation is the one a state judge ordered the school to provide after finding it violated a past court order.

Nyre left the presidency in 2023 and filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the university last year, claiming a series of retaliatory measures against him. Seton Hall filed its own suit against Nyre in February, alleging he downloaded confidential information after his departure. In that case, the judge issued a temporary restraining order and said Nyre could not share confidential information with investigations.

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When attorneys sat down with Nyre last week for the investigation ordered by Cardinal Tobin, a Seton Hall lawyer indicated that the university refused to waive confidentiality for Nyre during the interview, potentially opening him up to sanctions, according to a letter from McOmber, his attorney, to a lawyer for Ropes & Gray.

McOmber said Nyre had gotten written authorization from Cardinal Tobin to participate in the investigation and had been assured that lawyers Seton Hall and the archdiocese had negotiated parameters for the interview, but that he couldnt allow it to proceed because of this last-minute threat.

Clearly, blocking the participation of a central witness to the events being investigated jeopardizes the credibility of the entire process, undermines the transparency of the Investigation, and obliterates any claim that the Investigation will be independent as Cardinal Tobin has touted, the letter says. The Universitys intent was, very clearly, to ensure that Dr. Nyre was not allowed to speak freely, openly and honestly about his relevant knowledge, in spite of Cardinal Tobins stated intentions to the contrary as to the Investigation.
Individuals named Tanak are typically perceived as grounded, reliable, and community-oriented. They often exhibit strong attachment to their roots and demonstrate exceptional loyalty to family and friends. Their 'dweller' connotation suggests someone who values stability and creates comfortable environments for others. These individuals tend to be practical problem-solvers who approach challenges with patience and methodical thinking.



While they may appear reserved initially, they possess deep emotional intelligence and form lasting bonds with those they trust. Their strength lies in their ability to create harmony and maintain traditions while adapting to necessary changes. This combination of steadfastness and adaptability makes them valuable members of any community or organization. They often serve as mediators in conflicts and are known for their wise counsel, drawing from their observational nature and deep understanding of human relationships and social dynamics.
Police are investigating a shooting that injured three people at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in South San Jose/Santa Clara Friday evening.

Police confirmed that three people were shot: one adult male, one adult female and one 16-year-old girl. They were taken to the hospital with non-life- threatening injuries. Police emphasizing that this was an isolated shooting.

San Jose police say there was a situation between two individuals outside of Macy's on the second floor. That escalated into a shooting.

INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker

"We can say for a matter of fact that this was not unsuspected shoppers that were targeted, this was an isolated incident with two individuals, and unfortunately two others were injured. And this shouldn't stop people from enjoying their holiday," says Sgt. Jorge Garibay, with the San Jose Police Department.

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Police believe there is only one suspect involved. A search for the suspect is underway.

The mall was put on lockdown. Hundreds of people sheltering in place - many in the closest store they could get into.

"Within a few minutes, the store employees started to close the gates. And lock the sliding doors," says Guppy, who says he sheltered-in-place for about 20 minutes.

"There was screaming initially. Initially, you heard a lot of people screaming. Running. There was a lot of panic. And then it was just silence," says Deena Ribeiro, also a San Jose resident.

Once the lockdown was lifted, police went store to store to let people out.

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"It was the SWAT team... they were controlling it, (saying), 'OK, you can come out,'" says Paris Avilez, an Aesop employee.

"We heard loud bang sounds. We didn't think much of it. We thought something fell. And then we heard it continuously, and then glass shattered. So, we ducked down," explains one Valley Fair shopper who had to shelter-in-place in Macy's.

Thousands of shoppers who were at the mall for Black Friday, were stampeding to get out, or find shelter after hearing gunshots.

"We heard what sounded like to me, fireworks. In your brain you want it to be fireworks. We heard people screaming and running. We knew instantly it was gunshots. It was a giant stampede of people running by," explains Bill Guppy, a San Jose resident.

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan addressed the shooting on X.

"San Jose - this is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend. My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable. Currently, there is no ongoing threat to the community but please avoid the area. We'll keep you posted as we have more info," Mayor Mahan said.

No suspects have been caught.

The public is asked to avoid the area while police investigate the situation.

The homepage on the mall's website read, "Mall closed until further notice."

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The mall, with 2.2 million square feet of retail space and more than 200 shops, is owned by Paris-based Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE. It is partially located in San Jose and partly in Santa Clara.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.




The Brief

The Austin Police Department says it made multiple arrests after a shoplifting blitz operation from November 23-25

Nearly $13,000 in stolen merchandise was also recovered

The merchandise was from Canyon Ridge, Lakeline and Domain shopping areas

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department says it made multiple arrests and recovered stolen merchandise after a recent coordinated shoplifting blitz.

The backstory

APD says its North Metro Tactical Unit collaborated with the South Metro Tactical Unit, District Representatives, Patrol Officers, and multiple retail partners, in the series of coordinated shoplifting blitz operations at locations throughout North Austin between November 23 to 25.

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Officers made multiple arrests, issued citations and recovered a total of $12,900.85 of stolen merchandise across the Canyon Ridge, Lakeline and Domain shopping areas.

APD says the proactive enforcement efforts were aimed at reducing organized retail theft, enhancing public safety, and supporting area businesses.

Dig deeper

Mugshots of those arrested in shoplifting blitz. TOP ROW (L-R): Etta Kelly, Donte Lastrapes, Everette Richardson, Matthew Bradshaw, Robert Moorehead and Gonzalo Alvardo. BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Brandy Oglesby, John Lopez, Desiree Villegas, Roger Bragg and Klandra Nieto.

The following people were arrested in the operation:

APD Case #25-3270627

Miguel Rivera-Duff, 25, was issued a citation for Theft (Class B Misdemeanor) at the H-E-B located at 500 Canyon Ridge Dr. This incident was a cite and release, so there is not an associated booking photo.

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APD Case #25-3270713

Officers responded to an uncooperative shoplifter at the Walmart at 12900 N. IH-35. Gonzalo Alvarado, 29, was found in possession of a stolen firearm and was arrested for Theft and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon by a Felon (2nd Degree Felony).

APD Case #25-3270726

Officers responded to a theft in progress at the H-E-B at 500 Canyon Ridge Dr. Loss Prevention detained Etta Kelly, 50, who had concealed unpaid merchandise and threatened employees with a taser. She was arrested for Robbery by Threat (2nd Degree Felony).

APD Case #25-3270874

Everette Richardson, 67, was arrested for Theft by Shoplifting with Two Prior Convictions (State Jail Felony) at the Walmart located at 12900 N. IH-35.

APD Case #25-3280596

At Lowes, 13201 N. FM 620, officers arrested Matthew Bradshaw, 40, and Desiree Villegas, 48, for Theft (Class B Misdemeanor).

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APD Case #25-3280620

At Walmart, 12301 N. FM 620, officers arrested Roger Bragg, 47, for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (2nd Degree Felony).

Brandy Oglesby, 35, was also charged with Theft (Class C Misdemeanor) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (State Jail Felony).

APD Case #25-3280760

Kiandra Nieto, 27, was arrested for Theft (Class B Misdemeanor) at Kohls, 11111 Lakeline Blvd.

APD Case #25-3280905

Donte Lastrapes, 29, was arrested for Theft (Class B Misdemeanor) at Kohls, 11111 Lakeline Blvd.

APD Case #25-3290598

In the Domain shopping area, Robert Moorehead, 45, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance (2nd Degree Felony).

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APD Case #25-3290639

At H-E-B, 12407 N Mopac Expy, John Lopez, 42, was arrested for Fraud  Possessing Identifying Information (3rd Degree Felony) and Theft (Class C Misdemeanor).

The Source

Information from Austin Police Department.
Each year Ellie Goan hangs two special decorations on her Christmas tree, a star and bauble - reminders of the two pregnancies she lost.

The 41-year-old was one of more than 800 women in Northern Ireland who participated in a recently published study about pregnancy loss at Queen's University Belfast (QUB).

It found women frequently reported feelings of isolation and guilt following miscarriage stemming from social stigma and inadequate support.

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"You blame yourself, I blamed myself," she said. "I know it wasn't anything I'd done and it wasn't my fault, but it's very easy to say that in hindsight," she said.

Participants in the QUB study were anonymous, but Ellie chose independently to speak to BBC News NI about her involvement.

It was 10 years ago that she experienced her first miscarriage, and she said that while the festive season can stir up difficult emotions, it wasn't until her second miscarriage that her mental health was significantly impacted.

"I was crying all the time, I didn't want to leave the house, I was avoiding friends," she said.

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After speaking with her GP Ellie was diagnosed with severe anxiety, a condition she said she continues to manage.

As part of her treatment plan, Ellie was referred for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

"I can't begin to imagine the direction my life would have taken without having had that support," she said.

Ellie did not get any scan pictures, so said she has no tangible record of her miscarriages.

"I don't think it matters at what stage you lose your pregnancy once you see a positive pregnancy test, for some women, that's your baby and you start to imagine what way your family's going to look," she said.

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"I'll never forget the two babies that I lost."

A recently published study by Queen's University Belfast found women in Northern Ireland who have had multiple miscarriages experience feelings of guilt and isolation [BBC]

Dr Aine Aventin, a senior lecturer from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at QUB, said the study found that levels of distress following a miscarriage were significantly higher in women who had experienced more than one loss.

She said many women do not share their pregnancy news before the 12-week scan, so if they miscarry earlier, they can struggle to know who to talk to which can be isolating.

Miscarriage often has no identifiable cause, which Dr Aventin said can prompt women to blame themselves.

She added women may accept one miscarriage as bad luck, but when it happens again they frequently start to wonder if they are somehow at fault.

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"Is there something I'm doing wrong here, did I have a glass of wine before I knew I was pregnant, am I exercising wrong?," Dr Aventin said.

"These types of things, women tend to blame themselves for and that brings an aspect of guilt."

Dr Aine Aventin said the lack of knowledge around what causes miscarriages can lead women to blame themselves [BBC]

Dr Aventin said that there are lots of amazing midwives, bereavement nurses and healthcare practitioners, but that services are overstretched.

She said more resources are needed, both to educate healthcare professionals on how to support women after miscarriage and give them the time to provide that support.

"When women have this experience, they're really vulnerable," she said.

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"They need sensitive communication, compassion that somebody understands what they're going through is a significant loss for them, even if there isn't a visible baby."

Dr Aventin gave an example of the compassionate care she received after she had a stillbirth when a nurse saved the petals from the roses a friend had sent her.

"With tears in my eyes, I said it to the midwife 'I forgot to water the roses'," she said.

As she was leaving the nurse gave her a box with the white rose petals inside and said she could put them on her stillborn son's grave.

"In the grand scheme of things, a bunch of dead roses was nothing, but this woman understood that, to me, they were Malachy's roses."

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If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this story, details of help and advice are available on the BBC Action Line website.
Oklahoma is about to get its first autumn snowfall as holiday travelers return from Thanksgiving.

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that portions of Oklahoma will likely get some amount of snow toward the end of the weekend.

Here's what to expect from the winter storm, including estimated snowfall and areas that will be most affected.

Snow will close out the Thanksgiving holiday

Snow is coming to Oklahoma late on Sunday, but not every part of the state will wake up Monday morning to fields of white.

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According to the forecast published by the NWS, a weather system will move across the Kansas-Oklahoma border on Sunday, bringing with it a chance of frozen precipitation.

The best chance for snow to accumulate on the ground will be in northwestern Oklahoma. The current estimated track indicates there is a 30% chance of snow reaching one inch deep in that part of the state.

Will it snow in Oklahoma City?

It's not yet clear where exactly snow will fall, or how deep it will be once it arrives.

Meteorologists said the best chance of accumulating snowfall will be north of the border in Kansas, and that this weather system likely won't bring any significant snowfall.

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Whether Oklahoma City gets snow will depend on how the air masses travel across the Central Plains.

"If the track shifts farther southeast, the potential for accumulating snowfall will increase. A rain/snow mix is morelikely to the southeast (near I-44 to the southeast) with higher temperatures," the forecast states.

Southwest Oklahoma likely won't see much, if any, precipitation.

Live radar Oklahoma weather

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will it snow in Oklahoma this weekend? See winter weather outlook
SOMERSET, Pa.  A senior district judge from Fayette County will preside over a preliminary hearing on a corruption of minors charge against Somerset County Sheriff Dustin Weir.

The move to assign an out-of-county judge to oversee the Dec. 8 hearing enables Somerset County court officials to avoid any potential conflict-of-interest concerns, given that the sheriffs office is tasked with protecting county courtrooms, Somerset Countys own judges included, during legal proceedings.

Weir is set to appear before Brenda Cavalcante, who previously served as a Fayette County district judge, online court records show.

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Weir was charged by state police with one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors stemming from an alleged incident at a Shop with a Cop charity event in 2024.

The state Office of Attorney General, which is prosecuting the case, alleges that Weir, 46, pressured a 15-year-old girl to accompany him to a stores condom section, and asked her about sex toys and whether she was sexually active.

Weir, through his Somerset defense attorney Matthew Zatko, is pleading not guilty to the charge, which he has described as baseless and false.

Weir, as an elected official midway through a four-year term in office, continues to serve in his role as sheriff.

The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerset.
NEED TO KNOW

A man has been charged after his elderly parents were found dead in their burning Massachusetts home earlier this week

Darius Hazard was arraigned on one charge of arson and has pleaded not guilty

Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83, reportedly said come back and help me, help us, we are in trouble" before they died

A Massachusetts man was arrested and has been charged after his elderly parents were found dead in their burning home earlier this week.

Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83, were killed in their North Adams residence early in the morning on Monday, Nov. 24, the North Adams Police Department (NAPD) said in a news release shared on Facebook.

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Authorities subsequently arrested the couple's 44-year-old son, Darius Hazard, later that day. He allegedly told police he assaulted his parents, poured gasoline on the first floor of the home and set it on fire before fleeing, authorities said.

Darius was arraigned on one charge of arson, per police. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, per WNYT.

It is not clear if Darius currently has legal representation to comment on his behalf.

In a probable cause report obtained by News 10, police said Darius told them he was struggling to cope with his mother's advanced arthritis and scoliosis.

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Police added that Darius stated he and his father were helping Venture after she fell, when he grew agitated and attacked them.

As he left the residence after setting the fire, Darius told police he could hear his parents begging him for help, WNYT reported, citing court documents.

Darius said he could hear his mom and dad yelling come back and help me, help us, we are in trouble, per a probable cause report obtained by the outlet.

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The Hazards' neighbors notified emergency personnel that something was wrong when they saw smoke coming out of the house, the NAPD said. Officers found the couple dead in their living room, according to WNYT.



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Police eventually went to Darius' job to look for him. There, his coworkers said he didn't show up, which was unlike him, NBC Boston reported. He was later found and arrested.



Reacting to the tragedy, and how it has rocked the local area, Jamie Lynn King told News 10, The entire family, Darius included, have been a pillar in this community for many decades."

Everyone knows them. Everyone loved them," the resident continued. "Dont just judge a book by the shortest words youve heard because theres got to be a lot for it to have happened the way it did."

Nate Shoot, a family friend, told the outlet of Darius: I just hope he gets the help he needs, and we get answers, because this is not like him at all."



Read the original article on People
A son of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman will plead guilty next week in the United States to narcotics trafficking charges, according to federal court documents.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of four sons of the jailed Sinaloa cartel leader El Chapo, originally pleaded not guilty after his arrest in July 2024 in Texas.

But federal documents released on Friday show that Guzman Lopez is to change his plea at a hearing set for Monday at the US District Court in Chicago.

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Another of his three brothers, Ovidio Guzman, as part of a plea deal struck in exchange for a reduced sentence, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiracy related to drug trafficking and two counts of participating in the activities of a criminal enterprise.

Ovidio Guzman also admitted that he and his brothers, known collectively as Los Chapitos (Little Chapos), had taken over their fathers operations within the cartel following his arrest in 2016.

Mexican broadcaster MVS Noticias said Guzman Lopezs guilty plea could mean a new chapter in the history of drug trafficking is about to be written.

This move has raised numerous questions about the possible ongoing negotiations between him and US authorities, the news outlet said.

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The ABC 7 Chicago news channel said federal prosecutors have said they will not now seek the death sentence for Guzman Lopez, and that there is talk of a plea deal now in the works.

He is due to appear in court in Chicago at 1:30pm (19:30 GMT) on Monday.





Two other Chapitos brothers, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, have also been indicted on drug trafficking charges in the US but remain at large.

Their 68-year-old father, El Chapo, is serving a life sentence at a supermax federal prison in Colorado following his arrest and conviction in 2019.

Guzman Lopez was taken into custody last year when he arrived in Texas on board a small private plane, along with the cofounder of the Sinaloa cartel, Ismael Mayo Zambada.

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Zambada claimed to have been misled about the destination and that he was abducted by Guzman Lopez to be handed over against his will to authorities in the US.

Following the arrest, clashes intensified between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, headed, respectively, by the Los Chapitos brothers and Zambada. The infighting led to approximately 1,200 deaths in Mexico and about 1,400 disappearances, according to official figures.





Officials in the US accuse the Sinaloa cartel of trafficking fentanyl to the country, where the synthetic drug has caused tens of thousands of overdose deaths in recent years, straining relations with Mexico.

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The cartel is also one of six Mexican drug-trafficking groups that US President Donald Trump has designated as global terrorist organisations.

Additional sanctions against the two fugitive Los Chapitos brothers were announced by Washington in June for fentanyl trafficking, and the reward for their capture was increased to $10m each.




A new task force in South Texas is cracking down on the violent Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua.

The FBI and ICE-Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio announced the launch of the new Homeland Security Task Force-South Texas. The group will target transnational criminal organizations, including Tren de Aragua, which authorities busted on November 16, netting 51 confirmed cartel members.

The Homeland Security Task Force was established as a powerful tool in the fight against transnational organized crime, said FBI San Antonio Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran in a press release. We are dedicated to dismantling the cartels and criminal networks responsible for violent crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling with the ultimate goal of preserving the safety and security of the communities we serve.

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The task force will target transnational criminal organizations, both within the country and outside its borders, according to the release. It will lead missions against sophisticated cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and transnational gangs who commit murder, kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion, drug smuggling, and money laundering.

Member agencies include federal, state, and local partners, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Coast Guard, ATF, CBP, Border Patrol, ICE-HSI and ERO, IRS, and the U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas. Other members include the Texas Department of Public Safety and the South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

This task force was formed as a regional branch of the national Homeland Security Task Force. This is pursuant to President Donald Trumps executive order Protecting The American People Against Invasion, which he signed on his first day back in office.

Targeting Tren de Aragua

Tren de Aragua is a brutal Venezuelan cartel that specializes in murder, kidnapping, rape, and sex trafficking, according to former Texas DPS Director Steven McCraw. The gang sparked public concern this summer for infiltrating the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colorado, per the New York Post.

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Gov. Greg Abbott labeled Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization in September 2024, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Trump followed Abbotts lead in January, designating the cartel a foreign terrorist organization at the federal level. In March, he invoked the Alien Enemies Act against the group.

ICE raided an illicit after-hours nightclub in San Antonio on November 16, with help from agencies like Texas DPS, according to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security. Law enforcement arrested 51 confirmed Tren de Aragua members and 143 potential illegal aliens, mostly Venezuelans. Of the suspects, 25 had criminal records in the U.S., including 13 felonies and 12 misdemeanors. The nightclub was near 5939 San Pedro Ave., near North Central San Antonio.

Law enforcement officers also seized weapons, drugs, and $35,000 during this operation targeting an underground nightclub, said Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin at the time. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is dismantling criminal gangs and stopping dangerous drugs from pouring into American neighborhoods.

The month before, officials filed a superseding indictment on October 28 for money laundering against a father and son for providing material support to a Mexican cartel, which was designated a foreign terrorist organization, according to an FBI press release. The federal government sought a criminal forfeiture of 77,000 barrels of crude oil, $2.5 million, and a $300 million judgment.

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Law enforcement also intercepted 534 guns, 525 magazines, and 31,482 rounds of ammunition in Laredo on October 23, before they were trafficked to Mexico, according to the release.

Infiltrating San Antonio

Earlier that month, police in San Antonio verified the empty Palatia Apartments had been taken over by Tren de Aragua, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. For the past year, the apartments address had received around 1,500 calls for service  including 140 gunfire reports, 14 burglaries, and 12 assault cases.

We had information that members of the transnational gang, Tren de Aragua, were in control of the area and committing various crimes, said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus at the time.

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The morning of October 4, a task force comprising the FBI, DHS, Border Patrol, Texas DPS, the Texas Anti-Gang Unit, and the San Antonio Police Department cleared more than 300 units at the complex. They arrested more than 20 suspects, including four members of Tren de Aragua.

Even though we finished here at the complex, we are not done, McManus said at that point.

The cartel had reportedly captured three more San Antonio apartment complexes as of October 16, as The Dallas Express reported. The specific buildings were not disclosed at the time, due to an ongoing investigation.

When the new task force launched, HSI-San Antonio Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa pledged to protect Americans from the growing cartel threat.

The Homeland Security Task Force plays a critical role in safeguarding the American people and combating transnational criminal organizations, Lippa said in a release. HSI and its law enforcement partners will focus on dismantling drug cartels and terrorist organizations to protect communities nationwide.
Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from floods and mudslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 153, with another 191 people missing.

The extreme weather system has destroyed more than 20,000 homes, sending 108,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

A further 798,000 people required assistance after being temporarily displaced by the floods, DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said.

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency powers, granting him sweeping authority to manage the aftermath of the devastation caused by a week of torrential rain across the island.

Kodippili confirmed that 153 people had been killed.

Among them were 11 residents of an elder care home that was flooded in the north-central district of Kurunegala on Saturday afternoon, police said.

Troops from the army, navy, and air force have been deployed alongside civilian workers and volunteers to assist with the relief effort.

The military rescued 69 bus passengers on Saturday, including a German tourist, who had been stranded in the Anuradhapura district after a 24-hour operation.

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One of the passengers, speaking from the hospital, described how navy sailors helped them climb onto the roof of a nearby house after using ropes to guide them safely through the floodwaters.

"We were very lucky... while we were on the roof, part of it collapsed... three women fell into the water, but they were helped back onto the roof," said W. M. Shantha.

A helicopter had to abort an initial rescue attempt because the downdraft from its rotors threatened to blow away the roof they were perched on. They were later rescued by naval boats.

Roads in the central district of Badulla remained inaccessible, leaving many villages cut off and relief supplies unable to get through.

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"We lost two people in our village... others are sheltering in a temple and a house that is still standing," said Saman Kumara from the Badulla village of Maspanna, one of the worst-hit districts.

"We can't leave the village, and no one can come in because all roads are blocked by landslides. There is no food, and we are running out of clean water," he told News Center website by telephone.

- No clean water -

Officials said about a third of the country was without electricity or running water because power lines had collapsed and water purification facilities were inundated. Internet connections were also disrupted.

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Cyclone Ditwah moved away from the island on Saturday and was heading towards neighbouring India.

India's Chennai Airport cancelled 54 flights due to the cyclone's approach, with the weather department forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 48 hours.

The Sri Lankan government has issued an appeal for international aid and urged Sri Lankans abroad to make cash donations to support affected communities.

India was the first to respond, sending two plane loads of relief supplies and two transport helicopters, along with a rescue crew of 22.

An Indian warship, which was already in Colombo on a previously planned goodwill visit, donated its rations to assist the victims.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and said New Delhi was prepared to send more aid.

Flooding in low-lying areas worsened on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for residents living along the banks of the Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean from Colombo.

While rain had eased in most parts of the country, including the capital, the island's north was still experiencing showers.

The cyclone has become Sri Lanka's deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when flooding and landslides claimed more than 200 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

The worst flooding since the turn of the century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people were killed.

aj/abh/pbt
Supplemental Security Income recipients in California are set to receive two more payments this year, or three if they also receive Social Security.

SSI, which the Social Security Administration manages, provides monthly funds to qualifying people whose income and resources (such as vehicles or money in their bank accounts) are limited, according to the SSA.

SSI recipients will get their December and January payments in the same month just a few weeks apart. Its due to how the payments are scheduled, and receiving two payments in one month has occurred throughout this year  and itll occur again in 2026.

When does SSI pay this month? See SSI calendar 2025

SSI recipients will get their December payment on Monday, Dec. 1. SSI for January 2026 will be paid on Dec. 31.

When will I get my Social Security check this month? See December SSA payment schedule

Social Security benefits are paid on four dates in December, mainly corresponding to recipients birthdays.

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Here are those payment dates, according to SSA's calendar:

Dec. 3: Recipients who received Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI payments.

Dec. 10: Recipients whose birth date falls between the 1 st and 10 th

Dec. 17: Recipients whose birth date falls between the 11 th and 20 th

Dec. 24: Recipients whose birth date falls between the 21st and 31st

See the full SSI payment schedule for 2026

Heres when SSI will be paid throughout 2026, according to the Social Security Administrations calendar for 2026:

Jan. 30, 2026 (Payment for February)

Feb. 27, 2026 (Payment for March)

April 1, 2026 (Payment for April)

May 1, 2026 (Payment for May)

June 1, 2026 (Payment for June)

July 1, 2026 (Payment for July)

July 31, 2026 (Payment for August)

Sept. 1, 2026 (Payment for September)

Oct. 1, 2026 (Payment for October)

Oct. 30, 2026 (Payment for November)

Dec. 1, 2026 (Payment for December)

Dec. 31, 2026 (Payment for January 2027)

How many people in California receive SSI payments?

Based on figures for August, more than 1.1 million Californians received SSI payments, with more than half eligible due to disability or blindness. In December 2024, over 6 million people in California received Social Security, according to the agencys figures, with about 78% being retired workers.

How much money can you make and still get SSI?

Generally, SSI is for individuals who dont earn more than $2,019 from work each month, although that income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children, said the SSA.

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Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: See SSI, Social Security payment schedule for December 2025
Women named Tzippa are often perceived as free-spirited, intuitive, and emotionally expressive individuals. They tend to possess a natural grace and lightness in their approach to life, much like the bird their name represents. Typically, Tzippas are known for their strong communication skills and social nature, able to 'fly' between different social circles with ease. They often demonstrate keen observation skills and sensitivity to their environment, noticing details others might miss. Their personality is frequently characterized by a blend of independence and nurturing qualities - they value their freedom but also maintain strong connections to family and community.



Many Tzippas show artistic or creative tendencies and have a natural appreciation for beauty in various forms. They are often adaptable and resilient, able to navigate life's challenges with flexibility and grace. There's frequently a spiritual or philosophical dimension to their character, with many showing interest in deeper questions about life and meaning. Their bird-like symbolism extends to their ability to see the 'big picture' while also attending to details, much like birds that navigate vast distances while noticing small movements on the ground. This combination of visionary thinking and practical awareness makes them effective in both creative and organizational roles.
Update: 3 p.m. 11/30/2025

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  As the snow continued to fall on Saturday, crashes piled up. In Central Illinois, State Police responded to over 450 calls throughout the day.

State Police provided WCIA with the response statistics of Troops 6, 7 and 9 across Central Illinois from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday:

City of Champaign activates snow removal ordinance

Illinois State Police Troop 6 125 motorist assists 52 property damage only crashes 4 personal injury crashes



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Troop 6 covers Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, and Scott counties.

Illinois State Police Troop 7 128 motorist assists 31 property damage only crashes 9 personal injury crashes



Troop 7 covers Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermillion counties.

Illinois State Police Troop 9 76 motorist assists 27 property damage only crashes 1 personal injury crash



Troop 9 covers Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Illinois State Police Troops across Central Illinois have conducted well over 100 motor assists Saturday as the winter weather continues to hit the area.

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Central Illinois businesses closed, events cancelled/postponed due to winter weather

State Police provided WCIA with the response statistics of Troops 6, 7 and 9 across Central Illinois from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday:

Illinois State Police Troop 6 44 motorist assists 44 property damage only crashes 3 personal injury crashes

Illinois State Police Troop 7 47 motorist assists 22 property damage only crashes 5 personal injury crashes

Illinois State Police Troop 9 49 motorist assists 13 property damage only crashes 1 personal injury crash



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 WCIA.com.
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute ordered the massive steel company, SteelAsia, to take responsibility for 23 containers of radioactive material.

What's happening?

According to the Manila Bulletin, PNRI ordered SteelAsia to take custody of the 23 containers, which were rejected by Indonesia. The containers were contaminated with zinc dust containing radioactive cesium 137. SteelAsia said the PNRI told them to bury the containers on one of the company's industrial lots in the town of Calaca in the Batangas industrial zone.

The company stated that burying the containers is "potentially endangering the community and other corporate locators in that industrial zone," per MB.

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PNRI said the containers' original source was SteelAsia, but the steel company said it has no connection to the containers and that "the company manufactures and exports reinforced steel bars, not zinc dust, which is merely a by-product of its production process."

Why is this situation troubling?

SteelAsia feels that it "is being unfairly singled out by PNRI despite the absence of any scientific or factual basis," according to MB. The incident suggests that certain governing entities are not managing radioactive waste properly.

Nuclear power could enhance energy security and mitigate the environmental impact of the energy sector. Nuclear energy offers low-carbon electricity and complements renewable energy sources, making power more accessible, stable, and affordable.

However, radioactive waste is a by-product of nuclear energy creation. If handled poorly, it endangers the health of the general public and the environment. The radiation it emits can damage the DNA of living organisms.

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Specifically, exposure to cesium 137 can cause radiation burns, acute radiation sickness, and possibly death, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burying these 23 containers could expose people to these risks. PRNI ordering SteelAsia to bury these containers is a concerning sign of how governing entities are approaching radioactive waste management.

How can we safely manage radioactive waste?

There are proper and safe ways to store or neutralize radioactive waste for disposal. According to the World Nuclear Association, this usually means storing it underwater for several years as it decays, before moving it to dry storage.

Burying contaminated containers in the Batangas industrial zone is not a safe method for managing radioactive waste. SteelAsia bringing attention to this issue can spur officials to create strict regulations concerning radioactive waste management. It also holds the governing entities accountable, rather than allowing the burden to be passed to private companies.

Reporting incidents of poor radioactive waste handling and using your voice to advocate for precautionary policies can prevent more situations like this, and create a cooler, cleaner future powered by safe nuclear energy.



Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
A suspect was left in critical condition Friday morning after he was struck by gunfire during a police shooting in Koreatown.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to the 800 block of S. Vermont Avenue around 7:15 a.m. after receiving a call about a man armed with "a sharp object."

"The suspect was described in that call as a male adult who was armed with a sharp object. When the officers arrived to the 800 block of S. Vermont, they encountered that suspect, contacted him, and that's when an officer-involved shooting occurred," said LAPD Capt. Mike Bland.

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The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police said no one else was injured in the shooting. Several business owners believe the suspect broke the glass at one shop and that the sharp object he was allegedly carrying was a large piece of broken glass.

LAPD wouldn't say what exactly happened when officers first approached the man, or why they felt the need to open fire on a suspect reportedly holding a large shard of glass, but the entire encounter is now under investigation.

"Part of the force investigation team is to look at the officer's body-worn video, look for any other video that might be out here, get statements from those officers, as well as any other witnesses that may have been out here at that time," Bland said.

Meanwhile, some nearby residents were surprised to see the sprawling crime scene, which stretched several blocks between 8th Street and Olympic.

The incident remains under investigation.




LIMA  Investigators from the Lima Fire Department are investigating an alleged arson incident Friday evening that has left one person dead, according to a release from Lima Police Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte.

At about 8:30 p.m., Lima Police officers and the Lima Fire Department were dispatched to 410 Ewing Ave., Lima in reference to a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure engulfed in flames and burning through the majority of the first floor. Firefighters were unable to enter the building due to the severity of the fire, the release said.

Three of the four occupants who were in the residence at the time of the fire were able to make it out of the building, two of whom were transported to Mercy Health-St. Ritas Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during the fire. One of the residents spoke to responders at the scene, telling them that one of the occupants allegedly used an accelerant to start the fire, apparently in an attempt to burn down the house with the occupants inside. The release did not elaborate on if the person accused of starting the fire was the occupant who died in the blaze.

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None of the identities of the occupants, including the one who died, are being released out of respect for the survivors who made it out of the residence and the family of the individual who died in the fire, the release said. The identities are also being withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation by Lima Fire Department arson investigators, which is ongoing.

An autopsy on the deceased occupants body will be conducted, according to the release.

According to Allen County Auditors Office records, the house is owned by Josephus M. Petaway and is currently valued at $66,900.
Tampa police have arrested 31-year-old Joel Moreno Cobo, charging him with second-degree murder in the November 14 shooting that claimed the life of Dedrick Lamar Sykes, a well-known figure in the citys nightlife scene who performed as DJ Shy Guy.

The arrest came after a week of public scrutiny, as community groups questioned why the shooter had remained unnamed and why the incident was initially described as a possible self-defense case. Detectives now say their investigation found that Sykes was unarmed and did not make any threats during the encounter. Officers took Cobo into custody Thursday evening at his home.

Investigators say the shooting unfolded after a traffic dispute near East 5th Avenue and North 22nd Street in Ybor City. Witness statements indicated the two drivers exchanged words before shots were fired within seconds. Sykes was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries. Police reported recovering a gun from Cobos waistband at the scene.

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Public frustration grew in the days after the shooting. Friends, clergy, and local advocates gathered outside the Tampa Police Department demanding transparency, questioning both the lack of an arrest and the delay in identifying the shooter. Many pointed to broader concerns over how self-defense claims and stand your ground laws have been viewed and applied in Florida.

Community leaders said the slow pace of the investigation reinforced those long-standing concerns. Police officials responded by emphasizing that the timing of the arrest was driven by the need to collect evidence that would support a charge.

Cobo is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail and is expected to make his first court appearance Friday afternoon. Funeral services for Sykes are scheduled today in Plant City, where friends and fans are gathering to celebrate his life and music.



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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) appeared to send a mysterious message to President Donald Trump in a Friday morning X post.

One of the worst mistakes you can ever make is over promise and under deliver, she wrote, addressing no one in particular. It will leave people furious to the point they wont even appreciate the good things they received. Big promises have and still are being made

The post just happened to go live after Trump vowed to permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries in a fiery Thanksgiving post on Truth Social.

One of the worst mistakes you can ever make is over promise and under deliver.



It will leave people furious to the point they wont even appreciate the good things they received.



Big promises have and still are being made  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) November 28, 2025

Trump has been ratcheting up his deportation rhetoric in response to the attack on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

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An Afghan immigrant, who was reportedly granted refugee status for partnering with the U.S. during the war on terror, was arrested as the suspected shooter on Thursday.

Politics: Mike Johnson Was Questioned About Trumps Attacks On MTG  And His Answer Dripped With Hypocrisy

Once a MAGA hard-liner, Greene has recently broken with the White House over a number of issues, including how it handled the release of documents tied to the investigation into *** offender Jeffrey Epstein, its wrecking ball approach to the government shutdown and how Republicans plan to contend with skyrocketing health care costs when Affordable Care Act subsidies expire at the end of this year. Yet she remains staunchly anti-immigrant and recently took issue with Trumps defense of H-1B visas, despite his imposition of a hefty fee for them.

There doesnt appear to be any love lost between the lawmaker and the president now.

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After Greene announced plans to resign from the House earlier this month, Trump called it great news for the country and labeled her a traitor.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) established a new youth organization called Generation Deutschland (GD) on Saturday at a founding congress accompanied by massive protests.

More than 800 participants adopted a youth statute with rules on the role and work of the new organization, which, unlike its predecessor Junge Alternative, is to be closely linked to the AfD.

Several people with minor injuries were treated at the city's university hospital as protests raged against the group's founding.

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Some 10 officers also suffered minor injuries, the police said.

New group linked more closely to party

The Junge Alternative (JA) disbanded in the spring after the AfD severed ties with it. As an independent association, the JA was only loosely affiliated with the AfD and its members, excluding the executive committee, did not have to be members of the party and acted largely independently.

That gave the AfD little influence over the JA. As an association, the JA, which was classified as a proven far-right extremist group by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, also ran the risk of being banned.

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Now only those who are already members of the AfD can join the new AfD youth organisation. Violations of the rules or misconduct can be punished, up to and including expulsion from the party. The organization is to be open to all AfD members under the age of 36, in what AfD leader Alice Weidel called a training ground for the party.

She said GD was primarily intended to produce capable young talent for the parent party, also with a view to next year's state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where polls suggest the party could come to power for the first time, meaning many positions would need to be filled.

"So this is a training ground for government responsibility, said Weidel.

Group delegates demand remigrations

As delegates elected the executive committee of the new party youth organization, candidates struck staunchly far-right tones.

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Kevin Dorow, a young AfD politician from Schleswig-Holstein elected to the GD leadership committee, called on members not to distance themselves from the periphery.

"Youth must be led by youth, and this principle must be our guiding star," said Dorow. "This youth organisation, dear friends, will be the spearhead of the young right in Germany."

"Youth is led by youth" was the principle of the Bundische Jugend (German Youth Movement) in the Weimar period and later of the Hitler Youth.

Mio Trautner, of Baden-Wurttemberg, demanded "that deportations in the state finally begin, that the runways in Germany glow." Candidate Julia Gehrkens, who was also elected to the GD executive committee, who said, "Only millions of remigrations will protect our women and children!" to powerful applause.

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New board member Cedric Krippner was also loudly applauded when he called for "millions of remigrations." "We must deport, deport, deport, until Germany becomes our home again," said Helmut Strauf, also a member of the GD board.

Protests delay arrivals at outset

The event began with a 2-hour delay as the road blockades and protests prevented many of the roughly 1,000 planned attendees from reaching the venue.

AfD leaders Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, and the designated head of the new youth group, Jean-Pascal Hohm, were also delayed, leaving numerous seats in the exhibition hall empty at the start of the assembly. They sharply criticized the blockades.

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Weidel said AfD lawmaker Julian Schmidt was "beaten up" on the sidelines of the protests. He confirmed the attack to dpa, saying he was attacked by around 20 people after parking his car near the hall and suffered bruises and red marks on his nose and cheekbone as a result. He called the incident a new level of confrontation.

The police said that an AfD lawmaker had been injured nearby and that the suspected perpetrator had been arrested, and the investigation was ongoing. The police did not provide any further details or the name of the person involved.

Most of the protests were peaceful, police said, with numbers reaching more than 25,000 people took to the city streets. The alliance Widersetzen, meaning Resist said there had been more than 50,000 participants.

"The police do not have any reliable figures regarding injured participants in the gathering," the police said.

Police and demonstrators face each other at the slip road from the L3047 onto the B429. The slip road is blocked. Several thousand demonstrators protested against the founding of a new AfD youth organization on Saturday. Its predecessor, Junge Alternative, which had been classified as right-wing extremist, had dissolved itself. Lando Hass/dpa
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Have I ever mentioned that I, for one, welcome our new LLM overlords? No? Well, now I have and with that sentiment of self-serving surrender comes news from the researchers at MIT. They have a new way to measure how AI is going to impact the labour market, you see, and this "Iceberg Index" now idicates that fully 11.7% of the US workforce could already be replaced by AI.

That equates to $1.2 trillion in annual wages, according to MIT, and 17.7 million jobs. So, what is this Iceberg Index and how does it work? According to MIT, it's "a skills-centered KPI for the AI economy. It measures the percentage of wage value of skills that AI systems can perform within each occupation, revealing where human and AI capabilities overlap."

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Basically, we are creating a digital twin for the US labor market, Prasanna Balaprakash, ORNL director and co-leader of the research, told CNBC. The Index works by treating the US's 151 million workers as individual autonomous agents, each tagged with various skills, occupations and locations.

The model includes 32,000 skills, and 923 occupations across 3,000 counties, then measures where current AI systems can already perform those skills. It then calculates "the wage value of skills AI systems can perform." And that's where you get your $1.2 trillion and 17.7 million jobs.

The "Iceberg" riff alludes to the MIT's findings that "visible AI adoption concentrated in computing and technology (2.2% of wage value, approximately $211 billion) represents only the tip of the iceberg." In other words, the obvious things that AI can do and that pose an immediate threat to very specific computing and technology jobs are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the "exposure" of the entire jobs market to the impact of AI.

In 1978, the BBC's flagship Horizon documentary predicted that the arrival of computer chips would mean the children of the era would "grow up without jobs to go to." | Credit: BBC

MIT and the research team say that the Iceberg Index is not meant to be a prediction engine, but instead is meant to help "policymakers and business leaders identify exposure hotspots, prioritize training and infrastructure investments, and test interventions before committing billions to implementation."

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Exactly what any of we mere mainstream mortals should make of all this, is hard to say. AI is clearly going to have a huge impact, but the specifics seem very hard to pin down.

However, just to exit all this on a somewhat positive note, I'm reminded of an archived BBC documentary titled, "Now the Chips are Down." It was originally broadcast in 1978 and attacked the then novel subject of "silicon chips."

Among the opening gambits of the film are these dispassionately delivered observations:

"A chip can be made to anything from arithmetic to reading a book. Such chips will totally revolutionise our way of life. They are the reason why Japan is abandoning its ship building and why our children will grow up without jobs to go to."

Well, that was the late 70s and it didn't quite play out like that, did it? I mean, chips can definitely now read books. But there were more jobs for people born in the 1970s and 1980s than ever before. So maybe there's hope yet for us all.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scotts string of gifts to Oklahoma higher-education institutions has continued with an $8 million gift to a tribal college.

The College of the Muscogee Nation announced Scotts gift on its Facebook page on Friday, Nov. 28. Its the third major gift Scott has made in Oklahoma in eight days. The ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave $17 million to Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and Enid, then did the same to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah earlier this week.

MacKenzie Scott is seen in 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

The College of the Muscogee Nation, located in Okmulgee, said the $8 million is coming from Yield Giving, an organization established by Scott that describes its purpose as being to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people.

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The college said the gift would be used to secure financial investments for future students and extend our educational legacy of the Muscogee Nation. This gift will also support our continued efforts to empower students, strengthen academic programs, and expand pathways to educational and cultural advancement. We extend our sincere appreciation to Yield Giving and MacKenzie Scott for their investment in our vision and our community.

The college began offering classes in 2004 and gained status as a land-grant institution in 2014. According to its website, it offers associates degrees in gaming, tribal services, criminal justice, natural resources and Native American Studies with an emphasis in the Mvskoke language or Mvskoke studies.

Scott pledged in 2019 to give away most of her wealth, which Bloomberg estimates to be about $39.9 billion. Since mid-October, shes given about $800 million to more than a dozen colleges and universities, including Northern, Northeastern State and College of the Muscogee Nation.

Most of her recent spate of giving has focused on Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges. In addition to the Muscogee Nation college, Scott has given $10 million to the College of the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin and $5 million to Little Priest Tribal College in Nebraska.

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Nationwide, there are 38 tribal colleges, according to the College of the Muscogee Nation website.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The College of the Muscogee Nation receives $8M from MacKenzie Scott
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Three Honolulu Police Department officers were assaulted in two separate incidents over Thanksgiving night, police officials said.

The first alleged assault occurred on Nov. 27 at approximately 6:40 p.m. when officers responded to Lahaina Street in Waianae.

Officers were sent to the scene due to a crash, where they met a highly intoxicated male, police said.

Man, 60, arrested for alleged assault on HPD officer

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The man, 43, allegedly interfered with HPD, the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responders as they attempted to work on the scene.

Police said the man kicked an HPD officer, causing injury. The officer was treated for his injuries while the suspect was arrested on suspicion of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree.

Less than six hours later at 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 28, HPD officials responded to Matzie Lane in Kalihi after receiving reports of a disturbance involving a 31-year-old man.

When officers arrived, they found the man who allegedly became combative. Police said he pushed one officer and punched the other officer in the face, with the latter sustaining injuries.

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Assaults on Honolulu officers up, whats behind the trend?

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree and Harassment on a Law Enforcement Officer.

HPD said injured officer was hospitalized in good condition and later released.

This comes after police said an officer was assaulted in Waikiki on the morning of Nov. 27.

Anyone with information on any of the incidents are asked to contact 911.

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 KHON2.
Whitlaw is likely a variant of the English surname Whitelaw, meaning 'white hill' from Old English elements. It may also be associated with Christian heritage through its use as a given name in English-speaking cultures.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Whitlaw holds significant cultural importance as a name that bridges England's geographical heritage with its social history. Emerging from the tradition of topographical surnames that flourished after the Norman Conquest, Whitlaw specifically identifies families associated with distinctive white hillsoften chalk formations that were prominent landmarks in medieval England. These geographical features were not only practical navigation points but also held spiritual significance in pre-Christian traditions, often serving as sites for ancient ceremonies and gatherings. The name's persistence through centuries reflects the enduring connection between English identity and landscape. During the Victorian era, when surname adoption as first names became fashionable, Whitlaw gained new life as families sought to honor their ancestral ties to specific regions. The name carries subtle class connotations, often associated with landowning families who derived their identity and status from their connection to particular places. This reflects the broader English cultural pattern where landscape features became intertwined with family identity and social standing.
Vast swarms of aircraft were built during the Second World War as combatants constantly tried to seize an advantage.

With so many aircraft, it made sense to modify an existing aircraft rather than come up with something new. What follows are ten such modifications. This includes crewed missiles, flying tanks, ludicrous firepower, and fighters grafted together to form new conjoined machines. Some were brilliant, some were appalling failures, a few were outstandingly successful, and all shed light on a terrifying innovation race with the highest possible stakes:

10: US Heavy Bomber fighter conversions: YB-40 and XB-41

YB-40 and XB-41

During the Second World War, converting fighters into bombers was a fairly commonplace occurrence, but examples of bombers that became fighters were far rarer. Those there were tended to be small, fast bombers such as the de Havilland Mosquito; the idea of a heavy bomber becoming a fighter seems absurd.

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Yet the USAAF attempted exactly that, converting examples of both the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator into escort fighters. Only one example of the XB-41 Liberator, modified to carry fourteen .50-calibre machine guns and over 14,000 rounds of ammunition, was built. Although testing proved problematic, the B-17 conversion proved slightly more successful.

10: US Heavy Bomber fighter conversions: YB-40 and XB-41

YB-40 and XB-41

The Boeing YB-40 was equipped with up to thirty defensive guns, though it typically carried fourteen or sixteen. Armament was mostly .50 calibre machine guns in various configurations, though 40-mm cannons were also tested. Twenty-five examples were built, and the aircraft was tested on combat missions over Europe.

No aircraft has ever flown with such a formidable gun-based defensive armament. Unfortunately, this made the aircraft so heavy and slow that it couldnt keep up with the bombers it was supposed to protect. After participating in just ten missions, the entire project was abandoned.

9: Grumman XF4F-3S Wildcatfish

Grumman XF4F-3S Wildcatfish

Various land-based fighters were converted to become seaplanes during the Second World War. A few were very impressive, like the Spitfire floatplanes; some of the others were, to put it kindly, somewhat underwhelming. One such was the floatplane derivative of Grummans spectacularly successful F4F Wildcat, which was developed in 1942.

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Inspired by the Japanese use of floatplane fighters from remote island bases in the Pacific, the float manufacturer Edo was contracted to convert a standard F4F-3 fighter to operate from water. As well as the floats, the aircraft required a ventral fin as well as auxiliary fins on the tail to maintain stability.

9: Grumman XF4F-3S Wildcatfish

Grumman XF4F-3S Wildcatfish

The Wildcat was a slow fighter to start with and slower than its primary foe, the Mitsubishi Zero. The addition of two hefty floats and their supporting struts chopped the maximum speed down to a pretty woeful 241mph. It was, therefore, obvious the floatplane could only be used where fighter opposition was unlikely.

Despite this, 100 sets of Wildcat floats were produced in great haste, but only one floatplane conversion, nicknamed the Wildcatfish, was ever constructed. The ability of US forces to rapidly capture or construct remote island airbases saw the requirement for a floatplane fighter effectively evaporate.

8: Aerial minesweepers

Aerial minesweepers

Magnetic mines posed a significant threat to shipping: 79 ships were lost to mines by the end of 1939 alone. The British responded swiftly with a modified Wellington bomber fitted with a 48-foot-diameter balsa-wood ring containing aluminium coils that emitted magnetic impulses when charged by an electrical current.

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The electrical ring mimicked the magnetic signature of a ship to detonate mines below the surface. Aircraft were much faster than conventional minesweepers, allowing them to clear large areas at high speed. The process was hazardous, however, requiring crews to fly at 130 mph just 35 to 60 feet above the water.

8: Aerial minesweepers

Aerial minesweepers

At such low altitudes, the aircraft were also liable to damage, or even destruction, from the mines they were detonating. Nonetheless, minesweeping Wellingtons proved highly successful, keeping the Thames Estuary clear of magnetic mines for the duration of the war and able to respond quickly to suspected minefields or to clear specific areas.

The Germans also employed the same technology, using the Bv 138 flying boat and Ju 52/3m transport. However, German minesweeping operations were hampered by Allied fighters; this particular famous photo shows a Ju 52 under attack by a Hawker Typhoon. Surviving German minesweepers were used postwar to clear remaining minefields.

7: High altitude combat: Ju 86 and Spitfire

Ju 86 and Spitfire

The Ju 86 was an unexceptional medium bomber that was nearing the end of its operational life in 1939 when Junkers modified it into the Ju 86P high-altitude aircraft, featuring a hugely extended wingspan, a pressurised crew compartment, and turbocharged diesel engines, enabling it to operate at 40,000 feet.

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40 Ju 86Ps conversions were built and operated with impunity over Britain, conducting reconnaissance and nuisance bombing. The improved Ju 86R variant followed with an even greater wingspan and enhanced engines, allowing for flight at 47,000ft. Although never causing much material damage, the uninterceptable Ju 86 raids proved infuriating.

7: High altitude combat: Ju 86 and Spitfire

Ju 86 and Spitfire

High-altitude Spitfires Mk VI and VII (pictured) were developed with extended wings and pressurised cockpits, but by this point, lightened Spitfire IXs were coaxed high enough to make an interception. The highest known combat of the war occurred when a Spitfire IX damaged a Ju 86 at 44,000ft in August 1942, off the coast of Egypt.

Although that particular Ju 86 was not been destroyed, the realisation that the RAF was capable of intercepting the high-flying bombers resulted in their withdrawal from missions over the British Isles. Two Ju 86s were subsequently lost to Spitfires in the Mediterranean, causing Ju 86 operations in the West to cease altogether.

6: Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenburg

Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenburg

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but few measures were ever as desperate as the Fieseler Fi 103R. Consisting of a V-1 cruise missile with a cockpit crammed in behind the 900kg warhead, the pilot was expected to point the aircraft at its target before bailing out.

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The standard V-1 was fast and cheap, but woefully inaccurate, proving able to (sometimes) hit a city-sized target but not much good against anything smaller. The addition of a pilot was hoped to make the weapon viable for attacking ships or other tactical targets.

6: Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenburg

Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenburg

Despite appearances, the Fi 103R was not intended as a suicide weapon. However, the prospect of survival was rated as most unlikely. Bailing out was complicated by the pulsejet engine intake directly behind the canopy, and it was predicted that fewer than 1% of pilots would escape with their lives.

Some prospective pilots were given training in gliders. Still, the almost certain death sentence offered by the Fi 103R was realised to be too insane even for the Nazis and Hitler was persuaded to cancel it. An unknown number of Fi 103Rs were manufactured, and one survives at the Swiss Military Museum.

5: Rotabuggy and A-40

Rotabuggy and A-40

In addition to modifications to existing aircraft, the Second World War also saw the conversion of ground-based vehicles into aircraft. The most promising was likely the Rotabuggy, developed by Austrian-born helicopter pioneer Raoul Hafner, consisting of a jeep equipped with an unpowered rotor to allow it to be towed by an aircraft.

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Tests proved encouraging, and in September 1944, following release from an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley tug aircraft, the Rotabuggy flew for ten minutes at 65mph, its flying qualities described as highly satisfactory. However, by this point, transport gliders were already carrying jeeps into battle, removing any pressing need for the Rotabuggy.

5: Rotabuggy and A-40

Rotabuggy and A-40

The Soviet Union went one stage further, deciding that flying tanks behind enemy lines to support partisans or airborne troops would be a splendid idea. Initially, the focus was on designing a large glider to carry a tank, but designer Oleg Antonov thought converting the tank itself into a glider was a better idea.

Therefore, a T-60 light tank was fitted with jettisonable biplane wings and tail. Tested just once in September 1942, the tank glider was successfully flown and driven back to its base after landing. However, the lack of a suitably powerful tug aircraft to pull the heavy tank glider doomed the project.

4: B-25 Gunships

B-25 Gunships

The B-25 was already being used as a versatile medium bomber when a field modification altered it into a terrifically effective gunship and led to it becoming the most heavily armed attack aircraft of the war. This all derived from the work of one man, the appropriately named Major Paul Pappy Gunn.

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Gunn had fitted Douglas A-20s with extra nose guns recovered from wrecked fighters, and these had proved so successful he was asked to convert a squadron of B-25s along similar lines. Modified in Townsville, Australia, with eight forward firing .50 calibre machine guns in the forward fuselage, the modified B-25s were called Commerce Destroyers.

4: B-25 Gunships

B-25 Gunships

At the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, eleven Commerce Destroyers proved utterly deadly against Japanese ships, utilising their insane firepower to strafe before skip-bombing 500-pound bombs into the ships. The muzzle flashes of the nose guns were so intense that Japanese sailors believed the attackers were hit and on fire.

The astonishing success of the extemporised B-25 gunships led directly to the appearance of the factory-built B-25G and H gunships. Featuring a giant 75mm cannon, a modified version of a Sherman tanks main gun, the B-25H backed this up with ten forward-firing .50 calibre machine guns.

3: Mistel

Mistel

Unlike the unfortunate occupant of the Fi 103R, the pilot of the Mistel (Misteltoe) had a decent chance of survival as he was provided with a fully functional fighter to make good his escape. This composite aircraft was an intriguing scheme to utilise obsolete Ju 88 bombers to attack high-value targets.

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Comprising a Bf 109 or Fw 190 mounted on the back of an explosive-laden Ju 88, the Mistel composite would fly directly at the target before the fighter detached to escape, leaving the uncrewed bomber to continue directly into, and hopefully destroy, the target.

3: Mistel

Mistel

Operational Mistels replaced the Ju 88s cockpit with a shaped explosive charge of nearly two tonnes and a prominent detonator. In June 1944, Mistels attacked the invasion fleet at Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, but no damage was caused despite participating pilots reporting hits. It appears that a decoy battleship hulk had successfully lured the attackers.

Mistels were later used to attack bridges in an attempt to halt the Soviet advance into Germany. The effects, however, were negligible and delayed the Red Army only slightly. Ultimately, the Mistel failed due to the absence of a means to steer the bomber component accurately onto its target.

2: North American P-82 Twin Mustang

North American P-82 Twin Mustang

Likely the most extreme aircraft modification to enter production, the Twin Mustang was the result of an almost absurdly logical process to design a longer-ranged fighter than the standard Mustang to escort long-distance B-29 Superfortress raids against Japan. If one Mustang was insufficient, why not combine two?

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Using the experimental XP-51F as a basis, two lengthened Mustang fuselages and outer wings were mated by a new wing centre section and horizontal tail. Each cockpit contained full controls so the pilots could take it in turns to fly the aircraft, reducing fatigue on missions expected to last many hours.

2: North American P-82 Twin Mustang

North American P-82 Twin Mustang

Although it first flew in June 1945, the P-82 saw no wartime service. Performance was, however, sensational, and an early P-51B flew nonstop from Hawaii to New York, a distance of 5051 miles in 14 hours and 32 minutes a distance record for piston-engine fighters that remains unbroken.

Political pressure saw later aircraft fitted with Allison engines rather than Rolls-Royce Merlins, and performance suffered. New jet fighters sidelined the P-82 to the night-fighting role, where its excellent endurance proved invaluable. In June 1950, a Twin Mustang achieved the first US aerial victory of the Korean War.

1: TB-3 and I-16 Zveno

TB-3 and I-16 Zveno

Derived from pre-war experiments with parasite fighters carried aloft by a mothership (the Aviamatka), the Soviet Navys Zveno (Link) composite bomber consisted of a Tupolev TB-3 heavy bomber carrying two manned and bomb-equipped Polikarpov I-16 fighters under its wings.

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The combination allowed the I-16s to be carried to targets much further than they could usually reach, as well as permitting them to deliver heavier bombs than they could usually carry. The vulnerable TB-3 would release the two fighters at a safe distance, and all three would fly home separately.

1: TB-3 and I-16 Zveno

TB-3 and I-16 Zveno

Only six Zveno composites were constructed, but they proved exceptionally successful, as evidenced by their destruction of the King Carol I bridge over the Danube in July 1941. The bridge carried the Ploiesti-Constanta oil pipeline from the oilfield at Ploiesti and was critical for the Axis war effort. Romanian defenders were astounded to see I-16 fighter bombers so far from Soviet territory.

As well as severing the oil pipeline, Zvenos were responsible for destroying a dry dock in Constanta and a bridge across the Dnieper. Around 30 missions were flown in total, but despite considerable success, no further Zveno composites were built, mainly due to TB-3 engine shortages at this early stage of the war. Flying aircraft carriers were a fascinating technology that may one day return.

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In a hopeful turn for wildlife conservation, trail cameras have captured rare footage of North China leopards prowling beyond their protected habitats in Shanxi Province  a promising sign for the future of this once-fragmented population.

Known in China as the "golden coin leopard" due to its distinctive black and gold pattern, the North China leopard has seen its numbers dwindle over the decades due to habitat loss and increased human activity. But thanks to improved biodiversity conservation efforts, as detailed by the Bastille Post, this elusive big cat is staging a quiet but powerful comeback.

The North China leopard is making waves in Shanxi!  With their dazzling "golden coin" spots, 222 of these rare big cats have been caught on camera across 24 sites, striding over 100 km through mountains and villages. A bold comeback for wildlife! #NorthChinaLeopard pic.twitter.com/61Od7ywuEU  BastilleGlobal (@Bastille_Global) May 23, 2025

According to the Shanxi Forestry and Grassland Bureau, trail cameras have recently detected these leopards in 24 out of 35 wildlife monitoring sites across the province  a huge leap from earlier years when sightings were rare and isolated. New footage even shows two male leopards traveling over 60 miles from their core habitat to eastern Heshun County, crossing roads, farmland, and villages along the way.

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"As the population of the North China leopards increases, more leopards will continuously spread from the protected areas to surrounding areas," said Dr. Liu Baozhuang of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration's Feline Research Center.

These sightings aren't just a win for conservationists  they're proof of how smart land and species management can help restore balance to an ecosystem. Larger predators like leopards play a vital role in keeping herbivore populations in check, which can help sustain forest health and support a wider range of plant and animal species. In turn, healthier ecosystems often translate to stronger food systems and cleaner air and water for nearby communities.

What's more, identifying ecological corridors  the paths animals use to safely move between habitats  is becoming a top priority.

"As leopards traverse east to west, they must cross highways and human settlements," said Zhao Ying, a conservation staffer, noting that future efforts will focus on protecting these corridors to reduce conflict with humans.

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And the benefits don't stop there. Monitoring rare species with trail cameras allows scientists to track population growth and movement, offering crucial insights into how recovery efforts are working  and where more support is needed.

"Based on the body patterns of the North China leopards for individual identification, a total of 222 leopards have been identified in Shanxi," shared Wang Yifei, director of wildlife protection for the region. Importantly, nine of these leopards have been seen moving between protected areas, a sign of growing genetic diversity and long-term population health.

The return of this apex predator is a heartening reminder: When we protect nature, it has a remarkable way of healing  and helping us in return.



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President Trumps approval rating reached its lowest point 10 months into his second term and the lowest since he left office in 2021, according to a new survey.

The Gallup poll, released on Friday, shows Trumps approval rating sitting at 36 percent, with 60 percent disapproving of how hes handled the job since returning to the Oval Office in January. The number is one point lower than where it was in July, though the pollster showed the president stable between 40 percent and 41 percent in the months in between.

His lowest Gallup score  34 percent  came following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack at the end of his first term.

Though Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove of Trumps handling of the presidency, approval among Republicans and independents also saw a decline. Since late October, Republicans approval has dropped by seven points to 84 percent, while 25 percent of independents approve of the president, down from 33 percent in October.

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Across a spectrum of issues, Trumps approval varies from the low 40s to the high 30s. He received the highest approval, 43 percent, for his handle on crime. Another 41 percent said they approve of his handling of foreign affairs and 39 percent approve of his trade agenda, the poll found.

The presidents approval rating on immigration and the economy is also low, sitting at 37 percent and 36 percent, respectively. His lowest approval was on health care policy, at 30 percent, according to the survey.

Each of the current ratings is in line with the prior ones, but there has been a significant erosion in approval since February for Trumps handling of immigration (-9 points), the situation in the Middle East (-7 points) and the economy (-6 points), Gallup researchers wrote. Since March, Trumps ratings have declined by double digits on the federal budget (-12 points) and the situation in Ukraine (-10 points).

On his handling of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, Trump garnered 33 percent approval from the respondents. His rating over his response to the war between Russia and Ukraine stands at 31 percent.

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The longest shutdown of the federal government, election losses for the Republican Party and continued concerns about affordability appear to have damaged Trumps standing with the American people in November, especially Republicans and independents, the pollsters noted.

While Trump has reversed course on the Republican messaging on affordability and since called the issue a con job by the Democrats, rising costs were at the forefront of the Nov. 5 elections that saw several Democrats win elected positions across the country.

Trump has escalated his attacks on the press as polls show a decline in support. Earlier this month, the president told an ABC News reporter Quiet, piggy while she asked about the Justice Departments impending release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Following the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, he repeatedly called a female reporter a stupid person when asked about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBIs previous vetting of an Afghan man, who now faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the shooting.

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Gallup noted that the combined effect of Republican losses in the 2025 elections and Trumps declining approval rating could be a sign of trouble for Republicans in next years midterm elections, when the GOP will try to maintain full control of the federal government.

The survey was conducted Nov. 3-25 and included 1,321 respondents. The margin of error is 4 percentage points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Donald Trump attacked another female reporter on Thursday after she asked him about the vetting of the suspect in a Washington, D.C., shooting that killed a National Guardsman, calling her a stupid person.

CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes questioned Trump about reports that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged gunman who entered the U.S. as part of a Biden-era program for Afghan refugees who fled the nation in 2021, was vetted before he allegedly shot at the National Guardsmen on Wednesday.

Reports indicated that Lakanwal was vetted either through his time working with the CIA in Afghanistan, during the removal process from Afghanistan or during his 2024 asylum application, which the Trump administration approved earlier this year.

Cordes, therefore, asked Trump why he blamed the Biden administration if U.S. officials confirmed vetting of the refugees took place. Trump didnt enjoy the line of questioning.

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Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person? Trump asked. Because they came into on a plane along with 1000s of other people that shouldnt be here, and youre just asking questions because youre a stupid person. And we  theres a law passed that its almost impossible not to get to get them out. You cant get them out once they come in. And they came in and they were unvetted. They were unchecked. There were many of them, and they came on big planes, and it was disgraceful.

CBS News did not respond to an immediate request for comment.

"They let him in. Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?You're just asking questions because you're a stupid person."



Exchange between reporter and President Trump on vetting of National Guardsmen shooting suspect. pic.twitter.com/QK5xLJ60sP  CSPAN (@cspan) November 28, 2025

The attack was the latest in a series of swipes at female reporters. Trump on Wednesday described a New York Times reporter as ugly, inside and out over a reported story on his age. He also called a Bloomberg News reporter a piggy and an ABC News reporter a terrible person for her questioning of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Lakanwal will be charged with three counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed and criminal possession of a weapon over the shooting, officials said Thursday, though the charges will likely be escalated to first-degree murder after the death of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.

The post Trump Calls CBS News Correspondent Stupid Person in 4th Attack on Female Reporters in 2 Weeks appeared first on TheWrap.
Donald Trumps hateful, falsehood-filled rant on Thursday blaming immigrants for crime, social dysfunction and economic hardship is refuted by a wide range of immigration statistics, which show clearly that immigrants dramatically bolster the US economy and commit crimes at far lower rates than people born in the US.

On Thursday evening, Trump condemned immigrants in a broad and vicious invective, painting them as illegal and disruptive populations and attacking those that hate, steal, murder and destroy everything that America stands for. He vowed to block all migration from third world countries to allow the US system to fully recover.

The presidents post follows a deadly shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday in which one National Guard member was injured and another killed by a 29-year old Afghan national who assisted the US military effort in Afghanistan and was evacuated to the US after the American military withdrew.

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The shooting has sparked even more anti-immigration rhetoric from Trumps administration, which has indicated it will further intensify its crackdown on immigrant communities - already a focal point of fierce opposition from civil rights groups, Democratic lawmakers and the public.

Since the shooting took place, Trump has vowed to conduct a comprehensive review of asylum cases and green cards issued to people from certain countries.

The unprecedented post from a US president  spiteful even by Trumps standards contradicted extensive research showing irrefutably that immigrants to the US commit fewer crimes than people born there, and have done so for more than a century.

Despite Trumps post, in which he claims incorrectly that 53 million people in the US  most of which are on welfare, from failed nations, or from prisons, mental institutions, gangs, or drug cartels  are contributing to high crime, economists have found that the immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated compared to individuals born in the US. This trend has remained consistent for the past 150 years.

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Moreover, as immigration rates have risen in the past few decades, crime rates across the country have fallen dramatically. According to an analysis by the American Immigration Council (AIC), the immigrant share of the US population has more than doubled since 1980, rising from 6.2% in that year to 13.9% in 2022. During the same period, the overall crime rate dropped by 60.4%, from 5,900 crimes per 100,000 people to 2,335. This includes a 34.5% decrease in violent crime and a 63.3% reduction in property crime.

In his post, Trump also claimed that immigrants and their children are supported through massive payments from patriotic American citizens who  put up with what has happened to our country, but its eating them alive to do so.

A migrant earning $30,000 with a green card will get roughly $50,000 in yearly benefits for their family, Trump added.

Related: Immigrants with no criminal record now largest group in Ice detention

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His claim is flatly contradicted by data showing that immigrants are significant contributors to the US economy. In 2023, undocumented immigrant households contributed $89.8bn in federal, state and local taxes, while holding $299bn in spending power, according to the AIC.

The organization also found that the vast majority of immigrants are not dependent on state governments to guarantee housing. Instead, in 2023, immigrant households paid more than $167bn in rent in the housing market and held over $6.6tn in housing wealth.

Trump, who also asserted that this refugee burden is the leading cause of social dysfunction in America, singled out with particular malice what he described as hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia [who] are taking over the once great state of Minnesota.

Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for prey, the US president said.

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He added, with open racism, that Ilhan Omar  a member of Congress from Minnesota  was always wrapped in her swaddling hijab and suggested she had married her brother.

Home to the largest Somali population in the US, many of whom arrived as refugees fleeing famine and civil war, Minnesota was labelled a sanctuary jurisdiction by the justice department in August . According to the department, this designation applies to states, cities or counties with laws that hinder the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

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Trump has previously accused immigrants of poisoning the blood of our country, but despite repeatedly claiming that his immigration raids are targeting criminals across the country, a new study from the Cato Institute found that 73% of people detained by ICE have no convictions.

It also found that nearly half had no criminal conviction nor even any pending criminal charges and that only 5% had a violent criminal conviction.
The current president also threatened Biden with charges of perjury if he says he was involved in the autopen process.

US President Donald Trump said he has canceled all executive orders or documents signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, with an autopen, in an announcement on Truth Social on Friday.

Trump claimed that Biden signed 92% of his executive orders with an autopen, which is "a device that mechanically reproduces a person's signature," according to Merriam-Webster.

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"The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States," Trump wrote.

He then added that the previous president "was not involved in the Autopen process," and that those who operated the Autopen did so illegally.

The current president also threatened to charge Biden with perjury if Biden says he was involved with the issue.

Trump added that US officials who circled the previous president during his time in the Oval Office "took the Presidency away from him" while using an autopen.

Former US President Joe Biden attends a ceremony, at Veterans Memorial Park, in New Castle, Delaware, U.S. May 30, 2025. (credit: KEN CEDENO/REUTERS)

Previous accusations of Biden's usage of autopen

Trump initially said in March that presidential pardons issued by Biden are "void, vacant, and of no further force or effect," referencing the autopen and claiming that it was used to sign these pardons. Biden pardoned members of the US House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riots at the US Capitol during his administration.

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The US leader accused Biden of not even knowing about the pardons.

In September, Trump introduced a Presidential Walk of Fame in the White House's West Wing, where all the portraits of US presidents were hung in chronological order, with the notable exception of Biden's portrait, which was replaced by a photo of an autopen signature.
Donald Trump has said that he will pardon the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking charges in a US court last year.

The US president said Hernandez had been "treated very harshly and unfairly" in a social media post announcing the move on Friday.

Hernandez was found guilty in March 2024 of conspiring to import cocaine into the US, and of possessing machine guns. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

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Trump also threw his support behind conservative presidential candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura in the Central American nation's general election, due to be held on Sunday.

Hernandez, a member of the National Party, who served as Honduras's president from 2014 to 2022, was extradited to the US in April 2022 to stand trial for running a violent drug trafficking conspiracy and helping to smuggle hundreds of tons of cocaine to the US.

During his trial, prosecutors in New York said Hernandez ran the Central American country like a "narco-state" and accepted millions of dollars in bribes from drug traffickers to shield them from the law.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of $8m (6m) as part of his sentence.

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Polls indicate this year's Honduran election remains a toss-up between three candidates including Asfura, the former mayor of Tegucigalpa and leader of the conservative National Party.

Also in the running is Rixi Moncada, a former defence minister standing for the ruling left-wing Libre Party, and Salvador Nasralla, a television host with the centrist Liberal Party.

Trump criticised Moncada and Nasralla on Friday, writing that the latter was "a boderline Communist" who was only running to split the vote between Moncada and Asfura.

He characterised Asfura as "standing up for democracy" and praised him for campaigning against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, with whom Trump has engaged in a war of words in recent months.

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Nasralla has pledged to cut ties with Venezuela if he wins.

Moncada used a news conference on Saturday to accuse Trump of "interventionist" meddling after his endorsement of Asfura and his plans to pardon Hernandez.

The Trump administration has accused the left-wing Maduro - whose re-election last year was dismissed as illegitimate by many countries - of being the leader of a drugs cartel.

It used countering drug trafficking as a justification for a military build-up in the Caribbean and has conducted strikes on vessels it says have been used for smuggling - though some analysts have described these moves as a means of pressuring Latin American leaders.

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Honduras has been governed since 2022 by President Xiomara Castro, who has forged close ties with Cuba and Venezuela.

But Castro has maintained a co-operative relationship with the US, agreeing to preserve a long-running extradition treaty with it. Her country also hosts a US military base involved in targeting transnational organised crime in the region.

More than 80 people have been killed in the US strikes on vessels suspected of being involved in the transport of narcotics since they began in August.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said the aim of "Operation Southern Spear" was to eliminate "narcoterrorists".

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But legal experts have questioned the legality of the strikes, pointing out that the US has provided no evidence that the boats it has targeted were carrying drugs.
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Saturday morning warned that airspace over and around Venezuela is "closed in its entirety" as he mulls whether to strike the country amid a U.S. military build-up off its shore.

The move comes after massing naval vessels in the Caribbean, including the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group, and for weeks blowing boats out of the water that are allegedly being used for trafficking drugs.

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump said in a post on Truth Social early Saturday.

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Trump, who spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by phone this week, does not have the legal authority to close Venezuelan airspace but the announcement is sometimes made before airstrikes are launched in military campaigns.

President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, pictured Tuesday during ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of Venezuelan independence, spoke by telephone with U.S. President Donald Trump this week as the U.S. continues to military pressure campaign against the country. Photo by Venezuelan President Office /UPI

The Trump administration has been deploying naval assets to the international waters near Venezuela and for months has been attacking alleged drug boats, killing at least 80 people, as more than a dozen warships and roughly 15,000 troops arrived in the region in recent months.

Over the course of the year, the administration has named named eight alleged Venezuelan drug cartels as terrorist organizations and designated them as global terrorists, with the most recent, Cartel de Los Soles, added to the list earlier this month.

The U.S. Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes the flagship USS Gerald R. Ford, has been deployed in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. Photo by PO3 Tajh Payne/U.S. Navy/UPI

Trump earlier this year authorized the CIA to operate inside Venezuela and has for weeks been considering whether to act militarily against the country, as opposed to the U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats that have occurred in international waters.

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Ahead of Trump's post on Saturday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration had also warned pilots to be cautious when flying in Venezuelan airspace because of heightened military activity near the country.

Although the Truth Social post did not include details beyond closing Venezuela's airspace, Trump did warn on Thursday that the U.S. could move toward expanding its operation in the area.
Donald Trump isnt just content this week with personally demeaning female journalists, POTUS has now decided to make his war on the so-called enemy of the people online official with a new White House website page.

Amidst the tragic shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in DC on November 26 and a flurry of Truth Social posts and more attacks on Joe Bidens legacy Friday from the ex-Apprentice host, the Executive Branch launched a digital pummeling of the Media Offender of the Week. Promising to chronicle a record of the medias false and misleading stories

flagged by The White House, the page also offers a detailed Hall of Shame going back months. It also urges vistors to Scroll for the Truth.

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Somewhat surprisingly, the newly minted mouthpiece slams the David Ellison-owned and now Bari Weiss-run CBS News over its coverage of Trumps reaction to ex-Navy pilot Sen Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and five other members of Congress for their video this week for urging troops to disobey illegal orders and remember their oath to the Constitution. Trump went online to accuse Kelly and the others of SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH. He also reposted another Truth Social comment that proclaimed, HANG THEM, among other critiques.

With the Boston Globe and the UK broadsheet The Independent joining CBS News at the top of the Media Offenders page, the traditionally PR pugilistic White House lists the Offense as: The media misrepresented President Trumps call for Members of Congress to be held accountable for inciting sedition by saying that he called for their execution.'

Sidestepping the execution part of the story, one of the National Guard deploying White Houses talking points is President Trump has never issued an illegal order. The Fake News knew that, but ran with the story anyway.

As anyone who has been alive the past 40 years knows, Trump has made a career out of attacking the media a.k.a. fake news, so nothing new in that.

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However, announced on the White House social feeds and by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt today, the scope and depth here is something different.

Listing literally dozens of TV segments, newspaper and online articles that rubbed the White House the wrong way, the site also features a Hall of Shame quartet and leaderboard.

Both spotlight the Washington Post, owned by Trump ring kisser Jeff Bezos, along with the perhaps soon to be David Ellison-owned Warner Bros Discoverys CNN, and the Comcast-owned MSNBC (which has actually been known as MS Now since November 15 as it heads into full-spin off mode). Among the trio of offenders this week, Ellisons CBS News also makes the legacy list.

CBS News WaPo, CNN and MSNBC are obviously on the leaderboard, followed by the Trump sued New York Times, Politico and the Rupert Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal. Trump may be suing the WSJ for $15 billion over its coverage connect him and deceased pedophile (and Trump 1990s party pal) Jeffrey Epstein, but, unlike the $1  5 billion lawsuit threatened BBC, Fox News doesnt seem to be found anywhere on the Media Offenders list(s).

Going full power point, the White House triples down with a word cloud of sorts re-listing some alleged offenders. Repeatedly attacked late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert escape retribution by genre in this round, but Team Trump tosses a few other outlets in there too  even some MAGA friendly ones.

The White House did not respond this post-Thanksgiving Friday to Deadlines request for comment on the new Media Offenders web page. Reps for CBS News also did not get back to us over their placement on the inaugural Media Offenders list. Though Trump and his MAGA gang have brawled with CBS News frequently in the past, since Ellison officially took over parent company Paramount this past summer, POTUS has spoke highly of the House of Cronkite.

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Just this month, in his first 60 Minutes sit-down since he was paid out $16 million over a pretty thin lawsuit over a pre-Election 2024 interview with Kamala Harris, Trump called Free Press founder and newly anointed CBS News Editor-in-chief Weiss s a great person. Having referred to David Ellison and his father/second richest man in the world Larry Ellison as friends and supporters, Trump called the Paramount purchase and new leadership at CBS News the greatest thing thats happened in a long time to a free and open and good press.

CBS News, Ellison and Weiss may not be feeling that love so much tonight.

Then again, with Trump putting up a TRUMPLICANS! proclaiming AI image of a 2028 campaign poster today too, the Constitution may not be feeling the love either:

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President Donald Trump continues to see his approval rating drop  with a new Gallup poll registering the lowest of his second term.

In a Gallup poll conducted from Nov. 3-25, 36% approved of Trump's job performance, down from 41% in October. That approaches Trump's lowest-ever approval rating of 34% in 2021, near the end of his first term after the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot, according to Gallup. Trump's previous low approval rating during his second term, Gallup says, was 37% in July.

Trump's approval rating fell among Republicans and Independents, as well as Democrats. Republicans rating is the lowest of Trumps second term (84%) down from 91%. With Independents, Trump's approval rating fell to 25%, down from 33% in October. Democrats gave Trump an approval rating of 3%, down from 6% the previous month.

What 2026 means for 2028: Why JD Vance cares a lot about the midterms

Trump approval ratings down, disapproval ratings up in Gallup poll

After months of relatively stable approval ratings, Trump has seen his ratings drop over the last month or so. It reached a new low of 42.3% on Nov. 14 in the RealClearPolitics Poll Average, as the 43-day government shutdown ended and the controversy on Jeffrey Epstein's emails heated up. Trump's approval rating is currently 42.7% on RealClearPolitics Poll Average.

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The New York Times poll aggregator showed Trump's approval has fallen to a low of 41% during his second term, down from 52% approval in January.

Trump's disapproval rating has also risen to 60%, up from 54% in October. The decline in approval comes amid continued concern about high prices, while the Trump administration continues to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities and, on the international front, plans a heightened military operation against Venezuela drug traffickers and is pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace agreement.

The Gallup poll was completed the day before two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in a "targeted" ambush while on duty in Washington, D.C. Sarah Beckstrom, an Army Specialist from Summersville, West Virginia, died from her wounds on Nov. 27.

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he participates in a call with service members on Thanksgiving, in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 27, 2025.

Trump's administration approval ratings on economy, Ukraine decline

Since March, Trumps approval ratings have fallen by 12 points on the federal budget and 10 points on the situation in Ukraine, according to Gallup. Trump's handling of immigration has fallen 9 points since February, according to Gallup. Also down: the administration's handling of the situation in the Middle East and the economy, down 7 and 6 points, respectively, since February.

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The poll numbers suggest MAGA voters may be rethinking their support for Trump. Republican Gray Holland voted for Trump in the last presidential election, but said hes "not a big fan" of the president anymore.

He cited continued high costs as one of the chief reasons, but he also noted financial aid for Israel and the failure to fully release the investigative files associated with convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein as his reasons.

We need to focus on America first and what we have going on our own turf  that's what Trump campaigned on, and I haven't seen too much of it, Holland, a 24-year-old sales rep from Birmingham, Alabama told USA TODAY in an interview.

But some Trump supporters are cutting the president some slack. Justin Fernandez, a registered Democrat, said he tends to vote in a more conservative direction and supported Trump in all three presidential elections. "I don't agree with everything he does, and I don't like him acting like a high school kid online, but overall he's had the best ideas, and he's willing to try different things," the 66-year-old Ohio writer said in an interview.

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"And, you know, every president fails and succeeds in some ways," Fernandez said.

Contributing: Kinsey Crowley

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump's approval rating hits new second-term low point
Tunisian police have arrested prominent opposition figure Chaima Issa at a protest in the capital Tunis on Saturday, lawyers said.

The protest came after an appeals court on Friday handed jail terms of up to 45 years to opposition leaders, businessmen and lawyers on charges of conspiracy to overthrow President Kais Saied. Issa was handed a 20-year sentence during the trial.

They will arrest me shortly, Issa had told the Reuters news agency moments before her arrest.

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I say to the Tunisians, continue to protest and reject tyranny. We are sacrificing our freedom for you.

She described the charges as unjust and politically motivated.

Police are also widely expected to arrest Najib Chebbi, the head of the opposition National Salvation Front, the main opposition coalition challenging Saied.

He received a 12-year prison sentence, and opposition figure Ayachi Hammami received a five-year sentence.

Human Rights Watch on Friday described the trial as a travesty of justice, saying it was political, unfair, and without the slightest evidence against the defendants.

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In a statement to the AFP news agency, the US-based rights group condemned the shameless instrumentalisation of the judiciary to eliminate Saieds opponents.

Meanwhile, UK-based rights group Amnesty International said the ruling was an appalling indictment of the Tunisian justice system, condemning a relentless campaign to erode rights and silence dissent in Tunisia.

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 fake news law enacted that same year.

Saied says his actions are legal and aimed at ending years of chaos and rampant corruption.
NEED TO KNOW

The escape occurred this week at the Maison darret de Dijon

The inmates are 19 and 32 and were being held in separate violent-crime cases

Staff and unions said they had warned for months about saw blades and a potential breakout amid overcrowding and underfunding

Two inmates in France escaped custody after allegedly sawing through the bars of their cells and using bed sheets to get out of the building before dawn, according to multiple news reports.

The escape occurred this week at the Maison darret de Dijon, the main detention facility in the eastern French city of Dijon, according to AFP, La Depeche and Le Dauphine Libere.

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AFP reports that prosecutor Olivier Caracotch said the pair seem to have sawn through bars and fled using bed sheets, according to a translation.

The detention facility, which dates to 1853, is overcrowded and in poor condition, holding 311 inmates in space intended for 180, according to the French justice ministry.

The fugitives are a 19-year-old who has been in pre-trial detention since October 2024 for an attempted murder in a drug-related case and a 32-year-old incarcerated since 2023 over alleged threats and violence against a partner, CBS News and AFP reported.

KONRAD K/SIPA/Shutterstock The prison in Dijon, France The prison in Dijon, France

A union official, Ahmed Saih, said the inmates used old-fashioned, manual saw blades.

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Staff had previously found saw blades inside the facility and had been warning about the risk of a jail break for months, calling for more staffing and for gratings that cannot be sawn through, Saih said.

"Prison is very hard here," an inmate released on Thursday, Nov. 27, after eight months told AFP. "There were three of us in a cell: two on bunk beds and one sleeping on the floor."

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The escape came 10 days after another reported breakout in the city of Rennes.

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In that case, a 37-year-old convict with more than a year left to serve for theft fled during an outing to a planetarium. It was not immediately clear if he had been caught; Frances justice minister, Gerald Darmanin, fired the prison director, according to CBS and AFP.

Three prison directors unions issued a statement one day before the Dijon escape criticizing Darmanin for devoting all the resources of a debt-ridden state to high-security units meant for narcotics and terrorists while neglecting the vast majority of other jails.

Read the original article on People
A gunman opened fire Wednesday on two National Guard soldiers just blocks from the White House, critically wounding members of a force brought to Washington as part of President Donald Trumps deployment of troops to American cities to fight crime.

The two members of the West Virginia National Guard were on an afternoon patrol when they were shot in what Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called a targeted" attack.

Trump called the attack "an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror" in taped remarks later Wednesday.

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"It was a crime against our entire nation," he said.

The gunman, whose name was not released, came to the U.S. as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2021, the president said.

West Virginian Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said both soldiers were killed but he walked that back in a statement later. Bowser and FBI Director Kash Patel told a news conference that the men were critically wounded.

The suspect is 29 years old, according to media reports, and the motive is unknown. Trump said he came to the U.S. under the mass evacuation of refugees as U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban retook control of the country  and he faulted the Biden administration for inadequate security vetting.

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"This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation," he said. He called for a reexamination of every Afghan refugee who came into the country under the previous administration.

Jeff Carroll, a D.C. police official, told reporters that the gunman "ambushed" the guard members before he was shot and taken to a hospital. He said there are no other suspects at this time.

Bowser said that she had briefed Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro on the incident.



Morrisey initially wrote on social media that he confirmed the two troops died from their injuries. Twenty minutes later, he retracted that information in a new statement, saying he was receiving conflicting reports about the condition of the troops and would provide further updates once he had more information.

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National Guard troops have been in Washington since August, when Trump deployed them to the city as part of his crackdown on street crime and a ramp-up of immigration enforcement. In addition to the deployment of the D.C. Guard, several red states  including West Virginia  also sent troops to the nations capital to assist with the deployment.

Shortly after the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Trump had instructed him to deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington.

This happened just steps away from the White House. It will not stand, Hegseth told reporters. And thats why President Trump has asked me ... to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful.

Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler said in a statement the Army received the request and will rapidly execute.

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Three gunshot victims had been transported to area trauma centers, D.C. Fire and EMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo said. Trump wrote on social media that the suspect was also severely wounded and would pay a very steep price," ideas he echoed later in his taped remarks.



God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People, Trump wrote. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!

The White House was locked down as reports of the shooting flooded in, but later reopened. Trump was in Florida at the time.

The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The President has been briefed.

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Cheyanne M. Daniels, Faith Wardwell and Jack Detsch contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report said two National Guard troops were killed after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he confirmed their deaths, but Morrisey later said he was receiving conflicting information.
A military member is behind bars on 18 felony charges after recently being extradited to Virginia, according to the Staunton Police Department.

Jeziel E. Marinnavarrete, 21, of San Bernardino, California, is being held at Middle River Regional Jail after being extradited Nov. 19 with the assistance of the United States Marshals Capital Area Fugitive Task Force, police said in a press release said.

Police said Marinnavarrete is a U.S Marine.

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Marinnavarrete, originally from New York City, court records show, is facing eight charges of possessing child pornography and eight charges of producing child pornography, along with single charges of taking indecent liberties with a child and carnal knowledge of a child between 13 and 15 years old, police said.

The Staunton grand jury indicted Marinnavarrete on Oct. 18. Court records list the alleged offense dates as taking place in early October.

Marinnavarrete is being held without bond, police said.

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More: Small Business Saturday, Santa and holiday events in downtown Staunton

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More: Waynesboro man caught with meth in county gets 13-year prison term

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: U.S. Marine extradited from California to face charges in Staunton
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U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Richmond, announced on Saturday that he wont seek reelection to his Houston-area district, becoming the sixth Republican in Texas congressional delegation to announce his retirement this cycle.

Shortly after Nehls revealed his decision, his twin brother, Trever Nehls, announced his bid for the House seat, vowing to follow in Troys footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump.

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Trever Nehls, a former Fort Bend County constable, previously ran to succeed his brother as sheriff of the county, losing a tight race in 2020 as Troy Nehls was elected to Congress. He was also narrowly defeated in his run for Fort Bend County judge in 2022.

Troy Nehls, 57, is in his third term representing Texas 22nd Congressional District, centered in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. The heavily Republican district also includes parts of Harris, Matagorda and Wharton counties, running to the Gulf Coast southwest of Houston.

Nehls, a fervent supporter of President Donald Trump, said in a news release that he called Trump before announcing his retirement to personally let him know of my plans.

President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first, he said.

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Nehls announcement comes nine days before the Dec. 8 deadline for candidates to file for a place on the 2026 primary ballot, leaving a short window for potential successors to jump into the race. It also comes as the makeup of Texas 38 congressional districts remains in limbo, after a panel of federal judges blocked the state from using a new map gerrymandered to give Republicans up to five additional seats.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on Texas request to use the new map while the court battle over its legality plays out. Under the new lines, Nehls 22nd District would retain about two-thirds of its current residents, dropping Matagorda and Wharton counties and adding more residents from Harris County.

Nehls joins a list of five other Republicans from Texas who had already announced they wont seek reelection in 2026. Two  U.S. Reps. Wesley Hunt of Houston and Chip Roy of Austin  are seeking other offices, while the other three  U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington of Lubbock, Morgan Luttrell of Magnolia and Michael McCaul of Austin  have yet to announce future plans.

Earlier this month, Nehls joined with the rest of Texas GOP congressional delegation in voting to require the Justice Department to publish its files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffery Epstein, days after he advocated for concealing them. The change came shortly after Trump encouraged Republicans to vote to release the files.

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If Donald Trump says Jump three feet high and scratch your heads, we all jump three feet high and scratch our heads, Nehls told reporters last November.

Before joining Congress, Nehls spent nearly 30 years in various law enforcement roles  including two terms as Fort Bend County sheriff  and served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life, Nehls said. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.

Nehls serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, under which he chairs the Subcommittee on Aviation. He is also on subcommittees overseeing crime and federal government surveillance and highways and transit. He also was initially picked for the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, but did not ultimately serve on the panel.
Panel also expresses concern over treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank, citing both increased settler violence and use of administrative detention.

The UN Committee against Torture condemned what it said was a disproportionate response by Israel to Hamass October 7 attacks on Friday, saying the policies Israel has since implemented could amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading living conditions for Palestinians in Gaza.

While it condemned the attacks by Hamas, the committee stated it was deeply concerned about reports indicating a de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment.

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The war was kick-started between Israel and Hamas when the Palestinian terrorists invaded southern Israel on October 7, and murdered more than 1200 people, including children, women, and foreign nationals. In addition to the widespread use of murder and sexual violence, terror groups abducted 250 people to Gaza, including children.

Responding to the reports of mistreatment of Palestinians, the committee said it urged Israel to establish an independent, impartial, and effective ad hoc investigatory commission to review and investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment committed during the current armed conflict, prosecute those responsible, including superior officers, and ensure the immediate entry of necessary humanitarian aid and aid workers into Gaza.

New field hospital treating Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. (credit: COGAT)

Israel's alleged mistreatment of Palestinians in Gaza, West Bank

The alleged mistreatment reports included accounts of Israel depriving Palestinians of food and water, severe beatings, attacks by dogs, electrocution, waterboarding, and sexual violence. Some Palestinian prisoners are allegedly permanently shackled, denied access to a toilet, and forced to wear diapers.

Rights group claims that at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since October 2023, alleging claims of torture and medical neglect.

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The Physicians for Human Rights Israel group said that at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since October 2023, alleging torture and medical neglect.

Humanitarian aid has been allowed into the Gaza Strip, and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced on Friday that Israel had facilitated the establishment of a new field hospital to treat Palestinian civilians.

Beyond issues relating to the Israel-Hamas War, the committee also expressed concern over the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank, citing both increased settler violence and the use of administrative detention against terror suspects.

The committee underscored its serious concern that the state party continues to lack a distinct offense criminalizing torture and that its legislation allows public officials to be exempted from criminal culpability under the so-called necessity defense when unlawful physical pressure is applied during interrogations, the committee wrote while also noting a lack of clarity around when such actions would be permitted.

Consequently, the committee urged Israel to enact a distinct criminal offense of torture that incorporates a definition consistent with the convention, to provide information on the exact nature of the special means employed, and to ensure that no exceptional circumstances are invoked to justify torture or ill-treatment.
The United States Air Force is the world's leader in flying highly advanced fighter jets, having pioneered much of today's technology. While there are literally thousands of jets in the Air Force's inventory, the one that is operated the most isn't the F-35 Lightning II or the comparably advanced F-22 Raptor; it's the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter that's impressive in a number of ways, and according to pilots, it's the most fun fighter jet to fly.

Of course, that's not what makes the F-16 the Air Force's go-to fighter for a variety of operations, and it's not why it outnumbers every other fighter in the inventory. The F-16's performance has made it one of the most successful combat aircraft ever fielded. Since it first went into service in 1979, F-16s of various types have achieved a kill ratio of 76:1, having successfully shot down 76 airborne threats while losing only one aircraft. That's a statistic that makes it hard to retire the 4th-generation fighter.

F-16s are produced by Lockheed Martin out of Greenville, South Carolina, and the company touts it as the most advanced 4th-generation fighter in the world. That's not a hyperbolic claim either, as the F-16 has been upgraded and modified numerous times throughout its service life. As a result, it remains an agile killer, capable of taking the fight to the enemy anywhere in the world, and that's also why it's the most widely used fighter jet in the Air Force.

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Read more: 11 Of The Most Iconic Ground Attack Military Planes In History

Why the Air Force continues to rely on a fighter that's almost 50 years old

A wing of F-16s flying over the Iraqi desert as oil wells burn - U.S. Air Force/Wikimedia Commons

As of this writing, the U.S. Air Force maintains a force of around 840 F-16s of various models. That's more aircraft than most countries have in their entire air force, but for the United States, it's merely the most numerous fighter in the inventory. Since the aircraft entered production in the 1970s, over 4,550 F-16s have been built and operated by the United States and its allies, amounting to 28 total countries. Several nations have licenses to produce their own, so production isn't limited to South Carolina.

The reason the F-16 has such a broad appeal is that it's reliable, capable of numerous roles, and adaptable to a variety of flight conditions. The current model, the F-16V Block 70/72, is the most advanced version ever produced. It features Northrop Grumman's advanced APG-83 AESA radar, providing situational awareness throughout the battlespace. It's also outfitted with a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 or General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engine.

These enable the aircraft to reach Mach 2 (1,535 mph) and a range of 2,002 miles. In terms of armament, an F-16 can carry a large variety of rockets, missiles, and bombs alongside its 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon from previous models. These include various ranges of air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, laser-guided bombs, and more. All of these specifications and capabilities ensure the F-16 will continue operating for a long time, as it's easily one of the best fighters in the inventory.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
Japan's recent deployment of missiles on Yonaguni, an island only 110km (70 miles) away from Taiwan, comes amid rising tensions with Beijing and follows a steady build-up of supplies and equipment in the region by its main ally, the United States, in the past three months.

Yonaguni is the westernmost island in the Ryukyu chain, which would be a key strategic location in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.

The Japanese military has already spent years planning operations based on this precise scenario and although specific details have never been officially disclosed, past joint US-Japan exercises can help shed some light on their likely operational plan.

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Earlier this month, Sanae Takaichi became the first Japanese prime minister to explicitly state that any use of force by mainland China against Taiwan could be a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, hinting that the country's military could intervene.

Her comments triggered the ongoing diplomatic row with Beijing, which regards the remarks as interference in its internal affairs and has demanded she retract them.

However, reports that the Japanese and US military were drafting a joint operational plan for a crisis in the Taiwan Strait first emerged in 2021, with media reports saying this would include the establishment of temporary offensive bases in the Ryukyu chain.

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In the past two years, the frequency and scale of joint training exercises between the US and Japan have expanded significantly with a greater focus on specific scenarios.

The clearest hint about US-Japanese contingency plans came from the Keen Edge joint exercise in February 2024, details of which were revealed by Sankei News in April this year.

The exercise highlighted a number of problems in areas such as operations and logistics. Although these were never officially acknowledged, subsequent exercises and changes to the command structure appear to have been designed to address these.

The Keen Edge 2024 scenario involved the People's Liberation Army attacking Taiwan and launching missile strikes on two US bases in mainland Japan, the naval base in Sasebo in Nagasaki and the Iwakuni airbase in Yamaguchi.

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The exercise also had the premise that a small group of PLA forces had landed on Yonaguni.

Tokyo did not classify this as a "direct attack on Japan", which would allow it to exercise its right to self-defence under the post-war pacifist constitution that sets strict limits on when its forces can be deployed.

But Tokyo decided it would qualify as a "survival-threatening situation" in which the Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF) were authorised to use force under their right to collective self-defence.

This is a concept under international law that allows other states to come to the aid of one that has been attacked.

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Legislation introduced in 2014 allows it to interpret the constitution so that "an armed attack against a foreign country with which Japan has close ties" or which "threatens the very existence of Japan" would allow Tokyo to invoke this right to collective self-defence.

During the exercise, the US military asked Japan to attack a PLA amphibious assault fleet navigating the Taiwan Strait using its fighter jets to launch anti-ship missiles.

There was an internal debate within the Japanese forces regarding targets. Some commanders argued the priority should be sinking aircraft carriers, but the decision was made to target transport ships instead.

To retake Yonaguni, the Japanese ground forces dispatched reinforcement units to assemble in Kyushu, the southwesternmost of Japan's home islands, but a critical logistical bottleneck emerged.

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Ground forces' transport aircraft were supposed to carry the troops while air SDF fighter jets were to conduct combat sorties, but this led to conflicts over who got priority to use the runways at some airbases and exposed gaps in joint operational planning.

Sankei did not report whether a solution to the runway conflict was reached or what the outcome of the simulated battle was.

The operation also presupposed the existence of a joint operations command, although this was only officially established in March this year to ensure better coordination between the various wings of the Japanese SDF and serve as the contact point with the US Indo-Pacific Command.

In the same month, the Japanese forces created a new Maritime Transport Group across its services to enable more rapid and reliable logistics.

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The construction of a new airbase on Mageshima Island has also been accelerated. Featuring a 2,000-metre (6,510 feet) runway, the facility is designed to support air traffic across the Ryukyu chain and will also host US Navy field carrier landing practice.

The Ryukyus, an arc of more than 150 islands stretching more than 1,000km (600 miles) between Kyushu and Taiwan, are at the heart of the ongoing military build-up.

Since Keen Edge 2024, there have been various follow-up exercises focused on the island chain that addressed more specific issues.

For instance, the Iron Fist 2024 and 2025 exercises between the US Marine Corps and Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade focused on rehearsing amphibious warfare tactics to recapture remote islands.

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The Japanese amphibious brigade was established in 2018 and is specifically tasked with retaking islands through rapid manoeuvres and amphibious operations, prompting frequent comparisons with a marine corps. It was expanded in 2024 with the addition of a third regiment.

The 2025 edition of Iron Fist was double the scale of the previous year's exercise and involved 4,000 personnel from both sides.

A naval helicopter airlifted amphibious brigade troops from a transport ship to an "enemy" camp on "occupied" Okinoerabu Island to launch an attack, while Japanese and US amphibious landing ships carried additional forces to the beachhead, local media reported.

The Resolute Dragon 2024 and 2025 exercises also focused on the chain. This year's exercise saw the US deploying its Typhon missile launcher in Japan for the first time, triggering protests from Beijing.

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The Typhon system can launch SM-6 air-defence missiles and Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles capable of hitting the Chinese mainland if launched from Iwakuni, where the system was based during the exercise.

One of the largest biennial joint exercises was Keen Sword 2025, which Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting described as a probable rehearsal of the US-Japan joint operational plan for a Taiwan Strait conflict.

US Marines pictured with missile systems deployed on Ishigaki in September during Exercise Resolute Dragon. Photo: Kyodo alt=US Marines pictured with missile systems deployed on Ishigaki in September during Exercise Resolute Dragon. Photo: Kyodo>

It involved roughly 45,000 personnel from both countries, along with personnel from Canada and Australia, and saw the US station Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) units on Ishigaki island, around 270km east of Taiwan.

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Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting reported that under the joint plan suggested by the exercise, more missiles and Himars were likely to be deployed to the island chain and the Philippines to build a blockade line to contain PLA naval movements.

The Japanese forces would be expected to focus on rear support, providing essential logistics such as ammunition and fuel.

Meanwhile, Japan has been building up its defences along the Ryukyu chain. According to the 2025 Japanese Defence White Paper, surface-to-ship and surface-to-air missiles have been deployed on Amami Island, along with an electronic warfare regiment.

Air SDF squadrons along with new naval anti-ship and electronic warfare units have been deployed on Okinawa, the chain's main island where there is a heavy US military presence.

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The US Marine Corps also established a specialised littoral combat regiment on the island in 2023.

Missile units have also been established on other islands, including Miyako and Ishigaki, along with a variety of other units.

The recent missile deployment on Yonaguni marks the latest phase in a steady build-up that includes aircraft control and warning, electronic warfare and coastal surveillance units.

Miyako, Ishigaki and Yonaguni all form part of the Sakishima Islands, where the Japanese government has been developing emergency evacuation plans.

A preliminary plan announced in March set out how 110,000 residents and 10,000 tourists could be airlifted to the Japanese mainland within six days in the event of a conflict.

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Reports that the Japanese and US militaries were drafting joint operations plans for the Taiwan Strait first emerged in the Japanese media in 2021, which said the US Marines would establish temporary offensive bases along the Ryukyu chain in the early stages of a conflict.

In January 2022, the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee, comprising foreign and defence ministers from both sides, agreed to officially begin working on a formal joint operation plan.

In December that year, the Japanese government released three documents covering its defence build-up programme and national security and defence strategies, and formally stated its policy was to possess "counter strike capabilities" to attack enemy bases.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

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Japan and the US, in common with most countries, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but they oppose any attempt to take the island by force and Washington is legally bound to provide arms to help it defend itself.

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.
By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has ordered its diplomats worldwide to stop processing visas for Afghan nationals, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, effectively suspending the special immigration program for Afghans who helped the United States during its 20-year-long occupation of their home country.

The cable, sent to all U.S. diplomatic posts on Friday, says that effective immediately, consular officers are instructed to reject any immigrant or non-immigrant visa applications from Afghan nationals including applicants for Special Immigrant Visas.

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On Wednesday, a former member of one of Afghanistan's CIA-backed units was accused of shooting two U.S. National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. One of them later died.

The State Department on Saturday referred Reuters to a statement on platform X by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday in which he said that "ALL individuals" traveling on Afghan passports would have their visa issuance "paused."

The cable on Friday, which was earlier reported by the New York Times, said the move to stop processing visas for Afghan nationals was aimed at "ensuring the applicant's identity and eligibility for a visa under U.S. law."

A volunteer group helping support the United States' Afghan allies said the cable was part of an effort by the Trump administration to bar all Afghans from making it to the United States.

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"There is no doubt this is the outcome they have been driving toward for months," Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, said in an email.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Appointments already scheduled for Afghan applicants will not be canceled. But when they occur, consular officers should refuse to give a visa to applicants, the cable said. The State Department said that any authorized visas that have not been printed yet should be reversed and canceled, while printed visas should be destroyed and those cases amended in the system and rejected.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had already halted processing of Afghan nationals' immigration requests indefinitely, earlier this week.

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About 200,000 Afghans have entered the United States through 2021 through refugee and special visa programs, VanDiver previously told Reuters. Applications were still being processed for another 265,000 Afghans outside the United States, including about 180,000 in the Special Immigrant Visa pipeline for those who worked for the U.S. government, he said.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has aggressively prioritized immigration enforcement, sending federal agents to major U.S. cities and turning away asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. The flurry of promised restrictions since the attack on Wednesday now suggests an increased focus by his administration on legal immigration.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Sergio Non and Matthew Lewis)
Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told staff Friday that it will pause all applications for asylum filed by migrants inside the United States in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, the president announced he will "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries." Then Friday evening, all affirmative asylum applicants were paused.

Affirmative asylum applicants must apply for protection from USCIS asylum officers. Applications must be filed within a year of when migrants arrive in the United States. Defensive asylum applications are used when an applicant faces deportation.

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U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the attack, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. They were both members of the West Virginia National Guard.

The suspect, Rahmanulla Lakanwal, 29, is hospitalized after being shot by another guard member. He is an immigrant from Afghanistan and will face a first-degree murder charge.

Lakanwal came to the United States in 2021 and got asylum in April, The Times reported. But it was not clear if it was affirmative asylum.

"USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," said Joseph Edlow, director of the agency, in a statement Friday. "The safety of the American people always comes first."

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Asylum officers at USCIS were told to not approve, deny or close asylum applications received by the agency, according to CBS News.

Officers were told the pause applied to all USCIS asylum cases, which includes those filed by Afghans who arrived under a Biden administration effort. In-person appointments for asylum applicants would be canceled, at least for Monday. The appointments were for applicants to find out what decisions have been made on their cases.
Special Meeting in Observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 28 November 2025 at Palais des Nations

Statement by Her Excellency Himalee Subhashini Arunatilaka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva on behalf of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Chair of the of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.

It is an honor to join you on this solemn observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The convening of this gathering reminds us of the international communitys enduring responsibility towards people whose inalienable rights remain unfulfilled.

I am also humbled to address this meeting in my capacity as Chair of the Committee mandated by the General Assembly to monitor the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the occupied Syrian Golan. This role allows me to share reflections informed by the Committees observations over the past year.

This Day of Solidarity was declared by the General Assembly in 1977 and was first observed in 1978. For nearly half a century, it has stood as a reminder that the search for peace and justice for the Palestinian people remains unfinished.

In reviewing developments, the Committee has continued to witness conditions that undermine the fundamental rights and protections of Palestinians living under occupation.

The situation in the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic.

Over the past two years, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, most of them women and children, with thousands more believed to lie beneath destroyed neighborhoods. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble. Homes, hospitals, schools and essential infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, leaving most of the population displaced and many areas uninhabitable.

Large sections of the territory have been declared unsafe or inaccessible. Even areas identified as safe zones have come under fire. By the middle of 2025, more than four-fifths of Gaza had been placed under evacuation orders or declared no-go areas, leaving civilians with no reliable refuge.

These conditions persist despite binding provisional measures, as clarified by the International Court of Justice in its recent advisory opinions, and despite repeated calls for compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Humanitarian access remains restricted, and humanitarian and United Nations staff have been killed at levels without precedent in the history of this Organization.

The situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has sharply deteriorated. The Committee has documented unprecedented levels of settler violence, often occurring in the presence of, or with the acquiescence of security forces. Palestinians have endured killings, injuries, mass arrests and widespread property destruction.

Settlement expansion continues at a record pace. Of particular concern is the resumption of land registration in Area C after more than five decades. This step is expected to lead to widespread dispossession and deeper settlement entrenchment. These developments amount to de facto annexation and stand in clear violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

Across the territories under occupation, we observe an overarching pattern.

Territorial control is being consolidated through settlement expansion, land appropriation, military activity and the erosion of protections afforded to civilians. The ideological framework - Land of Israel - has been used to justify settlement growth, annexation initiatives and the continued presence of military forces in parts of Gaza.

In light of these developments, several principles must guide the international community. Civilians must be protected under international humanitarian and human rights law. Annexation, whether formal or incremental, is unlawful. Humanitarian access must be unrestricted, and humanitarian and United Nations personnel must be protected. The mandate and operations of UNRWA must be preserved, for the Agency remains essential to the dignity and survival of millions of Palestine refugees.

On this Day of Solidarity, expressions of commitment must translate into meaningful action. Member States must uphold international law, protect civilians and support accountability mechanisms, including those tasked with investigating and addressing violations.

While a ceasefire is essential  and widely welcomed as a moment of relief - it cannot substitute the full implementation of legal obligations, including the need to bring an end to occupation. A just and lasting peace requires the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination.

Let this Day remind us that solidarity is a commitment to justice, human dignity, and to the rule of law. The only prospect to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people is to recognize the legitimate and inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood as per the comprehensively negotiated political settlement based on the 1967 borders.

I thank you."

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The Beehive State is known for many things, but if you asked a Utahn to list them, cheese likely wouldnt be one of the things mentioned.

But Britton Welsh and Uintah-based Beehive Cheese Company are looking to change that.

Beehive Cheese in November traveled all the way to Bern, Switzerland, to showcase its cheese at the 37th edition of the World Cheese Awards  the worlds foremost cheese event.

The competition saw a record-breaking 5,244 entries from 46 countries across the globe. The cheeses were evaluated and judged by a panel of 265 leading cheese experts, including affineurs, graders and producers, as well as retailers, journalists, broadcasters and other industry specialists.

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Theyve taken and just laid out all of these tables, and each table is filled full of cheeses. And then they divide out each table with about 50 cheeses. There were over 100 tables with each judging team with two or three judges from all over the world assessing the cheeses, said Welsh, president of Beehive Cheese.

It was ripe. The cheeses were happy and excited to be there.

But Welsh and Beehive Cheese didnt make the trip from Utah to Switzerland with sightseeing in mind.

The family-owned creamery  founded in 2005 by Tim Welsh (Brittons father) and Pat Ford (Brittons uncle)  secured five coveted bronze awards at the competition.

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This years success continued to build on the foundation laid over the past two decades, bringing the creamerys lifetime World Cheese Awards medal count to 54 over 20 years.

Beehive Cheese Company President Britton Welsh takes a selfie at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland. Beehive took home five bronze awards. | Beehive Cheese Company

Specifically, Beehives Apple Walnut Smoked, Barely Buzzed, Promontory, Red Butte Hatch Chile, and Teahive cheeses each won a bronze award.

Promontory  Beehives mother cheese  is a rich, buttery cheddar. Apple Walnut Smoked is cold-smoked with apples and walnut wood. Barely Buzzed is rubbed with espresso and lavender, Red Butte Hatch Chile with New Mexico Hatch chiles, and Teahive with Earl Grey tea, according to a statement from the creamery.

What we learned early on is if we take our cheeses and rub the rinds at the beginning with our signature coffee rub, for example, or even sea salt with honey, as the cheese ages, not only do you have the milk flavors that are developing and the enzymes that are creating these wonderful, kind of, cheese flavors, but those enzymes and also the flavor rubs kind of dance together and blend together throughout the course of aging the cheese.

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So you end up with these subtle, very incredible flavoring that you dont necessarily get, Welsh said.

Welsh said theres definitely a sense of pride in putting Utah on the map and into discussions when it comes to cheese states.

Judging tables with a variety of cheeses are pictured at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland. Beehive Cheese took home five bronze awards. | Beehive Cheese Company

Theres some big cheese states in the U.S., for example, Wisconsin or California, even New York, that has lots of really fun cheeses. However, I definitely think that even the U.S., I mean, weve only been a country for a couple hundred years, and were going up against some of these cheeses ... these farms have been in families for longer than the United States has been around, Welsh said.

So its kind of fun seeing some of these, like, flavored U.S. cheeses that are still being acknowledged and awarded for quality, despite the fact that, I mean, Beehive, weve only been around for 20 years.

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While the global recognition isnt exactly new for Beehive Cheese, it serves as a reminder of the standards Welsh holds himself and the creamery to when it comes to producing cheese.

This is something that Ive always talked through with our cheese makers, that no matter how we feel the cheese is the boss ... (it) takes just a lot of adapting to the circumstances and making sure that the cheese is high quality and just never being complacent because its a craft and an art, but also a science that we focus on every day to deliver on amazing cheeses, Welsh said.
The Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is sponsoring a Holiday of Hope blood drive at the Claywood Event Center on Tuesday from 2:30-6 p.m. To meet their patient goals, they are hoping to have 24 donors that day. The Claywood Event Center is located at 13920 N. 1100 West, near Nappanee.

OTHER NEWS

 Downtown Wakarusa will be the place to be on the night of Dec. 5, as the annual Christmas Around the Tree celebration gets underway at 5:30 p.m., with the appearance of local choirs, followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Afterward, check out the Christmas Market at Doc Abel Pavilion from 7-9 p.m. The following day, on Dec. 6, the market will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Little ones can also leave letters to Santa at The Garage Coffee Shop, and the whole family can enjoy a cookie decorating event at the Shortstop Family Inn. Santa will also be paying a visit, so come down and support local business in the heart of Wakarusa.

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 The annual Christmas Jubilee event is just around the corner at The Center, and there are collection boxes at the Wakarusa Public Library, the Shortstop Inn, and Seiferts Pharmacy. Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for older children are being accepted until Dec. 5. This event helps low-income families have the opportunity to shop for their children, wrap their gifts, and give them the joy of having presents to open for the holidays. The goal this year is to serve over 300 children. All of the toys received will be given to youngsters in the Wa-Nee community, and will be distributed on Dec. 13 during the Christmas Jubilee. For more details, call The Center at 574-773-2149.

 The Food Bank of Northern Indiana and Clayton Homes will be sponsoring a mobile food pantry on Dec. 6 from 1-3 p.m. at Clayton Homes, located at 66920 Ind. 19. This event will be held rain or shine, with 200 boxes available on a first-come, first-served distribution. The entrance will be situated at Ind. 19 and C.R. 42, so guests will need to follow the signs to get in line.

 Need to stock up on treats and sweets for the holidays? Head on over to Wakarusa United Methodist Church for their annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. The event will continue until the items are sold out. There will be cookies available for $7 a pound, and cheese spreads will also be available for $7 each. The church is located at 309 S. Elkhart St., and the proceeds raised will remain in the Wakarusa community to support local mission projects.

 Dec. 6 will be an exciting day for one of Wakarusas newest businesses, The Roost by Homesteaders. The new establishment is the host site for a full day of activities to ring in the holiday season, starting with a soup dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit the FCDC Christmas Jubilee. Santa will be making an appearance at 5:30 p.m., followed by a round of Christmas caroling from 6:30-7 p.m. and a free family movie and popcorn night beginning at 7 p.m. Guests are also invited to bring wrapping people and supplies, which will be given to the FCDC for the Christmas Jubilee.

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 Wakarusa Elementary School is conducting a food drive to help assemble holiday food boxes for those less fortunate in the Wa-Nee community. The different grade levels are responsible for contributing various items. Kindergarten classes are asked to bring canned soup and crackers, while first graders can bring canned vegetables and boxed side dishes. Canned fruit, cookies, and shampoo are on the list for second graders, and third-grade classes can add cereal, oatmeal, and soap or body wash. The fourth-grade students are tagged for peanut butter and jelly, napkins, and toothpaste, and the fifth graders are asked to bring pasta, pasta sauce, and paper towels. All students are welcome to bring four-pack bundles of toilet paper and gift cards. Anything over and above what is needed for the food boxes will be given to the The Center (Family Christian Development Center) in Nappanee. For more details, call Wakarusa Elementary at 574-862-2000. The food drive continues until Dec. 11.

 The Wakarusa Missionary Church is presenting a Holly Jolly Hoopla holiday event in the NorthWood High School auditorium on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. This special concert will feature a presentation from the elementary and pre-teen membership, plus skits, festive music, Christmas carols, and more. There will also be a time of fellowship and snacks in the surge following the show. NorthWood High School is located at 2101 N. Main St., just north of downtown Nappanee.
Beyond evolving features cuter to humans, the mammal has also become less fearful of humans, according to the study.

Raccoons, lovingly dubbed trash pandas, have evolved to become cuter to humans in a process not similar to the domestication of mans best friend, according to a new study.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Zoology, found raccoons are going through biological changes that resemble the "domestication syndrome phenotype."

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The pest, which has become a popular pet in some places, is undergoing anatomical and morphological changes, adapting to have curlier tails, floppier ears, depigmentation, smaller brains, and reduced facial skeletons.

Beyond evolving features cuter to humans, the mammal has also become less fearful of humans, according to the study.

Three-legged raccoon Marvin plays at the home of veterinarian Mathilde Laininger in Berlin, Germany, January 27, 2022. She cares for four raccoons that can no longer be released into the wild. (credit: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/REUTERS)

Why raccoons want to become man's new best friend

Much of the evolution of the trash panda, unsurprisingly given its nickname, has been attributed to human waste. The raccoon has become bold enough to approach human trash receptacles, but not so bold as to pose a threat to humans.

"Trash is really the kickstarter," study co-author Raffaela Lesch, from the University of Arkansas, told Scientific America. "Wherever humans go, there's trash  and animals love our trash."

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"If you have an animal that lives close to humans, you have to be well-behaved enough," Lesch said. "That selection pressure is quite intense."

Lesch and her fellow co-authors hypothesized the the deliberate role of humans in the domestication process of animals has been oversold and may have begun much earlier than previously thought.

"Only animals with dampened flight (or fight) responses would succeed best," the authors wrote. "This makes the initial stages of the domestication process a process of pure natural selection."
Police are looking to identify a suspect in an attempted robbery in Washington County.

The North Strabane Township Police Department says a man tried to rob the Coen Markets at 2601 Washington Road around 5:35 p.m. on Friday.

The suspect told employees he had a gun and threatened them, police say.

Anyone with information that can help identify the suspect is asked to contact the North Strabane polices anonymous tip line at (724) 746-4090 or reach out through email at tips@nstpd.com.

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New York City police arrested multiple anti-ICE protestors who were irate over an immigration crackdown in Chinatown, NY1 reported on Saturday.

NY1 reporter Olivia Leach reported live from the very active scene, where she said she saw several protestors chasing after cars that were leaving a parking garage that was being raided by ICE agents.

Leach reported protestors got word about the operation, at a garage at the corner of Howard Street and Centre Street in Lower Manhattan, and attempted to thwart the raid.

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The protestors gathered outside, at times were blocking traffic and throwing things at ICE agents, she reported; Leach, a moment later, said the protestors were throwing planters at agents, per the NYPD.

NY1s footage captured several protestors clashing with the cops, as well as a few protestors donning all black and wearing masks and helmets being arrested. A number of other protestors were seen standing around, and one middle-aged woman was seen chanting and holding a small sign that said ICE OUT OF NYC.

Local cops were on the scene, attempting to clear the area for the agents to leave, Leach reported. Several protestors who did not comply after multiple warnings were arrested, she said.

The New York Post reported more than 150 protestors were at the scene.

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Video showed some protestors screaming you are corrupt and ignoring NYPD officers pleas to back up behind barricades authorities had set up, the Post reported.

Saturdays protests come a month after a similarly wild scene erupted in NYC.

NewsNation reporter Jessica Kartalija captured the frenzied clash between protestors and ICE agents on live TV on October 21, reporting protestors yelling racial slurs and pushing federal agents as they swarmed their vehicles.

We dont want them in our f**king city! one female protestor yelled at Kartalija. Theyre fakers, I dont believe them to have this authority, I dont think they should be able to cover their faces. They should not be able to kidnap people in the streets!

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The young woman, a moment later, flipped out when Kartalija asked her about the traffic the protest was causing. Its New York City! Traffic being blocked is okay if were going to stop them from kidnapping people.

The operations come as President Donald Trump has sent ICE and Border Patrol agents to several major cities in the U.S., including Chicago and Charlotte, to arrest illegal immigrants.

Watch above via NY1.

The post WATCH: Anti-ICE Protestors Arrested for Throwing Planters and Chasing Feds in New York City first appeared on Mediaite.
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Credit: Gianluca Masi, Virtual Telescope Project, Background: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration. Created by Anthony Wood in Canva.

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Tune in on Sunday (Nov. 30) to see live telescopic views as the near-Earth asteroid (433) Eros appears to buzz the Andromeda Galaxy , courtesy of a livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Institute in partnership with the Asteroid Foundation.

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Sunday's livestream is due to start at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) and will feature expert commentary from Virtual Telescope Project founder Gianluca Masi alongside live views of Andromeda and Eros taken from the organization's wide-field robotic telescopes in Manciano, Italy  weather permitting, of course.

"Having such an important near-Earth asteroid just a couple of degrees away from the legendary Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) is a precious opportunity to share both the importance of these kind of minor planets and the beauty of our cosmic neighbor, the Messier 31 island-universe," Masi told Space.com in an email.

In 1898, Eros became the first near- Earth asteroid ever discovered and was later visited by NASA's NEAR (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Shoemaker spacecraft. Upon reaching the object, this probe first orbited around the 20-mile-wide (33-kilometer-wide) body then, on Feb. 12, 2001, performed the first asteroid landing in history.

Eros will be just 37 million miles (60 million kilometers) from Earth when it passes within two degrees of Andromeda's core on the night of Nov. 30, while the vast spiral galaxy itself will be positioned a staggering 2.5 million light-years from our solar system.

Use Cassiopeia to point the way to the Andromeda Galaxy. | Credit: Created by Anthony Wood in Canva.

"Thanks to its large size, Eros will shine at around magnitude 10 for several weeks, making it easily observable even with a modest 60 mm telescope," Masi wrote in a separate email to Space.com.

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Magnitude is the value used by astronomers to measure the brightness of an object in the night sky: The lower the value, the brighter the object.

Want to catch a glimpse of the wandering asteroid for yourself? Both Eros and Andromeda can be found high above the eastern horizon in the hours following sunset on Nov. 30. First locate the constellations Cassiopeia and Andromeda using a handy starfinding astronomy app. Next locate the uppermost three stars and use them to point the way to Andromeda, as shown in the finder chart above.
EAU CLAIRE  A weekend snowstorm will bring significant accumulations to the Chippewa Valley, but the heaviest snow will fall to the south.

The National Weather Service expects snow to begin after 5 a.m. Saturday, with little to no accumulation before sunrise. Another 1-3 inches will fall during the day.

The snow will continue into the evening, with another inch or two falling Saturday night before the storm moves out of the region. Total accumulations will be between 2-5 inches, a lower amount than had originally been forecast.

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Other forecast outlets vary in their expectations. The forecast from accuweather.com suggests 2-4 inches total, and the Weather Channel forecasts 2-6 inches.

The storm puts Eau Claire right on the line between the winter weather advisory and the winter storm warning issued by the NWS. South of Eau Claire County is the warning. East and west include the advisory.

You dont have to go far to see a significant difference in the forecast. Osseo, for example, is expecting 5-9 inches of snow. But Wisconsin is not expected to bear the brunt of the storm. A large swath of eastern Iowa and northern Illinois is expected to get more than 10 inches, with some areas potentially seeing as much as 18 inches of snow.

Cold air will move in behind the storm. Sunday nights low will be in the low single digits, while Mondays high will only be in the teens.
Channel 11 spoke directly with West Virginias governor on Friday, following the targeted ambush on two of his National Guard members stationed in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

This comes after the governor erroneously said that both guard members died, before reversing course.

>>> PHOTOS: 2 National Guard members shot in DC <<<

Its being called a vicious, targeted attack  when two National Guard members were ambushed outside the White House. They were there as part of President Donald Trumps Safe and Beautiful mission to reduce crime in the nations capital.

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Twenty-year-old Sarah Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day.

A fellow guardsman, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is still in the hospital fighting for his life, according to West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

There is so much love going out for Sarah, and I had a chance to get to the hospital to spend time with Sarahs family, Andrews family, said Morrisey, a Republican. These are wonderful people.

The alleged shooter is an Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the war in Afghanistan.

Morrisey said he was aware that the National Guard from his state might face some opposition, but he wasnt briefed on any memos indicating a heightened threat environment.

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This was a political, a targeting of the guardsmen, he said. Were all going to get to the details of what happened. I dont know how you prepare for something like this.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Suspect in shooting of National Guard members faces murder charge as US halts all asylum decisions

Channel 11 also asked Morrisey about erroneously telling the nation that both guard members died.

You try to get the most accurate information from the most credible sources. We do that, and we take great pride in that, he said. Sometimes you find that information is wrong or it changes.

Morrisey says he stands by the National Guard and their families, adding hes proud of the West Virginia guardsmen who took down the suspect.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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The White House launched a media bias tracker on Friday highlighting news publications that it has accused of offenses against the current administration after the presidents verbal clashes with reporters over their articles in recent weeks.

The live webpage features a list of articles from various outlets with links to stories the Trump administration claims have included an omission of context, lies, mischaracterization, bias or malpractice.

In a statement, the White House said the site is meant to be a record of the medias false and misleading stories flagged by The White House.

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It includes an offender hall of shame and leaderboard of publications with articles considered to be mistruths by the White Houses standards.

The Washington Post is listed first followed by MSNBC (recently rebranded as MS NOW), CBS News, CNN, The New York Times, Politico and the Wall Street Journal. Each of the outlets relinquished their Pentagon press badges last month after the Department of Defense issued new standards for reporting that require advanced clearance from officials before information is published.

The current administration has faced legal battles with the Journal and settled out of court with CBS in recent months.

President Trump has lashed out against various reporters in recent weeks, calling a New York Times correspondent a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out and telling a Bloomberg journalist Quiet piggy in response to a question about Jeffrey Epstein.



After being named in the presidents roundup of repeat offenders for reporting on White House controversies, The Washington Post quoted an internal spokesperson who said: The Washington Post is proud of its accurate, rigorous journalism.

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The Hill is named as a repeat offender for one offense, which appears to be in reference to an opinion piece.

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.
In Galveston, they have a saying: "It takes an island."

For Mary Simms Patrick and Galveston ISD, that spirit is seen through their work helping students and their families through the district's Special Programs department.

She's like a second mom to me.

"We figure out what are the needs of the family. We have different organizations that help us with our food, help us with clothing," said Patrick, who serves as executive director.

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The programs, Patrick says, encompass everything from helping students who are homeless and facing hunger to foster care and truancy. The programs are required in schools in the state of Texas, Patrick explains.

"It's not just a job for me. It's a passion for me, and it is my personality. I grew up in a community where different individuals and communities work and help each other," Patrick said.

Galveston ISD parent Tashona Bradford told ABC13 she's seen Patrick's passion firsthand.

"Words can't express my appreciation. I'm forever grateful," Bradford says as she gives Patrick a hug. "She was there for my kids and able to help me and my family with groceries and rent and doctor visits. I mean shoes, jackets, even with helping my kids now with Christmas."

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Bradford, who says she is a survivor of domestic violence, told ABC13 she made a life-changing move to Galveston about two and a half years ago.

The mother of four and new grandmother recalled what she endured and knowing she had to escape.

"I was strangled and beaten and almost the house on fire," Bradford described. "And I said, 'I have to get away from here.' I was in fear for a long time."

Bradford adds, "It just seemed like I couldn't get out of it, and I got a therapist to tell me that I was diagnosed with PTSD. She said, 'I just want to tell you I have a place for you and your kids to go for a vacation.'"

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That vacation turned into seeking refuge in Galveston.

"I didn't know if he was coming after the kids," Bradford said of her ex. "But me coming out here, it was, like, the best decision."

Bradford isn't the only one who has credited Patrick and her special programs team with ensuring food, housing, and safety needs are met.

We try to leave no stone unturned.

Bryonna Mitchell, 18, moved to Galveston in February.

"She checks on me, she comes to my school," Mitchell says of Patrick. "She's like a second mom to me."

Mitchell shared with ABC13 that despite a difficult start when she arrived in the district, she's remained focused on finishing school and wants to become a traveling nurse, a career path she was inspired to pursue after her grandmother Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer when Mitchell was 14 years old.

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"My granny passed away when I was a freshman, so I just wanted to help people that need the help and help families," Mitchell said. "I feel like something good can happen in life if you help other people that need the help."

Both Mitchell and Bradford have something in common. Neither shied away from wanting to share their stories.

"We asked her if she would like to participate in this interview. There was no hesitation whatsoever," Patrick said of Bradford, who expressed why she wanted to go on camera even as a survivor of domestic violence. "Her statement was, 'I wanted others to know where I've been and where I'm going.'"

Patrick explains that Special Programs also helps working students who may need workwear or uniforms for their jobs.

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"We'll go out and purchase those items for them because our goal is to make sure that they're going to be successful," Patrick said. "We try to leave no stone unturned."

"Now the kids are more comfortable and they feel happy about going to school, better in their grades, going to church, don't mind speaking up," Bradford said.

"That is the purpose of us helping our families, to get them to the point that they're self-sufficient," Patrick said.

Nobody could come as quickly as y'all did to save us.

Assisting families like Bradford's is why donations - especially before the holidays - are so important, Patrick adds, as they can help ensure students who rely on meals at school don't go hungry while classes are out for winter break.

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For example, Patrick says that when students are in school, they are served breakfast and lunch. If they're in the after-school program, they receive a snack.

"None of that will take place during that time when they were out for the holiday. Share Your Holidays is just going to be a great opportunity for our families to continue to eat," Patrick said.

For the last 45 years, ABC13 has partnered with the Houston Food Bank during Share Your Holidays to raise money and collect donations for the 18 counties the food bank serves.

That includes Galveston County, where people are a direct beneficiary of the generosity in southeast Texas.

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And while the donations are requested and raised during the holidays, what comes in often stretches beyond this time period to feed families all year long.

"If we would have never opened our mouth to say anything, y'all would have never knew our story," Bradford said. "What we needed help with, like I said, rent and just bills.... Nobody could come as quickly as y'all did to save us."

If you or someone you know needs help getting out of a domestic violence situation, call the Houston Area Women's Center 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or call AVDA at 713-224-9911.

You can also click here to chat with an advocate online. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need help, call 713-528-3625.

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Bay Area Turning Point also offers free and confidential help for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. If you need help, call 281-286-2525.

About ABC13 Share Your Holidays

What started as an idea to put a food drive on TV for an hour has morphed into a Houston-area wide event going strong 45 years later as the ABC13 Share Your Holidays Food Drive.

Since 1980, the year the drive launched at ABC13, millions upon millions of cans of food have been collected through Share Your Holidays.

As the need grows, there are easy ways to help our neighbors if you're in a position to do so.

- Text "SYH2025" to 71777

- Scan the QR code seen on-air on ABC13 during Share Your Holidays stories

- Visit the 2025 SYH fundraising page online

Follow Brittaney Wilmore on Twitter and Instagram.
GOSHEN  A Goshen woman is accused of giving a convicted sexual predator access to an underage girl by phone and photographs.

Maria Vasquez Santos, 33, faces charges including child exploitation and vicarious sexual gratification as Level 4 felonies. She is also charged with child solicitation as a Level 5 felony, neglect of a dependent as a Level 6 felony and misdemeanor false informing.

She was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility and given an initial hearing date of Dec. 1.

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According to court documents:

Goshen police investigated a report this month from the Indiana Department of Child Services alleging that Vasquez Santos sent a prison inmate images of a girl in her underwear who was under 12. She allegedly sent the images to 43-year-old Luis Gonzalez at Pendleton Correctional Facility, where he is serving time for multiple felony convictions including child molesting and rape.

An investigator at Pendleton told police that Vasquez Santos and Gonzales have exchanged 200 phone calls since they began speaking in June. He asked her to send him photos and videos of the victim, and she allegedly shared multiple images of the victim in her underwear or wearing a white dress with her underwear visible.

They allegedly discussed making it look normal, according to police. The investigator also alleged that Gonzalez spoke directly to the victim over the phone and had sexually explicit conversations.

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Goshen police say they confirmed the identity of the alleged victim and spoke with Vasquez Santos. Police allege that she initially gave false information about her identity and claimed not to know Gonzalez.

She later told them about being offered spiritual help from a woman over Facebook, followed by a call from Gonzalez. Their conversations included requests to send photos and to perform ritual-like actions, such as rubbing paper on their bodies, under the guise of spiritual assistance, according to police.

Vasquez Santos also allegedly said Gonzalez would send her prepaid cards to activate so she could send the money back to him.
President Donald Trumps top envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Putin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev to hammer out a peace deal that would unlock hundreds of billions in funds frozen in Europe, according to a bombshell Wall Street Journal report.

Recently, Trump took flak over a 28-point peace plan that was rejected by many Republicans and others as a Russian wish list.

The president lashed out after the leaked plan was widely criticized, but Secretary of State Marco Rubios did confirm that 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.

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In remarks to reporters, Trump later distanced himself from the plan, saying Well, that was just a map, all that was is a map. That was not a plan, it was a concept.

But according to the Wall Street Journals five-member reporting team  Drew Hinshaw, Benoit Faucon, Rebecca Ballhaus, Thomas Grove, and Joe Parkinson  another plan was being worked out in Miami by Trumps business cronies/officials:

At his waterfront estate, billionaire developer-turned-special envoy Steve Witkoff was hosting Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russias sovereign-wealth fund and Vladimir Putins handpicked negotiator, who had largely shaped the document they were revising on the screen. Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law, had arrived from his nearby home on an island known as the Billionaire Bunker. Dmitriev was pushing a plan for U.S. companies to tap the roughly $300 billion of Russian central bank assets, frozen in Europe, for U.S.-Russian investment projects and a U.S.-led reconstruction of Ukraine. U.S. and Russian companies could join to exploit the vast mineral wealth in the Arctic. There were no limits to what two longtime adversaries could achieve, Dmitriev had argued for months: Their rival space industries, which raced one another during the Cold War, could even pursue a joint mission to Mars with Elon Musks SpaceX. For the Kremlin, the Miami talks were the culmination of a strategy, hatched before Trumps inauguration, to bypass the traditional U.S. national security apparatus and convince the administration to view Russia not as a military threat but as a land of bountiful opportunity, according to Western security officials. By dangling multibillion-dollar rare-earth and energy deals, Moscow could reshape the economic map of Europewhile driving a wedge between America and its traditional allies.

The report goes into great depth about the secret meetings and machinations that would result in windfalls for U.S. businesses in Russia and Ukraine. Read the full report here.

The post WSJ Bombshell: Trump Chiefs Met With Putin Honcho On Peace Plan To Access Billions Frozen In Europe first appeared on Mediaite.
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
Jean Telford-Fendell was born and raised in Zillah in a large family that was always interested in U.S. history. She worked in registration and counseling, as well as purchasing and payroll, for school districts in Zillah, Yakima, Stanwood and Everett. And she was married for 40 years to a U.S. history teacher.
Feynman's Trick a.k.a. Differentiation under the Integral Sign & Leibniz Integral Rule

Among a few other integral tricks and techniques, Feynman's trick was a strong reason that made me love evaluating integrals, and although the technique itself goes back to Leibniz being commonly known as the Leibniz integral rule, it was Richard Feynman who popularized it, which is why it is also referred to as Feynman's trick. Here's an excerpt from his book, Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman:

"One thing I never did learn was contour integration. I had learned to do integrals by various methods shown in a book that my high school physics teacher Mr. Bader had given me.

One day he told me to stay after class. "Feynman," he said, "you talk too much and you make too much noise. I know why. You're bored. So I'm going to give you a book. You go up there in the back, in the corner, and study this book, and when you know everything that's in this book, you can talk again."

So every physics class, I paid no attention to what was going on with Pascal's Law, or whatever they were doing. I was up in the back with this book: Advanced Calculus, by Woods. Bader knew I had studied Calculus for the Practical Man a little bit, so he gave me the real works -- it was for a junior or senior course in college. It had Fourier series, Bessel functions, determinants, elliptic functions -- all kinds of wonderful stuff that I didn't know anything about.

That book also showed how to differentiate parameters under the integral sign -- it's a certain operation. It turns out that's not taught very much in the universities; they don't emphasize it. But I caught on how to use that method, and I used that one damn tool again and again. So because I was self-taught using that book, I had peculiar methods of doing integrals.

The result was, when guys at MIT or Princeton had trouble doing a certain integral, it was because they couldn't do it with the standard methods they had learned in school. If it was contour integration, they would have found it; if it was a simple series expansion, they would have found it. Then I come along and try differentiating under the integral sign, and often it worked. So I got a great reputation for doing integrals, only because my box of tools was different from everybody else's, and they had tried all their tools on it before giving the problem to me."

For me, employing this trick felt like I was using cheat codes to deal with integrals. At the same time, it enabled a lot of creativity and wishful thinking, which transformed integrals into puzzles. Unfortunately, this also means that there is no clear path on how and when to use this technique. In addition, what Feynman wrote still applies today since the method isn't taught much, if at all, in universities. Therefore, the trick can seem obscure and difficult to grasp for newcomers.

In the following section, we will embark on a journey to develop some rules of thumb to have at our disposal when using Feynman's trick. These are merely some heuristics that I tend to use, so deviating from them can be perfectly acceptable. However, I hope that they can provide a path to follow when nothing obvious or intuitive occurs when someone tries to use this trick, or even better, so that they can serve as motivation for someone to start using the method.

Hello, World!

Feynman already provided a significant hint about the trick when he mentioned differentiating under the integral sign, which is also an alternative name for the technique. More explicitly, if \(f(x,t)\) and \(\frac{\partial f(x,t)}{\partial t}\) is continuous with respect to both variables over the \([a,b]\) interval, then the following holds:

\[\frac{d}{dt} \int_a^b f(x, t)dx = \int_a^b \frac{\partial f(x, t)}{\partial t}dx\]

This is nice, but not so useful by itself since it doesn't say anything about how and when to apply it. Moreover, learning is not a spectator sport and one has to get their hands dirty as there are no shortcuts to it. Take for example chess, most people could read and understand the rules in a few minutes, however, if they would go on to play a game then most likely they would get stomped by a more experienced player. This is because the other player, through practice, learned some strategies to use when playing.

Thus, with the goal to develop some strategies here as well, we will dive straight into action and approach Feynman's trick using practical examples. As a "Hello, World!" introduction, let's take a look at the following integral:

\[I=\int_0^1 \frac{x-1}{\ln x}dx\]

You are encouraged to try and evaluate the integral using basic methods, but the logarithm being in the denominator makes this integral quite stubborn to deal with. Feynman's trick aims to get rid of this issue by differentiating under the intgeral sign, with respect to a parameter, in order to obtain an integral that is easier to evaluate.

Unfortunately in the integral from above we lack a parameter, therefore the first step is to parameterise the integral, which can even mean introducing a whole function, but for this example we will simply consider:

\[I(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{x^t-1}{\ln x}dx\]

Keep in mind that our original integral is just \(I(1)\). Also, surely we could've placed a parameter in many different places, such as:

\[I(a)=\int_0^1 \frac{x-a}{\ln x}dx, \quad I(b)=\int_0^1 \frac{x-1}{b-\ln x}dx, \quad I(c)=\int_0^1 \frac{x-1}{\ln (cx)}dx\ ...\]

However, the main idea behind the trick is to obtain an integral that we can evaluate easier, after differentiating with respect to the new parameter. Let's put this in action and see what happens to \(I(t)\).

\[I'(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{\partial}{\partial t}\left(\frac{x^t-1}{\ln x}\right)dx = \int_0^1x^tdx = \frac{x^{t+1}}{t+1}\bigg|_0^1 = \frac{1}{t+1}\]

Notice how easy it was to evaluate the integral \(I'(t)=\int_0^1x^tdx\) from above, had we kept \(I(a)\), \(I(b)\) or \(I(c)\) the things wouldn't had simplified at all after differentiating, and most significantly is that we would still have the \(\ln x\) in the denominator, a thing which made the integral hard to deal with in the first place.

We can already sense that the following might be an important question in the future: How to parameterise the integral when using Feynman's Trick?

We will worry about that a bit later, for now let's finish the integral as we only found \(I'(t)\). Since we are looking to find \(I(1)\) we need to integrate \(I'(t)\) back and set \(t=1\) in order to arrive there. Here it's useful to recall that:

\[\int_a^b f'(x) dx = f(b)-f(a)\]

For us, \(f(x)\) is just \(I(t)\) in the above expression. Luckily \(I(0)=0\), and as we are looking for \(I=I(1)\) we have:

\[I= I(1)-I(0)=\int_0^1 I'(t)dt = \int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+t}dt=\ln(1+t)\bigg|_0^1 = \ln 2\]

So that is the big picture of Feynman's trick - we have an integral that is hard to evaluate in it's original form, therefore by differentiating under the integral sign we attempt to transform the integral so that it can be easier integrated, and in the end we go back to undo the differentiation step.

The parameter

As emphasized above, the main goal of the technique is to obtain an integral that is easier to evaluate after differentiating with respect to a parameter, and one issue is that it is not always obvious how to parameterise the integral. In order to make things more intuitively we will play around with the integral from below.

\[I=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x)}{1+x^2}dx\]

The most annoying thing is the logarithm, so if we get rid of it everything should be straightforward. There are a few parameter possibilities which makes sense to consider, namely:

\[I(a)=\int_0^1\frac{\ln(a+x)}{1+x^2}dx, \quad I(b) = \int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+bx)}{1+x^2}dx\]

With the first one we are out of luck, as differentiating with respect to \(a\) gives:

\[I'(a)=\int_0^1 \frac{1}{(a+x)(1+x^2)}dx = \frac{1}{1+a^2}\int_0^1\left(\frac{1}{a+x}+\frac{a}{1+x^2}-\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right)dx\] \[=\frac{\ln(1+a)}{1+a^2}-\frac{\ln a}{1+a^2} +\frac{\pi}{4}\frac{a}{1+a^2}-\frac{\ln 2}{2}\frac{1}{1+a^2}\]

Therefore, if we would try to go back to what we're looking, which is \(I=I(1)-I(0)\), we would end up with \(I=I+\text{other stuff}\). This cancels out \(I\) and we wouldn't be able to recover it. Unfortunately, there's no magic formula that tells a priori whether placing a parameter in a specific place would succeed or fail in evaluating an integral - and sometimes we are simply unlucky.

In contrast, things work out nicely with the second choice from above.

\[I'(b)=\int_0^1\frac{x}{(1+bx)(1+x^2)}dx=\frac{1}{1+b^2}\int_0^1\left(\frac{b}{1+x^2}+\frac{x}{1+x^2}-\frac{b}{1+bx}\right)dx\] \[=\frac{\pi}{4}\frac{b}{1+b^2}+\frac{\ln 2}{2}\frac{1}{1+b^2}-\frac{\ln(1+b)}{1+b^2}\]

Again, we are looking to find \(I(1)\), and as \(I(0) = 0\), we have:

\[I=\int_0^1 I'(b)db \Rightarrow 2I=\int_0^1 \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\frac{b}{1+b^2}+\frac{\ln 2}{2}\frac{1}{1+b^2}\right)db \Rightarrow I=\frac{\pi}{8}\ln 2\]

This works, but we can do even better. Looking at the Hello, World! integral we can see that there we simplified the logarithm in the denominator while performing \(\frac{\partial}{\partial t}x^t\). This is also the first thing that I always attempt to look for when using this technique - namely, to simplify something from the integrand which is independent to the parameter when differentiating. Surely for the current integral we got rid of the logarithm, but the denominator remained intact.

In short this will be our first rule of thumb: if possible, place the parameter so that something from the integral, which is not related to the parameter, gets simplified.

In order to achieve this with our integral we would need to get rid of \(1+x^2\), and by using \(\ln x=\frac12\ln(x^2)\) we can rewrite the integral as:

\[I=\int_0^1\frac{\ln(1+x)}{1+x^2}dx=\frac12\int_0^1\frac{\ln(1+2x+x^2)}{1+x^2}dx\]

Finally, in this form it's more natural to place the parameter so that it simplifies \(1+x^2\) when differentiating with respect to \(t\), namely we can consider:

\[I(t)=\frac12\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(2x+t(1+x^2))}{1+x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=\frac12\int_0^1 \frac{1}{2x+t(1+x^2)}dx=\frac14\frac{\ln\left(\frac{1+\sqrt{1-t^2}}{t}\right)}{\sqrt{1-t^2}}\]

Like for \(I(b)\) we are looking to find \(I(1)\), however here \(I(0)\) is equal to \(\frac12\int_0^1\frac{\ln(2x)}{1+x^2}dx\) not \(0\).

\[\Rightarrow I=I(1)-I(0)+I(0)=\frac14\int_0^1\frac{\ln\left(\frac{1+\sqrt{1-t^2}}{t}\right)}{\sqrt{1-t^2}}dt+\frac12\int_0^1\frac{\ln(2x)}{1+x^2}dx\] \[\int_0^1\frac{\ln\left(\frac{1+\sqrt{1-t^2}}{t}\right)}{\sqrt{1-t^2}}dt\overset{\frac{1+\sqrt{1-t^2}}{t}=x}=-2\int_0^1 \frac{\ln x}{1+x^2}dx\Rightarrow I = \frac12\int_0^1 \frac{\ln 2}{1+x^2}dx=\frac{\pi}{8}\ln 2\]

For this specific integral we only avoided performing partial fractions so there wasn't really a big improvement by simplifying the denominator. However I want to emphasize the importance of this because it will make things come way more natural when deciding where place the parameter. Of course, in case there's not an appropiate or immediate way to achieve this, it's perfectly fine to place the parameter elsewhere too.

As mentioned previously, practicing is the best approach to get along with new techniques, therefore below are more integrals to evaluate alongside some hidden steps in case those will be needed. However, I strongly recommend to try and deal with the integrals before looking at any hints, and only check them afterwards for correctness.

\[\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\ln(1-\sin x)}{\sin x}dx = ?\]

Consider introducing the following parameter: \[I(t)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\ln(1-t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx \Rightarrow I'(t)= -\frac{2\arctan\left(\sqrt{\frac{1+t}{1-t}}\right)}{\sqrt{1-t^2}}\] This should lead to: \[\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\ln(1-\sin x)}{\sin x}dx = I(1) - I(0)=\int_0^1 I'(t) dt \overset{\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{1+t}}=x} = -\frac{3\pi^2}{8}\] But it would be even better if the integral would be parameterised as: \[I(t)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\ln(1-\sin t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx\] That is because usually when having trigonometric functions, parameterising the integral with another trigonometric function, leads to a more smoother result.

\[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-x+x^2)}{x-x^2}dx = ?\]

Consider introducing the following parameter: \[I(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-t(x-x^2))}{x-x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t) = \frac{4\arctan\left(\sqrt{\frac{t}{4-t}}\right)}{\sqrt{t(4-t)}}\] This should lead to: \[I(1)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-x+x^2)}{x-x^2}dx = I(1) - I(0) = \int_0^1 I'(t)dt \overset{\sqrt{\frac{4-t}{t}}= x}= -\frac{\pi^2}{9}\]

\[\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\arctan(\sin x)}{\sin x}dx = ?\]

Consider introducing the following parameter: \[I(t)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\arctan(t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{1+t^2}}\] This should lead to: \[I(1)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\arctan(t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx = I(1)-I(0) = \int_0^1 I'(t)dt = \frac{\pi}{2}\ln(1+\sqrt 2)\] It will also work if the integral is parameterised as: \[I(t)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \frac{\arctan(\tan t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx\] However, in this case the first variant is simple enough to integrate back.

\[\int_0^\infty x^2e^{-\left(4x^2+\frac{9}{x^2}\right)}dx = ?\]

Consider introducing the following parameter: \[I(t)=\int_0^\infty x^2e^{-\left(4x^2+\frac{t}{x^2}\right)}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=-\frac{\sqrt \pi}{4} e^{-4\sqrt t}\] Where the above result follows by using Glasser's master theorem alongside the Gaussian integral. This should lead to: \[\int_0^\infty x^2e^{-\left(4x^2+\frac{9}{x^2}\right)}dx = I(9)- I(0) + I(0) = \int_0^9 I'(t) dt +\frac{\sqrt \pi}{32}=\frac{13}{32}\frac{\sqrt \pi}{e^{12}}\]

\[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln x}{1-x^2}dx = ?\]

Consider parameterising the integral as: \[I(t)=\frac12\int_0^1\frac{\ln(1-t(1-x^2))}{1-x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=\frac{\arctan\left(\sqrt{\frac{t}{1-t}}\right)}{2\sqrt{t(1-t)}}\] This should lead to: \[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln x}{1-x^2}dx = I(1)- I(0) = \int_0^1 I'(t)dt \overset{\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{t}} = x}= -\frac{\pi^2}{8}\]

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^2}dx = ?\]

Consider parameterising the integral as: \[I(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-t(1+x^2)}}{1+x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t) = -\frac{\sqrt \pi}{2\sqrt t}e^{-t}\] This should lead to: \[\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^2}dx = e\left(I(1)-I(\infty)\right) = -e\int_1^\infty I'(t)dt= \frac{\pi e}{2}\operatorname{erfc}(1)\] Where \(\operatorname{erfc}(x)\) is the complementary error function.

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln\left(\frac{1-x^2+x^4}{(1-x^2)^2}\right)}{(1+x^2)^2}dx = ?\]

Since \(1-x^2+x^4=(1+x^2)^2-3x^2\), consider parameterising the integral as: \[I(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln\left(\frac{t(1+x^2)^2-3x^2}{(1-x^2)^2}\right)}{(1+x^2)^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{t(4t-3)}}\] And in order to go back it should be observed that \(\frac34(1+x^2)^2-3x^2=\frac34(1-x^2)^2\). \[\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln\left(\frac{1-x^2+x^4}{(1-x^2)^2}\right)}{(1+x^2)^2}dx=I(1)- I\left(\frac34\right)+ I\left(\frac34\right)\] \[=\int_\frac34^1 I'(t)dt + \frac{\pi}{4}\ln\left(\frac{3}{4}\right) = \frac{\pi}{2}\ln\left(\frac32\right)\]

Accelerated Feynman's trick

The previous chapter emphasized to parameterise integrals so that something from the integral, which is not related to the parameter, gets simplified when differentiating (if possible). However there are times when even though we can introduce a parameter to accomplish that, it wouldn't be enough to finish the integral.

In this chapter we will look at a different way to obtain this simplification. Let's start by looking at a modified version of an integral that was previously given as an exercise.

\[I=\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^4}dx\]

With \(\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^2}dx\) it was quite direct to parameterise the integral as \(\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-t(1+x^2)}}{1+x^2}dx\) since it simplifies the denominator, however the similar way to do that for our integral, \(\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2-t(1+x^4)}}{1+x^4}dx\), doesn't seem to work as it complicates things a bit too much.

There is however a way to simplify the denominator and in the same time to obtain a decent integral afterwards. Without getting into too much details I will parameterise the integral as:

\[I(t)=\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^4} e^{-tx^2}(x^2\sin t+\cos t) dx\]

This will seem obscure, but fear not as we will never use this approach again. The whole point is to simplify \(1+x^4\), and the above function was created explicitly to achieve that, as \(\frac{\partial}{\partial t}e^{-tx^2}(x^2\sin t+\cos t)\) is \(-(1+x^4)e^{-tx^2}\sin t\). Note that even though we introduced a couple other terms, those aren't disturbing.

\[I'(t)=-\sin t\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}e^{-tx^2}dx \overset{(1+t)x^2\to x^2}= -\frac{\sin t}{\sqrt{1+t}} \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}dx=-\sqrt \pi \frac{\sin t}{\sqrt{1+t}}\]

Here we are looking to find \(I=I(0)\), and we also have \(I(\infty)=0\), therefore:

\[I=-\int_0^\infty I'(t)dt=\sqrt \pi \int_0^\infty \frac{\sin t}{\sqrt{1+t}}dt\overset{\sqrt{1+t}=x}=2\sqrt \pi \int_1^\infty \sin(x^2-1)dx\] \[=2\sqrt{\pi} \cos 1 \int_1^\infty\sin(x^2)dx-2\sqrt{\pi} \sin 1 \int_1^\infty\cos(x^2)dx\] \[=\pi\cos 1\frac{1-2S\left(\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}\right)}{\sqrt 2}-\pi\sin 1\frac{1-2C\left(\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}\right)}{\sqrt 2}\]

Where \(S(x)\) and \(C(x)\) are the Fresnel integrals. However, the approach is important here, not the result itself.

We can avoid the parametrisation from above by directly using \(\frac{1}{1+x^4}=\int_0^\infty e^{-tx^2}\sin t \, dt\), and then switch to double integrals, or put in other words: employ the accelerated Feynman's trick (in which we skip the usual parameterisation step).

\[I=\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{e^{-x^2}}{1+x^4}dx = \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}\int_0^\infty e^{-tx^2}\sin t \, dtdx\] \[=\int_{0}^\infty \sin t\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-x^2}e^{-tx^2}dxdt\overset{(1+t)x^2\to x^2}=\sqrt{\pi}\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin t}{\sqrt{1+t}}dt\]

The rest goes exactly as with the previous method, as all we did here was to skip differentiation step and instead we switched to double integrals.

A natural question that arises here is how did \(\frac{1}{1+x^4}=\int_0^\infty e^{-tx^2}\sin t\, dt\) appear? Or even better, how can someone come up with similar results for other integrals? In the case from above, simply the Laplace transform of the sine function was used, however in general it's useful to have a list of such identities. There are tables of integral results that can be used - for example: Table of Integrals, Series, and Products by Gradshteyn and Ryzhik - but alternatively one can build up their own list of results which tend to appear often while evaluating other integrals.

Let's conclude this chapter by evaluating one of the most popular integrals that appears when Feynman's trick gets into the conversation.

\[I=\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin x}{x}dx\]

Since \(\int_0^\infty e^{-xt} dt = \frac{1}{x}\), we can make use of this to rewrite the integral as:

\[I=\int_0^\infty \int_0^\infty \sin x e^{-xt}dtdx = \int_0^\infty \int_0^\infty \sin x e^{-xt}dxdt=\int_0^\infty \frac{1}{1+t^2}dt =\frac{\pi}{2}\]

Alternatively, we can also consider the parameter version of this integral, \(\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin x}{x}e^{-xt}dx\), however I feel like switching to double integrals is way more intuitively.

It might be worth to highlight again that this method should be used preferable when parameterising the integral leads to nowhere. For the above integral, the natural introduction of \(\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin(tx)}{x}dx\) unfortunatelly does fail, as we obtain a divergent integral after differentiating under the integral sign.

Like in the previous chapter below are more integrals alongside some hints in order to practice with the accelerated variation of Feynman's trick. However in this case I do recommend to peek at hints faster in case nothing obvious comes to mind, and afterwards to attempt and understand why the mentioned identity can be used.

\[\int_0^\infty \sin(x^2)dx=?\]

Start by substituting \(x^2\to x\) and then switch to double integrals using: \[\int_0^\infty e^{-xt^2}dt = \frac{\sqrt \pi}{2\sqrt x}\] Where the latter result is due to the Gaussian integral. Also, this integral is one particular case of the Fresnel integral.

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx=?\]

Switch directly to double integrals by using: \[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln t}{t-\frac{1}{x}}dt = \operatorname{Li}_2(x)\]

\[\int_0^1 \frac{\arctan x\ln(1+x^2)}{x(1+x)}dx = ?\]

Switch to double integrals by using the following result: \[\int_0^x \frac{\arctan t}{1+xt}dt = \frac{\arctan x \ln(1+x^2)}{2x}\]

\[\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{x}{\pi^2+x^2}\frac{e^{2x}}{(1+e^{x})^3}dx\]

Consider switching to double integrals with: \[\frac{x}{\pi^2+x^2}=\Im\left(-\frac{1}{\pi+ix}\right)=-\Im\int_0^\infty e^{-(\pi+ix)t}dt\] It's also really useful to try and see what happens when the Laplace transform of the cosine function is used instead, or the equivalent: \[\frac{x}{\pi^2+x^2}=\Re\left(\frac{1}{i\pi+x}\right)=\Re\int_0^\infty e^{-(i\pi+x)t}dt\]

\[\int_0^\infty x\left(\operatorname{Ci}^2(x)+\operatorname{si}^2(x)\right)\operatorname{Ci}(x)dx\]

Consider switching to double integrals using: \[\operatorname{Ci}^2(x)+\operatorname{si}^2(x)=\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-xy}\ln(1+y^2)}{y}dy\]

Above \(\operatorname{Li}_2(x)\) denotes the dilogarithm function and \(\operatorname{Ci}(x)\), \(\operatorname{si}(x)\) are the cosine and the sine integral functions, defined as:

\[\operatorname{Li}_2(x)=\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{x^n}{n^2},\ \operatorname{Ci}(x) = - \int_x^\infty \frac{\cos t}{t}dt,\ \operatorname{si}(x) = - \int_x^\infty \frac{\sin t}{t}dt\]

More Feynman's trick variants

We already got familiar with a popular version of Feynman's trick in the previous chapter. Similarly, now we will take a look at other interesting variants of Feynman's trick, which although might appear less often, they can still help to expand the applicability of the technique.

Differentiating under the integral sign

We will start by taking a look at a much simpler case of Feynman's trick, namely, in the situation when it would be enough to simply differentiate under the integral sign without performing that "undo" step to integrate back.

As a small note, it's true that "differentiating under the integral sign" tends to be used as an alternative name for Feynman's trick, however I prefer to keep this for the variant where only the differentiating process takes part, or as mentioned above, when there's no need to integrate back the result, and the name describes quite literally what we are doing.

Let's make this more clear by looking at the following integral:

\[I=\int_0^1 x^3 \ln^2 x \, dx \]

We are already aware from the Hello, World! integral how \(\ln x\) can be simplified, since \(\frac{\partial}{\partial a}x^a = x^a \ln x\). However, by introducing the parameter in that original form as \(x^a \ln^2 x\), we would just produce a third logarithm, so that's going in the opposite direction.

Fortunatelly, if we take a step back, we can observe that after we find the result of \(\int_0^1 x^a dx\), then differentiating it w.r.t.\(a\) would give us as many logarithms as we want. So, let's put that integral to use.

\[\mathcal J(a)=\int_0^1 x^a dx = \frac{1}{a+1}\] \[\Rightarrow \mathcal J'(a) = \int_0^1 x^a \ln x \, dx = \left(\frac{1}{a+1}\right)' = - \frac{1}{(a+1)^2}\] \[\Rightarrow \mathcal J''(a) = \int_0^1 x^a \ln^2 x \, dx = \left(- \frac{1}{(a+1)^2}\right)' = \frac{2}{(a+1)^3}\] \[\Rightarrow I= \mathcal J''(3) = \int_0^1 x^3 \ln^2 x \, dx = \frac{1}{32}\]

Of course the integral itself was quite simple this time, however the important part that should be highlighted is that not always we need to perform that "undo" step after differentiating under the integral sign - and sometimes knowing a general integral result can provide us more useful integrals by differentiating it.

Feynman's trick & indefinite integrals

Further, we will take a look at how Feynman's trick can be applied to indefinite integrals. Let's consider:

\[\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3}} \exp\left({-\frac{(a-bx)^2}{2x}}\right) dx\]

In this form it makes no sense to differentiate the integral with respect to any parameter, but we can extend the integral with temporary bounds by writing:

\[\int f(x)dx = F(x) + C = F(x) - F(0) = \int_0^x f(t)dt\] \[\Rightarrow I(a,b,t)=\int_0^t\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3}} \exp\left({-\frac{(a-bx)^2}{2x}}\right) dx\]

After this we can go on apply Feynman's trick, however, first we are going get rid of the square root via the substitution \(\frac{1}{\sqrt x}\to x\).

\[I(a,b,t)=2\int_\frac{1}{\sqrt t}^\infty \exp\left(-\frac12 \left(ax-b/x\right)^2\right)dx\]

Here, we can notice that the derivative of \(ax-\frac{b}{x}\) is \(a+\frac{b}{x^2}\) so it would be quite helpful if we had that additional term. In the same time if we differentiate the integrand with respect to \(b\) we'll produce \(a-\frac{b}{x^2}\), which is really useful as \((ax-b/x)^2\) is equal to \((ax+b/x)^2+4ab\) and the derivative of \(ax+\frac{b}{x}\) is \(a-\frac{b}{x^2}\). So let's differentiate as mentioned above:

\[\frac{\partial}{\partial b}I(a,b,t)=2\int_\frac{1}{\sqrt t}^\infty \exp\left(-\frac12 \left(ax-b/x\right)^2\right)\left(a-\frac{b}{x^2}\right)dx\] \[=2e^{2ab}\int_\frac{1}{\sqrt t}^\infty \exp\left(-\frac12 (ax+b/x)^2\right)\left(a-\frac{b}{x^2}\right)dx\] \[\overset{ax+b/x\to x}=2e^{2ab}\int_{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+b\sqrt t}^\infty \exp{\left(-\frac{x^2}{2}\right)}dx=\sqrt{2\pi}e^{2ab}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+b\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)\]

Where \(\operatorname{erfc}(x)\) is the complementary error function. Now we'll go back to \(I(a,b,t)\), but we should be careful to replace the dummy variable \(b\), with something else as the \(b\) parameter does also appear in the bounds.

\[\lim_{b\to -\infty}I(a,b,t)=0\Rightarrow I(a,b,t)=\sqrt{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^be^{2ax}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+x\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)dx\] \[\overset{IBP}=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{\sqrt 2a}e^{2ax}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+x\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)\bigg|_{-\infty}^b+\frac{\sqrt t}{a}\int_{-\infty}^b e^{2ax}\exp\left(-\frac{(a+xt)^2}{2t}\right)dx\] \[=\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{a}e^{2ab}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+b\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)+\frac{\sqrt t}{a}\int_{-\infty}^b \exp\left(-\frac12\left(x\sqrt{t}-\frac{a}{\sqrt{t}}\right)^2\right)dx\] \[\overset{x\sqrt t-\frac{a}{\sqrt t}\to -x}=\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{a}e^{2ab}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+b\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)+\frac{1}{a}\int^{\infty}_{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}-b\sqrt t}\exp\left(-\frac{x^2}{2}\right)dx\] \[=\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{a}\left(e^{2ab}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}+b\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)+\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt t}-b\sqrt t}{\sqrt 2}\right)\right)\]

Or for the indefinite integral, this would lead to:

\[\small \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^3}} \exp\left({-\frac{(a-bx)^2}{2x}}\right) dx=\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{a}\left(e^{2ab}\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt x}+b\sqrt x}{\sqrt 2}\right)+\operatorname{erfc}\left(\frac{\frac{a}{\sqrt x}-b\sqrt x}{\sqrt 2}\right)\right)+C\]

Feynman's trick & power series

Next, we will take a look at how to combine Feynman's trick with power series. For this we are going to look at:

\[I=\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{x\ln x\ln y}{1-xy}\frac{dxdy}{\ln(xy)}\]

We are already got familiar with what to do when there is a logarithm in the denominator as we saw that we can get rid of them by using \(\frac{d}{dt} x^t = x^t\ln x\), however here also the \(1-xy\) term appears. In order to solve this issue we'll make use of the geoemtric series, namely \(\frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty x^n\), but we will expand into series a bit later and for now continue with the following integral:

\[I(n)=\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{(xy)^{n-1}x\ln x\ln y}{\ln(xy)}dxdy\Rightarrow I'(n)=\int_0^1\int_0^1 (xy)^{n-1} x \ln x \ln y dxdy\] \[=\int_0^1 x^{n} \ln x \, dx \int_0^1 y^{n-1} \ln y\, dy=\frac{1}{(n+1)^2}\frac{1}{n^2}\]

Now we have to to get back to \(I(n)\):

\[I(n)=-(I(\infty)-I(n))=-\int_n^\infty \frac{1}{(x+1)^2 x^2 } dx=-\frac{1}{n}-\frac{1}{n+1}+2\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)\]

And finally, we'll put the geometric series to use.

\[\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{ x\ln x\ln y}{(1-xy)\ln(xy)}dx\ dy=\sum_{n=1}^\infty \int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(xy)^{n-1} x\ln x\ln y}{\ln(xy)}dxdy\] \[\small =\sum_{n=1}^\infty \left(-\frac{1}{n}-\frac{1}{n+1}+2\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)\right)=\sum_{n=1}^\infty \left(\underbrace{\frac{1}{n}-\frac{1}{n+1}}_{1}-2\left(\underbrace{\frac{1}{n}-\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)}_{\gamma}\right)\right)\]

So the result is simply \(1-2\gamma\), where \(\gamma\) is the Euler-Mascheroni constant.

Feynman's trick & differential equations

In what's to come we are going to take a look at a combination between Feynman's trick and differential equations. Let's consider the following integral:

\[I=\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos x}{1+x^2}dx\]

We can start by parameterising the cosine function and then employ the accelerated Feynman's trick:

\[I(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos(tx)}{1+x^2}dx=\int_0^\infty \int_0^\infty \cos(tx)\sin y e^{-xy}dydx\] \[\small =\int_0^\infty \sin y \int_0^\infty \cos(tx)e^{-xy}dxdy=\int_0^\infty \frac{y\sin y}{t^2+y^2}dy\overset{y\to tx}=\int_0^\infty \frac{x\sin(tx)}{1+x^2}dx\]

We haven't made much progress above, since we simply arrived at another integral with \(x\sin(tx)\) instead of \(\cos(tx)\), thus complexity is the same. However, as \(\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\cos(tx)\) is \(x\sin(tx)\), differentiating \(I(t)\) gives us a differential equation to work with, namely:

\[I'(t)=- \int_0^\infty \frac{x\sin(tx)}{1+x^2}dx = - I(t) \Rightarrow \frac{I'(t)}{I(t)}=-1\Rightarrow I(t) = C e^{-t}\] \[I(0)=\int_0^\infty \frac{1}{1+x^2}dx=\frac{\pi}{2} \Rightarrow I(t)=\frac{\pi}{2}e^{-t}\] \[ I = I(1) \Rightarrow I = \frac{\pi}{2e}\]

As a small note for the starting step, although employing the accelerated Feynman's trick was rather obvious as to get rid of the denominator, the additional introduction of the \(t\) parameter might be weird first. However performing the same steps without this parameter gives us:

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos x}{1+x^2}dx=\int_0^\infty \frac{x\sin x}{1+x^2}dx\]

Which indicates that one might put to use the fact that \(I(1)=-I'(1)\), by adding the additional \(t\) parameter.

Generalizing Feynman's trick

So far we've seen the Feynman's trick applied only when the parameter was inside the integrand, however it can also be used when the bounds are parameterised as well. More generally, the following holds:

\[\frac{d}{dt} \int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} f(x, t)dx = \frac{d}{dt}b(t)f(x,b(t))-\frac{d}{dt}a(t)f(x,a(t))+\int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} \frac{\partial f(x, t)}{\partial t}dx\]

We'll put this to use with the integral from below.

\[I=\int_\frac{1}{\sqrt 2}^1 \frac{\operatorname{arccosh}\left(\sqrt 2 x\right)}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx\]

Above we can see that the same \(\sqrt 2\) appears in both the lower bound and the \(\operatorname{arccosh}\) function, so we'll parameterise the integral as:

\[I(t)=\int_\frac{1}{t}^1 \frac{\operatorname{arccosh}\left(t x\right)}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx \Rightarrow I'(t) = \frac{1}{t^2}\frac{\cancelto{0}{\operatorname{arccosh}\left(t\frac{1}{t}\right)}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{t^2}}}+\int_\frac{1}{t}^1\frac{x}{\sqrt{1-t^2x^2}\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx\] \[\overset{1-x^2\to x^2}=\frac1t\int_0^{\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{t^2}}}\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{t^2}-x^2}}dx=\frac1t\arcsin\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{t^2}}}\right)\bigg|_0^\sqrt{1-\frac1{t^2}}=\frac{\pi}{2t}\]

We're looking to find \(I=I\left(\sqrt 2\right)\), and since \(I\left(1\right)=0\), we have:

\[I=\int_1^\sqrt 2I'(t)dt = \frac{\pi}{2} \int_1^\sqrt 2 \frac{1}{t}dt=\frac{\pi}{4}\ln 2\]

Generating integrals using Feynman's trick

Now we'll take a look at a fancier way to use Feynman's trick, especially in order to generate new integrals, for this we're considering:

\[I(t)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \arctan\left(\frac{\sin x-\tan\frac{t}{2}}{\cos x}\right)dx\]

Note that we are not trying to evaluate the above integral, instead we are simply using it in order to build up new integrals with the result that follows after differentiating w.r.t. \(t\).

\[I'(t)=-\frac12\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\frac{\cos x}{1-\sin t\sin x}dx=\frac12 \frac{\ln(1-\sin t)}{\sin t}\]

We also have that \(I(\pi)=-\frac{\pi^2}{4}\) and \(I(0)=\frac{\pi^2}{8}\), therefore:

\[I(\pi)-I(0)=-\frac{\pi^2}{4}-\frac{\pi^2}{8}=\frac12\int_0^\pi \frac{\ln(1-\sin x)}{\sin x}dx\] \[\Rightarrow \int_0^\pi \frac{\ln(1-\sin x)}{\sin x}dx=-\frac{3\pi^2}{4}\]

In retrospect, this integral also appeared as an exercise in the second chapter, and with the same suggestion from there, we can evaluate the integral by applying Feynman's trick to:

\[I(t)=\int_0^\pi \frac{\ln(1-\sin t\sin x)}{\sin x}dx\]

Admittedly, following this parameterisation is much more intuitevely than what we've shown with the new variation, however it's also useful to have this trick in the bag.

To keep the practice going, underneath are listed some integrals that can be evaluated with one version of Feynman's trick described in this chapter.

\[\int_1^\infty \int_1^\infty (x+y)^2 e^{-(x+y)}dxdy = ?\]

Start by showing that: \[I(t)=\int_1^\infty \int_1^\infty e^{-t(x+y)}dxdy = \left(\frac{e^{-t}}{t}\right)^2\] Then differentiate both sides two times with respect to \(t\) and set \(t=1\).

\[\int x^4\cos(nx)dx = ?\]

Differentiate four times with respect to \(n\) the following extended indefinite integral: \[ I(n,t) = \int_0^t \cos(nx) dx \]

\[\int_0^1 \int_0^1 \frac{dxdy}{(1+xy)\ln(xy)} = ?\]

Combine the geometric series \(\sum\limits_{n=0}^\infty (-1)^n x^n = \frac{1}{1+x}\) with: \[I(t)=\int_0^1 \int_0^1 \frac{(xy)^t}{\ln(xy)}dxdy\]

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin^2 x}{x^2(1+x^2)}dx = ?\]

Solve the resulting differential equation after differentiating twice the following integral: \[ I(t) = \int_0^\infty \frac{\sin^2 (tx)}{x^2(1+x^2)}dx \]

\[\int_0^1 \ln x \left(\frac{1}{t+x}+\frac{1}{\frac{1}{t}+x}\right)dx = ?\]

Split the integral in two parts, then substitute \(x\to tx\) and respectively \(x\to \frac{x}{t}\) in the resulting integrals to obtain: \[I(t)= \int_0^1 \ln x \left(\frac{1}{t+x}+\frac{1}{\frac{1}{t}+x}\right)dx = \int_0^\frac{1}{t} \frac{\ln(tx)}{1+x}dx + \int_0^t \frac{\ln\left(\frac{x}{t}\right)}{1+x}dx\] Now employ the Feynman's trick (in the generalized variant). In disguise this exercise is a reformulation of the following identity: \[ \operatorname{Li}_2(-t)+\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-\frac{1}{t}\right) = -\frac{\pi^2}{6} - \frac{1}{2}\ln^2 t \] Where \(\operatorname{Li}_2(x)\) is the dilogarithm function.

\[\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}dx = ?\]

This integral can be generated starting from: \[I(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-t(1+x^2)}}{1+x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=-e^{-t}\int_0^\infty e^{-tx^2} dx\overset{\sqrt t x \to x}= -\frac{e^{-t}}{\sqrt t}\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx\] Afterwards it should be observed that \(I(0)=\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(I(\infty)=0\), therefore: \[\frac{\pi}{2} = \int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-t}}{\sqrt t} dt \int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx \overset{t\to t^2} = 2\left(\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}dx\right)^2 \]

Feynman's trick in practice

In this last chapter we'll dive into some "real-world" integrals and observe how Feynman's trick can be adapted for them. Additionally, we will also attempt to build up some heuristics that'll help us manipulate the integrals up to a point where we can introduce an useful parameter. This is due to the fact that with most of the previous examples we had the luxury to parameterise the integrals as they appeared, however often this might not be the case.

Breaking the rules

In the second chapter we've observed how parameterising the integral so that it also simplifies some parts of the integral can make things more intuitively. However, we can always look for better, especially when our approach doesn't seem elegant enough.

Let's see how can we break this rule with the following integral:

\[I=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-x^2+x^4)}{1-x^2} dx\]

As with our first rule of thumb it's straightforward to introduce the new parameter as:

\[I(a)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(a(1-x^2)+x^4)}{1-x^2} dx \Rightarrow I'(a)= \int_0^1 \frac{1}{a(1-x^2)+x^4}dx\]

You are encouraged to proceed forward with the above integral, however computing \(I'(a)\) might not give the most pleasant result. So to overcome this, we'll manipulate the integral a bit before parametersing it.

One extremely useful substitution (which deserves its own special chapter) is \(x\to \frac{1-x}{1+x}\). This one is great here especially since it has the following property (among many others):

\[\int_0^1 \frac{f(x)}{1-x^2}dx \overset{x\to\frac{1-x}{1+x}}= \frac12\int_0^1 \frac{f\left(\frac{1-x}{1+x}\right)}{x}dx\] \[\Rightarrow I \overset{x\to\frac{1-x}{1+x}}= \frac12\underbrace{\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+14x^2+x^4)}{x}dx}_{x^2\to x} - \frac12 \int_0^1 \frac{\ln((1+x)^4)}{x}dx\] \[= \frac14\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+14x+x^2)}{x}dx - 2 \int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x)}{x}dx = \frac14 I(\operatorname{arccosh} 7) - I(0)\]

Above, although we could have introduced a simple parameter, for a smoother result we parameterised the integral as:

\[I(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+2\cosh t+x^2)}{x} dx \Rightarrow I'(t)= \int_0^1 \frac{2\sinh t}{1+2\cosh t+x^2}dx\] \[= \int_0^1 \frac{2\sinh t}{(x+\cosh t)^2-\sinh^2 t}dx = -2\operatorname{arctanh}\left(\frac{x+\cosh t}{\sinh t}\right)\bigg|_0^1 = t\]

Finally, to find to find \(I\) we can combine \(I(\operatorname{arccosh} 7)\) with \(I(0)\).

\[I = \frac14 \int_0^{\operatorname{arccosh 7}} t \, dt - \frac34 I(0) = \frac{\ln^2(2+\sqrt 3)}{2} - \frac{\pi^2}{8}\]

The result from above follows since includes \(I(0) = \frac{\pi^2}{6}\), which is also the Basel problem in disguise, but you're further encouraged to approach it by employing Feynman's trick.

\[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x)}{x}dx=\frac{\pi^2}{12}\]

One idea is to rewrite the integral as: \[ I=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x)}{x}dx\overset{x\to x^3}=3\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x^3)}{x}dx\] \[\Rightarrow \frac13I-I=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln\left(\frac{1+x^3}{1+x}\right)}{x}dx\Rightarrow I = -\frac32 \int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-x+x^2)}{x}dx \] Now put Feynman's trick to use for: \[I(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1-tx+x^2)}{x}dx\] But also take into account that: \[I(0)=\int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x^2)}{x}dx\overset{x^2\to x}=\frac12 \int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1+x)}{x}dx=\frac12I\]

Switching to rational functions

Maybe it's just a personal preference, but for me working with rational functions tends to give a higher visibility on how to parameterise the integrals. We'll see what is meant by this when dealing with the following integral:

\[I=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\ln(2+\tan^2 x)dx\]

In this form, two immediate ways to parameterise the integral are as follows:

\[I(a)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\ln(a+\tan^2 x)dx,\quad I(b)=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\ln(2+b\tan^2 x)dx\]

It turns out that both variants work, but we can do better. Another rule of thumb that I follow is to use almost exclusive rational functions as they often provide the most visibility to work with. Let's do that for our integral too.

\[I=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\ln(2+\tan^2 x)dx\overset{\tan x\to x}=\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln(2+x^2)}{1+x^2}dx\]

And at this point it should be obvious where to place the parameter so that we can simplify the denominator.

\[I(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln(1+t(1+x^2))}{1+x^2}dx\Rightarrow I'(t)=\int_0^\infty \frac{1}{1+t+tx^2}dx=\frac{\pi}{2}\frac{1}{\sqrt t\sqrt{1+t}}\] \[\Rightarrow I=\int_0^1 I'(t)dt=\frac{\pi}{2}\int_0^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt t\sqrt{1+t}}dt\overset{t=x^2}=\pi\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}dx=\pi\ln(1+\sqrt 2)\]

Obviously, if you're already more used to trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions or anything else, then this can be ignored. I however recommend switching to rational functions, a few exceptions being when there's a clear way to parameterise the integral directly or when at least one of the bounds is \(\infty\).

For more practice you can also attempt to tackle the following integral:

\[\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2} \ln(\sec^2 x +\tan^4 x)dx=?\]

Start by substituting \(\tan x \to x\) then employ Feynman's trick.

Cleaning up the functions

Before parameterising the integrals it's quite useful to clean the disturbing functions as much as possible before any parameterisation. Let's demonstrate this by considering:

\[I=\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\arctan\left(\frac{2\sin x}{2\cos x -1}\right)\frac{\sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}{\sqrt{\cos x}}dx\]

As we have trigonometric functions all over the place, we will perform the Weierstrass substitution \(\tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)\to x\) in order to obtain only rational functions, as per the previous heuristic.

\[\Rightarrow I = 2\int_0^1 \frac{x\arctan\left(\frac{4x}{1-3x^2}\right)}{\sqrt{1-x^2}(1+x^2)}dx\]

It would be great to parameterise the integral so that we get rid of the arctangent function, but unfortunately here it is a bit overloaded, therefore we'll clean it by splitting it into two. In case it's not obvious how to do that directly, we can differentiate it, perform partial fractions and then integrate back.

\[\frac{d}{dx}\arctan\left(\frac{4x}{1-3x^2}\right)=\frac{12x^2+4}{9x^4+10x^2+1}=\frac{1}{1+x^2}+\frac{3}{1+9x^2}\] \[\Rightarrow \int \left(\frac{1}{1+x^2}+\frac{3}{1+9x^2}\right) dx = \arctan x + \arctan(3x) + C\]

However since we're integrating over the \((0,1)\) interval we have that \(x \cdot 3 x>1\) for \(x > \frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\), so we need to rewrite the integral as:

\[I=2\int_0^1 \frac{x(\arctan x + \arctan(3x))}{\sqrt{1-x^2}(1+x^2)}dx - 2 \int_\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}^1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}(1+x^2)}dx\] \[= 2 \mathcal J - \frac{\pi}{\sqrt 2}\ln(2+\sqrt 3)\]

At this point there's only left to evaluate the first integral, \(\mathcal J\), for which we'll employ Feynman's trick. There isn't any way to place the parameter so that we get rid of anything from the denominator so we'll simply introduce the following parameterisation:

\[\mathcal J(t)=\int_0^1 \frac{x(\arctan x + \arctan(tx))}{\sqrt{1-x^2}(1+x^2)}dx\Rightarrow \mathcal J'(t) = \int_0^1 \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}(1+x^2)(1+t^2 x^2)}dx\]

In general when we have rational functions it is prefered to integrate over \((0,\infty)\), if possible, as it drastically reduces the result, and when there's the derivative of \(\arcsin x\) in the denominator one way to map \((0,1)\) to \((0,\infty)\) is to directly substitute \(x \to \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}\).

\[\Rightarrow \mathcal J=\int_0^\infty \frac{1}{(2+x^2)(1+t^2+x^2)}dx = \frac{\pi}{2(1-t^2)}\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+t^2}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt 2}\right)\]

Now in order to go back to \(\mathcal J(3)\), we'll make use of \(\mathcal J(-1)=0\), so:

\[\mathcal J = \frac{\pi}{2}\int_{-1}^3 \frac{1}{(1-t^2)}\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+t^2}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt 2}\right)dt\]

Finally, to finish this integral we'll subsitute \(t = \frac{1-x}{1+x}\).

\[\Rightarrow \mathcal J = \frac{\pi}{4\sqrt 2}\int_{-\frac12}^\infty \frac{1}{x}\left(\frac{1+x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}-1\right)dx=\frac{\pi}{\sqrt 2}\ln \left(\frac{1+\sqrt 5}{2}\right)\]

As such, we can conclude that:

\[\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\arctan\left(\frac{2\sin x}{2\cos x -1}\right)\frac{\sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}{\sqrt{\cos x}}dx=\sqrt 2 \pi \ln \left(\frac{1+\sqrt 5}{2}\right)- \frac{\pi}{\sqrt 2}\ln(2+\sqrt 3)\]

Similarly you can try and tackle the following integral:

\[\int_0^\pi \arctan\left(\frac{1+2\cos x}{\sqrt 3}\right)dx=?\]

Start by substituting \(\tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) \to x\), then split the arctangent function into two parts and use Feynman's trick.

Preparing better integral bounds

Another useful thing to consider before using Feynman's trick is to manipulate the bounds prior to parameterising the integral so that they get rid of any complicated functions for the differentiated integral, \(I'(t)\). This will almost always give a smoother and easier integral that we have to undo. We will show this in action with the integral from below.

\[I=\int_0^1 \frac{x^2 \ln(1-x^2)}{1+x^4}dx\]

With the previous heuristic we've already seen that it is useful to integrate over \((0,\infty)\) when there are some rational functions - therefore we will attempt to do the same with this integral. You are encouraged to try and see what kind of mess it would be produced by parameterising the integral as it is, when the bounds are \((0,1)\). However we will jump straightforward to get our bounds to \((0,\infty)\).

In order to obtain that we can notice that the integrand is even, so we can move the bounds to \((-1,1)\) and then substitute \(x\to \frac{1-x}{1+x}\) again, which is another useful way to get our bounds at \((0,\infty)\).

\[I=\frac12\int_{-1}^1 \frac{x^2\ln(1-x^2)}{1+x^4}dx\overset{x\to\frac{1-x}{1+x}}=\frac12\int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2\ln\left(\frac{4x}{(1+x)^2}\right)}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx\]

Now we can split the logarithm into three parts and use that:

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx = \frac{\pi}{2\sqrt 2}-\frac{\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{\sqrt 2}\] \[\int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2\ln(x)}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx\overset{x\to\frac{1}{x}} = -\int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2\ln(x)}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx = 0\]

Therefore our integral is:

\[I=\frac{\pi\ln 2}{2\sqrt 2}-\frac{\ln 2\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{\sqrt 2}-\mathcal J, \quad \mathcal J = \int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2\ln(1+x)}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx\]

To evaluate the emerging integral we will perform Feynman's trick. There's not an obvious way to place the parameter as to simplify the denominator, so we'll parameterise the integral as:

\[\mathcal J(a) = \int_0^\infty \frac{(1-x)^2\ln(1+ax)}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx\Rightarrow \mathcal J'(a)\int_0^\infty \frac{x(1-x)^2}{(1+ax)(1+6x^2+x^4)}dx\] \[=-\frac{(1+a)^2\ln a}{1+6a^2+a^4}-\frac{\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{\sqrt 2}\frac{a(3-a+a^2)+1}{1+6a^2+a^4}+\frac{\pi}{2\sqrt 2}\frac{a(3+a+a^2)-1}{1+6a^2+a^4}\]

The partial fraction was ommited above, as what's really important here is that we're left only with a simple \(\ln a\) as a "disturbing" function. In contrast, if the bounds were \((0,1)\) things would have been way more complicated.

Let's finish this integral as we still have to undo the differentiating step.

\[\mathcal J(1)=\mathcal J(1)-\mathcal J(0)=\int_0^1 \mathcal J'(a)da\] \[=-\int_0^1\frac{(1+a)^2\ln a}{1+6a^2+a^4}da-\frac{\pi\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{8\sqrt 2}-\frac{3\ln 2\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{4\sqrt 2}-\frac{\pi^2}{16\sqrt 2}+\frac{3\pi\ln 2}{8\sqrt 2}\] \[\int_0^1\frac{(1+x)^2\ln x}{1+6x^2+x^4}dx=\int_0^1\left(\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}\frac{(1+\sqrt 2)-x}{(1+\sqrt 2)^2+x^2}-\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}\frac{(1-\sqrt 2)-x}{(1-\sqrt 2)^2+x^2}\right)\ln x \, dx\] \[\small =\frac{1}{8\sqrt 2}\left(\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-(1+\sqrt 2)^2\right)-\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-(1-\sqrt 2)^2\right)\right)+\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}\left(\operatorname{Ti}_2\left(-(1+\sqrt 2)\right)-\operatorname{Ti}_2\left(-(1-\sqrt 2)\right)\right)\]

The result from above follows since:

\[\int_0^1 \frac{x\ln x}{a^2+x^2}dx\overset{x^2\to x}=\frac14\int_0^1 \frac{\ln x}{a^2+x}dx=\frac14\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-\frac{1}{a^2}\right)\] \[\int_0^1 \frac{a\ln x}{a^2+x^2}dx\overset{x\to ax}=\int_0^\frac1a\frac{\ln a +\ln x}{1+x^2}dx\overset{IBP}=-\operatorname{Ti}_2\left(\frac1a\right)\]

Where \(\operatorname{Li}_2(x)\) is the dilogarithm and \(\operatorname{Ti}_2(x)\) is the inverse tangent integral.

Finally, collecting all the results yields:

\[I=\frac{\pi^2}{16\sqrt 2}+\frac{\pi \ln 2}{8\sqrt 2}+\frac{\pi\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{8\sqrt 2}-\frac{\ln 2\ln(1+\sqrt 2)}{4\sqrt 2}\] \[\small +\frac{1}{8\sqrt 2}\left(\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-(1+\sqrt 2)^2\right)-\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-(1-\sqrt 2)^2\right)\right)+\frac{1}{2\sqrt 2}\left(\operatorname{Ti}_2\left(-(1+\sqrt 2)\right)-\operatorname{Ti}_2\left(-(1-\sqrt 2)\right)\right)\]

With the same idea one can attempt to calculate the following integral:

\[\int_0^1 \frac{\ln^2 x\ln(1+x)}{1+x^2}dx=?\]

Map the bounds from \((0,1)\) to \((0,\infty)\) by substituting \(x\to\frac{1}{x}\) - here it is necessary to add the resulting integral with the original one - afterwards use Feynman's trick.

Multiple parameters

We mostly got familiar to apply Feynman's trick by introducing a parameter somewhere, however sometimes even multiple parameters can be used when encountering new integrals. To exemplify such a situation, let's take a look at the following unit square integral arising in geometric probability:

\[I=\int_0^1\int_0^1 \left(\frac{-\ln(xy)}{1-xy}\right)^mdxdy\]

In order to generate the \(\ln(xy)\) part it's straightforward to consider the following integral:

\[I(a)=\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(xy)^a}{(1-xy)^m}dxdy\]

Differentiating with respect to \(a\), \(m\) times followed by setting \(a=0\) will gives us the desired integral, ignoring the \((-1)^m\) term. However the denominator is still troublesome, and to deal with that we will introduce one more parameter:

\[I(a,z)=\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(xy)^a}{z-xy}dxdy\]

This is perfect now, as we can recover our original integral by differentiating with respect to \(a\), \(m\) times, and with respect to \(z\), \(m-1\) times, followed by setting \(a=0\) and respectively \(z=1\) - ignoring some coefficients.

One way to evaluate \(I(a,z)\) is to expand the denominator into geometric series as:

\[I(a,z)=\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(xy)^a}{z-xy}dxdy=\frac{1}{z}\sum_{n=0}^\infty \int_0^1\int_0^1(xy)^a\left(\frac{xy}{z}\right)^ndxdy\] \[=\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{1}{z^{n+1}}\int_0^1x^{n+a}dx\int_0^1y^{n+a}dy=\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{z^{n+2}}\frac{1}{(n+a)^2}\]

Now we will take \(m\) derivatives with respect to \(a\) and then set it to \(0\).

\[\frac{\partial^m}{\partial a^m}I(a,z) = \int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{\ln^m(xy)}{z-xy} dxdy =(-1)^m (m+1)!\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{z^{n+2}}\frac{1}{n^{m+2}}\]

This can be also rewriten in terms of the polylogarithm function as:

\[\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(-\ln(xy))^m}{z-xy} dxdy = (m+1)!\operatorname{Li}_{m+2}\left(\frac{1}{z}\right)\]

Finally, we can arrive at our original integral by taking \(m-1\) derivatives with respect to \(z\) and setting it to \(1\).

\[(-1)^m(m-1)!\int_0^1\int_0^1 \frac{(-\ln(xy))^m}{(1-xy)^m}dxdy=(m+1)!\frac{d^{m-1}}{dz^{m-1}}\operatorname{Li}_{m+2}\left(\frac{1}{z}\right)\bigg|_{z=1}\]

Although the derivation from above was the important part since it shows the main idea on how to differentiate in order to produce the desired integral, by using \(\frac{\partial}{\partial z} \operatorname{Li}_n(z) = \frac{\operatorname{Li}_{n-1}(z)}{z}\) the result can be also written, with the help of OEIS, as:

\[\int_0^1\int_0^1 \left(\frac{-\ln(xy)}{1-xy}\right)^m dxdy =m(m+1)\sum_{k=1}^{m-1}|s(m-1,m-k)|\zeta(k+2)\]

Where \(s(n,m)\) is the Stirling number of the first kind and \(\zeta(z)\) is the Riemann zeta function.

A similar idea can be applied for the following integral:

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos(3x)}{(1+x^2)^4}dx=?\]

Make use of a more general integral that was evaluated in the fourth chapter, namely: \[\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos(tx)}{a^2+x^2}dx = \frac{\pi}{2a}e^{-at}\] Then differentiate \(3\) times w.r.t. \(a\).

Cascaded Feynman's trick

Sometimes to enable an application of Feynman's trick we needed to actually apply another Feynman's trick. Let's look at the following integral:

\[I = \int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\int_0^\frac{\pi}{2}\cot x \csc^2 y\ln(\cos y)\ln(1-2\sin x+\sin^2 x\csc^2y)dxdy\]

The first step should be pretty obvious by now, namely to get rid of the trigonometric functions.

\[I \overset{\large \sin x\to x \atop \large \cot y \to y}=-\frac12\int_0^\infty \int_0^1 \frac{\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{y^2}\right)\ln((1-x)^2+x^2y^2)}{x}dxdy\]

Now we can notice that we have two logarithms and only one of them contains the \(x\) term, however since the bounds are \((0,1)\) dealing with that integral won't produce much success (as the result would be quite complicated).

However we also have the bounds as \((0,\infty)\) for the \(y\) integral, and it would be even better if we could have a single logarithm. To further obtain such a favorable integral form, we can use the following result:

\[\int_0^1 \frac{t}{t^2+y^2}dt=\frac12\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{y^2}\right)\] \[\Rightarrow I=-\int_0^\infty \int_0^1 \int_0^1 \frac{t\ln((1-x)^2+x^2y^2)}{x(t^2+y^2)}dtdxdy \] \[\overset{y\to ty}=-\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\int_0^1 \int_0^\infty \frac{\ln((1-x)^2+x^2t^2y^2)}{1+y^2} dydtdx\]

In the third chapter we saw how it's useful to have a list of integral results. One more such useful integral that tend to appear quite often is:

\[\int_0^\infty \frac{\ln(a^2+b^2 x^2)}{1+x^2}dx= \pi \ln(|a|+|b|)\]

You can differentiate either \(I(a)\) or \(I(b)\), and even directly employ the accelerated Feynman's trick by writing the logarithm as an integral.

Now back to our integral, by using the above result, we can easily finish the integral.

\[I=-\pi\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\int_0^1 \ln((1-x)+xt)dtdx\] \[=\pi\underbrace{\int_0^1 \left(\frac1x+\frac{\ln(1-x)}{x^2}\right)dx}_{\large -1}-\pi\underbrace{\int_0^1\frac{\ln(1-x)}{x}dx}_{\large -\frac{\pi^2}{6}}=\frac{\pi^3}{6}-\pi\]

Although this marks the conclusion of the essay, this isn't a static website, and I might update it when I encounter new interesting integrals that are worth to be shown. So far, the integrals comes from my posts on Mathematics Stack Exchange, combined with some of the most popular integrals - thus you can also check them directly there.

For further exercises, I can recommend you to explore math forums and magazines such as Art of Problem Solving, Mathematics Stack Exchange, The American Mathematical Monthly, Crux Mathematicorum, or the Romanian Mathematical Magazine, where dozens of fascinating integrals are often posted or published. Additionally, delving into other fields like Statistics, Physics, or Quantum Physics will present you with many remarkable integrals  some of which might be computed using Feynman's trick.

I would appreciate a notice on my email address (rxzacky@gmail.com) in case you find any mistakes or if something feels unclear in this essay - and even better if you have some further ideas or suggestions.
Prime Minister Modi addressed more than 20,000 Indians at Sydney's Arena Park today. Describing PM Modi as BOSS, Australian PM Albanese said that it is a matter of pride to share the stage with him. What is India's position in the world, what is India's contribution, what are India's values... all these have been mentioned by PM Modi. Watch today's debate on this big issue in Taal Thok Ke.
August is only bringing shocking news for Pakistan... Pakistanis are so sad that they are not celebrating their Independence Day on 14th August and here across the border Pakistan is getting such pictures and news from India that its The sorrow is increasing more and more. Before August 15, the Indian Army has given a triple shock.
India does not need a government-backed venture capital fund for its defence sector, said Defence Secretary of India, Rajesh Kumar Singh, stressing that assured government orders and faster contract approvals are enough to draw private investment into defence manufacturing. Speaking at ANI's first-ever National Security Summit on Friday, Singh explained that the real driver of growth in the defence sector lies not in government-led venture capital initiatives but in timely orders and efficient procurement processes. "The funding for a defence startup or a defence MSME really depends on its order book," he said. "If we are giving them orders, then they will not have difficulty with funding." While he did not completely rule out a sovereign venture capital fund for defence, Singh noted that such a move might be only supplementary. "Maybe we can think about it," he said, "but for the most part, the combination of orders, quick contract signings, and procurement is more than enough to attract capital into this sector." Speaking about the government's target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and Rs 50,000 crore in exports, Singh said India already has a "fairly robust venture capital ecosystem," with many funds showing growing interest in defence startups. When asked if India required a similar strategic venture fund like the United States' 1999 innovation, In-Q-Tel, a CIA-funded venture capital firm to accelerate defence technology development, Singh stated, "I don't think it is particularly necessary for the government to set up a venture capital fund," he remarked. "There is enough funding increasingly available for startups that can show promising technologies and prototypes." Singh emphasised that the government's priority should be to ensure full utilisation of the existing defence budget, speed up domestic contracting, and identify capable firms within the country. "The way the government can support defence is through ensuring that we spend the budget that we have, which we've started doing now, and do as many contracts within the country as we can," he said. His co-panellists at the National Security Summit were Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff; D.K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited; Arun Ramchandani, Senior VP & Head, L&T Precision Engineering & Systems. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], November 29: The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 will be conducted on November 30 by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, with nearly 2.93 lakh students expected to participate. The Final Countdown: Setting Expectations for November 30thAccording to Supergrads experts, who have analyzed previous years' patterns, aspirants should be prepared for possible changes in the number of questions per section and the mix of question types, such as an increased focus on TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions and potential shifts in section difficulty. CAT 2025 will follow the familiar Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, administered in three distinct shifts across the country to ensure flexibility and standardization. Based on expert insights, candidates are advised to remain adaptable and focus on refining their strategies to handle any surprises in the exam pattern. CAT 2025 Pre-Exam Analysis: Expected Exam StructureFor any CAT aspirant, success depends not just on knowing the concepts but also on being ready for changes in the exam's style. While the official pattern is expected to stay the same, a two-hour exam with three 40-minute sections; candidates must be prepared for the actual nature and difficulty of the questions. According to the Previous year's CAT exam analysis, the exam usually has 66 questions, but in CAT 2024 the total increased to 68, with the DILR section specifically rising from 20 to 22 questions. This change reflects the evolving nature of the exam, requiring candidates to adapt to a slightly different structure and manage their time accordingly. CAT 2025 exam is expected to follow the same pattern as of CAT 2024 consisting of three sections: l Section 1: The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), This section includes 24 questions, and you get 40 minutes to complete it. l Section 2: Next section is the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section, which contains 22 questions with a 40-minute time limit. l Section 3: Finally, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section also consists of 22 questions, and you have 40 minutes allotted for this part. In total, the exam has 68 questions, and the overall duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). What are the Key Expectations for the CAT 2025 Exam?Experts and recent trends suggest that candidates should always be ready for slight adjustments or for the surprise elements in the main exam. So, here are the possible changes that the CAT exam can show up this year: Section-Level Difficulty ShiftsOne section may suddenly feel tougher or easier compared to all your mock tests. The difficulty level of VARC, LRDI, or QA can change significantly anytime, so don't rely too much on last year's trend. How to stay ready: Stay flexible. If the first few questions in a section look tough, move ahead quickly and find the scoring ones. Don't let a difficult start slow you down. LRDI Set Structure ChangesThe number of sets or specific types of puzzles may differ from what you've practised. You might even see unusual themes or unfamiliar data presentation formats. How to stay ready: Keep solving varied set types. Always scan the entire LRDI section before diving into any single set to identify the most feasible options. Fluctuating Question CountsThe number of questions in the DILR or QA sections may vary slightly from the expected 22, so use the first 30 seconds to check the actual pattern and confirm the number of questions and non-MCQs. Avoid rushing into the first question--take a moment to scan and adapt your approach. How to stay ready: For QA, use the ABC approach: * A (Attempt): Solve questions you are confident about first. * B (Backup): Mark questions you can solve with some effort for later. * C (Challenging): Leave questions that seem too time-consuming or unfamiliar. Quickly scan all questions in the section to categorize them and prioritize accuracy over attempting every question. TITA SurprisesThere may be more (or fewer) TITA questions (Type-In-The-Answer) than you expected. Even their placement within a section may shift. How to stay ready: Attempt TITA only when reasonably confident. Avoid random guessing, as there's no multiple-choice option to narrow down the answer, and thus no "negative marking advantage" for blind attempts. Odd-Even Patterning in VARCRC passages can appear in any order, so quickly assess each and start with the ones you find most familiar. How to stay ready: For VA questions, solve familiar types first and maintain a steady pace to balance time between VA and RC. Focus on accuracy, use elimination for tricky questions, and avoid spending too long on any single passage or question. Exam Centre Technical DelaysYou may face issues like login delays, system lag, or long biometric queues upon entry. How to stay ready: Reach early and stay calm. Remember that these delays never reduce your actual 120 minutes of exam time. CAT 2025 Essentials: The Exam Day ChecklistSuccess on exam day relies heavily on flawless execution of logistics. To eliminate any last-minute stress, adhere strictly to this pre-exam checklist: Documents and Items to CarryThe CAT 2025 aspirants should strictly follow what is mentioned in the CAT Admit card instructions. They should be well prepared with the necessary documents to prevent any last-minute problems: Logistics and Rules for CAT 2025* Arrival Time: Strictly adhere to the reporting time (1.5 hours before the test) to complete security checks. Gates closes 15 minutes before the exam starts. * Rough Work: Rough sheets and pens are provided at the center. Do not bring any paper from outside. * Note-Pad Submission: Write your name and application number on the rough notepad and submit it upon leaving the test center. Items Strictly Not Allowed in CAT 2025 Exam CentreAvoid carrying any of the following prohibited items: * Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, all types of watches, or calculators. * Wallets (keep minimal personal items). * Any form of jewellery (to ensure faster security clearance.) * Although shoes are allowed but ensure they should not be thick soled. Also, it is best to prefer open footwear like sandals. * Do not wear heavy jackets with pockets instead, try simple layering, wear a normal sweater or cardigan. * Closed footwear (wear open footwear like sandals). What Students MUST Do to Be Fully Prepared for CAT 2025?Focus More on your Reading Habit Maintain your reading habit, practice a few questions to stay sharp, and ensure you get adequate rest to keep your mind calm and ready for exam day. Master Scanning Technique Practice scanning the section immediately after it opens. Do not start solving Question 1 without first looking around the entire section to identify the easiest sets or questions. Use the 10-Second Recovery Rule If you hit a tough question or make an error, instantly apply the 10-second recovery rule: breathe reset move on. Do not dwell on failure. Know Your Attempt Strategy Clearly know your attempt strategy (how many questions to target) so you don't over attempt (risking accuracy) or under attempt (missing easy marks). Revise Core Concepts Dedicate time to revise formulas, grammar basics, and essential puzzle types--the unpredictable areas where quick recall is vital. Prioritise Sleep and Logistics Ensure you sleep well in the nights leading up to the exam. On exam day, carry your ID and admit card, and reach early to avoid last-minute anxiety. All the Best!By adopting a flexible mindset and preparing for these specific surprises, candidates can turn potential difficulties into successful strategic maneuvers on November 30, 2025. Be Confident and focused, all the best! (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.)
China has never accepted so-called "Treaty of San Francisco": spokesperson

Xinhua) 09:02, November 29, 2025

BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China has never recognized anything set out in the so-called "Treaty of San Francisco," including on the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, and has never accepted the treaty, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

In response to a related query at a daily press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning said the so-called "Treaty of San Francisco" was issued with the exclusion of important parties to the WWII, such as the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, in order to seek a separate peace deal with Japan.

She added the document goes against the provision of not making 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 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," Mao said.

She pointed out the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement clearly states that "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation."

The four political documents between China and Japan provide clear provisions on the Taiwan question and other issues, and together they constitute the political foundation of China-Japan relations, Mao added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
There have been no cancellations of IndiGo flights, and there has been only a delay in some flights due to the Airbus software update issue, sources in the airline said Saturday. In the case of the flight delays, the IndiGo sources said there had been a maximum delay of 30 odd minutes. They added that 60 per cent of the IndiGo fleet has already complied with the requirement of Airbus. In its statement, an Indigo spokesperson said that it is conducting the necessary inspections and making every effort to minimise disruptions. "We are aware of a notification issued by Airbus, the manufacturer of the majority of our fleet, pertaining to the A320-family. We are working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation as per Airbus's notification. While we carry out the necessary inspections, we are making every effort to minimise disruptions. We regret any inconvenience this unforeseen situation may cause to our customers and appreciate their understanding. IndiGo is committed to the safety of its customers and staff, and treats safety as its topmost priority," said an Indigo spokesperson. In a separate post on X earlier, IndiGo noted that some flights may experience minor schedule changes due to the mandated updates across its A320 aircraft, reiterating that "safety comes first." "Safety comes first. Always...Airbus has issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet. We are proactively completing the mandated updates on our aircraft with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols. While we work through these precautionary updates, some flights may see some slight schedule changes," the post read. Earlier, the European multinational aerospace company Airbus flagged a potential solar radiation risk, cautioning that intense radiation could corrupt data critical to flight control systems. The company also warned that a significant number of A320 family aircraft currently in service may be affected. Civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also issued an airworthiness directive banning the use of multiple models of Airbus family of aircrafts following concerns over safety risk regarding a software update by the company. The Airworthiness directive is applicable for multiple models of Airbus aircraft. It is estimated that around 6,000 aircraft around the world will be impacted. The order by the company follows a situation wherein an A320 aircraft was found to be having potential "solar radiation risk," which might corrupt data critical for flight controls. Airbus asserted that it has worked proactively with aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT). The measure is intended to implement available software and hardware protection and ensure the fleet remains safe to fly. (ANI)
India's exports to its largest export market, the United States, have suffered a sharp reversal under the impact of aggressive tariff hikes. Between May and October 2025, shipments fell 28.5 per cent, plunging from USD 8.83 billion to USD 6.31 billion, according to trade-focused think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The decline in exports followed a rapid escalation in US duties that began at 10 per cent on April 2, rose to 25 per cent on August 7, and reached 50 per cent by late August. The spike in tariffs made Indian goods among the most heavily taxed of any US trading partner, according to a GTRI report Saturday. For comparison, China faced tariffs of about 30 per cent, while Japan at 15 per cent. India's exports to the US during the period has been divided into three tariff regimes in the GTRI report -- Tariff-exempt items such as smartphones, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products accounted for 40.3 per cent of October exports but still fell 25.8 per cent, from USD 3.42 billion in May to USD 2.54 billion in October--a contraction of USD 881 million. Products facing uniform global tariffs--mainly iron, steel, aluminum, copper and auto parts--formed just 7.6 per cent of shipments in October. Exports in this category fell 23.8 per cent, sliding from USD 629 million in May to USD 480 million in October, or about USD 149 million, data maintained by GTRI showed. The steepest decline in exports occurred in labour intensive products where India alone faced 50 per cent tariffs. Gems and jewellery, solar panel, textiles and garment, chemicals, seafoods, These goods, which represented 52.1 per cent of October exports, collapsed 31.2 per cent, falling from USD 4.78 billion to USD 3.29 billion--nearly USD 1.5 billion erased in just five months, GTRI has asserted. Even tariff-free products felt the shock. Smartphones, India's single biggest product line to the US, suffered a 36 per cent decline, sliding from USD 2.29 billion in May to USD 1.50 billion in October--a loss of almost USD 790 million. Monthly exports fell consistently from USD 2.0 billion in June to USD 1.52 billion in July, crashed to USD 964.8 million in August, eased further to USD 884.6 million in September, and finally recovered to USD 1.5 billion in October, GTRI said, without giving any rationale. Pharmaceutical exports dipped only 1.6 per cent, while petroleum product shipments declined 15.5 per cent. In the metals (US Tariffs of 50 per cent) and auto parts (US Tariffs of 25 per cent) category, the export drop reflects weakening US industrial demand rather than loss of competitiveness, as tariff treatment was equal across suppliers, GTRI opined. Against that stark backdrop, GTRI urges the government to roll out the Export Promotion Mission and press Washington to drop the Russia-related additional tariff of 25 per cent imposed on Indian goods. "First, the Export Promotion Mission--announced in March and approved by the Cabinet on Nov. 12--still exists only on paper. Nearly eight months into the fiscal year, no schemes are operational, while long running programs such as the Market Access Initiative and the Interest Equalisation Scheme have made no payments this year," GTRI noted. With annual funding capped below Rs 4,200 crore, GTRI believes that the Mission will miss its goals unless the government quickly issues guidelines, restores regular disbursals and gives exporters clear eligibility rules and timelines. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi earlier this month has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) -- a flagship initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 to strengthen India's export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors. The Mission will provide a comprehensive, flexible, and digitally driven framework for export promotion, with a total outlay of Rs.25,060 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31. Besides, GTRI argued that removing 25 per cent additional tariffs would halve the effective US tariff burden on Indian goods to 25 per cent, offering relief to labour-intensive sectors. GTRI urged the Government to make these two steps central to restoring part export competitiveness and resetting talks with the US on a "more even footing". (ANI)
India's economy grew by 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025-26, marking a strong acceleration from last year's 5.6 per cent growth for the same period. Speaking to ANI, noted economist Kirit Parikh said the growth was "certainly, a very good achievement, and we should continue." He expressed optimism that India could sustain this pace in the long run. "Hopefully, we will continue to get an 8.2% growth rate for a long time. I think in a sense that some of the measures the government has taken promise to do that," Parikh said. Explaining the factors behind the strong performance, Parikh pointed to structural reforms and long-term investments. "For example, the liberalisation of GST rates, the new labour policy... The kind of things we have done in infrastructure, roads, and connectivity. That has been an ongoing investment for a long time. But these are investments that take time to mature or yield results. And we are beginning to see that all this connectivity has made a difference," he added. Talking to the media at the National Padyatra to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Union Minister Piyush Goyal credited the government's policy direction for the robust performance. "We are all witnessing the various initiatives undertaken by PM Modi. The 8.2% growth in India's economy in the last quarter is also due to PM Modi's efforts, the way he guided the country's economy forward, fortified it, and enhanced India's reputation globally," Goyal told the media. In a post on X, the minister highlighted the rise as a reflection of India's growing strength. "India's growth momentum rises! Second quarter GDP growth rate for 2025-26 estimated at 8.2%, a sharp rise from 5.6% for the same period last year. Manufacturing, construction, financial, real estate and professional services, among others, are contributing to rising productivity and a vibrant economic environment," he wrote. Goyal added that this "stellar performance" came from "policy consistency and continuity under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, which is powering long-term stability and growth." (ANI)
Energy sector major Oil India Limited has commenced a landmark offshore drilling campaign in the Kerala-Konkan Basin by spudding the first well, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri announced on Saturday. He termed this landmark development an inspirational stride in India's energy journey guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This frontier Category-III basin holds immense potential, and the planned 6000 m deep well to be drilled 20 nautical miles offshore will be among the deepest offshore wells in Indian waters, Minister Puri wrote on X. "With over 1,028 sq. km of 3D seismic survey already completed, this campaign will probe key Cretaceous plays and strengthen India's pursuit of new energy frontiers," the brief X post concluded. As per estimates, India today imports 80 per cent of its oil and 50 per cent of its natural gas needs. India is now importing oil and gas from as many countries as possible to meet its demand. India is putting in all kinds of effort to ramp up its own traditional fossil-based energy production, and the latest push is to dig deep in the Andaman region. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Puri, had earlier this year asserted that the exploration in the Andamans is pointing to "good news" and may end up becoming India's 'Guyana moment'. He had noted that a large expanse of sea beds untapped and unexplored. Earlier this month, Oil India Limited (OIL) and TotalEnergies inked a "Technology Service Agreement" here in the national capital to strengthen strategic collaboration for exploration activities in deep and ultra-deepwater offshore frontiers of Indian sedimentary basins, including the stratigraphic wells as mandated by the Indian government. The agreement puts in place a framework to leverage TotalEnergies' world-class expertise in Deep and Ultradeep water exploration value chain across OIL's current and future Offshore portfolio. India has about 3.5 million square kilometres of sedimentary basin, but it was never explored beyond eight per cent area, keeping a large expanse of sea beds untapped and unexplored. (ANI)
Primarily driven by a sharp fall in shipments to the US and a high base effect, India's engineering goods exports declined a whopping 16.71 per cent year-on-year in October 2025 to USD 9.37 billion, the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India said on Saturday. Engineering goods exports to many key markets recorded negative growth in October this year, with the ASEAN region recording a nearly 50 per cent decline to USD 1.02 billion, EEPC noted in a statement. Engineering goods exports to as many as 15 of the 25 key destinations registered negative growth during October 2025. The US remained the top destination, followed by the UAE and Germany, but exports to these countries declined year-on-year in October 2025. For the other top destinations, in Saudi Arabia and the UK, exports recorded decent growth in October 2025 over the same month last fiscal, EEPC noted. Region-wise, North America and the EU remained the top two export destinations for Indian engineering, but exports to both areas declined for the second time in October 2025 year-on-year. Significant decline was also noted in WANA, South Asia, Latin America, and CIS during the period under review, the Export Promotion Council noted in the statement. The decline in exports to the US was fuelled by the combined impact of Section 232 tariffs and the reciprocal tariff. The total value of engineering exports to the US stood at USD 1.39 billion in October 2025, down from USD 1.63 billion in October 2024, a 14.5 per cent year-on-year decline. In the case of the UAE, India's second biggest market for engineering goods, exports fell 19.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 667 million in October 2025. "While a high base effect was one of the reasons for the drop in exports during October this year, it was also a result of the US-administered reciprocal tariffs. Decline was also noted in other prominent export destinations, including the UAE, EU countries, and ASEAN countries. The industry believes that trade diversion due to US tariffs is one of the reasons behind the declining exports," said Pankaj Chadha, Chairman, EEPC India. He further said, "In this difficult time, we are thankful to the government for approving more than Rs 25,000 crores for the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Exporters are eagerly anticipating its implementation. Additionally, the allocation of Rs 20,000 for credit guarantee is also expected to boost the morale of the engineering industry." Indian engineering exports conceded a year-on-year decline in October 2025 after four consecutive months of growth. This was the second monthly decline in fiscal 2025-26 after May 2025. Panel-wise analysis revealed that the decline in overall engineering exports was led by more than 80 per cent decline in exports of 'Aircrafts and Spacecraft' and 'Ships, Boats and Floating structures' in October. The other key segments, such as 'Electrical Machinery and equipment', 'Products of Iron and Steel', 'Industrial machinery', and 'Aluminium and products', also conceded a year-on-year drop in exports. As many as 23 out of 34 engineering panels witnessed negative year-on-year growth in October 2025, EEPC noted. According to the government's quick estimates, EEPC reported that the share of engineering in total merchandise exports was 27.27 per cent in October 2025, slightly lower than the previous month's 27.80 per cent. Engineering exports, however, still recorded year-on-year growth on a cumulative basis. During April-October 2025, engineering exports stood at USD 68.73 billion, as against USD 67.60 billion during the same period last fiscal, registering a 1.68 per cent year-on-year growth. On a cumulative basis, 27 out of 34 engineering panels recorded positive growth, and the remaining 7 engineering panels, including aluminium and nickel products, recorded negative growth during the April-October period of 2025-26, the EEPC statement concluded. (ANI)
Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with MEGNOLIA, APEDA, IFOAM-Organics Asia, and assisted by NERAMAC, the event brought together international buyers, importers, organic experts, and youth delegations from multiple countries, as per the Ministry of Commerce.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council, Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya; Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA; Shakil P. Ahammed, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya; Saloni Verma, Deputy Secretary Government of Meghalaya, Brenden Hoare, Adviser, IFOAM Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Asia; Bhaskar Barua, Managing Director NERAMAC, Saswati Bose, General Manager APEDA, Mathew John, President, IFOAM Asia; and Priyanka Uday, Associate Director, CRISIL.

Speaking at the inauguration, Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, highlighted the significance of strengthening the global visibility of Northeast India's organic produce.

He said, "The first edition of the Northeast India Organic Meet has brought together stakeholders from 22 countries, demonstrating strong international interest in the region's organic potential. We have collaborated with the State Government, Ministry of Agriculture, NEC and IFOAM Asia, with an aim to amplify the global profile of Meghalaya's organic products."

He further added, "Going forward, we aim to make this an annual event, hosted by different Northeast states each year to promote regional organic value chains worldwide. We also encourage farmers, FPOs and stakeholders from Meghalaya to participate in the upcoming BIOFACH, where India is a partner country, to further showcase their produce on a global platform."

The event aims to strengthen global market linkages for organic products from Northeast India, promote sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and foster youth leadership through dialogue and international collaboration.

With B2B sessions, cultural programmes, and field visits planned, the event marks a significant milestone in showcasing the organic potential of Meghalaya and the Northeastern Region. (ANI)
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui lauded the 56th International Film Festival of India for maintaining its "credibility" in promoting cinema. While talking to the media at the sidelines of the IFFI 2025, Nawazuddin called IFFI a "prestigious" film festival of India. He said, "These types of film festivals are very important in India. IFFI is a very prestigious film festival which is supported by our government. It has maintained its credibility over the years. I hope the local films are promoted more in film festivals, which our government is already doing." The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on Friday, with renowned dignitaries such as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, megastar Rajinikanth, Ranveer Singh and Kantara actor-director Rishab Shetty in attendance. Cinema icon Rajinikanth received a lifetime achievement award at the closing ceremony of the IFFI in Goa on Friday, marking 50 years of his illustrious career in the film industry. The 74-year-old actor was welcomed with a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept the honour and also reflected on his journey, which he said felt far shorter than it sounds. Calling the milestone emotional and deeply meaningful, Rajinikanth said his "five decades in cinema" felt like they passed in just a few years. In an emotional moment, he shared that he would choose the same life again if given the chance, saying that "50 years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years... If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and Rajinikanth." As for Nawazuddin, the actor was last seen in the film 'Thamma', which also starred Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role. He will be next seen in the film 'Raat Akeli Hai', which will release on Netflix on December 19. It premiered at IFFI 2025. (ANI)
Hollywood icon Linda Hamilton seems to be embracing time on her own terms. The 69-year-old actor, best known for redefining the action genre as Sarah Connor in the 'Terminator' franchise, is basking in praise for her role in the fan-favourite sci-fi series "Stranger Things" during its final season. The actress seems to be doing so without succumbing to the pressure to look "younger". According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hamilton, speaking to AARP's Movies for Grownups, said she refuses to chase the industry's obsession with youth, calling ageing a natural and meaningful process. Describing her appearance as something she has worked for, she explained that she never spends time trying to reverse it. "I do not spend a moment trying to look younger on any level, ever," she said. "I have just completely surrendered to the fact that this is the face I've earned. And it tells me so much." She added that while she isn't surgically altering her face, she is focused on taking care of her body. In fact, Hamilton also shared that she used to go to the gym three times a week while filming Stranger Things. She said, "It was Pilates, it was yoga, a lot of free weights, machines, cables, everything. And I kind of love that: to go in and not have a chest and back day, but just have a 'what do you need to loosen up and stretch out today?'" Netflix dropped the first four episodes of the final chapter, and the world of Hawkins has never felt bigger, darker, or more gory. Season 5 includes eight episodes, according to Netflix's fan platform Tudum, reported PEOPLE. Episodes 5, 6, and 7 will drop on December 25, followed by the series finale on December 31. (ANI)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed West Bengal's top law enforcement officials to ensure robust security measures and prevent any intimidation of election personnel, following recent incidents that raised concern over the safety of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the security of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata. In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the poll body emphasised that BLOs must not be subjected to pressure, threats or interference from political party workers, stressing that such acts undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The directive comes in the wake of a serious security breach at the West Bengal CEO's office on November 24, 2025, which was widely reported in the media. Citing the seriousness of the incident, the ECI instructed that the CEO's office be shifted to a location deemed appropriate from a security standpoint. Additionally, the Kolkata Police Commissioner has been tasked with ensuring full protection, not only for the current premises but also for the new designated office, to prevent any future disruptions. The Commission has also issued instructions to all District Election Officers (DEOs) to expedite the creation of new polling stations in slum areas, high-rise residential buildings and gated colonies. On Friday, a delegation of 10 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar to object to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal and other states across the country. During the meeting, the TMC delegation told CEC Kumar that they have "blood on their hands," and submitted a list of 40 people who are dead "because of the SIR process", according to MP Derek O'Brien. "10 MPs from the All India Trinamool Congress met with the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Kumar and his team. We first handed over to him a list of almost 40 dead because of the SIR process. We started the meeting by telling him that Mr Kumar and the Election Commission of India have blood on their hands," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said during a press conference after meeting ECI. Meanwhile, on November 25, tensions escalated outside the Election Commission (EC) office in Kolkata as protesters gathered to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise underway in West Bengal. Police quickly set up barricades around the office as demonstrators surrounded the main gate, demanding clarity on the ongoing process. Several protestors, including teachers, expressed concerns over the accelerated pace of the SIR exercise. (ANI)
Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi expressed grief and paid tribute to Prakash Jaiswal, a three-time MP from Kanpur and a two-time Union Minister in the Congress government. Jaiswal passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday late evening. In a post on X, Awasthi wrote, "From the city president to the state president, from the mayor to the three-time MP from Kanpur and two-time Union Minister in the Congress government, the passing of the esteemed Prakash Jaiswal ji is very heartbreaking." He further recalled the 2009 Kanpur Lok Sabha elections, when he served as the in-charge of the election for Jaiswal. "I once served as the in-charge of the election for Prakash Jaiswal ji in the 2009 Kanpur Lok Sabha election. When I went to Kanpur, one name was visible everywhere on the walls of Kanpur; the slogan was..."Your Shri Prakash Jaiswal...Prakash Jaiswal ji was a beloved and affable leader among the workers...Humble tribute," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended deepest condolences to the family of Prakash Jaiswal. He remembered him as his colleague in the UPA government and hailed him as a true and devoted Congressman. Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "The news of the passing of Shriprakash Jaiswal ji, my colleague in the UPA government, former Union Minister, and senior Congress leader, is extremely heartbreaking. He was a true and devoted Congressman who served the people with complete honesty for the development and welfare of Kanpur. His departure is also a great loss for the Congress party. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to his family members and supporters, and pray for the peace of the departed soul." Prakash Jaiswal was born on 25 September 1944. He served as a member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress and as a Minister of State and Home Affairs. He also served as the Minister of Coal from 2011 to 2014. (ANI)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly cautioned a delegation of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) against influencing or threatening Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the verification of dead, shifted, and duplicate voters, sources told ANI on Friday. According to sources, the Commission issued a detailed, point-by-point rebuttal to all "baseless allegations and unfounded apprehensions" raised by the AITC delegation. The ECI stressed that the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise is conducted strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and electoral law. Sources further said the Commission advised AITC representatives to file any claims and objections only after December 9, when the draft electoral roll will be shared. Until then, they have been told not to interfere in the functioning of BLOs, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and District Election Officers (DEOs), who are state government officials on deputation for election duties. Reiterating constitutional provisions, the ECI reminded the delegation that only Indian citizens are eligible to vote under Article 326 of the Constitution, and foreign nationals cannot be included in the electoral rolls.The Commission also found it "strange," sources said, that the enhanced honorarium approved by the ECI for field staff has still not been disbursed by the state government. ECI has asked that payments be released without further delay. Emphasising the need for responsible conduct, the Commission told the AITC delegation that while political rhetoric is their prerogative, they must refrain from spreading misinformation about electoral processes. The ECI underlined that electoral roll preparation and elections in India are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution and established law, and that all political parties are expected to abide by them, sources added. (ANI)
The arrests were made on Friday based on information from a confidential source, indicating that foreign nationals were being sheltered in the area without valid documentation.

According to police, the Indian national, identified as 31-year-old Saber Ali, had allegedly been providing accommodation to 12 Bangladeshi citizens. The detained individuals were identified as Md Awal (25), Abdul Khaleque (38), Suman Ali (30), Sukuddin (26), Khabir (19), Sahidul (35), Md Sabbir (22), Md Jiarul Houque (38), Majdar Ali (36), Md Khairul (27), Md Roni (23), and Ruhul Amin (34). Police stated that none of them possessed legal travel documents permitting their stay in India.

A specific case has been registered in connection with the incident. All 13 accused will be produced before the Ld. ACJM, Lalbagh, on November 29, with the police seeking 10 days' custody for three of the arrested persons. Officials said

Further investigation is still underway. (ANI)
Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal, a three-time MP from Kanpur and one of the party's most prominent organisational figures in Uttar Pradesh, passed away at the age of 81 on Friday late evening, prompting an outpouring of grief from party colleagues and local leaders who hailed his lifelong commitment to grassroots politics and state development. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Jaiswal, the younger brother of the late Jaiswal, expressed profound grief, saying, "All I can say at this time is that a hardworking man attached to the grassroots is lying silent today. I can't say anything more than that." Congress leader Alok Mishra described the loss as "irreparable," noting that Jaiswal's contributions shaped Kanpur's political landscape. "His passing is an irreparable loss for the Congress party, for Kanpur, and for the entire country. His tireless efforts for Kanpur's development are commendable. Today, the Congress party has lost a strong pillar," he told ANI. Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi expressed grief and paid tribute to Prakash Jaiswal, a three-time MP from Kanpur and a two-time Union Minister in the Congress government. In a post on X, Awasthi wrote, "From the city president to the state president, from the mayor to the three-time MP from Kanpur and two-time Union Minister in the Congress government, the passing of the esteemed Prakash Jaiswal ji is very heartbreaking." He further recalled the 2009 Kanpur Lok Sabha elections, when he served as the in-charge of the election for Jaiswal. "I once served as the in-charge of the election for Prakash Jaiswal ji in the 2009 Kanpur Lok Sabha election. When I went to Kanpur, one name was visible everywhere on the walls of Kanpur; the slogan was..."Your Shri Prakash Jaiswal...Prakash Jaiswal ji was a beloved and affable leader among the workers...Humble tribute," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended deepest condolences to the family of Prakash Jaiswal. He remembered him as his colleague in the UPA government and hailed him as a true and devoted Congressman. Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "The news of the passing of Shriprakash Jaiswal ji, my colleague in the UPA government, former Union Minister, and senior Congress leader, is extremely heartbreaking. He was a true and devoted Congressman who served the people with complete honesty for the development and welfare of Kanpur. His departure is also a great loss for the Congress party. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to his family members and supporters, and pray for the peace of the departed soul." Prakash Jaiswal was born on 25 September 1944. He served as a member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress and as a Minister of State and Home Affairs. He also served as the Minister of Coal from 2011 to 2014. (ANI)
Air travel across several routes may face disruptions as domestic carriers Air India and IndiGo on Saturday announced potential delays and schedule adjustments following a technical directive issued by Airbus for its global A320 family fleet. In a post on X, Air India wrote it is "aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in-service across airline operators," noting that the requirement will involve a "software/hardware realignment" on part of its fleet. "We are aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in service across airline operators. This will result in a software/hardware realignment on a part of our fleet, leading to longer turnaround time and delays to our scheduled operations," the post read. https://x.com/airindia/status/1994484562437836873 "Air India regrets any inconvenience this may cause to passengers till the reset is carried out across the fleet. We request customers to check their flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport and connect with our contact centre at 011-69329333, 011-69329999 for any further assistance," the post further read. Meanwhile on November 11, Air India announced the successful completion of the retrofit programme for its legacy A320neo fleet, with the final of 27 aircraft returning to service with brand-new cabin interiors and in the airline's vibrant new livery. With these, combined with 14 newly delivered A320neo aircraft and those integrated following the merger of Vistara into Air India, the airline now operates 104 A320 Family aircraft, featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors, Air India said in a press release. In a separate post on X, IndiGo emphasised that "safety comes first" and confirmed it is carrying out the mandated updates across its A320 aircraft "with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols." "Safety comes first. Always...Airbus has issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet. We are proactively completing the mandated updates on our aircraft with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols. While we work through these precautionary updates, some flights may see some slight schedule changes," the post read. https://x.com/IndiGo6E/status/1994507979052519782 "Our teams are here 24x7 to support you with rebooking, updates, and information. Please check your latest flight status on our app/website before heading to the airport. Thank you for your patience and trust on us," IndiGo wrote. Both airlines assured customers of continuous assistance as they undertake the precautionary measures mandated by Airbus. (ANI)
A class seven student was allegedly murdered in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district in connection with a rivalry linked to a year-old murder case, officials said. The incident took place on Friday in the forest area near Sirsaganj road under the Dannahar police station limits, where the minor had gone to graze cattle. According to police, the deceased student had stepped out with his cattle when he was suddenly attacked by the accused from the same village. His younger brother, who was grazing cattle nearby, witnessed the assault and ran home to alert the family. By the time the family reached the spot, the attackers had allegedly beheaded the victim with an axe and fled the area. The murder has sparked tension in Jaramai village, where the families involved have been locked in a dispute since the killing of a young villager on January 17 this year. In that earlier incident, an FIR for murder had been filed against seven members of the minor's family, deepening hostility between the two sides. The cousin of the deceased alleged that the accused carried out the murder purely out of vengeance. "Because of the old murder case, they held a grudge against [his] family and killed him in a brutal manner," he said. The younger brother of the victim recounted the horror of seeing the boy getting struck repeatedly with the axe. "I got scared and ran home to tell everyone," he said, recalling the moment he saw the attackers targeting the minor. Soon after the incident was reported, SP City, Mainpuri, Arun Kumar Singh, along with CO City, Santosh Kumar Singh, and a police team, arrived at the spot. The body was recovered and sent to the mortuary located behind the Bhagwati Rice Mill for post-mortem. SP City Arun Kumar Singh confirmed that the killing was motivated by an old rivalry. He added that the weapon used in the crime, the Takora axe, has been recovered. "A named complaint has been received. We have registered a case against three accused individuals," he told ANI. Further action is underway. (ANI)
Taking serious note of alleged irregularities at Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered an open inquiry by the Vigilance Department into suspected misuse of administrative and financial powers. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), it had come to light that administrative and financial powers were allegedly misused in payments amounting to Rs 13.10 crore over the past years in the Uttarakhand Ayurved University. Treating the matter with utmost seriousness, the government decided to initiate an investigation. CM Dhami approved the proposal and instructed the Vigilance Department to conduct an open inquiry into the case. Meanwhile, the Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari has instructed District Information Officers to formulate an effective communication strategy and work with professional efficiency to ensure that the government's public welfare programmes and schemes reach every citizen. He also directed them to maintain better coordination with the media and ensure prompt redressal of journalists' issues. Addressing a meeting held at the Directorate of Information on Friday, Director General Tiwari said that ensuring effective publicity of the state government's welfare schemes is the department's top priority. He emphasised that all officers and employees must work in a coordinated manner and ensure that all information related to various schemes is clear, accurate, and delivered to the public promptly. He instructed that government programmes and achievements be widely disseminated through social media, and that success stories and engaging articles on government schemes be published regularly. The content shared on departmental social media platforms must be entirely factual, balanced, and positive, and any dissemination of unverified information should be strictly avoided. He instructed that SOPs be prepared for disaster and other primary event coverage. Tasks related to the Press Service Portal and the single-window system for film shooting permissions should also be completed in a time-bound manner. DG Tiwari further said that concrete efforts are being made to strengthen the department and enhance its efficiency in line with the evolving communication needs. A proposal for departmental restructuring has been sent to the government, and requisitions have been submitted to fill vacant posts. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting in Haridwar with the Acharyas and saints of all 13 Akharas on the banks of the Ganga to review and discuss preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. This was the first time such a meeting was organised at the Ganga riverfront. During the interaction on Friday, the Chief Minister also formally announced the major bathing dates for the 2027 Kumbh. He announced the following dates for the year 2027: Makar Sankranti on January 14 (2027), Mauni Amavasya on February 6, Vasant Panchami on February 11, Magh Purnima on February 20, Mahashivratri (Amrit Snan) on March 6, Phalgun Amavasya (Amrit Snan) on March 8, Nav Samvatsar (New Year) on April 7, Mesh Sankranti (Amrit Snan) on April 14, Shri Ram Navami on April 15 and Chaitra Purnima on April 20. The Chief Minister sought suggestions and guidance from the Acharyas of the Akharas to ensure the successful organisation of the Kumbh Mela. He said that the traditions, needs and convenience of the saints would be accorded top priority in all decisions related to the Kumbh. He added that it was his privilege to receive the blessings and guidance of the saint community for the smooth and grand execution of the event. Without the inspiration, suggestions and blessings of the saints, he said, it would be impossible to envision the completion of such a massive undertaking. The state government aims to make the preparations for Kumbh 2027 more comprehensive, well-organised and aligned with the expectations of the saint community. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for establishing Uttarakhand as the spiritual capital of the world. In line with this vision, the state government is working with full commitment to make the 2027 Kumbh Mela grand, divine and historic. He noted that the 2021 Kumbh was held for a short duration due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the Shahi Snan was conducted only symbolically. However, the Haridwar Kumbh of 2027 will be historic and significant in many ways. The number of devotees expected this time will likely be many times higher than in the 2010 and 2021 Kumbh Melas. The state government has already begun extensive preparations to ensure that Haridwar Kumbh 2027 is divine, grand and secure. Full coordination has been established with state and central security agencies for the safety of devotees and the saint community. The Chief Minister further said that the police, NDRF, PAC, health department, and fire department, along with all other concerned departments, will ensure every possible measure for safety. Based on incidents from past Kumbh Melas, preparations for crowd control, traffic management and emergency response have already begun. Officers who have successfully managed earlier Kumbh Melas will also be consulted to ensure smooth and systematic operations. Special sanitation teams will be deployed across the town and ghats with a focus on waste disposal, drainage management and maintaining environmental cleanliness. Acharyas and saints of the Akharas praised the steps taken by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to preserve the state's culture. They assured full cooperation from the saint community for organising a grand and divine Kumbh. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also shared a meal with the Acharyas and saints of the Akharas. (ANI)
The SBI Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) has organised a 30-day tailoring training programme in the Kashirah area of Udhampur with the objective of empowering women and helping them achieve financial independence. As part of the initiative, 29 women from diverse rural areas of the district were provided free tailoring training, along with a daily meal. The programme aims to equip participants with essential livelihood skills that can enable them to generate income and support their families. The trainees expressed gratitude to SBI RSETI for this initiative and said that by providing them the opportunity to learn tailoring, they can now stand on their own feet. "This course was started by SBI RSETI 25 days ago... It is completely free of cost... Housewives like me who only did household chores and had no other skills or training. We had the will to learn but no means. After this course, at least 30 women here got an opportunity to learn tailoring... We can not make good dresses and stand on our own two feet... We are grateful to SBI..." trainee Anju Kumari told ANI. Trainer Seema commended the dedication of the women and said they had shown great potential during the programme. She emphasised that the objective was to help them become independent and financially capable of supporting their families. "When we came here, we were unsure whether the women here would be able to learn... We recieved around 45 forms, but we have certain criteria like age limit... But as days passed, the women cooperated with us... Now we feel that these women will achieve a lot and will be independent... We want them to be providers and not dependent..." she said. In another initiative to promote rural development, over 50 families of small and marginal farmers in Mehra village, Rajouri district, have transitioned from traditional practices to fully organic vegetable farming on their small agricultural plots. Chief Agricultural Officer from Rajouri, Rajesh Verma, said the government is supporting natural farming through various schemes and has identified specific clusters to promote organic farming. Additionally, they are also providing training to farmers. He further noted that as people become more health-conscious, the government is encouraging farmers to enhance their interest in organic production. "Nowadays, we are focusing on sustainable farming.... to promote the concept of natural farming...we have schemes, at the same time, we have identified the clusters for organic farming... even for natural farming..under HADP, we have identified a components, and we are providing training regarding this..with people becoming health-conscious, a demand has been created...to fulfill the demand, the government department is further encouraging farmers to scale organic production...in the aspects of marketing, branding and value addition...the work is being done.." Verma told ANI. (ANI)
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for releasing the Constitution translated into nine languages included in the Eighth Schedule, including the Nepali language. The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha. In a post on social media, CM Tamang said, "On behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim, I convey our heartiest gratitude to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, for graciously releasing the Indian Constitution translated into nine languages included in the Eighth Schedule, including the Nepali language." "The release, held as part of the 76th Constitution Day celebrations under the inspiring theme "Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman," marks a historic milestone in strengthening the spirit of inclusivity and linguistic diversity in our great nation. This significant initiative further enhances the accessibility of the Constitution, enabling citizens from diverse linguistic backgrounds to connect more deeply with its principles, values, and ideals," he said. He further emphasised that the name of Sikkim, resonated within the august and prestigious forum on this proud occasion, is a matter of immense pride and joy for every Sikkimese citizen. "We also extend our sincere appreciation and heartiest thanks, on behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim, to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, and the Government of India for this visionary and momentous initiative," CM Prem Singh Tamang added. Earlier on Constitution Day, celebrated on November 27 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, President Murmu released the Constitution of India in nine languages -- Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese. The President, in her address, underscored the Constitution's pivotal role in guiding India's democratic journey and called upon 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 Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary, it was decided to celebrate November 26th 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. (ANI)
Manipur recorded a largely peaceful day in the last 24 hours, even as security forces continued extensive intelligence-based operations across the state to curb extortion and other criminal activities. According to an official press note from Manipur Police, security personnel arrested an active cadre of the proscribed PREPAK (PRO) outfit on Thursday, November 27. The individual, identified as Khangembam Nelson Singh alias Khangamba (24) of Athokpam Awang Leikai in Thoubal district, was apprehended from Khangabok Part-II, under Thoubal police station. A mobile phone along with a SIM card was seized from his possession, and further investigation is underway. As part of its ongoing crackdown on motor vehicle violations, Manipur Police issued 12 challans amounting to INR 12,000 on Friday. Additionally, tinted films were removed from four vehicles on Thursday to ensure compliance with road safety norms. Security measures along the vital NH-37 route also continued, with officials ensuring the safe movement of 184 vehicles transporting essential commodities. Convoys and enhanced protection were deployed in vulnerable stretches to maintain an uninterrupted supply flow. In efforts to maintain vigilance, a total of 114 checkpoints were set up across various hill and valley districts. No detentions were reported during the period. Authorities urged the public to remain alert against rumours, fake videos, and misleading social media posts. Citizens are asked to verify any questionable content through the Central Control Room helpline at 9233522822. The government warned that spreading unverified or provocative content online would invite strict legal consequences. The public has also been appealed to return any looted arms, ammunition, or explosives to the nearest police station or security forces at the earliest, as part of efforts to restore complete normalcy in the state. Intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations are being carried out extensively to nab those involved in extortion and other criminal activities in the state. The clashes occurred in the backdrop of the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which broke out in 2023, claiming the lives of around 260 people while displacing thousands of people. (ANI)
In the wake of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs holding a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya alleged that valid voters have been deleted from the electoral rolls on the pretext of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and expressed apprehension that a similar situation could arise in Odisha. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Acharya said, "There have been a number of defects in the SIR. But the election commission is not prepared to listen to any objections, and many valid voters have been deleted from the voter list on the pretext of SIR... What happened in Bihar? What is happening in other states? We apprehend that it will also happen in Odisha. The West Bengal government has raised serious objections to the SIR. So there should be a free and fair revision of the entire list, not the way the Election Commission is doing it now." Reacting to the TMC MPs' meeting with the Election Commission, Acharya emphasised that the EC should be fair and consider all grievances. "TMC has also raised some valid points, and I think the Election Commission should be fair enough to listen to all the problems and try to solve them," he added. Earlier on Friday, a delegation of 10 TMC MPs met with CEC Gyanesh Kumar to highlight issues arising from the ongoing SIR process. According to TMC MP Derek O'Brien, the delegation submitted a list of 40 deceased individuals whose deaths were linked to the SIR exercise, stating that the EC "has blood on their hands." The meeting lasted two hours, during which the delegation spoke uninterrupted for 40 minutes before the CEC spoke. "10 MPs from the All India Trinamool Congress met with the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Kumar and his team. We first handed over to him a list of almost 40 dead because of the SIR process. We started the meeting by telling him that Mr Kumar and the Election Commission of India have blood on their hands," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said during a press conference after meeting ECI. Apart from O'Brien, Rajya Sabha MPs Dola Sena, Saket Gokhale, Mamata Thakur, and Mahua Moitra were also present in the meeting and the press conference. The TMC MP said that they raised atleast five questions during the meeting but "did not get an answer to any of them." "We raised five questions on behalf of the All India Trinamool Congress. We did not get an answer to any of our five questions. That is the outline of what happened," he added. Addressing a press conference, Mamata Thakur raised concerns over the exclusion of states such as Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland from the SIR, questioning why only West Bengal was targeted. "If infiltrators are there, then why are Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal, and Nagaland not included (in the SIR process), and only West Bengal is included? They say they are not voters and torture Bengalis across states. People think they are not speaking Bangla, and brand them Bangladeshis," the TMC MP asked. Raising doubts over the legitimacy of previous elections, Thakur added, "If this voter list is wrong, are all the other votes (in previous elections) not valid? If this is not a voter list, then that voter list is also not correct."While raising the issue of Booth Level Officers' (BLOs) deaths in West Bengal, she said that the ECI is "not accepting" that the deaths are due to the SIR. "Third is, the Election Commission does not agree that BLOs are getting tortured. They are saying that they will work atleast this much. We have the list, 39 people, and when we were talking about a report, bringing the list to 40 with more than half of them naming the Election Commission in their suicide note," Mamata Thakur said. Earlier, TMC claimed that a BLO working in Murshidabad died of cardiac arrest, marking the fourth such death in the state. (ANI)
A pre-dawn fire broke out at the Sunrise World Tyre Shop in Raghavendra Colony of Medchal-Malkajgiri district in Telangana on Saturday, prompting a swift response from fire and police personnel. The incident occurred around 3:55 a.m. on Suchitra Road, officials said. Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before it could spread to surrounding establishments. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Confirming the details, a fire official from Medchal-Malkajgiri district said, "Today, early morning around 3:55 a.m., we received a fire call stating that a fire broke out at Sunrise World Tyre Shop in Raghavendra Colony on Suchitra Road in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Four fire vehicles reached the spot, controlled the fire, and no casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined." Authorities are now investigating the source of the fire, while the extent of property damage is being assessed. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Saturday again adjourned the passing of its order on whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case. The court will now pronounce its order on December 16. The chargesheet names several senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has alleged financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald. During previous hearings, ASG SV Raju, appearing for the ED, urged the court to direct all accused to file their replies. Senior Advocate Pramod Dubey, representing Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, opposed the issuance of such directions at this stage. Several defence lawyers also requested more time to examine the extensive case records. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared virtually for Sonia Gandhi, while RS Cheema represented Rahul Gandhi. Advocate Sushil Bajaj appeared for Suman Dubey, and Senior Advocate Madhav Khurana represented the Young Indian firm. ASG SV Raju appeared on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate. Earlier, the court had issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, observing that they have a "right to be heard" before any decision is taken on cognisance. Special Judge Vishal Gogne stressed that this right is essential for a fair trial, supported by Section 223 of the new criminal law (BNSS). The court had noted that Section 223 grants the accused a special opportunity to be heard even before cognisance is taken. This provision does not conflict with the PMLA and, in fact, strengthens fairness and transparency in criminal proceedings. The judge also noted that BNSS is a progressive law aimed at protecting the rights of the accused. The ED submitted that under the new legal provisions, the court must hear the accused before taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the PMLA. The court also took note of the predicate offence already under trial at Rouse Avenue Court includes IPC Sections 403, 406, 420, and 120B. Under PMLA rules, the predicate offence and the money laundering case must be heard in the same court. The National Herald case originated from a complaint filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy, alleging misuse of funds by Congress leaders and companies linked to AJL. (ANI)
India's low-cost carrier IndiGo has issued another statement in response to Airbus' notification regarding the A320 fleet warning, confirming that it is working closely with Airbus to implement the necessary mandated updates across its A320 aircraft and ensure the fleet remains safe to operate. In its statement, an Indigo spokesperson said that it is conducting the necessary inspections and making every effort to minimise disruptions. "We are aware of a notification issued by Airbus, the manufacturer of the majority of our fleet, pertaining to the A320-family. We are working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation as per Airbus's notification. While we carry out the necessary inspections, we are making every effort to minimise disruptions. We regret any inconvenience this unforeseen situation may cause to our customers and appreciate their understanding. IndiGo is committed to the safety of its customers and staff, and treats safety as its topmost priority," said Indigo spokesperson. In a separate post on X earlier, IndiGo noted that some flights may experience minor schedule changes due to the mandated updates across its A320 aircraft, reiterating that "safety comes first." "Safety comes first. Always...Airbus has issued a technical advisory for the global A320 fleet. We are proactively completing the mandated updates on our aircraft with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols. While we work through these precautionary updates, some flights may see some slight schedule changes," the post read. Additionally, Tata Airlines Air India announced potential delays and schedule adjustments following a technical directive issued by Airbus for its global A320 family fleet. In a post on X, Air India wrote it is "aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in-service across airline operators," noting that the requirement will involve a "software/hardware realignment" on part of its fleet. "We are aware of a directive from Airbus related to its A320 family aircraft currently in service across airline operators. This will result in a software/hardware realignment on a part of our fleet, leading to longer turnaround time and delays to our scheduled operations," the post read. Earlier, the European multinational aerospace company Airbus flagged a potential solar radiation risk, cautioning that intense radiation could corrupt data critical to flight control systems. The company also warned that a significant number of A320 family aircraft currently in service may be affected. Hence, in its statement, Airbus stated that it has been working proactively with aviation authorities to implement the necessary software and hardware protections to ensure the fleet remains safe to operate. "Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls. Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted. Airbus has worked proactively with the aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) in order to implement the available software and/or hardware protection, and ensure the fleet is safe to fly. This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators, while keeping safety as our number one and overriding priority," said Airbus. (ANI)
Nearly 300 passengers, including around 150 Tamilians travelling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka, have been stranded at Colombo''s Bandaranaike International Airport for the last three days after Cyclone Ditwah forced the cancellation of multiple flights to Chennai. Passengers alleged they have been left without adequate food, water, and basic facilities, as operations remain disrupted by severe weather. Taking cognisance of the distress faced by those stranded, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed the Public Department Secretary to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Colombo. Officials have since held discussions with Indian High Commission authorities to ensure the safe return of Tamilians stuck in Sri Lanka. The government has also sought timely assistance for passengers facing hardship at the airport. Meanwhile, India has expanded its humanitarian outreach to Sri Lanka, which Cyclone Ditwah has severely impacted. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of relief material landed in Colombo on Saturday as part of the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu. This support comes in addition to earlier consignments delivered by Indian Naval Ship Vikrant and Indian Naval Ship Udaygiri, which included 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential supplies for storm-affected families. Reaffirming the country''s commitment to assisting its neighbour, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said that Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to deliver urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). "In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy," the mission stated. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed condolences over the lives lost due to the cyclone and confirmed the dispatch of emergency support. "My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah... India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support," he said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah, currently positioned near Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to slightly intensify and move towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by early November 30. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible urban flooding across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held a "productive discussion on Karnataka's priorities and the road ahead" with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while meeting him at his Cauvery residence for breakfast on Saturday morning. The breakfast meeting between the top two leaders in Karnataka comes amid the Congress party's internal power tussle, with Shivakumar's supporters calling for him to be made Chief Minister for the remaining 2.5 years of the Congress-led government. The meeting was called with a hope of resolving the power tussle, with Shivakumar set to go to Delhi to meet with the Congress high command. "Met Hon'ble CM Siddaramaiah Avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka's priorities and the road ahead," Shivakumar posted on X in Kannada and English. https://x.com/DKShivakumar/status/1994634374827184542?s=20 Amid an escalating power tussle over the Chief Minister's chair, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah met his Deputy DK Shivakumar at his residence for a high-stakes breakfast meeting on Saturday, where the two leaders attempted to cool tempers over plates of traditional idli and sambar. CM Siddaramaiah had invited Shivakumar earlier in order to resolve the ongoing crisis within the party. The legal advisor to CM AS Ponnanna was also present at the meeting. Amid the tussle, Siddaramaiah said there is no change in his stance, adding, "The high command has called both of us, so I have invited him (DK Shivakumar) for breakfast, and we will talk there. As I said earlier, I will accept whatever the high command says; there is no change in my stand. Even he (DK Shivakumar) said that whatever the high command says, we'll follow that." The Congress is likely to discuss the crisis with the central leaders after the party's strategy group meeting ahead of the winter session of Parliament on November 30. The high command, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to make a decision soon. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have expressed willingness to abide by the party's decision. The tussle, fueled by the "power-sharing agreement" of 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, has pushed each side's loyalists to lobby for their leaders' claims to the state's top post. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday dismissed any speculations regarding the power tussle brewing up in Karnataka as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met for breakfast earlier this morning. Speaking to ANI, Congress General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said, "You can see what is happening in Karnataka, in Bengaluru. Nothing will happen. Congress will be united. They are together now in Bengaluru." After an hour-long breakfast of Idli-Sambar and Upma on Saturday morning, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar reaffirmed cohesion and unity within the Congress party, saying that both the leaders have decided to follow whatever the decision of the party high command is and resolve any "confusion". "We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion," CM Siddaramaiah said during a press conference. CM Siddaramaiah had called his deputy for a breakfast meet earlier today at his Cauvery residence, during which the two held a "productive meeting" to discuss the state's priorities and the "road ahead." Talking about the breakfast meeting, the Chief Minister said that they both "just had breakfast" after Congress' General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal asked Siddaramaiah to invite DK Shivakumar and A S Ponnanna. According to CM, they discussed their agenda for the 2028 elections and the upcoming local body elections. "Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future," he said. "We have discussed together that we will go together like we did in the 2023 election. We don't have any differences and there will be no differences even in future. We work together," the CM added. While hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) for making "false allegations," Siddaramaiah added, "The BJP and JDS have a habit of making false allegations. The BJP and JDS have made statements that they will bring a no-confidence motion. They are only 60, and the JDS is 18. They cannot match our numbers. We are 140. This is a futile exercise. We will confront their false allegations." Deputy CM Shivakumar reaffirmed the CM's sentiment, saying that they are looking to fulfil the wishes of the people of the state. Meanwhile, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that there is a clear tension between the two leaders and Congress high command is deliberately troubling the Congress ranks in Karnataka. "The situation in Karnataka has escalated to the point where the Chief Minister needs to invite his Deputy Chief Minister for breakfast. There is clear tension; a conflict exists between the two. The Congress leadership appears to be deliberately stirring trouble, fostering rivalry between them. The Delhi court prioritises whoever pleases them the most. Their only goal is to garner praise. The Delhi Congress leadership is leveraging the Karnataka government: they told Siddaramaiah he's the Chief Minister, informed DK Shivakumar he was about to be, and Kharge is also involved as the Congress President, who is from Karnataka and active in Karnataka politics. There is so much conflict that there's no such thing as a government. The government isn't functioning at all," Hussain said. (ANI)
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, held a meeting on Saturday to discuss issues concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the overall performance of MPs. The meeting was convened to review work reports submitted by the party's MPs. Rajya Sabha MP and DMK Deputy General Secretary Tiruchi Siva said that around 12 resolutions were passed during the session. DMK MP Kanimozhi highlighted that CM Stalin has urged the Centre to reconsider the metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai. She also emphasised the need for urgent central assistance for critical state schemes, including education and NREGA. Speaking to the reporters, Kanimozhi said, "The Chief Minister requested that they (MPs) raise the issue of moisture in rice, as we have been affected by floods and rains. The Government of India has not yet responded. They even sent a team to inspect it, but there is no outcome to date. There are many issues that need to be raised. The state needs to receive money for education and NREGA. All this is pending. There are many issues that need to be raised, and we discussed them with the CM." "They (centre) have given the metro to Agra and other cities that don't have a large population. We have a large population in Coimbatore and Madurai, and yet the central government has refused to provide us with metro trains. The CM has requested that they reconsider this, and we will raise it," she further added. Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva reiterated the significance of the 12 resolutions and said MPs have been tasked to follow them up. Speaking to ANI, Tiruchi Siva said, "Around 12 resolutions have been passed, and we have been assigned to carry them forward. The paddy and the metro in Madurai and Coimbatore, and the expansion of the airports in Coimbatore and Madurai are the main issues (which they discussed in the meeting). Tamil Nadu is being victimised by the Union government in every one of its activities. Even the Finance Commission's recommendation for dividing the revenue share has not been properly implemented, and the Sarva Shiksha on education has also been withheld for quite some time. We insist that it's our responsibility to raise the state's issues." DMK leader MK TKS Elangovan raised concerns about the plight of fishermen and said the matter would be addressed in Parliament. He said, "There were many demands placed before the government of India for the welfare of Tamil Nadu, such as the two metro projects in two cities... We have passed a resolution demanding that the government of India consider all these issues. Furthermore, we have instructed our members to speak in Parliament and meet the concerned ministers to demand action..." On the Special Intensive Revision, Elangovan added, "SIR is a different thing. We cannot discuss it in the parliament. We have to fight with the Election Commission." Earlier on November 22, CM MK Stalin had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider rejecting the proposals for metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai, emphasising that the "most urbanised state in the country" needs high-capacity public transport across all major cities. (ANI)
Taragiri (Yard 12653), the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A and the third built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on November 28 in Mumbai. According to the Ministry of Defence, Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms, designed to address current and future challenges in the maritime domain. Taragiri is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Naval fleet from 16 May 1980 to 27 Jun 2013, rendering 33 years of glorious service to the nation. This state-of-the-art frigate reflects a quantum leap in naval design, stealth, firepower, automation and survivability, and is a symbol of Aatmanirbharta in warship building, the Ministry noted. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), P17A frigates reflect a generational leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability. Driven by the philosophy of Integrated Construction, the ship was built and delivered in envisaged timelines. As per the Ministry of Defence, P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite compared to the P17 (Shivalik) class. These ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, comprising a diesel engine and a gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The potent weapon and sensors suite comprises BrahMos SSM, MFSTAR and MRSAM complex, 76mm SRGM, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, along with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. Taragiri is the fourth P17A ship to be delivered to Indian Navy in the last 11 months. The experience gained from construction of first two P17A ships have enabled the build period of Taragiri to be compressed to 81 months, in comparison to 93 months taken for First of the Class (Nilgiri). The remaining three ships of Project 17A (one in MDL and two in GRSE) are planned to be delivered progressively by Aug 2026, as per the Ministry. Delivery of Taragiri showcases the design, ship construction and engineering prowess of the nation, and reflects IN's unrelenting focus on Aatmanirbharta in both ship design and shipbuilding. With an indigenisation content of 75%, the project has involved over 200 MSMEs and has enabled employment generation of approximately 4,000 personnel directly and more than 10,000 personnel indirectly. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday praised the widespread public participation in the Padyatra commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, calling it a symbol of India's collective respect for its heritage and sacrifices. Speaking to ANI, Goyal stressed that the march reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a prosperous, developed India, with people from all religions and communities joining in. "Remembering and paying tribute to our heritage, culture, and ancestors who sacrificed their lives for the country, this Padyatra symbolises what Prime Minister Modi envisioned for a prosperous, developed India. I congratulate the Prime Minister on the entire society joining this Padyatra. People from every religion, community, and different attire across the country have participated," he said. The Union Minister also lauded Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his team for successfully organising the Padyatra and spreading its message across the country. "I commend Mansukh Bhai Mandaviya and his entire team for organising this Padyatra according to the Prime Minister's guidance and for sending a message nationwide about how the country salutes, honours, and commemorates Sardar's sacrifice, work, and his 150th anniversary," Goyal said. The Yatra, starting on Wednesday, November 26, will conclude on December 6. The Indian government has launched a two-year celebration for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th anniversary on October 31, 2024, at the statue of Unity. The government has launched a Rs 150 commemorative coin, a postal stamp, a special book "Vallabh", and a documentary on Patel unifying over 560 princely states. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, "The padyatra has started, and we arrived in Vadodara on the 4th day. Thousands of young people from all over the country have participated. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel always emphasised unity and the importance of uniting the nation. PM Modi's vision is to transform India into a great, self-reliant, and developed country. The youth involved in the padyatra are spreading messages of unity, self-reliance, and progress. The growing crowd indicates that these young participants will help turn PM Modi's goal of a developed India into reality." (ANI)
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) has strongly condemned the repeated attacks and provocative incursions carried out by Israeli forces into Syrian territory, saying they constitute a flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday that the region's tourism sector has faced a challenging year due to low footfall and is now banking heavily on a good spell of snowfall in December to revive arrivals. Speaking to the media, CM Abdullah noted that a dry November has affected destinations. However, he added that steady tourist inflow continues, and fresh snowfall is expected to boost arrivals across the valley significantly. "Wherever there are business-to-business relations, it is expected that people associated with the tourism industry will benefit. The biggest factor contributing to tourism is promotion and marketing... This year has not been easy for us when it comes to tourism. Be it Pahalgam, or Delhi, or Nowgam... The biggest factor contributing to footfall in this season is snow. November has been dry. We are hoping for a good spell of snow in December... Tourists are still coming to Pahalgam and other parts of the valley, but snowfall will further boost tourism..." The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir was allegedly a targeted terrorist attack on tourists, primarily Hindus, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injured 20 others. A total of 15 people were killed, and over two dozen others were injured in the Delhi blast that occurred around 7 pm on November 10 in a moving Hyundai i20 car driven by one alleged suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi. In J-K's Nowgam, an accidental explosion inside the Nowgam Police Station late on November 14 night left nine personnel dead and 32 others injured and caused extensive damage to the nearby building. Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during a press conference expressed frustration over the central government's interference in state matters, saying they're being unfairly targeted. He emphasised that no one has the right to illegally occupy government land, but criticised the targeting of a single community. Abdullah urged the central government to implement the J&K Reorganisation Act fairly and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible. He believes the central government should respect the separation of powers and fulfil its promises. (ANI)
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that thousands of youth from across the country were participating in the 'Unity March' to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 'Iron Man of India'. Addressing the swelling crowd as the procession reached Vadodara, Mandaviya said that the large turnout of young participants indicated that they would help turn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of a Viksit Bharat into reality. The padyatra, which began from Karamsad, aims to celebrate the ideals of Ekta, Shakti, and Rashtra-Nirman, principles that Patel himself embodied. Speaking to ANI, the Union Minister said, "The padyatra has started, and we arrived in Vadodara on the 4th day. Thousands of young people from all over the country have participated. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel always emphasised unity and the importance of uniting the nation. PM Modi's vision is to transform India into a great, self-reliant, and developed country. The youth involved in the padyatra are spreading messages of unity, self-reliance, and progress. The growing crowd indicates that these young participants will help turn PM Modi's goal of a developed India into reality." The yatra, which began on Wednesday, November 26, will conclude on December 6. It is scheduled to pass through Vadodara on Saturday and Sunday. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi on November 26 invited Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to join him in Vadodara for the 'Unity March'. "Dear Rahul ji, On the sacred occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Government of India is organizing a historic 'Unity March' from 26th November to 6th December 2025 - a national journey celebrating the ideals of Ekta, Shakti, and Rashtra-Nirman that Patel himself embodied," Joshi wrote in his letter to Rahul. Earlier on November 22, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, along with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, flagged off a separate unity march in Delhi to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, Nadda emphasised that a true tribute to Sardar Patel will be given when the youth are utilised to lead the country towards Viksit Bharat. "Today, we are celebrating 'Sardar 150,' commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A series of events has been added to this. In the same series, today, we have a flag-off program of 'Ganga Pravaah Yatra.' When we talk about Sardar Patel, we must keep in mind that we will give true tribute to Sardar Patel when we use our youth to lead our country towards 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat, Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat'..." Nadda said. The Indian government has launched a two-year celebration for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th anniversary on October 31, 2024, at the statue of Unity. (ANI)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday lauded the administrative officials who successfully reached out to the public during mock drills conducted in various parts of the country under Operation Sindoor and said that this was a brilliant example of being public servants. He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 100th foundation course in Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said, "Operation Sindoor took place recently. Our forces destroyed Pakistan-based terrorist camps. Although we had given a highly balanced response, our response was not escalatory, but Pakistan's attitude did not allow the situation on the border to remain normal after Operation Sindoor. During this time, the way mock drills were conducted across the country, and our administrative officials successfully explained and reached out to the public about the mock drill, is a brilliant example of all of you being public servants. All of you should also keep yourselves mentally prepared for any such situation that may arise in the future." He advised the students to use social media to bring about real change instead of creating reels for self-obsession. Singh further said, "You must also remember the principle of anonymity in the use of social media. The use of social media should be to bring about real change, not to create reels to feed your self-obsession. Your true image will be shaped by the people you serve, not by followers on social media." The Defence Minister also inaugurated the "One District One Product" shop at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. He further said, "Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, in the last few decades, the socio-economic landscape of our country has changed rapidly. Enrolment in higher education has increased manifold, and job opportunities have grown unprecedentedly. New opportunities have emerged in the IT sector, engineering, medical fields, and the service sector. Start-up culture has increased. This has attracted many talented youths of the country. Given the pace at which India is currently progressing on the path of development, it is very important for the youth to have enthusiasm within them. If we truly want to make India develop in the right sense, then we must ensure that every section of society participates equally in this journey of development." Singh exhorted the young IAS probationers and said that the actions taken by them will determine India's future. "You will manage the country's administrative system. You will make decisions related to policy-making. You will implement policies on the ground. The actions taken by you will determine India's future. This is a very big responsibility, which you have to fulfill successfully," he added. (ANI)
The Special NIA court has extended the custody of Anmol Bishnoi for a further seven days. A special NIA judge conducted the hearing in the NIA headquarters. He was deported from the USA. He is the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol Bishnoi had moved an application alleging a threat to his life. Thereafter, the court decided to conduct the hearing in the NIA headquarters. Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma went to the NIA headquarters and conducted a hearing there. NIA's Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rahul Tyagi moved an application for further custody of Anmol Bishnoi for 10 days. It was submitted that further custody was required to investigate the case. Advocate Rajni and Deepak Khatri appeared for Anmol Bishnoi and opposed the extension of the custody remand. After hearing, the special NIA judge extended the custody for a further 7 days. A special NIA court at New Delhi on November 19 granted 11 days' custody of Anmol Bishnoi to NIA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) alleged that the accused hatched a conspiracy with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and its operatives, for raising funds, recruitment of youth for carrying out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country. "The same needs to be unearthed." While granting 11 days' custody, the court said, " Investigation with respect to the role of the accused qua the aspects highlighted in the application has to be unearthed. Investigation with regard to aspects like Role of accused in alleged conspiracy, incriminating evidence against him, modus operandi used by him for committing crime in question, source of fund used by him for execution of terror conspiracy and details of social media accounts through which responsibility of terror activities executed by Lawrence Bishnoi gang needs to be unearthed." The NIA alleged that the members of the crime syndicate hatched a conspiracy with BKI and its operatives for raising funds, recruitment of youth for carrying out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country. Besides that, the said syndicate is involved in executing and planning to execute spectacular heinous crime, including but not limited to targeted killings of prominent persons with an intention to strike terror in the minds of people of the country, in furtherance of cause and objectives of BKI, which is a terrorist organization, included in the Schedule of the UA(P)A. Besides, the NIA also referred to the fact that apart from the main chargesheet, NIA has filed four supplementary charge sheets. "The accused is involved in activities." It was also submitted that the accused was declared a proclaimed offender on 17.01.2025 pursuant to the order of the court. Subsequently, he was arrested today at 02:30 pm, from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, the NIA said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested the brother and close aide of dreaded gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on his deportation from the US to India. SPP for NIA had submitted that the investigation is pending in relation to the accused. Further, the accused has absconded from India, and the NIA has taken legal recourse for declaring him a proclaimed offender. Therefore conduct of the accused coupled with the stage of investigation, warrants that police custody must be granted in this case, Tyagi argued. On the other hand, advocate Rajni, Deepak Nanda appeared for Anmol Bishnoi. They had opposed the custody application on various grounds. Counsel for the accused had submitted that the application must be dismissed. Advocate Rajni stated that evidence with respect to the accused is already in possession of NIA, and nothing more is required for which police custody has to be given. It was also submitted that there is no fact, within the knowledge of the accused, which warrants his police custody. Besides that, this case is not based on any direct evidence. She had further submitted that the accused is ready to cooperate with the investigation and has roots in society. Therefore application may be dismissed. In the alternative, she submitted that in case this court grants police custody to NIA, then the mandate of D.K. Basu v State of West Bengal must be complied with. It is stated by the NIA that Absconding since 2022, US-based Anmol Bishnoi is the 19th accused to be arrested for his involvement in the terror-syndicate led by his jailed brother, Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol was chargesheeted by the NIA in March 2023 after investigations in the case established that he had actively aided designated individual terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in the commission of various acts of terrorism in the country during the 2020-2023 period. It is alleged that operating closely with various Bishnoi gang associates, Anmol continued to run terror syndicates and execute terrorist acts from the US for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, using its operatives on the ground. Investigations revealed that Anmol Bishnoi had provided shelter and logistic support to the gang's shooters and ground operatives. He was also engaged in extortion in India from foreign soil with the help of other gangsters. It was stated that Anmol's name surfaced in the investigation of the Siddu Moosewala murder case, the MLA Siddiqui murder case of Mumbai, and the firing at Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday expressed strong discontent over the Union BJP government's alleged disregard for the state's demands and needs. In a post on X, Stalin emphasised that Tamil Nadu contributes significantly to the country's economy, with the highest tax revenue and an impressive 11.19% economic growth. He criticised the government's silence despite numerous appeals through letters, in-person petitions, and legislative assembly resolutions. Stalin warned that the people of Tamil Nadu would not tolerate this neglect and would stand united to assert their rights. "Is it right for the Union BJP government to ignore the voice of the people of Tamil Nadu while proudly claiming to be the largest democracy? It is not fair to turn a deaf ear to the demands and needs of Tamil Nadu, even when presented through letters, in-person petitions, and legislative assembly resolutions! No one with a conscience would accept the betrayal of Tamil Nadu, a state that contributes the highest tax revenue. It is by overcoming your deceptions that we have achieved the highest 11.19% economic growth in the country. We will not cower; we will stand tall and walk with pride!" Stalin posted on X. Stalin demanded that the Union government respond to Tamil Nadu's representatives in the upcoming Parliament session, emphasising that the state's contributions and demands cannot be ignored. He assured that Tamil Nadu will continue to strive for its rights with pride and determination. "In the upcoming Parliament session, the Union BJP government must respond to the representatives of the people of Tamil Nadu!" he added. Stalin's remarks followed a review meeting with DMK MPs on issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the overall performance of party parliamentarians. The meeting was convened to review work reports submitted by the party's MPs. Rajya Sabha MP and DMK Deputy General Secretary Tiruchi Siva said that around 12 resolutions were passed during the session. DMK MP Kanimozhi highlighted that CM Stalin has urged the Centre to reconsider the metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai. She also emphasised the need for urgent central assistance for critical state schemes, including education and NREGA. Speaking to the reporters, Kanimozhi said, "The Chief Minister requested that they (MPs) raise the issue of moisture in rice, as we have been affected by floods and rains. The Government of India has not yet responded. They even sent a team to inspect it, but there is no outcome to date. There are many issues that need to be raised. The state needs to receive money for education and NREGA. All this is pending. There are many issues that need to be raised, and we discussed them with the CM." "They (centre) have given the metro to Agra and other cities that don't have a large population. We have a large population in Coimbatore and Madurai, and yet the central government has refused to provide us with metro trains. The CM has requested that they reconsider this, and we will raise it," she further added. (ANI)
As the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) begins on December 2, the Ministry of Education is set to deepen the cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi with a strong focus on promoting Tamil language learning among students. While talking to ANI, Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Higher Education, said, "The Ministry has introduced significant new initiatives this year after reviewing feedback from stakeholders of the previous three editions. While the seven traditional groups will continue to visit historic and spiritual sites connecting Kashi and Tamil heritage, KTS 4.0 will put a major spotlight on teaching spoken Tamil to young learners. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the people of Kashi about learning Tamil. So, considering this interest, the theme for this edition was set as 'Tamil Karkalam'. The effort is to teach spoken Tamil to children in Kashi and nearby areas. Under the initiative, the CICT has developed beginner-level material focusing on simple, everyday spoken Tamil. Fifty trained teachers have been selected and will stay in Kashi for 15 days. They will visit 30 schools, teaching 1,500 children basic conversational Tamil." The expectation is that when they return to their schools and colleges, they will be able to help others learn basic spoken Tamil as well. "To further strengthen language immersion, BHU is organising a questionnaire-based competition for college students. Nearly 300 selected students will travel across Tamil Nadu from December 16 to 31, staying at multiple locations to learn spoken Tamil in a natural environment. These two new initiatives aim to build enthusiasm among students to learn a new language because once you learn a language, you naturally understand its culture better as well," Joshi added. Speaking on the coordinated efforts by various Ministries and the UP government to make KTS 4.0 successful, he said, "Like previous editions, KTS 4.0 is being coordinated by the Ministry of Education with participation from several central ministries including Culture, MSME, Tourism, Textiles, I&B, and School Education, along with active support from the Uttar Pradesh government and Kashi district administration." In this year's Kashi Tamil Sangamam, over 1,400 participants from Tamil Nadu are expected to join the event. They will be grouped into seven categories: students, teachers, writers and media members, those from agriculture and allied areas, professionals and artisans, women participants, and spiritual scholars or practitioners. These delegates will embark on an eight-day immersive journey, covering Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. Their schedule includes interactive sessions, seminars, cultural showcases, and opportunities to explore local food traditions, crafts, and the region's historical heritage. (ANI)
After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar reaffirmed the Congress party's cohesion and unity on Saturday, Shivaganga Basavaraj, a close aide of Shivakumar, made it clear that the Congress party's high command will decide the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. Basavaraj emphasised that there's only one faction in the party - the Congress faction. Shivaganga Basavaraj said, "Already, both the CM and DCM have held a press meet and cleared it. There is only one faction among us: the Congress faction. The Congress high command will decide everything. The high command has not cracked the whip on us. The CM chair is not vacant; let's talk once it is. We are committed to it; let the high command make someone CM. The meeting held today is not a temporary meeting, is it? Is the media creating it?" He reiterated Shivakumar's claim to the CM post, stating, "If DK Shivakumar does not become CM in December, I said, I will write it in blood and give it to you." Basavaraj assured that Shivakumar is committed to his word and is waiting for the high command's decision. Basavaraj downplayed the significance of recent meetings and visits to Delhi, saying they were for personal work. He emphasised that the high command's decision is final and there's no wait-and-see strategy. "There is no wait-and-see strategy; the high command's decision is final. Some MLAs went to Delhi. I went for personal work; I don't know about others. I will go to Delhi again in three days, it will be for our personal work. The opposition parties said it was a November revolution. What happened? There is no November revolution, there is no revolution," he added. The Karnataka Congress Disciplinary Committee had issued a notice to party MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga in August for statements he made in the media about the change of Chief Minister in the state. "Anyone can become CM when the chair is vacant. I have already said once that before December it will change (CM)," he had said. Earlier, after an hour-long breakfast of Idli-Sambar and Upma on Saturday morning, CM Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar reaffirmed cohesion and unity within the Congress party, saying that both leaders have decided to follow whatever decision the party high command takes and resolve any "confusion". "We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion," CM Siddaramaiah said during a press conference. CM Siddaramaiah had called his deputy for a breakfast meet earlier today at his Cauvery residence, during which the two held a "productive meeting" to discuss the state's priorities and the "road ahead." Talking about the breakfast meeting, the Chief Minister said that they both "just had breakfast" after Congress's General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal asked Siddaramaiah to invite DK Shivakumar and A S Ponnanna. According to CM, they discussed their agenda for the 2028 elections and the upcoming local body elections. "Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed going together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future," he said. "We have discussed together that we will go together as we did in the 2023 election. We don't have any differences, and there will be none in the future either. We work together," the CM added. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shivakumar reaffirmed the CM's sentiment, saying they are looking to fulfil the wishes of the state's people. "We have to fulfill their wishes. In that direction, we are working. What the party high command decided we are working," Shivakumar said during the press conference. (ANI)
A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has convicted two more accused, sending them to jail for a period of 20 months in the Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy case linked to Al Qaeda. Mohd. Mustaqueem and Shakeel, both residents of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), were convicted by the NIA court under section 25 (1B)(a) of the Arms Act, read with section 120B of IPC. The Special Court at Lucknow sentenced the duo to 20 months' imprisonment. A fine of Rs. 5000 each has also been imposed against them. Following the investigation, the NIA filed one main and one supplementary chargesheet against a total of six arrested accused persons in the case. Last Month, the NIA court sentenced one accused to imprisonment and imposed a fine for his involvement in a terror conspiracy linked to the banned terrorist organisation Al Qaeda. The arrests took place based on information shared by one Al-Qaeda member, Umar Halmandi, who had himself identified and recruited some persons in Lucknow for raising the Al-Qaeda module in the region. He had further informed the police about the Al Qaeda affiliate 'Ansaar Gajwatul Hind' (AGH), an outfit raised to carry out a series of terrorist acts before August 15, 2021, in various cities of UP, especially Lucknow. According to the NIA, Mohammad Moid, along with two other accused, Shakeel and Mohd. Mustaqeem assisted the accused Minhaj and Museeruddin in obtaining weapons and ammunition to further the terror conspiracy of AGH. The NIA stated that Minhaj was radicalised by Tawheed and Adil Nabi, also known as Musa, and subsequently conspired with Museeruddin, who even pledged loyalty (baiyat) to advance the terror plot. Together, Minhaj and Museeruddin acquired arms, ammunition, and explosive materials with the intention of waging war against the Government of India. The court has sentenced Mohammad Moid to the time he has already spent in prison, which amounts to 1 year, 9 months, and 13 days. Additionally, he was fined Rs. 5,000 under Section 25 (1B)(a) of the Arms Act, in conjunction with Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This sentence was pronounced after the accused pleaded guilty. (ANI)
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has an agenda to include names of deceased individuals and Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators, including Rohingyas, in the voter list. Speaking with ANI, Bhattacharya stated that the TMC's goal is to fight elections based on these inclusions, while the BJP's agenda is clear: "delete and deport." "TMC's agenda is clear - to include the names of those who are no longer in this world in the voter list, to include Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators, Rohingyas... Mamata Banerjee's agenda is to fight elections on the basis of all these, our agenda is clear - 'delete and deport'...," said Samik Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya's comments come amidst the ongoing political contest between TMC and BJP over the Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal, with the TMC accusing the BJP of spreading hatred and divisive politics. The issue highlights the ongoing debate over voter list accuracy and allegations of voter manipulation in West Bengal. Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party formed a national coordination team on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across 13 states. The team plans to visit various states, review the ongoing revision process, and flag any discrepancies or problems the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) may be facing nationwide. Following the announcement by the Election Commission to conduct phase 2 of the SIR of electoral rolls across 13 states. The issue of BLOs' health and safety has also pitted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against each other, with both claiming the other is threatening and intimidating BLOs to advance their agenda. On the other hand, a delegation of 10 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Friday, objecting to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal and other states across the country. During the meeting, the TMC delegation told CEC Kumar that they have "blood on their hands," and submitted a list of 40 people who are dead "because of the SIR process", according to MP Derek O'Brien. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has constantly termed the SIR as a procedure to delete eligible voters, whereas the BJP has accused the TMC of protecting ineligible and fake voters living in West Bengal. (ANI)
A special team of the Shimla district administration on Saturday visited the Bhatakufar area after residents alleged that ongoing National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) construction work near the twin tunnel project was causing land subsidence, cracks in houses, and damage to existing road structures. The inspection was conducted days after a section of the road reportedly caved in on November 22, prompting the administration to temporarily halt internal excavation work in the area. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jyoti Rana, who led the official inspection, said the administration had called technical specialists and geologists to examine the situation. "After the road caved in on the 22nd, we suspended some ongoing activities. Today we brought a team of experts to assess the exact causes and determine whether the construction work contributed to the incident," Rana said. "The team is examining soil behaviour, tunnel impact, and other technical factors. Once we receive their report, appropriate action will be taken. We will also inspect the proposed tunnel alignment and other affected sectors before finalising any decisions," she said. Rana emphasised that the administration would act strictly according to expert findings and ensure safety measures for the local population. The Locals from Bhatakufar have accused the National Highways Authority of India of faulty construction practices and poor planning. They allege that continuous tunnelling and excavation work for the four-laning project has destabilised the hillside. Locals and Councillor Narinder Thakur (Neetu) said the situation has become dangerous for families living above the tunnel stretch. "A huge pit formed here last week. The ADM and SP had visited earlier as well, but no corrective action has been taken," Thakur said. "NHAI keeps denying responsibility, but the fact is that our houses are cracking, the road is sinking, and the land is sliding because of their construction. They are not willing to accept their mistakes," said Thakur. He added that several households were living in fear during the rains and that property losses had already occurred. "During the monsoon, one woman's house collapsed. A damage assessment of Rs 5.5 crore was done, but NHAI refused to compensate," Thakur added. "We are not against development, but it cannot happen at the cost of people's safety. If anything happens to the homes around the tunnel, NHAI must take responsibility," he also noted. Thakur then urged the administration to take the issue seriously, warning that the problem affects an entire community and not just a single household. Residents have demanded that the original road alignment be restored and that tunnelling work be monitored more strictly. They say their ancestral homes are at risk and accuse the highway authority of ignoring early warning signs. The district administration has assured the public that any future decision will be based on technical reports, and the safety of residents will remain the priority. (ANI)
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisias economy is showing signs of recovery, supported by stronger agricultural production, a revival in the construction sector, and improving tourism, according to the World Bank s latest economic update, Strengthening Social Nets for Increased Efficiency and Equity
Marking Diksha Divas, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) commemorated the anniversary of KCR's 2009 fast-unto-death, which played a pivotal role in the Telangana movement. KTR criticised the Congress party, calling it the "permanent villain" in Telangana's story and accusing it of 'betraying' the state's people. He emphasised that without KCR's efforts, Telangana would not exist today. KTR recalled the sacrifices made by the people of Telangana and the injustices committed by the Congress regime over six decades. He announced that the BRS would replace the Rajiv Gandhi statue at the Secretariat entrance with the statue of Telangana Talli, symbolising the restoration of Telangana's pride. He said the struggle for Telangana was "not just history but an identity that must be protected every single day." KTR launched a scathing attack on the Congress leadership, alleging that the party had no moral authority to comment on K Chandrashekar Rao's (KCR) 2009 fast. "During the movement, no one knew where the PCC chief was. Today he speaks recklessly about KCR's fast," he said. He reminded that both the Union government and the then state Congress leadership had urged KCR to withdraw the fast due to its political impact. Calling the Congress the "permanent villain" in Telangana's history, he said the party's leadership had "blood on its hands" for the deaths of youth during the agitation. He asserted, "Without the three letters K-C-R, there would be no Telangana." KTR also challenged the ruling party to make the MLAs who defected to Congress resign and seek a fresh mandate. On the significance of Diksha Divas, KTR said the day represented a collective reaffirmation of the sacrifices of martyrs and lakhs of people who were part of the movement. He told the BRS had thanked Sonia Gandhi out of courtesy after the formation of Telangana, but "never called her a 'Bali Devatha'," taking a swipe at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. "Insult us if you want, but do not insult Telangana," he said. Renewing the BRS's criticism of Congress for "diluting" Telangana's identity, KTR announced that the party would replace the Rajiv Gandhi statue at the Secretariat entrance with a statue of Telangana Talli if voted back to power. Describing KCR's 2009 fast as a defining moment in democratic protest movements, KTR compared it to the turning points of India's freedom struggle. He said the fast had energised all sections of society, turning the Telangana agitation into an unstoppable force. He recalled that BRS MLAs repeatedly resigned for the cause, while accusing Congress leaders of prioritising their positions. KTR said Diksha Divas should be observed with the same spirit as major festivals like Dussehra, symbolising the victory of justice. He urged people to remember the injustices and unfulfilled promises endured over the past six decades. Invoking Telangana's historical icons -- including Rani Rudrama Devi, Sammakka-Saralamma, Komuram Bheem and Chakali Ailamma -- he called for resistance against "Delhi's feudal mindset." He asserted that BRS, which emerged from the Telangana movement, remains the only party capable of protecting the state's interests. "Even in silence, KCR shakes politics. Telangana will rise again with his voice," he said. Meanwhile, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao on November 21 alleged that the Congress-led Telangana government's newly announced Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation Policy (HILTP)-which seeks to convert industrial lands inside the Outer Ring Road (ORR) into multi-use zones-is a vehicle for what he termed "India's biggest land scam" and demanded its "immediate withdrawal". KTR claimed that the scam could result in a loss of up to Rs 5 lakh crore to the state's exchequer. (ANI)
Air India on Saturday issued a travel advisory on the possible disruption in flight operations due to heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah Air India requested the travellers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The airlines also advised people to contact their call assistance for any assistance. In a post on X, Air India stated, "Heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah may impact our flights operating to and from Chennai and some other cities in southern India. "You are requested to check the status of your flights here https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before proceeding to the airport. For any assistance, please contact our 24x7 Call Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999," they added. https://x.com/airindia/status/1994735573291208760?s=20 Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches closer to the coastal areas. IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated spots, likely over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu districts, and the Puducherry-Karaikal region. IMD has stated that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to move North-Northwest (NNW) and will approach the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh coasts by tomorrow. The cyclone will come within 25 km of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Sunday evening. The cyclone will downgrade from the classification of cyclonic storm on Monday morning. IMD scientist DR Pattnaik said, "As per the last update around 11.30 am-12 pm, Cyclone Ditwah lies about 350 km south of Chennai. It is gradually heading north-northwest. It is above the Southwest Bay of Bengal and near Sri Lanka. With a speed of 10 kmph, it is heading in a north-northwest direction...We have issued a warning of 70-80 kmph gusting, and it will maintain that. On the morning of 1st December, it will downgrade from the classification of cyclonic storm." Additionally, Joint Collector of Nellore, Mogili Venkateswarlu, highlighted that the cyclone has affected Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, but only moderate rain occurred in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. "Most areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were affected by this cyclone, but in Nellore district, only moderate rains occurred today. All district-level staff have been alerted, and various departments have taken precautionary measures," he said. "Guidance has been issued to district-level officers, and all departments are ensuring necessary precautions," he added. Moreover, the Puducherry District Collector has ordered the closure of all liquor shops and liquor stores in Puducherry by 8 pm tonight. Cyclone Ditwah, which is expected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday evening, has killed 123 people in Sri Lanka, with another 130 reported missing. The extreme weather system has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes across the country, sending almost 44,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Saturday. (ANI)
Emphasising the state's rising development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday asserted that the state contains 55 per cent of India's expressways, including the largest railway network across the nation. Speaking on Day 1 of the 3-day Gorakhpur Trade Show, the UP CM mentioned that the state has the most metro cities and the most airports in the country. He also informed that Jewar airport, which will be India's fifth largest airport, will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi next month. "55% of the expressway in the country is located in Uttar Pradesh. The biggest rail network in the country is in Uttar Pradesh. The state has the maximum metro cities in the country. The maximum number of airports in the country is in Uttar Pradesh; 16 airports are functional and 4 of them are international airports. The fifth, India's biggest airport, Jewar is ready. Within next one month, the PM will inaugurate it.", CM Yogi said. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Yogi Adityanath said the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the birthplace of Lord Ram, has been "completed today" and that the "saffron flag is fluttering". CM Yogi also highlighted the "unlimited potential" of Uttar Pradesh.CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh is a state with unlimited potential. It is also the birthplace of Lord Ram. Today, the grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has been completed, and the saffron flag is fluttering atop it..."The Chief Minister on Tuesday participated in 'Special Gurumati Samagam' on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. On the occasion, CM Yogi Adityanath mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya to hoist the saffron flag atop the Ram Temple." PM Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya today. To mark the completion of the construction of the Shri Ram temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, the saffron flag of India's Sanatan Dharma was hoisted atop the Shri Ram temple today. This is the same saffron flag for which the generations of Sikh Gurus have been sacrificing themselves...," CM Yogi said. (ANI)
Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday rejected the application for 7 days of police custody of 8 accused and sent them to judicial custody till Monday. Their bail pleas are also listed for hearing on Monday. The court granted bail to 9 accused persons yesterday. Delhi police had arrested 17 persons from outside of Parliament Street Police Station on Sunday. They are accused of raising slogans and scuffling with the police. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Sahil Monga declined the Delhi Police plea seeking police custody and remanded the accused in judicial custody till Monday. Four accused persons were produced before the court after 3 days in police custody. While seeking remand of accused persons, Delhi police said that the accused persons are required to be interrogated in relation to slogan raising during the protest. The court said that raising slogans and supporting Maoists is the subject matter of the FIR lodged at Kartavya Path Police Station. These accused can't be interrogated for those offences in this FIR. It is double jeopardy. During bail hearing, advocate Ahmad Ibrahim, counsel for Gurkirat, had argued on Thursday that she was not involved in the protest or scuffle. She went to the police station after knowing that her sister Ravjot was detained by the police. She is not seen in the video. Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday had remanded Gurkirat Kaur, Ravjot Kaur, Kranti, and Avinash Satyapati in 2 days' police custody. 13 accused were also remanded to judicial custody. Out of 13 accused, While seeking the custody of 5 accused police on Thursday, it was submitted that custody is required, as police have to arrest 3 accused seen in the video. Delhi police had also submitted that there are not only 3 people, We don't know how many people are there. There is a conspiracy we are investigating. The Court had asked the investigation officer, "Why don't you specify that some of the accused have been arrested in another FIR? What's the scope of your investigation?" It was stated that the source of funding is to verified, as the accused are travelling, organising conferences, and using expensive mobile phones. It was submitted that custody is required for the recovery of pepper spray and identification of other accused. The investigation officer also sought judicial custody of 12 accused persons. It was submitted that their addresses are not verified. The counsel for the accused had opposed the custodial remand application. It was submitted, and it is an admitted case of a scuffle between students and police at the police station. In this case no police custody is required. No chilli spray was used at the protest site. It was also submitted that the whole area is under CCTV footage surveillance and police are seeking the remand of accused persons to identify other accused persons. It shows that police want to extract the confession statement, but the same is not admissible in law. The counsel had also argued that the video the police are relying upon is related to the incident of Kartavya Path for which an FIR is already been registered. (ANI)
The Patiala House Court in Delhi on Saturday refused to grant custody of eight accused persons to the Delhi Police in connection with the India Gate protest case. The court remanded all accused persons to a two-day judicial custody. These accused persons have been arrested in connection with the case linked to the protest and slogan raising near India Gate. Accused persons, namely Vishnu Tiwari, Akshay, Sameer Fayis, Banka Akash, Prakash Kumar Gupta, Aahan Arun Upadhyay, Vagisha Anudeep, and Ayisha Wafiya, were produced at the judge's residence, and the Delhi police sought a seven-day custody. While seeking remand custody, police said that their custody is required to investigate the case, and they need to be interrogated in relation to a function of the Radical Students Union (RSU), a banned organisation. Duty Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Anjali Singh remanded the accused persons to two days' judicial custody and directed them to be produced before the concerned court on Monday. "Upon careful consideration of the record and the submissions, I am of the view that at this stage, grant of Police custody remand of 7 days is not made out. Accordingly, the application moved by the IO for seven-day PC remand is dismissed and disallowed," Duty JMFC Anjali Singh ordered. Delhi police sought the remand of the accused on the ground that during the investigation, some videos have been found that Ravjot Kaur, Ayisha Wafiyah and some other accused persons have attended other programmes of Radical Students Union (RSU), which is a banned Naxalite organisation. Complete details of these programmes are to be obtained, and the accused persons have to be interrogated regarding the organisers, funding arrangements, and other persons who attended these programmes, the police said. Investigation officer (IO) also submitted that Accused Ravjot is yet to be arrested in the case, and PC remand of Ravjot and Kranti alias Priyanshu Singh is to be obtained, and these accused persons have to be confronted with them. Police said that the details of social media accounts of the accused persons are being obtained, and they have to be interrogated regarding the material/posts available on their accounts. The different WhatsApp groups made by the accused persons are being analysed, and they have to be confronted with the same, the police said. Police also argued that the accused did not cooperate in the investigation, and the source of the pepper spray is yet to be identified. Other co-accused persons are yet to be identified. It is stated that Naxalism has been a matter of great concern for a long time, as it is a huge hindrance in the development of the country and has unnecessarily involved many youths in this, which is further deterring them from coming into the mainstream and their overall growth. The court noted in the order that the IO submitted that they are still investigating the accused's larger role in the offences committed by the accused persons. "However, the exact reason seeking Police Custody (PC) remand of each accused person could not be substantiated by the IO, " the court further noted. The court pointed out, "Furthermore, the factum of arresting other accused persons, one of whom has already been arrested in another FIR at Police Station Parliament Street, is not a cogent ground to seek PC remand of accused persons. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of clubbing all Muslims as "minorities" to consolidate her vote bank, deliberately ignoring linguistic differences. He alleged this divides people on language and caste lines, and urged Indians to unite against the "anti-India, anti-national" Trinamool Congress (TMC) government."Mamata Banerjee never says Urdu-speaking muslims or Bengali-speaking muslims, she says that all are minorities. This is Mamata Banerjee's conspiracy to strengthen her vote bank. People are being divided in the name of language and caste... Indians should unite and work to uproot the anti-India and anti-national Mamata Banerjee government," Adhikari told reporters. Earlier this week, Suvendu wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, alleging a violation of the "neutrality" principle and the misuse of police by the TMC government during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Adhikhari flagged the participation of serving police officers and TMC leaders at the Second State Conference of Women Police Personnel held on Saturday, terming it as the ruling party's political rally. He accused the TMC of "election rigging" and calling the SIR exercise a "scam." Adhikhari demanded that the poll body bar the West Bengal Police from primary election duties in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and deploy the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). "This matter pertains to a so-called "Second State Conference of Women Police Personnel" organised under the guise of the West Bengal Police Welfare Committee on November 22, 2025, at Digha, Purba Medinipur district. What was ostensibly a welfare event for Police Personnel has been exposed as nothing short of a brazen political rally orchestrated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, with active participation from serving Police Officers and TMC Ministers, MLAs and Leaders all in flagrant violation of the principles of neutrality & impartiality. This event, attended by high-ranking Police officials... along with the entire central leadership of the Welfare Committees, was hijacked for partisan political purposes," he wrote in the letter to the ECI. West Bengal is undergoing the SIR exercise along with 11 other States and Union Territories, ahead of the Assembly Elections likely to be held in 2026. (ANI)
India and Russia held an expert panel meeting in New Delhi from November 26 to 28 to discuss military and its technical cooperation. The Defence Ministry informed that the meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad and Deputy Chief of FSMTC (Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation) Yashin Sergey Borisovich. Both sides reaffirmed the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia during the discussions. "India-Russia Expert Panel Meeting was held in New Delhi from 26-28 Nov 2025, co-chaired by JS (International Cooperation) Shri Amitabh Prasad and Deputy Chief, FSMTC Mr Yashin Sergey Borisovich. The two sides discussed Military & Military Technical Cooperation and reaffirmed the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia," the Defence Ministry posted on X. Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from the Russian Land Forces visited formations of the Indian Army from November 26 to 28 to strengthen defence cooperation and share expertise. The Indian Army said that the visit focused on the exchange of knowledge in the field of "integrated safety and security of defence infrastructure." "The visit aimed to facilitate expert exchange in the field of 'Integrated Safety and Security of Defence Infrastructure. The delegation's interactions reflected the enduring spirit of defence cooperation, innovation and strategic partnership, further strengthening the long-standing defence ties between India and Russia," the Army posted on X. Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India from December 4-5 next month at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, Putin will attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and hold talks with PM Modi, according to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The President of India will also receive Putin and host a banquet in his honour. The visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, outline the vision for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership', and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA statement said. The upcoming visit will mark Putin's first to India since 2021. The two leaders last met in person on September 1 this year in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Kremlin has described Putin's upcoming visit to India as an important moment for both nations. Russian state news agency TASS cited a Kremlin statement, "The visit is of great importance, providing an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations within the particularly privileged strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as to consider topical international and regional issues." "These issues will be at the heart of negotiations with the Indian delegation led by [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi," the Kremlin said as per TASS. Building on this announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs had yesterday said that preparations for the annual summit are already underway, with Putin's December arrival aligning with the state visit outlined by the MEA. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to media queries during the weekly briefing, said the dates will be announced soon and noted that both nations are working to further strengthen bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Putin in Moscow last week ahead of the annual summit. Jaishankar had also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during the meeting. Following the discussions, Jaishankar wrote on 'X': "Honoured to call on President Putin of Russia in Moscow today. Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments. Deeply value his perspectives and guidance on further advancement of our ties." Earlier this month, the Kremlin also said Russia is "actively preparing" for President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, expected before the end of the year, according to state news agency TASS. India and Russia signed their Declaration on Strategic Partnership in 2000, establishing the framework for annual summits and cooperation across political, defence, economic and technological sectors. In 2010, the relationship was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." (ANI)
The Indian Army posted on X, saying that the discussions focused on regional security dynamics and strengthening diplomatic and defence cooperation through deeper civil-military engagement.

The Army said the meeting also covered India's continued role in providing humanitarian support to neighbouring countries during natural disasters.

"Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. Their discussions focused on enhancing the India-Sri Lanka strategic partnership, regional security dynamics, and avenues to further strengthen diplomatic and defence cooperation through deeper civil-military engagement," the Army said.

Earlier, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant and its indigenously built stealth frigate, INS Udaygiri, participated in the Sri Lanka Navy International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 held between November 27 and November 29 as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Navy.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the two platforms are representing the Indian Navy at the multilateral event, held in Colombo, which has drawn naval ships, delegations and observers from several countries.

The deployment marks the maiden overseas operational visit for both INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri.

The MoD said the presence of these indigenously built vessels underscores India's commitment to enhancing regional maritime cooperation, interoperability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), adding that INS Vikrant's participation in an international fleet review for the first time highlights India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its engagement with partner navies.

The recently commissioned INS Udaygiri's participation further reflects the Navy's expanding indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and its efforts to maintain a balanced maritime presence across the region. (ANI)
Filip Dewinter, Flemish MP for Vlaams Belang, called for a ban on Pakistan in Europe, accusing it of financially supporting terrorist groups. He said that India and the West were facing the same threats from "radical Islamic terrorism". Speaking to ANI, Filip argued that the recent attack in Delhi was proof of Pakistan supporting "radical jihadist movements". "We are facing the same threats when it comes to radical Islamic terrorism. We are facing the same enemy. Pakistan is supporting financially, logistically, with all sorts of facilities, radical jihadist movements and terrorist groups. The attacks that happened only a few weeks ago here in Delhi are proof of that, and they do the same in our country. Pakistan is a terror state and should also be banned from Europe," Dewinter said. Dewinter is a member of the Flemish Parliament for Vlaams Belang, which is a Flemish nationalist party in Belgium known for pushing right-wing views. He was attending the Global Patriots Meet 2025 and said the main goal was to establish cooperation among "patriotic parties" worldwide. "The main aim is cooperation. Cooperation between the patriotic parties all over the world. BJP is one of the major players in India, and we try to exchange ideas and ways of cooperation. There is an economic relationship; it's all about trade, and therefore, I think there should be a free trade agreement between India and Europe. But it's not only about trade, but it's also about security," Dewinter said. The Global Patriots Meet was held at the India International Centre, where leaders, thinkers and lawmakers from across nations came together to reflect on India's long, hard fight against terror and the clarity of purpose that defines its national security doctrine. Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, who also participated in the meeting, said, "As global threats evolve - from traditional terrorism to emerging AI-driven risks - India's experience, resilience and political will of putting 'Nation First' offers a model for the world." (ANI)
US president Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that documents signed by former Democratic president Joe Biden using an autopen stand terminated. He claimed that the majority of Biden's orders were signed with an autopen, a machine that produces a copy of a given signature. "Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States," Trump posted on 'Truth Social'. Announcing the cancellation of all executive orders and "anything else" that was not directly signed by Biden, Trump reiterated his claims that people had illegally operated the autopen. The Republican leader threatened to prosecute Biden on "charges of perjury" if the latter claimed that staff was acting under his direction. "The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him. I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally. Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury," the US president said. Trump has time and again claimed that Biden was unable to control the executive office, given his age and mental state. He has repeatedly criticised Biden for using an autopen during his presidency. While the practice has been routine in the White House, Trump has claimed that Biden's reliance on the device shows he was not in control of his presidency. He had earlier claimed that Biden aides made several decisions without his knowledge. Earlier in the day, Trump said that he would permanently pause migration from all "third-world countries" to allow the US system to terminate illegal admissions into the United States. This comes in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, DC, on Wednesday by an Afghan national, which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left the other critically injured. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Biden's Autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquillity, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization." (ANI)
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - At least 400 children fleeing the violence in the Sudanese city of Al Fasher have arrived in Tawila without their parents since last month, humanitarian charity, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), data reveal
The Afghan national, accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House, will be charged with first-degree murder, the Washington Post reported. Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, DC, said that more counts are likely to follow against suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal (29), who migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 under "Operation Allies Welcome" during Joe Biden's tenure, after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan. The Washington Post reported that the upgraded charges of first-degree murder, instead of the initial charges of assault, raise the possibility for the suspected attacker to face the death penalty in the case. The shooting that occurred on Wednesday, blocks from the White House, left two National Guard members severely injured. One of them (Spec. Sarah Beckstrom) has died, while the other remains wounded. Although capital punishment has been abolished in District of Columbia, Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday said she will seek the death penalty against the man accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, the Hill reported. In August, US president Donald Trump had asserted that his government would seek capital punishment in every murder case that occurred in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, Trump on Friday said that he would permanently pause migration from all "third-world countries" to allow the US system to terminate illegal admissions into the United States. This comes in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, DC, on Wednesday by an Afghan national, which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left the other critically injured. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Biden's Autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalise migrants who undermine domestic tranquillity, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization." (ANI)
The Trump administration on Friday intensified immigration restrictions, rolling out a series of heightened security measures following a State Department directive that temporarily halts visa issuance for all travellers holding Afghan passports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a post on the social media platform X, stating, "President Trump's State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals travelling on Afghan passports." He added, "The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people." https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1994550225890152739?s=20 The announcement followed an earlier statement from the Department of State, which said, "The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports," adding that "The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety." Hours later, the administration expanded its security actions by ordering an immediate halt to all asylum rulings nationwide. Officials described the decision as part of a broader response to Wednesday's shooting near the White House that left two National Guard soldiers critically injured. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow confirmed that asylum officers have been directed to stop issuing decisions until enhanced vetting can be completed for every applicant. "This pause will stay in place until we can ensure that every alien is properly vetted. The safety of the American people always comes first," he said in a statement posted on X. https://x.com/USCISJoe/status/1994545007588774347?s=20 The shooting, allegedly carried out by 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021, has prompted the administration to review previous immigration approvals. Lakanwal, who had been granted asylum earlier this year, is accused of shooting Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who later died, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains in critical condition. Following the incident, the government began reassessing asylum approvals issued under the Biden administration and launched a review of green card applications from nationals of 19 countries previously flagged under a presidential proclamation on security risks. President Trump outlined further actions in a late-night post on Truth Social, saying the US would halt migration from poorer nations and revoke citizenship for individuals he believes threaten domestic stability. He also said foreign nationals deemed security risks or "non-compatible with Western Civilization" would be deported. Intensifying his message, Trump called for what he described as "REVERSE MIGRATION," arguing that millions of legally present immigrants were worsening social and economic pressures. "Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation," he wrote, ending with a Thanksgiving note that excluded those he claimed "hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for." (ANI)
Air New Zealand stated in an official statement that it is experiencing disruptions on some flights due to a global Airbus software update required on all A320 aircraft. The statement added that passengers travelling on affected A320 routes up to and including Tuesday, December 2, will be offered additional flexibility. Customers can make one free change to travel within seven days of their original booking, hold their fare in credit for twelve months, or request a refund, including for non-refundable bookings. "We expect to begin contacting you today if your flight is going to be affected. Thank you for your patience and understanding," the airline said. As Air New Zealand outlined the impact of the software issue on its operations, Airbus issued an update explaining that analysis of a recent event revealed intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to flight controls. According to the company, a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in service may be affected. Building on these findings, Airbus said it has worked with aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators through an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT), intended to implement available software and hardware protection and ensure the fleet remains safe to operate. The company added that the AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Airbus acknowledged that the measures would lead to operational disruptions and apologised for the inconvenience, emphasising that safety remains its highest priority. As the directive began taking effect globally, domestic carriers Air India and IndiGo warned of potential delays and schedule adjustments across their A320 operations. In a post on X, Air India said the Airbus requirement would involve a "software/hardware realignment" on part of its fleet, which could lead to longer turnaround times and delays. The airline urged customers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and said it regretted any inconvenience caused. Air India also noted that it recently completed the retrofit programme for its legacy A320neo fleet and now operates 104 A320 Family aircraft with upgraded or new interiors. IndiGo, in a separate post on X, said that "safety comes first" as it carries out the mandated updates across its A320 fleet "with full diligence and care, in line with all safety protocols." The airline cautioned that some flights may experience slight schedule changes while the precautionary updates are completed. IndiGo said its teams are available around the clock to assist passengers with rebooking, updates, and information, and advised travellers to check their latest flight status before leaving for the airport. Both airlines assured customers of continued support as they carry out the precautionary measures mandated by Airbus. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that South Africa would not receive an invitation to the G20 Summit in 2026 when the United States holds the presidency. Trump also cited the US absence from the recent G20 Summit in Johannesburg. In a detailed post on X, Trump accused the South African government of failing to acknowledge alleged human rights violations faced by certain settlers. He wrote, "To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people, and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them," while asserting that "Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers" were experiencing human rights abuses. The G20 Leaders' Summit, held last weekend in Johannesburg, saw the participation of several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the United States chose not to send a delegation, maintaining its stand throughout the event. Trump further claimed that South Africa declined to hand over the G20 Presidency to an American Embassy representative who attended the closing ceremony. He stated, "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." Responding to the announcement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa termed the move "regrettable" and noted that his government had consistently worked to strengthen diplomatic ties with Washington. On reports about the G20 gavel handover, South Africa's Presidency clarified 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." Trump has frequently repeated claims of persecution of the white minority in South Africa, including allegations of a genocide of white farmers, claims that have been rejected previously by the South African government as well as white community leaders in the country. (ANI)
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe devastation, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material, NDRF personnel and essential supplies to Colombo. The IAF shared details of the operation in a post on X as part of India's swift response to the crisis. The IAF stated, "In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts," underscoring India's commitment to supporting neighbouring countries during natural disasters under its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework. https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1994623826609799454?s=20 To operationalise the mission, the IAF mobilised key air assets for rapid deployment. According to the post, "The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air Base on the night of 28/29 Nov 2025, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo." These aircraft transported essential supplies and specialised rescue teams, ensuring immediate on-ground support for affected communities. The IAF further noted that "essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities," highlighting the urgency and scale of the assistance. This initial delivery laid the foundation for successive relief operations under the mission. Continuing the momentum, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Saturday that another C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid had reached Colombo as part of the ongoing effort. Sharing an update on X, he wrote, "#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130J plane carrying approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo." These air deliveries followed earlier consignments sent by sea, with the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warship INS Udaigiri reaching Colombo on Friday to hand over relief material to Sri Lankan authorities. Together, the naval and air operations reflect India's multi-pronged approach to supporting Sri Lanka during the crisis. Amid the ongoing relief efforts, PM Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to the people of Sri Lanka in a post on X, describing the nation as India's "closest maritime neighbour." He noted that India had swiftly dispatched relief supplies and HADR equipment, adding, "We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves," reaffirming support under the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. These coordinated efforts come as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with severe flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has become one of the country's most significant disasters in recent years. (ANI)
The HRCP report, published as part of its Legislation Watch Cell 2025 series, finds the new code inconsistent with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and Pakistan's constitutional guarantees on freedom of association, equality, and protection from forced and child labour.

According to the HRCP report, the PLC, introduced as Bill No. 85 of 2025 before the Punjab Assembly, was drafted with "insufficient consultation" from workers and trade unions.

Activists under the Punjab Labour Alliance argued that the code was shaped by ILO consultants without genuine worker participation, thereby breaching Pakistan's obligations under the Tripartite Consultation Convention.

HRCP noted that this "top-down approach" violates the very principle of tripartism that underpins international labour standards.

The report highlights that while the PLC aims to unify over two dozen provincial labour laws, many of its provisions dilute worker protections.

It grants employers wide discretion in defining "unfair labour practices" and allows new hiring during strikes, which undermines collective bargaining and the right to protest.

The expanded definition of "worker," which includes contractors and supervisors, is seen as a tool to weaken trade unions and blur the line between labour and management.

The PLC's treatment of child labour, forced labour, and discrimination remains inadequate.

While the draft prohibits child labour under 16 and forced labour in theory, loopholes such as permissive "family undertakings" and high limits on peshgi (advance payment) could perpetuate exploitation.

Gender and disability equality clauses also lack enforcement mechanisms, leaving Pakistan's global ranking on labour and gender parity among the lowest.

HRCP urges a complete redrafting of the PLC with real consultation from trade unions and civil society.

The commission calls on Punjab's government to align the law with ILO conventions, reduce employer impunity, and restore workers' rights to organise, bargain, and protest freely. (ANI)
The worsening sanitation crisis in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has sparked widespread outrage among citizens, who accuse the Pakistani-backed administration of negligence and failure to maintain even basic cleanliness. Streets filled with uncollected garbage, blocked roads, and unbearable stench have turned daily life into a struggle for residents. Locals say that the garbage has been piling up for nearly a week without any response from the authorities. In a video recorded from the scene, residents Irshad and Roshan Khan can be heard describing the appalling conditions. "This garbage has been lying here for the past four to five days. No one comes to clean it," Irshad said, pointing to heaps of waste spilling onto the road. "The road is closed, and traffic has been jammed since morning," he added. Roshan Khan expressed similar frustration, accusing the local administration of incompetence. "No one has informed the management. They don't even know, or maybe they don't care. It's been a week, and not a single person has come to collect the garbage," he said. The unattended waste has not only caused severe traffic congestion but also created an unbearable environment for nearby residents. "The smell of rotten vegetables and fruits is intolerable. The environment is getting polluted. We are forced to live in filth," Roshan stated. Irshad further added that the issue has affected livelihoods. "We used to earn enough, but now business is down. People avoid coming through this road because of the stench," he stated, demanding swift action from the authorities. Despite repeated complaints, no sanitation workers or municipal teams have been deployed to the affected areas. Citizens say this reflects the deeper administrative decay in PoJK under Pakistani control, where civic management remains neglected, and public welfare is routinely ignored. (ANI)
Prime Minister Modi wished the couple a happy married life.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life."

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1994789151812850071?s=20

Albanese shared pictures of his wedding ceremony on X, captioned as "Married" and "I love you, Jodie."

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1994725457816948786?s=20

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1994656105264525418?s=20

Albanese has married his partner of five years, Jodie Haydon, in a secret, private ceremony at The Lodge, ABC News reported.

Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister to get married in office, after proposing to Haydon on Valentine's Day last year, as per ABC News.

The Prime Minister and Haydon were married by a celebrant from NSW's Central Coast, and they wrote their own vows.

"We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends," Albanese and Haydon said in a joint statement.

The wedding plans, including the date and location, were kept top secret due to potential security and disruption concerns.

As per ABC News, Haydon was walked down the aisle by her parents, Bill and Pauline Haydon, to Ben Folds' The Luckiest.

Her five-year-old niece, Ella, was the flower girl, and the prime minister's dog, Toto, was the ring bearer.

The bride wore a dress by Sydney designer Romance Was Born, while Albanese's suit was from MJ Bale.

The wedding bands were from Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, Sydney.

Haydon's brother, Patrick Haydon, and the prime minister's cousin, Helen Golden, were witnesses, as per ABC News.

After the ceremony, Albanese and Haydon walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours).

Their first dance was set to be to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Notable guests in attendance included cabinet ministers Jim Chalmers, Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher and Richard Marles, and actor Rhys Muldoon.

Guests were served beer in custom cans made by Willie the Boatman, an Inner West Sydney brewery.

The wedding is Albanese's second, after his 19-year marriage to his first wife, former NSW politician Carmel Tebbutt, ended in 2019, as per ABC News.

He has one son, Nathan, from his previous marriage. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force will begin evacuation flights from Colombo at 5 AM on Tuesday to bring stranded Indian passengers back home, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday. The announcement comes amid severe flight disruptions in Sri Lanka, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport due to Cyclone Ditwah. In a post on X, Tharoor announced he had spoken to India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, regarding the situation of several passengers from Thiruvananthapuram who have been unable to leave the airport due to a lack of flight options. "Spoke to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, about the plight of stranded constituents from Thiruvananthapuram who are unable to leave Colombo Airport because of a lack of flight options," Tharoor wrote on X. He added that efforts were already underway to bring Indian nationals to safety. "Reassured to hear that the Indian Air Force will be organising evacuation flights starting at 5 AM tomorrow to take Indian passengers, who have registered with the Indian High Commission's control room at the airport, back to safety in India, including in Thiruvananthapuram." Tharoor also urged families in India not to panic, assuring them that help was being coordinated. "Anxious family members may reassure their relatives stranded at the airport that help is on the way!" he said. https://x.com/indiainsl/status/1994783210937749677?s=46 Earlier today, Acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and assured them of all possible assistance. "Acting High Commissioner @DrSatyanjal met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Acting HC assured them of all possible assistance. He conveyed that the Government of India will facilitate their swift travel back to India," High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka wrote on X. Sri Lanka has been experiencing widespread flooding, landslides and significant service disruptions as Cyclone Ditwah continues to affect several regions. Dozens of flights have been cancelled or delayed since Sunday, leaving many passengers stranded inside the airport terminals. The High Commission said its teams remain on the ground to help travellers facing difficulties. "In the wake of #CycloneDitwah, Sri Lanka is experiencing widespread flooding, landslides and severe service disruptions, including flight cancellations. @IndiainSL is helping Indian passengers in distress and facilitating their return to India," the mission added. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast. IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated spots, likely over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu districts, and the Puducherry-Karaikal region. IMD has stated that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to move North-Northwest (NNW) and will approach the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh coasts by tomorrow. The cyclone will come within 25 km of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Sunday evening. The cyclone will downgrade to a cyclonic storm on Monday morning. (ANI)
Amid a growing row over drug trafficking with Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump on Saturday closed the airspace "above and surrounding" Venezuela "in its entirety." The US President's statement comes as Trump's administration piles pressure on Venezuela with a major military deployment in the Caribbean that includes the world's largest aircraft carrier. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP" No immediate response from Venezuela after Trump's social media post on Saturday. US forces have carried out air strikes against more than 20 alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September, killing more than 80 people. Trump's announcement comes a day after The New York Times reported that the US president spoke with Maduro last week and discussed a possible meeting between them in the US. There was no official confirmation, but the publication cited multiple people with knowledge of the matter. The report said there were no plans for such a meeting at the moment. If it were to take place, it would be the first-ever meeting between Maduro, who's been leading Venezuela since 2013, and a US president. Regional tensions have flared as a result of the US's anti-drug campaign and the accompanying military build-up off Venezuela, Al Jazeera reported. US aviation authorities last week urged civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to "exercise caution" because of the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela," as per Al Jazeera. That warning prompted six airlines, which account for much of South America's travel, to suspend flights to Venezuela. The move infuriated Caracas and led it to ban the companies - Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Colombia's Avianca, Chile and Brazil's LATAM, Brazil's GOL and Turkish Airlines - for "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government," Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
GRONO, Switzerland, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ARX hosted the latest international event dedicated to Novalis 2029 in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening, presenting the book by Michael Schindhelm to a selected audience at Sharq in Diriyah. The evening drew an exceptionally strong turnout, with senior officials, industry leaders and experts engaging in a forward-looking discussion on culture, engineering, design and urban development.

Andrea Galli - ARX Group CEO, Abdulmohsen Almajnouni, Independent consultant, formerly Secretary-General, Saudi Council of Engineers, HRH Prince Fahad Bin Naif Al Saud, Architect, Diriyah Foundation, Michael Schindhelm, Cedric Matykowski - Head of Office ARX Riyad, Hamad Aloqayli, Vice President, Alayuni Investment and Contracting Company, Roberto Schurch - Chief Regional Officer ARX, Aymen Cheikh Mhamed, Deputy CEO, Chief Regional Officer ARX

Held in Diriyah  a symbol of the Kingdom's cultural heritage and ongoing transformation  the event took on added meaning, as one chapter of the book is set in this historic setting. It provided a fitting backdrop for a discussion on how past and future can meet in the cities of tomorrow.

Novalis 2029 is a work of speculative fiction that imagines a day in the life of Maren, an artist employed by an engineering and design firm in 2029. Combining future scenarios with reflections from leading voices in engineering, architecture, urbanism and sustainability, the book explores themes including the reuse of obsolete sites, energy storage, underground agriculture, smart cities, space travel and post-conflict reconstruction, drawing on insights from leading figures such as Pierre de Meuron.

A key moment of the evening was Schindhelm's live reading of selected excerpts, offering the audience direct insight into the book's narrative and ideas. The panel discussion that followed brought together high-level speakers for an open exchange on how engineering and design, long-term vision and responsible development can guide the evolution of urban environments. The conversation also extended to the cultivation of talent and the pivotal role of national education systems in shaping future generations of engineers and designers.

ARX thanks the contributing speakers for their valuable insights:

HRH Prince Fahad Bin Naif Al Saud , Diriyah Foundation

, Diriyah Foundation Abdulmohsen Almajnouni , Independent Consultant, formerly Secretary-General of the Saudi Council of Engineers

, Independent Consultant, formerly Secretary-General of the Saudi Council of Engineers Hamad Aloqayli , Alayuni Investment and Contracting Company

, Alayuni Investment and Contracting Company Aymen Cheikh Mhamed, Deputy CEO, ARX

ARX also extends its appreciation to the European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their support.

Statements

"The questions we ask today about our cities, our infrastructure and our shared future will determine the world we inhabit tomorrow. Novalis 2029 is an invitation to explore those questions together, across cultures and disciplines."

 Michael Schindhelm

"This book is a catalyst for important conversations, because innovation is shaped not only by technology but by the role our profession plays in society. Diriyah is a meaningful place to reflect on these questions  rooted in heritage, yet firmly looking ahead."

 Andrea Galli, Group CEO, ARX

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2834306/ARX.jpg

SOURCE ARX (Pini Group)
The Embassy reaffirmed support to those who are affected.

In a post on X, the Embassy said, "The Embassy of India in Bangkok expresses deepest sympathy and condolences for the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by the devastating flood in Southern Thailand, and reaffirms solidarity and support for the Government and the affected communities in this difficult moment."

https://x.com/IndiainThailand/status/1994666040261787648?s=20

The death toll from devastating floods across southern Thailand rose to 145 as of Friday, with more than 100 people killed in the hard-hit Songkhla province alone, according to the government, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

Devastating flooding has overwhelmed southern Thailand this week, particularly in the Hat Yai district, near the border with Malaysia.

"The total deaths across the southern provinces is 145," with Songkhla accounting for 110, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat told a news conference on Friday, updating earlier figures, as per Al Jazeera.

He said search and rescue efforts have become more successful as floodwaters started to recede further.

News reports showed rescuers gained more access to residential areas that had previously been submerged under high water and recovered more bodies, particularly in Hat Yai, the largest city in the south.

The Songkhla province recorded a sharp increase in the death toll after flooding began to subside. The flooding caused severe disruption, leaving thousands of people stranded, rendering streets impassable and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles, Al Jazeera reported.

The Meteorological Department said rainfall has decreased in the south but warned of thunderstorms in some areas.

Videos and photos from the affected areas on Friday show damaged roads, fallen power poles, household appliances and debris washed away by floodwaters piled along the streets.

Abandoned cars were overturned or stacked atop one another, apparently swept away by powerful currents. (ANI)
Rescue teams in Indonesia are still struggling to reach communities devastated by a week of cyclone-driven torrential rain, as the death toll continues to climb. At least 248 people had died, according to authorities on Saturday, and the number is expected to rise, Al Jazeera reported. Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said rescuers in West Sumatra's Agam district recovered more bodies on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 248. More than 100 people remain missing, and over 500 have been injured. "The death toll is believed to be increasing, since many bodies are still missing, while many have not been reached," said Suharyanto, head of the BNPB, who, like many Indonesians, only uses one name. Initial reports put the provincial death toll at 23, but the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency later revised it sharply upward. Spokesman Ilham Wahab said on Friday night that 61 people had died and 90 were still missing, as per Al Jazeera. "A total of 75,219 people have been displaced, and a total of 106,806 people have been affected throughout West Sumatra," Ilham said. The devastation extends beyond West Sumatra. Authorities confirmed 116 deaths in North Sumatra and at least 35 in Aceh province. The flooding is part of a wider regional disaster affecting Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. A rare tropical storm formed in the Malacca Strait between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, unloading days of non-stop rain that has killed around 400 people across the three countries. In Thailand, at least 145 people have died across eight southern provinces, and more than 3.5 million people have been affected by floodwaters. Malaysia has reported two fatalities. Although the rain finally eased late on Friday, countless families in Indonesia remain displaced, and many areas are still unreachable. In North Sumatra, overflowing rivers sent torrents of water crashing through mountainside villages, sweeping away residents and submerging thousands of homes, according to Al Jazeera. Access to badly hit areas remains extremely difficult. Roads are damaged, communications are down, and many bridges have collapsed. Flooded roads and shortages of heavy machinery have slowed rescue and relief operations. Relief aircraft are continuing to fly supplies into Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra and other isolated districts, but officials warn that recovery efforts will take time. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for conducting rescue operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Jaishankar added that the helicopters had Sri Lanka Air Force personnel onboard. In a post on X, he said, "Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for Search and Rescue Operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1994692800752095500?s=20 The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said that under the Neighbourhood First policy, India sent two aircraft carrying 20+ tonnes of relief supplies. "Operation Sagar Bandhu standing strong with the people of Sri Lanka! Two aircraft carrying 20+ tonnes of relief supplies and NDRF teams landed in Colombo early this morning, ready to support ongoing search and rescue efforts across Sri Lanka," the Embassy said. https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994728400234369253?s=20 "Operation Sagar Bandhu continues in full swing. Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant have joined Search and Rescue operations, with Sri Lankan personnel onboard. Amid the severe flooding and widespread damage, India is working closely with Sri Lanka to support rescue and relief efforts." https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994736906391728437?s=20 Meanwhile, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Acting HC assured them of all possible assistance. He conveyed that Govt of India will facilitate their swift travel back to India. In wake of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is experiencing widespread flooding, landslides and severe service disruptions, including flight cancellations. Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka is helping Indian passengers in distress and facilitating their return to India under Operation Sagar Bandhu." https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994783210937749677?s=20 Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "India's rescue and relief efforts remain in full swing as a first responder." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1994780692744737007?s=20 Earlier, the Indian Air Force aircraft brought essential HADR supplies and personnel to support relief operations in Sri Lanka. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two MI-17V5 helicopters of Indian Air Force touched down in Sri Lanka this evening to bolster ongoing Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts. They brought essential HADR supplies and personnel, to support relief operations in Sri Lanka. The helicopters will work closely with Sri Lankan authorities in search and rescue missions under Neighbourhood First policy." https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994760549268426997?s=20 Jaiswal further said that several people were rescued under Operation Sagar Bandhu. "Operation Sagar Bandhu saves lives! Several people rescued through Indian Navy helicopter sorties in the cyclone affected areas in Sri Lanka today," the MEA said in a post on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1994780181333148030?s=20 The Sri Lankan Air Force also noted the contribution of India in their rescue efforts. In a post on X, it said, "Indian NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) Troops in action for Flood Rescue and Relief in Sri Lanka." https://x.com/airforcelk/status/1994788630951596084?s=20 Sri Lanka's former foreign and finance minister Ali Sabry praised India's rapid and generous assistance in the wake of the island nation's latest disaster, Cyclone Ditwah, calling New Delhi's response "fabulous, spontaneous and immediate". Speaking to ANI about Operation Sagar Bandhu, Sabry said that India's rapid response has set a template for regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Praising India's efforts, he highlighted their crucial support during Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis and recent Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts. "This is not the first time. India has always been a great friend and a great neighbour," Sabry said, recalling how New Delhi stepped in decisively during Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis. "At the time when Sri Lanka wanted it the most, India reached out. I remember the same thing during the economic crisis--what India did during my time as finance minister." He pointed to the chain reaction already visible: "We saw that today--India announced assistance yesterday, and today several others, including the United States, followed. That is a great architecture to see." Sabry said India has played a critical role not just in disaster relief but also in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring and economic recovery. "Everywhere--during the economic crisis, the recent past, and debt sustainability--India has played its role. It's fitting that India should be given credit for that," he said. Notably, India has mounted a major humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, delivering urgent supplies by air and sea. Indian naval ships have offloaded 4.5 tons of dry rations, 2 tons of fresh rations, and other essential items for affected families, while two Chetak helicopters from Vikrant have joined Sri Lanka Air Force personnel in ongoing search-and-rescue operations. A C-130J aircraft carrying about 12 tons of aid -- including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals -- and an IL-76 with 9 tons of relief material, 80 NDRF personnel, four canines, and eight tons of specialised HADR equipment also landed in Colombo on Friday morning. India is additionally supporting stranded passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, where severe weather has disrupted air traffic. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is providing affected Indian travellers with food, water and assistance. (ANI)
The embassy said that India stood firmly with Sri Lanka.

"Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and extend timely relief," the Embassy said.

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994793452522086803?s=20

"Operation Sagar Bandhu saving lives. Indian National Disaster Response Force personnel who arrived in Sri Lanka earlier today, are actively conducting rescue operations in inaccessible areas affected by flooding, bringing stranded people to safety. Evacuations to continue overnight in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities," the Embassy added.

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994805706680406151?s=20

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1994812354413171149?s=20

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that the NDRF personnel were in action in Sri Lanka.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu: National Disaster Response Force personnel in action in Sri Lanka. Helping with rescue and relief efforts to evacuate stranded people," the MEA said.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1994812354413171149?s=20

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for conducting rescue operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Jaishankar added that the helicopters had Sri Lanka Air Force personnel onboard.

In a post on X, he said, "Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for Search and Rescue Operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1994692800752095500?s=20

The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said that under the Neighbourhood First policy, India sent two aircraft carrying over 20 tonnes of relief supplies.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu standing strong with the people of Sri Lanka! Two aircraft carrying 20+ tonnes of relief supplies and NDRF teams landed in Colombo early this morning, ready to support ongoing search and rescue efforts across Sri Lanka," the Embassy said.

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994728400234369253?s=20

"Operation Sagar Bandhu continues in full swing. Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant have joined Search and Rescue operations, with Sri Lankan personnel onboard. Amid the severe flooding and widespread damage, India is working closely with Sri Lanka to support rescue and relief efforts."

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1994736906391728437?s=20

Meanwhile, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. (ANI)
Thailand Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has landed in Delhi on his first official four-day visit. His visit will continue till December 2. According to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release, the Thai Foreign Minister will hold official engagements in the capital on November 30. On December 1, Sihasak Phuangketkeow will meet his counterpart, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at Hyderabad House for bilateral discussions. The delegation will depart from India on December 2, the MEA release added. In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. He went to the Southeast Asian country on an official visit at the invitation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. During his visit, PM Modi added new vigour to the bilateral friendship between the two nations during a meeting with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, by elevating the bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. India and Thailand also exchanged memorandums across a range of sectors, including the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. An MoU was also exchanged between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand and India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Cooperation in the fields of Digital Technologies. The Sagarmala Division of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Fine Arts Department of Thailand's Ministry of Culture exchanged an MoU for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. An MoU was also signed between National Small Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand on co-operation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs exchanged an MoU. An MoU was also exchanged between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) and Thailand's Creative Economy Agency (CEA). India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations. In contemporary times, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947, and both sides celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2022. (ANI)
Following the arrest of an Afghan national in connection with a security scare in Texas, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer on accused Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, who has been charged at the state level with making a terrorist threat. The immigration detainer issued by ICE is basically a formal request to a law enforcement agency or prison facility that has custody of a "removable alien" to notify the former before releasing the individual. The detainer request allows ICE to take lawful custody of the "removable alien" before their release in a controlled environment, rather than making an at-large arrest. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said that Alokozay had posted a video of himself on TikTok, allegedly indicating he was building a bomb with the intent to target a building in the Fort Worth area in Texas. "Just one day before the Terrorist attack against our National Guard, another Afghan national who was paroled into the United States under Biden's Operation Allies Welcome was arrested for threatening to blow up a building in Fort Worth," McLaughlin said. The DHS Assistant Secretary said that Alokozay was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety and an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) on Tuesday and has been charged with making a terrorist threat. "Mohammad Dawood Alokozay posted a video of himself on TikTok indicating he was building a bomb with an intended target of the Fort Worth area. He was arrested on Tuesday by the Texas Department of Public Safety and FBI JTTF and charged with making Terroristic Threats. ICE lodged a detainer," she added. Meanwhile, the DHS said that it "won't let terrorists live" on US soil. The Homeland Security informed that it has "indefinitely stopped all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals" since the US won't allow those who want to harm citizens here. "Another Afghan refugee was arrested just 24 hours prior to the barbaric attack that killed Spc. Sarah Beckstrom in DC. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, we have indefinitely stopped all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals and ALL asylum decisions. America will not provide sanctuary to those who want to harm our people," DHS posted on X. (ANI)
The Governments of the United States, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom jointly expressed on November 27 their full support for the United Nations roadmap aimed at achieving unity, stability, and lasting peace in Libya.

The statement welcomed the UN Security Councils extension of the UN Support Mission in Libya and endorsed the facilitation led by Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, urging all Libyan actors to advance the political process toward unified governance and elections.

The statement also highlighted the importance of coordinated security efforts between eastern and western Libyan forces, calling for institutionalisation of such cooperation to achieve full national unification.

Economic integration and the strengthening of sovereign institutions, including the National Oil Corporation, the Central Bank, and the Audit Bureau, were underscored as essential for sustainable growth, energy production, and financial stability.

The joint declaration emphasized that a strong, unified Libya with cohesive institutions would safeguard national sovereignty and prosperity while supporting the political reconciliation process.
November 29, 2025: Earlier this month, about 600 kilometers east of the Somali capital Mogadishu, a chemical tanker was threatened by Somali pirates. In the predawn murk, four Somali gunmen on a speed boat approached the tanker intending to climb aboard. That plan was upset when the armed security detachment on the tanker opened fire on the speed boat. The pirate boat turned around and was tracked back to its larger mother ship, a captured dhow, that was 8 kilometers from the tanker. The dhow was identified as an Iranian vessel that had been seized by pirates a month earlier. Maritime safety authorities warned all merchant vessels in the region to avoid travelling within 180 kilometers of the recent piracy attempt. Shipping companies want to avoid pirates for a number of reasons, one of which is maritime insurance rates. One successful attack would increase insurance rates for any ships transiting this area. The waters off Somalia are very busy because so many ships enter the Gulf of Aden off the northern So

Throughout 2025 it has been obvious that the Somali pirates were back in action. Its been eleven years since the last outbreak of piracy in the Red Sea. Violence against commercial shipping in the Red Sea region began in 2010 when it had reached levels of activity not seen in over a century. But over the next three years that all changed. By 2013 attacks on ships by Somali pirates had declined 95 percent from the 2010 peak. The rapid collapse of the Somali pirates since 2010 began back in 2009 when 80 seafaring nations formed the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. The most visible aspect of this was an anti-piracy patrol off the Somali coast. Over two dozen warships and several dozen manned and unmanned aircraft were involved. This force was backed by space satellite surveillance and foreign intelligence agencies.

Back in 2010 the Somalis accounted for nearly all the hijackings. There are still pirates out there, but they are more into robbery than kidnapping.

Piracy hit a trough from the late nineteenth century into the late twentieth. That was because the industrialized nations waged a worldwide campaign against pirates. With no place to hide, pirates disappeared.

Then there was a revival in the 1970s, with the collapse of many post-colonial governments. At the same time there were problems defining what exactly an act of piracy was. What most people agree on is that piracy is non-state sanctioned use of force at sea or from the sea. This could include intercepting a boat to rob the passengers, but that's usually just thought of as armed robbery. And something like the seizure of the Achille Lauro in 1985 is considered terrorism, rather than piracy. In the past, some marginal states have sanctioned piratical operations, like the Barbary States, but that rarely occurs these days.

There has been more since 2001. For example, in 1991 there were about 120 known cases of real or attempted piracy. In 1994 that increased to more than 200 cases. In 2000 there were 471 cases, in 2005 there were 359 and by 2010 there were over 400. There was a resurgence in 2023 and 2024 with a dozen minor incidents. These involved hijackings of a few large ships that were quickly resolved by military action or a ransom payment. The European Union Naval Force patrolled the areas where the pirates were present and prevented any attacks on ships.

An international effort to suppress Somali piracy halted most attacks. What remained was the fact that only off Somalia could ships and crews be taken and held for ransom for long periods. Everywhere else the pirates were usually only interested in robbing the crew and stealing anything portable that they could get into their small boats. Off the Nigerian coast pirates sometimes take some ship officers with them to hold for ransom or force the crew to move small tankers to remote locations where most of the oil cargo can be transferred to another ship and sold on the black market.

Pirates usually function on the margins of society, trying to get a cut of the good life in situations where there aren't many options. This is usually in areas where state control is weakest or absent. In Nigeria, Indonesia, or the Philippines, where the government is faced with serious problems that are sometimes out of control, pirates can do whatever they want.

The solution to piracy is essentially on land; go into uncontrolled areas and institute governance. This has been the best approach since the Romans eliminated piracy in the Mediterranean over 2,000 years ago. Trying to tackle piracy on the maritime end can reduce the incidence of piracy but can't eliminate it because the pirates still have a safe base on land. In the modern world the land solution often can't be implemented. Who wants to put enough troops into Somalia to eliminate piracy?

Meanwhile there are two areas where pirates still thrive. Piracy is a major threat, because most of the world's oil exports pass through the Straits of Malacca. This was largely an Indonesian problem. As Indonesia began stabilizing itself after the 2004 Aceh Peace settlement, the number of piracy attacks declined. Since 2010 there has been an increase in piracy off Indonesia, largely because the Indonesians reduced their anti-piracy patrols without warning or explanation. There are lots of targets, with over 50,000 large ships moving through the Straits of Malacca each year. Thats 120-150 a day. Lots of targets. The shallow and tricky waters in the strait forces the big ships to go slow enough, under 30 kilometers an hour, for speed boats to catch them. If pirates do get aboard, they rob the crew of valuables and carry off any portable goodies. With limited capacity in their speed boats these attacks result in small losses to the ships involved. By 2025 piracy attacks off Somalia and nearby areas were becoming so rare that shipping insurance rates were declining to normal levels. This was a sure sign that the pirates, for the moment, were gone.
Somalia has reiterated its steady support for Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara.

This came during a bilateral meeting in Rabat between Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, Minister Abdi Ali expressed satisfaction with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which endorses Moroccos autonomy initiative under its sovereignty as the basis for a just and lasting solution to the Sahara issue.

He hailed Moroccos serious and credible efforts to resolve the regional dispute over the Sahara, while reaffirming Somalias full backing for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.

Somalia voted in favor of Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025, marking a clear stance in support of Moroccos autonomy proposal as the only viable framework for a definitive settlement.
A 160-year dream has moved closer to reality as feasibility studies conclude that an undersea tunnel connecting Morocco and Spain beneath the Gibraltar Strait is technically achievable, despite its massive complexity and estimated 8.5 billion price tag.

German engineering firm Herrenknecht, a global leader in tunnel boring machine manufacturing, conducted the decisive study commissioned by Spains transport ministry through the Spanish Company for Fixed Communication Studies across the Gibraltar Strait. The report confirms that necessary construction technology already exists, though the project presents extreme complexity.

Major challenges include the Camarinal sill, representing the straits narrowest yet deepest section. Parallel studies on seismicity and seabed conditions involve collaboration with the United States Geological Survey, given the zones earthquake susceptibility. Spanish and Moroccan public entities recently visited Norway to study the Rogfast project, currently the worlds longest and deepest undersea tunnel under construction.

The proposed infrastructure would create a fixed rail link between Europe and Africa, significantly intensifying passenger, freight, and energy exchanges. Spanning 42 kilometers total length with 27.8 kilometers underwater, the tunnel would connect Punta Paloma near Tarifa, Spain, with Malabata near Tangier, Morocco. Maximum depth would reach nearly 500 meters, surpassing Norways Ryfast tunnel at 292 meters and far exceeding the Channel Tunnels 75-meter depth.

The structure would comprise two single-track rail tunnels eight meters in diameter each, plus a six-meter service gallery, with safety crossings every 340 meters. Travel time reductions would prove dramatic: Madrid to Casablanca would drop from 12 hours currently to just five hours by train.

Spains adoption of universal standard gauge on high-speed lines enables Moroccos full integration into European rail networks. Extension of Moroccos Al Boraq high-speed line to Agadir by 2035 could enable direct TGV service from Agadir to Madrid without train changes.

Construction would require at least a decade, with exploratory gallery work alone estimated at one billion dollars over six to nine years. Spain and Morocco reportedly committed to reaching a final decision by 2027 on launching this exploratory tunnel, with full construction potentially beginning in 2030 and service not expected before 2035-2040.
India is stepping up efforts to secure long-term fertilizer supplies from Morocco, as global markets reel from geopolitical tensions and export restrictions.

According to The Economic Times, New Delhi views the North African kingdom- home to the worlds largest phosphate reserves- as a critical partner for its food security strategy.

A high-level Indian delegation led by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at Indian foreign affairs ministry, visited Rabat this week to deepen cooperation with OCP Group, Moroccos state-owned phosphate giant.

Discussions with OCP CEO Mostafa Terrab focused on strengthening strategic supply arrangements, joint projects in fertilizer value chains, and collaboration on soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Sources cited by the Indian daily said OCP is ready to ramp up shipments to India to meet growing demand.

Morocco already plays a pivotal role in Indias fertilizer ecosystem. OCP supplies roughly 20% of Indias phosphate rock imports, a third of its phosphoric acid needs, and dominates the market for processed fertilizers, covering over 90% of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and all triple superphosphate (TSP) consumed in the country.

In 2023, the two sides signed deals for 1.5 million tons of DAP and one million tons of TSP, volumes seen as vital to Indias agricultural policy and its push to diversify suppliers.

Beyond trade flows, OCP maintains a strong industrial footprint in India through stakes in Paradeep Phosphates Ltd and its joint venture Indo Maroc Phosphore SA with Chambal Fertilizers, ensuring local production capacity and supply chain resilience.

Mrs. Malhotra also met Omar Hjira, secretary of state for foreign trade. They discussed bilateral trade and commercial cooperation as well as opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, IT services, textiles and agro-processing.

Energy cooperation featured prominently, with talks between Malhotra and Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali centering on renewables and the International Solar Alliance. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in sustainable mining, private-sector integration, and capacity-building under Indias flagship ITEC program.

Meetings between Indian and Moroccan officials also explored opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive, IT services, textiles, and agro-processing.

The Economic Times notes that Morocco has emerged as a key economic and strategic partner for India in North Africa, with more than 40 agreements in force and growing engagement in defense. This week, Moroccan Navy Inspector Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin met in New Delhi Indias Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan to discuss industrial cooperation, maritime security, and joint exercise, signaling a partnership that spans food security and strategic security alike.

In August, newly commissioned Talwar class frigate of the Indian Navy, INS Tamal, made a port call at Casablanca military port on its maiden journey from Kaliningrad to India. INS Tamal conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy while departing from Casablanca port.

Last December, Indian naval ship Tushil visited Casablanca and conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy.
Morocco and Germany have given new impetus to their bilateral relations through the 51st Morocco-Germany intergovernmental negotiations on development cooperation, held this week in Berlin, that highlighted by the adoption of a 630 million cooperation program for the period 2026-2027.

The program, inked by Director of European Affairs at the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, Redouane Adghoghi and by Director of African Affairs at the BMZ, Christoph Rauh, focuses on priorities of the Moroccan agenda, including infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, urban mobility, and social issues.

Speaking at the event, Rauh welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Morocco and Germany in key sectors, particularly support for the private sector, renewable energy policies, and environmental areas such as water, and especially green hydrogen, where Morocco is a special partner.

The German official also emphasized that the long-standing partnership between the two countries is now part of a new philosophy based on the win-win principle.

Cooperation with Morocco is deepening and ties are growing stronger. It is therefore important to bring Moroccan and German partners together, especially since we are working on the same issues, he said.

Rauh also highlighted Moroccos special status as a partner of Germany, praising the Kingdoms great capacity to carry out projects launched within the framework of development cooperation with his country.

For his part, Adghoghi praised the level of bilateral cooperation, describing it as a model of reference, a cooperation that draws strength from the close ties between Morocco and Germany, fostered by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Chancellor Merz.

During the visit to Berlin November 25 -28, the Moroccan delegation held meetings with several German officials to explore new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

The intergovernmental negotiations were initiated by German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Reem Alabali-Radovan.
The energy infrastructure in the United States has failed repeatedly in instances of severe weather, due to years of underinvestment and the failure of utilities to work together to strengthen larger networks. During winter storms and wildfires, a wide range of energy infrastructure has been known to fail due to the lack of preparedness by utilities and state governments. Going into the winter months, there are fears over more potential network failures across various parts of the U.S.

Texas, California, and several other states face annual power outages due to severe weather events, from winter storms to heatwaves. In February 2021, Storm Uri brought plunging temperatures to the state of Texas and left millions of people without electricity, heat, or running water, as much of the infrastructure froze. These outages turned off electricity in various parts of Texas, including parts of the natural gas network that are electrically operated, such as pumps and antifreeze injection systems. This led to the shutdown of several power plants.

During the storm, as demand increased for heating, Texas grid operator ERCOT ordered 20 GW of rolling blackouts to prevent a total system collapse, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It was the largest manually controlled load shedding event in U.S. history, with 4.5 million people losing power for several days, stated a FERC report.

The U.S. energy network is highly fragmented, with different state governments each managing parts of the grid, and a multitude of utilities responsible for different infrastructure. The fractured nature of the system makes it extremely hard to fix. For example, investment made in the transmission lines of one state may not be replicated by the neighbouring state, meaning that the network in part of a region may be more resilient than another.

In 2021, the Biden administration introduced the $2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at upgrading U.S. infrastructure. The plan earmarked $100 billion in financing to update and modernise the electric grid to make it more reliable and resilient. However, due to a multitude of challenges standing in the way of a complete overhaul, U.S. energy infrastructure remains highly unprepared for severe weather events.

Now, another threat is adding to fears of winter blackouts  data centres. There has been a rapid rollout of data centres across the U.S. in recent years, as tech companies invest heavily in the infrastructure needed to power advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. This has driven up energy demand in several states, particularly in Texas. The concern now is that this will increase the risk of energy shortages, which could result in power cuts during freezing temperatures.

Requests for new data centres are on the rise in Texas, thanks to its growing renewable energy capacity and natural gas resources. In recent years, Houston has become known by many as the Silicon Valley of energy, for its strong reputation for energy production, growing cleantech sector, and welcoming business environment. This has helped attract significant investment to the state from tech companies looking to expand operations.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warned in November that the 24/7 energy demand of data centres will make it increasingly difficult to maintain sufficient electricity supply during times of high demand, such as if the temperature drops to an extreme low.

During a severe winter storm, Texas power demand could rise to as much as 85.3 GW. While the states 92.6 GW electricity capacity would normally be enough to power this demand, the available power could decrease to roughly 69.7 GW during a severe weather event, meaning a deficit of over 15 GW.

In a recent analysis, NERC stated, Strong load growth from new data centres and other large industrial end users is driving higher winter electricity demand forecasts and contributing to continued risk of supply shortfalls. It went on to say that while Texas will experience elevated risk during extreme winter weather, but the grid will remain stable during normal peak demand.

Over 120 GW of projects have requested to be connected to the Texas grid, marking a 170 percent increase since January requests. Approximately 73 percent of these projects are data centres, according to ERCOT. If all these data centres are built, it would equate to the average annual power consumption of almost 154 million homes. However, experts believe that it is unlikely for the massive project pipeline to be developed in its entirety, as there is simply not enough power to serve it.

Years of underinvestment in the U.S. grid, a lack of preparedness from utilities, and the rise in demand for data centres could lead to a power deficit if Texas, or another state, is hit by severe weather this winter. This demonstrates just how dramatically the tech sector is changing the landscape of power demand through data centre development. It also implies the need for stronger regulations to ensure that the electricity supply is sufficient and stable enough to meet demand before approving new projects.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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In a recent article, a professor at the Naval Academy argues that Trump can leverage the Arctic to end the Ukraine war.

Its clear that Trump was excited by the possibilities the article raised in ending the war. Written by Lyle J. Goldstein, a research professor at the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) at the US Naval War College.

The author makes the case that the key to ending the war lies in the Arctic. Goldstein argues that Trumps announced plan to end the war swiftly seemed increasingly out of reach. The author went on to say that its hard to imagine that more arms for Ukraine andmore sanctions on Russia will be successful at achieving peace.

The author said that Trump still has a chance to break from the status quo and entice Russia to end the war by making the situation in the Arctic - where a struggle for dominance between world powers has been intensifying in recent years  part of the negotiations, he wrote.

As the analyst stated, the issue is guaranteed to capture Putins attention because Moscow is interested in the effective functioning of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which runs from the Barents Sea near Russias border with Norway to the Bering Strait between Chukotka and Alaska, and holds the key to unlocking major development in the countrys vast, resource-rich interior and more broadly for Siberia.

The Arctic region may contain an estimated 90 billion barrels of oil and 46 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, approximately 13 percent and 30 percent of undiscovered global reserves, respectively.

To see Russia make concessions, the US would need to lift sanctions that have been applied against NSR projects [and] facilitate major European shipping companies like Hapag Lloyd and Maersk to green light the route.

Another step to sweeten the pot for Moscow could be the encouragement and even incentives for Western investment along the NSR by Washington and Brussels, Goldstein stressed.

Related: U.S. Crude Hits a Record While Key Export Data Goes Dark

"By appending peace proposals with a carrot guaranteed to catch Putins attention, negotiations having a substantial Arctic component could gain Trumps favor and find success, he insisted.

Russia is by far the regions largest geographical stakeholder, with its northern border encompassing some 53% of the Arctic Ocean coastline, and will likely continue to be a prime player in the High North.

And there is abundant evidence that Russia is militarizing the region, with many of the European northern tier countries and Canada following suit.

That Trump was captivated by the proposed plan was made clear by his sudden attempt to take over northern territories owned by his closest NATO allies, including annexing Canada, a prime member of Englands Commonwealth of Nations, and Greenland, governed by Denmark.

Its also clear that Trump is following the Naval Officers plan to the letter. He is currently offering to drop sanctions on major Russian Arctic development projects in exchange for ending the Ukraine War.

That could be a bonanza for Russia to develop its Arctic and Siberian regions, said to hold some 25% of the world's primary industrial commodities, including giant gas and oil reserves, industrial and rare metals.

Dropping US/EU war sanctions on Russia would also enable the country to leverage Western finance and technology in its Arctic development projects.

Another important factor in the deal is that before the onset of war in Ukraine, the worlds largest energy companies, led by US oil giants Exxon, Chevron, and Conoco, were working on developing some of Russias largest Arctic energy reserves, but were forced to leave because of US war sanctions, leaving billions in investments on the table.

Most Western energy companies want to return, while Putin has made it abundantly clear that if the war ends, he would be glad to welcome them back.

The access of US corporations to Arctic development could also increase commercial trade shipping efficiency across the top of the world, offering the shortest commercial route to circumnavigate the globe, along with the prospects for enormous mineral wealth.

Ironically, Trump, a confirmed climate change denier, is eager to invest billions of federal funds in the obvious fact of glaciers melting and reduced ice that underlies the opening of the Arctic Sea to commercial traffic and exploration.

Although Goldsteins plan is full of rich prospects for both the US and Russia, there are strong obstacles to this scenario.

One of the most important is that Europe feels itself far more threatened by the war on its doorstep than does its US ally, and because of that, continues to be Ukraines strongest supporter, while Putin has made it plain that although hes ready to end the war, that will only occur on his terms.

Russia wants peace; the US desperately seeks a ceasefire. For Russia, peace means that the US dismantle its missile bases in Poland and Romania, no NATO membership or western weapons in Ukraine, a large reduction of Ukraines army and long-range weapons, acceptance of Russias territorial gains, including Crimea, ending of US/EU sanctions, and eventually negotiations between Russia and the US towards new treaties on strategic arms.

The US peace proposal also calls for a long-term economic cooperation agreement aimed at mutual development in the fields of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data-processing centers, rare-earth mining projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.

Trump badly needs a resolution of the war that he boastfully promised to end on his first day in office. Many American Firsters supported him on that promise, while his MAGA base fiercely opposes US involvement in foreign wars.

With a bi-election only a few months off, Trump is fully aware that he is vulnerable to attacks from the Democrats and some of his own supporters on his failure to deliver on his promise to end the war.

So it comes as no surprise that the Trump Administration is currently placing enormous pressure on Ukraine, its government weakened by a corruption scandal, to accept a 28-point plan that closely follows the naval officers' plans.

The plan also clearly echoes most of the Russian core demands. Some Republican Senators claim that Secretary of State Rubio described the plan as a Russian wish list, although Rubio now denies he said that.

In a word, the plan calls for Ukraines complete surrender.

The big question now is, can an obscure naval officers plan change the course of war or is this just another quick answer to what might be a very long problem?

By Robert Berke for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

After the news of the two National Guard soldiers gunned down in Washington D.C., it is time to address threats in Oregon against Federal agents which remain open and routine among Portland protestors. This week, one of the Portland ICE protestors John Paul Cupp is under trial for violent threats to local Federal agents. See Brandi Kruses video.

The Justice Department charges on Cupp, According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, Cupp began yelling insults at law enforcement officers as they were approaching a crowd. Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives. On November 3, 2025, Cupp posted a video online reiterating the same threats to federal agents and their wives. On November 13, 2025, Cupp continued posting violent threats online to officers and their family. Cupp is a prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.

Around the Portland Federal ICE building there are numerous threats of violence and calls to murder law enforcement officers.

Threats against law enforcement helicopters became so bad that hospital helicopters had to be diverted out of the area.

Instead of condemnation, Oregon politicians are playing down the violence.

The attacks on our Federal employees coming from Oregon must be stopped.

The Taxpayers Association of Oregon calls upon Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Kieth Wilson to condemn the political violence on full display in Oregon.

 Please support our watchdog journalism on how your taxes are being spent. Make a donation at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
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Archaeologist from Sudan's National Museum Dr Shadia Abdrabo, poses at her office at the French National Institute for Art History (INHA) in Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Michel Euler

In a dimly lit office in a corner of the French National Institute for Art History, Sudanese archaeologist Shadia Abdrabo studies a photograph of pottery made in her country around 7,000 B.C. She carefully types a description of the Neolithic artifact into a spreadsheet.

As the war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) rages on, the curator from Sudan's National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums (NCAM) is on a yearlong research grant in France with one mission: to build an online database of the African nation's archaeological sites, museum collections and historical archives.

Soon after the war in Sudan started, in April 2023, museums were looted and destroyed. It's unclear what exactly went missing, but Abdrabo says her task is to find outand time is of the essence.

"We have to work fast to secure our collections. We've already lost two museums and we don't want to lose more," Abdrabo told The Associated Press.

She says two regional museums in El Geneina and Nyala were almost completely destroyed, while in Khartoum, the National Museumwhich held an estimated 100,000 objects before the warwas ransacked by militias who posted videos online of their fighters inside the storeroom.

The National Museum had pieces dating back to prehistoric times, including from the Kerma Kingdom and the Napatan era when Kushite kings ruled the region as well as from the Meroitic civilization that built Sudan's pyramids. Other galleries displayed later Christian and Islamic objects.

Among its most valuable items were mummies dating back to 2,500 B.C., some of the oldest and most archaeologically significant in the world as well as royal Kushite treasures.

Archaeologist from Sudan's National Museum Dr Shadia Abdrabo, poses at her office at the French National Institute for Art History (INHA) in Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Michel Euler

'Entire archives vanished'

UNESCO raised the alarm on reports of plundering saying the "threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level."

"My heart was broken, you know? It's not just objects that we lost. We lost research, we lost studies, we lost many things," Abdrabo said.

Last month, hundreds of people were left dead and more than 80,000 others forced into displacement after the capture of North Darfur's capital, El Fasher, by the RSF. For Abdrabo the work is deeply personal.

"I'm from Nubia, from the north, an area filled with monuments, archaeological sites and ancient life," she said. The region was home to some of the world's earliest kingdoms that rivaled ancient Egypt in power and wealth.

She was working at the national museum in the capital Khartoum when the war started.

"We thought it would finish soon  but then life started getting really difficult: not just the bombing, but there was no electricity, no water," she said. With her three sisters, she fled northfirst to Atbara, then to Abri, and eventually to Port Sudan.

During that time, Abdrabo and her NCAM colleagues worked tirelessly to try and protect Sudan's 11 museums and sitessome designated with UNESCO World Heritage statusmoving pieces to safe rooms and secret locations.

But efforts to protect Sudan's art were too slow, said Ali Nour, a Sudanese cultural heritage advocate.

"While applications were being drafted, sites were being emptied. While risk assessments were reviewed, entire archives vanished," Nour wrote in an article for the U.K.-based International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

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Urgent recovery efforts

UNESCO said it carried out inventories, trained police and customs officers to recognize stolen antiquities, while appealing to collectors "to refrain from acquiring or taking part in the import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property from Sudan."

But, unlike similar cultural emergencies that followed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, "Sudan has not benefited from strong media coverage denouncing the degradation and plundering of its cultural heritage,'' according to researcher Meryam Amarir. ''This lack of visibility has reduced the international response."

Ancient Sudan was connected, through trade and military activity, with Egypt, the Mediterranean world and Mesopotamia, and was the source of much of the gold available in the region, according to Geoff Emberling of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan.

"If we're interested in these ancient cultures, then we have to be interested in Sudan," said Emberling, who is involved with the recently established Sudan Cultural Emergency Recovery Fund.

The task force, requested by NCAM, aims to unite institutions, scholars, and donors around the urgent recovery efforts of Sudan's heritage.

"What Shadia Abdrabo is doing is urgently essentialestablishing what's missing," Emberling told the AP. "And with a team of about 15 Sudanese now working in the museum in Khartoum to clean and restore what has been damaged, they will soon be able to compare what remains there now."

'I cry when I talk about this'

Abdrabo has funding until April 2026 to finish compiling the data and building a platform, but she worries it won't be enough time.

The work is painstaking. Some datasets arrive as spreadsheets, others as handwritten inventories or photographs taken decades ago. Colleagues at the Louvre, the British Museum and others lend support but she works mostly alone.

"I'm trying to finish this database but it's a lot. I've done about 20% of the work. Just for the national museums, I've recorded 1,080 objects so far  and then I have to do other museums, sites, archives I need to add pictures, ID numbers, coordinates "

As the winter settles over Paris, the crisis in Sudan drives Abdrabo.

"We are working on tracking what has been looted," she said. "I cry when I talk about this. My only goal and message is to bring back as much as possible, to do as much as I can for Sudan, but it's not easy for us."

It's not just the war itself, but the consequences of it that could affect the country's heritage: "militias, people displaced it's not safe for the art to be in unsecure locations," she added.

"Until the war finishes we just don't know what is going to happen."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Lucas Cranach the Elder's map of the Holy Land in Christopher Froschauer's Old Testament (Zurich, 1525) in The Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge. Credit: The Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge

The first Bible to feature a map of the Holy Land was published 500 years ago in 1525. The map was initially printed the wrong way roundshowing the Mediterranean to the Eastbut its inclusion set a precedent which continues to shape our understanding of state borders today, a new Cambridge study argues.

"This is simultaneously one of publishing's greatest failures and triumphs," says Nathan MacDonald, Professor of the Interpretation of the Old Testament at the University of Cambridge.

"They printed the map backwards so the Mediterranean appears to the east of Palestine. People in Europe knew so little about this part of the world that no one in the workshop seems to have realized. But this map transformed the Bible forever and today most Bibles contain maps."

In a study published in The Journal of Theological Studies, Professor MacDonald argues that Lucas Cranach the Elder's map, printed in Zurich, not only transformed the Bible into a Renaissance book but contributed to the way people started to think about borders.

"It has been wrongly assumed that biblical maps followed an early modern instinct to create maps with clearly marked territorial divisions," MacDonald says. "Actually, it was these maps of the Holy Land that led to the revolution.

"As more and more people gained access to Bibles from the 17th century, these maps spread a sense of how the world ought to be organized and what their place within it was. This continues to be extremely influential."

The first 'Bible map'

Very few of Christopher Froschauer's 1525 Old Testament survive in libraries around the world. Trinity College Cambridge's Wren Library cares for one of the rare survivors.

Professor Nathan MacDonald with Christopher Froschauer's 1525 Old Testament open at Lucas Cranach the Elder's map of the Holy Land, in the Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge. Credit: University of Cambridge

Within it, Cranach's Bible map depicts the stations of the wilderness wanderings as well as the division of the Promised Land into twelve tribal territories. These boundaries were a distinctively Christian concern, communicating a claimed right to inherit the holy sites of the Old and New Testaments.

Cranach's map followed the example of older medieval maps which divided the territory of Israel into clear strips of land. This reflected their reliance on the 1st century AD Jewish historian Josephus who simplified complex and contradictory biblical descriptions.

According to MacDonald, "Joshua 1319 doesn't offer an entirely coherent, consistent picture of what land and cities were occupied by the different tribes. There are several discrepancies. The map helped readers to make sense of things even if it wasn't geographically accurate."

A literal reading of the Bible was particularly central to the Swiss Reformation and so, MacDonald says, "It's no surprise that the first Bible map was published in Zurich."

MacDonald, a Fellow of St John's College Cambridge, argues that with a growing emphasis on the literal reading of the Bible, maps helped to demonstrate that events took place in recognizable time and space.

In a Reformation world in which certain images were banned, maps of the Holy Land were permitted and became an alternative source of pious reverence.

"When they cast their eyes over Cranach's map, pausing at Mount Carmel, Nazareth, the River Jordan and Jericho, people were taken on a virtual pilgrimage," MacDonald says. "In their mind's eye, they traveled across the map, encountering the sacred story as they did so."

The inclusion of Cranach's map was, MacDonald argues, a pivotal moment in the Bible's transformation, and deserves greater recognition. Better known changes include the move from scroll to codex, the creation of the first portable single-volume Bible (The Paris Bible) in the 13th Century; the addition of chapters and verses; the addition of new prefaces in the Reformation; and the recognition of the prophetic utterances as Hebrew poetry in the 18th Century.

"The Bible has never been an unchanging book," MacDonald says. "It is constantly transforming."

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A revolution in the meaning of borders

In medieval maps, MacDonald argues, the division of the Holy Land into tribal territories had communicated spiritual meaning: the inheritance of all things by Christians. But from the late fifteenth century, lines spread from maps of the Holy Land to maps of the modern world, and began to represent something very different: political borders. At the same time, these new ideas about political sovereignty were read back into biblical texts.

"Bible maps delineating the territories of the twelve tribes were powerful agents in the development and spread of these ideas," MacDonald says. "A text that is not about political boundaries in a modern sense became an instance of God's ordering of the world according to nation-states."

"Lines on maps started to symbolize the limits of political sovereignty rather than the boundless divine promises. This transformed the way that the Bible's descriptions of geographical space were understood."

"Early modern notions of the nation were influenced by the Bible, but the interpretation of the sacred text was itself shaped by new political theories that emerged in the early modern period. The Bible was both the agent of change and its object."

Relevance today

"For many people, the Bible remains an important guide to their basic beliefs about nation states and borders," MacDonald says. "They regard these ideas as biblically authorized and therefore true and right in a fundamental way."

MacDonald points to a recent US Customs and Border Protection recruitment film in which a border agent quotes Isaiah 6:8"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"'while flying above the US-Mexico border in a helicopter.

Professor MacDonald is concerned that so many people view borders as being straightforwardly biblical. "When I asked ChatGPT and Google Gemini whether borders are biblical, they both simply answered 'yes.' The reality is more complex," he says.

"We should be concerned when any group claims that their way of organizing society has a divine or religious underpinning because these often simplify and misrepresent ancient texts that are making different kinds of ideological claims in very different political contexts."

More information: N. MacDonald, Ancient Israel and the Modern Bounded State, The Journal of Theological Studies (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jts/flaf090
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.
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Evidence of the necessary elements for life are found across space. A cross-section of Mars underground ice as captured by MRO. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UA/USGS

Since the 1950s, humanity has been searching for extraterrestrial life with increasingly sophisticated tools. But after decades of space probes, meteorite analysis, radio telescopes, and UFO investigations, what have we actually found? A new piece of analysis by a team led by Seyed Sina Seyedpour Layalestani from the Islamic Azad University in Iran has looked at the most compelling evidence to date; from ancient space rocks that fell to Earth carrying the building blocks of life itself. The paper is published in the International Journal of Astrobiology.

The Murchison meteorite, which crashed into Australia in 1969, is older than our solar system at 7 billion years. Recent analysis revealed something extraordinary, that all five nucleobases that form DNA and RNA (adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine, and uracil) were present in this ancient stone. These molecules, confirmed as extraterrestrial in origin, fundamentally challenge the assumption that life's ingredients formed exclusively on Earth.

The Orgueil meteorite that exploded over France in 1864 tells a similar story. This carbonaceous rock contains not just amino acids like glycine and alanine, but structures resembling microfossils, tiny forms that look similar to magnetotactic bacteria found in Earth's oceans. While scientists initially dismissed these as contamination or mineral formations, recent studies have confirmed their extraterrestrial origin.

Space probes have expanded the search beyond meteorites. Rovers on Mars discovered liquid water streams and frozen ice. The Cassini spacecraft found massive glaciers on Saturn's moon Enceladus. The Phoenix lander confirmed water ice just three centimeters below the Martian surface. These discoveries reveal that the basic requirements for life; water, organic compounds, and energy sources, seem to exist throughout our solar system.

Radio telescopes have detected more than 100 organic molecules in interstellar dust clouds, including amino acids and nucleic acid components. These findings strengthen the panspermia hypothesis, the idea that life's building blocks are distributed throughout space, potentially seeding planets across the galaxy.

Murchison meteorite at the The National Museum of Natural History in Washington. Credit: Basilicofresco

But what about intelligent alien civilizations? Despite decades of UFO reports and SETI programs broadcasting messages into space, no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence exists. Most UFO sightings have conventional explanations, from ball lightning in the atmosphere to plasma phenomena in the thermosphere. The supposed alien bodies presented to Mexico's Congress in 2023 were quickly dismissed as artificial constructs.

The challenge isn't lack of evidence for life's ingredients, instead it's proving that these ingredients actually formed living organisms elsewhere. The presence of DNA building blocks in billion-year-old meteorites doesn't confirm that alien bacteria existed, only that the chemistry for life occurs naturally in space.

Enter artificial intelligence. New AI algorithms can analyze meteorite chemistry to distinguish biological from non-biological origins of organic compounds. Machine learning helps filter noise from radio signals and identify atmospheric biosignatures on distant exoplanets. Where human analysis might overlook subtle patterns in vast datasets, AI excels.

We've found the pieces. The building blocks of life exist throughout space. Whether those pieces assembled into living organisms, microbial or intelligent, remains the universe's most tantalizing unanswered question.

More information: Seyed Sina Seyedpour Layalestani et al, Evidence and traces of extraterrestrial life, International Journal of Astrobiology (2025). DOI: 10.1017/s1473550425100050 Journal information: International Journal of Astrobiology
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Across Africa, distance education has become one of the most powerful forces for expanding access to higher learning. Open and distance learning institutions such as the Open University of Tanzania, the Zimbabwe Open University and the National Open University of Nigeria have joined long-standing providers like the University of South Africa in offering flexible study opportunities to millions of students who would otherwise be excluded from higher education.

These institutions are reimagining what it means to go to university in contexts where geography, cost and social responsibilities often keep young people out of the classroom.

The value of distance education is undeniable. It allows working adults to continue their studies without leaving employment, gives rural youth the chance to stay in their communities while earning qualifications, and provides people with opportunities to balance learning alongside family responsibilities. During crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education proved to be a lifeline when face-to-face teaching was impossible.

Across the continent, it is not simply an alternative to traditional universities; for many, it is the only route into higher education.

The World Bank has reported that only 9% of the African population in the five years after secondary school is enrolled in tertiary educationthe lowest rate in the world.

My own research takes the University of South Africa (Unisa) as a case study to dig deeper into how geography and inequality shape students' experiences of distance learning: their access, participation, and outcomes. With over 370,000 students in South Africa and other countries, Unisa is the continent's largest provider. It's an ideal lens through which to understand both the promise and the challenges of this educational model.

I'm a geographer with an interest in international education and economic development. For the Unisa case study, I took a qualitative research approach, interviewing 28 Unisa postgraduate students from different regions of Africa. I chose them to reflect the diversity of students enrolled at Unisa and because they already had experience of studying.

The study found that although distance education can meet educational needs where people can't access face-to-face learning, it's not a perfect solution. There are still challenges which make it hard for some people to study, like inadequate infrastructure (poor internet connectivity and electricity supply), financial constraints, and language and cultural barriers. There's a need for interventions to improve the effectiveness and equity of distance education.

Experiences of distance education

My interviews with postgraduate students across Africa showed a complex picture. For the 18 students based in cities, distance education can be genuinely empowering. Internet connections, though costly, are usually accessible in cities. Electricity supply is more stable, and digital platforms are within reach. Students in urban areas spoke of the freedom and flexibility they gained, describing distance education as the only way to balance work, family life and study.

But geography matters. For students in rural or marginalized regions, participation in distance learning can become a daily struggle.

Downloading a file may take hours. Traveling long distances to internet cafes eats into scarce time and resources. A student in Zimbabwe explained how he missed deadlines simply because the university portal would not load in his village. Another said, "Some days I feel like I'm learning less and figuring out how to connect more."

Another, in Kenya, described traveling to Nairobi every two weeks to collect academic materials. She felt the sacrifice was worth it because she knew education could change her life. For others: "I begin to wonder if it's really worth it."

These obstacles, however, underline rather than diminish the value of distance education. Students are willing to endure enormous effort and cost to access learning because they believe in its power to transform their futures. Their determination is itself evidence of the demand for and importance of this model of education.

Still, the barriers are real. High data prices, unstable internet, and unreliable electricity continue to limit access. Women in rural areas often face additional responsibilities that leave them with little time or energy to study. "It's hard to keep up with my guy classmates who don't face the same rules at home."

And the flexibility that makes distance education attractive can sometimes turn into a sense of isolation when students don't have peer support. "I feel alone a lot. Even when I try to share, they don't seem to understand what I'm facing."

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Persistent inequities in distance education

Distance education can actually keep existing inequities in place, because students from wealthier, urban backgrounds are better positioned to succeed than rural students are.

My study also revealed how the realities of students' lives not only affect their ability to use digital tools but also their sense of belonging to the academic community. There is a growing digital divide within distance education itself.

The task ahead is to make sure that these challenges do not undercut the progress distance education has already made. Over the past decade, distance education has expanded access, increased enrollment far beyond the capacity of traditional campuses, and improved the quality of digital teaching, learner support, and flexible study pathways.

Investment in affordable broadband and electricity is essential, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Financial aid needs to cover the hidden costs of learning, from devices to data. Outreach centers should be located closer to marginalized communities, and policies must explicitly address the gendered realities that shape women's access to higher education.

Across Africa, open universities have already demonstrated how distance education can widen participation and build inclusive futures. Unisa's story, and the experiences of its students, highlight both the opportunities and the work still to be done.

Geography continues to shape who can learn, but it does not have to decide who gets left behind. With the right investments and policies, distance education can move closer to fulfilling its full promise: to provide equitable, life-changing access to higher learning for all.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The seafloor serves as the ultimate dumping ground where the vast majority of marine litter ends up. Credit: Marine Pollution Bulletin (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118500

Marine litter is a serious environmental problem worldwide. Reducing it would require implementing a global monitoring system, agreeing on the use of common methods and protocols for data collection, and categorizing all components of marine debris. This involves a tremendous scientific, political, and social effort at the international levelone that cannot be carried out with the same intensity by all countriesgiven the magnitude of what is still unknown about the pollution of seas and oceans, particularly the deep ocean, where the vast majority of marine litter accumulates.

This is one of the main conclusions of the article published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. The principal authors include Professor Miquel Canals, from the Faculty of Earth Sciences of the University of Barcelona; Georg Hanke, from the European Commission's Joint Research Center (JRC); Ryota Nakajima, from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC); Melanie Bergmann, from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Germany; Francois Galgani, from the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER); and Daoji Li, from East China Normal University (ECNU), among other experts.

The study aims to raise awareness and emphasize the need to include marine litterand particularly that on the seafloorsin any directive, convention, treaty, or agreement established at the national, regional, or global level to minimize marine pollution. Experts warn that the seafloor serves as the ultimate dumping ground where the vast majority of marine litter ends up.

The focus of the study is on macrolitteritems larger than 2.5 cmthat accumulate on the seafloor, the ultimate sink for marine litter. Despite its significant environmental relevance, this fraction has often been overlooked in the flood of studies on smaller-size debris, such as microplastics.

An environmental problem that begins on land

Nearly all seas and oceans are affected by marine litter, much of which reaches them via rivers. The rivers contributing the most waste are located in southern Asia (the Amur, Hai, Yellow, Yangtze, Pearl, Mekong, and the Ganges and Indus systems) and in Africa (the Niger and the Nile).

In addition to riverine inputs, certain extraordinary and catastrophic eventssuch as the April 2011 tsunami in eastern Japancarry enormous amounts of debris into the ocean. Fishing and other marine activities are also continuous sources of specific types of litter, such as discarded nets, longlines, buoys, and tires used as boat fenders.

"In developing countries, which lack robust waste management systems, the dumping of waste into the natural environmentand consequently along the coast and into the seais common, as shown by some recent studies we have carried out in mangrove ecosystems in Colombia," explains Professor Canals, director of the UB Chair on Sustainable Blue Economy.

In more economically developed countries, waste management is far more effective than in developing nations with more limited economic capacity. Although all countries aspire to a healthier environment, the actual ability to achieve this varies greatly, and economic priorities differ in each case.

"For examplethe expert notesin countries with low or very low per capita income, often with large populations, the priority of providing daily food for the population takes precedence over protecting the environment. In more influential countries, although the fight against marine pollution is on the list of priorities, the situation is also diverse, as many variables influence the discharge of waste into the environmentfor instance, population density, climatic conditions, social awareness, and cultural factors."

"In the Mediterranean, a sea surrounded by humanity, large amounts of litter are found at the surface, throughout the water column, and especially on the seafloor. Some areas, such as the Strait of Messina between Sicily and southern Italy, are real underwater dumping grounds. During episodes of heavy rainfall, water carries huge amounts of waste previously dumped into coastal ravines by residents down to the depths of the sea, including the most unlikely objects, from refrigerators to automobiles, and from toys to garbage bags," says Canals.

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A common methodology for comparing data

Having comparable and standardized data across all research is also an essential requirement for making progress in the fight against marine litter pollution. However, the lack of a global monitoring system makes this goal difficult to achieve. To obtain an overall picture of the situation, some models use indicators such as the amount of mismanaged plastic waste by river basin or country, population density, or gross domestic product.

"However, these models often produce figures that differ greatly from one another," notes Canals. "It is necessary to use homogeneous and harmonized observation and measurement methods, and to prioritize the use of advanced technologies both for observation and for data analysis and management. We also consider local training at different levels and capacity building to be essential elements. In this context, the temporal perspective is fundamental for determining reference or baseline states."

From changes in consumption to environmental management

Technological progress is an ally in the fight against marine litter. The integration of modern technologiessuch as airborne sensors and cameras, autonomous and crewed underwater vehicles, side-scan sonar, very highresolution multibeam bathymetry, image analysis, among othershas improved the processes used to identify, quantify, and categorize marine litter. It is essential for the data to be accurately georeferenced and for technologies to be non-destructive, that is, they must not cause any impact on the habitats under study.

At the same time, greater synergies should be established between the academic sector and private companies, which possess vast amounts of observations, data, and images of marine litter acquired over recent decades. Data from the private sector could contribute very effectively to the definition of historical baselines, to scientific monitoring programs, and therefore also to the identification of long-term trends.

Eliminating or reducing plastic pollutionthe main component of marine litterrequires identifying source emissions, transfer pathways to the sea, and accumulation areas within the marine environment. It is necessary to prevent waste from reaching the ocean in massive and insufficiently controlledor entirely uncontrolledways, as occurs in many regions of the world.

For this reason, it is essential to implement upstream measures targeting production, consumption habits, and on-land waste management, both at the individual and collective levels. The application of direct measures in the marine environmentfor example, the large-scale removal of litter from the seafloorshould only be carried out under strict technical and environmental criteria, to avoid causing even greater harm to the environment.

A greater political commitment to protect the marine environment

Informing and raising awareness among policymakers about the scale and consequences of marine pollution caused by macro-litter is a critical step in designing and implementing meaningful and effective environmental policies. It is essential to convey the most relevant information to the political sphere in order to generate effective actions throughout the value and use chain (producers and consumers), as well as measures focused on the marine and coastal environment. In this context, macro-litter on the seafloor represents a key element of the evidence base justifying the implementation of mitigation measures at the global level.

In Europe, there are regulations such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directiveaimed at achieving good environmental status (GES) of Europe's marine habitatswhich includes a descriptor focused on marine litter; the Directive on port reception facilities for the delivery of ship-generated waste; and the Directive on reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.

It is also important to mention the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Global Partnership on Plastic and Marine Litter (GPML) under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSC), including the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and the Barcelona Convention and Protocols (UNEMAP).

"Unfortunately, the negotiations promoted by the UNEP to conclude an international treaty to stop plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, ended without agreement last August in Geneva," emphasizes Canals.

"Today, almost 70 years after the first deep-ocean dive in 1958, we have images of only 0.001% of the seafloor at depths greater than 200 meters, which accounts for 66% of the total ocean surface. This figure clearly illustrates the magnitude of what we still do not know about marine litter pollution, and the enormous effort that remains necessary to gain an accurate understanding of the presence and impacts of debris in the world's seas and oceans," concludes Canals.

More information: Georg Hanke et al, Out of sight, but not out of mind: Key issues regarding seafloor macrolitter monitoring, Marine Pollution Bulletin (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118500 Journal information: Marine Pollution Bulletin
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Heard Island is located in the Southern Ocean, over 4,000 km southwest of Perth. Credit: AAD Mapping/Australian Antarctic Program

On Heard Island, a remote Australian subantarctic island some 4,000 km southwest of Perth, scientists were concerned after observing high mortality rates in the elephant seal population.

The cause of death? A highly infectious strain of bird flu known as H5N1.

This is the first time this strain has been detected on Australian territory.

What is bird flu?

Bird flu (or avian influenza) is a disease that affects wild and domestic bird populations, which can be spread to mammal species.

There are various strains of bird flu. Some are low risk and cause minimal harm in bird populations. Otherssuch as H5N1are spreading globally and decimating populations of birds and other wildlife.

This strain is found on every continent except Australia. It has wiped out over 100,000 wild birds in Peru, 4,000 sea lions in Chile and 8,000 Eurasian cranes in Israel and caused 97% mortality in southern elephant seal pups in Argentina.

Hence, the concern for the elephant seals on Heard Island.

What does this mean for Australia?

Authorities say the detection of H5N1 bird flu on Heard Island does not significantly increase the chance of an incursion into mainland Australia. However, this doesn't mean there is zero threat.

Since 1976, there have been various outbreaks of the H7 strain of bird flu in Australia.

In 2024/25, poultry farms in southeast Australia were heavily affected by it, resulting in egg shortages in supermarkets.

If (or when) the H5N1 strain reaches Australia, the impact on wildlife and poultry farms would be far-spread and devastating.

What's next?

Australia will continue to monitor wildlife populations around the country.

The government is investing $100 million to ensure there is a coordinated national response to bird flu when it arrives, as well as support for all states and territories.

Another voyage to Heard Island, scheduled for late December, will gather more information about the status of bird flu on the island and the health of other wildlife present.

Provided by Particle

This article first appeared on Particle, a science news website based at Scitech, Perth, Australia. Read the original article.
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An implied pathway to ecological success with both direct and indirect socioeconomic drivers and uncontrollable exogenous disruptors that include, but are not limited to, the impacts of climate change. Credit: Biological Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111630

A new study has revealed that successful environmental restoration is dependent on bridging the gap between ecological science and understanding the social and economic forces that drive change.

Drawing on a systematic review of research from Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the study published today in Biological Conservation examines why some natural resource management initiatives deliver measurable environmental gains while others fall short.

Across the globe, countless initiatives aim to restore natural habitats, promote sustainable agriculture, and repair the damage caused by human activity. The review revealed two distinct but largely disconnected research traditions: one focusing on biophysical outcomessuch as soil health and biodiversityand another examining social and economic factorssuch as community engagement, policy support, and funding.

Lead author on the National Environmental Science Program Resilient Landscapes Hub project, Dr. Bassie Limenih from the University of Tasmania, explained that the two largely separate research traditionsbiophysical science and socio-economic analysistend to measure success in different ways, leading to fragmented understanding and missed opportunities for policy alignment.

"We identified a likely pathway from socioeconomic drivers to positive environmental change requires both social and ecological successes," Dr. Limenih said.

The study analyzed literature on natural resource management programs that combine scientific expertise, organizational coordination, and on-the-ground efforts from practitioners and volunteers.

"These two worlds often speak different languages," Dr. Limenih said. "Biophysical studies focus on the physical interventions required for ecological change, while socio-economic studies focus on human values, behavioral intentions and governance. Both are essential, but rarely integrated."

By synthesizing insights from both strands, the study identifies a clear pathway linking social drivers to ecological success. The findings suggest that lasting environmental improvement requires more than scientific knowledgeit depends on building strong community partnerships, sound governance, and sustainable economic support.

The review recommends greater integration between social and natural scientists to design and evaluate initiatives that deliver both social and ecological benefits.

More information: Bassie Yizengaw Limenih et al, Pathways from socioeconomic values to natural resource management practices to ecological change: A systematic review, Biological Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111630 Journal information: Biological Conservation

Provided by National Environmental Science Program
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Men are earning on average A$9,753 more than women each year in the form of performance bonuses, allowances and overtime pay.

That's according to the latest gender pay gap data released on Thursday by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. It covers more than 8,000 private companies for 202425, employing more than 5.4 million workers across Australia.

The overall gender pay gap fell to 21.1%, compared to 21.8% in 202324. But the gap in discretionary pay makes up a big chunk of the total gender pay gap of $28,356.

Where gaps in bonus and overtime are widest

The gender gap in discretionary remunerationpayments made on top of a worker's base salary and excluding mandatory superannuationballoons in particular industries.

In the rental, hiring and real estate industry, these additional payments average $34,618 annually for men and $14,154 for women. That's a gap of $20,464.

In financial and insurance services, the gender gap in additional payments comes to $20,383. In electricity, gas, water and waste services, it's $16,644.

Studies have found that when gender gaps have successfully narrowed, it's generally the base salary component that has improved. The gap in discretionary payments is more stubborn.

Blame 'greedy jobs'

Partly these gender differentials in discretionary payments are due to men working overtime hours, which are paid at a higher hourly rate.

But this gender pattern in overtime reflects rigid gender roles. While men work longer hours, women are shouldering the bulk of unpaid domestic labor and care in the home.

These patterns arise from employers' expectations in many jobs that employees will be available 24/7 to work very long hours (such as in finance) or non-standard hours like weekends (such as in construction).

It's what Nobel Prize-winning economist Claudia Goldin calls "greedy jobs."

Longer hours are rewarded through bonuses and higher hourly pay rates. What's the logical thing, financially, for households to do? For one partner to work the extra hours and leverage overtime rates, while the other takes the lion's share of domestic work and care.

Greedy jobs cause couples to split their roles. And gender stereotypes get further entrenched.

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Parental leave is growing among men

This brings us to another of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency's latest findings on a policy that can undo these entrenched gender patterns: fathers' usage of paid parental leave.

The agency measures the share of total paid parental leave that is been taken by men, with the remaining share being taken by women.

The share of all parental leave being taken by men grew to 20% in 202425, a rise of three percentage points from the year before.

These numbers need to be looked at alongside the gender composition of the workforce. Men's 20% share of paid parental leave is still a minority considering men make up half of the workforce.

In male-dominated industries, we would expect men's share of paid parental leave to be higher because men make up the majority of workers.

While mining is the industry with the largest share of paid parental leave being taken by men (53%), it's still well below men's 77% share of the industry.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency notes that men's uptake of paid parental leave jumped notably in the past year in the construction sector, up 12 percentage points to 39%. But that's still well below men's 79% share of that industry's total workforce.

Among the industries with the biggest gaps between men's share of the workforce and share of parental leave, men in transport, postal and warehousing take 24% of paid parental leave, despite making up 73% of the workforce.

Men working in wholesale trade take just 19% of paid parental leave, even though they make up 62% of the workforce.

Going beyond the minimum requirements

There's also scope for more employers to offer paid parental leave above government-funded minimum entitlements. Availability is lowest in public administration and safety, and accommodation and food services, where only around one in three private sector employers offer company-funded parental leave.

Often, this type of benefit is used by companies as an attraction and retention tool. Industries with high rates of staff mobility, and less competition for workers, tend to see less payoff in these types of policies.

But often overlooked in debates about paid parental leave are the benefits to men, too.

There's still much progress to make in shifting workforce culture to make it "the norm" that all parents have the opportunity to participate in caregiving.

By measuring and tracking Australian employers' gender equality performance and policy actions, the agency's annual scorecard helps employers and employees realize these benefits.

Anyone can now explore the agency's data, including gender pay gaps for each industry and employer.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Costa Maya unveils first phase of new cultural tourist attraction Lahun Tiku outside Mahahual

Costa Maya, Q.R.  Costa Maya has unveiled the first phase of a new tourist attraction Lahun Tiku. The new cultural tourism project by the Playa Tiku Investment Group is located outside the town of Mahahual and is part of a 24 boutique hotel development.

Accompanied by members of the Playa Tiku Investment Group, Governor Mara Lezama toured the first completed phase of the Lahun Tiku development. There, she was shown the progress of the project built in Costa Maya, south of Mahahual.

During the visit, the Governor led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of the commemorative plaque. She also visited the Cristo de Mar Chapel where she met with local artisans from Xpichil.

The tour began at the sculpture Sacred Hands (Union of Two Worlds), a representative piece that symbolizes the connection between the Mayan cultural legacy and the sustainable development of the region.

Governor Lezama said that tourists, including cruise passengers, can come and enjoy the experience and take away a piece of who we are, of our culture, traditions, adding that the tourism project prioritizes identity and culture while promoting local talent and traditions.

They will be able to buy handicrafts not only made in Quintana Roo, but from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the ancestral crafts of our woodcarvers, the weaving of hammocks and this extraordinary embroidery that is now cultural heritage, the Governor explained.

The first phase of development, built from August 2024 to November 2025, was inaugurated Friday and includes Club de Playa Penelope, the town center with its chapel, the Sacred Hands sculpture and a cultural area with an amphitheater and reception building.

The second phase, planned for 20262027, involves the construction of 24 hotels, thus creating a comprehensive tourism offering that combines cultural, recreational and lodging spaces.

Miguel Angel Lemus, President of the Quintana Roo Real Estate Developers Association, explained that Mahahual is beginning to receive new investments that will change its future, including newly developed spaces and markets that make up the new center of this Mexican seaside town.

In June 2025, a developer applied for permits to build 24 hotels, Lotes Norte Costa Maya and Lotes Sur Costa Maya, outside the town of Mahahual.

According to the General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk (Dgira), Lotes Norte Costa Maya is an 11 boutique hotel project. Each hotel will consist of three levels and will be built near the Mahahual-Xcalak highway. The second project, Lotes Sur Costa Maya, is for the construction and operation of 13 boutique hotels of similar construction.

The MIAs (Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental) were submitted June 20 to build the two separate projects of the Lahun Tiku Master Plan. Both projects are being financed by Banco Actinver, SA Institucion De Banca Multiple and Grupo Financiero Actinver.

These projects are separate from the development planned by Royal Caribbean, who purchased the Port of Mahahual earlier this year.
A New York developer is getting ahead of an upcoming state ban by making his latest housing project all-electric.

Starting in January, new gas hookups will be banned in New York, WSYR reported, forcing homebuilders to find electric alternatives.

But in Syracuse, Eldan Homes President Dan Barnaba isn't waiting. His current development features no gas appliances.

"This will be the first community that I'm aware of in Central New York that's all-electric," Barnaba told WSYR. "Heating the home, the cooking appliances, the fireplace, and the hot water heater will all be electric appliances."

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Critics have said banning gas appliances will drive up homebuilding costs, and those increased costs will get passed along to consumers. But advocates say that not only will the ban create environmental benefits, but homebuyers will also save money in the long run by using more electric appliances.

"I'm prepared to build homes," Barnaba told WSYR. "The better question is the consumer prepared?"

A good example of this is the kitchen, where gas stoves can be easily replaced with induction cooktops.

Instead of burning gas, which can increase the risk of asthma, induction cooktops generate a magnetic field that transfers heat to pots and pans. This energy-efficient heating method allows you to boil water more quickly and keep more consistent cooking temperatures, without creating any toxic fumes.

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Federal incentives can also knock $840 off the purchase price of a new induction stove. Unlike the expiring tax credits on solar panels and electric vehicles, the appliance rebate for induction stoves appears to be sticking around for a while. Still, it may be worth acting quickly to guarantee those savings don't go away.

Even if a whole new stove isn't feasible right now, you can still take advantage of induction cooking. Plug-in burners are a great option that can easily fit on a countertop, all for an affordable price  as low as $50.

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.
Soaring Now established himself as a top class competitor this past summer at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but the six-year-old pacer now appears poised to compete with the nation's best over the upcoming winter months.

Last in action this past July, Soaring Now returned to the racetrack during the qualifying session on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Mohawk and looked good doing it. Driver Louis-Philippe Roy sent the speedster to the front end in his morning test, and Soaring Now lived up to his name from there. After fractions of :29, :58.1 and 1:27, Soaring Now scooted home in :27.4 under the sub-zero conditions to win by nearly three lengths in 1:54.4. Joe Dimagio (Daryl Thiessen) and Blazing Cruiser (Jody Jamieson) completed the top trio.

Victor Puddy trains Soaring Now for Howmac Farms Ltd., of Brookfield, P.E.I., Gordon McDonald of Ottawa, Ont. Christopher Boland of St. Johns, N.L. and Limco Inc. of Chateauguay, Que. The son of JK Endofanera - Sunflower boasts 25 career victories and $682,136 along with a mark of 1:47.4 taken this past May.

The full video stream is available below.

For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).

(Standardbred Canada)
The sophomore sensation that is On To Norway concluded his three-year-old season with a 23rd straight victory, out-duelling a game Gimpanzee Dancer to take the $67,183 Thanksgiving Classic for three-year-old trotting males as one of four wins for trainer Ron Burke on Friday, Nov. 28 at Harrahs Hoosier Park.

Tasked with the outside post seven, On To Norway and driver John De Long were able to find a seat in third on the first turn while Gimpanzee Dancer (Marcus Miller) rocketed to the top through a quarter of :27.3. Gimpanzee Dancer continued on the engine to the half in :56, when De Long fed On To Norway racetrack, moving him into second on the outside and to within a half-length of the leader at three-quarters in 1:24.4. With the plugs out, On To Norway grabbed a short lead at the head of the lane while Gimpanzee Dancer battled gamely for much of the stretch before On To Norway wore him down, crossing the wire a length in front in 1:52.3. Karinchak (Jordan Ross) split horses late to be third, 1-1/2 lengths back.

With his only 2025 defeat coming in his sophomore debut, On To Norway ($2.20) ends the campaign with a record of 24-23-1-0 and seasonal earnings of $885,732. The Muscle Massive-One Class Act gelding was bred by Bennett Farms Inc. of Michigan and has now taken $918,439 in career earnings, having won 27 of 33 lifetime starts. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Frank Baldachino, Black And White Stable and Michael Rosenthal.

Burke and De Long also teamed up with Harrisburg Heist who won his third straight race when he took the $77,746 Thanksgiving Classic for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Leaving from post four as the 1-2 favourite, Harrisburg Heist settled in the pocket behind a revved-up Chandler Bing (Trace Tetrick), who blitzed to the opening station in :26.1. Chandler Bing sprinted to the half in :54.2 under siege from Banderas (Atlee Bender), and the duo paced to three-quarters in 1:22.2 with Harrisburg Heist brimming with pace behind the lead pair. Banderas retreated turning for the stretch, giving clearance to Harrisburg Heist, who then exploded home in :27.1 to pace by Chandler Bing and cross the wire 2-1/4 lengths clear in 1:49.4. Rick Wink (Kyle Wilfong) rallied from the backfield to nail Chandler Bing for the place position behind his stablemate.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Knox Services Inc., Phillip Collura and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Harrisburg Heist ($3) has won four of his last five outings and 13 of 22 on the year. The Downbytheseaside-Cashaway gelding was bred by Brittany Farms and Marvin Katz and has banked $719,725 this year. He is 13-for-31 lifetime with $780,582 in bankroll.

Ron Burkes other two winners on the 13-race card were Dixie Dream (Trace Tetrick, $3.80) and Tickertape Hanover (Atlee Bender, $4.20). The Hall-of-Fame trainer has amassed 1,061 wins on the year and is now fewer than 100 away from his previous best season.

John De Long then combined with his wife, Tabby, for his third stakes score of the evening with Canttouchthese, who led every step in the $69,296 Thanksgiving Classic three-year-old filly pace. Leaving from the outside in the quintet of fillies, Canttouchthese grabbed the lead with a :27 first quarter and cruised to the half in :56.1. Unchallenged at three-quarters in 1:24.4, Canttouchthese held the pocket-sitting Send It Down Slim (Jordan Ross) at bay by three parts of a length with a :26.4 last quarter to stop the timer in 1:51.3. Vel Cinderella (Atlee Bender) was third, 1-3/4 lengths back of the winner.

Canttouchthese ($2.20) has won five of her last six attempts for owner-breeders William and Patrick De Long and Douglas Riccolo. The daughter of Jk Endofanera-Cant Touch This has racked up $415,555 in earnings in 2025 with 11 wins in 21 starts. She is 17-for-29 lifetime with a bankroll of $762,055.

Favourites went four-for-four in Thanksgiving Classics as Divine Thing extended her win streak to three in the $59,167 three-year-old filly trot. Leaving from the rail with Trace Tetrick aboard, Diving Thing got away third to the quarter in :28.1 before trotting around Fifty To Win (Marcus Miller) and assuming the lead position at the half in :57.1. From there, Divine Thing raced to three-quarters in 1:26.3 before drawing away in the lane, romping by 4-3/4 lengths in 1:55. Made Of Dreams (Kevin Lambright) was second, with Fifty To Win finishing third.

Steve Carter trains Divine Thing ($2.40) who has won seven of 18 races this year for owner Jay Mossbarger. The daughter of Greenshoe-A Thing Goin On was bred by Crawford Farms and has earned $305,959 this year to push her career bankroll to $663,006. She is 12-for-31 lifetime.

While the stakes races were formful, a $201.80 bomb in Byassees Bobcat forced carryovers to both the Early Pick 5 and Early Pick 4 pools on Saturday to spice up closing night. The Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5) has been guaranteed at $10,000 with a $2,905 carryover. The Early Pick 4 (Races 6-9) has been guaranteed at $20,000 with a carryover of $4,382. Additionally, there is a $9,001 carryover into the Early Hoosier High 5 (Race 7).

The 15-race closing night card is set to get underway with a first post of 5:30 p.m. However, with a threat of winter weather impacting the card, Hoosier management is expected to make a final decision on the status of racing at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in partnership with the Indiana Standardbred Association and Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

In addition to the wagering action, leading driver Trace Tetrick will be honoured with his 12th consecutive and 14th overall driving title at Harrahs Hoosier Park after the first race. Tyler George will be honoured with his sixth consecutive training title after race two. Fourteen-year-old war horse Persistent Threat A will be celebrated in the winners circle after the ninth race where he makes his final Harrahs Hoosier Park start before approaching mandatory retirement.

(Hoosier Park)
A three-day walk would be hard enough for humans, but for robots, it might as well be a trek around the world.

An AgiBot A2 unit, developed by Chinese firm Zhiyuan Robotics, recently completed a 66-mile pilgrimage from Jinji Lake in Suzhou to Shanghai. The whole trek lasted three straight days, and set a new Guinness world record for longest journey walked by a humanoid robot, CBS reported.

Apparently, the bot was even a model citizen as it completed its journey across highways and busy urban roads. In a statement, the company said the AgiBot navigated varied surfaces all while adhering to traffic regulations.

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Though the AgiBot only has a max standing battery life of three hours, a novel hot-swap battery system meant the robot could continue its long march without ever powering down.

After I successfully reach the finish-line, I will break the world record for the longest distance walked by a humanoid robot, and obtain the authoritative certification of the Guinness World Record, the bot declared in an English-language marketing video. I believe I can complete this challenge.

Accompanied by the first ray of dawn in the morning, I have reached the finish line of this hike, the AgiBot boasted as it arrived in Shanghais scenic North Bund riverwalk.

Wang Chuang, the companys partner and senior vice president, said the feat was a demonstration of the robots reliability and stability, per Interesting Engineering. Walking from Suzhou to Shanghai is difficult for many people to do in one go, yet the robot completed it, he enthused.

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Zhiyuan Robotics says the unit that completed the journey is the same one that rolls off the assembly line. Per IE, the company has sold over 1,000 AgiBot A2s in 2025 so far.

Its a pretty remarkable effort for a humanoid robot, and with China encouraging its tech industry to go all-in on robotics, AgiBot is probably just getting started.

More on robotics: Whistleblower Says He Was Fired for Warning Execs That New Robot Could Crush Human Skull


China expands green belt around its largest desert

Xinhua) 09:04, November 29, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows checkerboard sand barriers at a sand-control zone in Minfeng County of Hotan Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

URUMQI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Taklimakan Desert sand-blocking green belt project in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, has effectively protected surrounding oases, farmland and grasslands by curbing desert expansion, with sand sources now under control.

The 3,046-kilometer green ecological barrier -- the world's longest of its kind -- encircles China's largest desert like a "green scarf" to control sand diffusion. This project was globally recognized last month when it was listed among the "2025 Top 10 Global Engineering Achievements" by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).

Over the past year, 21 key counties and cities along the desert edge have expanded the barrier by 8.9 million mu (approximately 593,400 hectares), increasing its width by 110 meters to 7,500 meters. Infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and roads has been steadily improved, supporting the barrier's growth and sustainability.

Residents like Tursunbaq Mahmuthet and Sudiumay Tursun from Hotan County have become active participants in desertification control, returning to their hometowns to spearhead ecological restoration initiatives.

"When we were young, this entire area was nothing but desert," the couple recalled, gazing at the thriving sand date tree saplings. "We never imagined we'd be able to cultivate these trees here." Their words carried a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "In the past, the village environment was so harsh; besides the frequent sandstorms in winter, even we locals were unwilling to stay in our hometown."

Inspired by the project's success, the couple co-founded a cooperative with 18 other households to cultivate sand dates on 1,000 mu of reclaimed desert land.

The expansion of the ecological barrier has transformed once-barren areas into verdant oases. In Hotan County alone, cumulative desert control efforts have reached 61,800 mu, benefiting 1,278 households and revitalizing local ecosystems.

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 19, 2025 shows wild populus euphratica and grass checkerboards in Yuli County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

"GREEN ADVANCING, DESERT RETREATING"

Cutting-edge technologies like photovoltaic systems and eco-agriculture are being integrated into the project, enhancing the resilience of the ecological barrier. Innovative techniques such as grass checkerboard stabilization and drought-resistant vegetation have effectively controlled mobile sand dunes, transforming the once-hostile "sea of death" into a thriving ecosystem.

Adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates engineering, biological and industrial solutions tailored to local conditions -- including water scarcity and extreme winds -- the project has achieved remarkable results.

In Yutian County, a region frequently battered by gales, the grass checkerboard and "terraced desert" model has reduced land leveling costs by 82 percent while boosting vegetation survival rates to 85 percent.

The Tarim Desert Highway, China's first desert road, features a 436-kilometer-long shelterbelt with over 20 million drought-tolerant plants, including saxaul and rose willow.

Smart pipeline systems along the Tarim Desert Highway are undergoing upgrades, offering a pioneering "Tarim solution" for desertification control and regional development, as highlighted by Wang Long from PetroChina Tarim Oilfield.

A drone photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows a photovoltaic power project in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

In Shaya County, photovoltaic desert control technology harnesses solar power to extract brackish groundwater for drip irrigation, creating sustainable green zones. Song Ye, director of the Shaya forestry and grassland bureau, said that the county has now installed over 30 distributed photovoltaic water-pumping systems, converting 63,000 mu of desert into productive land.

These innovations mark a paradigm shift from the traditional "desert advancing, people retreating" scenario to a new era of "green advancing, desert retreating." The integration of technology and ecology has established a multi-layered desert control system, enhancing environmental resilience and providing scalable models for arid regions worldwide.

Peter Gilruth, senior advisor at the Resource Mobilization Unit of World Agroforestry (ICRAF), emphasized that combating desertification extends far beyond protecting oases. "This is a systemic challenge affecting entire continents and the global community," he stated.

During winter fieldwork, our team observed intensive sand dune stabilization efforts. "This represents a profound long-term commitment, blending financial investment, political will, and multi-stakeholder collaboration," Gilruth explained. "The initiative involves not only Xinjiang's administrative leadership but also integrates scientific expertise and private sector engagement through contractor-farmer partnerships."

This combo photo shows a rose seedling (L) and cistanche (lower R) at sand-control model zones of Yutian County, Hotan Prefecture on April 8, 2025, and apricot blossoms in Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture on April 12, 2025 (upper R) in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

RISING SAND INDUSTRIES

Desertification control in Xinjiang has transitioned into a sustainable economic model, where ecological restoration initiatives have catalyzed industries including rose farming, cistanche cultivation and eco-tourism, forming a "golden necklace" of prosperity.

In Yutian, expansive rose fields bordering Highway G315 supply high-value ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Concurrently, the county produces 80 percent of China's cistanche output, generating employment for over 10,000 local residents.

Enterprises such as Xinjiang Silu Guobao Agriculture Co. have invested in desert areas, leveraging improved infrastructure and supportive government policies, and cultivate roses and pistachios on reclaimed land.

Alimjan Abdueni, the company's deputy general manager, emphasized that public-private partnerships allow land rentals to benefit villagers, fostering shared wealth.

Across the region, sand-based industries have expanded to 10.8 million mu of desert land, generating 28.975 billion yuan (approximately 4.1 billion U.S. dollars) in annual output value and engaging over 360 processing enterprises.

This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows a wheat field irrigated by desalinated water in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

In Makit County, a 460,000-mu shelterbelt integrates ecological conservation with economic forestry, where rangers like Nurgul Aihait earn a stable income of 3,000 yuan monthly plus dividends from cistanche sales.

Tourism has emerged as a key growth sector, with attractions such as the Shaya Poplar Forest and Yuli Lop Nur Village attracting over 15 million visitors annually, generating 912 million yuan in revenue.

By 2025, the sand industry's expansion had boosted the average annual incomes of 300,000 farmers and herders by 3,000 to 4,500 yuan, creating a virtuous cycle where ecological restoration fuels economic prosperity.

"I think the case study can be transferred to another. But what we need to do is to consider the local conditions. So transfer this model, apply it, but adopt it to the local conditions," Mohamed Elfleet, consultant researcher at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Saudi Arabia, said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
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:

Passengers wait in line at All Nippon Airways' counter at Haneda airport in Tokyo Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. A sign, right, reads " Flight cancellation counter." Credit: Takahiko Kanbara/Kyodo News via AP

Airlines around the world canceled and delayed flights heading into the weekend to fix software on a widely used commercial aircraft after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

Airbus said Friday that an examination of the JetBlue incident revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls on the A320 family of aircraft.

The FAA joined the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in requiring airlines to address the issue with a new software update. More than 500 U.S.-registered aircraft will be impacted.

The EU safety agency said it may cause "short-term disruption" to flight schedules. The problem was introduced by a software update to the plane's onboard computers, according to the agency.

A JetBlue logo is displayed on the side of a jet as it taxis at Boston's Logan International Airport, Jan. 20, 2011. Credit: AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File

In Japan, All Nippon Airways, which operates more than 30 planes, canceled 65 domestic flights for Saturday. Additional cancellations on Sunday were possible, it said.

The software change comes as U.S. passengers were beginning to head home from the Thanksgiving holiday, which is the busiest travel time in the country.

American Airlines has about 480 planes from the A320 family, of which 209 are affected. The fix should take about two hours for many aircraft and updates should be completed for the overwhelming majority on Friday, the airline said. A handful will be finished Saturday.

American expected some delays but it said it was focused on limiting cancellations. It said safety would be its overriding priority.

A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320 is silhouetted against the setting moon while approaching for landing in Lisbon, Portugal, June 23, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Armando Franca, File

Air India said via the social platform X that its engineers were working on the fix and completed the reset on more 40% of aircraft that need it. There were no cancellations, it said.

Delta said it expected the issue to affect less than 50 of its A321neo aircraft. United said six planes in its fleet are affected and it expects minor disruptions to a few flights. Hawaiian Airlines said it was unaffected.

Mike Stengel, a partner with the aerospace industry management consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, said the fix could be addressed between flights or on overnight plane checks.

"Definitely not ideal for this to be happening on a very ubiquitous aircraft on a busy holiday weekend," Stengel said from Ann Arbor, Michigan. "Although again the silver lining being that it only should take a few hours to update the software."

The departures display board shows All Nippon Airways' multipule flights cancellation at Haneda airport in Tokyo Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Credit: Takahiko Kanbara/Kyodo News via AP

At least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured and taken to the hospital after the Oct. 30 incident on board the flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey. The plane was diverted to Tampa, Florida.

Airbus, which is registered in the Netherlands but has its main headquarters in France, is one of the world's biggest airplane manufacturers, alongside Boeing.

The A320 is the primary competitor to Boeing's 737, Stengel said. Airbus updated its engine in the mid-2010s, and planes in this category are called A320neo, he said.

The A320 is the world's bestselling single-aisle aircraft family, according to Airbus' website.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Shipping moves 90% of global trade and produces nearly 3% of global emissions. The sector has proved challenging to clean up, as cargo ships can travel for weeks between ports and typically rely on cheap, energy-dense and extremely polluting heavy fuel oil.

Earlier this year, international efforts to move shipping towards net zero by using cleaner fuels fell apart under pressure from the United States. But as battery prices fall year on year, there might be another way forward.

Electric ferries already shuttle passengers and cars on short routes, while harbor tugs and inland cargo vessels are also going electric. At present, electrification works best over modest distances where charging can happen at the dock.

Could it ever work for container ships crisscrossing oceans? These giants can travel from China to Europe without refueling due to the energy density of oil. The weight and expense of battery packs means it would be hard to swap oil for batteries.

But electrification isn't all or nothing. Batteries would need to begin by operating alongside liquid fuels. In recent research, I lay out two potential ways to do this: using onboard battery packs and charging at ports, or connecting container ships to dedicated battery vessels.

How can batteries best help move cargo?

Electrification is worthwhile as a way to cut emissions and potentially save money. The question is how to do itand whether it stacks up economically.

Placing batteries permanently on the ship is intuitive, matching the main way battery packs are used in electric cars, buses and trucks. In this scenario, ships would recharge in ports and also ideally at sea to make the most of the expensive batteries.

The second approach is different. Here, container ships able to propel themselves using fuel or electricity would tap into a global fleet of smaller battery vessels.

A container ship would link to a battery vessel and use its stored power as the vessel moves alongside it. The battery vessel would then peel off and return to port to charge up again. Battery vessels already exist, but at smaller scale. One option would be tightly integrating battery vessels, like the submarine swallowed by the ship in the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

My modeling shows a container ship going from China to Europe could be powered by battery vessels between Chinese ports and Singapore. It would then use fuel to go from Singapore to Sri Lanka and then to the Horn of Africa. A lack of nearby land means battery vessels would have to power the ship for more than four days, which would be economical only if marine-rated battery prices fell extremely low (under A$100 per kilowatt-hour).

Once at the Horn of Africa, the ship could switch back to battery vessels that charge using the region's booming solar capacity to go through the Red and Mediterranean seas to northern Europe. My modeling suggests it would take 33 battery vessels to go from China to northern Europe.

Is it economically viable?

My modeling suggests it doesn't make economic sense to install large battery packs on ships. For each giant New Panamax container ship, it would cost almost A$150 million to install 600 megawatt-hours of storage at $232,000 per MWh. Batteries rated for ocean conditions are more expensive. Fully charged, this giant battery pack would propel a container ship for 24 hoursabout 700km.

The ship would have to be charged regularly to make the investment worthwhile. But long distances between some ports makes this difficult, and if the route had to change to go around Africa rather than through the Red Sea, the expensive battery would likely sit idle for weeks.

The off-ship battery vessel approach has more promise, as it offers a gradual approach and more flexibility.

Battery ships could be deployed first where renewable power is cheapest or where distances between stops are short. The benefits of partial electrification could potentially begin at today's prices, assuming a carbon price was applied to shipping fuel.

While container ships are currently being built and retrofitted to allow electrical connectivity at port, this wouldn't be enough. The giant engines of these ships would have to be modified to permit electric propulsion at the cost of 510% efficiency.

Fuel is a large cost for ship owners, as container ships burn more than 100 tonnes a day. A tonne of fuel costs about A$800 and provides the same useful power as about 6 megawatt-hours of electricity. When fuel is expensive, ships travel more slowly.

Even partial electrification would bring a speed boost. My research suggests running on electric propulsion could boost speeds by up to 50%.

If battery prices keep falling sharply, ship operators would gain a clear financial incentive to seek out electric options. Ships would travel slowly on fuel and faster on electricity.

Looking ahead

The shipping industry is looking to cut emissions and head towards net zero. This will require several technologies, ranging from clean fuels to more efficient engines and electrification where feasible.

To date, most research on shipping electrification has focused on short trips. But steep and ongoing price declines for batteries and renewables change this equation.

If carbon emissions are priced in more countries, the equation will change faster, as electricity would become far and away the cheaper option.

Giant battery packs on ocean-crossing container ships are unlikely ever to make financial sense. By contrast, the off-ship battery vessel is much more promising. Even if it ultimately proves infeasible, the idea deserves serious exploration.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This story is meant particularly for the people who know exactly what happened that afternoon 20 years ago, and why.

Those with information are encouraged to make the call that may unravel the mystery of May 14, 2003.
Honey! Why is there an elephant in the hotel lobby?!

We want animals to roam free as much as the next person, but there has to be some limit. You shouldnt have to share an escalator with a wildebeest or hippo, unless you that's what you want.

Here are 15 wild animal escapes we learned about from the safety of our desks.

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15 The Honey Badger Jailbreak Source: Wikimedia Commons Throughout the 2010s, a now-famous honey badger named Stoffel repeatedly escaped South Africa Sanctuary by stacking rocks, dragging logs, opening gates, climbing trees, or even bending wire mesh. The staff joked that they had to honey-badger-proof the honey badger enclosure. Advertisement

14 Ken Allen: Orangutan Houdini Source: Wikimedia Commons The legendary Bornean orangutan escaped the San Diego Zoo three times in the 1980s by studying keepers, unscrewing bolts with his bare hands, and even using tools. Zoo staff secretly monitored himbut Ken would spot the observers and act innocent.

13 The zebra stampede through downtown Brussels Source: Wikimedia Commons In 2007, two zebras escaped a trailer en route to a safari park and galloped through city streets, nearly causing several traffic accidents until police herded them with patrol cars.

12 A deadly tiger attack Source: Wikimedia Commons In December 2007, a Siberian tiger named Tatiana escaped from its enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo, killing a 17-year-old visitor and injuring two others. Police were forced to dispatch the tiger. Advertisement Advertisement

11 The Ape Escape Squad Source: Wikimedia Commons In 2022, at the Furuvik Zoo in Sweden, multiple chimpanzees escaped after an employee left their enclosure door open and roamed freely in the zoo. The incident tragically escalated, when three of the chimps were shot dead by zoo staff. This decision was heavily criticized by the public and animal welfare advocates, who believe the zoo panicked and acted unprofessionally.

10 The German Kangaroo Gang In 2012, three kangaroos escaped a German petting zoo after a fox dug a hole under their fence. A wild boar then enlarged it, allowing all three to hop to freedom. Two were recaptured but one kangaroo named Skippy remained loose for days. Advertisement

9 Rusty the Red Pandas Great Washington Getaway In 2013, Rusty escaped Smithsonians National Zoo overnight and sparked a city-wide social media hunt until someone spotted him in a nearby neighborhood. Advertisement

8 Inky The Octopus Source: Wikimedia Commons In 2016, Inky opened his tank lid and escaped from the National Aquarium in Napier, New Zealand. After slithering across the floor, he found a 6-inch drainpipe that led directly to Hawke's Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and made his clean getaway. Aquarium manager Rob Yarrall said that Inky was an unusually intelligent and curious octopus and the story gained worldwide attention. Advertisement

7 An Elephant Walks Into a Hotel In 2019, a young bull elephant named Natta Kota, or "Short Tail" escaped from a Sri Lankan wildlife sanctuary and calmly strolled around the Jetwing Hotel lobby, inspecting the furniture like a tourist. He was so calm that the hotel has let him back in since (but they try to keep him away from the kitchen).

6 A tragic Noahs Ark-type situation In 2015, during catastrophic floods in Tbilisi, Georgia, multiple zoo animals escaped, including a massive hippopotamus (who was luckily subdued safely). Not-so lucky were six wolves, several big cats and bears, who had to be dispatched by police over public safety concerns. Tragically, a white tiger attacked and killed a man three days after the flood. Advertisement

5 The Mystery of the Bronx Zoo Cobra Source: Wikimedia Commons In 2011, a juvenile Egyptian cobra escaped and vanished for six days. Thinking it could be anywhere, New Yorkers became obsessed with the case. Luckily, she was found curled in a dark corner of the reptile house. Advertisement

4 A giant tortoises slow-motion escape Source: Wikimedia Commons In 2017, a female Aldabra giant tortoise named Abuh escaped from the Shibukawa Animal Park. Zoo staff often allowed her to roam freely within the zoo grounds, but surveillance footage captured her walking right out of the main entrance. After a week, they offered a reward of 500,000 yen (about $4,500 USD) for her safe return. Two weeks later, a local man and his son found her in some shrubbery on a steep slope. Advertisement

3 Llamas on the run In 2015, two llamas escaped a Phoenix retirement communitys petting event and led police on a hilarious, viral chase for nearly 30 minutes.

2 An entire wolf pack escaped Shutterstock In January 2010, twelve wolves escaped from their enclosure at the Skane Wildlife Park in southern Sweden. The public was immediately evacuated, and due to safety concerns and the difficulty of safely recapturing a whole pack of wild wolves, the entire pack of twelve animals was tragically dispatched. Advertisement Advertisement
ISTANBUL, Turkey  Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque on Saturday but didn't stop to pray, as he focused more on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for Eastern and Western churches to be united.

Leo took off his shoes and, in his white socks, toured the 17th-century mosque, looking up at its soaring tiled domes and the Arabic inscriptions on its columns as an imam pointed them out to him.

The Vatican said Leo would observe a "brief moment of silent prayer" in the mosque, but he didn't. An imam of the mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was "Allah's house," but the pope declined.

Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: "The pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer."

Leo, history's first American pope, followed in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, as it is officially known, in a gesture of respect to Turkey's Muslim majority.

Those visits always raised questions about whether the pope would pray in the Muslim house of worship.

When Pope Benedict XVI visited Turkey in 2006, tensions were high because Benedict offended many in the Muslim world a few months earlier with a speech in Regensburg, Germany, that was widely interpreted as linking Islam and violence.

The Vatican added a visit to the Blue Mosque at the last minute in a bid to reach out to Muslims. He observed a moment of silent prayer, head bowed, as the imam prayed next to him, facing east.

Benedict later thanked him "for this moment of prayer" for what was only the second time a pope had visited a mosque; St. John Paul II visited one briefly in Syria in 2001.

In 2014, Pope Francis visited the Blue Mosque and stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him.

With Leo, though, even the Vatican seemed caught off guard by his decision not to pray. The Holy See had to correct the official record of the visit after it originally kept the planned reference to him pausing for prayer.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the imam Tunca said he told the pope: "It's not my house, not your house, (it's the) house of Allah." He said he invited Leo to worship "But he said, 'That's OK.'"

"He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased," he said.

In the afternoon, Leo prayed with the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew, at the patriarchal church of Saint George.

There, they prayed the Doxology, a hymn of praise and glory to God, and signed a joint declaration vowing to take courageous steps on the path to unity including to find a common date for Easter.

Eastern and Western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. While ties warmed, they remain divided and other schisms formed.

"It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year," the joint statement said, referring to Easter.

The Vatican said in his remarks to the patriarchs gathered, Leo pointed to the next Holy Year to be celebrated by Christians, in 2033 on the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion, and invited them to go to Jerusalem on "a journey that leads to full unity."

Leo's final event was a Catholic Mass in Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena for the country's Catholic community, who number 33,000 in a country of more than 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslim.

Renato Marai was among a group of 26 visitors from Florence, Italy, who traveled to Istanbul to see the pope. "It's wonderful to see him on his first foreign trip, a really important moment for our group," he said.

Tarcin Unlu, meanwhile, was among many Turkish attendees, a recent convert to Christianity from Islam. "I became Christian because I thought it was the best religion for me but my family is definitely not happy," Unlu said.

Her friend, Rodrick Nuel, originally from Nigeria's Biafra region but now living in northern Cyprus, said the papal visit sent a "a powerful message for the global Christian community."

"Also, as Turkey is 99.9% Muslim and just 0.1% Christian, it shows the pope is reaching out to other religions as well," he added.

While Leo was focusing on bolstering relations with Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims, trip organizers dealt with more mundane issues.

Leo's ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter was among those caught up in the worldwide Airbus software update ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The order came after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

The Vatican spokesman, Bruni, said the necessary monitor to update the aircraft was on its way to Istanbul from Rome along with the technician who would install it.

Leo was scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday for the second leg of his inaugural trip as pope.

Photos: A new pope, Leo XIV, is chosen
When a port inspector tapped the gas tank of a Chevy Suburban heading into Arizona in downtown Nogales, the tank felt hard, not hollow.

It was about 11 a.m. on Oct. 13, and the inspector sent the driver for a deeper look in the secondary bay, a federal criminal complaint says. There, a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the spare-tire area, and an X-ray revealed abnormalities.

Officers dug into the vehicle and found 92 packages of fentanyl pills in the gas tank and spare tire, weighing about 150 pounds, the complaint says. They arrested the driver, 33-year-old Mexican citizen Jesus Olivarez-Martinez, and took him to a federal lock-up.

A Nov. 12 indictment charges Olivarez-Martinez with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to import fentanyl and importation of fentanyl.

They're big felony charges that could land Olivarez-Martinez more than 10 years in prison.

Still, he should count himself lucky. If he were Venezuelan, or Colombian, or Ecuadorian, he might be dead.

U.S. forces have killed 83 people in 21 military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea or the eastern Pacific Ocean, all on the justification that those on board were "narco-terrorists" carrying drugs to the United States. The strikes were based on intelligence that has not been shared with the public, so it is unverified that they were actually carrying drugs and also unclear where the cargo was headed.

In the case of drug boats leaving Venezuela, almost all of them carry cocaine, not the opiates that have addicted so much of the American public, and so many in Tucson. And much of that cocaine is headed to Europe, not to the United States, experts say.

If we really think these drug transporters are terrorists deserving of instant death, why aren't our military forces targeting people like Olivarez-Martinez?

Alternatively, we have a missile factory and military bases in Southern Arizona. Why aren't we shooting Raytheon missiles from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base or Fort Huachuca at vehicles with drug loads in Sonora as they head toward the Arizona border?

I'm not advocating this, but it would be consistent with our maritime policy. Instead of awaiting a criminal trial in a federal prison, Olivarez-Martinez's family would have buried him by now, a luxury not afforded the families of those killed on the ocean.

Targeting is political

The explanation isn't found in the relative importance of the different countries as sources of the drugs that are killing Americans regularly. Of the 21 strikes, 18 of them took place off the cocaine-exporting countries of Venezuela and Colombia. Only three took place off Mexico, our primary source of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The distinctions in how we're treating the countries aren't based on who poses the biggest drug threat. They're logistical and political.

So far, according to the Trump administration's reports, all the attacks have occurred in international waters. That isolates the potential legal ramifications as well as the lethal ones.

But why Venezuela? It's a pariah state, where sham elections took place last year, a place where Secretary of State Marco Rubio is itching to overthrow the dictator Nicolas Maduro.

I asked a few experts their thoughts on the disparate treatment of the different countries, and former Mexican ambassador Enrique Berruga Filloy put it most pithily when he quoted George Orwell's Animal Farm: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

Michael Burgoyne, a retired U.S. Army colonel who served as U.S. Army attache in Mexico City and Defense Department attache in Guatemala, said it's unclear to him "if the administration knows" why it's attacking the Venezuelan boats.

"It feels like to me that theres a group that wants to go after Maduro and figure out regime change, and theres a group thats counter-drug," said Burgoyne, an assistant professor of practice in the U of A's School of Government and Public Policy. "It could just be for a domestic audience  blowing up drug boats."

Adam Isacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, noted that the United States' interests in Venezuela are limited, compared to the Mexico relationship.

With Venezuela, "The relationships are bad, and the relationship is not multifaceted," Isacson said. "The only thing they (the Trump administration) want out of Venezuela is oil and for them to take migrants back."

The Trump administration has designated the "Cartel de los Soles," allegedly based in Venezuela, as a foreign terrorist organization. But many experts, including Isacson, say that the cartel is a U.S. invention, just a name applied to a network of relationships.

The Cartel de los Soles "doesnt really exist," said Isacson, who has carried out research throughout the region for decades. "Theres no such thing."

Mexico relations multifaceted

The Mexico drug cartels, in comparison, are quite real, but are a limited part of an intricate, multifaceted relationship with the United States.

"With Mexico, youve got migration, youve got energy, youve got your biggest trading partner, you've got cooperation on stopping fentanyl," Isacson said. "Youve got a lot of things you dont want to fall apart."

Despite all that, there are some in the administration who have been advocating for U.S. military strikes on drug-trafficking targets inside Mexico. In fact, Vice President J.D. Vance called for that in Tucson when he was here campaigning in October 2024.

This month, Rubio said the U.S. would not strike targets in Mexico without that country's permission, but Trump equivocated on that pledge when asked if he'd strike drug targets unilaterally.

"Would I do it? Id be proud to," he said, noting the United States knows the addresses and locations of Mexico's big drug traffickers.

But doing anything unilaterally in Mexico would likely upend a relatively cooperative relationship between Trump and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum.

"If you hit some targets in Sinaloa and kill civilians, I dont think the INM (Mexico's immigration agency) is going to be very energetic about stopping migrants anymore," Isacson said.

Unjustified killings?

Nobody's actually talking about the United States targeting drug smugglers at or near the border, the way we are on the high seas, or the way we could target leading traffickers in Mexico's interior. Thinking about it is just my way of trying to apply the same logic to the real source of the deadliest drugs that we're applying to Venezuela.

Burgoyne played along with me.

"If youve got intelligence that a van or truck is coming through Nogales carrying drugs, then, you could do a drone strike," he said. "Youve got a lot more potential for collateral damage."

"Youre also making a strike inside a sovereign country," he added. "You risk blowing up this powder keg of Mexican nationalism."

So, for now, American officials are only targeting suspected smugglers like Olivarez-Martinez with arrest and charges, not missiles.

That's a good thing. It also, I think, shows that killing people on the high seas is unjustified when arrest is possible. That's especially true when we're not targeting the specific drugs, like fentanyl, that are killing Americans.

Even then, the long-term solution to our addiction problem lies with us and our demand, not the many people out there around the hemisphere feeding it.
It's June 1, 2000, and Audi is enjoying plaudits from the automotive world for the chic (and now timeless) design of the first-generation Audi TT, which debuted nearly two years earlier. Those present at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany, are about to be shocked and amazed by something completely different in the form of the Rosemeyer concept. While its roundness shares some similarities with the TT, its massive engine and retro design elements set it apart from anything else Audi had done up until this point, or since. And while this is only a concept, it foreshadows something very real: the 2001 Bugatti Veyron concept, which would finally go into production in 2005.

Audi's Very Own W16-Powered Beast

Audi

In the middle of the concept lay an 8.0-liter W16, just like the Veyron. Both cars also distributed power to all four corners. Unlike the Bug, however, Audi's concept did without turbocharging, relying on "just" 700 naturally aspirated horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Remember, in 1999, the year before this was shown to the world, the most powerful production car on the planet was the 655-hp Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 7.3 SuperSport, and the second most powerful was the Aston Martin Vantage Le Mans V600 with, you guessed it, 600 ponies. The Audi's W16 engine was also found in the Bentley Hunaudieres concept from the 1999 Geneva Auto Show, and here, the automaker said it was capable of spurring the Rosemeyer concept to 217 mph. Not bad, even in today's terms; the top speed of the R8, Audi's most recent supercar, was 205 mph in V10 Plus form.

Audi

The Rosemeyer concept was also competitive with modern supercars in that the wing mirrors were replaced by cameras, helping reduce aerodynamic drag. Adding slightly more sleekness to the look are retractable headlight covers. That immense speed and slipperiness helped justify the styling, which took much of its inspiration from the Auto Union "Silver Arrow" race cars of the 1930s, which leads us to the name.

Rosemeyer Concept Is Named After A Racing Icon

Audi

Just as the Veyron was named in honor of 1939 Le Mans winner Pierre Veyron, Audi's W16 supercar paid tribute to Bernd Rosemeyer, who piloted the aforementioned Silver Arrows race cars in their heyday. Sadly, he died aged just 28 in an Auto Union Streamliner on January 28, 1938, during a top speed record attempt. He was doing a scarcely believable 273 mph or so on the German autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. Like the car Rosemeyer was driving, the concept features a manual gearbox with six forward gears operated through an open gate. Another nod to that era of cars is the four-spoke steering wheel, while quilted leather and a small smattering of analog gauges in a metal dashboard add further retro flavor. Unfortunately, all this is irrelevant because the performance claims were all theoretical. Audi confirmed at the time of the concept's reveal that the car was non-functional: "Audi's design study at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg is not a prototype ready to be driven, nor has it been created in anticipation of a production vehicle." Oh, what might have been...

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This story was originally published by Autoblog on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the introduction of a new "mansion tax" on properties valued at 2m and over as one of the measures unveiled in her autumn budget.

Its estimated that around 0.4% of properties, about 145,000, according to Savills, will be affected by this extra fee, which the government is describing as a "high value council tax surcharge".

Unlike council tax, however, the extra money will not go to local councils but directly to the Treasury. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects this new tax to raise about 400m a year by 2029-2030.

How much is mansion tax and who pays it?

The new mansion tax will be brought into operation in 2028, giving those who need to pay it the chance to prepare, and the governments Valuations Office Agency the opportunity to assess which properties will be liable.

Pre-budget, there were rumours that a mansion tax would be paid at a rate of 1% over 2m, but, instead, the government has opted for four flat annual rates.

The rate you pay is dependent on a propertys value  owners of homes worth 2m to 2.5m will pay 2,500; those with properties valued from 2.5m to 3.5m will pay 3,500; those from 3.5m to 5m will be charged 5,000 and those over 5m, 7,500 a year.

Read more: How the income tax freeze will push millions into higher bands

[This] is one of the most significant changes to the UK housing market for decades, says Nick Leeming, chairman of estate agent Jackson-Stops. For every high-end homeowner moving out, you also need someone to move in. By choosing an annual council surcharge that stays with the house, it has the ability impact both buyers and sellers, creating an uncertain outlook for prime houses.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the introduction of a new 'mansion tax' on properties valued at 2m and over during her budget statement.  House of Commons/UK Parliament, PA Images

Unlike council tax, which is paid by whoever is occupying the property whether they own it or are tenants, mansion taxes will only be paid by owners, so landlords of high value properties will have to find these extra fees.

Those hit hardest will be empty nesters and people who bought their property decades ago simply as a family home, not as an investment, says Scott Clay, director at Together. Asset-rich but cash-poor older homeowners could really struggle, as this tax could be equivalent to an entire years state pension.

When will properties be valued?

The Valuations Office Agency will value all the properties that could potentially meet the 2m threshold in 2026. While council tax bands are not going to change, the agency will look at homes in the three highest bands of F, G, and H to see if they are worth over 2m.
On the morning of November 28, along Hoang Hoa Tham Street, students and teachers quietly formed long rows in front of the school entrance to pay their final respects to Nguyen Van Truc, the former vice principal, who passed away at the age of 66.

The procession paused briefly at the school gate as family members gently scattered white flowers along the road - a gesture of gratitude to the school community for their heartfelt tribute.

As the hearse slowly passed, all students and staff folded their arms and bowed in silence, expressing deep respect and gratitude to a teacher who had devoted many years of his life to education. A student representative stepped forward to offer a bouquet of white flowers, symbolizing a final, heartfelt farewell.

This solemn, unified gesture left a lasting impression. According to fellow teachers, Mr. Truc was a humble and devoted educator, always close to his students and colleagues. Even after retirement, he remained a regular and supportive presence at the school.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Vo Thi Ngoc Bich, current vice principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School, recalled that Mr. Truc had been transferred from Chau Thanh High School (then in Ba Ria  Vung Tau, now part of Ho Chi Minh City) to their institution in 2002. He served as deputy secretary of the Party cell and vice principal.

"With nearly 40 years of teaching experience and 27 years as a Party member, he dedicated himself fully to education. He received several provincial-level certificates of merit for excellent teaching, the honorary medal from the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and the commemorative badge for his contributions to education," Bich shared.

Students and teachers of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School stand in solemn rows to bid farewell to their former vice principal. (Image from video clip)

A student steps forward to offer flowers as a final tribute. (Image from video clip)

Quang Hung
photo: Thanh Nguyen

The mandatory use of child safety seats on cars is considered a step forward in protecting young passengers, as proper restraint significantly reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities in collisions.

The Traffic Police Department emphasized that authorities always prioritize public safety. Using child safety devices is just as essential and important as the requirement to wear helmets.

Many parents support the policy, calling it a living shield for their children. However, there are concerns rooted in how most families actually use their vehicles.

One of the biggest questions involves families with three young children in a 5-seat car. Installing three dedicated child seats is often impossible due to limited space.

Can a 5-seat car fit three child safety seats?

Nguyen Quoc Dung in Dong Anh, Hanoi, a father of three and owner of a Toyota Raize, shares the same concern as many others. Dung said: Under the new rule, children under 10 (or below required height/weight) must sit in the back and be secured in dedicated child seats.

However, on many 5-seat models such as Toyota Raize, Honda CRV (5-seat version), Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX5, KIA Seltos, and Toyota Camry, the second row is designed to fit a maximum of two child seats. Even with slim seats or compact boosters, fitting three seats with proper installation, ISOFIX locks, seatbelts and anchor points is nearly impossible.

According to Dung, this puts families like his in a difficult position.

We have to choose between two unreasonable options: either violate the rule by letting one child sit without a child seat (or in the front seat, which is unsafe and against the rule), or sell the 5-seat car and switch to a 7-seater only to accommodate three seats. For many families, especially in cities where small cars dominate, this is unrealistic.

To make the rule practical, I hope authorities add specific guidance for 5-seat cars. For example, require child seats only for the maximum number the rear row realistically allows (usually two), and provide an approved alternative for the third child, such as proper seatbelt use or a technical support cushion.

Authorities should also publish a list of common car models indicating whether they can fit one, two, or three child seats, helping families plan and comply. Clear guidance is essential so the policy protects children while matching real-life conditions of most Vietnamese families, Dung said.

Vinh Nam, an experienced car business professional in HCMC, confirmed that installing three child seats in a 5-seat car is not feasible, as only two rear positions are equipped with proper anchorage points.

Autonotive expert Nguyen Minh Dong said that for families with many children and small cars, the issue should not be addressed by forcing everything to fit, but by applying technical and regulatory flexibility.

First, the market should encourage the use of slim or narrow child seats, with thinner bases, making it possible to place three seats side by side while ensuring safety standards. A flexible combination of seat types by age, such as two rigid seats for younger children at the sides and a compact booster in the middle, should also be accepted rather than requiring all three children to use the same type of seat.

Additionally, allowing the middle seat to be secured using the seatbelt when no anchor point is available is a technically sound solution, as it makes positioning easier in tight spaces.

However, parents should never modify, pad, or alter seat structures for extra room, as even a small change can eliminate protection in a collision. Retailers and service centers should assist families by testing installations directly on their cars before purchase.

In terms of regulations, many believe the upcoming rules should be more flexible, allowing parents to choose seat types based on a childs weight and height rather than requiring a single standard type. Equally important is strong communication from authorities to ensure people clearly understand the benefits, obligations, and how to properly apply the rule in daily life, avoiding confusion or unintentional violations, Dong said.

Hoang Hiep
As historic floods once again ravage Central Vietnam, the issue of delayed water release from hydropower dams returns to the spotlight. Around the world, countries have tackled this challenge not only through policy but also through finance and technology - tools Vietnam must now adopt if it wants to stop gambling with human lives.

Imagine a control room in a hydropower plant. Rain pours down outside, and the water level inside the reservoir inches higher. On the console lies a vague directive from the disaster response command: "Release water between 0 and 5,000 m/s."

This is where dangerous hesitation creeps in.

Ba Ha River Hydropower released water on the afternoon of November 19. Photo courtesy of residents.

To the plant operator, each cubic meter of water in the reservoir represents profit. Releasing it through the spillway instead of the turbine means losing potential revenue forever. If they release too early and the rain stops, the plant risks running dry during the dry season, and turbine wear increases due to operating under low pressure.

So, many operators "wait it out," releasing just 200300 m/s in the morning, hoping the storm will subside. But when nature doesnt cooperate, and inflow surges by the afternoon, the fear shifts from financial loss to dam failure. In a panic, gates are fully opened. Water release jumps from hundreds to thousands of cubic meters per second in moments. Instead of easing downstream pressure, it creates a hydraulic shock - an artificial flood riding on top of the natural one.

Villagers downstream often have only hours - or less - to flee after receiving a rushed SMS alert. Its a deadly game of chance.

The missing link: Paying to save lives

Professor Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vice President of the Vietnam National Committee on Large Dams and Water Resources Development, calls this hesitant discharge. But blaming only the dam operators ethics misses the point. Vietnam lacks both the financial mechanisms that allow safe early discharge and the strict regulations that compel it.

In Brazil, where 65% of electricity comes from hydropower, they faced this dilemma head-on. Instead of administrative orders, they built a financial model: the Energy Reallocation Mechanism (MRE). Think of it as a national co-op for all hydropower plants. Each plant contributes to and receives revenue from a central energy pool, based on its physical capacity - not on how much it actually generates.

This changes everything.

When Brazils National Electric System Operator (ONS) predicts heavy flooding and orders Plant A to discharge water without producing power, the plant complies. Why? Because its income is guaranteed by the MRE. Even while releasing water for flood prevention, it earns the same as other plants holding water and generating power.

Brazils Law No. 14.052/2020 goes even further. It guarantees compensation - such as extended concessions - for plants forced to cease generation due to water safety concerns.

Vietnam can learn a clear lesson here: decouple water from money. A pilot hydropower insurance fund or a national energy-offset mechanism could be rolled out for major river basins like Vu GiaThu Bon or Da River. With financial security, orders to release water would no longer meet resistance.

Clarity and command: The Russian and Chinese model

If Brazil offers the "carrot," Russia and China use the "stick" - enforced through centralized authority and strict administrative discipline.

In Russia, reservoir management along the Volga or Kama is never left to individual dam owners. The Federal Water Resources Agency (Rosvodresursy) acts as the conductor of the entire hydrological orchestra. Their operation orders are ruthlessly specific. Rather than vague ranges like "05,000 m/s," they might issue commands like: Maintain average daily outflow at 5,500  200 m/s.

The tiny 200 m/s tolerance leaves no room for creative interpretation. If forecasting errors occur, the government - not the company - takes the blame. This shields operators from guesswork pressure.

In China, the Yangtze River Water Resources Commission (CWRC) holds absolute authority during flood season. The Three Gorges Dam must lower its reservoir to 145m - 30m below its normal level - to create a 22-billion-m buffer. Any unauthorized rise above that mark is treated as a criminal offense, even if done for energy optimization.

Vietnam must take note: regulations must move from flexible guidelines to precise targets. Flexibility, if any, must reside with state agencies - not dam owners driven by profit.

Forecasting floods, Japanese-style

Flooding hit many parts of Dien Khanh Commune in Khanh Hoa. Photo: Nguyen Hue.

One of the most distressing experiences for downstream residents is the suddenness of flooding. In Japan, they address this with the rate of rise rule. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) mandates that downstream water levels must not rise more than 30cm in 30 minutes due to dam releases.

To comply, dam operators must start early. They cannot wait until reservoirs are full; otherwise, they risk violating this rule and flooding homes. They are incentivized to act based on forecasts, not rainfall alone.

Japan doesnt rely on guesswork. It operates S-uiPS, a state-of-the-art river monitoring and flood prediction system powered by AI. It can forecast water levels at the level of streets and intersections in real time, 30 minutes ahead.

Its warning system includes sirens, electronic boards, mobile loudspeakers, and live flood maps on smartphones. Residents dont just receive a text - they can see exactly how close the water is to their doorstep.

With Vietnams improving IT and telecommunications infrastructure, a digital twin of key rivers like the Red River or Vu GiaThu Bon is entirely possible. Imagine a mobile app that tells a resident: Water released from Dam A will reach your third doorstep in two hours. Thats not science fiction - its safety.

When failure becomes a crime

When all else fails - finance, forecasting, orders - there must be law.

Indias Dam Safety Act of 2021 made dam mismanagement a criminal offense. Article 41 allows up to two years of jail time for those who disobey safety orders, especially if lives are lost.

Meanwhile, international legal trends are moving toward strict liability. In a landmark case in the UK, involving Brazils Mariana dam disaster, the Supreme Court ruled that parent companies are liable for damages regardless of intent. If your dam caused harm, you pay. No excuses. No blaming nature.

Vietnam needs similar legal foundations. Its time for a standalone Dam Safety Law or amendments to the Water Resources Law. Hydropower dams must be recognized as high-risk structures. Operators should be required to buy liability insurance - and insurers, in turn, will become stricter overseers than any government agency.

We must not let policy lag behind disaster

Climate change is no longer a theory - its crashing through the front doors of Central Vietnam. Operational protocols like Decision 1865, written years ago, cant keep up. Ending the official flood season on December 15 while storms now strike in January is absurd.

To stop this high-stakes game of chance, Vietnam must overhaul water governance through a triple-pillar approach:

First, financial mechanisms like Brazils MRE to remove the profit-safety conflict.

Second, real-time forecasting and early, controlled releases like in Japan.

Third, criminal and administrative accountability as practiced in India, Russia, and China.

Hydropower is a national asset. But it must never become a sword hanging over peoples heads.

Its time to stop gambling with floods. Other nations have already paved safer, smarter paths. Vietnam must follow.

Nguyen Phuoc Thang

Hoa Binh University
As floodwaters rose swiftly through Khanh Hoa province, murky and violent, dozens of civilians grabbed whatever they could - basket boats, SUP boards, ropes - and set out into the torrents to rescue those trapped in the deluge.

Phung Ngoc Dong recalls rowing into flooded alleys to save trapped families. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

Among them was 37-year-old Phung Ngoc Dong, who had already spent days rescuing residents stranded by the record-breaking flood. On the night of November 19, as heavy rain pounded the region and phone signals flickered, his phone rang nonstop with urgent messages: water levels were surging, neighborhoods were underwater, people were trapped and desperate.

One call stood out - it was from a friend named Trang, warning that western Nha Trang was flooding fast. She pleaded for help mobilizing boats and people, even though her own home was safe. Dong, a fisherman by trade, didnt hesitate.

By midnight, Dong and his neighbors in Hon Ro 1 had mobilized nearly 100 people, dozens of large and small canoes, and 40 basket boats. We prioritized basket boats and small canoes because theyre easier to steer through narrow alleys, he explained.

The next morning, the rescue teams fanned out into flooded zones. Each boat carried two people and emergency supplies - instant noodles, water, and bread. Though Dong had a fractured foot, he removed his bandage, climbed into a basket boat, and rowed directly into the heart of the flood.

After 30 minutes navigating dark, swirling waters, he spotted a family of four - two parents, an elderly woman, and a six-month-old baby - huddled on a loft in Luong Dinh Cua alley. He broke through the door, put life jackets on the mother, baby, and elder, and ferried them to safety, reassuring the father hed return soon.

Floodwaters engulfed many neighborhoods in western Nha Trang. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

At one point, the currents thrashed so violently that the boat nearly capsized. They navigated around electric poles and trees while others tied ropes from the shore to help stabilize the boat.

We were soaked, shivering, and exhausted, Dong said. But every time we brought someone out, the fatigue disappeared.

The deeper they went into submerged neighborhoods, the more people they found. Sometimes the boats were too full to carry more passengers. They left food and promised to come back.

By noon, water levels in some areas of western Nha Trang had reached nearly 2 meters. In one case, Dongs team rescued a pregnant woman who had collapsed from exhaustion. In another, they helped 100 children trapped in a church.

In just three days, the people of Hon Ro 1 rescued more people than they could count. Of the 40 basket boats deployed, two were lost to the current, and two more went missing.

Not far from Dong, 42-year-old Tran Thi Loi and her husband Vo Van Hoan were also on the front lines. While he rowed boats into flooded areas, she stayed behind, coordinating supplies and meeting rescued survivors at the Ngoc Hoi intersection. Her team distributed food and guided children and the elderly to safety.

Tran Thi Loi and her husband joined rescue efforts for three straight days. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

I couldnt sit still knowing people were trapped, she said.

Together, they saved a seven-month pregnant woman near Ga Market and ferried nearly 100 children to dry land.

By nightfall, the couple would meet at home, exhausted but determined, grabbing just moments of sleep before setting out again.

Even if it kills me, I have to go in

For Hoang Van Dung, 33, the memories of that night are etched into his soul. Living in western Nha Trang, he watched as his home flooded nearly two meters deep. His wife and children evacuated. He stayed behind to guard their business near Tran Phu beach.

Around 10:30 p.m. on November 19, with rain pouring and connections lost, Dung tried calling relatives but received only silence. On social media, pleas for help flooded in - photos, addresses, phone numbers of people stranded in rising waters.

By dawn, he was on a SUP board in a narrow alley near Cau Be. There, he found a mother and her baby clinging to each other in the dark. He gave them milk and snacks, then loaded them onto his board.

About 300 meters into their journey, the water surged. The SUP wobbled. The mother panicked. The child screamed. I just kept saying: Were almost there. Youre safe now, Dung recalled.

Though experienced with sea and river navigation, the urban floodwaters were unpredictable and chaotic. At one point, a whirlpool flipped the board. Dung fell in. Cold, hungry, and terrified, he managed to grab a wooden beam and climb back up.

Hoang Van Dung recounts his SUP rescue of a mother and child. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

Some things Ill forget, he said. But the sound of people crying for help, those hands reaching out from the flood - Ill carry that forever.

When asked if he feared for his life, Dung admitted he did. But I had to go. People were waiting.

Alongside Dong, Loi, and Dung, hundreds of Khanh Hoa residents took part in volunteer rescue efforts. More than 15,000 military and police officers were also deployed to evacuate residents, deliver aid, and restore order in severely affected areas.

Residents trapped in western Nha Trang are safely brought out of flooded areas. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

Xuan Ngoc
Regarding taxes on individual business households, under the current Law on Personal Income Tax (PIT), annual revenue of 100 million dong or below is exempt from PIT. This threshold is currently applied consistently for households and individual business operators.

On November 26, 2024, the National Assembly passed VAT Law No48/2024/QH15, under which this threshold was adjusted from VND100 million dong/year to VND200 million/year, effective from January 1, 2026. To ensure coherence and uniformity in the legal system, the Government submitted to the National Assembly a proposal to raise the annual revenue threshold exempt from tax for individual business operators to VND200 million/year.

MOF said that, based on feedback from verification bodies and deputies, it will continue researching adjustments to raise this threshold appropriately, ensuring relative fairness compared with individuals earning wages and salaries. It also plans to amend the VAT Law to raise the threshold exempt from VAT to ensure alignment.

Currently, MOF intends to report to the Government a plan to adjust the non-taxable revenue threshold for individual business operators to match actual conditions, reflecting the States support for households and individual businesses with revenue of VND3 billion or below, aiming toward social welfare goals.

In addition, the ministry will continue researching a tax calculation method for households and individuals with revenue of VND3 billion or below to ensure appropriateness and reflect the true nature of income tax.

It is planning to report to the Government a plan to collect tax on income (revenue minus expenses) for all individuals whose revenue exceeds the tax-exempt threshold. Accordingly, it proposes adding a regulation under which individual business operators with annual revenue above the exempt threshold up to VND3 billion will pay tax at a rate equivalent to the corporate income tax rate applied to enterprises with revenue under VND3 billion.

For individual business operators with revenue under VND3 billion who cannot determine expenses, they will continue paying tax based on a percentage of revenue as currently applied (with tax rates of 0.5, 1, or 2 percent depending on the business field). These households and individuals will receive deductions up to the tax-exempt threshold before tax calculation, instead of being taxed from the first dong of revenue as currently prescribed.

Prior to that, many experts and National Assembly deputies said that the proposed VND200 million threshold, though double the current fixed-tax threshold of VND100 million dong, was still too low when converted to monthly revenue, only about VND16 million. This may disadvantage household businesses, especially compared with salaried workers who have recently received higher family-circumstance deductions. Some proposed raising the taxable revenue threshold to VND1 billion/year.

Nguyen Le
In his remarks, Prime Minister Chinh emphasised the forums importance as a strategic platform for promoting the rapid and sustainable growth of the logistics sector - an industry that underpins the flow of goods and stands as a vital pillar driving the nations competitiveness.

Acknowledging and commending the contributions and proposals of delegates and speakers at the forum, the Government leader stated that the Party and State have placed strong focus on the logistics sector, implementing key policies and investing resources to support its development.

According to the PM, these efforts have yielded encouraging results, with logistics services growing steadily at an average rate of 14-16% per year and directly contributing 4.5-5% to annual GDP. Vietnam ranks 43rd out of 139 countries in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and is among the top five in ASEAN.

The industry has grown significantly, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of goods, reducing import-export costs, and promoting both international trade growth and domestic goods circulation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (fifth, left) witnesses the exchnage of Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between agencies and units at the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2025 in the central city of Da Nang on November 29, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

However, he candidly pointed out that Vietnams logistics sector still faces several challenges, including high costs compared to regional peers; uneven infrastructure and regional connectivity; weak competitiveness among enterprises and no national hub for international cargo; a shortage of well-trained and professional personnel; an underdeveloped regulatory framework; and slow progress in digital transformation and and green transition.

These challenges call for a shift from a fragmented, support-focused approach to one that fosters a modern and smart logistics sector, moving from a management mindset to one of creation and service, in line with the newly-issued Vietnam Logistics Service Development Strategy, he said.

Highlighting Vietnams geopolitical and geo-economic advantages in logistics development, the PM stressed that the sector must grow in line with the countrys strategic goals, aiming for 12-15% annual growth, logistics value added at 5-7% of GDP, and costs reduced to 12-15% of GDP.

To achieve these targets, PM Chinh underlined the need to streamline policies and planning, develop green and digital logistics infrastructure, strengthen international cooperation on green and low-carbon logistics, train a skilled workforce, and promote multinational enterprises to integrate into global value chains, aiming to maintain a high value-added share of 2025% by 2030.

He also called for mechanisms to mobilise resources for developing a modern, smart, green, and digital logistics sector; encouraging innovation and startups, particularly in digital technology, transport platforms, warehouse management, and e-commerce; expanding logistics-related services such as banking, insurance, finance, health care, and education; and connecting Vietnams logistics with international networks.

The PM asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to urgently provide guidance and coordinate with other ministries, local authorities, associations, and logistics enterprises to implement the Vietnam Logistics Service Development Strategy for 20252035, with a vision toward 2050.

Other ministries were tasked with strengthening the organisation and operational mechanisms of the National Steering Committee of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) mechanism, the National Single Window (NSW) mechanism and trade facilitation; enhancing the effectiveness of intersectoral coordination to promptly restructure international and domestic supply chains and logistics services, and shift growth models toward efficiency.

The PM also underlined the need to implement transport planning to ensure effective connections with logistics centres nationwide, aligning logistics centre plans with seaport, dry port, and bonded warehouse layouts; and complete infrastructure facilities across road, rail, inland waterways, maritime, and air transport networks.

He requested Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and other coastal localities to leverage and enhance the advantages of free trade zones and international financial centres; complete infrastructure; promote logistics services, and create opportunities for the country to keep pace with regional and global trends; proactively plan regional logistics hubs, attract investment, implement smart logistics city models, and maximise the benefits of free trade zones.

Relevant Relevant ministries, agencies, and localities were tasked with developing a national logistics database integrated with the NSW system, digital customs, smart ports, and digital multimodal transport, while logistics companies were encouraged to adopt AI, IoT, blockchain, supply chain and warehouse management, routing, and risk management, towards positioning logistics as one of the eight priority sectors in the National Digital Transformation Strategy.

The PM affirmed the Governments commitment to ensuring political, social, and economic stability; addressing economic bottlenecks; promoting green supply chains; reducing costs; and building a stable, competitive, and transparent business environment with resilient, climate-adaptive infrastructure.

He stated that the Government remains committed to open institutions, seamless infrastructure, smart governance, practical methods, and effective cooperation , to develop logistics into a key economic sector, contributing to realising the goal of placing Vietnam among the worlds top 30 countries in the LPI by 2035.

The leader urged the logistics business community to continue innovating in management and chain linkage, advancing digital and green transformation, while upholding the spirit of self-reliance, resilience, innovation, creativity, unity, and cooperation to expand markets in the region and the world.

He said that the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the Vietnam Logistics Human Resources Development Association (VALOMA)), and local logistics associations serve as key bridges, providing policy advice, supporting training, and promoting logistics services in international markets.

He reiterated that Vietnam has the potential for its logistics sector to achieve breakthroughs, integrate, and lead in the region by harnessing vision, innovation, and the strength of people and businesses, turning challenges into opportunities and potential into results through decisive actions.

The PM showed his belief that Vietnam will successfully build a smart, green, digital and modern national logistics ecosystem, positioning the country as a leading logistics hub in Southeast Asia and the world.

At the plenary session, PM Chinh and delegates joined a ceremony to raise funds for supporting residents in the central and Central Highlands regions affected by recent storms and floods.

The forum, organised annually by the MoIT, aims to promote the development of logistics services, strengthen the linkage between logistics and production as well as import-export industries, and serve as a platform for dialogue, exchange of views, and updates on key domestic and international logistic issues.

Themed Vietnam Logistics  Rising into the New Era, the 2025 forum serves not only as a continuation of the series of annual events but also as a reflection of the sectors aspiration to elevate Vietnams logistics industry during a period of strong transformation./.VNA
Storm Koto, the 15th typhoon of the year, is forecast to change direction three more times in the coming days, while a rare tropical depression has entered the southern part of the East Sea, intensifying a complex and potentially dangerous weather pattern for central and southern Vietnam.

Forecast map of Typhoon Koto as of the morning of November 29. Source: NCHMF

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4 a.m. on November 29, the center of Storm Koto was located about 310 km northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. The storm was packing sustained winds of 75102 km/h (level 910), with gusts reaching level 13.

The storm is currently moving north-northwest at 510 km/h. Within the next 24 hours, it is expected to continue moving north at a slower pace of 35 km/h. By 4 a.m. on November 30, Koto's center will be in the northwestern waters of the central East Sea, approximately 330 km east of the Gia LaiDak Lak coastal region. The intensity is forecast to remain at level 910, gusting to level 13.

Over the following 24 hours, Koto will shift westward, moving even more slowly at around 3 km/h and beginning to weaken. By 4 a.m. on December 1, it will be located roughly 300 km east of the same coastal region, with sustained winds at level 9 and gusts to level 12.

Another 24 hours later, the storm is predicted to veer west-southwest at 35 km/h and continue weakening. By 4 a.m. on December 2, the storm center will be about 230 km east of the Gia LaiDak Lak coast, with its intensity dropping to level 89 and gusts to level 12.

Between 72 and 120 hours from now, Storm Koto is forecast to move slowly west-southwest at 35 km/h and weaken further.

Dangerous sea conditions

Due to Koto's impact, the northwestern area of the central East Sea is experiencing strong winds at level 78, with areas near the storm center reaching level 910 and gusts at level 1213. Wave heights in this region are between 35 meters, and up to 68 meters near the center. The sea is extremely rough.

Offshore waters from Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa are also under threat, with winds increasing to level 8, gusting up to level 10, and waves as high as 46 meters. All vessels in these hazardous zones may face dangerous thunderstorms, gales, and high seas.

Rare tropical depression enters East Sea

Meanwhile, early this morning, a tropical depression officially entered the southern East Sea. At 7 a.m., the depression's center was located in the southwestern part of the East Sea, with sustained winds at level 67 (3961 km/h) and gusts at level 9.

It is currently moving northeast at 1015 km/h.

According to meteorologists, this depression originated from Storm Senyar, which formed in the Indian Ocean, crossed Malaysia, and entered the western Pacific.

Storm Senyar is exceptionally rare - it formed in the Strait of Malacca, making it only the second storm ever recorded in that area after Typhoon Vamei in 2001, a meteorologist noted.

In the next 24 hours, the depression is expected to continue moving east-northeast at 15 km/h. By 7 a.m. on November 30, its center will still be in the southwestern part of the East Sea with sustained winds at level 7 and gusts to level 9.

Within the following 24 hours, the system will head northeast at 15 km/h and begin to weaken. By 7 a.m. on December 1, it will be located in the northwestern part of the southern East Sea with reduced winds at level 6 and gusts to level 8.

From 48 to 72 hours after that, the depression is expected to continue moving mainly northeast at 1015 km/h and further weaken into a low-pressure zone.

As it moves, the southwestern part of the East Sea will experience strengthening winds at level 67, gusting to level 9, and waves reaching 2.54 meters. The sea will remain rough.

Bao Anh
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son paid an official visit to Cambodia on November 2728 to co-chair the 13th Conference on Cooperation and Development of VietnamCambodia Border Provinces, alongside Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Sar Sokha.

At the meeting, both sides engaged in frank dialogue and reaffirmed their shared commitment to preserving and promoting the relationship and cooperation between border provinces, guided by the principle of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

They reiterated their joint efforts to maintain a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and sustainably developing border.

Vietnamese and Cambodian deputy prime ministers co-chair the conference. Source: Government Portal

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation, especially in border areas, has seen positive growth. Two-way trade has averaged USD 10 billion annually over the past four years and reached USD 9.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2025 - an increase of over 13.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

Collaboration in education, healthcare, labor, transport, and livelihood support for border communities has also advanced, delivering tangible benefits to local populations.

The rollout of cross-border QR code payments in local currencies has facilitated transactions, boosting commerce, consumption, and tourism.

Numerous conferences, forums, trade fairs, and promotional events have been jointly organized, enabling localities and businesses from both countries to meet, showcase products, and seek partnerships.

The two sides acknowledged the strong coordination between local governments and border enforcement units in ensuring security, public order, and stability, while also supporting socio-economic development along the frontier.

The conference emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between border provinces in key areas including national defense, security, public order, cross-border trade, investment, customs and border gate management, cross-border transport, infrastructure development, connectivity, and especially border demarcation and marker placement.

Delegates from ministries, agencies, and localities of both countries attend the conference. Source: Government Portal

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son meets President of the Cambodian People's Party and Senate President Hun Sen. Source: Government Portal

It was agreed that local authorities from border provinces should meet at least once a year to review progress and discuss results of bilateral cooperation.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son paid a courtesy call on Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate.

Hun Sen expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and positive developments in VietnamCambodia relations and emphasized the importance of inter-party cooperation, as well as trilateral ties among Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

He called for expanded cooperation in politics, security, defense, trade, investment, education, training, culture, science and technology, people-to-people exchange, and border provincial collaboration.

Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the Vietnamese government would continue to instruct relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively implement bilateral agreements - particularly those reached during the border provinces cooperation conference.

In his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son stressed that under the guidance of both nations' leaders, VietnamCambodia ties have continued to deepen, bringing practical benefits to both peoples.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son meets Prime Minister Hun Manet. Source: Government Portal
Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh chairs the high-level meeting on NorthSouth high-speed rail investment. (Photo: VGP/Nguyen Hoang)

Held at the Government Office, the session welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Hong, Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh, along with leaders from the Ministries of Finance, Science and Technology, and representatives of several major enterprises. These included Vietnam 3000 LLC, Discovery Group JSC, Vietnam Railways Corporation, Truong Hai Group, and Vinspeed High-Speed Railway Investment and Development JSC.

The consultation aimed not just to hear investment ideas and solutions directly from businesses, but also to gauge their seriousness and capabilities. Officials stressed that the public deserves clarity about which firms are truly equipped to deliver and which make unfounded claims.

In his opening remarks, Deputy PM Nguyen Hoa Binh noted that the Politburo and National Assembly had already issued directives and resolutions on the project. He outlined three potential investment models: public investment, public-private partnership (PPP), and fully private funding. The challenge is selecting the most beneficial path for Vietnam.

The Ministry of Construction reported that despite numerous submissions, many were vague, with insufficient financial documentation and missing contact details.

Deputy PM Binh reaffirmed the government's stance on impartiality, transparency, and openness in evaluating proposals. He also praised companies demonstrating sincere interest in contributing to national development.

This is a serious and constructive meeting, he said. Its purpose is to listen to the visions, proposals, and commitments of enterprises, and to clarify mutual concerns. Ultimately, our national interest must be paramount. The people expect this railway - one that delivers on the goals set and serves Vietnams development.

During the session, each enterprise presented their investment concepts, financial plans, technologies, and proposed models.

Nguyen Nam Thieu, Chairman of Discovery Group, admitted the project's scale was immense but expressed interest in a revenue-recovery business model. However, when asked about staffing and capital, he revealed the group only had 70 employees and capital of 2,0003,000 billion VND (about $80120 million) - a mere 0.2% of the estimated $67 billion needed.

Vietnam 3000 LLC proposed a PPP approach but was unable to clarify its financial capacity, or how much it could contribute or raise. The Ministry of Construction deemed its proposal vague, and the State Bank urged it to disclose specific financial sources rather than broad claims about bringing "100% of funding to Vietnam."

Vietnam Railways Corporation expressed interest in supplying infrastructure, particularly signal systems and power networks.

Nguyen Hoang Tue, CEO of Truong Hai Group, stated that his company is ready to contribute 20% of capital, with the remaining 80% sourced through loans or partner contributions. The group proposed forming new firms to mobilize domestic and international investors.

He emphasized their commitment to project quality, timely disbursement, localization of technology, and eventual domestic production of train carriages and engines by 2039. Initial construction phases could begin from Hanoi to Vinh and from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, expected to take five years; the remaining section from Nha Trang to Vinh would take another seven.

Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, proposed a business investment model through its subsidiary Vinspeed. The estimated investment is over $61 billion (excluding land clearance costs), with a 5-year construction timeline after site handover.

Vinspeed committed to borrowing 80% of the capital and repaying over 30 years. The company pledged strict compliance with legal regulations, no subcontracting, no transfer of the project, and full technological investment with increased localization. It also vowed to build domestic expertise and prepare for full-scale operations upon completion.

Quang argued that if Vinspeed invests directly, the government would only need to loan 80% instead of covering the full cost. It would also recoup the loan in 30 years - far quicker than a 140-year public investment recovery. He emphasized that early operation would catalyze national economic growth and social development.

Deputy PM Binh noted that only five of the six invited firms attended. One - Mekolor and Great (USA) - could not be located despite prior registration and once claiming it would raise $100 billion.

Some firms came prepared, with detailed reports and serious attitudes, Binh remarked. Others lacked clarity, or had glaring capability gaps - like having only 70 staff and $120 million in capital for a $67 billion project.

He reiterated that the meeting was not to select investors but to gather information. He tasked the Ministry of Construction with leading the creation of a report proposing the most viable investment model and regulatory framework for government consideration.

VGP
At the ASEAN Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property Education on November 28, the WIPO Academy outlined three key strategies to promote innovation in Southeast Asia: training educators and policymakers in intellectual property (IP), helping each country develop its own curriculum to international standards, and transferring models for direct classroom implementation.

During the plenary session, Vietnams Smartschool was the only local representative to present a case study titled The Ripple Effect  Successful INCIPE Implementation in Vietnam, showcasing how WIPOs model was successfully localized and scaled across Vietnamese schools.

Altaye Tedla, Director of the WIPO Academy, emphasized that linking STEM education with innovation and IP is crucial to equipping younger generations with the thinking skills and entrepreneurial mindset aligned with developed economies. We are living in a knowledge economy, she said. Intangible assets are part of daily life. Its essential that every product and service is connected to intellectual property.

She also pointed to Vietnams Resolutions 57 and 71, which prioritize science and technology education and broader youth access, calling them among the most important things a nation can do for its students.

Smartschool: The most localized innovation education model in ASEAN

STEM education tied to innovation and IP is key to preparing students for the knowledge economy.

According to WIPO, Smartschool has built the most deeply localized innovation ecosystem in the region. Its STEM/STEAM curriculum is based on patented Vietnamese inventions such as heat-resistant greenhouses, multi-purpose forest firefighting vehicles, modular flood-resistant houses, and oil-filtering fabric for environmental cleanup.

Smartschool complements these lessons with digital learning materials, teacher support software, and hands-on kits tied directly to real patents - making it accessible even for schools in remote areas. A national teacher training system and school-based innovation competitions form a complete cycle that lets students fully engage with the innovation process.

Smartschool doesnt just teach STEM - it integrates innovation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship. Students dont just study inventions; they refine models and propose business ideas. Its a true expression of the knowledge economy, said Altaye Tedla.

WIPOs independent expert, Pushpendra Rai, praised Vietnams vibrant education ecosystem, calling it ready to absorb and adapt global models. The level of localization in Smartschool is rare in ASEAN, he remarked.

From theory to hands-on innovation

Pushpendra Rai, WIPOs independent expert.

A key highlight of the event was a live demonstration at Ta Quang Buu Secondary and High School, attended by WIPO delegates and representatives from 10 ASEAN countries. In just 60 minutes, 7th-grade students experienced the full innovation cycle through a lesson centered on greenhouse design.

Starting with a real-world problem faced by Vietnamese farmers, the students explored the role of greenhouses in agriculture and examined a patented solution recognized by the National Office of Intellectual Property. They then identified key innovation concepts, following the problemideasolution model.

After analyzing the existing greenhouse prototype, the students proposed improvements and pitched small-scale startup ideas based on their redesigns. It was the first time we got to study a real patent and improve a working model. It made learning easy and exciting, one student shared.

Many delegates commented that this model requires minimal investment, aligns with the current curriculum, and can be implemented widely - even in under-resourced schools.

A model for the region - and a chance for Vietnam to lead

Following the session, several ASEAN delegations expressed interest in piloting Smartschool in their own countries. This, experts noted, proves that Vietnam is not only absorbing global educational models but also ready to share best practices regionally.

Pushpendra Rai highlighted Vietnams strategic advantage, noting that the country currently ranks number one globally in high-tech exports as a share of total exports, at 36%. Vietnam must build on that strength and cultivate creativity from a young age. Innovation should become a way of life, he said. He recommended guiding students to channel ideas into viable solutions, then feeding them into incubators and the market.

Altaye Tedla added: Implementing this program is not as difficult as it seems What matters most is a shift in mindset - not only for children, but also for policymakers. It begins with reimagining Vietnam. Once that happens, integrating INCIPE - Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and IP - into classrooms becomes easy.

She concluded, With its smart, energetic young generation, Vietnam has every opportunity to shine as a leader in innovation education in the region.

Thai Khang
On November 28, Airbus issued an emergency safety bulletin, and EASA followed with directive 2025-0268-E. The directive mandates that all A319, A320, and A321 aircraft globally must update their Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) - a critical system controlling pitch and lateral flight dynamics - before 6:59 a.m. on November 30 (Vietnam time).

Shortly after the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) held an emergency meeting with domestic airlines in the night of November 28 and into the early hours of November 29. According to a report released at 5:30 a.m., out of 169 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft currently operating in Vietnam, 81 are affected and require immediate software updates.

CAAV Director Uong Viet Dung described the situation as force majeure and emphasized that flight safety must be prioritized above all else.

He praised the airlines for rapidly preparing necessary equipment, software packages, and personnel. He also instructed them to proactively adjust flight schedules if needed, notify passengers of any changes, and provide support for rebooking or refunds without additional charges.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed it had received both Airbus and CAAVs instructions and had promptly dispatched technical crews to three major hubs: Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat. Airbus has supplied all required software and implementation guides. Each update takes about one hour per aircraft.

The airline stated that updates began overnight and will be completed before the 6:59 a.m. deadline. As of November 29, no disruptions to flight schedules have been reported.

Vietjet Air also confirmed it had checked its entire A321 fleet. Only a limited number of aircraft required updates. The process is being carried out sequentially as aircraft return from scheduled operations and is expected to finish by the end of the day.

If by the deadline any aircraft remains pending, the airline will adjust schedules and promptly notify affected passengers, ensuring support in accordance with regulations, a Vietjet representative said.

Meanwhile, Bamboo Airways, which operates seven A320/A321 aircraft, confirmed that its fleet is not subject to the EASA directive. All flights continue as normal.

CAAV cautioned that while airlines are moving quickly, some flights may be rescheduled in the coming days to accommodate software updates and technical checks.

The agency also instructed the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Van Don International Airport, and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to coordinate closely with airlines to ensure order, safety, and passenger assistance.

Airport authorities have been assigned to monitor operations and respond quickly to emerging issues to avoid any risk to flight safety.

Vu Diep
The CAAVs plan, submitted recently to the Ministry of Construction for review, outlines adjustments to the national airport and seaport system for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. It estimates that nearly 500 trillion VND (19 billion USD) will be needed to develop the countrys airport system by 2030, sourced from the State budget, non-budgetary capital and other legal sources.



Under the new plan, Mang Den and Van Phong airports will be added to the national system.



Previously, under a planning system approved by the Prime Minister, Van Phong Bay in Khanh Hoa province was designated as a service-logistics centre, while Mang Den town in Quang Ngai province was identified as a national tourist area, with infrastructure including an airport to connect the Central Highlands and Central Coast.



The planning for Khanh Hoa province allocates land for Van Phong Airport, while Quang Ngai province and the general Mang Den tourist area planning identify Mang Den Airport as a key infrastructure project.



The CAAV said the inclusion of the Mang Den and Van Phong airports in the master plan is necessary to align with national, regional and provincial development goals, attract private investment, support tourism and logistics, strengthen regional connectivity, and bolster national defence and security in the south central and Central Highlands regions.



The Mang Den Airport is estimated to cost nearly 5 trillion VND and cover about 350 hectares, while the Van Phong Airport will require more than 9.2 trillion VND and occupy over 497 hectares./.VNA
HA NOI  PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company on Tuesday inaugurated its US$90 million PepsiCo Ninh Binh Foods Factory in the Dong Van I Industrial Park expansion area in Ninh Binh Province.

The facility covers 80,000sq.m and was completed in about 51 weeks, which the company said is a record for PepsiCo in the AsiaPacific region. It is designed to produce more than 25,000 tonnes of snacks per year.

The plant features advanced production lines with automation and digitalisation to improve product quality, optimise operations and ensure stable and efficient output.

PepsiCo said the factory follows its global sustainability strategy, PepsiCo Positive (pep+), with rooftop solar power and a biomass system using agricultural by-products. These solutions are expected to help reduce CO2 emissions and support Viet Nams net zero commitments.

Once fully operational, the factory is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in production, packaging and logistics, while supporting local raw material development.

PepsiCos AsiaPacific CEO Anne Tse said the new plant reflected the companys confidence in Viet Nam as a key growth market in the region. She said the facility would expand production capacity, strengthen cooperation with local farmers and create more opportunities for the community.

Ninh Binh Peoples Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Cao Son said the project highlighted international investment cooperation and reinforced the provinces role as an attractive destination for global corporations thanks to its transparent business environment, stable policies and improving infrastructure.

Local authorities pledged to support the factorys operations and future expansion, while urging the company to maintain its social responsibility and sustainability efforts.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  International integration has become a central driver of Viet Nams development strategy as it propels the nation into the new era, amid intensifying geopolitical and economic competition and increasing demand for digital and green transitions.

Over four decades of economic reform, Viet Nams international integration process has delivered significant results. International integration has become a critical driver of strengthening domestic capacity and advancing national development.

From an underdeveloped economy, Viet Nam has grown into one of the worlds largest economies with its economic scale expanding nearly 100-fold since 1986, and per capita income moving from under US$100 to nearly $5,000. The country has also established trade relations with 230 economies and signed a raft of major free trade deals.

Viet Nam is now also among the worlds top 20 countries in trade and one of the 10 largest remittance recipients, underscoring the countrys rising position in the global economic system.

However, economists say that the next phase of development will depend not only on consolidating existing gains but also on effectively seizing new opportunities amid global volatility.

Geopolitical tensions and global production shifts have made Viet Nam  a country with political stability, improving business climate and an extensive free trade agreement (FTA) network  an increasingly attractive investment destination.

Industry 4.0 is also opening new opportunities for productivity and quality growth while e-commerce and the digital economy are enabling market expansion more easily beyond traditional geographic and logistical barriers.

Global push toward sustainable development, green growth and renewable energy is also creating room to attract quality investment and enhance the countrys image in the international arena.

As these shifts require a more flexible, comprehensive and intensive integration, Resolution 59 on international integration, adopted earlier this year by the Communist Party of Viet Nam, is deemed a landmark policy that defines international integration as a strategic engine to guide Viet Nam into the new era.

The resolution targets placing Viet Nam among the worlds top 40 countries in the global innovation index, ensuring at least 40 per cent of enterprises engage in innovation and positioning the country as a competitive destination for tourism within the global top 30 as well as largely fulfilling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Building inner strength

Tran Le Hung from Frances Gustave Eiffel University said the resolution would provide a foundation for transforming Viet Nam into a country with a more proactive voice on the international stage. He expected that Viet Nam could see a fundamental shift in economic and political standing within the next decade.

International integration would also help upgrade domestic capability, strengthen economic independence and self-reliance as the country aims to develop into a regional manufacturing and logistics hub and to play a more active role in global value chains, moving toward innovation-led growth.

Challenges exist, however, according to Phan Cao Nhat Anh, deputy director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. He pointed to rising threats such as cyberattacks, data security risks, food and energy insecurity, unfair competition, unsustainable growth and hostile forces.

Draft documents prepared for the 14th National Party Congress, slated for January next year, highlight the need for a coordinated and innovative approach to diplomacy and international integration, closely aligned with Resolution 59.

Translating the resolution into concrete measures will enable Viet Nam to maximise domestic potential, better utilise external resources and expand its development space, policymakers stress.

The National Assembly is considering passing a separate resolution on special mechanisms and policies to enhance the efficiency of international integration, including tax, infrastructure and financial incentives for enterprises to promote international integration, digital transformation, green production and global supply chains.

Resolution 59 is also being implemented alongside other core policy frameworks, including those on science and technology and innovation and private sector development, which together help strengthen Viet Nam from within.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Viet Nam continued to expand and upgrade its network of partnerships, with the signing of over 260 international commitments and agreements so far this year, about twice the number made in 2024.

The PM also called for stronger oversight and follow-up mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of international commitments, urging ministries and local governments to focus on removing bottlenecks to facilitate implementation.

He also emphasised the need to step up economic diplomacy, expand markets for Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural products, and strengthen participation in global supply and value chains.

Leveraging trade deals

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said the ministry would continue negotiating and effectively implementing FTAs.

The focus would be on addressing existing bottlenecks to better leverage the 17 FTAs currently in force, while pushing ahead with efforts to expand and diversify export markets.

Priority would also be given to studying new and high-potential markets with untapped room for growth in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Viet Nam also planned to launch negotiations on a preferential trade agreement with Pakistan and push ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations with the US, with the aim of securing the most favourable commitments for Viet Nam and promoting a comprehensive, fair, balanced and sustainable FTA, Dien said.

According to Pham Quynh Mai, deputy director of the ministrys Multilateral Trade Policy Department, it is critical to consistently and effectively implement the strategic orientations set out by Resolution 59.

It is necessary to make full use of existing FTAs to boost exports, expand markets and drive growth.

Viet Nam will also study new and high-potential markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America while advancing negotiations on new FTAs, including with the European Free Trade Association, the Mercosur bloc in the Americas, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan, and Egypt.

International trade would remain a key growth driver for Viet Nam through 2030, with the industry and trade sector continuing to play a leading role in advancing international economic integration, said Nguyen Minh Khoi, public policy specialist at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

He said policy initiatives such as an FTA portal, a related performance index and a comprehensive model to support enterprises along value chains could significantly improve Viet Nams export performance.

As new-generation FTAs increasingly emphasise standards related to environmental protection, carbon emissions, labour rights and digital data, the Ministry of Industry and Trade should provide support to enterprises in accessing green finance, clean technologies and digital traceability systems so that they can meet new international standards and strengthen competitiveness.

Viet Nam could proactively propose updates, adjustments or expansions to existing FTAs to address challenges related to the digital economy, technology and sustainable trade which are reshaping the global economic landscape, he added. VNS
HA NOI  The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has asked domestic carriers to immediately prepare spare parts, equipment, software and manpower to carry out the required fixes following Airbuss recent call for immediate software update to 6,000 A320/A321-family aircraft worldwide.

The European aircraft manufacturer issued an urgent Alert Operations Transmission (AOT) late on November 28, warning of a potential software malfunction affecting flight control.

Airbus said in a statement it found the issue after an analysis of an incident involving an A320 plane found that "intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls."

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), subsequently issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2025-0268-E, requiring airlines operating Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft to replace affected equipment or update software in the ELAC flight-control computer, which is responsible for controlling pitch and roll.

It is reported at the meeting last night between the CAAV and domestic carriers that 81 out of 169 A320 and A321 aircraft in their fleets could be affected, which could cause disruptions to some flights in coming days to carry out fixing.

CAAV Director Uong Viet Dung described the situation as force majeure, urging priority to ensure absolute safety. He urged domestic carriers to complete the required fixes as soon as possible.

Dung also asked airlines to review their flight schedules, especially on November 30 and December 31, to make appropriate adjustments and minimise cancellations as well as promptly inform passengers of any changes and provide support to affected passengers, including free rebooking or refunds.

Vietnam Airlines said on Saturday it had received instructions from aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the CAAV to update software on its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

To ensure safe operations, the airline said its entire A320/A321 fleet must complete the software update package provided by Airbus by 6:59 a.m. on November 30 local time.

The carrier has swiftly implemented fixings at its technical facilities in Noi Bai, a Nang and Tan Son Nhat, adding that it has all necessary tools, manuals and software supplied by Airbus. The update process is expected to take an average of about one hour per aircraft, according to the airline.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed it would complete the updates before the deadline and fully comply with all safety requirements set by CAAV and Airbus.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Finance has proposed raising the annual revenue threshold for exemption of personal income tax for household businesses from VN100 million (US$3,790) currently to VN500 million.

The VN500 million threshold would allow 90 per cent of household businesses to be exempted from paying tax and reduce the tax burden on them by an estimated sum of VN11.8 trillion per year.

The proposal was outlined in a recent report to the Government on revision to the draft amended Law on Personal Income Tax.

Under the draft previously submitted to the National Assembly, the tax-free revenue threshold for household businesses is proposed at VN200 million per year.

The ministry said that the VN200 million revenue threshold for tax exemption is no longer appropriate and should be reviewed to ensure fairness with salaried taxpayers.

Accordingly, the ministry proposed the revenue threshold for tax exemption to be increased to VN500 million. This sum would also be deducted before calculating taxes based on revenue.

The ministry also proposed introducing an income-based taxation mechanism for household and individual businesses with revenues from VN500 to VN3 billion per year, with a tax rate of 15 per cent  equivalent to the corporate income tax rate applied to enterprises with revenues below VN3 billion under the Law on Corporate Income Tax.

Only business households which cannot determine their expenses would pay taxes on revenue.

The ministry also proposed amending the Law on Value Added Tax to raise the annual revenue threshold for exemption from VN200 million to VN500 million to ensure consistency with the upcoming Law on Personal Income Tax.

Official data showed that there are more than 2.54 million household businesses operating regularly in Viet Nam as of the end of October.  VNS
HA NOI  Themed Developing Human Capital Resources for Startups and Innovation in the New Era, the National Entrepreneurship Forum 2025 aimed to strengthen connectivity, cooperation and investment, while fostering a strategic vision for the startup community.

The forum by the Viet Nam National Entrepreneurship Association featured leaders, experts, investors, international organisations, and the startup representatives on November 28 in Ha Noi.

The national-level event was to push Viet Nams innovation ecosystem in the context of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, automation, and new economic models that are reshaping the global economy.

It was also to stimulate the Vietnamese startup ecosystem, creating an environment for young talents and creative projects to be supported, connected and invested, contributing to making Viet Nam a strong country in innovation.

This was a practical activity that reflects the spirit of a facilitating Government, helping to promote the innovation ecosystem and enhance national competitiveness.

The National Entrepreneurship Forum 2025 is a particularly important event not only for the business community and startups, but also for the sustainable development of Viet Nams economy in the new context, said inh Viet Hoa, chairman of the National Association of Entrepreneurship (NAE)

The world is changing rapidly under the impact of the digital economy, AI, automation and innovative business models. For Viet Nam to grow strongly, the country needs a generation of bold entrepreneurs, a dynamic startup ecosystem, and a high-quality workforce of business founders with a global mindset.

Speaking at the forum, Turkiye Ambassador to Viet Nam Korhan Kemik said that human resources development was the foundation of innovation and has been a priority for Turkiye since its founding.

"In an era defined by rapid technological change, global interconnectedness, and new development challenges, countries are recognising more than ever that their most valuable resource is their people.

"Investing in human capital  through strong institutions, inclusive health and education systems, and adaptive social policies  is essential not only for economic growth but also for resilience and long-term stability."

He said these elements such as strong governance, progress in health and education, and advanced social protection systems would create a solid basis for innovation. These few dimensions might offer useful perspectives for not only Viet Nam but also other countries.

"Turkiyes experience demonstrates that human capital development is a long-term, multi-dimensional endeavour  one that requires strong institutions, inclusive policies, and the flexibility to respond to new challenges," Kemik said.

"While every countrys path is unique, the underlying principles are universal: investing in people; ensuring equity and access; leveraging digital transformation; and promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship."

Professor, Doctor inh Xuan Dung, member of the Sub-committee for Documents of the 14th National Party Congress and NAE's Senior Adviser, said that developing human capital resources would be a key factor enabling Viet Nam to enter a new stage of development based on the most valuable assets of people, knowledge and technology. With a competent, creative, and ambitious workforce, Viet Nam could absolutely build market-leading enterprises capable of international competition.

Nguyen Quang Huy, chairman of the Global Economic Alliance and the National Startup Fund, said: The forum is a space to share policies, exchange strategies and introduce innovative startup models. It is also an important venue for managers, businesses, investors, experts and startups to meet, connect and create new value.

Every handshake, conversation and initiative presented here can open opportunities for new businesses, new projects or long-term cooperation. In particular, the forum helps promote the spirit of knowledge-based entrepreneurship.

One of the highlights of this years forum is the third National Aesthetic Industry Congress, which gathered leading experts, beauty technology enterprises, and research institutes.

The event promoted cooperation opportunities in aesthetic technology, health and beauty care, digital transformation, and the development of high-quality human resources.

This is a fast-growing service sector that generated many new business models and makes a significant contribution to the economy.

Attending the event, President of the Medical Aesthetics Association of South Korea Jang Hyo Kwan viewed Viet Nam as a market with huge potential, with rapidly developing spa and beauty infrastructure.

He expressed his hope that the combination of Korean aesthetic technology and the Vietnamese market would expand business opportunities in Asia, India, and Europe, while affirming the close cooperative relationship between the two countries. VNS
A NANG The logistics industry should accelerate green and digital transformation, cutting costs down to the world average level, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged logistics businesses and agencies at the Viet Nam Logistics Forum on November 29.

This is to achieve industry growth rate from 15 to 16 per cent, and contribute from 6 to 7 per cent to the countrys GDP next year.

He stressed that the industry had a successful year, boosting the countrys import-export turnover to US$900 billion, but it needs drastic solutions in clearing all barriers for steady growth and sustainable development in the coming years.

Logistics plays a key role in the countrys economic growth. It earns an annual growth from 15 to 16 per cent and contribute from 4.5 to five per cent to the countrys GDP, but giant businesses and key national logistics centres have yet to be built, Chinh said.

A comprehensive mechanism is needed to help the industry operate smoothly and cut costs from the current 16 per cent to a world average of 11 or 12 per cent. If the industry maintains low service costs, it would save $45 billion for the countrys import-export revenue, he said.

The PM also suggested logistics should complete building effective mechanisms and policies, removing obstructions for fast growth, while infrastructure facilities would need green and smart designs and development.

Chinh said international co-operation, low-carbon growth driving and hi-quality human resources are key tasks that the logistics industry must accelerate in the next decades.

Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien said the countrys logistics had yet exploited the potential of its landscapes and natural resources.

He said logistics had low competitiveness, poor regional links, while the green and digitalisation process was still at the beginning steps and the shared database was limited.

ao Trong Khoa, chairman of the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA), said the industry had been designed to be a Mega industry with revenue from $250 billion to $280 billion in 2035, and in the world top 30 with development of a series of green logistics, free trade zones.

Tran Thanh Hai, deputy director general of the Agency of Import and Export under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared that Viet Nam had been boosting key infrastructure projects including the National 3,000km Expressway system; Long Thanh International Airport and Gia Binh Airport; Lao Cai - Hai Phong Railway route.

Hai said the Government and local authorities should gear up the construction of free trade zones, while the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) connecting Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam needed reviving.

The president of International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), Thomas Sim, said the world was moving toward smart logistics at unprecedented speed with powerful forces reshaping logistics including smart ports and intelligent customs driving efficiency, green logistics, and digitally-enabled workforce.

Viet Nam is entering a defining new era with the completion of the national action plan on enhancing logistics competitiveness, and the launch of the logistics development strategy in 2025-35 with vision to 2050, he said.

Thomas Sim shared opportunities for Viet Nam becoming ASEANs smart multi-model hub as the country is positioned at the intersection of global manufacturing, maritime networks and regional corridors.

He said by integrating Lien Chieu Port, a Nang International Airport, inland logistics centres, and cross-border infrastructure along EWEC, Viet Nam could anchor itself as ASEANs next generation multimodal powerhouse.

Viet Nam is advancing rapidly, but requires full adoption of electronic bills of lading, smart customs connectivity, a nationwide interoperable digital logistics ecosystem and alignment with international digital standards, according to Sim.

Viet Nam can champion ASEANs green transition by investing in green port initiatives, electric and alternative-fuel fleets, renewable-powered warehouses and emission reporting and compliance systems.

He said Viet Nam could develop a world-class logistics workforce, and FIATA would be ready to support Viet Nam in modern vocational training, multimodal transport skills, green logistics knowledge, digital trade competencies and leadership and management development.

Le Thanh Hung, director a Nang Citys Priority Infrastructure Project Management Board, said three investors  local Hateco Group and APM Terminals from the Netherlands; the Viet Nam Maritime Corporation and Terminal Investment Limited Holding (Luxembourg); and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone company from India and local T&T Group, have registered as tenders of container ports at Lien Chieu Port.

Hung said the container ports construction plan in Lien Chieu deep-sea port would open its bid on December 24.

a Nang has full conditions for development into a global logistics hub with two international airports  a Nang and Chu Lai  deep-sea port of Lien Chieu, Ky Ha and Chu Lai Ports, in linkage with deep-sea Dung Quat Port in neighbouring Quang Ngai Province, said vice chairman of the citys peoples committee Le Quang Nam. VNS
HA NOI  Typhoon Koto, the fifteenth storm entering the East Sea, has left one person dead and three missing, the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has reported.

Accordingly, large waves sank a basket boat in Lam ong province, resulting in one fatality; 17 fish cages and 26 aquaculture pens were damaged, and about 200 metres of seawall in Ham Tien 1 street eroded.

Meanwhile, a tornado and high waves at sea, caused by the impact of Typhoon Koto, sank the vessel NT-90329-TS about 300 metres off Binh Thien beach in Khanh Hoa, leaving three people missing. Provincial authorities were coordinating with the local Border Guard Station in search and rescue efforts, the authority said.

The damage caused by the storm has been estimated at over VN5.6 billion (US$212,402). Local authorities are continuing to review and assess the extent of the losses.

Typhoon Koto maintained its current intensity and trajectory, moving slowly with a gradual weakening trend, the authority said.

According to preliminary statistics from the VDDMA, as of 8.30am on November 29, floods had caused 963 houses to collapse, and damaged 3,390 others. Floods also killed or swept away 944,975 livestock and poultry, with ak Lak suffering the heaviest loss with 663,500 animals.

On November 29, the PM made a field trip to ak Lak to inspect flood recovery efforts and held both in-person and online meetings with representatives of the provinces of Gia Lai, ak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam ong, to coordinate flood aftermath responses.

The provinces and cities of Quang Tri, a Nang and Quang Ngai have largely completed their flood recovery.

Meanwhile, Gia Lai Province has finished repairing houses lightly damaged by the thirteenth storm named Kalmaegi, and the floods from November 1622, the locality is now focusing on restoring 845 severely damaged or collapsed homes and providing financial support for houses that were destroyed or swept away.

Khanh Hoa Province needs to rebuild 115 collapsed or washed-away houses and repair 922 homes that were severely damaged.

Currently, 39 schools in Khanh Hoa remain closed, while students in Gia Lai, ak Lak, Lam ong and Quang Ngai have resumed classes.

Hospitals and commune-level health stations have resumed medical services, with disinfection and sanitation efforts continuing in residential areas. The Ministry of Health, along with the health departments of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, have deployed medical support teams to assist affected provinces.

Public telecommunications networks in the flood-affected provinces have been repaired by telecom companies, and communication services have largely normalised.  VNS
HUE  Documents, images and artefacts tracing President Ho Chi Minhs revolutionary path in China are now on display at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hue City, offering a vivid insight into his legacy.

The Revolutionary Path of Comrade Ho Chi Minh in China exhibition presents the revolutionary activities of Nguyen Ai Quoc  later President Ho Chi Minh  in China, emphasising the traditional solidarity and diplomatic relations he helped establish, strengthen and develop alongside other leaders and the peoples of both nations.

Among the exhibits are 24 artefacts from 16 donors presented for this occasion. Many hold notable artistic value and deep significance, including three wooden sculptures by artisan Tran Van Ngo, the musical composition Nguyen Tat Thanh  Ho Chi Minh by musician and educator Tran uc, a calligraphic work on lotus leaf by calligrapher Vo Van Thuong (Nhat Chi Mai) generously donated by Nguyen uc Tuong Thoai, and 17 ceramic artworks themed on Hue with Uncle Ho.

According to Le Thuy Chi, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hue, all donated artefacts and documents will be carefully preserved in the museums storage. They will serve as a vital resource for future exhibitions and displays, helping to share the enduring values of President Ho Chi Minhs legacy with a wider audience.

The museum receives dozens of valuable artefacts and documents each year, enriching the diversity and vibrancy of its collections.

The exhibition has drawn numerous visitors, particularly young people with a passion for history.

I am thrilled to explore the images and documents of President Ho Chi Minh displayed in the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hue City, said Cao Hoang Bao Chau, a student in the Chinese Language Department at the University of Foreign Languages, Hue University.

The exhibits, presented in both Vietnamese and Chinese, not only illuminate Ho Chi Minhs revolutionary activities in China but also give me the chance to expand my vocabulary through historical knowledge.

Dr Pham Thi Thanh Mai, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hue, said: President Ho Chi Minh was a close friend of the Communist Party and the people of China. During his journey to seek national salvation, he spent a significant time in China. Across the country, there are indelible marks that reflect his unwavering struggle for the revolutionary cause and the shared victories of the people of Viet Nam and China. This forged a tradition of friendship and close cooperation between our two nations.

The exhibition is organised under the Cooperation Agreement for Research and Cultural Exchange between the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Guangdong Revolutionary History Museum (China) for 202428.

The display is also a meaningful cultural activity contributing to the Viet NamChina Cultural Exchange Year 2025, fostering the enduring sentiment that Viet NamChina friendship will always thrive.

The exhibition runs until January 2026.  VNS
HCM CITY  The HCM City Photography Association (HPA) has kicked off the second International Photography Festival as a playground for professional and amateur photographers from Viet Nam and other countries.

The festival is sponsored by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), the Image Sans Frontiere (ISF), and the Viet Nam Photography Artists Association (VAPA).

It aims to promote HCM City as a creative city imbued with cultural and artistic values, and to strengthen cooperation between Vietnamese artists and international photography organisations.

The festival includes four exhibitions showcasing thousands of photos that reflect a wide range of topics, such as the world and Viet Nams nature, landscapes, culture, lifestyle and people, taken by Vietnamese and international photographers.

The highlighted event features the Photography Without Borders exhibition, showcasing works by 36 artists from 14 international photography organisations, such as Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Poland, TTurkiye, the US and Australia, and 50 Vietnamese artists, each contributing three of their finest photos.

oan Hoai Trung, chairman of HPA, said, The Photography Without Borders exhibition sends a powerful message that photography is an international language, one that needs no translation but speaks directly to the human heart.

Every photo displayed today carries a story, a perspective and emotion originating from the creators souls. The exhibition not only reflects the rich cultural diversity of the world but also affirms the spirit of creativity, exchange and integration of the Vietnamese photographers community.

The exhibition is open to the public at the HCM City Book Street on Nguyen Van Binh Street in Sai Gon Ward.

The other exhibitions displaying works by artists across Viet Nam are taking place at the Youth Cultural House at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street in Sai Gon Ward, and the Union of Literature and Arts Associations at 81 Tran Quoc Thao Street in Xuan Hoa Ward.

The festival also offers talks on photography, meetings between Vietnamese and international photographers, and a showcase of photography equipment at the Youth Cultural House.

All the activities remain open until November 30.

In addition, the organiser has launched photography symposiums in HCM City from November 27 to December 1, and in Tan Ha Lam Ha Commune in Lam ong Province from December 1-3, which help photographers find inspiration. VNS
PHNOM PENH  Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son held meetings with Cambodian Party and Government leaders on November 28 to further consolidate and strengthen the fine neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability between the two countries.

The meetings took place during his official visit to Cambodia, where he co-chaired the 13th Conference on Cooperation and Development between Vietnamese and Cambodian border provinces from November 27-28.

During a courtesy call on President of the Cambodian Senate and President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Deputy PM Son expressed his delight at the strong growth of bilateral ties in recent times. He highlighted that cooperation through the Party channel has helped reinforce mutual trust and laid the foundation for advancing cooperation in other fields. Security and defence cooperation continues to play a pivotal role, helping maintain order along the shared border. Increasingly close economic cooperation has become a bright spot in bilateral relations, reflected in robust trade growth.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will direct relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively carry out agreements between the two countries, especially the key outcomes reached at the 13th conference on cooperation and development of border provinces.

President Hun Sen voiced satisfaction with the positive and comprehensive progress in bilateral ties in recent years, stressing the importance of Party-to-Party cooperation between Viet Nam and Cambodia, as well as among Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos. He recommended that the two sides step up cooperation across all fields, from politics, security, defence, economy, trade, and investment to education, training, culture, science, technology, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation between border provinces.

Later the same day, during his courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Son congratulated Cambodia on the significant achievements recorded since the start of the seventh term of the Royal Government under PM Hun Manets leadership, including sustained political stability, continued economic growth, improved living standards, and enhanced international standing.

He emphasised that under the close attention and direction of the two countries leaders, Viet NamCambodia relations have been continuously strengthened and expanded, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples. Economic cooperation has become increasingly close and remains a highlight of bilateral ties. He affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to work closely with Cambodia to ensure the successful organisation of the 20th Francophonie Summit.

Son expressed his hope that PM Hun Manet, in his role, will continue directing relevant Cambodian ministries, sectors, and localities to work closely with Viet Nam to create breakthroughs in economic cooperation, particularly by accelerating transport and logistics connectivity, including the Ho Chi Minh CityMoc BaiBavetPhnom Penh expressway project. The two countries will develop border gates and cross-border trade infrastructure; and encourage proactive local-level cooperation, especially in trade, health care, and education.

He also called for strengthened defence and security cooperation, including joint efforts against cybercrime, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes; effective solutions for outstanding border demarcation issues; early signing of agreements on land border gates and border management; and continued attention to granting citizenship to all eligible persons of Vietnamese origin and facilitating their childrens access to public schools.

Hun Manet called for the continued implementation of Party-to-Party cooperation and trilateral cooperation among Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia; enhanced connectivity by road, waterway, and air; and strengthened comprehensive cooperation between border provinces in culture-education, security-defence, and combating transnational crime. He also emphasised that the Royal Government of Cambodia attaches importance to the Vietnamese-origin community and will support Vietnamese enterprises operating and investing in Cambodia.

Earlier, on November 27, Deputy PM Son and his delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, where he met embassy staff, representatives of the Vietnamese community, and people of Vietnamese origin living and working in the country. He reaffirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of strengthening and further promoting the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia, one of the top priorities in Viet Nams foreign policy, for the mutual development of both countries.

He noted that the Government is actively advancing international integration and introducing preferential mechanisms and policies to support integration, thereby creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses investing in Cambodia and other countries, while offering border provinces opportunities to proactively enhance cooperation with neighbouring localities.

Son encouraged the Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin communities in Cambodia to continue integrating well into local society, uniting and supporting one another to grow stronger, thereby contributing to reinforcing Viet NamCambodia relations.

He also visited several Vietnamese businesses operating in Phnom Penh.  VNS
VIENTIANE  A ceremony was held to inaugurate and hand over the newly upgraded Laos - Viet Nam combat alliance monument in the northern Lao province of Xaysomboun on November 28.

The event was attended by representatives of the Xaysomboun provincial authorities, the defence ministries of Viet Nam and Laos, as well as a large number of the Vietnamese community in Laos and local residents.

The project to renovate and upgrade the monument site was funded by non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government through the special task forces of the two governments. It holds profound significance, symbolising the combat solidarity and close cooperation of the armed forces and people of Viet Nam and Laos throughout history.

Speaking at the event, Major General Monekham Duongsachanh, Political Commissar of the Xaysomboun provincial Military Command, highlighted the special importance of the Lao  Viet Nam combat alliance monument project, saying that the monument will serve repatriation ceremonies of Vietnamese soldiers and experts who died in Laos during wartime and as a site to honour the heroic contributions of Lao and Vietnamese soldiers on major national anniversaries.

The great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, states, governments, and people of Laos and Viet Nam are unique in the world, the Lao officer stated, noting that Viet Nams support for Laos comes from a sincere and heartfelt bond, like that of close siblings.

Duongsachanh pledged to use Viet Nam-funded projects appropriately, expressing his hope that the two sides will continue working together to preserve and further strengthen the great Viet Nam - Laos friendship.

The project renovated 6,300 sq.m and added 2,000 sq.m of new facilities, including a 1,500 sq.m park with artistic architectural features, recreational spaces, walking paths, and a 2,000 sq.m retaining wall, at a total cost of US$1.39 million.

The monument serves not only as a cultural and historical landmark but also as a vivid testament to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, contributing to educating traditions and fostering pride among future generations, thus further promoting the sustainable development of bilateral relations.  VNS
MOSCOW  On the occasion of the fiftieth National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025), representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia visited the Lao Embassy in the country to extend their congratulations, emphasising the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and their people.

Vietnamese Ambassador ang Minh Khoi extended his best wishes to Lao Ambassador to Russia Siphandone Oybuabuddy, his spouse, and all staff at the embassy, expressing his delight at the significant achievements the Lao people have made over the past five decades under the leadership of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

The Vietnamese diplomat recalled that on November 27 in Ha Noi, a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the 50th National Day of Laos and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane, with the attendance of many senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State. Khoi stressed that Party General Secretary To Lam and a high-level Vietnamese delegation will pay an official visit to Laos from December 1-2 to join the Lao Party and State leaders and people in the great celebration.

Throughout their development journey, Viet Nam and Laos have stood side by side, nurturing the friendship laid by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane, and building the Viet Nam - Laos great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, Khoi said.

The ambassador stressed that Viet Nam and Laos are entering a new phase of development, with both parties, nations, and peoples steadfastly committed to progressing together, deepening their enduring friendship, broadening cooperation for mutual prosperity, and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

Expressing gratitude to the Vietnamese diplomat for his kind wishes, Oybuabuddy underscored that the LaosViet Nam relationship is a precious asset to be preserved and strengthened across generations. He highlighted that the two embassies have consistently fostered close ties, cooperation, and mutual support in diplomatic activities and cultural exchanges.

The Lao diplomat said he believes that his country will always stand by the Vietnamese people whenever needed, working together to build their nations.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed upcoming cooperation initiatives and activity plans for their respective embassies, aiming to further strengthen the brotherly Viet NamLaos relationship.  VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong has sent a message to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, Chair of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Coly Seck, and President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29).

In his message, the President expressed deep condolences to the Palestinian people for the tremendous loss and suffering endured during the two-year conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, injured hundreds of thousands, and caused devastating destruction in the Gaza Strip.

On this occasion, he reaffirmed the strong support and solidarity of the State and people of Viet Nam with Palestine in its just struggle for independence and freedom, especially at a time when the security situation remains complex with potential risks, despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang led a working delegation of Viet Nam to attend the 34th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Assembly (A34) and held meetings with relevant agencies in the maritime sector.

The IMO Assembly is the highest governing body of the organisation, convened every two years. All IMO member states participate to determine policies and operational budgets for the next two years. Key items on the A34 agenda included electing member states to the IMO Council (the executive body) for the 20262027 term, and adopting major resolutions related to maritime safety, marine environmental protection, maritime security, and other legal issues proposed by IMOs committees.

The Assembly also approved IMOs strategy, budget, and work plan for 20262027, as well as presented awards such as the International Maritime Prize and IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.

At the opening ceremony, Sang delivered a statement reaffirming Viet Nams strong commitment to IMO priorities, including maritime safety, environmental protection, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and sustainable maritime development.

During the session, he also met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

He emphasised that Viet Nam highly values IMOs central role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and sustainable global maritime industry. Since joining IMO in 1984, Viet Nam has been an active and responsible member, strictly implementing 24 IMO conventions and related amendments, participating in technical cooperation programmes and projects, and contributing to discussions at IMOs technical committees.

During the meeting, the IMO Secretary-General praised Viet Nams achievements in the maritime sector, acknowledged Viet Nams proposals, and expressed readiness to support the country through technical cooperation activities and by sending IMO experts to assist Viet Nam in reviewing and drafting a new Maritime Code.

On the sidelines of A34, the Vietnamese delegation held working sessions with delegations from the United Kingdom and the United States. At the meeting with the UK delegation, both sides discussed potential cooperation areas including maritime transport, inland waterways, and measures to reduce carbon emissions in line with IMOs green transition goals.

Deputy Minister Sang briefed the UK side on Viet Nams progress in restructuring administrative agencies in the maritime and inland waterway sectors, as well as ongoing amendments to the Maritime Code and the Law on Inland Waterway Transport. He also expressed interest in learning from the UKs legislative experience and implementation models.

Keir Alexander Mather, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation at the UK Department for Transport, praised Viet Nams reforms and affirmed the UKs willingness to share experience in maritime and inland waterway legislation and enforcement.

In the meeting with the US delegation, Deputy Minister Sang highlighted notable cooperation achievements, including the Viet NamUS Maritime Transport Agreement (signed on March 15, 2007), and ongoing collaboration with the US Coast Guard (USCG) through APEC programmes supporting the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) since 2006.

He also noted the rotation of port security assessment missions between the two countries, training programmes such as the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) guidance, and professional exchanges. All have enhanced mutual understanding and strengthened maritime security and safety cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue expanding collaboration in the maritime sector.

Deputy Minister Sang and Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK o Minh Hung also discussed overall bilateral cooperation between Viet Nam and the UK, particularly in maritime transport, as well as member states participation in the 34th IMO Assembly.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lams upcoming state visit to Laos is expected to generate fresh momentum for bilateral strategic cooperation, with both sides set to review and advance high-level agreements while exploring new collaboration directions suited to each countrys conditions, said Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh.

General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will pay a state visit to Laos and attend the ceremony marking the 50th National Day of Laos; co-chair the High-Level Meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party from December 12. Meanwhile Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will co-chair the 48th meeting of the Viet NamLaos Intergovernmental Committee from December 23.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the visit, Khamphao Ernthavanh stressed that the trip reflected the exceptional importance Viet Nams senior leaders place on Laos, underscoring that the neighbouring country would continue to be a foremost priority in Viet Nams foreign policy. She noted that this message would carry even greater significance amid complex regional and global dynamics, demonstrating the resolve of the two Parties and States to safeguard and further deepen their exemplary, loyal, and unique relationship.

The ambassador expressed her hope that leaders of the two countries would focus on several key issues aligned with the new phase of comprehensive LaosViet Nam cooperation.

Accordingly, both sides would review the implementation of high-level agreements and strategic cooperation projects previously approved. This would be an opportunity for the two Parties and States to assess progress, address challenges, and outline concrete steps to enhance the effectiveness of substantive cooperation.

The two sides would also hold extensive discussions on strengthening strategic connectivity between the two economies, particularly in transport infrastructure, energy, logistics, and key economic corridors. Laos highly valued Vietnamese enterprises and hoped Viet Nam would continue to be a leading partner in major infrastructure projects, supporting Laos goal of becoming a regional connectivity hub, she said.

Educationtraining, high-quality human resources development, digital transformation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges would also be areas of strengthened cooperation to meet sustainable development needs in the new period.

It was expected that General Secretary To Lams visit would generate strong impetus and a renewed vision for bilateral relations. Both countries are pursuing important development goals: Laos is implementing its socio-economic development strategy and structural reforms, while Viet Nam is advancing toward its long-term strategic goals for 2045. Effective cooperation linked with practical benefits for the people would play a crucial role in further deepening the special relationship.

The ambassador noted that during the 48th meeting of the Viet NamLaos Intergovernmental Committee, the two Prime Ministers would review the implementation of the minutes from the 47th meeting, address pending issues, and discuss new cooperation initiatives.

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh highlighted that in recent years, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam continued to grow strongly, achieving encouraging results.

Viet Nam is now one of the three largest investors in Laos, with billions of USD in registered capital across key sectors such as energy, mining, high-tech agriculture, banking, telecommunications, and transport infrastructure. Many strategic projects have been effectively implemented, contributing to Laos socio-economic development and promoting sustainable bilateral trade.

Bilateral trade has also shown very positive growth. In 2024, trade turnover reached a record of over US$2.25 billion and in just the first nine months of 2025, it hit approximately $2.36 billion, a significant increase year-on-year. Border gates and economic zones are playing an important role in boosting trade, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods on both sides.

Nevertheless, the cooperation potential remains substantial, according to the ambassador.

For the time ahead, the ambassador said Laos and Viet Nam should continue prioritising several key areas, especially transport and logistics infrastructure development, to enhance strategic connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods. Energy would also be a promising area of cooperation, given Laos strengths in hydropower and renewable energy.

Other priority areas could include high-tech agriculture and agricultural processing to produce high-value products for domestic use and export, as well as cooperation in digitalisation, education, and high-quality human resources development to support long-term development goals.

With the strong commitment of both governments and the dynamism of the business communities, she expressed confidence that economic, trade, and investment cooperation would continue to expand robustly in the coming years.

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh stressed that amid complex regional and global developments, intensifying strategic competition, and deepening global challenges, preserving the special, loyal, and pure nature of the Viet Nam - Laos relations was more important than ever.

She underscored the need for the two Parties and States to continue safeguarding their special solidarity, strengthening political trust, and maintaining frequent high-level exchanges, providing a solid foundation for overcoming common challenges and ensuring stability and sustainable development.

Both sides should also enhance comprehensive cooperation, especially in the economy, defense, security, education, people-to-people exchanges, and inter-regional cooperation. Practical, people-centred cooperation would be essential to consolidating their special relationship in a rapidly changing international environment.

She also emphasised the need to strengthen communication and education so younger generations in both countries understand the history and significance of LaosVietnam relations. Furthermore, both countries should continue close coordination at regional and international forums, sharing views on peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Over the past half-century, in its nation-building and defence efforts, Laos had consistently received valuable support from Viet Nam, she noted. These sentiments had been a profound source of encouragement, helping the Lao people overcome difficulties and achieve significant development milestones.

On the occasion of the 50th National Day of Laos, the ambassador affirmed that Laos had always cherished and deeply valued the special solidarity that generations of both countries' people had nurtured.

With the solidarity, trust, and close bond between the two nations, she expressed firm belief that LaosViet Nam relations would continue to flourish, bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the people of the two nations. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  FPT Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Viet Nams semiconductor industry at the launch of the Semiconductor Alliance organised by Vietnam National University Ha Noi (VNU) this week.

The Alliance aims to boost training, research and the supply of skilled workers for the semiconductor industry, in line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Decision 1017/QD-TTg on developing a national semiconductor workforce.

The first phase brings together more than 20 domestic and international organisations, including leading universities (VNU Ha Noi, VNU HCMC and FPT University), global partners (Sungkyunkwan University, Kumamoto University and HSE University) and major enterprises such as Viettel, FPT, Nisso and MRIV International.

Members will collaborate to share laboratories, strengthen training programmes, promote technology transfer and advise the Government on policies to support the semiconductor ecosystem.

Nguyen Vinh Quang, Director of FPT Semiconductor, noted that Viet Nam faced two key gaps: limited university-business cooperation and weak inter-enterprise links.

The Alliance provides the foundation to connect all stakeholders and accelerate Viet Nams semiconductor ambitions, he said.

FPT continues to invest in training through bachelors programmes, specialised technical pathways and international '2+2' partnerships. These initiatives support the companys goal of training 10,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, contributing to the national target of 50,000 engineers.

Since founding FPT Semiconductor in 2022, FPT has developed and exported PMIC and Power IC products designed entirely by Vietnamese engineers.

The company is now expanding into MCU, AI-on-Edge, IoT and automotive chips, while strengthening capabilities in packaging and testing to build a comprehensive 'Make in Vietnam' semiconductor product ecosystem.  VNS
News / Education

by Stephen Jakes

INSIZA - Insiza North legislator Delani Moyo (ZANU PF) has donated US$200 to St Lucy Primary School and pledged to install WiFi at Ensango Primary School, as part of ongoing efforts to support education in Ward 22.The announcement was made during two successful prizegiving ceremonies held this week, with St Lucy Primary hosting its event on 27 November, followed by Ensango Primary on 28 November.St Lucy, led by Headmaster Mr Ndlovu, and Ensango, under Headmistress Mrs Mathe, were both praised for wellorganised functions that celebrated learner achievements across academics, sports, behaviour, and attendance. Longserving teachers were also honoured for their dedication.MP Moyo, represented by his office secretary, donated US$200 to St Lucy Primary and pledged to install WiFi at Ensango to enhance access to digital learning.Further support came from Moses Langa, Chairman of the ZANU PF Youth League in Matabeleland South, who committed to funding six months of WiFi subscription once installation is complete.Ward 22 Councillor Mrs K. Dlodlo also played a key role in motivating educators and strengthening community involvement in uplifting local schools.Parents and community members contributed to the success of both events, reflecting the unity and shared responsibility that define Ward 22.The ceremonies concluded with congratulations to prize winners and calls for learners to continue striving for excellence, backed by committed teachers and community support.
HCM CITY  Biotechnology is not merely a scientific discipline but a form of strategic knowledge infrastructure essential for health, food and environmental security, while opening new economic growth opportunities.

Dr. Huynh Thanh at, deputy head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, made the remark at a national scientific conference in HCM City on November 29.

Speaking at the national scientific conference on the biotechnology development strategy for 202630, with a vision to 2045, hosted by the Viet Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM), at emphasised that the conference reflects strong political will and national development aspirations in a field widely regarded as a new engine of global competitiveness.

We must candidly identify and address institutional, infrastructure and human-resource bottlenecks that are hindering the development of the biotechnology sector, he said, stressing that biotechnology demands both long-term vision and decisive, immediate action.

If we remain focused solely on research without transforming outputs into concrete products and commercial capacity, achieving the key targets set by the Partys resolutions will be difficult, he said.

He called on VNU-HCM to strengthen its role as a leading hub for interdisciplinary research, deepen universityindustry collaboration, and promote the formation of spin-off enterprises to bring scientific findings into real-world application.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, vice chancellor of VNU-HCM, warmly welcomed delegates, stressing the importance of shaping a breakthrough strategy for the countrys biotechnology development.

The global biotechnology market is valued at US$1.8 trillion in 2025 and is expected to double by 2030, yet Viet Nam accounts for less than 0.1 per cent.

Despite strong foundations in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, with more than 250 experts and researchers, our ability to translate research into commercial products remains limited, she said.

She said the conference provides an important platform for experts and scientists to engage with industry and identify solutions to help Viet Nam join the regions leading biotechnology players.

We expect all stakeholders to join forces and pool resources to keep pace with regional peers; if we do not act now, Viet Nam risks missing the momentum of biotechnologys rapid global growth, she said.

With confidence in science and technology and the determination of the political system, she expressed hope that the workshop would generate breakthrough solutions and policy reforms to accelerate high-quality Made in Viet Nam biotechnology products.

Prof. Soo Han Sen, Programme Director of MSCSI at the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB) of NTU Singapore, said the school was advancing frontier research and training the next generation of scientists and engineers.

At CCEB, we believe interdisciplinary collaboration  spanning chemistry, biotechnology, biomedical engineering and data science  is essential to solving global challenges in healthcare, energy, food security and sustainable development, he said.

He reaffirmed NTUs commitment to equipping students through programmes such as the Master of Science in Chemical Sciences & Instrumentation (MSCSI), providing cutting-edge laboratory training, research capabilities and industry-relevant experience.

We look forward to strengthening partnerships with Vietnamese universities, research institutions and industry to foster talent mobility, joint research and innovation that benefits both our nations and the wider region, he said.

CT Group chairman Tran Kim Chung said this national conference served as a strategic forum shaping Viet Nams biotechnology development pathway in the innovation era.

The three-pillar partnership  linking the Government, academia and businesses  will be the key driver enabling Viet Nams biotechnology sector to make breakthrough progress in the coming years, he said.

CT Group reaffirmed its long-term commitment to working with central ministries and VNU-HCM, focusing on five priorities: R&D and technology transfer, biotech spin-off development, high-quality human resource training, national strategy advisory, and applying breakthrough technologies  including a national digital twin, near-space economy and quantum computing  to strengthen the countrys biotechnology capacity.

The group also called for the early launch of the Pink Sun programme, a corneal-transplant initiative that could restore sight to 600,000 visually impaired people nationwide and later expand across Southeast Asia, marking a milestone for regenerative medicine and biomedical technology in Viet Nam.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Resilience First programme, implemented by Plan International Vietnam, CARE International in Vietnam, and the Centre for Research on Initiatives of Community Development, has announced a substantial commitment of 1.4 million (US$1.62 million) in funding from Irish Aid in Viet Nam.

The announcement followed a planning event in Phu Tho Province, where partners finalised the programmes implementation plan for the next 12 months, targeting 13 communes across Tuyen Quang, Quang Tri, and Phu Tho provinces.

Deirdre Ni Fhalluin, Ambassador of Ireland to Viet Nam, said Ireland was proud to continue to support the programme.

This 1.4 million commitment reflects our dedication to safeguarding vulnerable communities against climate change and empowering ethnic minority women as leaders in their own development, she noted.

The renewed funding will strengthen local authorities capacity, support poor and ethnic minority communities in mountainous areas, and enhance resilience to both immediate and long-term climate impacts.

Ngo Cong Chinh, programme director of Plan International Vietnam, highlighted that strong collaboration among partners had improved the adaptive capacity of over 26,000 people and scaled up women-led, climate-resilient livelihood models. He added that the next phase would bring climate-smart initiatives to more communities.

During 20242025, the programme delivered significant community-led results. Under the commune-level climate change adaptation component, officials in 15 communes were trained in vulnerability analysis and developing climate response plans. More than 140 community activities benefited 1,747 people, including 732 women, through training, equipment provision, drills, and public awareness campaigns on climate change and waste management.

Under the infrastructure and capacity-building pillar, 31 micro-projects, including bridges, roads, water facilities, revetments, and reinforced disaster shelters, were completed, with 24 fully managed by communities. Nearly 12,000 residents, mostly ethnic minorities, now benefit from improved mobility, safe shelters, water and irrigation security, and expanded electricity access. A further 247 people received training in project planning and implementation, building long-term technical capacity within communities.

The programme also strengthened climate-resilient schools, assessing 32 schools and implementing plans for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.

Womens empowerment and climate-adaptive livelihoods were central to the programme. Over 1,400 participants, mostly women, received training in adaptive farming and resource management. More than 64 per cent of women applied new resilience techniques, 36 per cent reported increased income, and nearly 87 per cent said they now participate confidently in household and community decision-making.

Empowering women is an investment in community resilience. When women are equipped with knowledge and resources, they become the most powerful agents for driving local climate change adaptation solutions, ensuring communities not only survive but also thrive," said CARE Vietnam Country Director Le Kim Dung.

Mao Quoc Toan, deputy director of Tuyen Quangs Department of Foreign Affairs, praised the programmes community-based approach, noting that officials were better trained, schools safer, and womens groups more confident in economic activity. He added that the new funding is expected to "bring meaningful improvements, especially to highland communes that still face many difficulties."  VNS
Wrexham.com has invited the four North Wales Members of the Senedd to write a monthly column with updates on their work. You can find their updates  along with contributions from the Wrexham and Clwyd South MPs and MSs  here. 

In his monthly column for Wrexham.com, Welsh Conservative MS Mark Isherwood writes:

Across Wales, patients and staff say the NHS is struggling to cope. The problems are most severe in North Wales, where Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board remains under Special Measures.

When questioning the First Minister last month, I asked what action the Welsh Government is taking to reduce NHS waiting times in North Wales, before referring to the BEDS campaign, to Bring back community beds, End tragedies in A and E corridors, Decrease patient mortality by reducing ambulance and corridor waits, and locate Senior medics at the front door.

I stated that, following Welsh Government policy, they have been cutting Community Hospital Beds since 2009, and said: They now have the worst figures in Wales for corridor waits and delayed discharge of patients. I warned this would happen when I led the Community Hospitals Acting Nationally Together Cymru campaign in the noughties.

A group of retired medics and nurses have now formed an action group to try and reverse the current unnecessary situation in North Wales with their BEDS campaign, to Bring back community beds, End corridor tragedies, Decrease mortality and locate Senior medics at the front door.

I asked the First Minister why the Welsh Government has so far dismissed their calls for a meeting with the Health Secretary.

The Welsh Government has now appointed a team of experts to help the leadership of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in a bid to improve its performance.

The Welsh Government announced last month that the team of experts will include the appointment of an Improvement Director, supported by experienced operational leads, who will work alongside the Health Boards Chief Executive and Board to drive rapid improvements in key service areas.

However, as the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, has stated: This latest announcement appears to be an admission that the current highly paid leadership at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board simply isnt up to job.

What they should be doing is engaging with front line NHS staff at the Health Board to ensure that much needed changes are made, something I called for earlier this year when responding to the Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care: Update on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

In his response, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said he is already engaging with front line NHS staff in North Wales.

As I stated then, if this is the case, then it is even more concerning that healthcare professionals are still highlighting the improvements desperately needed in Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board to us!.

In the summer, the Welsh Conservatives tabled a motion calling on the Welsh Government to declare a health emergency, to ensure sufficient resources and the entire apparatus of Government is focused on reducing waiting lists and improving services. Frustratingly, our motion was voted against.

However, we continue to push for this for the sake of patients and staff throughout Wales.

In 2019 the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency. In 2021, a nature emergency was declared. It is only right that a health emergency is declared.

Meanwhile, in a further bid to improve the patient experience, last month I also called on the Welsh Government to intervene to address the lack of progress by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in developing much needed health care facilities in North Wales.

Justified frustration and anger have been expressed over the lack of progress by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in developing a new purpose-built surgery with improved access, parking and community space in Waunfawr, Gwynedd, to replace the current cramped and unsuitable premises.

This is a region-wide issue, replicated, for example, in Hanmer surgery, south Wrexham, who continue to fight a similar battle more than 11 years after the existing building was declared unfit for purpose.

Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, I said: The delays, excuses and errors behind this only add to the Primary Care shortage in North Wales and the impact this has on the regions A&E departments.

Meanwhile, cuts to Community Hospital beds have worsened delays, the Health Board received more preventable death reports from the Coroner than any other organisation in Wales, and it has a higher number of delayed discharges than any other Health Board in Wales.

Then, on 27 November, the Welsh Government announced that the publication of referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was being suspended due to concerns about the accuracy of RTT data submitted by the Health Board in recent months, pending the outcome of an external investigation into the quality and governance of its data.

This year marked 10 years since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was first placed in Special Measures  10 years of suffering for patients and their families.

There is no doubt that the staff at the Health Board are doing a sterling job, a point I stressed in the Senedd earlier this year when referring to my own experience as a patient at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, when I stated the staff were brilliant, but the system was clearly breaking.

The people of North Wales deserve so much more!
Welsh Ambulance Service launches new initiative for improved fall response

The Welsh Ambulance Service has launched a new dedicated Falls Desk to improve response times and care for people who have fallen.

More than 46,300 calls have been made to the service since January for falls, surpassing emergencies involving breathing problems (38,527) and chest pain (30,142).

The Falls Desk, based in the Trusts 999 control room and funded by Welsh Government, operates daily from 8am to 8pm and is staffed by a resource coordinator alongside a paramedic or nurse.

A resource coordinator works with a paramedic or nurse to organise the dispatch of a falls responder, like an ambulance service volunteer, a trained firefighter or a member of St John Ambulance Cymrus Falls Response Service.

Before the responder arrives, the paramedic or nurse will contact the patient to assess any injuries, assist them safely up off the floor and provide advice on medication.

Once the responder arrives, the paramedic or nurse will then assess the patients needs over the phone or via video, and work with other control room clinicians and the patients local health board to manage their care close to home.

When someone has a fall, its really important we get to them quickly or complications can start to develop within a few hours if theyre still on the floor, explained Pete Brown, assistant director of operations (Integrated Care).

In the past, fallers have waited far longer for help than any of us would like, and while weve introduced a number of initiatives over the years, the Falls Desk is a first for us.

Remote care is a huge part of how were transforming ambulance services in Wales, and the Falls Desk is an extension of that.

By drawing upon the skills of our fantastic remote care clinicians, we aim to get fallers get the right help quickly, which should not only improve their experience, but can also lead to better outcomes.

Treating more people closer to home also takes the pressure off Emergency Departments, so this is about playing our part to support wider health system too.

Ben Scott, Falls Clinical Lead at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said the Falls Desk offers safe, professional advice on how to get up off the floor or how to stay safe until help arrives.

Anyone can have a fall, but as we age, our chances increase and our ability to get up independently reduce, continued Ben.

Getting up off the floor as soon as possible, where its safe to do so, is the key to avoiding harm related to time spent on the floor.

The Falls Desk is a great initiative that helps people as soon as possible after a fall.

It offers safe, professional advice on how to get up off the floor or, if thats not possible, how to stay safe until help arrives.

Where a patient is unable to get up, our resource coordinator will quickly arrange for a falls responder to come and help.

Most falls dont result in a serious injury, but they can cause a person to lose their confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.

Improving the way we care for fallers is a top priority, but prevention starts at home, and taking a few simple steps can help prevent a fall in the first place.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

HARARE  Prominent lawyer and opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere has criticised the Treasurys proposal to introduce a progressive tax on cash withdrawals, warning that the move could discourage use of formal banking systems and fuel money laundering.

In a strongly worded post on her official Facebook page, Mahere questioned the rationale behind taxing cash withdrawals when Zimbabweans already face high bank charges.Why are you introducing a tax for withdrawing cash when bank charges are already so extortionate? she wrote, addressing Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. Can you not see that youre going to disincentivise use of the banking system?Mahere argued that in functional economies, banking earns interest, but in Zimbabwe, citizens are penalised for using formal channels. She also accused political elites of bypassing banks altogether.We know that fat cats and political elites dont bank money at all. Do you not see them dishing out piles of cash every day? she added. Youre creating a haven for money laundering.Her remarks follow the release of a budget proposal that includes a progressive levy on monthly cash withdrawals, with rates ranging from 0% to 3% depending on the amount and category (individual or corporate). The stated aim is to discourage excessive cash use, enhance transparency, and promote digital payments.Maheres post has sparked debate online, with many echoing concerns about the impact on small businesses, informal traders, and ordinary citizens who rely on cash for daily transactions.She concluded her post with a call for political renewal, stating: We need new leaders.
Assam Breaks the Silence: A Historic Strike Against Polygamy and the Exploitation of Women 2

Polygamy in Assam is not an overnight phenomenon; it is the outcome of a long, layered history where culture, migration, socio-economic factors, and weak legal enforcement all collided to create a system that silently crushed women generation after generation. When Assam passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, it wasnt a random political gesture. It was the state finally admitting a long-hidden social wound, turning towards a future where women are not treated as replaceable, divisible assets. The law signals that the era of silent suffering is over and that accountability will finally walk into bedrooms where injustice once hid behind customs and religious freedoms.

Polygamys roots in Assam can be traced back centuries. In earlier times, certain tribal communities practiced it within a structured social setup. It served utilitarian purposeslike labour sharing or resource managementand women still retained dignity and decision-making power within their clans. But what might have been a balanced, culturally contextual practice centuries ago slowly mutated into something exploitative. The deeper scars began to appear during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when waves of migration from Bengal and later East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) altered Assams demographic and cultural landscape. With these migrations came practices where polygamy was not cultural cooperation but male-centric expansion, often used to increase family size, establish economic clout, or consolidate land and political influence. Women became the silent casualties in this demographic shift.

Over time, in districts with low literacy, weak awareness, and fragile local administrative structures, polygamy entrenched itself as a kind of twisted social status symbol. A man with multiple wives was perceived as prosperous or powerful. It was a public display of male privilege masquerading as cultural acceptance. But the price of this status was paid by women whose voices were buried under layers of obedience, dependency, and social conditioning.

The situation worsened when polygamy found refuge behind religious laws. While over 130 to 140 countries worldwideTurkey, France, America, Germany, Sweden, England, Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, Italy among themhave imposed strict restrictions or outright bans on polygamy, India continued a fragmented legal system where personal laws dictated marital rights differently for different communities. This inconsistency created loopholes. It allowed certain groups to continue the practice without fear of consequences, even though the Constitution speaks of gender equality and dignity. In Assam, these loopholes became escape routes for exploitation. A man could marry a second or third time without informing the first wife. He could abandon a woman without formal divorce, leaving her economically stranded. And he could justify everything under the shield of personal law.

When women lack economic independence, social support, and legal literacy, they become easy targets. In Assam, countless womenespecially in rural beltsfound themselves trapped in marriages where their husbands brought home second wives without warning. The emotional shock is only the beginning. Once a second marriage takes place, the first wife often faces immediate financial cutbacks. Her children receive less attention, fewer resources, and weaker inheritance rights. The mans incomealready limited in many householdsnow stretches over multiple families. In such scenarios, women silently slide into poverty while the man enjoys the unchallenged privilege of expanding his household at will.

Many first wives are pushed out of the home through psychological harassment or direct intimidation. Some are labelled burdens, or blamed for not having sons, or accused of being incapable of maintaining marital harmonyall convenient excuses for a husband seeking a new, younger wife. This is not culture; this is deeply structured injustice presented under the disguise of tradition.

Societally, polygamy does even more damage. It destabilises family structures, creates rivalry among children from different wives, and fuels long-term emotional conflict within households. When two or three families compete for the same breadwinners attention and resources, instability becomes a way of life. This has implications for mental health, education, and child welfarethree pillars that decide a societys long-term progress.

At the community level, polygamy fuels population pressure. In regions where the practice is more common, population growth rates spiked far faster than the states average. More wives meant more children, which strained local resources, increased dependency on state welfare schemes, and limited upward mobility. In areas lacking strong education systems and employment opportunities, this demographic pressure contributed to deeper poverty cycles. When women have little say in family planning, population policies cannot function effectively. This is a reality Assam lived with for decades.

Against this background, the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025 emerges as a bold, long-overdue correction. The law imposes up to ten years imprisonment for men who enter a second marriage while concealing an existing one, and two years of imprisonment with heavy fines for village heads, kazis, priests, or parents who knowingly facilitate such marriages. This directly targets the ecosystem that enables polygamynot just the act itself. It breaks the chain of social sanction by holding intermediaries accountable. When a priest, kazi, or village elder fears jail time and a personal fine of one to one-and-a-half lakh rupees, the casual acceptance of polygamy collapses.

The law goes a step further by removing state benefits from offenders. Anyone convicted will lose the right to government jobs, welfare schemes, and even the right to contest elections. This may sound harsh, but lets face the truth: a person who cannot remain loyal to one family, who deceives and destroys the life of a woman who trusted him, shouldnt be sitting in public office or enjoying taxpayer-funded benefits. Accountability begins at home. When a man destabilise his own household, society has no reason to trust him with broader responsibilities. What truly shifts the balance is the support promised to victims. Women subjected to polygamy will receive legal assistance, financial support, and protection from further abuse. This empowers them to step out of silence. This is not just prohibition; it is rehabilitation. The state is not punishing and walking awayit is rebuilding the lives of those who were harmed.

Globally, the trend is clear: countries that value womens freedom, economic independence, and human dignity have rejected polygamy because it is fundamentally unequal. It reduces women to commodities, divides families, and weakens social stability. Even many Islamic countries have introduced strict restrictions, requiring judicial permission or the consent of the first wifesomething rarely given. The world has moved on, because societies that treat women as equal partners progress faster in every measurable way: economy, education, health, and innovation.

India cannot claim to be a modern, forward-thinking nation while allowing loopholes that jeopardise womens basic rights. Equality cannot be selective. If men and women are equal citizens, polygamy cannot survive. Assam has taken the first courageous step, and it will not remain confined to one state. Other states will inevitably follow, because social justice moves slowly but decisively. Once one pillar falls, the old walls cannot stand.

The truth is simple: polygamy is not tradition; it is an outdated power structure. It does not protect culture; it protects male privilege. It does not strengthen families; it fractures them from within. And it does not honour women; it reduces them to silent spectators in their own lives.

Assams new law marks a turning point. It restores dignity to women, stabilises families, and sets a national precedent that exploitation cannot be hidden behind the veil of custom. It is a reminder that societies evolve not by preserving everything from the past but by discarding what harms the future. Assam choose courage over convenience, justice over silence, and fairness over fear.

When the pages of history are written, this moment will stand outnot as a legal reform, but as a social awakening. A state finally stood up and said, Women are not options. They are individuals with rights, dignity, and agency. And that statement is long overdue, not just for Assam, but for India.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Plea Seeking Ban on Female Genital Mutilation 2

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea seeking a nationwide ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice reportedly prevalent among sections of the Muslim community, particularly the Dawoodi Bohras.

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan issued notices to the Centre and other respondents on the petition filed by Chetna Welfare Society, an NGO arguing that FGM is not an essential religious practice and violates the rights of children.

The plea states that while India has no specific law banning FGM, the act constitutes offences under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 113 and 118, relating to causing hurt.

It adds that under the POCSO Act, any non-medical touching of a minors genitalia amounts to an offence. The petition also cites the World Health Organization, which classifies FGM as a grave human rights violation, and highlights global conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantee bodily integrity and protection from harm.

Calling FGM a serious health hazard, the plea notes risks including chronic infections, childbirth complications and long-term physical and psychological trauma.

The matter will next be heard after the Centre files its response.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: British playwright Tom Stoppard arrives at Westminster Abbey for a memorial service for theatre great Sir Peter Hall OBE on September 11, 2018 in London, England. Sir Peter Hall was the former director of the National Theatre and founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He died on September 11, 2017 aged 86. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images

Academy Award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard has died, CBS News reported.

Known for his screenplay Shakespeare In Love, he was 88.

United Agents said in a statement Saturday that Stoppard died peacefully at his home in Dorset in southern England, surrounded by his family.

He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him, the statement said.

Stoddard was celebrated by many as the greatest British playwright of his generation.

Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him. pic.twitter.com/c9c2Y3ohZn  Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) November 29, 2025

Mick Jagger called him his favorite playwright on X, posting He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him.

RIP Sir Tom Stoppard, 88.

Oscar-winning literary genius, and one of the worlds greatest dramatists.

What a writer! Sad news. pic.twitter.com/vBDYLZ7JnM  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 29, 2025

Piers Morgan labeled him an Oscar winning genius and one of the worlds greatest dramatists. What a writer! Sad news.

Stoppard first worked as a journalist before turning to theater in the 1960s.

His plays were on a variety of subjects: Shakespeare, science, philosophy and the historic tragedies of the 20th century. Five won Tony Awards for best play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in 1968; Travesties in 1976; The Real Thing in 1984; The Coast of Utopia in 2007; and Leopoldstadt in 2023.

Stoppard was also an uncredited writer for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

He was born in the Czech Republic in 1937. His family fled to Singapore after Nazi Germanys invasion in 1939. He, his brother and their mother fled again when Japanese forces closed in on the city in 1941. His father died trying to leave the city. His mother married an English officer in 1946, and the family moved to postwar Britain.
A man was fatally shot by police Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Birmingham's Kingston community. (Carol Robinson)

A man was fatally shot by a Birmingham police officer in the citys Kingston community late Friday night.

The shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m. outside an apartment in the 800 block of 45th Street in the Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes public housing community.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said South Precinct officers were dispatched to the 900 block of 46th Street North on a report of multiple rounds detected on Shot Spotter.

They arrived to find a crowd of people arguing in the 800 block of 45th Street North.

Officers approached the crowd when a crowd member informed an officer that a man was armed with a gun.

The officer encountered the man, and during the encounter, the officer shot the man, police said.

Officers provided life-saving measures to the man at the scene. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel then transported the man to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Fitzgerald said officers recovered a handgun on the scene.

The officer who shot the man was wearing a body camera, which was activated.

Witnesses said they heard arguing before police arrived and then a single gunshot after officers got there.

Videos posted to social media showed a chaotic, emotional scene.

A man was fatally shot by police Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Birmingham's Kingston community. (Carol Robinson)

Friday nights shooting happened one month after a woman was killed by Birmingham police on the citys eastside.

In that case, Chief Michael Pickett released body camera footage within just over 48 hours of the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vanessa Ragland.

The footage showed the officer, who responded to a 911 call of a domestic dispute at a Brunson Avenue, on the floor of a bedroom, struggling with two women on top of him, before he fired three shots and killed Ragland.

A chaotic struggle scene unfold in a tight space inside the small home, and Ragland had gained control of the officers Taser stun gun, the video showed.

The investigation into Friday nights deadly shooting is ongoing.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe, which is standard for most shootings by police.
The rock climber was with a group of people at Ruffner Mountain on Thanksgiving Day. Joseph Goodman

A man was hiking and rock climbing with friends at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in Irondale on Thursday when he lost his grip and fell roughly 30 feet.

Thats according to Irondale Battalion Fire Chief Brian Anderton, who described the incident on Thursday to WBRC. Around 12:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, a group of about 15-20 fire and rescue crew members responded to the report at Ruffner Mountain.

The first responders brought the man out on a stretcher from the trailhead and he was then airlifted to the hospital. It is unclear which hospital he was taken to.

According to WBRC, the man is now in stable condition.

A spokesperson for the city of Irondale could not immediately be reached for comment.

A lieutenant with the Irondale Fire Department told AL.com on Friday that he didnt have more details about the incident because the personnel that responded to it were off duty today.

He was with his father at the time and others when he fell, per media reports. Anderton urged hikers and climbers to never do so alone.

Dont come out here by yourself. Please dont come out here by yourself, Anderton told WBRC. Come out here with friends, family or at least let somebody know where youre at so, that way, if something happens, they can get in touch with us.

The Jefferson County Greenways is a public-private partnership created to preserve Ruffner Mountain, as well as Red Mountain Park and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

Ruffner Mountain is a historical mining site with a quarry and unseen hazards; the only safe, authorized areas for visitors are the marked trails, said Lori Wood, the organizations spokesperson said in an email to AL.com.
Tiffany Edwards said she and her three children almost lost their home after the Jefferson County Housing Authority ended its Continuum of Care program due to federal funding gaps. Alaina Bookman

Tiffany Edwards used to greet her children every day after school on the porch of their red brick house north of Birmingham.

Now shes working 12-hour shifts and missing time with her kids to maintain the roof over their heads and keep up with the ever-mounting bills.

After moving from home to home and battling addiction for a decade, Edwards found hard-fought stability for her three children.

The Continuum of Care, a program that helped thousands of people out of homelessness across the nation, was a key part of that stability.

Gaps in federal funding for the housing program can leave some of the nations most vulnerable people to drown.

Its demise put Edwards in a precarious situation.

I dont want to be left in the blind and dont want to have an eviction and Im left wondering about what Im gonna do with me and my three children, Edwards told AL.com.

The beginning of the end

Jefferson County Housing Authority representatives said they could not sustain their Continuum of Care program due to lack of funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Alaina Bookman

In March, a letter arrived from the Jefferson County Housing Authority telling Edwards in big bold letters that she would no longer have help paying the rent: Effective June 1, 2025, you will no longer be a participant of the Continuum of Care

The federally funded Continuum of Care program once helped 370 households  585 people, including 128 children and teens  find safe and affordable homes in Jefferson County through housing choice vouchers.

Representatives of the Jefferson County Housing Authority said they had to end their Continuum of Care program because the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development didnt provide enough funding to sustain it.

The only options really were for [Housing and Urban Development] to fund us exactly what we needed and none of this would have taken place, said Hannah Gore, the executive director of the housing authority.

When the program ended, the housing authority and local homeless organizations helped more than 200 participating households find alternative resources and housing.

But others fended for themselves.

A representative of One Roof, a local homeless relief organization, said it is unknown exactly how many individuals were left without housing options or resources since the programs end.

Edwards is one case that slipped through the cracks, leaving her worried about what comes next.

If its underfunded, things are going to fall through the cracks. Its not a perfect system, and we never claim it to be, Gordon Sullivan, One Roofs executive director, said.

We try our best, because truly, at our core we believe everyone deserves to have a safe place to call home.

Why it matters

One Roof is the lead agency for the Central Alabama Continuum of Care program which provides housing assistance for those in need. Alaina Bookman

The Continuum of Care has 400 programs nationwide, including nine in Alabama, which have helped thousands of people around the country out of homelessness since 1994.

Communities and organizations come together to provide outreach, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing for those in need.

For Edwards, the Continuum of Care gave her one less thing to worry about by ensuring her rent was paid in full every month.

Without the program, some families would be left with few options.

And some may even return to homelessness.

From 2023 to 2024, central Alabama saw a 7.8% increase in homelessness.

In January 2025, One Roof counted about 810 people who were homeless in the city of Birmingham, Jefferson, St. Clair and Shelby Counties. Because the count is done on a single night, One Roof says it is likely an underrepresentation of the realities of homelessness in the area.

Of the 810 homeless individuals, 518 were Black, 82 had serious mental illnesses, 71 were under the age of 18, and 61 were adults with substance use disorders.

The Continuum of Care helps provide stability to people in need, like Edwards and her children.

A safe place to sleep

Tiffany Edwards said she and her three children almost lost their home after the Jefferson County Housing Authority ended its Continuum of Care program due to federal funding gaps. Alaina Bookman

From 2006 to 2015, Edwards struggled with drug addiction, moving from home to home in west Birmingham.

It was a lot of hanging with the wrong people in the wrong crowd, living the fast life. Thats how I ended up getting addicted, Edwards said.

She said Continuum of Care, which she joined in 2018, was her saving grace.

I went to treatment to get myself together for not only myself, but for my children, Edwards said.

In recovery, they say get away from familiar people, places and things.

Jefferson County Housing Authoritys Continuum of Care helped Edwards, her daughter and two sons move from the West End to find stable housing in Center Point by providing her a housing choice voucher and paying her rent.

It gave me the outlook to continue to move forward and attempt to try to get things together, Edwards said.

But other bills kept coming.

Edwards daughter was born prematurely, weighing only a pound and three ounces. Now 8 years old, she has cerebral palsy, which limits her mobility, and learning disabilities.

Edwards is often in and out of the hospital with her daughter and says she needs to be home to attend to her special needs.

Her only source of income was her daughters disability payments, about $960 a month.

I couldnt find a job. With that program, I was secure enough where we at least have somewhere to stay. We wont be homeless because my rent was taken care of, Edwards said.

It gave me that comfort and support.

But behind the scenes, funding was drying up.

How it fell apart

In Alabama, there is no state budget line item for homelessness relief, which Sullivan says makes resources and services uncertain.

Continuum of Cares sole source of funding comes from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development through a competitive grant.

One Roof is the lead agency for the Central Alabama Continuum of Care program, which includes 67 partner organizations and the Jefferson County Housing Authority.

In 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Central Alabamas Continuum of Care Program $10.3 million, which each partner agency can apply for.

Sullivan said that money is only a drop in the bucket, to tackle homelessness across the region.

As a system of care, we are woefully underfunded. I would say we only receive maybe a third of what we really need, Sullivan said.

The amount of money a program can receive depends on a strict set of guidelines set by the federal government.

The guidelines include serving people who are chronically homeless, meaning unhoused for over a year, and providing participants costly and labor intensive wrap-around services like employment, legal and medical support.

Those guidelines limited the federal dollars the housing authority received because they operated solely by providing housing vouchers and rent assistance.

There was no way that we could push our program into that mold and make it fit. And they did not accept the fact that this is the way we operate, said Diane Clark, the human resources director of the housing authority.

What housing authorities do is not consistent with the way those programs operate.

Without additional funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program couldnt go on.

There honestly was not another alternative, other than get the money that we needed, but we wouldnt have been in compliance, Gore said.

So we had to just start taking people off the program. That was the only wayIts very, very, very unfortunate for the participants.

The end of the program

Jefferson County Housing Authority representatives said they could not sustain their Continuum of Care program due to lack of funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Alaina Bookman

In 2024, the Jefferson County Housing Authority made the difficult decision to opt out of the Continuum of Care.

To close out the program, the housing authority broke the participating households into three groups: those who could survive without the program, those who would need additional assistance and those who would need the most help.

On Aug. 7, 2024, the housing authority sent out 100 letters to the first group of households, informing them that their last rental payment would be made on October 1, 2024.

But that was only the beginning.

In January 2025, the housing authority, One Roof and the Department of Housing and Urban Development began helping more than 200 participating households find viable housing options and resources.

In March 2025, Edwards, who was in the second group of participants, received her letter from the Jefferson County Housing Authority telling her that her saving grace would no longer exist.

I started immediately feeling stressed, trying to figure out what Im gonna do, how Im gonna do it, if I could afford to even stay in the house, Edwards said.

How would she find a viable job? Who would take care of her daughter? Would the changes burden her sons? Would they have enough to eat? These were all questions Edwards said she didnt have the answers to.

In May 2025, the Jefferson County Housing Authority sent letters to the final group of 100 households telling them that the funding had officially run out.

With help from the housing authority, some participants were transferred to different housing programs. Others moved in with relatives. Some got help from partner agencies that aid in homelessness outreach like the Lovelady Center and the JBS Mental Health Authority.

According to Gore, the housing authority helped more than 200 households find alternative housing and resources.

One lady has ended up with a houseand her community has come in to support her, Clark said

Another individual is in a wheelchair and he was absolutely franticWe have been able to give him a mainstream voucher so he will continue to get help.

Gore said the process was long and heartbreaking.

It took forever, but we tried to have a plan for everybody, Gore said.

We have been very hands-on with this, because we actually care. We have a conscience. We know that these are people, these are families, Gore said.

But not everyone found a solution.

Edwards said neither the Jefferson County Housing Authority nor One Roof reached out to offer help or resources, despite her calling and sending emails.

We have lost sleep, Clark said. The whole thing is tearing us apart emotionally, and its very frustrating that we cant do anything about it.

All the while, Edwards was also losing sleep.

A precarious situation

Tiffany Edwards said she and her three children almost lost their home after the Jefferson County Housing Authority ended its Continuum of Care program due to federal funding gaps. Alaina Bookman

For months, Edwards was behind on rent, putting her daughters disability payments toward keeping the lights on, the water running and food on the table.

Once you pay the bills, within that first week, youre broke, and youre looking like a deer in headlights, Edwards said.

She said her days were like a constant rollercoaster, trying to figure out what to do.

Finally, in September 2025, after a lucky break, things changed for the better.

Edwards landlord helped her find a job as a caretaker for the elderly.

It was the grace of God that I ended up running across it[The landlord] has been extremely helpful, going over and beyond to try to help me to be able to stay, Edwards said.

I even called One Roof to try to get assistance and I still havent heard anything from themIf it wasnt for [the landlord] helping me, wed be on the streets.

Even with her new job, Edwards said its been hard to get back to normalcy.

As a caretaker, she works 12 hour shifts, sometimes longer, running back and forth from her clients homes to her own to spend what little time she has with her children.

Edwards said she worries the United States Social Security Administration will deduct from her daughters disability payments because of her new job, even though it doesnt pay much.

Without the Continuum of Care, her utility bills and daughters medical bills are still piling up.

Spending long days at work, being in and out of the hospital with her child, having no family to rely on for child care, and not knowing where to turn for resources, Edwards said, has left her treading water.

The week of Nov. 17, One Roof reached out to Edwards to connect her with rent assistance resources.

Edwards said its only led her to more unanswered calls and waitlists.

Ive been depressed, but one thing that I refuse to do is to relapse, Edwards said.

I just want to be able to smile again.

How to get help

One Roof is still assisting Jefferson County clients and anyone in need of housing assistance or resources.

Anyone who is at risk of becoming homeless or is already currently experiencing homelessness can contact One Roof through their website or at 205-254-8833.

The Lovelady Center offers women housing assistance, educational and career programming, counseling and medical treatment. Visit their website or call 205-833-7410 to learn more.

JBS Mental Health Authority offers case management to those with mental illnesses, providing transportation, referrals and support. Those experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call their crisis center at 205-263-1701.

One Roof has created a list of community resources including where to go for emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, substance use treatment programs, transportation, mental health and youth services.

Click here to find affordable housing options near you.
U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade emplace a Patriot radar system under night conditions, July 19, 2025. The Janus Program, the Armys next-generation nuclear power program, aims to deliver secure, resilient, and reliable energy to support national defense installations and critical missions. US Army

All the members of the Alabama congressional delegation signed a letter in support of Redstone Arsenal as the site of a micro nuclear reactor.

The delegation sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll highlighting the Arsenals qualifications to host a future Microreactor Power Plant site as part of the U.S. Armys Project Janus.

Project Janus is the Armys initiative to develop and deploy next-generation nuclear power technology. The project would help provide secure, resilient, and reliable energy to power military installations, independent of the commercial grid, U.S. Rep. Dale Strongs office said.

A Federal Center of Excellence, [Redstone Arsenal] is home to approximately 65 tenant units across the federal government and a workforce of almost 46,000 personnel. Selecting [Redstone] as a site for Project Janus would benefit not only the U.S. Army, but also the Joint Force and interagency partners, including NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, FBI Redstone, and U.S. Space Command, read the letter said.

The installations core mission areas include space operations and missile defense, RDT&E, intelligence, and homeland defense, which are among the nations most critical, making the energy resilience provided by the [microreactor] essential for uninterrupted operations.

Redstone Arsenal is one of nine installations under consideration to host a future Micro-Reactor Power Plant. The Army expects to select three installations to host the pilot program by mid-2026.

Redstone Arsenal has the people, the expertise, the infrastructure, and the mission set to ensure Project Janus success, said Strong, who represents north Alabamas 5th Congressional District where the Arsenal is located. North Alabama is ready to support this pilot program, and I will continue working to ensure Redstone remains at the top of the list.

We were proud to learn that Redstone Arsenal was one of nine installations the Army identified for potential deployment and use of microreactor power plants to support national security objectives and mission-critical operations, Redstone Arsenal spokeswoman Amelia Hice told AL.com. This is an important step in a long-term effort to advance our nations energy resilience through next-generation nuclear technology. If Redstone Arsenal is selected, we expect the Janus Program will deliver resilient, secure, and assured energy to support our mission in support of national security and defense.
President Donald Trump is facing a backlash from many over the use of a slur for people with intellectual disabilities to describe Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a post of Truth Social on Thanksgiving.

But some of his supporters have also cheered him on in social media posts.

Mediaite reported Friday that during a segment on CNN, Joseph Moreno  a conservative military veteran and former federal prosecutor  lamented that Trump called Walz, a Democrat, seriously retarded on Thanksgiving Day. Trump insulted the Minnesota governor in the middle of a rant about Somali refugees in his state, in comments in the wake of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom being fatally shot in Washington D.C. this week.

In response to host Boris Sanchez, Moreno called the slur absolutely indefensible, and youre sitting at the Thanksgiving table, and your family and friends say, How can you possibly support an administration that comes out with messages like this? Its not easy.

Moreno wasnt the only conservative who was put off by Trumps comment. Earlier on Friday, Indiana state senator Michael Bohacek announced that he would not be supporting the presidents push for mid-decade redrawing of U.S. House district boundaries due to his insulting and derogatory remarks. Bohacek noted that he was particularly sensitive to the intellectually disabled community given that his daughter has Down Syndrome.

Walz himself hit back on Friday, The Hill reported.

Release the MRI results, Walz wrote on the social platform X. Trump said last month that he underwent an MRI as part of a visit to Walter Reed Military Center, but the White House has not revealed the results of the scan.

The Atlanta Black Star called Trumps Thanksgiving post shocking, even by his standard.

The Black Star stated the post was filled with hateful accusations and racist rhetoric about Black immigrants and people of color from third-world nations.

The message was filled with anything but the traditional holiday spirit Americans have been accustomed to from the leader of the free world, the publication said.

Reality Teas Joe Lefevre raised the question of whether the presidents rants could be signs of cognitive decline, pointing back to Walz calling for the release of Trumps MRI.

But the president had plenty of support on X:

Walz has intellectual disabilities. And the Somali's were no refugees. They lied on their asylum claims, they have defrauded actual US Citizens of billions in their fraudelnt schemes. Lets just get them back home to Somalia, where lies and theft are part of everyday Somalia.  Republican Party of Calumet County (@CalumetGOP) November 29, 2025

Republican Party of Calumet County, @Calumet GOP posted Walz has intellectual disabilities. And the Somalis were no refugees. They lied on their asylum claims, they have defrauded actual US Citizens of billions in their fraudelnt schemes. Lets just get them back home to Somalia, where lies and theft are part of everyday Somalia.

Love it!! Any person who puts tampons in a mans bathroom is retarded! It refers to one who is developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired or intellectually disabled. Walz is all of that!! Accurate description!! https://t.co/6OqiLZRrVc pic.twitter.com/LjjPfthTv9  Ron Creque (@CrequeSr) November 28, 2025

Alabama resident Ron Creque, @CrequeSr, posted Love it!! Any person who puts tampons in a mans bathroom is retarded! It refers to one who is developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired or intellectually disabled. Walz is all of that!! Accurate description!!
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The brand new original holiday movie The Snow Must Go On premieres on the Hallmark Channel Friday, Nov. 28 at 6/5c.

Starring Heather Hemmens and Corey Cott, The Snow Must Go On follows a former Broadway star as he agrees to direct his nieces high school Christmas musical in hopes of impressing an influential Broadway producer.

How to watch The Snow Must Go On

Cord cutters looking to catch this Countdown to Christmas release and other upcoming Hallmark Channel holiday releases can stream the popular network through a plethora of streaming platforms, some of which offer free trials to new subscribers.

Fubo considers itself a sports-oriented streaming platform, but with over 100 live TV channels included in its lineup, the popular streaming service offers a variety of content to explore. Fubo has an ongoing free trial available for new subscribers, and though priced at $84.99 a month, a current promotion offers new users $30 off their first month in addition to the free trial.

DIRECTV is similar to Fubo as it offers many of the same channels and helpful features like unlimited cloud DVR storage. Along with its four streaming packages that start at $89.99, DIRECTV also offers its subscribers the ability to customize their content even more through genre packs, which limits filler channel overload. The platform offers a 5-day free trial, and to make it even sweeter for new users, DIRECTV is slashing $40 off new subscribers first month, meaning users can start streaming for just $49 a month.

Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $33 a month, subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more. Subscribers can also access HBO Max and discovery+ content with a Philo subscription.

Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99.

More about The Snow Must Go On

Isaiah Heyward last appeared on Broadway almost 10 years ago. Since then, getting back on Broadway has been a challenge. To escape the grind of the city and reevaluate his life, Isaiah visits his sister, Jess, and teenage niece, Aurora, in upstate New York for the holidays. Despite his visit being pleasant, his yuletide respite is interrupted when he learns Auroras high school may have to cancel their annual Christmas musical because they cant find a director.

With a nudge from Aurora and the schools guidance counselor, Lilly-Anne Brigente, Isaiah decides to save the Christmas show and jumps in as director. Isaiahs situation gets a little more complicated when he learns that an influential Broadway producers daughter is in the school production, so Isaiah decides to cast himself as the lead in order to land a part in an upcoming Broadway show.

While the curtain rises on rehearsals and the Christmas Eve opening night fast approaches, Isaiah finds some Christmas surprises of his own, as he stumbles upon an unexpected romance with Lilly-Anne, creates an unanticipated bond with his students, reassesses his priorities and ultimately discovers that the greatest holiday gift is found when love, family and friendship takes center stage.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

BINDURA - Police in Mashonaland Central are appealing for public assistance after human remains were discovered in a field near Ezekiel Guti University.The remains were found on 26 November by local farmer Patrick Musa, who was ploughing his periurban plot located approximately 600 metres from the universitys durawall.According to police, the bones were scattered, with no flesh or clothing, and have since been taken to Bindura Mortuary for safekeeping.We urge anyone with a missing relative or any information that may assist in the identification of the deceased or in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death to urgently report to ZRP Bindura or the nearest police station, said Assistant Inspector Chigwenhese.The discovery has raised concern in the community, and investigations are ongoing to determine the identity of the deceased and the cause of death.
Alone, Donald Trump will not change our national mood. Tens of millions are permanently disenchanted. The America of today is light-years away from the America I grew up in. Its not so much our demographics, or our failed education system, or our tilt towards socialism. Its not that millions are confused as to their sexuality.

Of course, its all of this and more, but what allowed these fracture lines to develop and grow rapidly can likely be traced to the fact that all of the systems that once upheld America are collapsingand thats happening because cultural relativism forces us to pretend that they have no value.

Image created using AI.

Witness so many vital metrics in freefall, buttressing the belief that whatever we are doing isnt working. Yet, institutional inertia keeps pushing us down the same dead-end paths leading to failure:

1. Spending both personally and within our federal government beyond our means undermines our future, as interest on the debt has reached ridiculous levels, making us vulnerable to economic blackmail and economic slavery.

2. After two generations of public education spiraling out of control, Johnny has been left with a substandard education, unpayable debt, and failing on a hyper-competitive world stage.

3. America is no longer the competitive leader it once was. To the extent we compete at all, too many of our leaders are recent arrivals. Worse, we have virtually capitulated entire essential industries to dubious offshore locales, and management, under the flag of globalization.

4. We Balkanized our country, with millions entering our country as economic migrants not intending to assimilate, harboring ill feelings towards our institutions, people, and American-style norms.

5. Companies have a mission statement; why doesnt America have one? How much longer can we remain Americans without shared values and goals?

Part of the problem is that moral relativism tells Americans that no one political system or set of values is better than another. Cultural relativism is not a sign of progress but rather a dismantling of our moral and cultural foundations. The erosion isnt abstractits visible, tangible, and operationally consequential. When we welcome in people from dysfunctional countries and insist that their ways are equal to our better than our highly successful ways, weve got a problem.

Or, as one friend said to me: Millions of uneducated, and uneducable (low-IQ), invaders, propagating like rabbits, are rapidly eroding the pillars of our society. Can anyone really make the case that its not so?

We cant be the home of individualism and dependency at the same time. Its inconsistent with our values, allowing millions of our citizens to live drugged lives as wards of the State. We wont survive doing your own thing, featuring antisocial or destructive behavior undermining our core beliefs. Our government must end encouraging, allowing, funding, or tolerating anti-American activities. Doing so is cultural suicide, not freedom. Freedom must espouse life-affirming behavior, or its a dead end.

Our acceptance of cultural relativism reflects a foundational tension in moral philosophy and cultural governance. Our way, the old way, had virtues that, when erased, will destroy us. Moral truths are objective, not contingent on cultural trends. What was considered moral 50 years agofidelity, patriotism, traditional family structuresshould still be upheld.

These values are aligned with tried and true, successful systems:

Natural law theory (Aquinas, Locke): Morality is discoverable through reason and universal human nature.

Deontological ethics (Kant): Moral duties are inarguable and not subject to fickle cultural reinterpretation.

Traditional conservatism: Institutions and norms evolved for a purpose and exist for a reason.

Critics speciously argue that morality must respond to new understandings of harm, autonomy, and justice. Thats hogwash, and fundamental truths dont change because some past moral precepts may have excluded or oppressed certain groups (e.g., racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, women). The principle that all men [that is, all humans] are created equal, is an exemplary one, untainted by early American failings to abide by it.

Cultural Relativists believe feelings or shifting norms override reasoned moral foundations. Traditional views are reframed as outdated or harmful, even when theyre logically coherent. Conservatives are attacked and labeled as bitter clingers or deplorables, science deniers, and white supremacists. When was the last time you heard of anyone accused of a hate crime for uttering any of these derogatory and hateful phrases, thrown like so much confetti by the left?

Conservatives are not just defending traditionwere defending moral epistemology grounded in reason and permanence. I see cultural relativism as the opposite of progress, as it dismantles our shared moral foundations. That erosion isnt abstractits visible, tangible, and consequential.

Since America has embraced the lefts cultural relativism, weve seen the decline in American institutions as described above. These, in turn, reflect more fundamental societal failures:

Breakdown of family structures: Declining marriage rates, rising single-parent households, and the redefinition of family norms.

Erosion of civic trust: Institutions once seen as neutral arbiterslike the courts, universities, or the pressare now viewed as ideological enemies.

Moral incoherence: Public standards that shift rapidly, where yesterdays consensus becomes todays heresy.

Normalization of disorder: From urban crime and drug use to public vulgarity and the collapse of decorum in politics and media.

These arent just aesthetic concernstheyre operational markers of social cohesion, institutional legitimacy, and intergenerational continuity. Thinkers from Roger Scruton to Thomas Sowell have warned that when societies abandon objective moral anchors, they dont become freerthey become more chaotic, more tribal, and more vulnerable to authoritarianism masquerading as liberation; sound familiar?

We can observe the inevitable moral paralysis, institutional fragility, and massive civic fragmentation that always follow in the wake of cultural relativism. If all values are equal, then none are defensible. Without shared norms, law and policy become tools of factional power. A society without moral consensus becomes a battleground of identities and grievances.

Can a society survive without shared moral absolutes?

None that I know of. We are well along the way to becoming the next failed society.

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.
In the shadow of well-meaning slogans and impassioned rallies, a quiet crisis is brewingone that threatens the very systems built by generations of American workers. Social Security and Medicaid, two pillars of our social contract, are facing demographic and fiscal strain.

At the same time, a growing political movement seeks to legalize millions of illegal aliens, offering them a pathway to citizenship and, eventually, access to these entitlement programsprograms to which they havent, or have barely, contributed. The moral impulse behind this push is understandable. But the economic consequences, especially for older Americans and the rising generation, are rarely discussed with honesty.

Image created using AI.

We can explore the question of naturalizing those who entered the country illegally through the lens of simplicity and critical thought. I have witnessed rallies across the nation, crowds of retirees and working-class citizens standing shoulder to shoulder, passionately endorsing illegal immigration and denouncing ICE as if it were an occupying force.

Many of these same citizens, I suspect, have spent three, four, even five decades faithfully contributing to Social Security. Their payroll taxes were mandatory. Their sacrifices were tangible. Their commitment was unquestionable. Yet few seemed to recognize that the very system they labored to sustain now stands at risk of destabilization by the very policies they so fervently champion.

Lets be clear: illegal aliens are not currently eligible for Social Security or Medicaid. But if legalized and eventually naturalized, they would become eligible, and thats where the tension begins.

The Contribution Gap

It is undeniable that many individuals residing in the country illegally do, in fact, pay taxes. Some file returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), while others are employed under borrowed or fraudulent Social Security numbers. According to estimates from the Social Security Administration, illegal alien workers contributed more than $26 billion to the trust fund in 2023 alone.

Yet this headline figure conceals a deeper reality. Millions of others remain outside the system entirely, working off the books, paid in cash, and contributing nothing to the tax base or social safety net. This shadow economy not only undermines fairness but also erodes the integrity of the system itself.

Moreover, every position filled by someone who is in the country unlawfully represents an opportunity denied to an American citizen. Jobs that could provide stability, dignity, and upward mobility for legal residents are instead diverted, creating a silent but significant displacement in the labor market.

Even among those who do pay, the duration and amount of their contributions often fall short of whats required to sustain long-term benefits. Social Security is not a welfare program; its an earned benefit. The average American worker contributes for decades before drawing retirement income. Legalizing millions of illegal aliens who have only recently begun contributing, or who may never meet the full eligibility criteria, creates a fiscal imbalance. They will receive more than they paid in, and someone else will have to make up the difference.

That someone is the American citizen.

The Hidden Costs of Compassion

Supporters of mass legalization often argue that immigrants will bolster the workforce and stabilize entitlement programs. After all, most illegal aliens are of working age. But this argument ignores the wage suppression and job displacement that often accompany large-scale immigration.

Harvard economist George Borjas found that illegal immigration reduces wages for low-skilled native workers, particularly those without high school diplomas. In sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality, American citizens are increasingly displaced by cheaper, illegal labor. This not only erodes wages but also undermines the tax base needed to fund Social Security and Medicaid.

Moreover, the fiscal drain extends beyond payroll taxes. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates a lifetime net cost of $68,000 per illegal alien, largely due to low education levels and higher use of means-tested programs. Medicare, in particular, faces pressure from emergency care provisions and long-term eligibility expansions. Legalization would only accelerate this trend.

Intergenerational Consequences

The most troubling aspect of this debate is its impact on generational equity. Older Americans, many of whom support illegal migration policies out of compassion or nostalgia, may not realize that their benefits are at risk. Social Security is already projected to run short by 2033, triggering a 23% cut in benefits unless reforms are enacted. Adding millions of new claimants, many of whom contributed far less, will force painful choices:

Raise the retirement age to 68 or beyond.

to 68 or beyond. Increase payroll taxes on younger workers.

on younger workers. Reduce benefit formulas for future retirees.

for future retirees. Means-test benefits, undermining the universality of the program.

These changes wont affect the wealthy. Theyll hit the middle class, the very people who built the system and now rely on it. And theyll hit the rising generation hardest, forcing them to pay more for benefits they may never receive.

Why the Silence?

Why dont we talk about this? Why do older Americans, who have the most to lose, support policies that could erode their own retirement security?

Many see immigration through the lens of their own family historiesgrandparents who came through Ellis Island, parents who worked hard to build a better life. They forget that those immigrants came legally, often with sponsors, and without access to entitlements. Todays immigration landscape is fundamentally different.

Another reason is media and political messaging. The debate is framed as compassion versus cruelty, not sustainability versus collapse. Few politicians dare to speak the truth: that compassion without contribution is a recipe for fiscal ruin.

Finally, theres a disconnect between policy and personal impact. Retirees may assume their benefits are locked in, unaware that future COLA adjustments, spousal benefits, and lifetime caps could be trimmed to accommodate new claimants. They may not connect their decades of contributions to the redistribution effects that legalization could trigger.

A Call for Critical Thinking

The older generation and the younger generation alike are, perhaps unknowingly, supporting their own financial demise at the expense of illegal aliens who should not be in the country to begin with. The question must be asked: why cant they see beyond the talking points? Why do so many blindly support policies that will affect them deeply laterpolicies that will erode their retirement, suppress their wages, and burden their children?

America is a nation of immigrants, but also a nation of laws, systems, and promises. Social Security and Medicaid are not infinite wells. They are fragile compacts between generations. To preserve them, we must confront hard truths, not just comforting narratives.

Americans need to think with clear heads, not heated emotions. If millions of people who entered the country illegally are naturalized, workers nearing retirement will see their benefits erode, while younger workers will face higher taxes to sustain the system. The younger will pay, the older will sacrifice, and everyone in between will bear the burdenwithout having truly consented to these outcomes. What was once designed as a safeguard for those who worked and sacrificed may instead become a mechanism of redistribution, eroding the very promise of security it was meant to uphold.
This is an abridged version of an essay that ran in the weekly subscribers-only American Thinker newsletter. Subscribers not only get unique, original content from the AT editors, but they also have an ad-free experience and the ability to leave comments. Subscribe here.

The Dems have always been adept at playing dirty. There is scarcely a single epoch of American politics since 1828 that doesnt feature a titanically corrupt Democrat capable of vast crimes committed in order to remain in power and make a profit doing so. But old-time Dems knew there were limits. You didnt try to steal a presidential election. You didnt undermine the foundations of the system itself. You didnt try to annihilate the opposition. You gave lip service to the verities and generally tried to project a front of high-minded virtue, giving lip service to established values even as you defied them.

Image created using AI.

In recent decades, though, Democrats have dumped all ethical pretenses in favor of utilizing any tactic, any strategy, to gain and maintain power, and to squeeze out every last dime and every last privilege, no matter what the cost to anybody else.

The entry of ideology into everyday politics has rotted everything it touched. A system infected by it is ruined and best destroyed in hopes of protecting everything else. It could be any ideologyright, left, centerthe effect is the same. But America has suffered the grave misfortune of contracting possibly the worst form: leftism, that is, socialism based on the Marxist dialectic.

As is true of all previous casesthe USSR, Red China, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Cuba, Nicaraguathe key element is the control of everything, whether its political in the accepted sense or not (the personal is the political is one of the root concepts here). Everything outside of the ideological structure is a target, against which any tactic can be justified.

Richard Daley knew where to stop. Zohran Mamdani does not.

Theres no question that the Dems will eventually go over the edge. Its going to happen. Its baked into the very process of adapting leftism. The only questions are when and what do we do about it?

Those questions were lent particular urgency this past week by two breaking events: Mark Kelly, the Kosmik Kid, advising the rank-and-file military to consider mutiny, and Minnesota judge Sarah West throwing out a jury verdict in favor of allowing the criminals to walk, all because they were Somalis, and thus not subject to the white mans laws.

Kellys action was a perfect example of an own goal. Astro Man was looking back at Mark Milleys treachery while chairman of the Joint Chiefs, when, in the last days of Trumps first term, he informed the Chinese that he personally would stand like Horatius to prevent Trump from attacking them.

What Space Boy learned from Milley is that its all theater, and that you can say or do anything at all and then shrug and walk off afterward, just as Milley did. Kelly didnt care about the position in which this put on-duty troops and America itself.

Troops are now trapped between suspicion from the civilian administration that they serve, and mistrust for their own commanders, who, like Milley and Kelly, could sell them out for cheap political purposes at the drop of a Ranger beret. In this world of confrontation and tension, our kids in uniform do not deserve this. But thats one of the things that Kelly doesnt care about. (This is not even to mention the glee that our adversaries must feel at seeing the morale of our troops gutted.)

As for Minnesota, whats involved here is a legal case concerning Promise Health, a bogus health care outfit (there are apparently dozens of these in Minnesota) run by a Somali immigrant, Abdifatah Yusuf, and his wife. Promise had received $7.2 million in federal funding that was supposed to go to members of the Somali community, but which Yusuf and his wife blew on frivolities. (Which is relatively harmless. In some other cases, money went to Islamist terror groups.) The case was so open and shut that the Minnesota jury spent only four hours deliberating before finding Yusuf guilty.

Which is when Judge West stepped in to flip the verdict and cut Yusuf loose. No legal reasoning, no serious explanation. (She did admit that she was troubled by the theft, though.) Its obvious that this is simply the latest example of a plethora of cases based on the proposition that illegals are not subject to American law and can do pretty much whatever they damn well please.

Youll recall the 2015 case of Kate Steinle, a young San Francisco woman shot to death before her fathers eyes by an out-of-control illegal. It, too, was an open-and-shut case  nobody denied that he fired the shots. But in 2017, the jury freed him anyway, in a verdict explicitly intended to send a message to Donald Trump. More recently, we have Judge Hannah Dugan, who aided an illegal to flee from ICE agents waiting to arrest him outside her courtroom.

There is a concept called stochastic terrorism, in which overheated, extreme rhetoric, or actions by establishment figures in politics, media, or the law, create a climate in which unbalanced members of the public  the mentally ill, the obsessive, the fanatical  are encouraged to carry out atrocious acts that might never have occurred otherwise. Its a form of terrorism that seems to arise spontaneously and mysteriously out of nowhere, but in fact is the direct result of demagoguery by supposedly uninvolved public figures.

Itll come as no surprise that most of the stochastic terrorists on record have emerged from the Left. James Hodgkinson, Stephen Paddock, Thomas Crook, Luigi Mangione, and Tyler Robinson can serve as examples. Note that many of these cases involve lots of head-scratching in the media  and even in law enforcement  as to the motives of the shooter. Note also that many of them are brushed off the headlines in short order, becoming back-page items, and sometimes not even that.

Both the Kelly and West cases represent stochastic terrorism. I contend that Kelly, West, Slotkin, Goodlander, and the rest are effectively acting as terrorists in their rhetoric and activities. I contend that their total irresponsibility, recklessness, arrogance, and narcissism are endangering the country over the long term and threatening unsuspecting individuals with injury and death, all in the pursuit of goals utterly alien to the people they claim to serve.

Where will all this lead? Where can it lead? In the historical record, one can find several incidents known under the rubric of great fear, when universal social panic drove entire societies into actions they would later regret. One of these occurred in France in 1789, another in the American South in 1861. None has gotten the study that all unquestionably deserve, but there exists little doubt that the wild rhetoric of the revolutionaries in France and the slaveholding aristocracy in the South played serious roles in triggering these frenzies.

This is the worst-case scenario. More likely is a continuing state of rising tension, with growing animosity, more frequent violent outbreaks, and attempted or even successful assassinations. Consider the two National Guardsmen shot by a crazed Afghan this week, only days after Kellys statement. It could be a coincidence, but it could easily be an indirect product of Kellys reckless blather. We dont know, and we cant know. Thats one of the more ominous aspects of stochastic terror  its the butterfly effect of political violence, in which cause and effect are lost amid the chaos of real life.

Its good to see Kelly being spanked in the public sphere and being investigated by the Pentagon. Judge Dugan was suspended and is currently facing trial. The same treatment should be given to Judge West.

Pam Bondi and her team have been doing yeoman's work in dismantling the judges revolt against the administration, but she needs to shift from defensive to offensive to nip all this in the bud. Pols and judges actively and blatantly breaking the law is not the kind of thing that can continue. By its very nature, its a problem that will eventually solve itself, but not in a way that will be pleasant to witness.
In a move that underscores a commitment to transparency and proper presidential authority, President Donald J. Trump announced on Nov, 28, 2025, the nullification of executive orders and other documents from the Biden administration that were signed using an autopen without direct presidential involvement.

"I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally," Trump stated in a post shared via the White House's official X account.

This declaration highlights longstanding concerns about the authenticity of signatures during Biden's term, suggesting that aides may have overstepped by using the device without explicit approval, potentially compromising the integrity of key policies.

The autopen, a mechanical tool designed to replicate a president's signature for efficiency, has been a fixture in the White House since the mid-20th century. First popularized under President Franklin D. Roosevelt for wartime correspondence, it allows leaders to handle voluminous paperwork remotely.

Legal experts have long affirmed its use, as outlined in a 2005 Justice Department opinion during the George W. Bush administration, which deemed autopen signatures valid for legislation if authorized by the president.

However, Trump's announcement pivots on the allegation that Biden's team bypassed this critical step, estimating that up to 92% of Biden's directives were handled this way.

This raises questions about whether such actions truly reflected the will of an engaged executive, especially amid reports of Biden's delegation-heavy approach.

Trump's initiative builds on his first-term practices and second-term promises to streamline government and reverse what many see as burdensome regulations.

Upon returning to office in January 2025, he swiftly revoked numerous Biden-era orders on issues like border security, energy independence, and federal equity programs -- moves praised for restoring focus on American priorities.

The latest blanket revocation targets an estimated 149 out of 162 executive orders from Biden's presidency, including those on environmental protections, vaccine requirements, and diversity initiatives in government contracting.

Supporters argue this ensures that only duly authorized actions endure, preventing unelected staff from wielding undue influence and safeguarding the constitutional chain of command.

Reactions from Capitol Hill and beyond reflect the polarized landscape, yet many view the move as a bold correction to perceived administrative overreach.

Figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have echoed sentiments that this could extend to revisiting other autopen-affixed decisions, such as pardons, to uphold accountability.

On social media platforms like X, discussions have surged, with users highlighting the need for presidential oversight in an era of complex governance.

One post noted, "Every time Trump has done an executive order/pardon you see him signing it. He is not using autopen," emphasizing a contrast in leadership styles.

Viral memes and commentary, such as "Arrest the AutoPen," capture the public's frustration with what some call a "puppet presidency," fueling calls for greater scrutiny.

Critics, including Democrats, have labeled the announcement as unnecessary theater, with former President Biden dismissing it as baseless.

Legal scholars point out that while presidents can rescind prior orders, challenging them solely on signature method is uncharted territory. "Autopens have been used by every modern president," noted one expert, though acknowledging the debate over authorization protocols.

Environmental and civil rights groups are preparing challenges, arguing that abrupt changes could disrupt ongoing programs tied to international commitments like the Paris climate accords.

Yet, proponents counter that such reversals allow for policies better aligned with economic growth and national security, free from what they describe as unchecked bureaucratic expansion.

The broader implications touch on executive power in a divided nation. Trump's post, garnering millions of views, amplifies discussions about trust in government processes.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has commended efforts to "restore presidential integrity," while international outlets report allied concerns over potential shifts in aid and trade directives.

Domestically, federal agencies are reviewing impacts, potentially pausing initiatives on green energy and immigration that many conservatives argue have strained resources and borders.

At its heart, this development addresses deeper anxieties about leadership authenticity during Biden's tenure, marked by perceptions of heavy staff reliance amid health speculations. White House logs suggest routine reviews, but investigations have uncovered instances of autopen use for sensitive matters, prompting Trump's team to act decisively.

This isn't unprecedented -- presidents often undo predecessors' work, from Obama's reversals of Bush policies to Trump's dismantling of the Iran nuclear deal. However, the scale here emphasizes a return to hands-on governance, appealing to those who prioritize direct accountability.

As courts prepare for inevitable challenges, possibly escalating to a Trump-influenced Supreme Court, the episode reinforces the dynamic nature of American policy. Federal actions embedded in law may require congressional input to fully unwind, but the initial stroke signals a proactive agenda.

For many, it's a welcome reset, clearing the path for initiatives focused on prosperity and sovereignty.

Trump framed the action as essential housekeeping, a "beautiful resolute" step toward efficient rule. In a time of rapid change, it reminds us that enduring policies demand unquestionable legitimacy. As 2026 approaches, this could energize efforts to fortify borders, boost energy independence, and curb federal overreach - priorities long championed by those seeking a stronger America.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License




In the wake of Hong Kong's terrible, seven-tower Tai Po fire, which killed at least 128, the Hong Kong people impressed many with their spontaneous charity towards their fellow citizens, setting up donation centers, finding housing for the burned-out homeless, including domestic servants, sheltering the pets, feeding firemen, and more.

Then their ChiCom rulers showed up, and it all got ugly.

I'm not talking about the ordinary people of China, of course, many of whom rushed to donate supplies, too -- or even local officials of nearby Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong. They rapidly lined up fire trucks to help assist the effort -- and apparently were turned down by foolish local officials, although some may have belatedly gotten across the border.

But Beijing itself is where the problems are now coming from.

Start with their troll farms, which rapidly began to mock Hong Kong when the fire broke out.

While firefighting operation was still going on in Hong Kong, China state media https://t.co/DvcoqY5S0u "coincidentally" posted a video of Hong Kong char siu (roasted pork).

The comment section took every chance to make fun of people suffering from the deadly fire. pic.twitter.com/41DsQVYI4o  The Great Translation Movement  (@TGTM_Official) November 28, 2025

That was just their sick-humor appetizer.

Then the ChiComs started abusing the Hong Kongers for helping out their fellow citizens in selfless civil society efforts. Instead of praising them, as any normal leaders would do, they hurled abuse at them, calling them rioters and national security threats. Seem the state is the only benefactor of the people, so of course they view the self-help groups as a threat. They rightly view these sovereign citizens as the antithesis of their model and they clearly intend to stop them.

Surprise surprise. The Hong Kong police is now treating the mass self-mobilisation of citizen-led volunteers in aid of victims of the Tai Po fires as a national security threat, with Chief superintendent Lee Kwai-wah (who is sanctioned by the US for his leading role in Beijings pic.twitter.com/aplgBY0NBa  Kevin Yam  (@kevinkfyam) November 29, 2025

Hong Kong's CCP mouthpiece Wen Wei Po published an article, declaring that "remnants of the black-clad riots" & "yellow persons" have infiltrated the relief efforts of the Tai Po fire, citing residents who saw people wearing black masks, reminding them of 2019 "troublemakers". pic.twitter.com/mQpW2JuXVi  Razven (@RazvenHK) November 29, 2025

Next up, a Hong Kong school kid started a petition calling for transparency in the investigation, an important petition because many Hong Kongers believe that cronyism set the conditions for the fire -- the Hong Kong residents of the complex that burned in Tai Po had warned for more than a year that the netting on the buildings during renovation were not fireproof and the workers were out there smoking. Their concerns went ignored.

Hong Kong university student urges govt to respond to 4 demands in aftermath of fatal Tai Po fire. In full: https://t.co/jhriFLW2WE  Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) November 29, 2025

In national security law-era Hong Kong, the following four demands (in the aftermath of the super deadly Tai Po fire) are apparently seditious: https://t.co/wFzTCfYEib pic.twitter.com/MthfzNqsRh  YTSL (@FY4Chan) November 29, 2025

What happened to the kid? He was arrested and hauled off by Beijing's henchmen.

@inmediahk reports that HK university student Miles Kwan, who was seen handing out fliers demanding an independent investigation and accountability for the Tai Po fire was detained and taken to the police station. The online petition and related media has since been deleted. pic.twitter.com/pmpaSySTJK  Razven (@RazvenHK) November 29, 2025

#HongKong: a founder of a petition for the government to address four demands on follow-up work to the fire has been taken in by national security police#WangFukCourt #TaiPohttps://t.co/PyyLlnnnO7  Ross Feingold () (@RossFeingold) November 29, 2025

Lastly, let's not forget about the bamboo controversy. Beijing is blaming the spread of the fire on the complex's bamboo scaffolding, (rather than the untreated netting) and calling for metal scaffolding to replace it. That stinks of cronyism in the extreme, in that China has been trying to beef up its declining steel industry by replacing the strictly Hong Kong craft of creating bamboo scaffolding with steel. Fact is, it is is stronger than steel and didn't burn very much at all in the fire. Beijing is beating the drum of dangerousness, which it clearly is not. Hong Kongers see right though this ruse and horrifically enough, know there's not a thing they can do about it. This is the ugly face of Beijing again, feeding on the fire for its own purposes.

Image: Screen shot from X video
The notion of America being a nation of immigrants is -- and always was -- a little bit misleading.

According to Mark Steyn, even as late as the 1990s, the majority of the people in the United States were descendants of those here before the Declaration of Independence.

That's right, as recently as three decades ago, most U.S. citizens were descendants of Europeans and Africans who arrived here prior to July 4th, 1776.

Now, thanks to many possibly well-meaning but misguided Republicans, and Democrats searching for a dependable permanent electorate, we are ever more like a nation of third world Muslim tribes who have no familiarity with, nor fondness for, freedom, entrepreneurship, or limited government of, by, and for the people. The bigger the government, the smaller its citizens.

Our ancestors once sailed here on ships like the Mayflower. But the flower of our youth has wilted, the melting pot has been cast aside, and the liberty ship is sailing away. The shining city on the hill is plagued with rampant crime, homelessness, sloth, dependency, and hopelessness. The land of the free and the home of the brave is turning into the land of the wee and the home of the depraved.

I dont like this any more than you do.

But there is an answer to this problem that is at once easy and hard: refuse to tolerate it! Decline to nod along with your Aunt Karen as she recounts how the Reagan administration was good for the rich but not so good for the poor and middle class. (Not true.) Dont let your professor indoctrinate you. Dont be taken in by fake news (which is the overwhelming majority of what gets called news in the mainstream media. Get involved with local politics.

And tell the truth. Always and no matter what, consequences be damned.

Swamp dwellers, Democrats and Republicans alike, view the Truth as an existential threat. Because it is. To them. But it is just what can set us free again. Eventually. If we hold firm to our beliefs.

As I have repeatedly noted on this site, diversity is neither a value nor a virtue. As Steyn has repeatedly stated over the years, diversity is where nations go to die.

The choice is clear: we can be a nation of (illegal) immigrants or a nation of citizens. If we choose the former, we wont be a nation much longer, period.

Image: Library of Congress, via Picryl // no known restrictions
Barack Hussein Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize despite a record of non-achievements. Obama was nominated just days into the start of his presidency in 2009, and, in the intervening years, there were no substantive accomplishments pertaining to peacemaking beyond the eloquent rhetoric that marked his campaign and the eight years of his presidency. The Nobel committee, whose membership were Scandinavians with a white guilt complex, decided that the Peace Prize should go to Obama because he was a non-white person who spoke of lofty ideals.

Similarly, President Donald J. Trump praised Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the Democratic-Socialist mayor-elect of New York City, who has made persuasive statements about affordability regarding housing, food, and transportation, without presenting a plan for how he intends to make it happen. The Hills 11/21/2025 headline read, Trump offers praise for rational Mamdani in remarkable White House meeting. Trump added, I think youre going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor.

Like Obamas lackluster term in office, Mamdani has done nothing to merit the presidents praise. His tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2021, the only political position he has ever held, was absent any significant achievements.

New York City has never had a Muslim mayor. Mamdani embraces the red and green ideologies of the radical left, which is anti-capitalist and pro-Islamism. Ironically, it was Trump who called Mamdani a communist and, in his first term, denied U.S. entry to those Muslims applying from terror-supporting Muslim states.

Mamdani openly supports the Hamas terror group, which the U.S. government has listed as a terrorist organization. He co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at his alma mater, Bowdoin College. SJP is a rabidly anti-Israel and antisemitic movement responsible for organizing the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish riots that have been taking place on American campuses since October 7. Columbia University was the site of student encampments where Jewish students were harassed and intimidated as they attempted to walk to class. Coincidentally, it is where Mamdanis father, Mahmood, teaches, participated in pro-Hamas demonstrations, and called Israelis Nazis while calling for the dismantlement of the State of Israel. Zohran supports the BDS campaign against Israel and accuses Israel of committing genocide and being an apartheid state while calling for a global Intifada.

Mamdani, a relative unknown up until his decision to run for mayor, lives in a rent-controlled apartment and entered the campaign season with more than $20 million. Of note is the connection his mother, Mira Nair, a filmmaker, has with Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamed Al-Thani, sister of the ruling emir of Qatar, who has supported Nair with millions of dollars. According to the Middle East Forum, some of his support came from controversial extremist organizations including ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America), a Muslim nonprofit that terror experts identify as the North American branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, a violent South Asian Islamist group.

Although President Donald Trump, a native New Yorker, wants the best for NYC, his praise of Mamdani, who has failed to denounce the Gaza terror group and pledged to arrest Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, came off as legitimization. Moreover, a day after his friendly engagement with President Trump, Mamdani was quoted by NBC News as saying that he still believes that President Donald Trump is a fascist and a despot.

Unlike Obama, Trump does deserve the Nobel Prize for Peace. The Abraham Accords are a significant Middle Eastern agreement between Israel and four Arab-Muslim states (Bahrain, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates; Sudan did not ratify the accords, as it is in the midst of a civil war). In recent days, Trump has met with Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in the hopes of having him join the Abraham Accords. He has been in discussion with Indonesia as well.

There is a point of convergence regarding Obama, Trump, and Mamdani: Muslim immigration into the U.S. According to the Daily Wire, President Obama made it abundantly clear that one of his primary goals for his presidency was to force the United States to be more diverse, less racist, less xenophobic, and particularly less Islamophobic. By the end of his presidency the Daily Wire was projecting that he would have issued more than 1 million green cards to Muslim migrants. This projection was based on a report done by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and National Interest, which analyzed publicly released data from the Department of Homeland Security. The study found that from the time Obama first came into power until the end of FY2014, he issued a total of 832,014 green cards to migrants from Muslim countries, most of whom came from war-torn and terror-plagued regions, including Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, and Somalia.

As previously noted, during his first term, Trump ended Obamas flooding of America with Middle Eastern Muslims. However, President Biden continued where Obama left off. Mamdani was able to capitalize on the influx of Muslims into the city. According to Google, as of 2025, New York City is home to an estimated 900,000 to 1 million Muslims, which represents more than 10% of the citys population. Of those who voted, most if not all of them voted for Mamdani. There are lingering questions as to whether some of those who voted were legally eligible and if voting regulations were duly enforced.

The other point of convergence is the Emirate of Qatar. President Obama maintained a strong strategic partnership with Qatar, centered on security, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. Qatar invested billions in U.S. major companies, American universities, and other educational institutions and paid enormous sums to build up its image as well as buying off politicians. President Trump recently signed an exchange agreement deal with the Qataris worth $1.2 trillion. The Qataris also gave the U.S. a gift of a Boeing 747-8 luxury jetliner, which the Trump administration accepted.

The operative question is whether Trumps praise of Mamdani is to please the Qataris. The litmus test will be if the Trump administration designates the entire Muslim Brotherhood  whose primary funder and promoter is Qatar  as a terrorist organization.

The Nobel Peace Prize was wrongly given to Obama. Is Trump trying to appease the Muslim world and Mamdani in order to get that prize?

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Democrats and academiaI know: whats the difference?excel at several things. Among them are election fraud, whataboutism, hating America and Americans, embracing Americas enemies and warping language. It is the latter that allows them to define the terms of any debate, and often, to win it.

Thats perhaps their most common social science tactic, where they have long invented terms like gun violence, and even argued that silence is violence. If you dont agree with their lunatic positions, even if you say nothing about them, youre somehow engaging in violence. Nothing but full-throated praise for their moral and intellectual superiority will suffice, but even that doesnt work. Theyre never satisfied and their enemies cant bleed enough.

Theyve coopted science, proclaiming pretty much anything they dont like as a disease, a pandemic. Dictionary.com defines pandemic thus:

adjective (of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area.

In this case, the pandemic certainly encompasses Minnesota, which is neck in neck with California, Illinois and New York for going too far in going too far honors. The University of Minnesota informs us of a newly discovered pandemic:

Graphic: X Post

Wow. I, an old white guy, had no idea. The University helpfully explains:

Racism is an epidemic (CDC, 2021) that can also be considered a pandemic given its large cross-national proportion and spread (APA, 2020). However, there is another pandemic lurking behind and driving the racism pandemic  the Whiteness Pandemic. Whiteness refers to culture, not biology: the centuries-old culture of Whiteness features colorblindness, passivity, and White fragility, which are all covert expressions of racism common in the United States. Naming the Whiteness Pandemic shifts our gaze from the victims and effects of racism onto the systems that perpetrate and perpetuate racism, starting with the family system. At birth, young children growing up in White families begin to be socialized into the culture of Whiteness, making the family system one of the most powerful systems involved in systemic racism.

While the University website is not comprehensively specific, theyre drawing from a long list of the evils of whiteness, such as this one, which provides a relatively comprehensive list of things that must be abolished if whiteness is to be conquered. Here are a few:

*Rugged individualism

*The nuclear family

*Emphasis on the Scientific Method, including objective, rational, linear thinking and cause and effect relationships

*The history of western civilization

*The Protestant work ethic

*Christianity

*Respect for authority

*Private property

*Planning for the future

*Delayed gratification

*Time management

*The rule of law

*Use of standard English

*The written tradition

*Politeness

The evils of whiteness which the University of Minnesota would have us believe are synonymous with racism and systemic racism are all of these and more. In essence, the values and behaviors that have built the most free, peaceful, just and prosperous society in human history, values and behaviors that produce individual and societal success. Meet Dr. Gail Ferguson, the primary discoverer of this new contagion:

Graphic: X Post

As one might imagine, at least part of the cure for this pandemic involves supporting race hustlers like Ibraham X Kendi and Black Lives Matter, and presumably taking University of Minnesota classes from people like Dr. Ferguson. But waitas they say on TV infomercialstheres more!

Of course, the only solution to this "problem" is the dismantling of the family system. Socialists, of course, hate the family and always have. In New York, Zohran Mamdani's Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) backers have made the abolition of the family a plank in their platform, and for many of the same reasons. They, too, believe it perpetuates racism and capitalism, and they seek to destroy it.

What a coincidence! Democratic Socialists are not only Islamists and Communists theyre epidemiologists too. Who coulda thunk it?

One might find irony in that the Culture and Family Life Lab seeks to eliminate American culture and the nuclear family, but such people are immune to irony, even as theyre not immune to whiteness. But then, Democrat outrage and manipulation of language have always been selective and ever subject to change without notice.

As for me, Ive become comfortable with being an old white guy who loves my family, appreciates the wonders bequeathed me by western civilization, has learned to delay gratification, fully supports the rule of law and the use of standard English in speech and writing, pays his bills and taxes, is relentlessly polite with everyone and manages time quite well, thank you. If that makes me white and racist, Ill somehow manage to live with that.

And speaking of time management, I have a deadline, so

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Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
(For more on the ramifications of the Autopen order, check out this post.)

Revelations about President Joe Bidens cognitive decline have exposed an autopen presidency run by unelected aides. Exclusive footage from the Oversight Project shows former Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients and others admitting they propped up a president increasingly unable to perform his duties.

NEW VIDEO: Watch our exclusive extended footage of Biden aides admitting how they propped him up as he declined.



Makeup, teleprompters for small fundaisers, limiting events, stage-managing appearances, reducing his workload, avoiding interviews, even seeking Hollywood's help for pic.twitter.com/fK9i08tKmd  Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) November 29, 2025

Thousands of documentsincluding executive orders, pardons, commutations, and judicial commissionswere signed by machine rather than by Biden himself.

Yesterday, November 28, President Donald Trump declared all documents bearing Bidens autopen signature terminated and of no further force or effect. He estimated that up to 92% of Bidens official actions relied on the device, accused aides of running a shadow government, and warned of perjury charges if Biden denies the facts.

The Constitution (Article II, Section 3) and federal statutes (e.g., 1 Stat. 281 [1792]; 28 U.S.C.  172; 5 U.S.C.  2902) require the President to personally sign commissions, which must then bear the Great Seal. Chief Justice Marshalls opinion in Marbury v. Madison (1803) holds that an unsigned commission is invalid and confers no authority. Trumps order applies this principle across the board.

The Oversight Project found that aides used at least three different autopen patterns. Of Bidens 160 executive orders, most were machine-signed. More than 4,200 pardons and commutationsincluding 80 full pardonswere issued without Bidens review, some while he vacationed in St. Croix. Internal emails show staff altered clemency lists on their own authority.

The practical consequences are sweeping: All 237 Article III judicial appointments, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons, now lack valid commissions and can be vacated.

Open-border policies (e.g., mass parole programs and Operation Allies Welcome) that admitted millions of unvetted migrants lose their legal footing.

Temporary Protected Status grants for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, Somalis, and others are revoked.

Green-energy subsidies, DEI mandates across federal agencies, and certain foreign-aid commitments can be immediately unwound.

Critics predict chaos and promise lawsuits. Democrat lawmakers, the ACLU, and allied groups are already preparing challenges in friendly venues such as the D.C. District Court and the Ninth Circuit. They will argue that autopen use has been routine since the Jefferson administration and cannot be retroactively invalidated.

Yet historical practice never extended to clemency or judicial commissions on this scale, and no prior president was documented as cognitively incapable of reviewing what he signed. With a 6-3 conservative Supreme Court majority that has repeatedly curtailed nationwide injunctions and deferred to executive authority in immigration and national-security matters, prolonged delay is unlikely.

For four years, staffers wielded presidential power while shielding an impaired leader from public view. Trumps decree ends that arrangement in a single stroke. By insisting that only documents personally signed by a competent president carry legal force, he restores the constitutional chain of accountability.

The republic does not run on autopilot. In invalidating the autopen legacy, President Trump has reaffirmed that the executive power belongs to the person the voters chosenot to the aides who kept the chair warm while the country drifted.

Image created using AI.
(For more on the ramifications of this order, check out this post.)

On Thursday, I wrote that leftist judges on the bench are creating a form of tyranny, for they have arrogated to themselves the constitutional power of the Executive branch of government. There is no more balance. According to the Democrat appointees on the bench, none of Trumps actions are solely within the discretion of the democratically elected chief executive. Instead, all are subject to judicial review and approval.

Image created using AI.

The day after I wrote that essay, Trump issued a statement via Truth Social voiding every document that was signed with an Autopen during Joe Bidens presidency and threatening Biden along the way:

Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated, and of no further force or effect. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States. The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him. I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally. Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Some have pointed out that this order is merely performative, since one president can always undo anothers executive orders.

As an aside, that line of argument is untrue. As weve seen, district courts have repeatedly held that Donald Trump cannot reverse the executive orders of previous presidents. Thats the special unwritten Donald Trump rule. Their rulings are always dressed up in fancy language and erroneous legal arguments, but the net result has been that what other presidents do, Trump cannot undo. (ChatGPT struggles with this concept, but you can get the idea of whats going on here.)

More important than that arguments inaccuracy is a practical reality: Voiding all of Bidens Autopen signatures doesnt just end policy Executive Orders. In theory, it also ends every judicial nomination Biden made, from Ketanji Brown Jackson on down.

This matters a great deal, not just because of Jackson, but because Biden was able to nominate the largest number of federal judges in a single term since the Carter administration, 235 in all. Most of them have proven to be distinguished only by their diversity, not their intelligence, legal acumen, or fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.

I didnt come up with this argument on my own. Others immediately noticed the ramifications of the Autopen order. However, since I first saw this theory in a social media post by Christina Aguayo, I will use her well-analyzed, balanced post to examine the argument. So far, I havent figured out what the holes are (if any exist) that make her argument too good to be true:

#news Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson could be in danger of losing her seat if a staffer used the autopen to sign the commission for Article III judges. #DC This after President Donald Trump announced that he will be invalidating any documents that were signed with the autopen. Some are now saying that this could potentially include hundreds of federal judicial commissions. Trump says that up to 92% of Biden's documents were signed with the autopen, and without his personal approval or knowledge, rendering them "null and void" under longstanding federal law. Among the high-profile figures potentially affected is Supreme Court Justice Jackson, whose 2022 commission was signed during Biden's early-term push for DEI. #Trump Trump frames the autopen controversy as a "shadow government" scandal, accusing Biden's aides of exploiting the 82-year-old Democrat's cognitive decline to bypass constitutional safeguards. "The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him," Trump said, promising perjury charges against Biden if he denies staff overreach. The president's plan builds on statutes tracing back to 1792, and codified today which mandate that judicial commissions be "signed by the President" and sealed with the Great Seal of the United States. #ChristinaAguayoNews Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution reinforces this by requiring the president to "commission all the officers of the United States." In the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that a signed commission completes an appointment, vesting the officeholder with authorityimplying that the autopen could jeopardize enforceability. Biden appointed 235 Article III judges during his term, embedding progressive priorities into the federal courts for generations. Conservatives argue many selections, including Jackson's, were based on ideological alignment over rigorous vetting, contributing to rulings perceived as activist on issues like immigration and Second Amendment rights.

Naturally, the matter will end up before the Supreme Court, and thats where things get interesting. Jackson will have to recuse herself, leaving a six-to-two conservative majority. If the conservative justices were like leftists and ruled solely according to their political orientation, all those leftist federal judges, including Jackson, would be gone.

However, conservative justices dont rule that way. They actually follow the law. Moreover, Roberts, Gorsuch, and Coney Barrett have proven to be very wary of upsetting any apple carts, no matter where the law leads, and they often get Kavanaugh to trail in their wake.

That means that the squish conservatives might find a way to stop Trump from invalidating the Autopen signatures, even though Bidens mental incapacity and testimony about his disconnect from every document that the Autopen signed should void all those documents. The American people elected Joe Biden, but unelected shadow figures were running the government, with Biden as their puppet.

However, the one thing that might help the squish conservatives is the fact that Jackson has proven to be a nightmare on the Court, controlled by feelings, not facts or law, and seemingly written by AI in teen mode. The always sweet Coney Barrett brutally slapped her down, and, as Jackson attacks her colleagues on the left, even they seem to have had their fill of her. The opportunity to rid themselves of this troublesome judge might steer them into correctly applying Article II, Section 3, and Marbury v. Madison.

Things are about to get very interesting.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Retailers are refusing to slash the prices of sanitary wear in the wake of a 15 percent cut in import duty.Renias Mundingi, Southern Africa Aids Dissemination Service (SafAids) senior programmes officer, said the lack of follow up on the pricing regime was hindering the fulfilment of the right to sexual and reproductive health for young girls in Zimbabwe."After lobbying, the ministry of Finance scrapped 15 percent import duty but now retailers are refusing to lower prices," Mundingi said "If we approach government, they say we played our part."There is need for a lot of enforcement from organisations like Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ)."A dollar maybe cheap for some but it is a lot of money for many young women," he said during a media briefing to highlight the successes of the Young 4 Real Programme.Mundingi said the options for young women were limited amid rampant poverty and unemployment in the country."It is real that most young women are using rags while some are resorting to leaves (during their menstrual cycle)," he said.Recent surveys by the Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods have shown that thousands of young girls miss up to 24 weeks of school because of their inability to control their menstrual flow due to lack of access to affordable and healthy sanitary wear.Gender activists have been pleading with government to scrap taxation on sanitary products to make it more affordable to under-privileged young women.Prices of sanitary pads on the local market range between a $1 and $3 for a pack.On average, every monthly cycle requires two packs.No comment could be from Health minister David Parirenyatwa, whose mobile went unanswered.
American Airlines is expecting delays over the holidays as a major software issue grounds hundreds of planes.

The carrier told The Independent Friday that a software change has impacted 209 Airbus A320 jets, less than the 340 initially identified.

As of Friday night, fewer than 150 affected planes still need to have their software updated.

We expect the overwhelming majority of those [software updates] to be completed today and through the night, with only a handful remaining for completion tomorrow, American Airlines said.

The software issue comes at a chaotic time for airlines as 6 million U.S. travelers fly domestically over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association.

American Airlines is expecting delays over the holidays after a major software issue grounds hundreds of planes (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)

Safety will always be our top priority, and we thank our customers for their patience during this unexpected event, the carrier said.

Delta Air Lines also expects some of its planes to be affected by the software issue.

"As safety comes before everything else, Delta will fully comply with a directive and expects any resulting operational impact to be limited," the carrier told USA TODAY.

The software issue comes as 6 million U.S. travelers take to the skies over the Thanksgiving holiday (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In total, more than 3,700 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were delayed, and nearly 100 more were canceled on Friday, according to data from FlightAware.

This is the latest problem to hit American travelers after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history created mass delays and cancellations last month.

American Airlines was recently in the headlines after one of its planes, bound for Phoenix, had to make an emergency landing in Houston following reports of fumes in the cabin and flight deck.

Four flight attendants and one passenger were taken to the hospital as a precaution, American Airlines said.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is outlining planned reform of asylum system (PA Wire)

Asylum seekers have been banned from using taxis for most medical journeys, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced.

The Government said the new rules will restrict taxi use for medical travel to exceptional, evidence-based cases such as physical disability, pregnancy or serious illness.

Any such journey would require Home Office approval.

The decision follows a recent BBC investigation that found widespread use of taxis by asylum seekers.

It is understood the policy change comes after a Home Office review of transport arrangements for asylum seekers.

All service providers will be required to stop using taxis for medical journeys from February.

Ms Mahmood said the Government is working with providers to introduce alternatives  such as public transport  in a bid to save taxpayer money.

This Government inherited Conservative contracts that are wasting billions of taxpayers hard-earned cash, she said.

I am ending the unrestricted use of taxis by asylum seekers for hospital appointments, authorising them only in the most exceptional circumstances.

I will continue to root out waste as we close every single asylum hotel.

Earlier this month, Ms Mahmood set out a raft of measures to overhaul the asylum system, aimed at deterring illegal migration to the UK and making it easier to deport people.

The proposed changes include making refugee status temporary, subject to reviews every 30 months, and sending refugees home if their country is deemed safe.

The wide-ranging reforms drew criticism from Labour backbenchers.

Ms Mahmood told MPs it was the uncomfortable truth that the UKs generous asylum offer, compared with other European countries, is drawing people to UK shores, and for British taxpayers the system feels out of control and unfair.

The Home Secretary told the BBCs Political Thinking podcast that she had already directed officials to pilot a small programme of increased payments just to see how it changes behaviour.

The UK currently offers payments of up to 3,000 for some people with no right to remain in the country who agree to return home.
Anthony Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to tie the knot while in office when he married his partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony on Saturday.

The wedding was widely expected to be held this year after Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentine's Day last year. But the date and details of the ceremony were kept tightly under wraps.

The couple married at a small ceremony in the presence of family and close friends at The Lodge in the capital city Canberra, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

"We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends, Mr Albanese said in the statement released to the media.

Australia Prime Minister Wedding (Mike Bowers/AP)

Ms Haydon has accompanied Mr Albanese to several events over the years and was also with him during his election campaign in 2022 and in May this year, when his Labor party won with a thumping majority.

Ms Haydon wore a dress by Sydney designer "Romance was Born", while the prime minister wore a suit from MJ Bale.

Ms Haydons five-year-old niece, Ella, was flower girl, and the prime ministers dog, Toto, was the ring bearer.

Australia Prime Minister Wedding (Mike Bowers/AP)

Guests were served beer in a special can made by Willie the Boatman whose brewery is in Sydneys Inner West.

After the ceremony, Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours).

Their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. The couple will honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday of next week, with all expenses paid privately by Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon, his office said.
Chicago man intentionally set his familys home on fire after Thanksgiving argument with relatives got out of hand, police say

A Chicago man intentionally set his familys home on fire during Thanksgiving after an argument with relatives got out of hand, according to police.

Erik J. Crump, 21, was antagonizing and arguing with his family when authorities arrived at the Beach Park home Thursday night, the Lake County Sheriffs Office said.

The cops said they managed to de-escalate the argument, and Crump agreed to keep to himself for the rest of the night.

But the crisis had not been averted. Later that night, police received reports that the home had caught fire.

Police later found out that Crump was told by his family that he was getting kicked out of the home after their earlier argument.

Crump then left the house but returned shortly afterwards and headed to his bedroom, where authorities believe he set the fire. He then left the house again.

Erik J. Crump, a 21-year-old from Chicago, intentionally set his familys home on fire during Thanksgiving after an argument with relatives got out of hand, according to police (Lake County Sheriff's Office)

Moments later, the family saw smoke filling the home and immediately evacuated, the sheriffs office said.

Firefighters saw a man who looked like Crump holding a knife as he stood on the side of the road about a block from his home, which had sustained major damage, police said.

Crump tried to flee, and a manhunt ensued. Police dogs tracked Crumps scent to a dead-end, indicating he left the area in a vehicle, the sheriffs office said.

Authorities eventually found Crump at a storage facility in town, and he was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and residential arson.

Its nothing short of a blessing that nobody was injured or killed in this senseless act. While families across Lake County were sitting down for Thanksgiving, our dispatchers were answering the call, and our deputies were out responding to them, Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

He continued: Our team, along with our fire service partners, responded within minutes, secured the area, helped ensure the fire was extinguished, and took this individual into custody before anyone else was put at risk. I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and their commitment to keeping our community safe every hour of every day.

It was not immediately clear whether Crump has a lawyer.
Palestinians from clans hold guns and weapons to secure aid trucks in Beit Lahia in June. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

A historian who spent more than a month in Gaza at the turn of the year says he saw utterly convincing evidence that Israel supported looters who attacked aid convoys during the conflict.

Jean-Pierre Filiu, a professor of Middle East studies at Frances prestigious Sciences Po university, entered Gaza in December where he was hosted by an international humanitarian organisation in the southern coastal zone of al-Mawasi.

Israel has blocked international media and other independent observers from Gaza but Filiu was able to evade strict Israeli vetting. He eventually left the territory shortly after the second short-lived truce during the war came into effect in January. His eyewitness account, A Historian in Gaza, was published in French in May and in English this month.

In the book, Filiu describes Israeli military attacks on security personnel protecting aid convoys. These permitted looters to seize huge quantities of food and other supplies destined for desperately needy Palestinians, he writes. Famine threatened parts of Gaza at the time, according to international humanitarian agencies.

UN agencies at the time told the Guardian that law and order had deteriorated across Gaza since Israel began targeting police officers, who guarded aid convoys. Israel considered police in Gaza, which has been run by Hamas since 2007, an integral part of the militant Islamist organisation.

In his book, Filiu describes an incident that, he says, took place very close to where staying in al-Mawasi, a supposed humanitarian zone packed with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their often destroyed homes elsewhere, when, after continuous attacks on its convoys over weeks by local criminals, militias and desperate ordinary people, the UN decided to test a new itinerary that aid officials hoped would prevent looting.

Sixty-six trucks carrying flour and hygiene kits headed west from the Israeli checkpoint at Kerem Shalom along the corridor bordering Egypt, and then north on the main coastal road, Filiu says. Hamas was determined to handle security for the convoy and recruited powerful local families along its route to provide armed guards. However, the convoy quickly came under fire.

It was one night and I was  a few hundred metres away. And it was very clear that Israeli quadcopters were supporting the looters in attacking the local security [teams], Filiu writes.

The Israeli military killed two local notables as they sat in their car, armed and ready to protect the convoy, Filiu says, and twenty trucks were robbed, though the UN considered the loss of one-third of the convoy a relative improvement on the looting of nearly all the previous loads, according to Filiu.

The [Israeli] rationale [was] to discredit Hamas and the UN at that time  and to allow [Israels] clients, the looters, to either redistribute the aid to expand their own support networks or to make money out of reselling it in order to get some cash and so not depend exclusively on Israeli financial support, Filiu said.

Israeli officials denied the charge. A military spokesperson said that in incident described by Filiu, an Israeli Air Force aircraft conducted a precise strike on a vehicle with armed terrorists inside who were planning to divert humanitarian aid into Hamas storage units and violently [take] over an aid truck in the area of Dier al-Balah.

The strike was conducted to ensure a hit on the terrorists while avoiding damaging the aid. The IDF continues to operate against the Hamas terrorist organisation and is doing everything possible to mitigate harm to uninvolved civilians. The IDF  will also continue to act in accordance with international law to enable and facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip, the spokesperson said.

Filius accusations echo those made by some aid officials at the time. An internal United Nations memo described Israels passive, if not active benevolence towards some gangs responsible for looting in Gaza.

Filiu also accused Israeli forces of attacking a new route recently opened by international aid organisations to allow them to avoid looting blackspots.

The World Food Programme was trying to set up an alternative route to the coastal road and Israeli bombed the middle of the road  It was a deliberate attempt to put it out of action, the historian told the Guardian.

Israel, which imposed tight restrictions or even a total blockade on aid entering Gaza during the war, rejected allegations that it deliberately obstructed aid or supported looters. However, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu did admit that Israel had assisted the Popular Forces, an anti-Hamas militiathat included many looters amongst its recruits.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of systematically stealing aid in order to supply its own forces or to raise funds for political or military operations. Hamas denied the charges.

Filiu, who has been visiting Gaza for many decades, said he had been shocked to find that anything that stood before in the territory had been erased, annihilated in the war, which was triggered by a Hamas raid into Israel in October 2023. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in that attack and 250 taken hostage. Israels ensuing offensive killed nearly 70,000, mostly civilians, and reduced much of the territory to rubble.

Any successful counterinsurgency anywhere over history  has to balance the military operation with some kind of political campaign to win hearts and minds, Filiu said.

[Israel] didnt even pretend to do that in Gaza at any time, [but] Gaza is probably the place on Earth where Hamas is the most unpopular because in Gaza they know Hamas [and] dont have any illusions about the reality of Islamist domination and the brutality of its rules.

The historian said the conflict in Gaza could have enormous consequences. Ive always been convinced that its a universal tragedy. Its not one more Middle Eastern conflict. Its a laboratory of a post-UN world, of a post Geneva convention world, of a post-declaration of human rights world, and this world is very scary because its not even rational, Filiu said. Its just ferocious.

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Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Zarah Sultana has boycotted the first day of Your Partys inaugural conference, throwing the partys first official gathering into chaos amid disagreements with co-founder Jeremy Corbyn over how the party should be run.

Corbyn confirmed to journalists on Saturday that he preferred a single leader and is likely to stand for the role but Sultana said she would vote for collective leadership and that she did not believe parties should be run by sole personalities.

In a sign of further division within the fledgling movement, a spokesperson for Sultana said she would not be entering the conference hall on Saturday in solidarity with delegates who were expelled over links to other leftwing parties, describing the process as a witch-hunt.

The Guardian understands Sultana will run against Corbyn if members decide to elect one leader. Delegates in Liverpool will choose between electing a sole leader or a collective of lay members  those not already serving as MPs or councillors.

The party has been beset by infighting since plans for it were first announced in July after Sultana announced her defection from Labour, saying she and Corbyn would co-lead a new political organisation. Allies of Corbyn were quick to brief that a final decision had not been made.

The pair appeared to strike a fragile peace, with Sultana likening their relationship to that of Noel and Liam Gallagher. Corbyn said on Saturday that he would probably favour the single leadership model but would live with whatever [members] decide on.

However, her decision to skip the first day of proceedings is likely to go down badly with Corbyn and his aides. It is understood that one of her supporters, James Giles, a councillor in Kingston, was barred from entering the conference centre. Other members were expelled on Friday over alleged membership of the Socialist Workers party.

Corbyn told journalists on Saturday that entry to Your Party was granted on the condition members were not aligned with other parties registered with the Electoral Commission.

He added: The Socialist Workers party is registered with the Electoral Commission, therefore it is another party. I think to call it a purge is a bit of exaggeration quite honestly.

It was later clarified that the Socialist Workers party is not registered with the Electoral Commission.

A spokesperson for Sultana said: Zarah met members outside conference and condemned the recent expulsions. This witch-hunt is indefensible. We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.

She will not be entering the conference hall today. It is understood Sultana will attend the conference on Sunday to deliver a planned speech.

A Your Party spokesperson said: These claims are false. Members of another national political party signed up to Your Party in contravention of clearly stated membership rules  and these rules were enforced.

Speaking before Sultana announced her boycott, Corbyn had hinted to journalists that he was ready to stand as leader in a contest. Im very happy to serve the party in whatever capacity they decide they want me to serve,he said.

Sultana said she supported collective leadership in the absence of the option for two co-leaders. She said: Ive publicly supported a co-leadership model. The fact it hasnt been given to members as an option to vote on is regrettable, and the fact that has been decided by a faceless, nameless bureaucrat is quite concerning.

She said she was championing collective leadership because she felt it offered maximum member democracy.

I dont think movements should be led by sole personalities. I think you have to represent the broad mass movement, she said. That allows responsibility to be shared and more peoples ideas to be listened to. It strengthens the movement. With that, comes a structure which has a parliamentary convener. They are also elected by the membership.

Should the members choose sole leadership, I would consider throwing my hat in the ring. I will then respect whatever the members decide and completely ride in behind that.

Corbyn and Sultana said they would consider electoral pacts with other leftwing parties, including the Greens.

Sultana said: I think we have to work with the Greens and other parties so we can stop Nigel Farage getting into Number 10. That has to be the guiding principle for all of us who want to stop fascism.

Corbyn said it would essentially be a decision for the local branches of Your Party to judge what was best in their area, but he that he would not rule out cooperating with the Green party, which has enjoyed a rise in popularity under its new leader, Zack Polanski.

Tensions between Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is now an independent MP for Islington North, and Sultana, who represents Coventry South, escalated when Sultana launched a membership portal, collecting about 800,000 in donations and reams of members data.

Sultana said on Saturday that 600,000 had already been transferred from a holding company to Your Party and that the remainder of the money would be sent when liabilities had been processed.

She said she was now getting on really well with Corbyn and that the pair had been communicating about the conference, which she said they wanted to be a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered.

Related: We had six MPs and four factions: inside Your Partys toxic power struggles

However, tensions between Sultana and key allies of Corbyn persist. Relations with his former chief of staff Karie Murphy are believed to be particularly strained.

Sultana admitted there was still a toxic culture in Your Party, which had led to bullying, intimidation and smears and acts of deliberate sabotage.

She said: I can definitely say that toxic culture Ive experienced needs to be rooted out. I would say that is directly from the handbook of the Labour right. Its shocking to experience in a new leftwing, socialist party. We do need to dismantle that culture.

I think there are people who are around Jeremy  not Jeremy himself  who have learned the wrong lessons from their time in the Labour party, where they have been on the wrong end of smears, of sabotage, attacks in the rightwing press  they are now using the same tactics when really we should have a healthy climate of being able to debate and disagree.

In his speech on Saturday, Corbyn called for unity. As a party, weve got to come together and be united, because division and disunity will not serve the interests of the people that we want to represent, he said.

He also called for public, democratic ownership of the water industry, led a chant of free, free Palestine and urged party members to campaign forevermore for real socialism and real social justice.
Small retrofit firms have asked for an extension to the insulation scheme to protect their businesses. Photograph: Jon Challicom/Alamy

Cuts to a scheme for insulation and heatpumps for low-income households will leave homes damp, draughty and unsafe over winter, experts have said.

Housing have asked for a one-year extension to the scheme to ensure continuity and prevent small retrofit firms going bust. Companies say funding for solar panels and insulation is already being withdrawn, leaving homes cold and draughty as winter sets in.

Rachel Reeves announced in her budget that she would cut 150 a year from the average energy bill, partly financed by axing the 1.3bn energy company obligation (ECO) scheme that helped fund upgrades for homes owned or rented by households earning under 31,000.

This scheme is due to be end in March. The government plans to launch a warm homes plan to provide funding for heat pumps, insulation and other home upgrades but this has been beset by delays.

Experts have said this will affect an estimated 222,000 future retrofit projects that would have cut bills for low-income households.

Though the scheme was controversial  with some external wall insulation fittings were faulty and had to be replaced  it has delivered retrofits to more than 15m homes since 2013, saving 110bn on energy bills. An estimated 23,000 of these had problems with the external wall insulation.

Experts warn that uncertainty and the gap between schemes, experts have warned it could trigger job cuts and force some businesses to fold. The climate change thinktank E3G estimates the cut will eliminate 10,000 skilled jobs, including many apprenticeships, roughly the same number employed at Jaguar Land Rovers Solihull plant.

Anna Moore, McKinseys former head of UK construction and now a founder at Domna, a retrofit company working with housing associations, social landlords and councils, has written to the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, to request ringfencing for funding for low-income households in the warm homes plan, and for a years extension.

She said: Suddenly yanking 1.3bn in funding is chaotic, and has created a cliff edge for thousands of low-income households in fuel poverty as well as small and medium enterprises employing some 10,000 people.

With fuel poverty growing and business under pressure, it beggars belief that a successful scheme funnelling utility firm funding to the poorest households in society should be brutally cut. And for what? To create a few short-term headlines around cutting net zero levies.

This fundamentally goes against Labours stated values of wanting to help the poor and to fight climate change. This is not the moment to pull up the ladder. Bridging ECO to the warm homes plan is essential if we are to protect residents, protect jobs and protect progress.

Small firms have asked for clarity and an extension to the scheme to protect their businesses. Joel Pearson, director at Net Zero Renewables, a -based solar panel installer, said: We employ and subcontract over 35 skilled individuals, and have helped take more than 200 homes out of fuel poverty through the ECO scheme.

I would urge Rachel Reeves to think again and to at least extend this existing scheme by a year so we can see an orderly transition and support firms like ours helping to mitigate climate change.

Lee Rix, the managing director at Eco Approach, a Preston-based installer, said: Each year our 150-plus staff and supply chain use ECO4 funding to make cold, inefficient homes safer and more affordable for thousands of families in fuel poverty. With no transition plan, ending ECO4 risks leaving those families abandoned and undermining the workforce that supports them  we urgently need clarity on a successor scheme.

Moore added: Funders are pulling back on anything new that hasnt already been allocated (we had several calls to that effect from installers today, saying their funding has been cut  literally pressing pause on about 1,500 homes receiving insulation or solar pre-Christmas). The immediate impact is slamming the breaks on programmes, right in the middle of a cold snap.

There are also fears that removing the scheme without the warm homes plan in place will cause more people to live in fuel poverty for longer, as insulation and solar can bring down energy bills.

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: The ECO and great British insulation schemes were not delivering value for money. We are instead investing an additional 1.5bn into our warm homes plan, taking it to nearly 15bn  the biggest ever public investment to upgrade homes and tackle fuel poverty.
Cyclone Ditwah mapped: Red alert in India as powerful storm leaves at least 123 dead in Sri Lanka

A red alert has been issued for some coastal Indian states set to be slammed by powerful Cyclone Ditwah, which has left 123 people dead and at least 130 missing in Sri Lanka.

Cyclone Ditwah formed off Sri Lankas east coast and pounded the South Asian island nation on Wednesday, causing massive destruction. It was upgraded to a cyclonic storm by the India Meteorological Department on Thursday.

Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a nationwide state of emergency after the cyclone exited the island, leaving a trail of destruction.

The regulation was made public on Saturday to allow faster mobilisation of military, police and health services to provide relief and rescue operations.

Nearly 44,000 people have been displaced and are in temporary shelters, Sri Lankas disaster management center said.

Disaster Management Centre (DCM) director general Sampath Kotuwegoda said they launched relief operations for thousands of people moved to state-run welfare centres after a week of rain caused flooding and landslides.

People carrying belongings wade through a flooded road after heavy rainfall in Kaduwela on the outskirts of Colombo (AFP via Getty Images)

A man pushes a makeshift raft along a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Ambatale on the outskirts of Colombo (AFP via Getty Images)

Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are under way, Mr Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo. Days of torrential rain triggered major slope failures, swollen rivers, and widespread inundation. Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa were among the worst-hit areas, with homes buried and entire communities cut off.

Authorities said many people still remain stranded in various flood-hit areas as the water has been swelling two days after the cyclone made landfall.

Indian forecasters on Thursday said Ditwah is located southwest Bay of Bengal, just off the coast of north Sri Lanka.

Its heading roughly toward the coast of the southern Indian city of Tamil Nadu, making landfall by early Sunday. The IMD said it is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu coast between Cuddalore and Puducherry as a Cyclonic Storm.

Map from Indian Meteorological Department shows Cyclone Ditwahs path and arrival time (IMD)

It is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall, wind speeds of 80-90kmph, and rough sea conditions to coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh as it approaches the shore.

In view of the approaching storm, Tamil Nadu placed parts of the delta and northern coastal belt under a red alert, including Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu and Tiruvarur.

The metropolitan city of Chennai and nearby areas were put under an orange alert for possible flooding and transport disruption. Fishermen were warned to stay ashore and people in low-lying areas were asked to prepare for potential evacuations.

Some regions in the neighbouring Karnataka state were also expected to see increased rainfall.

The weather department did not forecast a direct landfall but warned the system would pass close enough to produce damaging winds, flooding and dangerous sea conditions.

Rainfall brought by Cyclone Ditwah was forecast to continue into early December.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and destruction in Sri Lanka and said India stands ready to dispatch emergency relief material.

Children play at the beach ahead of Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai, India, November (REUTERS)

My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families, Mr Modi said.

He said India had already dispatched emergency relief material and key humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu, as Colombo battles the aftermath of the storm. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves, he added.

India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the country's embassy in Colombo said Saturday.

A man carries his cat across a flooded road in Wellampitiya on the outskirts of Colombo on November 29, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

In Sri Lanka, rainfall had eased across most of the country, including the capital, but parts of the islands north were still experiencing showers due to the lingering effects of Cyclone Ditwah.

The government deployed the armed forces to reinforce rescue and relief work nationwide, using military helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents  including those trapped on treetops, rooftops and in cut-off villages.

Officials said the death toll had risen after more bodies were recovered in the worst-hit central region, where many victims were buried alive in this weeks mudslides.

Vavuniya and Mullaitivu recorded more than 300mm of rain in 24 hours, with several other places exceeding 200mm.

A flooded hospital after heavy rains is seen in Chilaw, north of Colombo (AP)

The worst losses were reported in the central tea-growing region of Badulla, where a landslide crashed into homes overnight, killing at least 21 people, the disaster agency said in a statement.

Social media video showed houses being swept away as floodwaters surged through towns while major highways linking provinces were cut by landslides and inundation.

Sri Lankas weather department warned of heavy to extremely heavy rain in the island nations northern, north-central, northwestern, central provinces as well as parts of eastern and western provinces as the cyclone continued to feed moisture into the monsoon flow.

The Sri Lankan government shut schools and some public offices in the badly affected regions and deployed nearly 20,500 army personnel for search-and-rescue and relief operations.

A woman and child walk under a downpour in Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP)

All passenger trains, except for a handful of essential services, were cancelled from 6am on Friday because tracks in multiple districts were damaged or submerged, the railway department said.

Students sitting for A-Level exams had their tests postponed due to the disruption.

People walk past a section of a highway blocked by a landslide in Badulla, Sri Lanka (AP)

Sri Lanka experiences annual monsoon rains, but officials say events of this scale are rare.

The worst flooding this century occurred in 2003, when 254 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.
Legoland Billund makes a fun family holiday, whatever the ages of your brood (Robin McKelvie/The Independent)

We are all about the brick, smiles Kathrine Kirk Muff, of Lego House, as we sip a coffee in the slick cafe in the massive, multi-floor oasis dedicated to the wildly popular plastic toy. Lego is at the heart of the Capital of Children that is Billund  and we celebrate that. Billund is somewhere that everyone can enjoy.

Its impossible to ignore Lego in this town of just under 8,000 residents in central Denmark. Arriving at the airport, Lego takes centre stage and Im left in no doubt that Billund is home to the Danish companys headquarters. A 10-minute bus ride away is the Hotel Legoland, which emerges like a fever dream I had as a kid, when I was a huge Lego fan. It even looks like its built of Lego and there are opportunities to play with it everywhere. Plus, of course, the chance to buy Lego in the many guises that it takes today.

Hotel Legoland is brilliantly fun and my two daughters  17-year-old Tara and 14-year-old Emma  forget about trying to look cool and throw themselves right in. It helps that we have a Ninjago-themed room which kids can enjoy as parents take a well-earned break. Im pleasantly surprised by breakfast  a huge smorgasbord alive with healthy options and chunks of hot smoked salmon on the buffet. Just feet from the buffet is the tunnel that leads into Legoland.

Hotel Legoland doesnt deviate from the brief (Robin McKelvie/The Independent)

Youll find Legoland theme parks all over the world, but Billund hosts the original, and its the second biggest tourist attraction in Denmark outside Copenhagen. Im not looking forward to visiting, though, after a stressful past experience sweating in the UKs packed Windsor Legoland, not helped by (at best) brusque staff. Billunds Legoland is a welcome sea change. As hotel residents, we enjoy early access and breeze in to an empty park that, even when the main doors open, never gets too busy. Were armed with Reserve and Ride fast passes, but dont really need them with minimal queuing.

Read more: I took my kids to Copenhagen to pick up litter  and they loved it

The staff in Billund mercifully reflect Billund: they are welcoming, relaxed and cheery. We ease around in a sea of smiles  the vibe is more Florida have a nice day Disney than Windsor grumpiness. Tara reckons the rides are better, while Emma is mesmerised by the sprawling Lego recreations of various part of the world, laughing at the Lego version of our native Scotland, complete with the drone of bagpipes.

It would be a huge mistake to come to Billund to visit Legoland and not visit Lego House, and if I had to choose just one, it would be the latter. By the end of our full day there, both my daughters agree. This is where I meet Kathrine Kirk Muff, who is rightly proud of the hulking Lego-shaped edifice that is her charge. We wanted this to be a special place for everyone, so anyone can come in and use our large Lego Square space on the ground floor, or choose to come through the barriers to explore the world of Lego upstairs, she tells me.

Classic Lego reigns supreme at the theme park (Robin McKelvie/The Independent)

Lego House was the single biggest investment by Lego in years when it opened in 2017, taking a year-and-a-half to build. It is  and will remain  one of a kind. There are an incredible 20 million Lego bricks on site and Kathrine emphasises that it is indeed all about the brick here, rather than the fancy new themed ranges like Ninjago and Lego Friends. We follow a towering Lego-clad tree up the staircase into a world where time seems to be suspended, where play rules over the everyday, and where kids, for once, lose interest in their phones.

In a word, Lego House is fun; its impossible not to get sucked into its smile-inducing vortex. My daughters peel back the years, magicking up all manner of creations, from buses to animals and spaceships. They record them on the digital bracelets we are all issued with, which make a great souvenir, and curb the temptation to retrieve our phones to take photos. I also lose half an hour with my wife creating our own Lego movie, which, of course, the smiling girls find really cheesy.

Read more: I took a family of four on a Copenhagen city break for under 1,000  heres how we managed it

You could spend hours just walking around Lego House looking at all the lavish creations of the Lego Masters from all over the world  everything from huge Lego cities, through to artwork and a hulking T rex. There is something to compel in every room and, if you return, you keep finding more. Its a joy that they limit numbers so everyone gets space to relax and express themselves.

An under the sea creation at Billund's Lego World (Robin McKelvie/The Independent)

Not ones to rest on their hard-won laurels, Kathrine shares a sneak peek into Legos Masters Academy. This new attraction opens in autumn 2025, adding another five million bricks to Lego House and new levels of fun and intrigue. Its set up like a TV studio with live interactive shows planned for just 40 guests at a time, who will learn about being a Lego Master. Booking ahead is essential, with slots already released.

Lego House also takes hi-tech next level with its Mini Chef experience. Robert and Roberta serve us the healthy lunchboxes that are fashioned in Lego and ordered through our table console. The food is fantastic, but the service from our twin servers is unsmiling and procedural. To be fair, they are both robots  my daughters love being served by them, and its a new one for me.

Rooms in the Legoland Hotel are themed (Robin McKelvie/The Independent)

Of course it is not all about Lego in Billund. This flat town is easy to get around  accessible walkways and cycle paths snake around its tree-shrouded streets  and is home to over 20 family attractions if you want a break from the brick. WOW Park is a huge play and amusement park, Lalandia Billund is Scandinavias largest water park, and there is even a Teddy Bear Art Museum.

I try to prise my daughters away from Legoland and the remarkable Lego House to explore elsewhere, but that brick has a magnetic appeal. We just want Lego, dad  Billund is like a Lego dream, Tara beams. Its hard to disagree: its a beautiful, thoughtfully-sculpted magical dream. And a striking testament to a Danish creation that stacks up for kids and big kids alike.

Getting there

British Airways and Norwegian both fly direct to Billund from the UK. Flight time is around 1 hour 40 minutes.

Robin and his family were hosted by Lego House.

Read more: The 12 best family hotels in Copenhagen for kids and adults to enjoy a city break
Opinion / Columnist

When bulwayo24.com opened its doors to aspiring writers, I didn't just submit an article - I submitted a promise: to tell Zimbabwes story with courage, clarity, and conviction. The platform's willingness to publish my work turned that promise into a pulsechecking reality, sending my voice across newsrooms, boardrooms, and community halls alike.The ripple effect was immediate. Solusi University, a beacon of holistic education in the region, noticed the traction my stories were gaining. Their leadership recognized my efforts to champion their vision through Facebook outreach and bulawayo24.com features, culminating in an award that feels less like a prize and more like a mandate.To the dynamic team at bulawayo24.com : Your editorial excellence and commitment to nurturing fresh talent have become a cornerstone of our local media landscape. Youve proved that when media invests in its citizens, the whole nation benefits.To Solusi University: Thank you for believing in the power of narrative and for rewarding dedication to public service. Your partnership shows that business, education, and journalism can coalesce for national development.This milestone is an invitation. I call on fellow journalists to harness platforms like bulawayo24.com , on business leaders to back storytelling that drives progress, and on politicians to champion truthbased communication. Together we can write a brighter chapter for Zimbabwe.
Vladimir Putins whole economy, his whole society, his whole politics, his whole preservation of self revolves around having this war go on, Fiona Hill, who was Donald Trumps adviser on Russia in his first presidential term, has told The Independent in an exclusive interview.

She says that Putin knows exactly how to manipulate the US president and has no intention of stopping the war in Ukraine. The Russian presidents reason for taking part in peace talks is that he hopes Mr Trump will bully the Ukrainians into surrender  or, if not explicit surrender, then a ceasefire agreement that so weakens them that Russian forces will be able to finish the job later.

A lifetime of studying Russia and the experience of working with President Trump has convinced Ms Hill that Putins got his number. She said: Putin realises he is a man with a very fragile ego, and that he is somebody that can be manipulated in that way.

She tells the story of Putin trolling Mr Trump by saying that he was such a great supporter of Israel that maybe they should just name the country after you  to which the US president, oblivious to the sarcasm, said, Oh no, that would be a bit too much.

That is why The Independent has argued that the priority for Ukraines allies is to persuade the US president that appeasing the Russian dictator would be an act of weakness on his part; that a Ukrainian surrender deal will not buy him the Nobel peace prize; and that it would, on the contrary, bring dishonour upon him.

For a moment, when the 28-point Russian plan as dictated to Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps envoy, was leaked, it seemed that Putin might succeed in pulling the wool over the US presidents eyes. But a deft response from Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader, backed up by the coalition of the willing, including the United Kingdom, exposed the Kremlins game. Simply by seeking clarification on certain points, Mr Zelensky has forced the Russian president to reveal his hand. Putin said in his latest pronouncement that either Ukraine retreats to get a deal or we will achieve our goals by military means.

In other words, Ms Hill is right.

The immediate danger of President Trump pulling the plug on support for the Ukrainian war effort may have receded somewhat, therefore. He has threatened it before and he may threaten it again, but he has not followed through because he must realise on some level that it would make him look bad.

As Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, of Kings College London, has written, the core points of principle on which the earlier efforts got stuck remain. In particular, Russia continues to demand that Ukraine hand over territory that it has failed to take through war.

That does not mean, of course, that Ukraines European friends can afford to relax. We must not merely be prepared to stand up for the Ukrainian people in case the US stands down  we must increase our support for them now. That is another reason that Rachel Reevess Budget on Wednesday was disappointing: the chancellor confirmed plans to increase UK defence spending this year and next, but did not set out a path to higher spending in the longer term.

Unfortunately, our commitment to the Ukrainian cause is likely to be a long-term one. As Ms Hill says, Putin does not want peace, and therefore those who want to defend Ukraine and the rest of Europe from his aggression have to pay the price.

The Ukrainian people are willing to lay down their lives to defend their right of self-determination. The least we can do is to help to meet the financial cost of standing up for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Robin Brattel is a British digital entrepreneur and CEO of Lab 1.

Robin Brattel admits hes never stopped working. His grandfather once told him dont die with regrets and the serial entrepreneur has made it his business mantra ever since he started earning money with five newspaper rounds, rode the dotcom boom in the late 1990s to being at the helm of AI data intelligence application Lab 1.

The Briton had worked for the same engineering company in his gap year and then through his degree at University of Plymouth. When he graduated he took up a research job, which led him to internet startup justpeople.com in 1999.

His boss there, Lucian Hudson, was the former director of programming at BBC Worldwide, the CTO was ex CTO of Mastercard and the CEO had been global HR director of UBS. It was an insane talent pool, recalls Brattel.

Read More: 'I pitched my car finance idea to my mother-in-law and she got it straight away'

Everyone was so excited by tech startups and you could attract such amazing talent. I learned that startups are chaotic, I enjoyed the hard work and learned how to code on the job."

The job was initially a webmaster journalism role, but Brattel said in his first meeting he wanted to be the link between the back and front ends. At that moment, the CTO came in and told Hudson, We need to have someone who can link the front end and the back end. Brattel got the job on the spot.

Over 25 years ago, the concept of hacking was disjointed compared to the wave of corporate data breaches heightening today's cybercrime and reputational risk.

Ive seen how tech has developed massively, which is why when people talk about AI I think I was there at the start of the web and how pervasive it is now, says Brattel. AI will be so transformative in 20 years.

Today's cyber gangs are behaving like data scientists, says Robin Brattel. (seksan Mongkhonkhamsao via Getty Images)

Lab 1 uses AI to scrape and analyse data from breaches used by businesses to learn the extent to which their content was exposed  from commercial contracts to HR documents and CVs  in order to make sense of unstructured data sets and manage the risk.

Bringing the four co-founders together in 2019 was akin to an Avengers Assemble, says Brattel. With a trio of engineering expertise, Brattel was the linchpin in bringing the product to market and selling to the security industry. The company, which employs around 15 staff, has taken on 5m investment since launch.

Its of its time and of the moment, says Brattel. We are focused on exposed data intelligence or public domain data dumps from ransomware attacks, how to help people recover from the incident, deploy within the enterprise or help them understand data before any incident happens and to unlock the value within it.

Unstructured data is a big problem for all enterprises. We all create content data, store it in spreadsheets, word documents and it goes into drives and backups and over time it grows. If you're now trying to use that to drive value you have a big problem as the data is so messy under the surface."

Read More: My laundrette closed early so I set up a 27m global laundry service

Lab 1s intelligence comes into play when any data enters the public domain via a criminal group. If it is freely available, Lab 1 will ingest and process the data and its customer will know how exposed they are by any breach through algorithms.

Brattel tells the story of how one financial brokerage recently had a leak of 174,000 files. Investment banks he spoke to didnt know about the incident, while Lab 1 linked the relationship after finding multiple wealth statements with people who had millions of dollars in accounts.

We felt it would become too great a problem for human beings to manually analyse the content, Brattel says of Lab 1s reasons to launch. And thats exactly whats happened from megabytes to todays terabytes of data.

Brattels previous pursuits include founding San Francisco-based WeGoDo, a social network of interests which scaled quickly before hitting funding problems, and Inapub, which supplies digital marketing solutions for Britain's pub trade and grew into a seven-figure business before he exited.

Robin Brattel has led multi-million pound projects and achieved an exit across a career in tech and business.

He has also been entrepreneur in residence at Bristol University where he helped to create the award-winning Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

One of the big things there is that failure is part of the process, says Brattel. You have to learn whats working and whats not. Sometimes you might panic prematurely and so you have to really dig in and understand what the customer wants.

Brattel says he wouldn't have the confidence of building his own ventures and products had he not gained the knowledge from early stage startups. The growth of Lab 1 has led to some calling it the British Palantir after the US software company that provides data analysis.

Read More: 'My company is helping thousands of over-50s feel inspired and not retired'

Last summer, a major Lab 1 study found the majority of leaked data includes sensitive financial documents. The cybersecurity platform analysed 141 million leaked files from over 1,000 public breaches, with bank statements present in 49% of incidents. Brattel says that cyber gangs are now behaving like data scientists.

It is no longer the credential drops that impacted you and me and our friends, and the credit card bin data which are now smaller scale fraud issues, adds Brattel. Criminal groups want to get into a big company, encrypt the system and be paid the millions in ransom.

There have always been criminals going back to the Wild West when they broke into banks and filled sacks with dollars. I spoke to someone in financial services recently who said bank robberies had gone to zero. Its the cyber criminals who are the ones being successful now.

CEO Says: Robin Brattel on

How to avoid failure in business

I get the most satisfaction when I solve a problem for someone or getting value for something you have created. Thats been at the heart of it.

But there were times when it would have been so much easier to be paid a salary rather than watch a business die like WeGoDo. I worked on it for seven years before the personal and financial fallout. That was really tough.

I try to watch Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy every year. For one its hilarious but its also correct in building a business.

I encourage all young entrepreneurs to go out and try and sell something. I find it amusing when someone shows me a pitchdeck or a model that shows sales going up and right. When I launched Inapub, I was going pub to pub trying to get them to buy digital services and the idea of bringing people together around shared interests.

Building of value is one aspect but getting people to pay for it is another. For the record I got 94% of the pubs I went to in Brighton to sign up. But it was brutal going door to door and dealing with rejection, which is what you have to cope with in your career.

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A former US ambassador has urged Donald Trump to learn the lessons of history and not force through a bad Ukraine peace deal for the sake of it.

The US president is trying to get both Kyiv and Moscow to agree an end to the war and presented Ukraine with a 28-point plan after discussing it with Russia. Subsequent talks in Geneva have resulted in an alternate 19-point framework that Ukraine largely supports  but it remains to be seen whether the Kremlin is still on board.

Ukraines allies in Europe have expressed concern that Trump could force Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a bad peace deal in his rush to get any kind of agreement signed. Trump had initially given Ukraine until Thanksgiving to back his plan, before rowing back from the strict deadline.

Speaking at a briefing hosted by the US think-tank the Atlantic Council, experts monitoring the negotiations cautioned that a bad deal for Ukraine was also a strategic defeat for the free world.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin speak after delivering a joint press conference following a US-Russia summit in Anchorage, Alaska (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While very different circumstances, some have drawn comparisons between Trumps eagerness to end US involvement in the Ukraine conflict with the rush to withdraw Nato forces from Afghanistan.

In February 2020, Trump signed a deal following protracted negotiations with the Taliban in Doha that he said would bring peace to that country under a democratic government.

Instead, after the subsequent Biden administration followed through with the deal and Nato forces were pulled out, the Talibans jihadist forces stormed the country and the former Nato-backed government collapsed in a matter of weeks.

The international community still does not recognise the legitimacy of the Taliban regime now installed in Kabul.

Daniel Fried, the former US ambassador to Poland who helped lead the Wests response to Moscows aggression against Ukraine after 2014s illegal annexation of Crimea, said the conflict in Europe and the Afghanistan war are not alike  but lessons can and should be learned.

US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban group's top political leader shack hands after signing a peace agreement between Taliban and US officials in Doha, Qatar in 2020 (AP)

A bad framework, such as the happily-overtaken 28 points, could presage a strategic defeat for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the free world generally, he told The Independent. We seem to be past that point, perhaps because some within the administration recognised that failure in Ukraine could indeed become Trumps Big Defeat.

The lesson to be learned? Dont sign on to bad deals for the sake of signing something, he said.

Trump has been criticised for trying to push Ukraine into giving up territory to Russian aggression, but the fact is that any deal to end the war will likely require difficult compromises, says Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Councils Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

He says that with Russia occupying around 20 per cent of all Ukrainian territory, the ship of a just peace in the war has long since sailed.

Even in the bad 28-point plan that Russia appeared to back, Mr Kroenig says, there were elements that the negotiating teams can work with.

It was good that it said Ukraine should maintain sovereignty, good that it permitted EU membership, good that it permitted American security guarantees, which is really the most important part of the Nato guarantee, he said in the briefing.

Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, US secretary of the army Daniel Driscoll face the Ukrainian delegation at the US Mission in Geneva (AFP via Getty Images)

He said the most important goal at this stage was to avoid a scenario that allows Putin to turn Ukraine into a puppet state. Thats critical, he says, because Putin doesn't respect European military power.

The Nato guarantee is good because it's an American guarantee. And a bilateral US defence treaty with its allies in the Indo-Pacific works just fine. Those are the kind of elements we would need in any deal, the former official from the Department of Defence and intelligence community from the Bush, Obama and previous Trump administration said.

Myroslava Gongadze, a journalist and foreign policy expert who is currently in Ukraine, said that while we dont know exactly what is in the new 19-point plan, there are two major bones of contention for Zelensky.

The American side is very concerned about possible leaks of that 19-point plan. So far we don't really have a clear understanding of what these 19 points look like. What I can say it's that the question of territorial guarantees and question of Nato membership is left to a Zelensky decision, the non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council said.

The Ukrainian side has alluded to these points when it says it largely supports the US framework, but that some issues must be discussed at the level of a leaders summit.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and other European leaders speak during the Coalition of the Willing Summit at The Elysee presidential Palace in Paris (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The changes made between the 28-point plan and the 19-point plan were all geared towards preventing a future Russian re-invasion, she says.

The point of this exercise [the Geneva talks] was not exactly to make an agreement but to throw out that 28-point plan, she says.

Fried says there is still hope that these negotiations can lead to a better deal for Ukraine and Europe. Things are swirling, things are moving fast, but the possibility of a decent outcome is there. It's a narrow, steep, and rough path, but that path does exist, he said.

The bad news is the Russians will not negotiate anything decent without being pressured. And it's still not clear whether the Trump administration is going to pressure the Russians sufficiently to get past Putin's predictable and (Sergei) Lavrov's predictable blocking, but they might, the ambassador said.

[We] don't know where we will end up, he added. Things are in motion. Stay tuned.
One of the murals coordinated by Calum Hall in London. Photograph: Own the Space

A global campaign is being launched to secure the release of Marwan Barghouti, the Palestinian prisoner seen by many as the best hope of leading a future Palestinian state, as negotiations continue in the context of the current Gaza ceasefire.

The campaign, being led by Barghoutis West Bank-based family with UK civil society support, is seeking to put the 66-year-olds fate at the centre of the next stage of the ceasefire.

Successive opinion polls show he is the most popular Palestinian politician in Gaza and the West Bank.

Murals with the words Free Marwan, coordinated by Calum Hall, the founder of Creative Debuts, a creative consultancy and art platform, have started to appear in London, and a huge public art installation appeared in the village of Kobar, near Ramallah.

A letter calling for his release from a range of political and cultural figures is expected to be released next week.

Barghouti has been kept in jail by Israel for more than 20 years after being convicted of planning attacks that led to five civilians being killed. The trial was criticised as deeply flawed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, an international organisation.

Despite intense pressure from Hamas and the Gulf states, Israel refused to release him as part of the large-scale prisoner exchange that occurred at the time of the ceasefire on 13 October. At one point Donald Trump admitted he was himself considering pushing for his release.

Barghouti, a member of the Fatah party, a bitter rival of Hamas, is an advocate of a two-state solution. Many believe Israel is refusing to release him because they know he will be an effective spokesperson for the Palestinian cause.

Barghouti has frequently been kept in solitary confinement without access to his family, and he has allegedly suffered four major beatings inside prison since 2023, but is said to be still physically and mentally capable of becoming an effective political leader if he is released.

He has not seen his family for three years and his lawyers have seen him five times in two years. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been banned from seeing him, in a breach of international law.

Related: Zohran Mamdani is re-writing the political rules around support for Israel | Kenneth Roth

Most recently, he has been taunted and threatened with execution by Israels national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, as captured on video. The Knesset is studying a new bill backed by Ben-Gvir that would permit the death penalty to be imposed on those convicted of nationalist motivated murder.

A pillar of Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization, but jailed while Yasser Arafat was still at the helm, it is thought Barghouti could restore credibility to both movements, which have been weakened by the long rule of Mahmoud Abbas, the current president.

An Israeli court in 2004 issued five life sentences against Barghouti plus 40 years for allegedly helping to plan deadly attacks during the second intifada.

In a bid to start shifting Israeli public opinion, his wife Fadwa Barghouti has given her first interviews to the Israeli press. She stressed her husband sees the two-state solution as the way to move forward and live in peace.

Arab Barghouti, his son, said his father represents hope to Palestinians at a time when there are efforts to silence him and make him forgotten.

He added: Seeing people around the world raise his name gives me hope. I wish our familys experience was unique, but thousands of Palestinian families endure the same pain.

Honouring him in this way is not only a call for his freedom  it is a call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners and a stand for justice for every family still waiting.
Pubs are facing steeper business taxes that could cost the sector an extra 150 million and threaten thousands of jobs, new analysis suggests.

Firms will end up paying more despite business rates being lowered in the Budget, industry bosses are warning.

This is because they are facing a cut to existing tax relief next year, coupled with revaluations that could push up how much pubs can be taxed.

New analysis from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimates that higher bills will cost the industry an extra 150 million  the equivalent to 12,500 jobs.

The BBPA calculated that bills will rise by 3,867 for the average small pub from next year, and by 11,085 for the average medium-sized pub.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said pubs across the country are anxiously doing the sums and many will now see their bills will dramatically go up, not down, despite the impression the Budget gave.

The new lower multipliers combined with the loss of the existing relief will not counter the huge increase in rateable values, she told the Press Association.

In the Budget, the Government confirmed a current 40% discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses  which is capped at 110,000 per business  will end on March 31 next year.

This will be replaced by a new system from the next financial year, which will see rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure firms set 5p lower than the standard rate with no cap in support.

Rachel Reeves said it would be the lowest rates since 1991 and would be paid for through higher rates on properties worth more than 500,000  including the warehouses used by online giants.

However, the discount is less generous than the 20p reduction it could have been, industry groups say.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her autumn Budget on Wednesday (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

And analysis since Wednesdays Budget has indicated that the change, combined with an increase in rateable values for most pubs, will result in a sharp annual increase to bills.

Separate calculations by industry group UKHospitality found that the average pubs business rates, even with the reduced multiplier, will increase by 15% next year  amounting to an extra 1,400.

By 2027-28, the average pubs rates will be 4,500 higher than today, and by 2028-29, they will be 7,000 higher, according to its analysis.

Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said plans in the Budget were quickly unravelling.

We repeatedly warned the Treasury ahead of the Budget that hospitality would be uniquely impacted by significant increases to rateable values, due to the pandemic impacting previous valuations, she said.

The Government can solve this issue. Im certain they did not intend to provide online giants, office blocks and out-of-town supermarkets with a better deal than local pubs, neighbourhood restaurants and coastal hotels.
The next Republican nominee faces the potentially enormous task of leading a party that has been entirely reoriented around Trump into a post-Trump era. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

Donald Trump hasnt stopped joking about running again for the White House in 2028, even as he acknowledges it is pretty clear he is constitutionally ineligible for a third term. Whether intended as a taunt or a threat, his musings are a reminder that, even barred from the ballot, Trump is likely to remain a central figure in the campaign to succeed him.

The next Republican nominee faces the potentially enormous task of leading a party that has been entirely reoriented around Trump into a post-Trump era. Heres a look at the Republicans best positioned for a White House run.

JD Vance

Next in line to the presidency at just 41, Vance is widely viewed as the heir apparent in a Trump-aligned GOP. A one-time Trump critic who authored the best-selling book, Hillbilly Elegy, Vance is now firmly in the Maga orbit, preaching economic populism and cultural conservatism. He is staunchly America First and a leader of the new right populist movement that is nationalistic, anti-elite and deeply religious. Early polls and strategists indicate that Vance would emerge as an early frontrunner, especially if he had Trumps backing. Trump has repeatedly praised Vances work as his vice-president, but has indicated that there are other capable contenders.

Vice-president

Marco Rubio

Rubio, 54, has become one of Trumps most trusted confidants  a surprising turn for the former rivals. Rubio, once derided by Trump as Little Marco during the 2016 primary, is now praised by the president as a loyal and capable ally, and even floated as a potential successor or running mate to JD Vance. Before joining the administration, the Florida senator built a reputation as a foreign-policy hawk. Now, he is the chief architect of the administrations hardline Venezuela strategy, including lethal strikes on suspected drug-running vessels  a stance that has put him at odds with some Maga isolationists.

Secretary of state, interim national security adviser

Donald Trump Jr

Trumps eldest son, 47, has no formal political experience but remains one of the most recognizable figures in the Maga movement. A fixture at rallies and a popular draw with the Republican base, he channels his fathers combative style and culture-war messaging. Trump Jr has repeatedly said he has zero interest in running in 2028, though he has also said that a future bid isnt 100% off the table. His last name alone ensures he will remain part of the conversation, and some allies believe a Trump-once-removed candidacy could appeal to voters who want continuity.

Presidents eldest son

Ted Cruz

In recent months, Cruz has taken sharp aim at internal tensions roiling Trumps base. He has publicly challenged the conservative host Tucker Carlson  accusing him of promoting antisemitic rhetoric  and defended hawkish foreign-policy views, including strong support for Israel that echoes the pre-Trump GOP. Cruz won the Iowa caucuses in 2016, beating Trump before eventually dropping out and becoming an ally. With a popular political podcast and a reputation as a sharp-edged conservative with deep ideological conviction, Cruz has strong sway among the libertarian and evangelical wings of the party  a base he hopes could propel a second White House bid.

Texas senator

Ron DeSantis

The Florida governor, term-limited in 2026, is widely viewed as maneuvering to re-enter national politics once out of office. After his faltering 2024 presidential campaign against Trump, DeSantis has tried to rebuild his standing by promoting congressional term limits and aligning himself more closely with key elements of the presidents agenda. He has not ruled out a 2028 bid, while dismissing questions as presumptuous. While his influence in the national GOP has faded, DeSantis retains a sizable following among conservative voters who see him as a disciplined, policy-driven alternative.

Governor of Florida

Much could change as the Trump presidency evolves, reshaping alliances and opening space for new presidential contenders. Here are some other Republicans to watch:
The Princess of Waless annual carol service will feature performances by singer songwriter Katie Melua, Cornish folk group Fishermans Friends and rising star Griff.

Kate will preside over the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, now in its fifth year, which will bring together 1,600 guests to celebrate love in all its forms  whether within families, through friendships, across communities or kindness between strangers.

For the first time an illustrator will be sketching snapshots of the atmosphere inside the Abbey, to capture moments as they happen on December 5.

Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales lighting candles during last years service (Aaron Chown/PA)

The princess will be joined by husband the Prince of Wales, who will give a reading, and royal fans will be hoping their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis make an appearance alongside other members of the royal family.

Melua, Fishermans Friends and Griff will perform on a roster also featuring actress Hannah Waddingham and Dan Smith from pop rock band Bastille.

The service will celebrate individuals from across the UK who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.

During the event readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection will be delivered by Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor, comic Babatunde Aleshe and rising actor Joe Locke, with the speakers accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.

Members of the audience during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2024 (Aaron Chown/PA)

Guests will see candles lit by people William and Kate have met in recent years and others taking part in the service which will also showcase the stories of some of those invited, who are helping to create a more caring and connected society.

They will be greeted by a festive display created by horticulturist Jamie Butterworth based on the importance of nature in our lives while the Royal Horticultural Society is set to donate wreaths made by their ambassadors, including Dame Mary Berry, and schoolchildren.

The congregation will be able to add their names to a connection tree symbolising the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.

The late Duchess of Kents charity Future Talent, which she co-founded to support musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds, will also feature during the service with a brass ensemble of eight teenagers playing as guests arrive.

Katie Melua will perform during Kates carol service (Tabitha Fireman/PA)

Some 15 community carol services, held in places including the Coronation Street Visitor Centre, an arts centre in Newbury and a community farm in Gwent, are also set to take place across the UK with the same love and togetherness theme.

Armagh, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Dumfries, Dyfed, East Riding, Gwent, Greater Manchester, Isle of Wight, Lanarkshire, Nottinghamshire, Renfrewshire & Ayrshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are the locations for the community services which are to be hosted by lord-lieutenants and supported by The Royal Foundation.

The Westminster Abbey service is to air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve and will be repeated on Christmas Day.
Oscar Piastri took two points out of Lando Norris world championship lead after he won the sprint race in Qatar.

Piastri converted his pole position into a comfortable victory under the thousands of bulbs that light up the Lusail International Circuit to reduce Norris advantage at the top to 22 points with 50 to play for.

Norris finished third, while Max Verstappen made up two places to take the chequered flag in fourth.

Oscar Piastri came under little pressure (David Davies/PA)

However, the Red Bull driver now trails Norris by 25 points. George Russell started and ended the 19-lap dash to the chequered flag in second.

Norris will be crowned champion if he outscores Piastri by four points, and finishes ahead of Verstappen in any position, in Sundays main event.

I never saw him,said Norris about the early pressure from Verstappen. I just saw the drivers ahead. We tried to go forward and we got pretty close at the start. It is not easy to pass here so it is all about qualifying later.

A mistake by Norris in the final metres of qualifying on Friday night allowed Piastri to take pole and the Australian made no mistake in Saturdays race to claim his first win of any sort since the Dutch Grand Prix on the final day of August.

Piastri navigated the start, and then delivered a composed performance to boost to his slender title hopes.

Norris started third and came within inches of a tangle with Russell on the run down to the opening corner. Further back, Verstappen was on the move.

Max Verstappen (left) could not threaten Lando Norris (right) (David Davies/PA)

He launched his Red Bull underneath Fernando Alonsos Aston Martin at the first turn and then cruised ahead of Yuki Tsunoda with his Red Bull team-mate affording him a free pass.

Norris papaya mirrors were occupied by Verstappen and at the start of lap three, the four-time world champion jinked to his right in the braking zone of the first turn. Verstappen was too far back and only moving to put the frighteners on his rival. It did not work.

Verstappen was then on the radio complaining about the handling of his Red Bull machine before Norris soon pulled out of DRS range by extending his advantage over the man he is looking to dethrone as champion by more than one second.

(PA Graphics)

In a race of little drama, Piastri crossed the line 4.9 seconds clear of Russell with Norris 1.3secs further back. Verstappen was nine seconds behind Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton started 18th and finished 17th, 46s behind Piastri after just 19 laps of racing, to complete yet another sorry performance for Ferrari.

I dont know how but we made the car worse, said Hamilton on the radio.

Qualifying for Sundays Grand Prix takes place at 2100 local time (1800 GMT).
At least 200 border patrol agents to flood New Orleans in coming weeks, report says

More than 200 Border Patrol agents are expected to arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the coming weeks, according to a report.

The Big Easy could soon become the next target of the Trump administrations federal immigration agenda, sources told ABC News.

Exactly when the federal agents could be touching down in New Orleans is not immediately apparent. However, speculation has swirled for weeks that agents were heading for Louisianas largest city, following similar immigration operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and most recently, Charlotte.

"Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent in a statement.

Last week, the Associated Press reported that DHS was planning to carry out Operation Swamp Sweep, to arrest about 5,000 people across southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi. This immigration crackdown is expected to begin on December 1, the outlet reported.

At least 200 Border Patrol agents are reportedly heading to New Orleans in the coming weeks, following similar immigration crackdowns in Chicago and other cities (REUTERS)

Unlike the administrations past immigration targets, which targeted blue cities in blue states, New Orleans is a city led by Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a state led by GOP Governor Jeff Landry.

In September, Landry requested to activate the states National Guard to address ongoing public safety concerns. Last week, speaking about Swamp Sweep, the governor told NewsMax: "I don't know what all the fuss is about, because we work with our federal agencies all the time to take dangerous criminals off the street."

The Independent has asked the mayor and New Orleans Police for comment on DHS reported plans.

Earlier this month, the New Orleans Police Department said Anne Kirkpatrick, its superintendent, planned to meet with Customs and Border Protection officials.

Superintendent Kirkpatrick has said that she welcomes U.S. Border Patrol to New Orleans, as the NOPD does with all of our federal law enforcement partners, the spokesperson told The Hill. However, the NOPD will simply be assisting and will not be taking part in any arrests of undocumented or illegal aliens as this is a civil matter and not under the purview of the NOPD.

Some local businesses have expressed their objections to the potential presence of federal immigration agents by posting signs on their windows that read: NO ICE ACCESS IN THIS BUILDING.

(REUTERS)

This is a private business. You are not permitted to enter non-public areas of this business, the message reads. You may not question employees or search the premises without proper legal authority.

Schools in New Orleans and the surrounding area have sent messages to families that their students are safe on their campuses, hoping to prevent panic, Nola.com reported.

Greg Bovino, the commander-at-large of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, didnt mention New Orleans, but boasted about next level immigration enforcement in a social media post Saturday: "Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, immigration enforcement is going next level.
A man was attacked by a bear in Japan while using a public toilet, local media reported on Friday, in the latest incident in a spate of record-breaking encounters across the country.

The 69-year-old security guard was mauled by a bear in the Gunma Prefecture, near Numata railway station, north of Tokyo, on Friday.

He sustained minor injuries to his leg after fighting the 1-1.5metre-tall bear, broadcaster NGK reported.

The security guard told the police said he saw the bear prying inside while exiting the public toilet. But he fell backwards when the animal launched an attack and fought it, kicking it with his legs.

The bear fled the scene while the man suffered injuries on his right leg. He fled to the nearby police post to report the incident.

The bathroom encounter came barely a month after another bear wandered into a grocery store in the same area, reportedly attacking someone in the car park before pinning a customer to the ground and tearing through food counters.

Bear bells are displayed for sale at a souvenir shop at Shirakawa-go, a popular tourist spot and one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, in Shirakawa village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, November 15, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato (REUTERS)

The bear, about 1.4 metres-tall, rummaged through the shops fish and sushi displays before trampling a pile of avocados in the fruit aisle.

Since April, 13 people have been killed in bear attacks  the highest toll on record. Bear sightings this year have topped 100, compared with around 35 last year. Across Japan, a record 220 people have been injured by bears since April, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Two-thirds of this years fatalities have occurred in Akita and Iwate prefectures, where Japans military was deployed this week to help set and inspect traps after urgent requests from local authorities overwhelmed by incidents. Police have also launched a culling campaign after amended rules permitted them to use rifles to kill the animals.

Visitors take souvenir photos next to a bear warning sign at Shirakawa-go, a popular tourist spot and one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, in Shirakawa village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (REUTERS)

Riot police trained to use firearms against militants have additionally been sent to northern prefectures to assist local law enforcement in managing the surge in attacks, according to reports.

The rise in incidents has also pushed insurers to roll out new products targeting bear-related risks.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance said on Friday it will introduce coverage for businesses affected by bear intrusions, aimed at hotel and leisure operators and covering lost revenue as well as the cost of strengthening safety measures.

A subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings is offering support to local governments for emergency bear-hunting operations, with fees starting at 300,000 (1,470).

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based Blue Cross (Asia Pacific) Insurance has added extra bear-attack protection to its travel policies, citing climate change and shifting habitats that have increased the risk of encounters in destinations such as Japan.
China-Europe freight train trips hit 120,000

Xinhua) 09:12, November 29, 2025

The X8086 China-Europe freight train waits for departure at the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 28, 2025. As the X8086 train departed from Chengdu on Friday, the total number of China-Europe freight train trips has surpassed 120,000, with the total value of goods transported exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China-Europe freight trains have made a cumulative 120,000 trips and transported goods with a total value exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) said on Friday.

The 120,000-trip milestone was achieved with the departure of a freight train on Friday from Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, heading to Poland, according to China Railway, China's railway operator.

To date, the types of goods transported by China-Europe freight trains have expanded to 53 categories that cover 50,000 kinds of products. High value-added goods such as automobiles, auto parts, mechanical equipment, and electronic and electrical products, are the main exported goods transported via these trains.

As a flagship project and a landmark brand of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Europe freight train service has established a comprehensive logistics network across Eurasia.

Currently, these trains reach 232 cities in 26 European countries.

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 28, 2025 shows the X8086 China-Europe freight train departing from the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. As the X8086 train departed from Chengdu on Friday, the total number of China-Europe freight train trips has surpassed 120,000, with the total value of goods transported exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 28, 2025 shows the X8086 China-Europe freight train departing from the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. As the X8086 train departed from Chengdu on Friday, the total number of China-Europe freight train trips has surpassed 120,000, with the total value of goods transported exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

The X8086 China-Europe freight train pulls out of the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 28, 2025. As the X8086 train departed from Chengdu on Friday, the total number of China-Europe freight train trips has surpassed 120,000, with the total value of goods transported exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

The X8086 China-Europe freight train pulls out of the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 28, 2025. As the X8086 train departed from Chengdu on Friday, the total number of China-Europe freight train trips has surpassed 120,000, with the total value of goods transported exceeding 490 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
Donald Trump Jr. bashed The Wall Street Journals editorial board as RINOs for condemning his fathers collective punishment of Afghans after one refugee ambushed two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C.

Give me a f---ing break, wrote the presidents 47-year-old son on X Friday morning. The RINOs at the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board want us to be flooded with millions of America hating migrants who dont share our values.

Donald Trump Jr. suggested that The Wall Street Journal wants America flooded with millions of America hating migrants because the paper said not to blame all refugees for the D.C. shooting. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

This is a good reminder that its not just Democrats responsible for this - Its the globalist RINOs too, he added.

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RINO, which stands for Republican In Name Only, is a favorite insult of President Donald Trump, who has hurled it at Republicans who oppose some aspects of his agenda, including Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. Thomas Massie, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In the editorial that drew the first sons ire, the The Wall Street Journals editorial board wrote, The alleged shooting by an Afghan partner shouldnt condemn all who assisted the U.S. and now live here.

DonaldJTrumpJr/X

The suspect in the National Guard shooting, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was a former member of the Afghan army who worked alongside U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan. He came to the U.S. in 2021 under President Joe Bidens Operation Allies Welcome legislation, a Biden administration initiative launched after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the U.S. military withdrawal. The Trump administration granted him asylum in April 2025.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died in Wednesdays attack. Fellow National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, 24, is in critical condition.

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Lakanwals nationality has already led Trump to threaten all Afghan refugees. Trump, 79, said on Truth Social he would permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries. He also ordered a review of all green card recipients from countries of concern.

President Trump ordered a review of all green card recipients from 19 countries of concern in the wake of the shooting. / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration outlined 19 countries of concern in a June presidential proclamation. They include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow confirmed that he would conduct the review on Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal editorial, published in the Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper on Thursday afternoon, argues that it would be foolish to deny asylum to all refugees because of the actions of one man, saying that doing so would hurt the U.S. in future foreign conflicts.

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Some will say this means the U.S. should never admit such refugees, but the alternative is abandoning allies who assist Americans in war to the retribution of our enemies, writes the Journals editorial board.

You can be sure Americans will fight overseas again, and our troops will need allies on the ground to succeed. How many will assist us if they believe there will be no exit for them if the U.S. leaves with the enemy triumphant?

The Journal, which has published multiple editorials criticizing Trump administration since Trump returned to the White House in January, also argued that the refugees who already live in America peacefully should not be blamed for Lakanwals alleged crime.

Tens of thousands are building new lives here in peace and are contributing to their communities. They shouldnt be blamed for the violent act of one man. Collective punishment of all Afghans in the U.S. wont make America safer and it might embitter more against the United States, the Journal concludes.

National Guard Members Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom were shot on Wednesday. Beckstrom died while Wolfe remains in critical condition. / U.S. Department of Justice

In his Thursday Truth Social post, Trump said he wanted to deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization. He noted that only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation.

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In the same post, he used a slur when insulting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for protecting Somalis in the state, writing, The seriously ret---ed Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both.

There is no known connection between Somalia or Minnesota and Lakanwal, who allegedly drove from the state of Washington to carry out his attack.
Mark Wood looks set to miss the second Ashes Test after sitting out Englands first training session in Brisbane.

The Durham pace bowler remained at the team hotel to rest an issue with his left knee while the remainder of the side returned to work with an optional session at Allan Border Field.

England have four more days of practice at the Gabba ahead of their day/night second Test, including two under lights, but it is understood that Wood is not currently expected to feature in that game.

Mark Wood bowled 11 overs during the first Ashes Test in Perth (Robbie Stephenson/PA)

The 35-year-old missed the entire domestic season after undergoing surgery on the same knee in March and also had a hamstring scare during the pre-series warm-up match against England Lions.

He was ultimately passed fit after being sent for scans but delivered only 11 overs while wearing heavy strapping in Perth as the tourists slipped to a two-day defeat. Although wicketless he cleared 93mph in the first innings and struck all-rounder Cameron Green in the helmet with a fierce bouncer, before seeing his speeds drop in a brief stint during Australias chase.

He has previously made it clear he did not expect to play all five matches Down Under, telling former England captain Michael Vaughan on Fox Sports: Ill definitely not play five, I know that. I think it just depends. I think just review it after every game.

Josh Tongue is one of the players vying for a call-up in Brisbane (Robbie Stephenson/PA)

Englands two spare seamers  Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts  are currently in Canberra, tuning up in the Lions match against a Prime Ministers XI. That gives them some welcome time in the middle, should they be called upon and the pair are due to link up with the remainder of the Test squad on Monday.

Tongue was wicketless in 16 overs on Saturday and Potts claimed two for 40 from the same allotment as a Prime Ministers XI declared on 308 for eight. England Lions reached stumps on 30 for none in the two-day fixture.

Tongue, who was the teams leading wicket-taker against India over the summer, would appear to be in pole position if a five-pronged pace attack continues to be the favoured approach, but spinner Shoaib Bashir and all-rounder Will Jacks are also on hand if they opt for a different balance.

Rain brought an early end to Englands initial Queensland workout, but the players were able to spend some time getting to grips with the pink Kookaburra, albeit in daylight conditions.
Lord Rothermeres hopes of creating a conservative media powerhouse have been rekindled by the Telegraph bid. Composite: Guardian Design/PA/Getty Images/Reuters/Invision/AP/ DMGT/PA/

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Waiting two decades for another chance to snaffle a prized business acquisition is a luxury not afforded to many executives. The Rothermere family, however, takes a more relaxed approach to time.

While most business boards draw up five-year plans, the Rothermeres, having compiled a feared media empire over more than a century, are used to thinking in terms of generations.

It was in the summer of 2004 that Jonathan Harold Esmond Vere Harmsworth, 4th Viscount Rothermere, the tall, curly haired and immaculately turned out proprietor of the Daily Mail, failed in his bid to acquire the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph.

By Rothermeres assessment, the failure delighted Rupert Murdoch because it would have created a stable of rightwing newspapers powerful enough to rival the unique political leverage of Murdochs own titles, then comprising the Times, Sunday Times, the Sun and News of the World.

The softly spoken Rothermere, however, was able to play a longer game. The Telegraph titles were again put up for sale in 2023. Since then, two prospective owners have come and gone, both after internal Telegraph revolts over their suitability. Rothermere has now swooped.

In the process, the 57-year-old has reaffirmed his familys obsession with British newspapers, after his forebears bought, sold and smashed together some of the biggest titles of their day.

Lord Rothermere has got a business head, but hes not sharply business minded, said Alex DeGroote, a media analyst who has previously worked closely with Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT). This sounds a bit cheesy, but hes genuinely passionate about journalism. I suspect internally, theyve wanted to unite media businesses that serve centre-right audiences for decades.

Huge issues remain before the hereditary peers DMGT group can clinch the titles. Alongside the competition and media plurality concerns, Telegraph insiders are asking how he will stump up the 500m valuation. However, Rothermeres hopes of creating a conservative media powerhouse have been rekindled.

It was a bold bid for a proprietor who prides himself on staying behind the scenes, often noting his willingness to let the pugnacious and often brutal views of the Daily Mail contradict his own gentler, more pro-European conservatism.

With the Rothermeres, however, media acquisitions are a family affair. A portrait of Alfred Harmsworth, his great-great-uncle who founded the Daily Mail in 1896, dominates Rothermeres office. One of his earliest memories was of his father, Vere, taking him to the hot-metal newspaper presses.

A young Jonathan would be included in conversations about the difficult start for the Mail on Sunday in 1982. He remembers the stress of the vicious battle in 1987 between the London Daily News and his familys Evening Standard, which he later sold.

Rothermere himself flirted with journalism, working as a subeditor and reporter on the Sunday Mail in Scotland, before concentrating on the business side of his familys group. When his father died of a heart attack in 1998, Rothermere is said to have had about 20 minutes upon returning home from the hospital before company calls began, in effect starting his chairing of DMGT, aged 30.

He has previously sold off profitable parts of the business to refocus on the Mail and other newspaper assets. The Telegraph bid is the latest sign of his keenness to reaffirm the familys media stronghold. This is a 20-year plus target acquisition, said a former DMGT executive. He doesnt want the Mail as the only newspaper asset he leaves for his son Vere.

Rothermeres decision to take DMGT private in 2021 has also made the Telegraph pursuit easier. I dont have to justify myself to anybody, he said shortly after the decision.

The long pursuit of the Telegraph does not change the fact that the Mail will always be his first love. Favoured figures from the title are invited to his country estate. Hes a Mail man, through and through, said an acquaintance.

So what does this Mail man want with the Telegraph, whose rightwing politics have, to some critics, increasingly become even more astringent than those of the Mail? Radical surgery is not on the cards in the short term. I would not have turned it tabloid, Rothermere said, in a rare public reflection on his failed 2004 purchase. The Telegraph is not the Daily Mail.

He is targeting growth for both titles in the US, where the Wall Street Journal is relatively unopposed as a national title on the centre right. He also believes the Mail, still primarily driven by advertising and the newsstand, can learn from the Telegraphs more subscription-based model.

In fact, the familys involvement in the Telegraph has already begun; Rothermeres daughter is a business reporter at the title.

It also hosts an extended Daily Mail family. Chris Evans, the Telegraphs editor, is a former Mail executive. He is one of a series of editors across the British media who learned at the knee of Paul Dacre, the uncompromising former Mail editor who worked with Rothermere and his father.

Intervening to change the Telegraphs politics would be out of character. Dacre, still editor-in-chief at DMG Media, told the Guardian that neither Rothermere nor his father interfered editorially.

That is the main reason why I turned down very enticing offers to edit the Times and the Telegraph, he said. Frankly, I simply didnt believe that Rupert Murdoch or [the former Telegraph proprietor] Conrad Black would give me that freedom. Its difficult to overstate how valuable that freedom is to an editor.

Fleet Street is littered with the corpses of sacked editors who, amid crashing circulations, tried to please their proprietors rather than their readers. The Rothermeres have always understood that. Its a sacred principle for them that editors are given total editorial autonomy, with the brutally clear understanding that they are dismissed if they produce poor papers.

Dacre said the hands-off approach came at a cost for Rothermere. Its no secret that his own political views were, and are, sometimes at odds with the Mails, he said. Columnists, news stories, diary items and the papers sometimes controversial editorial position would not infrequently cause him embarrassment with his friends and social circle. He never once complained and I cannot tell you how much I admired such fortitude.

Despite this, he has always enjoyed the company of journalists and counts some as friends. And, yes, he has this extraordinary passion for newspapers which I believe you need if you want to own them because they are irrational beasts that defy normal business logic.

After the launches of the Mail on Sunday, Metro and MailOnline, the Rothermeres lost countless millions over many years before turning a shilling. And of course, the company lost eye-watering sums on the Standard before reluctantly selling it.

Another former national newspaper editor was more cynical: Its easy not to interfere with the editor if you largely agree with what they put out, they said.

Rothermeres light touch approach is perhaps again informed by family history. They have been dogged by criticism over his great-grandfathers support for fascism and Oswald Mosleys Blackshirts movement in the pages of the Daily Mail in the 1930s.

As for who would edit the Telegraph under his ownership, Rothermere has explicitly praised Evans in a statement on the Telegraph takeover. While that may signal Evans is a sure thing to stay in post, it is also an understandable gesture, given that the guns of the Telegraphs newsroom have been turned on previous suitors.

With British politics seemingly sliding to the right, there are inevitable political concerns about uniting the Mail and Telegraph at a time when both have been boosting coverage of Nigel Farages Reform UK party.

Many liberal politicians believe the Mails abrasive style has become even starker in recent times, pointing to its championing of talking points pushed by Farage on immigration and the woke agenda. Some believe the Telegraph has undergone an even more radical shift, often running radical-right opinion pieces that go beyond those of the Mail.

Tim Walker, a former Telegraph diarist, contrasted its current guise with the staid, establishment-friendly paper overseen by the editor Bill Deedes in the 1970s and 80s. The Telegraph is now less interested in news and more interested in comment, he said. Its become a very shouty paper. Perhaps Dacre, as a news man, might change that.

Senior Labour figures are concerned, along with the Liberal Democrats. Concentrating so much agenda-setting power in the hands of so few would set a deeply concerning precedent, said Anna Sabine, the Lib Dem culture spokesperson. The former Conservative cabinet minister David Davis is also opposed.

Dacre argued that Rothermeres papers were already more diverse than most realise. Remember, the Standards readers were upmarket, liberal and metropolitan and espoused views that were diametrically opposed to the Daily Mails, he said.

For their part, the Mail and Mail on Sunday backed different sides in the Brexit referendum. The Metro was deliberately designed to be apolitical in order to appeal to the young and the i Paper, whose editorial budget was increased by Jonathan after he bought it, couldnt be more different from the Mail.

Today, the British media landscape is unrecognisable from a decade ago. British journalism is in a sad and parlous state. The regional and local press is dying. Several Fleet Street papers are a shadow of what they were. And its my hope, indeed my prayer, that the regulators now understand and recognise this.

There are numerous questions about how someone even with Rothermeres resources has the cash. Most media analysts believe that a more representative price tag for the titles is in the region of 350m, but Rothermere is willing to pay a premium.

DMGT does not have a ready 500m, the price apparently insisted upon by RedBird IMI as it seeks to recoup the loan that gained it control of the titles two years ago.

Rothermeres previous potential bid for the Telegraph in 2023 involved backers from Qatar. He has developed links in the Middle East, where his events business is performing strongly. In May, he was spotted among delegates with Donald Trump on a visit to Doha.

However, his company has said there will be no foreign state investment or capital in the deal, to head off any potential investigation ordered by the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, under the new laws limiting foreign state ownership. It is understood the plan is to own the Telegraph outright, rather than lead a consortium.

Telegraph staff have numerous other questions. Will RedBird, the fund involved in previous bids, have a role? Will loans lined up for those bids be deployed? Is Rothermere actually paying 500m?

Waiting 20 years has helped Rothermere in some respects. The digital revolution means his team will tell regulators the new group will not be competing with other newspapers, but with the likes of Meta and Google. Meanwhile, the Labour government is pressuring regulators to act in a more pro-growth manner.

Go back five or 10 years and a Mail/Telegraph deal would have been unlikely to go through, and you wouldnt have seen Comcast [the owner of Sky] look to try and buy ITVs broadcasting business, said Becket McGrath, a partner at the law firm Euclid Law. But deals that historically would not have got through are being done. The [Competition and Markets Authority] is still having a close look, but it is being more flexible with remedies and solutions.

Some speculate Rothermere may have to offload other titles. That could be painful. He has a personal attachment to Metro. The idea for a London freesheet was first dreamed up by his father, who gave him the task of delivering it.

There have been recent cuts at Metro, which some staff fear is a precursor to a sale. The i Paper also underwent a recent restructure. DMGT figures still feel confident they have a good case for taking on the Telegraph without offloading other titles.

Rothermere has promised to keep the Telegraph and Mail titles editorially separate, regarding them as serving different audiences  broadsheet and mid-market. However, there are concerns inside both titles over cuts and the longer-term plans, given the state of the newspaper industry.

Again, the family has shown a willingness to take drastic action when required. When Rothermeres father was trying to rescue an ailing Daily Mail in 1971, he merged it with the Daily Sketch, brutally sacking hundreds of journalists in the process. Among them was Barry Norman, subsequently the BBCs film critic. Walter Terry, the Mails political correspondent, was asked to hand out the redundancy letters because everybody liked him.

The Mail made internal redundancies earlier this year, following greater integration of the paper and online product.

However, DeGroote said there were huge backroom savings to be found before newsrooms were touched. I dont think theyre going to slash and burn at all, because the journalism is quite different across the two brands. I dont see there being huge personnel cuts. But the back end of any media organisation will have meaningful procurement benefits.

Nandy has requested that DMGT and RedBird IMI submit the proposed deal to the government within three weeks, but the outstanding issues will ensure the saga rumbles on well into next year.

A company that owns the Mail and the Telegraph would have the scale to give both papers a better chance of surviving, said Dacre. But, even then, such a company would be a pygmy compared to the giant internet platforms and the BBC from whom most people today get their news. And that news is indisputably, I would argue, presented through a liberal prism. Now thats a monopoly the regulators would do well to address.

Vere, 31, Rothermeres eldest son, is already being groomed to take control of the family empire, holding a senior role in DMGTs media business. Whether his responsibilities will include control of the Telegraph is the next great chapter in the Rothermere media saga.

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 This article was amended on 1 December 2025 to remove the date from the picture caption of Bill Deedes in his office at the Daily Telegraph; it was not taken in 2015 as an earlier version said.
(Getty Images)

Even if we dont play poker, most of us would admit to having a game face, that neutral configuration of expression designed to give away absolutely nothing about what we really feel. I assume it every time someone serves me parsnips. No odiously flavoured root vegetable is worthy of the 43 muscles that it takes to frown.

But while you may give good game face, at this time of year its worth practising your gift face, too. Gift face is far harder to effect, namely because its not neutral. Rather than conveying nothing, a good gift face must convey a phalanx of positive emotions, like in Love Actually, when Keira Knightley turned up at Andrew Lincolns doorstep bearing banoffee pie. The eyes should sparkle. The eyebrows should lift. The lips should part slowly to reveal awe at the givers kindness, before widening into a smile so heartfelt, so joyful that anyone present would be forgiven for thinking youd just unwrapped the dad from the John Lewis ad, instead of the sweater debobbler that actually confronts you.

You dont get to make it through too many Christmases without needing a good gift face. As a child, you were given scratchy knits and underwear offering dull practicalities that most definitely werent on your Christmas list. Too young and guileless to pretend, youd give a polite thanks before moving on swiftly to the next present.

As an adult, youre tasked with the performative act of seeming grateful. OMG, wow (raise brows, part lips, bare teeth). Bed socks. Perf. Yes, you do always complain about having cold feet. Yes, you do worry that the purchase of an electric blanket might eventually nuke you in the middle of the night, and god knows you have enough trouble sleeping anyway without the prospect of being incinerated. No, no, really, you love them!

Unforgettably bad presents

Obviously, every present is a lovely present, but some presents are indubitably less lovely than others. It took me a while to recall the worst present Ive ever received, partly because Id expunged it from my memory bank, and partly because there have been a few contenders. Such as the oil painting of a stoat, the foot spa, the out of date chocolates, the Crimpit or the mohair scarf that brought my neck out in a livid rash. But no: surely the worst present has to be the deodorant I received as a self-conscious teen. It wasnt even a bougie one. No 14 year-old wants a three-pack of roll-on Sure Extra Dry. They certainly dont want to unwrap it in front of an audience.

Surely the worst present has to be the deodorant I received

At Christmas, one persons treasure is another persons trash. Gwyneths vagina-scented variant excepted, you might assume there could be nothing contentious about a scented candle, the pot pourri of modern gift giving that brings fragrant joy to any recipient. With her penchant for cornering the market in innocuous, inoffensive gifts, its likely why the much-maligned Duchess of Sussex included a 48 candle in As Evers first holiday collection, in an elegant mix of sandalwood, water lotus and California poppy.

Read more: best gifts for mum shell adore

A scented candle is the Switzerland of gifts  although I have a friend whod beg to differ, and took it as a personal insult that she was sent six last Christmas. One friend rails against anything that smells of lavender (it makes me feel 100 years old); another goes nuclear if she ever receives a voucher (lazy).

My family would say Im difficult to buy for, but Id disagree. I love chocolate, cheese, crisps, pies and tequila  festive staples all, so whats the problem? I also love gadgets, particularly prosaic household ones. Once, someone gave me an Argos voucher and I considered that an excellent gift indeed.

Read more: the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list

My husband once bought me a kitchen bin and I was delighted.

Give them the gift of giving

Even if they didnt spend 20 years as a fashion editor blithely acquiring designer handbags, expensive cashmere and exotic shoes, most Londoners reached Peak Stuff many years ago, and are now engaged in the act of replacing things with better versions of what they already have.

When it comes to buying a gift for the person who has everything, do not make them feel as though they are the problem

If theres one tip Id give when it comes to buying a gift for the person who has everything, its not to make them feel as though they are the problem. Do not, for example, say oh, youre so difficult to buy for, even if they own more leisurewear than Justin Bieber. Women, so often the gift buyers, dont always receive gifts purchased with the thought and good grace they deserve. Whatever the gift and whatever your budget, make the giving feel effortless.

And make the receiving feel effortless, too. In a city with a high proliferation of control freaks, in an age where were accustomed to curating every inch of our lives, the concept of allowing someone else to arbiter our taste for us can feel strange, or even scary. What if they get it wrong and buy you a really bogging jumper youll be forced to wheel out from time to time while hoping you dont bang into anyone you know? Thats what a good gift face is for. Or failing that, a returns queue.
The Israeli government is opposed to the recognition of Palestinian statehood - Anadolu/Getty /Abdallah Alattar

The Palestinian Authority continues to pay money to terrorist prisoners and their families, despite promises made to Sir Keir Starmers administration, it has been claimed.

The European Union says evidence is mounting that terror salaries are still being paid.

It comes despite the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Mahmoud Abbas, making commitments to abolish salaries in exchange for recognition of the state of Palestine.

Labour Friends of Israel has accused the PA of going back on assurances to the UK and other governments that it would end the practice of paying a stipend to Palestinians convicted of terrorist offences and their families through the Martyrs Fund.

In 2023, these payments  which critics say incentivise violence against Israelis  amounted to $30m (22.6m) per month.

The PA has said several times that it is committed to ending the practice.

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Mahmoud Abbas to Downing Street in September - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/Shutterstock

In February, Mr Abbas signed a decree ending the payments, and in September he again vowed to scrap the stipends as a commitment to countries like the UK and France, which in the same month took the historic decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.

However, days after the February decree, Mr Abbas gave a speech in which Israeli media monitors reported that he pledged that even if we have [only] one penny left, it is for the prisoners and martyrs.

He stated: I will not agree, and you will not agree, to reduce any obligation, any interest, or any penny given to them. They must receive everything, as it was in the past, and they are more precious than all of us!

Reports suggest that payments to convicted terrorists and their families have been continuing through the PAs new needs-based welfare programme, the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution (PNEEI), most recently on Oct 25.

Credit: @Keir_Starmer / X

These are understood to have been made through a number of bypass channels even if prisoners and the families of martyrs had not applied for PNEEI payments.

The European Commission has now requested clarity from the PA over whether the payments programme, which it had pledged to end, is still operational.

Some analysts have said that under PNEEI, families of convicted or killed terrorists might still receive compensation, although this would be linked to their welfare needs as a result of the loss of their family member.

The European Commission said that it profoundly regrets that payments have been made despite the closure of the Martyrs Fund scheme.

Prisoners and martyrs payment

Guillaume Mercier, the Commissions spokesman for enlargement, international partnerships and the Mediterranean, told The Telegraph: For the EU, the reform of the social welfare system of the Palestinian Authority has always been key. The ending of the prisoners and martyrs payment is an important part of the reform agenda, which the Palestinian Authority has committed to.

Issuing a decree-law in this direction earlier this year was a step forward and signalled the PAs commitment to implement far-reaching reforms.

We, however, understand that a recent payment has been made to the families of prisoners, based on a previous scheme. We profoundly regret this decision, as this seems to go against prior announcements.

We have asked for clarifications on the issue from the Palestinian Authority.

The Commission denied that EU funds were involved in the recent contested payments.

The PA has told the Commission it had ordered an audit of the new payment system to begin in January. This will carry out verification to assess that no parallel payment schemes are in place and give evidence that the system now is only needs-based.

Quietly abandoned

Luke Akehurst, Labour MP for North Durham and a supporter of Labour Friends of Israel, said: Despite warm words about reform from the Palestinian Authority, yet again it seems promises are being made to Western governments and quietly abandoned.

These latest revelations appear to show that the PA continues to pay salaries to convicted terrorists, in contravention not only of their promises but also of the UN-backed American peace plan.

Reform of the PA is a fundamental step towards any prospect of creating a Palestinian state. The failure to take such an essential step as stopping payments to terrorists bodes badly for the range of other necessary reforms, including on education, that statehood would entail.

Supporters of the PA point out that in November, Mr Abbas sacked his finance minister for allowing payments to Palestinian security prisoners through an old mechanism that awarded them based on the length of their sentence.

Rewarding attacks

As part of the Martyrs Fund, monthly salaries had been paid on a sliding scale depending on sentence length, with an additional stipend for their families, and grants available for things such as health insurance and education.

Families of those killed by Israeli security forces typically received payments of up to 740 a month, while families of Palestinians jailed in Israel received up to 2,220 a month, it has been reported.

The programme had been criticised by the United States, the EU and Israel as a mechanism rewarding attacks against Israel, which described it as pay for slay.

The current Israeli government is bitterly opposed to the recognition of Palestinian statehood and uses accusations of pay to slay as part of its arguments against such a move by the international community.

The Telegraph revealed last week how allegedly anti-Semitic propaganda is still being taught in Palestinian schools, despite the UK Governments calls for education reform as part of its recognition of statehood.

The State of Palestine Mission in London was approached for comment.
Patrick Mullins is targeting 1,000 career winners after chalking up his 900th success aboard Jimmy Du Seuil in the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

While Mullins is an amateur rider, his career achievements include nine Cheltenham Festival winners, multiple Grade One strikes and a famous success in this years Grand National, when he partnered Nick Rockett  who is trained by his father Willie  to a famous Aintree victory.

Crowned champion amateur in Ireland on a record 17 occasions, Mullins steered Jimmy Du Seuil to an all-the-way win on his chasing bow and was delighted to hit another landmark win.

He said: Its great to get, I want to get to 1,000 (winners).

I met Stan Mellors wife Elain in London. He was the first to ride 1,000 and she was telling me that he rode his last winner for my grandfather on Herring Gull in the Prix des Drags.

The Willie Mullins-trained Jimmy Du Seuil was last seen when winning the Coral Cup at Cheltenham back in March, when he beat Fridays Long Distance Hurdle winner Impose Toi by three lengths.

That run was enough to see him sent off the 15-8 favourite at Fairyhouse and Mullins was impressed by his performance in beating last seasons Albert Bartlett runner-up The Big Westerner by four lengths.

He added: He jumped brilliant, and it looks like he might even be a better chaser than he was a hurdler.

He beat them easily. Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus got beat in this beginners chase and Impaire Et Passe won it.

We always thought he was a Grade One horse and hopefully he can make into one.

When Danny (Mullins) and Paul (Townend) were away (riding at Newbury and Newcastle respectively), I thought I better ride one of them. I have to apologise to Brian Hayes for nicking it on him, I thought he stood out.
The US military kills 11 people in a strike on an alleged drug boat

Pete Hegseth reportedly ordered the US military to kill everybody when he launched the first strike against an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean.

Two people initially survived when the US fired a missile at a vessel off the Trinidadian coast in early September, until Mr Hegseth ordered a second strike on the pair as they clung to the wreckage, according to The Washington Post.

The order was to kill everybody, a source told the newspaper. The two men are said to have been blown apart in the water.

A Democratic congressman suggested the attack amounted to a war crime which would result in the prosecution of officials.

Donald Trumps administration has killed 82 people since it launched a campaign against alleged narcoboats it claims are smuggling drugs to American shores almost three months ago.

Pete Hegseth reportedly ordered a second strike - Yves Herman/Reuters

Adml Frank M Mitch Bradley, said to have ordered the second strike fulfilling Mr Hegseths directive, reportedly said the survivors were legitimate targets because they could contact other smugglers to retrieve them and their cargo.

A report provided to the White House said the intention of the follow-up attack was to sink the boat and remove a hazard to other vessels.

However, multiple sources said the first two strikes were to take out the crew, while two further strikes were meant to sink the wreckage.

The idea that wreckage from one small boat in a vast ocean is a hazard to marine traffic is patently absurd, and killing survivors is blatantly illegal, said Seth Moulton, a Democrat congressman and member of the House of Representatives armed services committee.

Mark my words: it may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder.

Military officials have expressed doubt that the crew of 11 people aboard the vessel were complicit in drug trafficking.

Adml Bradley has since been promoted to lead US Special Operations Command, which oversees elite units across the military.

By contrast, Adml Alvin Holsey, the commander overseeing the boat strikes campaign, announced his intention to retire in October after reportedly raising objections to the strikes to Mr Hegseth. The Pentagon has denied the account.

When Mr Trump released a surveillance video of the attack on Sep 2, the 29-second clip cut out the subsequent strike on survivors.

If the full video was made public, then people would be horrified, one person who watched the strikes unfold said.

Mr Hegseth insisted on Friday night that the operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflictand approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

He posted on X: As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.



As we've said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically  Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 28, 2025

Sweeping powers

Mr Trump has claimed sweeping wartime powers to destroy the boats, claiming the US is in an armed conflict with drug cartels because each of the boats carry enough drugs to kill 25,000 Americans.

On Thursday, Mr Trump signalled he would further escalate his campaign against drug smugglers when he announced plans to launch operations on land very soon.

In his Thanksgiving remarks to American troops around the world, the president thanked the US air force for deterring Venezuelan drug traffickers, claiming smuggling was down by 85 per cent at sea. Well be starting to stop them by land, he added, seemingly suggesting strikes on Venezuelan soil.

Mr Trump has also signalled he is open to a diplomatic resolution with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, despite declaring him head of the Cartel de los Soles drug gang and doubling the bounty on his head to $50m (38m).

War crime

Mr Trump has previously labelled smugglers unlawful combatants, which under international law would allow countries to kill enemies who pose no immediate threat.

However, even if this were true, Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer who advised Special Operations forces, said an attack on the two defenceless men would be a war crime.

In any case, killing anyone on the boats amounts to murder because no legitimate war is taking place, he argued.

Despite reports of criticism from allies and senior military figures, the US government has expanded its campaign against drug boats from the Caribbean to cover the eastern Pacific.

Before Friday, the first known survivors from one of the boat strikes were thought to have been on Oct 16, when two people survived an attack on a submersible craft in the Caribbean Sea.

The pair, who were from Ecuador and Colombia, were transported to a US Navy ship by a helicopter. Mr Trump later said they would be repatriated to their countries of origin.

Military protocols were changed after the first strike to emphasise rescuing smugglers who survive, sources said.

Top government officials briefed a group of congressional leaders in October on the boat strikes. Democrats have said they need more clarity of the legal justification for the campaign amid claims the administration is violating US and international law.

Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman, is said to have declined to comment on details of the operations.

This entire narrative is completely false, he told The Washington Post.

Ongoing operations to dismantle narco-terrorism and to protect the Homeland from deadly drugs have been a resounding success.
This comes a week after the Met Police announced more than 100 people were charged with supporting Palestine Action at a London protest in August (PA Wire)

The Metropolitan Police have announced that 25 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act at a protest in Birmingham, in which a number of people carried placards expressing support for Palestine Action.

According to West Midlands Police, the protesters were arrested on Saturday at a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries.

Those apprehended by officers were taken into custody as stated under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

People take part in the National Demonstration for Palestine in central London (PA)

West Midlands Police said: We arrested 25 people at a protest in Birmingham city centre this afternoon.

The arrests were made during a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries in Chamberlain Square, at which a number of people carried placards expressing support for Palestine Action.

The group was proscribed by the Government in July this year, meaning it is an offence to be a member of it or express support for it.

Chief Inspector James Littlehales said: We fully recognise peoples right to demonstrate peacefully, and many people continue to protest in support of Palestine without breaking the law.

But we will take appropriate action where people are breaching the law by showing support for proscribed organisations.

Defend Our Juries organised protests against our Governments complicity in genocide and against the ban on Palestine Action in 10 British towns and cities on Saturday afternoon.

In Norwich, ten people were arrested on suspicion of terror offences after allegedly displaying support for the proscribed group on a placard.

Officers said that those arrested were taken into custody and held at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Officers attended the demonstration which was held on Haymarket in the city centre at around 12.30pm. They state that the incident was resolved at around 3pm.

According to Superintendent Terry Lordan: As we have seen throughout the summer, officers will always work to protect the democratic right to assembly and facilitate peaceful protest.

Our role as a police force is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community. Today, this involved arresting individuals who were committing offences under the Terrorism Act. The actions of this group were unlawful and officers have used their powers accordingly.

Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has been vocal about her opinions on the UK governments response to the ongoing situation in Gaza (PA)

This comes after a march in London saw an estimated 100,000 attendees, according to organisers. The Met claimed that just one arrest was made for affray during the protest.

However, Police said four protesters were detained on suspicion of Public Order Act offences and inquiries are ongoing.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill said the UK must stop enabling violence.

Speaking to demonstrators in Whitehall, the MP said: Were here because we know that even as political leaders congratulate themselves on this so-called ceasefire, the genocide in Gaza continues in real time.

She added: A ceasefire in name only is not a ceasefire, its a political risk management exercise. Its designed to protect foreign partners and deflect domestic accountability.

Whats happening on the ground is completely incompatible with the language being used in press and parliamentary briefings.

The UKs role hasnt changed either, you cannot credibly call for peace abroad while enabling violence through policy at home.
The Prince met the Gazan children at an undisclosed location - Temilade Adelaja/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The Prince of Wales has been moved by the courage of severely ill children from Gaza who are being treated in NHS hospitals.

Prince William hoped to bring comfort by visiting several Palestinian families who are in the UK after being evacuated to receive specialist medical care following the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza.

The visit, which took place at an undisclosed location, follows a series of interventions during which the Prince has expressed deep concern over the human cost of the conflict in the Middle East.

He has been following the crisis closely and has acknowledged the desperate need for increased humanitarian support.

Fifty children and their immediate families have so far been brought to Britain from Gaza for treatment, the first of them arriving in September.

A moment of comfort

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: Recently, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales met a small number of children from Gaza who are currently receiving specialist care in the UK.

The Prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face.

The spokesman added: The Prince was also able to offer his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS teams providing exceptional care during such a profoundly difficult time.

His Royal Highness was moved by the courage shown by the children and their families, and by the dedication of the team who are supporting them with such professionalism and humanity.

The children and their immediate family members were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan, where they were supported by British Embassy staff.

They underwent robust security checks before they arrived in the UK, and their location remains undisclosed for their own security.

The Government has said it is working to ensure they receive appropriate support during their stay. It is also pushing Israel to ensure better protection for healthcare workers and medical infrastructure in Gaza.

Last year, the Prince said that he and the Princess of Wales wanted to use their roles to be the empathetic leaders they felt the world was lacking.

World needs empathetic leadership

He described how he was trying to take a more modern approach to royal duties with a a smaller R in the royal, suggesting that he had made a deliberate decision to focus less on the pomp and the pageantry and more on helping people.

The Princes visit to the Gazan children was said to reflect his belief that the world needed more empathetic leadership.

He met Palestinian children during a historic 2018 visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories  the first time a member of the Royal family had visited on behalf of the Government.

In the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack on Oct 7 2023, the Prince and Princess released a statement condemning the appalling terrorist attack upon Israel. Since then, William has remained outspoken in his calls for an end to the war.

Last month, he unveiled a global memorial to humanitarian workers in west London, honouring those who bring solace in the darkest of times.

He condemned the killing of aid workers, noting that of almost 400 deaths in 2024, 181 were in Gaza, the most of any war zone.

In June, the Prince hosted Palestinian aid workers, and in February last year he called for an end to the fighting in a strongly worded intervention that risked sparking a diplomatic rift with Israel.

He said in a written statement: Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home.

Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that.
The Prince of Wales was "moved by the courage" of Gazan children he met, who have been evacuated to the UK for specialist medical care.

Fifty children and their immediate families had arrived in Britain for treatment by 21 November, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed.

Kensington Palace stated William "wished to offer a moment of comfort" to young people "who have endured experiences no child should ever face.

The prince previously met Palestinian children during a 2018 visit to a occupied West Bank refugee camp.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: Recently His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales met a small number of children from Gaza who are currently receiving specialist care in the UK.

The prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face.

They added: The prince was also able to offer his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS teams providing exceptional care during such a profoundly difficult time.

His Royal Highness was moved by the courage shown by the children and their families and by the dedication of the team who are supporting them with such professionalism and humanity.

Kensington Palace stated William wished to offer a moment of comfort to young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face (PA Wire)

William paid tribute to humanitarian workers last month during a visit to Gunnersbury Park, west London.

At the launch of the first global memorial for humanitarian workers, he said: We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence; from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti and, indeed, throughout much of the Middle East. And, alas, in so many other places.

Yet, the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.

More than seven years ago, William met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, on the West Bank, before travelling a few miles away to the streets of the Jalazone camp, which was home to around 15,000 people at the time.

He visited a school and health clinic and met mothers having their babies vaccinated.

A government spokesperson said on Saturday: The government worked with partners to carry out medical evacuations from Gaza to the UK over the autumn.

Fifty patients and their immediate family members are now receiving care in surroundings that are safe and welcoming.

Following the ceasefire, now is the time to scale-up aid and ensure much-needed medicines and medical supplies are getting into Gaza, so that families can access the healthcare they need.

We stand ready to continue to provide health-related support to the people of Gaza.
Vladimir Putin knows exactly how to manipulate Donald Trump and has no intention of stopping the war in Ukraine despite the US presidents calls for peace, a top former White House aide warns.

Fiona Hill, a national security adviser during Mr Trumps first administration and an expert on Russia, regularly witnessed meetings between the two men.

In an exclusive interview with The Independents podcast World of Trouble, she reveals how Putin has got Trumps number and feels able to mock the US president to his face, relying on the language barrier to cover his teasing.

Ms Hill explains that Putin uses flattery to stroke Mr Trumps ego while continuing to do as he pleases in Ukraine: It is extremely difficult to see how Putin gives this up.

His whole economy, his whole society, his whole politics, his whole preservation of self revolves around having this war go on.

Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August (AFP via Getty)

Her startling insight comes as Mr Trump claims tremendous progress has been made towards peace after days of frenetic diplomatic wrangling.

Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow early next week to discuss ending the war with an amended plan to halt hostilities drawn up with European leaders and Ukraine.

Putin has already pushed back on the prospect of a deal, saying Ukraine has to relinquish swathes of territory.

In an hour-long interview, Ms Hill, an Anglo-American and now fellow at thinktank the Brookings Institution, describes how Putin knows how Mr Trump can be flattered by simply being in the presence of world leaders.

The Russian president could not resist the temptation to tease him, which translators hid from a gullible Mr Trump.

Ms Hill, a fluent Russian speaker, tells how she witnessed members of Mr Trumps team hiding their amusement when the Russian president took the mickey out of The Don.

One of the classic cases for me was in one of the last meetings that I saw between Trump and Putin, which was at the G20 in Osaka, in Japan in 2019, she says.

Putin and Trump in the conversation were doing a bit of chest beating about nuclear missiles and about whether Russia was ahead of the United States.

Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev, left, and Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff at talks in St Petersburg, Russia, in April (Sputnik)

And then they were also both bragging about how much they were respectively doing for Israel... Putin was basically going on about what Russia was doing. And Trump was saying, well, no, theres no way that Russia is a bigger support of Israel than I am.

And [he] was talking about all the things that hed done for Israel the [recognition of the capital] to Jerusalem, a new embassy, et cetera, et cetera.

Trump was saying they named all these things after him [in Israel] and Putin said well then Donald, maybe they should just name the country after you?

The scene then took a bizarre turn.

Ms Hill continues: I almost like died laughing cause I could see Bolton, ambassador [John] Bolton, who was still the national security advisers moustache twitch.

Theyd got the point that basically, he [Trump] was being trolled.

Ms Hill explains that Putin often made similar jokes at Mr Trumps expense but that translators glossed over the language and intent shown by the Russian president.

It may not have been necessary. Notoriously thin-skinned Mr Trump has shown, in recent meetings with allies and his own cabinet that fawning to him, no matter how insincere, works.

So it was in Osaka.

In an exclusive interview with The Independents podcast World of Trouble, Fiona Hill reveals how Putin has got Trumps number (The Independent)

Ms Hill describes how Mr Trump missed the jibe and the irony behind it. He took Putins statement that the name of Israel should change at face value.

Ignoring the way that Putin said it and the body language, the way he shifted in the seat, Mr Trump replied: Oh no that would be a bit too much that would be a bit too much.

Ms Hill, who is chancellor of Durham University, was a witness during the US Congress impeachment proceedings against Mr Trump in 2019 and is on record as saying that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, which first brought Mr Trump to power.

The Russians interests are frankly to delegitimise our entire presidency... The goal of the Russians [in 2016] was really to put whoever became the president, by trying to tip their hands on one side of the scale, under a cloud, she said in 2019.

Talks about potential peace plans have intensified in recent weeks, with the original 28-point plan widely criticised as being pro-Russian.

From day one of his presidency, Mr Trump attacked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who he does not see as an equal and accused him of starting a war with Russia. He did not. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and in full measure again in 2022.

But Ms Hill does not believe rumours and innuendo that suggest Mr Trump has been backing Russia against Ukraine because the US president is vulnerable to Russian blackmail.

She dismisses theories that Mr Trump, a multiple felon who has been found guilty in the US of sexual assault, could be blackmailed at all. Hes an open book  weve all got something on Trump!

After a lifetime of study of Russia and working with Mr Trump she has come to a more sinister conclusion about what gives Putin his edge and influence. She believes Mr Trump likes Putin because he sees the authoritarian Russian leader as an equal. And their relationship brings the US president prestige.

Trump shakes hand with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August (Reuters)

It is a man crush. Its because Putins the badass. Hes what Trump would like to be, she says. Trump looks at people who are frankly in charge of everything, who have the kind of, basically, the bling. You know, theyre emblazoned in gold. And thats what he wants to be. And he believes that he is elevated in everybodys minds, by their association, by being in their company.

And thats what Putins got on him. Putins got his number. Putin realises he is a man with a very fragile ego, and that its somebody that can be manipulated in that way.

Trump himself is wanting to be recognised by absolutely everybody who matters.

And he only gets that he has the approval of people like President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia, the royal families of here, there and everywhere. For Trump, thats what really matters, thats the coin of the realm for him.
Millions are still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one month after the category 5 storm devastated the Caribbean.

At least 106 people died when the record-breaking tropical cyclone ripped through the region, leaving at least $10bn worth of damage in its wake.

The UN estimates that some six million people were impacted by flooding and 185mph winds after the storm of the century, made landfall at the end of October. At least 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba alone.

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One month on, despite international efforts to help, agencies have told The Independent the situation on the ground is still catastrophic.

In Cuba, queues for fuel now last for days, food is scarce, and only 40 per cent of the country has electricity, with even major cities only getting between four and six hours per day, according to the International Federation for the Red Cross (IFRC). Fuel and power shortages are leading to severely disrupted lives, with people unable to refrigerate food.

Homes destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica (Reuters)

Water shortages and viral diseases have spread like wildfire, Nicolas Segura, the IFRCs disaster risk management coordinator for Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, says.

There are 700 new cases of chikungunya every day, with over 50,000 people hospitalised with the condition caused by mosquitoes in the aftermath of the disaster.

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The sea penetrated almost 100m to 200m in some places, Segura explains. Their houses were fully flooded and there is now an outbreak of arboviral diseases. There is zika, dengue, chikungunya.

The Red Cross operated through the eye of the hurricane as it made landfall on 29 October in Cuba. Segura describes scenes of utter destruction, including mighty trees snapped like branches and concrete houses flattened. Its like everything was cut with blades, he says.

At least 106 people were killed in the aftermath of the disaster (AP)

Over 53,000 people have been unable to return to their homes, according to the United Nations, including 7,500 living in official shelters.

Segura says his teams are reaching 1,500 families, amounting to 5,050 individuals. But the number of people in need is over two million. Having launched a fundraising appeal to help 100,000 people for 15m, only 16 per cent of the necessary financial support has been raised. Sanctions are crippling the country, complicating matters further.

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The mental health of children has also been affected. You can see the fear in their eyes when they tell you about the noise of the wind, he says. While psychosocial support and mental health activities have been provided for many young people, many are still struggling.

One 13-year-old told me that he felt guilty all the time for what had happened, Segura continues. He couldnt explain why, but he said: I dont know why it happened, but I know it was my fault. Its amazing how a few hours can leave such a lasting impact.

Cuba needs international support, the Red Cross has urged (Nicolas Segura)

In Jamaica, experts have suggested that rebuilding and reconstruction could take over a decade, with over $10bn worth of damage wrought on the Caribbean island. At least 45 people were killed, and thousands have reportedly been left homeless.

Some of them only had the shirts on their backs, Kemsha Swaby, a national response coordinator for Project Hope, says. Over 40 per cent of Jamaicas health system was left with some damage, she adds.

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When you drive along the road, on cell towers the metal has completely been twisted up, concrete light poles have just been smashed on the ground, she describes. There are wooden light poles completely cracked. Lush parts of Jamaica look like winter in the UK, as if all the leaves have fallen off.

Some people were forced to beg in the aftermath of the disaster.

A satellite image shows Hurricane Melissa churning through the Caribbean Sea (Getty)

While Jamaica has had issues with poverty in some places over the years, you dont usually drive around and see people just with their hand out asking for water, asking for tarps, anything that you have so that they can try to survive, Swabe explains. In the immediate aftermath, that was the reality.

Diseases have been rampant on the island too, with some people dying in the days following Melissa making landfall.

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Its not just the wind and water damage, but the hurricane also triggered post-disaster public health emergencies, including a leptospirosis outbreak, which has been linked to contaminated floodwaters, Swabe explains.

This is now responsible for confirmed cases and deaths in the weeks after the hurricane made landfall. Some tried to repair their houses and stepped on nails, and weve also had at least one or two confirmed deaths from tetanus.

An aerial view of destroyed buildings in Black River, St Elizabeth, Jamaica (AFP via Getty)

At least 43 people were also killed in Haiti, where flooding was caused by the outer bands of the storm.

Segura says that a spirit of solidarity and resilience has helped keep people strong. But international support is needed.

Changing someones life is about giving them dignity, he says. People are eager to lead, they are eager to support each other. But they also need support in turn. They want to show the world who they really are, because they are incredible people.
Credit: 2nd Mechanised Battalion "Onuky Adolfivny"

A Russian soldier breaks into a frantic run across a field. He glances upward, as if already sensing the Ukrainian drone circling above, then pushes toward a thin line of trees, the only cover in sight.

But the panicked soldier has no helmet, no body armour  not even a load-bearing vest. He is killed in an instant.

It is a scene repeated across the Lyman frontline, according to soldiers in the area  one that underscores the Russian commands apparent disregard for the lives of its own troops.

Its a new trend. Especially if you compare it to last year, when there were practically no similar cases, Igor Komok, deputy commander of Ukraines 2nd Mechanised Battalion of the 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade, told The Telegraph.

We can say they are being forced to fight without the armour they need. They must do it.

Video footage shared with The Telegraph paints a bleak picture for Russian soldiers in the Donetsk Oblast.

Credit: 2nd Mechanised Battalion "Onuky Adolfivny"

Several soldiers scramble across the fields in nothing but camouflage, while other clips show them pressing themselves into the foliage in a futile attempt to hide.

The 66th Brigade shared photographs of at least six soldiers recently killed without any protective clothing, as well as numerous video clips. They said the phenomenon is even more widespread than these documented cases.

Helmets were only worn in four groups out of the last 20, said Commander Komok, referring to recent battalions of advancing Russians. That is, these are not isolated cases.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, recent days have seen dozens of assaults in Lyman.

The Russian army is suffering disproportionately high losses - Ukraine's 66th Special Rifle Brigade

The 66th Brigade is responsible for holding back Russian attacks in the region. Officials said that Russia is currently attempting to exploit weather conditions  heavy fog and the absence of greenery  to make advances, something complicating Ukraines defences.

Moscows troops are pressing forward with heavy numbers of infantry supported by drones, at times resorting to motorcycle advances with significant losses.

Dmytro Zhmailo, executive director of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, said: The lack of protective gear is an adaptation to the current conditions on the front line, where the Russian army is suffering disproportionately high losses in daily meat grinder assaults.

Mr Zhmailo explained all of the clips shared by the 66th Brigade were taken in late October and November, adding that it is quite a common phenomenon to see soldiers without the protective gear they desperately need

He said that the lack of appropriate equipment reflects the high losses of the Russian army, which have led to shortages of supplies, weapons and ammunition, and that Russias ability to sustain its military is declining amid economic problems.

Ukraines defences have been complicated by weather conditions such as heavy fog and the absence of greenery - Libkos

Most Russian assault troops are treated as disposable, he said, receiving low-quality equipment and training, while the command tries to conserve scarce resources that Moscow cannot fully supply.

Mr Zhmailo also suggested that the incidents could be some form of punishment for disobeying commanders.

In the Russian army, it is extremely common to punish personnel by zeroing them, when commanders deliberately send their fighters to their deaths by Ukrainian drones.

Russian commanders often send wounded soldiers into battle without even arming them, as they are considered disposable, he added.

The Telegraph has collected further evidence showing the brutal front-line conditions for Vladimir Putins forces.

Ukrainian servicemen use FPV drones to locate Russian forces from an undisclosed location in the Zaporizhzhia region - OLEG MOVCHANIUK

Russian soldiers reported that minor infractions, such as carrying one litre of water instead of two, or wearing non-regulation patches, can lead to arrest by military police and forced deployment into assault squads.

In footage shared on Telegram, others said they are eating tree bark to survive, and that they face extortion from their superiors.

For the Russian command, they are merely expendable resources for achieving the Kremlins political goals, said Mr Zhmailo. Russian groups are exhausted and suffer heavy losses from constant assaults, and the Russian leadership demands results on the battlefield.

Commander Komok suggested that the Russian troops caught out by his unit might have been completely unaware they were approaching Ukrainian forces due to the chaos on the frontline.

Most likely, Russian troops do not even suspect that they are approaching the positions of Ukrainian forces, he said. The Russian command convinces the personnel that there are no Ukrainian troops ahead, only allies.

He believes that the lack of equipment is not just down to shortages in supplies on the Russian side, but also recklessness and a disregard for the lives of their foot soldiers.

According to Mr Zhmailo, it is likely that many of the Russian troops caught by the 66th Brigade were sent into the field to retrieve the weapons and supplies left behind with their dead comrades.

This equipment is then passed on to the next assault group, which will go on another meat grinder assault. Meanwhile, the Russian assault troops who died on the battlefield are left behind. The Russian command simply saves resources by not supplying the foot soldiers.

Russia also often uses unarmed and unprotected men to run into the field by foot to deliver provisions and ammunition  a role giving them the nickname camels by their comrades.

Mr Zhmailo said that in most cases camels are quickly detected by drones and destroyed, meaning the Russian command can send several of them into battle during an operation.

In most cases they are unprotected and unarmed.

We are forced to destroy them, because if we dont do this, our guys may die, said Commander Komok.

We can say yes  they [Russian troops] must fight without the right armour because of deception from their own command and their own decision to take up arms and go to war in a foreign country.
Figures in a church by Gwen John, who drew as she prayed - piemags / Alamy

Gwen Johns conversion did not make her a contented woman, though she was sometimes a happy one, judges Melanie McDonagh in her remarkable new book, Converts.

What it certainly allowed her to do was to integrate her spirituality and her art. So it might have been a bit of a blow to be told by her parish priest that drawing in church was sinful. Fortunately she felt neither contrition nor fear, but she resolved to draw in church only during Vespers.

Perhaps the wrong question had been addressed. There is an old story about a Dominican who asked his superior if it was permissible to smoke while he prayed, and was told it was not. A Jesuit asked his own superior whether it was permissible to pray while he smoked and was told to go ahead.

The younger brother of Gwen John (1876-1939) was Augustus John, famous during her lifetime, while she became increasingly solitary. He disapproved of her conversion to Catholicism, which came in 1913 after a decade-long affair with Auguste Rodin, for whom she had modelled.

She was living on the edge of Paris at Meudon (familiar perhaps from the celebrated photograph by Andre Kertesz of a man carrying a wrapped painting past the railway viaduct with a steam train speeding over it). She seemed to be limited to the society of her cats.

But she went to Mass daily and left many sketches of the parishioners, mostly from behind. She undertook for the Dominican nuns at the convent of the Presentation a series of portraits of their founder Marie Poussepin (1653-1744). The nuns were not enclosed in the cloister but undertook works of charity outside.

I get the impression that Gwen John had strong feelings but was not soppy. When a neighbour told her that she didnt seem very upset about the death of Pope Pius XI, she replied: The Pope? There will be another one, then voila!

She could however be a nuisance to other people. She became obsessed with Vera Oumancoff, the sister of Raissa Maritain, who was married to Jacques Maritain the philosopher. Vera began to find her attentions intolerably engrossing and Maritain called a halt to the two womens meetings. One felt, Maritain wrote, that the solitude in which she enclosed herself  with an unheard-of passion for her art, to which she sacrificed everything  sheltered tempests.

Unrequited love and daily hardships would have caused her pain whatever her faith, but as a Catholic, Gwen John at least felt that she could offer her suffering to God  piety in the face of affliction that Melanie McDonagh points out is ultimately based on the teaching of St Paul.

The life of Gwen John demonstrates that Melanie McDonaghs motivation is not triumphalist in examining the remarkable number of gifted people who became Catholic in the first 60 years of the 20th century. She concentrates on a dozen figures of the most disparate kind: David Jones, the artist, Edith Sitwell, the poet, Elizabeth Anscombe, the philosopher, Muriel Spark, the crabby novelist.

She has also chosen a curious bundle from the beginning of the 20th century: Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, John Gray, R H Benson and Maurice Baring, none the marrying kind (though Wilde did marry). But in the decisive choice of changing religion, sexual drive hardly seemed to weigh one way or another.

There is a bigger picture, but it is absorbing to read the vividly described cultural setting of the lives that Melanie McDonagh explores.
The eight-year-old stag (pictured) was part of a herd of Irish red deer - Fingal County Council

A stag found decapitated in the grounds of an 18th-century estate was killed for its antlers by trophy hunters, wildlife authorities believe.

Staff at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, in County Dublin, discovered the animals headless body on Thursday morning when they went to feed the herd.

A spokesman for Irelands Deer Commission described it as a brutal wildlife crime and said that the eight-year-old stag was likely to have been beheaded to use its antlers as a sick trophy.

The poachers are suspected to have broken into the estate under the cover of darkness and shot the animal on Wednesday night.

The north Dublin parklands has been home to the herd of 16 Irish red deer for the past 20 years. The stag was one of two in the herd.

Irish red deer are a protected species, with strict regulations around culling - Fingal County Council

Irish police confirmed they are investigating a reported incident of wildlife crime.

Damien Hannigan, a spokesman for the commission, which manages and helps conserve Irish deer, said the attack was highly unusual as poachers normally target wild deer for its meat.

Its essentially going on to a farm and killing and beheading an animal, he told the Journal, an online newspaper.

The evidence suggests the animal was solely killed for its antlers. The individual or individuals are intending to use antlers to display as a sick trophy.

In over 30 years of involvement with deer, Ive never seen someone behead an animal in a public park.

A wonderful animal to behold

Taxidermists across Ireland have been reportedly warned to be on notice for people asking for work to be done on the head.

Mr Hannigan said it would be extremely difficult now for the head to be sold owing to the publicity around the killing.

A spokesman for Fingal County Council, which manage the parklands, described the attack as premeditated.

Tom OLeary, the Mayor of Fingal, condemned the killing. He said: I have visited this park area with my granddaughters, who really enjoyed meeting the stag and deer. A wonderful animal to behold close up. Its truly shocking that someone would carry out this act.

I am appealing to anybody with information to contact the gardai [police] or the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to kill deer without a licence and I hope that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

Irish red deer are a protected species under Irelands Wildlife Act 1976 and there are strict regulations around culling.
Trader Joe's just quietly dropped the 2025 Advent Calendar for Dogs, and as someone whose own dog already thinks every cardboard box is meant for him, this feels spiritually correct. According to Trader Joe's, the fan-favorite dog calendar is officially back and updated based on customer requests. Honestly, it's the only kind of product feedback that matters. People show up for their pets in ways they do not show up for themselves.

The 2025 version brings back the freeze-dried chicken treats that sold out fast in past years. Each window on the calendar reveals a single-ingredient piece of chicken breast, which means no mystery fillers or holiday-themed surprises that lead to a frantic Google search at midnight. Chickenjust chicken, exactly what most dogs want anyway.

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Trader Joe's also redesigned the packaging and made it even cuter, which is saying something because the original artwork already felt like a Pinterest board. This year's box features illustrated dog faces, tiny bones, candy canes, and the kind of soft winter palette that makes you feel like you should be wearing a scarf indoors. It is very much giving the cozy-but-chaotic energy of December dog ownership.

Related: 5 Tasty Fall-Focused Dog Treats Trader Joe's Shoppers Are Racing to Grab

Advent Calendar for Dogs, $7.99 at Trader Joe's



Trader Joe's

The new Advent Calendar includes 24 days of treats, which means your dog gets a tiny celebration every day until Christmas. And if your dog is anything like mine, they will absolutely understand the pattern by day two and start sitting in front of the calendar like it's their job.

At $7.99, it's easily one of the most affordable pet Advent calendars on the market. Most comparable versions at other stores run double or triple that, with half the cuteness and none of the Trader Joe's charm. And because it's all freeze-dried chicken, even picky dogs have a good chance of liking it. If your dog turns down freeze-dried chicken, I'm not saying they're judging you, but they might be.

For pet parents who love a holiday tradition, this one is simple, harmless, and extremely adorable. You get to open something every day, your dog gets a reward, and everyone wins. If you want one, I'd recommend grabbing it soon. Trader Joe's seasonal pet items don't sit on shelves long, and this is the kind of product that disappears before you even get the chance to text someone, "Should I get two?"

Related: 5 Tasty Fall-Focused Dog Treats Trader Joe's Shoppers Are Racing to Grab

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Shopping section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Frantzia Fleury, 49, pictured with her father (Frantzia Fleury / Facebook)

Two sisters lost their lives on Thanksgiving as they bravely rescued their disabled father from a horrifying house fire.

Frantzia Fleury, 49, and her sister Pojanee, 42, guided their father through the blaze which broke out at their home in Orange, New Jersey, at around 5pm on Thursday.

Authorities say the women managed to get their father to safety, along with six other people, before they were overcome by the flames.

Essex County Prosecutors Office declared both women dead at 6.45pm.

Family and friends have flooded social media with tributes to the pair, who were each mothers of one child.

A cousin said: "They were deeply devoted to their families and its just a tragedy.

Pojanee Fleury, 42, was an author and community leader (Pojanee Fleury / Facebook)

"I dont know how my aunt is going to deal with this, my uncle, I dont even know if hes aware of whats going on.

"Hes in the hospital right now, suffering from smoke inhalation."

Frantzia had previously served in the Marine Corps and at the time of her death, was a radiolic technologist at Clara Maass Medical Centre in Belleville.

Movingly, she had posted an image online with her father during a previous Thanksgiving with the caption, "Daddy's girl".

Younger sister Pojanee was a published author, publisher and inventor who was described as a "dedicated community servant" and a "selfless leader", by the African Immigrants Commission of New York and Connecticut.

She founded Brown Eyez Magazine in 2007, in order to promote the "positive artistry and holistic health" of the African American community.

Both women were described by their cousin as having big hearts.

Neighbour Matthew Mehr said the family were "really nice" and "super friendly" whenever he encountered them. Fellow neighbour Justin McDaniel added: "This familys been here my entire life, as long as Ive been here.

"Theyve always been good people, one of the daughters of the house used to babysit me when I was younger too, so I know that theyre going through a lot right now."

Other eyewitnesses were left distraught in the aftermath of the blaze, with one describing it as "heart-breaking" and "really hard".

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
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.

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.

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.

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.
A picture of an autopen replicating Joe Bidens signature is placed between Donald Trumps portraits in the White House

Donald Trump has revoked all executive orders signed by Joe Biden using an autopen.

Any document signed by sleepy Joe Biden with the autopen, which was approximately 92 per cent of them, is hereby terminated and of no further force or effect, Mr Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Since leaving office, Mr Biden has been heavily criticised for his administrations use of the autopen, an electronic device used for replicating signatures.

Mr Trump and other Republicans claim the autopen was exploited by aides to sign off on presidential orders, including pardons, without Mr Bidens knowledge.

Joe Bidens signature on seven pardons signed on January

On Friday, Mr Trump said: The radical Left lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful resolute desk in the Oval Office took the presidency away from him.

I am hereby cancelling all executive orders and anything else that was not directly signed by crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the autopen did so illegally.

In a precursor to the announcement, during the annual turkey pardoning at Thanksgiving celebration at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump re-pardoned Mr Bidens 2024 turkeys.

The president joked that their initial pardons were signed with an autopen and were therefore totally invalid.

Credit: The Oversight Project

In June, Mr Trump ordered an investigation into the pardons which Mr Biden signed using the device.

Mr Biden pre-emptively issued a number of pardons to allies when leaving office, including to his son Hunter and his three siblings, James, Frank, and Valerie.

But Mr Trump and his supporters claimed that the use of the pen raised questions about the former presidents competence to serve as president, especially at the end of his term.

Joe Biden has been criticised for his administrations use of the autopen - Brendan Smialowski//AFP via Getty

In October, a Republican-led House committee released a report accusing key aides, including Mr Bidens physician of covering up his mental decline.

It found that Mr Bidens use of the tool was illegitimate.

The Biden autopen presidency will go down as one of the biggest political scandals in US history, said James Comer, the committee chairman.

As Americans saw Bidens decline with their own eyes, Bidens inner circle sought to deceive the public, cover up his decline and took unauthorised executive actions with the autopen that are now invalid.

Despite Mr Trumps declaration, the possibility of undermining the legitimacy of the pardons issued by Mr Biden is considered remote.

In reality, the autopen has been in common use in the White House for years.

Senator Ted Cruz speaks during a hearing into the Biden cover-up - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

The very first presidential autopen was used by Thomas Jefferson at the beginning of the 19th century.

Exactly when a modern version was deployed remains unclear, but many historians believe it was used by Harry Truman  albeit for signing letters.

The first president to use it for signing legislation was Barack Obama, who extended the Patriot Act while attending the G8 summit in France in 2011.

Trump is signalling that he believes that everything done by Joe Biden was suspect, Christopher Galdieri, professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, said.

He is trying to roll back the Biden presidency, but I dont think any judge will go near it.
A shocking new lawsuit alleges that an Arizona Turning Point USA staffer propositioned a man for sex  and when he refused, she kidnapped his teenage daughter with the help of law enforcement.

The civil complaint claims Avondale City Councilwoman Jeannette Garcia sexually harassed a male employee she supervised at Turning Point USA during a post-election celebration last year, then took off with his 14-year-old daughter after he left the gathering to escape the advances.

Garcia, who denies all wrongdoing, is also accused of misleading sheriffs deputies to facilitate the alleged kidnapping.

According to the lawsuit, Garcia was allegedly drunk at a TPUSA election-night event at a Phoenix-area restaurant last November and told the man she could offer him a job at the conservative youth organization in exchange for sex.

The man, identified only as John Doe in Maricopa County Superior Court filings, had been employed by TPUSA to promote its preferred candidates in state and federal elections and reported directly to Garcia. He repeatedly rebuffed her advances, the suit states.

The civil complaint claims Avondale City Councilwoman Jeannette Garcia sexually harassed a male employee she supervised at Turning Point USA during a post-election celebration last year, then took off with his teen daughter (City of Avondale)

Garcias alleged behavior became more aggressive and explicit due to excessive consumption of alcohol, according to the suit, forcing the man to leave the restaurant just after midnight. But when he arrived home roughly 45 minutes later, his daughter was missing.

After searching a friends house without success, he returned home. He encountered Maricopa County Sheriffs Office deputies who told him his daughter was safe and that she was with Garcia, according to the filing.

The man continued to try to contact his daughter and Garcia, but got no response. He finally reached Garcia around 2:20 a.m., and she confirmed she had the girl, the court filing states.

The lawsuit alleges an extremely intoxicated Garcia and two other adults manipulated the teenager into Garcias car by falsely telling her they were concerned her father had been drinking and might become violent. He further claims that his daughter was taken without permission or consent and that deputies were complicit in the removal.

Garcia allegedly became intoxicated during a Turning Point USA election-night event at a Goodyear restaurant last November and told the man she could offer him a job in exchange for sex. Pictured: Turning Point USA campus in Phoenix (Google Maps)

The teen was returned the next day only after her grandmother called Garcia from an unfamiliar number and arranged a meeting at a restaurant, according to the lawsuit. The man says the ordeal left his daughter depressed and terrified to leave her room, and that her schoolwork and activities suffered.

Garcia was not criminally charged.

The staffer has been embroiled in controversy before.

Earlier this year, Avondales City Council censured her after she referred to actor Tom Hanks as a pedo on X, writing: Hey Pedo @tomhanks, not all MAGA hat wearing patriots are white. In fact, most racism comes from the elite democrats, you a-hole.

She later claimed she meant the Spanish word for fart.

In a statement to AzFamily.com, Garcia rejected the lawsuits allegations and suggested she may pursue legal action of her own.

I am aware of the outrageous and false accusations being made about me, she said. Let me be very clear: these claims are untrue. I have never kidnapped anyone, never harmed anyone, and never solicited anything inappropriate, ever.

The situation being referenced involved me helping a young girl. Anyone twisting an act of support into something malicious is spreading intentional misinformation.

Again, these accusations are false. I am preparing to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these lies and for the damage they are attempting to cause to my reputation.

I will not be intimidated, I will not be smeared, and I will not allow false allegations to define my name or my work.
The incident took place during Black Friday sales (iStock/Getty Images)

Two people have been taken to hospital after being shot at Westfield Valley Fair in California on Black Friday, police said.

The victims were located inside the Santa Clara mall and taken to a local hospital, the San Jose Police Department said. Their conditions are unknown.

Police first received a report of a shooting at around 5.40 p.m PST. They added that it appears to be an isolated incident and not an active shooter.

No information about the suspect has been released.

Police have said it appears to be an isolated incident and not an active shooter (iStock/Getty Images)

Police are evacuating the mall and have said there is no ongoing threat to the public. They have urged people to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

In a post on X, San Joe mayor Matt Mahan said: This is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend. My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable. Currently, there is no ongoing threat to the community but please avoid the area.

The Independent has reached out to the San Jose Police Department for comment.

This is a developing story...
The former Hong Kong student leader Nathan Law moved to London in 2020. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

An exiled leader of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong has said the UK government risks reneging on a commitment to people from its former colony in its shake-up of legal immigration routes.

Nathan Law, a former Hong Kong politician who arrived in the UK in 2020 and has a bounty on his head, said that the government should reflect on its moral obligations when enacting its increase of the standard qualifying period for permanent residence to a decade.

He said the proposed change in asylum laws was creating fresh anxiety and uncertainty for Hongkongers forced to flee their homes as a consequence of the change in the politics of the territory in recent years after its handover to China in 1997.

The current five-year wait for leave to remain will not be affected for those and their dependants born before 1 July 1997 in Hong Kong who registered for British national overseas (BNO) status.

Law, who was born on mainland China, said there remained an anxious cohort of people without BNO status who have been forced to leave their homes owing to political persecution and that Britains moral obligation extended to all of them.

The changes to the asylum laws are part of what Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has described as plans to make Britains settlement rules by far the most controlled and selective in Europe.

There is an ongoing internal government debate about whether the more restrictive requirements will apply to those who are already in the UK, or only those arriving in future.

Law said: The commitment to Hong Kong is not just for those with BNO status. There is a wider commitment and moral obligation. I think when they think about the situation of Hong Kong refugees, they should think about that. I think that this obligation extends to those who are fleeing the political situation in Hong Kong as that is part of the history between Hong Kong and Britain.

Law came to prominence during the umbrella movement protests in 2014, which called for universal suffrage for Hongkongers.

After the protests, Law, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow formed the political party Demosisto. Four candidates including Law won seats but were later disqualified.

The trio were prominent voices of the protest movement in 2019 and were frequent targets for arrest amid accusations of seeking foreign influence. They fled the territory after being charged over an unauthorised assembly when people defied pandemic gathering bans to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre. Law applied for asylum in the UK in 2021.

Law said: If [the waiting period] changes it will prolong the uncertainty in my life as well as the already mounting pressure from the Chinese government where they launch ferocious personal attacks.

The concern is that you really want to have a sense of being settled, a sense of finding your home, a permanent residency. Its paramount for those who have fled political violence. We are trying to find a place of safety.

Law said he believed permanent residence and a British passport would offer him greater safety at home and when travelling abroad. The Hong Kong authorities are offering rewards of HK$1m (100,581; $127,637) for information leading to his capture.

Last year, three men were charged with national security offences for assisting Hong Kong intelligence service and foreign interference, including spying on Law and other exiled activists.

He said: I have seen evidence that there was surveillance commissioned so I have legitimate grounds to think that I might not be in the safest position. I am in limbo. I am not sure what the next step is.

A Home ofice spokesperson said: We remain unwavering in our commitment to provide refuge and support to people from Hong Kong through dedicated immigration routes.

No one who is found to be at risk of persecution or serious harm will be expected to return to Hong Kong.
The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) director has said.

Joseph Edlow said the pause would be in place "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible".

It came hours after US President Donald Trump pledged to "permanently pause migration" from all "third world countries".

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The flurry of immigration decisions come in the wake of Wednesday's shooting, which left one soldier dead and another in a critical condition, and which officials have accused an Afghan national for perpetrating.

While the first of these specifically targeted Afghans seeking to enter the US, other decisions have been far more wide-reaching.

The USCIS - a branch of the Department of Homeland Security - has been told not to approve, deny or close asylum applications it receives for all nationalities, according CBS News, the BBC's US partner.

Its officers can continue to work on asylum applications and review cases up to the point of making a decision, CBS reported.

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But few details are known about Friday's directive.

Trump did not name which countries might be affected by his migration pause, which could face legal challenges and has already prompted pushback from UN agencies.

The US president's recent announcements represent a further toughening of his stance towards migrants during his second presidency.

Trump has also sought to enact mass deportations of illegal migrants, cut the annual number of refugee admissions, and to end automatic citizenship rights currently applicable to many born on US territory.

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Following Wednesday's fatal attack, the Trump administration temporarily stopped issuing visas to Afghans through the same programme the shooting suspect had, before suspending all immigration requests from Afghans pending a review.

Then on Thursday, the USCIS said it would re-examine green cards issued to individuals who had migrated to the US from 19 countries, without mentioning Wednesday's attack.

The agency referred to a June proclamation that included Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia and Venezuela. Details on what re-examination would look like were not provided.

Trump then pledged to "end all federal benefits and subsidies to non-citizens" on Thursday.

'Third-world countries'

Trump blamed refugees for causing the "social dysfunction in America" and vowed to remove "anyone who is not a net asset" to the US.

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"Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia were completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota," he said.

"I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover."

The phrase "third world" is one previously used to describe poorer, developing nations.

Earlier this year, a travel ban was imposed on nationals primarily from 11 African and Asian nations, including Afghanistan. During Trump's first term, he enacted a travel ban targeting multiple Muslim-majority countries.

The UN has urged the US to observe international agreements on asylum seekers, news agency Reuters reported.

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Trump's reaction to the shooting amounted to a "scapegoating" of migrants in the US, argued Jeremy McKinney, the former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

He told the BBC World Service's Newsday programme before Trump's latest remarks that the attacker's motive were unclear, and that radicalisation and mental illness could affect anyone.

"These types of issues - they don't know skin colour, they don't know nationality."

Suspect in DC shooting is Afghan

Officials said the shooting suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US in 2021.

He travelled under a programme that offered special protections to Afghans who had worked with US forces in Afghanistan before their chaotic withdrawal and the return to power of the Taliban.

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Mr Lakanwal had been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with the CIA - a former Afghan defence and security forces member told CBS.

The US considered Zero Units to be among the most respected domestic forces in Afghanistan.

The CIA's current director has confirmed that he previously worked with the US intelligence agency.

He would have been vetted by the US both when he started working with the CIA and when he travelled to the US, a senior US official told CNN.

A childhood friend told the New York Times that Mr Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his work with his unit.

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Mr Lakanwal was reportedly granted asylum after Trump returned to office, having applied in 2024.

But his request for a green card - which shows a person has permanent residence in the US - is pending, an official told CBS.

[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.
Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi at a service in February at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London to mark the third anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Ukraine has a chance to embrace political change after a peace deal is signed, Kyivs ambassador to the UK has said.

Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who until last year was commander-in-chief of the countrys armed forces and is widely tipped as a future president, says Ukraine should rid itself of corruption and implement deep reforms so that it may prosper after the war is over.

Writing for The Telegraph, the ambassador said that peace provides a chance for political change, as he advocated for full recovery, economic growth, and the return of citizens.

The generals wishes for a brighter future come just two days after Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff and closest confidant resigned amid a corruption probe that has left the government in crisis and the president vulnerable.

Andriy Yermak, who denies wrongdoing, said that he would now go to the front line to fight.

Mr Zelensky has already lost two ministers and imposed sanctions on close associates after anti-corruption bodies revealed that 76m had been embezzled from the state-run nuclear energy company Energoatom.

A Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov, the leader of Ukraines state security and defence council, landed in the US for talks on Saturday night, and Mr Zelensky will head to Paris to meet Emmanuel Macron on Monday, as Ukraine pushes for a peace deal.

Volodymyr Zelensky with Andriy Yermak, his former chief of staff, at a meeting in Madrid on Nov 18, just days before Mr Yermak resigned - Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images

Gen Zaluzhnyi, who was Ukraines top general between 2021 and 2024, warned on Saturday against a quick agreement that would lead to a loss of independence.

He also offered other options for security guarantees, saying that Ukraine should join Nato  and even host its allies nuclear weapons  in order to prevent further Russian attacks.

We Ukrainians strive for complete victory, but cannot reject the option of a long-term end to the war, he wrote.

Peace, even in anticipation of the next war, provides a chance for political change, for deep reforms, for full recovery, economic growth, and the return of citizens.

It is even possible to speak about the beginning of the formation of a safe, protected state through innovation and technology. Strengthening the foundations of justice through the fight against corruption and the creation of an honest court system.

But all this is impossible without effective security guarantees.

Such security guarantees could include: Ukraines accession to Nato, the deployment of nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory, or the deployment of a large military contingent capable of confronting Russia.

Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Ukraine must not join Nato, and would not sign a peace plan which includes this concession. But Europe and the US agree that there must be an Article 5-style guarantee to stop Russia from launching another invasion.

While Mr Zelensky is the face of Ukraines heroism abroad, at home it is Gen Zaluzhnyi. His thick-set bulldog features adorn T-shirts, keyrings, and memes, and already he has four streets and a village named after him.

Known as the Iron General, he had arguably his finest hour during the siege of Kyiv, when his men repelled Russias attack on Ukraines capital in the first few days of the war.

Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi is presented with the Order of the Golden Star and the title of Hero of Ukraine by Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2024 - Presidential Press Service/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

As a moderniser who has championed the lower ranks, Gen Zaluzhnyi garnered huge popularity among the ordinary soldiers under his command. He regularly attends military funerals and was photographed officiating at the wedding of a serviceman during a lull in fighting.

Most of Ukraines combatants signed up to serve under Gen Zaluzhnyi to preserve their countrys democracy.

In Kyiv, far away from the front lines, any peace deal is likely to compel the Ukrainian president to hold an election, which will effectively be a national referendum on the peace deal.

President Zelensky, pictured with his wife Olena after a service last week commemorating victims of the 1932-33 Holodomor famine, has indicated he will not seek election again - Presidential Press Service/AFP via Getty Images

In September, Mr Zelensky suggested that he would not run again. If we finish [the] war with [the] Russians, Im ready not to go for the second term because its not my goal  elections, he said in an interview with Axios.

I wanted very much in a very difficult period of time to be with my country, help my country. My goal is to finish the war.

In any case, studies show that support for the president is waning. A recent study, undertaken by polling firm Socis on Nov 21, found that Mr Zelenskys party would lose out to a potential political bloc that could be formed by Gen Zaluzhnyi.
Codie, 21, went missing in Weymouth, Dorset, on Friday (Dorset Police)

Police are urgently searching for a 21-year-old woman who disappeared from a seaside resort while in a distressed state.

The woman, named only as Codie, was last seen in Westhill Road in the Wyke Regis area of Weymouth, Dorset, at around 3pm on Friday, November 28.

She is described as slim, 5ft 8in tall and with blonde hair worn in a messy bun. She was wearing a black coat with a fur hood, black and grey leggings and was carrying a black handbag.

Inspector Robin Morgan, of Dorset Police, said: Codie was very upset when she left the address and we are really concerned for her.

We are carrying out numerous enquiries to try and locate her and I would urge anyone with any information regarding her whereabouts to please contact us immediately.

I would also like to make a plea directly to Codie if you read this  please make contact with us or your loved ones and let us know where you are, we all just want to ensure that you are all right.

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Codies whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 999, quoting incident number 28:280.
Donald Trump has accused the Biden administration of allowing unvetted migrants into the US - AP

The Trump administration is halting all asylum decisions following Wednesdays deadly National Guard shooting in Washington.

A lone gunman attacked two Guardsmen who were on duty a few hundred yards from the White House, killing one and leaving another in a critical condition.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who had worked with the CIA, has been charged with first-degree murder attempting to kill.

Donald Trump called the ambush-style shooting a terrorist attack and blamed the Biden administration for allowing Afghan refugees to enter the US as part of the American withdrawal, though Mr Lakanwals asylum was approved under the Trump administration.

The US president said on Thursday he planned to permanently pause migration from what he called third world countries and expel millions of immigrants.

On Friday night, the director of Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirmed his department would be halting all asylum applications to the US.

Joseph Edlow said in a post on X that cases will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.

Investigators are continuing to seek a motive for the attack, which claimed the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolfe, 24.

Sarah Beckstrom died from the would she sustained in the attack

The pair were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of President Trumps crime-fighting mission that has federalised the US capitals police force.

The president also has deployed or attempted to deploy National Guard members to other cities to assist with his mass deportation efforts but has faced court challenges.

Mr Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that resettled Afghans after US troops left the country.

In a Thanksgiving address to the troops Thursday, Mr Trump said that Lakanwal went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts.

Earlier this week, Mr Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who had entered under the Biden administration initiative that brought roughly 76,000 people to the country, many of whom had worked as interpreters and translators.

Credit: Reuters

The program has faced intense scrutiny from Mr 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.

I will permanently pause migration from all Third World countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those signed by Sleepy Joe Bidens autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, Mr Trump said on Wednesday.

The US president said he would end all federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens, adding he would denaturalise migrants who undermine domestic tranquillity and deport any foreign national deemed a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western civilisation.
Nick Elphick: Now I understand my eating disorder and accept myself for who I am - Paul Cooper

Until the age of six, I was a happy and carefree child. But then I was badly bullied at school and everything changed. I was severely dyslexic, to the point where I couldnt spell even basic words, and I coped by playing the class clown.

From as young as five, I started to comfort eat. Like my mum, I loved cake and treats, so over the next three years I became quite chubby. My weight, along with my ADHD and the fact I was unusually sensitive, made me a massive target for school bullies.

I began to feel unhappy with how I looked and by the age of eight, I was obsessed with losing weight and began to starve myself. My goal was to not eat anything all day  often Id only eat 10 raisins for dinner, then make myself do 100 sit-ups to compensate. Other times, Id eat nothing but an apple for dinner, or Id suck on chocolate, then spit it out again.

Painfully thin

I became adept at hiding my eating disorder from my family, but by 12 years old I was so unwell that my weight went down to just 5st 7lb. My parents, who Ive always been very close to, were desperate to help me, terrified that my eating disorder would end up killing me.

As a child, Nick struggled with anorexia, bulimia, overeating, severe dyslexia and ADHD

I ended up being asked to leave six different schools for being disruptive in class. Art was the only subject I had a real passion for. One day when I was about 10, I drew Disney and cartoon characters all over my bedroom walls. I thought Id get into huge trouble, but instead, my mum said, Wow, Nick, theyre really good My parents gave me the confidence I needed to throw myself into art.

Eventually, they sent me to a unique independent school called St Davids College in Llandudno, North Wales, which focused on a whole-person education, not just academic. It was the making of me. The headmaster recognised my talent for art and nurtured it. Without that school, I wouldnt be where I am today.

Social anxiety

Throughout my teens and into adulthood, I continued to struggle with my eating disorders, along with other mental-health issues.

Im extremely shy and have social anxiety  the opposite of my brother, whos a year older than me. Hes confident in any situation, whereas Im happiest in my studio, working on my latest sculpture.

Nick aged 19, when he was still struggling with anorexia and bulimia

When I have a big commission, Im such a perfectionist, Ill happily work 15-hour days to get it finished. I feel things very deeply and my art is a great outlet for me to pour my emotional energy into. Along with the gym, its what helps keep me sane.

I always felt so comfortable in my art studio  a large, rented space in Llandudno  that I lived in it, by myself, for nine years. Its filled with all my sculptures, and I slept in a little adjoining room that I turned into a cosy bedroom.

I couldnt afford to rent both a flat and an art studio for many years, but now Ive had so much success, being commissioned by designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, everything has changed. I have my own house and financial security.

Body dysmorphia

My relationship with food and my body is still complicated. Ive been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder  a mental-health condition where I cant see my body and myself how I really am.

Last year, I spent the whole summer cocooned in my studio working, then my friend persuaded me to come to the beach for the day. It was the first time Id been outside in ages and when I took my T-shirt off, both him and his kids were like, God, Nick, youre ripped! Their reaction was quite funny because I honestly had no idea.

Going to the gym has helped Nick, now 46, to take control of his eating disorders - Paul Cooper

Ive been going to my local gym, Wells, for 10 years. Im so grateful to the staff there for everything theyve done for me. When I was unwell with my bulimia, I felt able to be honest with all the guys in the gym. I disappeared for a couple of months and when I came back, they all asked, Where have you been? I told them, I have some issues with eating, but Im OK now.

Repulsed by my binges

When my father died from Parkinsons in 2017, it triggered my most recent, severe episode of bulimia. The binges now disgust me, but I would go to the Co-op every evening to stock up on food. Then, in one sitting, I would devour two whole pizzas, four or five large boxes of chocolate ice cream, an entire packet of chocolate biscuits and a bottle of coke. Id then force myself to be sick.

During my binges, Id grab any food I could find in the house. My lowest point was one night when all I had left was rice and a jar of lemon curd. I cooked all the rice, ate that, then sat in bed spooning sickly lemon curd into my mouth. I was repulsed by myself, but I couldnt stop. Then, as always, I stuck my fingers down my throat and made myself sick over and over again. I vomited so many times that I ended up with blood in my throat.

Nick during his battle with bulimia

Many people with severe bulimia end up with dental decay but luckily, somehow my teeth are OK and theres no lasting damage to my body. I have issues with alcohol too and have been in and out of rehab for many years. My worst alcohol binge was after my father died  I just couldnt cope with the agony of losing someone I loved so much.

Over a period of four days, I lost control and drank 17 bottles of wine. For some reason, maybe to shock myself into getting better, I even photographed all the bottles I drank. I was in self-destruct mode and ended up being hospitalised with liver poisoning. The nurses were so worried, explaining that Id nearly killed myself.

Ive never attempted suicide and I wasnt trying to die  I just feel emotions so deeply, I find it hard to manage them. I know Ill never go back to that dark place again, as something has shifted within me.

The agony of grief

After my father died, I agreed that a filmmaker could follow me in the studio for a year. It ended up being very painful and triggering, but ultimately cathartic. The director, Shafin Basheer, was a lovely, gentle guy and we became good friends. The film, Life with Emotions, was about my father having Parkinsons, but it also followed me through my grief. It won awards and helped raise money for the charity Parkinsons UK.

During filming, my bulimia got dramatically worse, but it also forced me to look at myself and face my demons. It has always been a kind of dysfunctional coping strategy for my emotions, as all addictions are.

Looking back now, Im horrified that my bulimia made me 4st overweight. I look so unhappy and unhealthy in the film. Im 6ft 4in and my natural weight is 16st 7lb, but I weighed nearly 20st.

Watching it at the launch recently made me cry. It was so emotional because I was intensely focused on making a sculpture of my father throughout the film. It was a powerful way of saying goodbye, but I also found it very hard to physically let go of the sculpture.

My mental health issues and my work as an artist mean that perhaps Im not the easiest person to be in a relationship with. I was engaged for nine years  from the age of 25 until around 34  and I thought wed have children together, but unfortunately things went wrong and we split up.

After that, I became what I jokingly call feral and wifeless. Eventually, a caring older woman got me out of my studio and asked me to move in with her. We had a great relationship, but I really wanted the chance to have children with someone. By then, I was 40 and she was 55, so she understood that I needed someone closer to my own age. Were still best friends now and shes been a fantastic support.

Hallucinations and insomnia

Ive had professional help too. Ive seen my GP on and off for most of my adult life  he prescribed antidepressants in my late 20s, which did help but then I made the mistake of suddenly stopping them and I didnt sleep for a fortnight. It got so bad that I began hallucinating, but eventually I was able to sleep again. I dont take any medication now and have learnt to live with my various quirks.

Nick has created a sculpture of the late Monty Python star Terry Jones, which is set to be unveiled in Llandudno next year - Paul Cooper

I waited ages for cognitive behavioural therapy on the NHS, which many people with eating disorders find very effective in changing their thought patterns, but it didnt work for me  I didnt click with the counsellor. Instead, a holistic therapy called creative kinesiology has really helped. The therapist uses a technique called muscle testing, where she uses her hands to identify stress and blockages in the body. I also find meditation helpful.

Breaking the stigma

Only around half of people with eating disorders fully recover, but Im pleased to be one of those who has. The destructive thought patterns are hard to break, but by educating myself about food and exercise, and using my art to find and understand myself, Ive finally broken the negative cycle.

I eat healthily, making home-cooked meat stews for dinner every night, and I throw myself into my hour-long daily gym workouts. Im in the best shape of my life  both physically and mentally. My success at work is being recognised worldwide and Ive learnt to love and accept myself as I am. I feel stable and content.

I would still like to meet someone and have a family one day, but Im happy with who I am. Theres a stigma about men with eating disorders, but I know now that its nothing to be ashamed of and I want others to realise that too.

I hid my illness from my own family for so many years, but decided to share my personal story in the hope that it will help other people not to feel alone and to realise they dont have to hide it or feel ashamed. If I can conquer this, I want others to know that they can too. I want to give people hope.

As told to Emma Elms
Given the disasters surrounding the Budget, Your Party should have been thrilled. Its made their last three months of in-fighting, budgetary arguments and leadership squabbles seem borderline competent.

Yet within moments of these wannabe leaders launching their first conference, the clown car started filling up. First, a load of members were ousted, following rumours that the Socialist Worker Party was planning a disruption. Second, Jeremy Corbyns welcome speech ran late. Third, there was no sign of his co-leader, Zarah Sultana. Fourth, it later turned out that Sultana was boycotting her own conference due to, fifth, faceless bureaucrats doing the ousting. Your Party was due to be renamed this weekend; it may as well stay thus so that Sultana can yell it at Corbyn.

Were here to do something dramatic  and may I say the hall looks absolutely fantastic  to found a new socialist party in Britain, Corbyn said, peering out at his anoraked audience. As an opening gambit to a new political party, this was more like welcoming a busload of sightseers to a talk by the local WI. The hall was free of decorations, with some chairs and screens, but as their 800,000 in donations have been withheld by the party founders, presumably theyve had to save on the bells and whistles. Given how much of the audience was still clad in winter hats, they must have decided to keep the heating off, too.

Jeremy Corbyn is the star of Your Party, but hes not a gripping speaker. Certainly, Keir Starmer is no showman, unless hes quipping at PMQs. But watching Corbyn speak is like watching your least public-facing schoolteacher being rolled out on Speech Day because everyone else came down with food poisoning.

We've got to come together and be united, said stand-in headmaster Corbyn, eyeing the anoraks beadily, Because division and disunity will not serve the interests of the people that we want to represent. Meanwhile, Sultana was furiously briefing the press outside the conference hall. May the left wing never change!

We've got to come together and be united, said Corbyn. Meanwhile, Sultana was furiously briefing the press outside the conference hall. May the left wing never change! (AFP via Getty Images)

The launch of Your Party  or Our Party, or Popular Alliance, For The Many, or whatever name the 50,000 membership agrees upon in Liverpool this weekend, if indeed it can, is supposed to be a chance for something new, exciting, to send a rocket up the bottoms of the ungrateful voting public. Instead, its more of the same, which is rather ironic given Jeremys gripes about Labours bureaucracy. In the same breath as he decried the top down bureaucracy of his former party, he called for an elected executive, a members oversight committee and more non-bureaucratic bureaucracy. I've had enough of top-down parties, he said, while Sultanas team briefed about party witch hunts. I spent a lifetime in the Labour Party, mostly fighting Labour Party bureaucracy. I don't want to repeat that in Your Party. I don't want to repeat that experience. He added, without turning a hair: And that will also go in the handbook.

The stand-in teacher was also wearing his most revolting jacket. There is a particular form of arrogance in dressing quite so badly. I would say that no woman would be so sartorially sloppy, but then Sky News kept showing old photos of Zarah Sultana in a light blue blazer with tortoiseshell buttons, which didnt help.

Clothing matters. Its 20 years since Meryl Streep spelt that out in The Devil Wears Prada. What does this blazer say, then, this lumpen, oversized monstrosity with its crimped lapels? Is it the couture equivalent of a burlap sack? Is there nothing better for an audience who have coughed up to be there on a Saturday morning when they could have been marching in support of something (some mournful chants of Free, Free Palestine suggested theyd rather have been there instead). How could anyone trust a man who, faced with a wardrobe, a shop, could reach in and somehow decide that yeah, this is fine.

Mind you, this attitude very much extended to the rest of Corbyns speech. Youd have thought after 10 years of watching Nigel Farage get away with sartorial murder, Corbyn and his team might have spotted what works. Surely someone among the throng of people that he thanked at the beginning might have steered him towards Zohran Mamdanis mayoral campaign in New York, or Zack Polanskis campaign for the Greens.

Ah yes, Polanski. For while Corbyn is focused on a two-party opposition and celebrating Your Partys 50,000 members, the Greens  previously the most unelectable party this side of the Monster Raving Loonies  have reached 170,000 members, making it the third biggest party in the UK. This week, the Greens released a new slogan: Hope is Here, pegged to that rarest of beasts, an enjoyable political party broadcast. Polanski has also shown himself to be unflappable, human and an excellent speaker  exactly the sort of qualities Your Party should be worried about.

Instead, like a latter-day Ron Burgundy, reading anything from an autocue, including mispunctuation, Corbyn droned on: What has happened to our humanity in our society, where it becomes routine to label people fleeing from environmental disaster enemies? Threats? Tomorrow? Establishing that tomorrow was the one thing that the right-wing had not labelled migrants, Corbyn got back on track. Tomorrow, theyll be our doctors. Tomorrow, theyll be our teachers. Tomorrow, theyll be our train drivers. Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace of having to listen to Jeremy Corbyn read out loud.

Corbyn is steeped in the left-wing stereotypes of the Seventies and Eighties, and indeed, this speech was borne of muesli. There was no overarching takeaway message to inspire the crowd, let alone any potential swing voters watching at home. Instead, we had the full dusty packet stuffing in every problem from the environment, education, council housing, the genocide in Gaza and rent controls to the privatisation of the water industry. All nourishing, but delivered in such a deeply fibrous way that there was nothing for the taste buds or the potential swing voter.

Are we allowed anything delicious in politics again, or do we all just have to suck it up and suffer? As Corbyns brows knit together in unison with his puckered lapels, the answer was clear. Not that well have to worry about it. Your Party has collapsed on day one.
Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls announced hes retiring from Congress, joining a growing list of Donald Trumps allies who are stepping down.

In a social media post Saturday, Nehls explained that he decided to focus on my family and return home after this Congress following conversations with his wife and daughters over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Nehls has represented Texass 22nd congressional district since 2021. Hes been an outspoken supporter of the president, serving as a major advocate of his immigration agenda. Hes also pushed for legislation to honor the president, cosponsoring a bill requiring $100 bills to include a portrait of Trump and another renaming Washington Dulles International Airport after Trump.

Before making this decision, I called President Trump personally to let him know of my plans. President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first, he wrote.

Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.

Rep. Troy Nehls announced hes not seeking re-election, marking the yet another Trump ally to exit Congress (AFP via Getty Images)

Nehls is one of 47 Congress members  20 Democrats and 27 Republicans  who have opted against seeking reelection, according to The Hill.

Nehls announcement comes just over a week after Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she would prematurely exit Congress. Greene, once a fierce ally to the president, has broken with Trump and her own party on several significant issues in recent months, including the war in Gaza, health care subsidies, and the handling of the Epstein Files.

Her split from Trump on the Epstein Files earlier this month led him to call her a traitor, a monumental shift from the man who once described Greene as a real winner. Her last day in Congress is January 5.

Standing up for American women who were raped at 14, trafficked and used by rich, powerful men, should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the president of the United States, whom I fought for, Greene said in her resignation statement.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a close Trump ally, announced she plans to depart Congress in January after a public falling-out with the president (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images)

Nebraska Republican Don Bacon, who has been critical of Trump over his proposal to end Russias war in Ukraine, announced in June that he doesnt plan to seek re-election.

Like Nehls, Bacon said he plans on focusing on his family. After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home, he said.

Rep. Jodey Arrington, a Texas Republican lawmaker who sponsored Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill and earned the presidents endorsement for re-election in 2026, also announced this month that he plans to retire.

It was my highest privilege to author and lead President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, the principal legislative vehicle for advancing the America First Agenda, which included the largest tax and spending cuts, largest single investment in national and border security, and most significant welfare reforms in U.S. history, Arrington said in a statement.

Other Trump allies  such as Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Andy Biggs of Arizona  have decided to ditch Congressional re-election bids and instead launched gubernatorial campaigns.

Trump will also lose other allies in the upper chamber, as Senators Mitch McConnell, Joni Ernst, and Thom Tillis have announced they dont plan to seek re-election.
An asylum hotel in Portswood, Southampton, has been the subject of a number of protests - Jane Rix/Alamy Stock Photo

A 30-year-old Afghan man has been charged with sexual assaults on three women in Southampton as well as with illegally entering the UK.

Sohail Amiri, of Highfield Lane, Southampton, is accused of approaching a woman and attempting to kiss her in Upper Shaftesbury Avenue on Tuesday, and two incidents involving other women in Westwood Road on Sept 23.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: Officers investigating three reports of sexual assaults on women in Portswood and Bevois have charged a man.

The charges follow an incident which occurred in Upper Shaftesbury Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday.

It was reported a woman was walking along the road just after midnight when she was approached by a man she did not know who is alleged to have then tried to kiss her. She was able to force him off and run away.

Mr Amiri has also been charged with entering the United Kingdom without leave contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971.

He was remanded in custody at Southampton magistrates court on Saturday to appear at the citys crown court on Jan 5.

Highfield House Hotel in Highfield Lane, Portswood  a suburb of Southampton  has been the subject of repeated anti-immigration protests.
The clock in Leadenhall Market in the City of London is among the many faulty public clocks - David Rose For the Telegraph

Almost one in six town clocks in Britain no longer works.

Just under 15 per cent of public clocks on council-owned buildings cannot be used to tell the time, according to figures disclosed under freedom of information laws.

The data also reveal that local authorities do not know if a further 10 per cent of clocks are working, with their status said to be unknown.

The research, which was shared with The Telegraph by the group Stopped Clocks, lists the Grade II-listed Aston Cross clock tower in Birmingham, whose four sides each tell a different time, as faulty.

In Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, the two clocks operated by Dacorum borough council are both stopped. They include the clock on the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall on Hemel Hempsteads high street, which was built in 1851.

In London, Leadenhall Market, whose history dates back to the 14th century, also has a faulty clock, as does Norwichs Guildhall, which King George VI visited in 1938.

In Bury, the neo-medieval Whitehead Clock Tower, built in 1914, is not working either.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, blamed severe funding pressures for the widespread faults.

A spokesman said: Faced with ongoing severe funding pressures, councils are increasingly having to prioritise delivering day-to-day services to residents over the expense of maintaining clocks requiring specialist parts, unless they are of particular heritage interest.

The figures highlight the crisis facing civic infrastructure and heritage in the UK. More than four in 10 councils no longer own any clocks in a sign that many former civic buildings have been sold off.

Fewer than 70 per cent of councils that still own clocks said they are all fully operational, while only around 6 per cent of councils said how much they spend on their maintenance.

The medieval-style Whitehead Clock Tower in Bury, which was built in 1914, is also not working - John Davidson/Alamy

Alfie Dennen, the founder of Stopped Clocks, said: A public clock doesnt just tell the time. Its proof that we believe our communal spaces are worth cultivating and preserving.

We havent lost the ability to know the time. We all have phones in our pockets. What were in danger of losing is our culture of the common good.

My mother once said that when she sees a stopped clock, she feels somehow uncared for. I think shes right.

There are six local authorities with no working clocks, while in Torbay only one of the five council-owned clocks was operational as of last month.

The Torquay Town Hall Clock has not been working since 2021 and the Electric House clock has not been working since around 2015, despite being restored in 2006.

The clock on Torquay Town Hall has not been working since 2021, despite being restored in 2006 - Thomas Faull /Alamy

Swithin Long, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Torbay council, blamed it on the councils Conservative leadership.

He said: Residents would be right to be annoyed by the clocks not working. It is a symptom of the Conservative administration who run Torbay council not putting residents at the heart of everything they do.

There are currently plans to fix two of the stopped clocks, with works on the Old Maids Perch set to be completed in December.

Public clocks were popularised across Europe in the Middle Ages and played an important role in timekeeping until watches became near-universal in the 20th century.
Dementia has overtaken cancer as the UKs most feared illness, research shows.

Almost a third of adults (31 per cent) now say it is the disease they fear the most.

For family carers, this has risen from 27 per cent in 12 months. At the same time, the fear of cancer has declined, down from 30 per cent to 21 per cent.

The research, conducted by at-home care provider Home Instead, comes amid considerable progress in cancer research, and as dementia remains poorly understood.

More than 4,000 people were surveyed  including 1,600 family carers  over a year, in the first study of its kind to track how the UK feels about ageing and care, and reveals major shifts in national sentiment and a growing crisis for carers.

The data will be published in the organisations New Ageing Index in the coming days.

Dr Timothy Rittman, senior clinical research associate at the University of Cambridge, said that the results came as no surprise to anyone working in the field.

He added: People forget that dementia is a terminal illness and people are going to die of it and I think theres a lack of understanding that this is a progressive, terminal condition.

David Thomas, of Alzheimers Research UK, said: We are at a tipping point for dementia research, but we need the Government to be more ambitious in tackling what is the UKs biggest killer.

Blood tests for Alzheimers are being trialled in parts of the NHS and more new drugs are being researched than ever before. These innovations have the potential to help us really get a grip on dementia and make the sort of progress weve seen with other conditions, like stroke and cancer.

Martin Jones, the chief executive of Home Instead, added: Unlike cancer, where decades of research have shifted perceptions and care outcomes, dementia feels like a greater threat  a condition with no cure in sight.

The research also found that 43 per cent of dementia carers have left work to care for a loved one, and that the figure is rising.

According to the Alzheimers Society, there are around 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, but more than a third of people with the condition do not have a diagnosis. This number is also expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, and to cost 90bn.

Last year it was revealed that NHS patients will be denied a wonder drug for Alzheimers after officials ignored the costs borne by caring families. The vast majority of dementia care is either paid for by loved ones or funded privately.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice)  the quango that decides which treatments are provided on the NHS  deemed that lecanemab is not good value for money. It is the first ever treatment that slows the progression of Alzheimers.

More than a third of people with dementia do not have a diagnosis - KoldoyChris/Moment RF

Just months later, it emerged that donanemab, another drug for Alzheimers, was blocked for use on the NHS, after regulators deemed it too expensive. Research showed that the drug slowed the progression of Alzheimers by 35 per cent, meaning that patients could live at home with a better quality of life for an extra two years.

Mr Jones said: Over the past year, weve seen a clear shift in how Britain views ageing and care. Dementia has become our greatest fear, and the strain on families caring for loved ones is growing.

But weve also seen remarkable strength and hope. Carers continue to show compassion, resilience and commitment, even when the system fails them.

If we cant cure dementia, we must at least care better  for those living with the disease and for the families supporting them. The findings show the public is ready for change. Its time for the Government, business and policymakers to listen and act.

The research also comes amid many advances in the detection and treatment of cancer. There have been multiple breakthrough discoveries regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment in recent years.

Trials suggest that blood tests which can detect over 50 cancers are correctly identifying more than half of cases. The NHS is currently piloting the tests on tens of thousands of people and plans to publish the results next year.

It is also rolling out an injectable form of immunotherapy, which means patients can receive their treatment in five minutes instead of up to an hour via an IV drip.
HMS Prince of Wales worked with forces from 12 other nations on exercises overseas

One of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy will return home tomorrow after almost a year abroad.

HMS Prince of Wales, accompanied by the UK Carrier Strike Group under her command, will dock in Portsmouth on Sunday.

HMS Dauntless is also due to dock in what will be the biggest naval homecoming in 20 years.

The return of the two ships marks the end of Operation Highmast, an eight-month deployment that involved more than 4,000 British military personnel.

HMS Prince of Wales, a 3.2bn warship that left the UK on April 22, is also due back to the Portsmouth base - SnapX

Operation Highmast sailed 40,000 nautical miles and conducted more than 2,000 aircraft sorties in support of Nato operations and Indo-Pacific exercises.

The carrier strike group worked alongside forces from 12 partner nations during its deployment: Australia, Canada, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

HMS Prince of Wales, a 3.2bn warship, will return a day earlier than planned due to forecast bad weather.

John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, said: The safe return of our Carrier Strike Group marks the successful conclusion of one of the most significant UK deployments in years.

Over the past eight months, our servicemen and women have demonstrated the very best of Britains military. Theyve operated seamlessly with 12 allies across oceans and seas, sailing 40,000 miles. Theyve strengthened vital partnerships and shown that Britain is a nation open for business.

This deployment is a clear demonstration of how we are investing in our Armed Forces, standing with our partners, boosting economic growth and ensuring Britain plays a leading role in global security.

Large crowds watched the departure of HMS Prince of Wales on April 22 and many are expected to be there to welcome her return.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a warning not to fly drones near the Portsmouth naval base.

A MoD spokesman said: Many people will be making the trip to Portsmouth to photograph the Carrier Strike Groups return. We are reminding anyone with a drone not to fly it in the vicinity of Portsmouth naval base.

A restricted area temporary will be in place, creating an exclusion zone of 50 metres around HMS Prince of Wales and the dockyard wall.
Parched land at Cueva de Las Ninas reservoir in the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, in March 2025. Photograph: Borja Suarez/Reuters

Vast swathes of Europes water reserves are drying up, a new analysis using two decades of satellite data reveals, with freshwater storage shrinking across southern and central Europe, from Spain and Italy to Poland and parts of the UK.

Scientists at University College London (UCL), working with Watershed Investigations and the Guardian, analysed 200224 data from satellites, which track changes in Earths gravitational field.

Because water is heavy, shifts in groundwater, rivers, lakes, soil moisture and glaciers show up in the signal, allowing the satellites to effectively weigh how much water is stored.

The findings reveal a stark imbalance: the north and north-west of Europe  particularly Scandinavia, parts of the UK and Portugal  have been getting wetter, while large swathes of the south and south-east, including parts of the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Romania and Ukraine, have been drying out.

Climate breakdown can be seen in the data, the scientists say. When we compare the total terrestrial water storage data with climate datasets, the trends broadly correlate, said Mohammad Shamsudduha, professor of water crisis and risk reduction at UCL.

It should be a wake-up call for politicians still sceptical about cutting emissions, said Shamsudduha. Were no longer talking about limiting warming to 1.5C, were likely heading toward 2C above preindustrial levels, and were now witnessing the consequences.

Doctoral researcher Arifin isolated groundwater storage from the total terrestrial water data and found that trends in these more resilient water bodies mirrored the overall picture, confirming that much of Europes hidden freshwater reserves are being depleted.

Trends in the UK are mixed. Overall, the west is getting wetter while the east is becoming drier and that signal is getting stronger, said Shamsudduha.

Although total rainfall may be stable, or even slightly increasing, the pattern is changing. Were seeing heavier downpours and longer dry spells, especially in summer.

Groundwater is seen as more climate-resilient than surface water but heavy summer downpours often mean more water is lost to runoff and flash flooding, while the winter groundwater recharge season may be shortening, he said.

In south-east England, where groundwater supplies about 70% of public water, these shifting rainfall patterns could pose serious challenges.

The total amount of water taken from surface and groundwater across the EU between 2000 and 2022 decreased, according to European Environment Agency data, but groundwater abstractions increased by 6%, attributed to public water supply (18%) and farming (17%).

It is a critical resource: across member states, groundwater accounted for 62% of the total public water supply and 33% of agricultural water demands during 2022.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said its water resilience strategy aims to help member states adapt their water resource management to climate change and to address man-made pressures.

The strategy aims to build a water-smart economy and is paired with a commission recommendation on water efficiency, which calls for improving efficiency by at least 10% until 2030. With leakage levels varying from 8% to 57% across the bloc, the commission says cutting pipe losses and modernising infrastructure will be crucial.

Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, said: Its distressing to see this long-term trend, because weve seen some very large droughts recently and were constantly hearing that this winter we might have less than usual rainfall and were already in drought.

Next spring and summer, if we dont get the rainfall we need, there will be severe consequences for us here in England. We will face severe water restrictions and that will make everybodys life very difficult.

The Environment Agency has already warned England to prepare for drought continuing into 2026 unless there is significant rain over autumn and winter.

The water minister, Emma Hardy, said there is increasing pressure on our water resources. That is why this government is taking decisive action, including the development of nine new reservoirs to help secure long-term water resilience.

But simply promising very large reservoirs that wont come online for a few decades is not going to solve the problem immediately, said Cloke.

We should be focusing on water reuse, using less water in the first place, separating drinking water from those recycled waters that we could use, using nature-based solutions, and thinking about the way that were building developments, she said.

Were just not doing these things fast enough to keep pace with these long-term trends.

Related: When the rains dont come: how drought and endless dry seasons are changing life in Puntland  in pictures

Europes drying trend will have far-reaching impacts, hitting food security, farming and water-dependent ecosystems, especially groundwater-fed habitats, according to Shamsudduha. Spains shrinking reserves, he said, could directly affect the UK, which relies heavily on Spain and other European countries for fruit and produce.

The kinds of climate impacts long seen across the global south, from south Asia to Africa and the Middle East, are now much closer to home, with climate change clearly affecting Europe itself.

We need to accept that climate change is real, its happening and its affecting us, Shamsudduha said, calling for better water management and openness to new, even unconventional ideas, including widespread rainwater harvesting in countries such as the UK.

Globally, drying hotspots are emerging across the Middle East, Asia, South America, along the US west coast and across swathes of Canada, with Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard also showing dramatic drying trends.

In Iran, Tehran is closing in on day zero when no tap water is available, and water rationing is being planned. The countrys president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has said that if rationing fails, Tehran may have to be evacuated.
Thousands of passengers are bracing themselves for travel chaos after Airbus was forced to ground planes to fix a software glitch linked to bursts of solar radiation.

However, Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, on Friday night downplayed the problem, saying the impact on UK flights seems limited.

Airbus revealed on Friday that around 6,000 of its A320 planes are exposed to the vulnerability, which is understood to have been introduced following a software upgrade.

The vulnerability has meant that flight controls can be corrupted by intense solar radiation.

Around 900 of the planes will probably be taken out of action for more extensive work.

The UK Civil Aviation Agency said aircraft that could not be modified over the weekend will have to remain on the ground from Sunday onwards.

This action is likely to mean that unfortunately there may be some disruption and cancellations to flights, it said.

Approximately 900 planes are likely to be taken out of action for more extensive work - Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

Ms Alexander said on Friday: I am aware of the technical issue impacting certain aircraft and concerns over how this will affect passengers and flights this evening.

Passengers who are due to fly this weekend should check with their carriers for the latest information.

The good news is it seems the impact on UK airlines seems limited with a smaller number of aircraft requiring more complex software and hardware changes.

I would really like to thank the experts, staff and airlines who are working at pace to address this and reassure passengers that work is ongoing.

It is heartening this issue has been identified and will be addressed so swiftly demonstrating the high aviation safety standards globally.

British Airways said that no more than half a dozen of its planes are believed to be impacted and that they will require only a software update.

No impact

Wizz Air said some of its jets contained the rogue software and as a result, some flights over the weekend may be affected. It had already scheduled the necessary maintenance to ensure full compliance with recommendations of the European air-safety regulator.

Other European operators include easyJet, Jet2, Air France and Lufthansa.

Jet2 told The Telegraph the issue would not have any effect on flights over the coming days.

A spokesman for the company said: In line with other operators of Airbus aircraft, we are installing software updates on a very small number of aircraft in our fleet. We can confirm there will be no impact to our flying programme as a result.

EasyJet, in an update on its fleet affected by the problem, said that it had already completed the software update on many aircraft and was continuing to work closely with safety authorities.

Safety priority

The firm said it intended to operate its Saturday flying programme normally and added: Following the safety directive, we have commenced and already completed the software update on many aircraft which require them and continue to work closely with the safety authorities.

We plan to operate our flying programme normally on Saturday and ask that customers travelling continue to monitor their flights on flight tracker.

Safety is our highest priority and easyJet will fully comply with the directive and always operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturers guidelines.

Gatwick Airport also warned passengers may face some disruption over the coming days.

A spokesman said: We are aware of the directive, which may result in some disruption. This is only impacting a small number of airlines at London Gatwick. Passengers should contact their airline for more information.

The A320 is the most sold model in the history of aviation, used by most of the worlds major airlines.

While most of Airbuss aircraft can be fixed by reinstalling the original software, about 15 per cent will also require hardware modifications, meaning they will be effectively grounded for passenger flights.

The software issue was discovered after an incident in late October when a JetBlue A320 flying from Mexico to New Jersey suffered a sudden drop in altitude after a flight-control problem that lasted for 30 seconds or more according to aviation website Simple Flying. It led to 15 people being taken to hospital after an emergency landing.

Airbus investigated the incident and made the connection with a solar storm at the time.

Radiation corrupts data

It said: Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in service which may be impacted.

Solar radiation can severely impact modern infrastructure, causing power outages and disruption to satellites, GPS and communication systems.

Airbus said that reinstating the original software can be done in a matter of hours while planes are out of service overnight.

However, the 900 or so jets requiring physical modifications will need to be flown to specialist repair shops, meaning that they could be out of action for some time.

An emergency airworthiness directive document issued by the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) instructed airlines to carry out software updates on affected aircraft.

Older A320s may need new Elevator Aileron Computers (ELACs), which control the aeroplanes flight control surfaces, EASA said.

An aviation source told The Telegraph that each jet would need around two hours for either software updates or new ELACs to physically be installed, describing the process as probably not too difficult.

EASA said the malfunction concerned a computer that controls part of the A320 which forms part of the wing.

It said: This condition, if not corrected, could lead in the worst-case scenario to an uncommanded elevator movement that may result in exceeding the aircrafts structural capability.
Anti-Israel agitators boycotting Black Friday stormed a ritzy Fifth Avenue store in New York City Friday, disrupting shoppers and leaving four people arrested on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Anti-Israel agitators boycotting Black Friday stormed a ritzy Fifth Avenue store in New York City Friday, disrupting shoppers and leaving four people arrested on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

About 70 rowdy protesters wearing keffiyehs blew whistles and waved Palestinian flags when they charged into the Zara store around 12:30 p.m., chanting, They fund the genocide, to startled shoppers as police rushed to remove them from the Midtown fashion retailer, according to police and video footage.

Zara is a genocidal company, one demonstrator yelled, as others shrieked, Free Palestine.

About 70 rowdy protesters boycotting Black Friday stormed a Fifth Avenue Zara Friday afternoon.

Police rushed to escort the anti-Israel agitators from the fashion retailer.

One protester wore a sign that read, While youre shopping, bombs are dropping.

Four were arrested during the raucous rally, with three issued summonses and 29-year-old Jersey City resident Vel West Arthur charged with criminal trespass, an NYPD spokesperson told The Post.

Video showed at least two arrestees going limp as cops hauled them away.

Four were arrested, including three who were issued summonses and a 29-year-old slapped with criminal trespass.

The anti-Israel march continued down Fifth Avenue, with demonstrators holding signs, waving flags and chanting.

The disruptive protesters continued marching south on Fifth Avenue Friday afternoon, banging drums, waving flags, chanting, blowing whistles and hoisting large signs, including a bright orange one that read, Israel is killing children!

Another sign urged stunned onlookers to Think before you buy, the footage showed.

Protesters also carried signs urging stunned onlookers to think before you buy.

Protesters hoisted a bright orange sign that read, Israel is killing children!

An angry bystander was seen shouting at the protesters, Fk you, you piece of st, then walked off.

The demonstrators later assembled outside an Apple Store and a Microsoft store.

The rowdy crowd eventually gathered outside a Microsoft store.

Microsoft, you cant hide, we charge you with genocide, the wild mob screamed, footage showed.

Microsoft, you cant hide, we charge you with genocide, the wild mob screamed, the footage showed.

Police said the protest ended early Friday evening and that no active investigation is underway.
Lets face it: Christmas is peak travel season, which often means soaring airfare and accommodation rates. But not always. By using flexible-date tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner, scanning for deals that fly on or around Christmas Day, and targeting under-the-radar destinations, savvy travelers can still score last-minute getaways. Econometric research shows that flexible booking can help mitigate holiday premium pricing. Also, as Money Week suggests, opting for offbeat cities or less obvious regions can dramatically cut costs.

This guide highlights warm escapes, wintery charm, and cultural hotspots, all selected because they offer good value, festive experiences, and flight or daily-cost profiles that remain surprisingly manageable even at the last minute.

Get the latest travel inspiration and news delivered straight to your inbox.

Budget-friendly Christmas escapes under $350 (or close enough)

1. Mexico

Mexico is a classic for budget travelers in December. Thanks to favorable exchange rates, lively Christmas traditions, and relatively cheap everything from transport to food, its a go-to for a warm, festive break. This trip delivers sunny beaches, vibrant local traditions, and a Christmas spirit thats more relaxed and less tourist-mobbed than many European markets.

How to make it affordable:

Flights: According to travel guides, round-trip deals to Mexican cities like Mexico City or Cancun can sometimes be spotted well under or near your $350 target.

Stay: In places like Oaxaca, you can find boutique guesthouses or homestays for as little as ~$2530/night.

Do: Wander Oaxacas markets, enjoy lantern-lit parades, sample tacos and tamales, or explore nearby ruins like Monte Alban for very cheap entry.

Related: Beloved airline is now offering first-class upgrades for dirt cheap

2. Eastern European Christmas markets

If you dream of fairy-tale snow, glowing stalls, and mulled wine, Eastern Europe offers that wintry charm, without the exorbitant price tags of Western Europe. Cities like Budapest, Krakow, or Prague remain some of the cheapest Christmasmarket destinations. Because these destinations are less saturated in early December (before peak Christmas-week travel), you can capture the magic of the season but at a gentler price point.

How to make it affordable:

Flights: Budget carriers (especially from Europe) often run December promos to these cities.

Stay: Affordable hostels or guesthouses in these cities keep nightly costs low.

Do: Sample traditional foods like pierogi or chimney cake as you stroll through the markets. Take advantage of free or cheap winter walks through old town districts or along rivers. Visit thermal baths (in places like Budapest) to warm up in a uniquely local way.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a surprising Christmas gem, with mild weather (around 1116 C), festive lights, and a laid-back but charming holiday season. Compared to more traditional Christmas destinations, Lisbon offers a gentler, less commercial holiday feeling, without breaking your wallet.

How to make it affordable:

Flights: December deals to Lisbon can be very reasonable, especially when you're flexible with dates.

Stay: Budget hotels or hostels run around $4060/night; dorms even cheaper.

Do: Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Alfama and Graca to take in Christmas lights from a vintage viewpoint. Sip inexpensive local wine or Ginjinha (a cherry liqueur) at small cafes. Use affordable public transport for day trips to nearby spots like Sintra, where you might find palaces dusted in winter calm.

Wandering through Lisbons sunlit streets, where colorful tiles, historic charm, and stunning viewpoints make every step unforgettable.Photo by Aayush Gupta on Unsplash

4. Marrakech, Morocco

If youre dreaming of a warm, colorful Christmas getaway thats very far from the usual snowy cliches, Marrakech is a compelling pick. As December rolls in, the city avoids the scorching heat of summer but stays pleasantly mild, making it ideal for exploring the medina, souks, and palaces. According to travel guides, Morocco offers exotic and inexpensive winter sun with a daily budget between US $ 2540. Marrakech blends culture, warm weather, and very local experiences, without charging a premium just because it's December.

How to make it affordable:

Flights: While ultra-cheap sub$350 roundtrips are less common for long-haul from North America, budget flights from Europe (or via hubs) can be affordable in shoulder December weeks. Use flexible-date tools to scout deals.

Stay: Choose riads (traditional guesthouses) in the medina which can be very reasonably priced, especially if you're okay with simpler rooms.

Do: Wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls weave a living tapestry of Moroccan life. Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains for panoramic views or to visit Berber villages. Visit Bahia Palace or Koutoubia Mosque for a taste of local history, then bargain for handcrafted ceramics or leather goods in the souks.

5. Nepal

For travelers who want a very different kind of Christmas spirit, Nepal is a surprisingly affordable winter destination. According to recent budget travel data, December is dry and clear, offering stunning mountain vistas around Kathmandu and Pokhara. Guesthouses in towns like Pokhara or Kathmandu can run as low as US $15/night, making accommodation very accessible. Nepal in December feels like stepping into a quiet, spiritual retreat. Its deeply different from tourist-driven Christmas markets and lets you reset on a budget.

How to make it affordable:

Flights: Theres more variability here, but by using the same flexible tools (Skyscanner, Google Flights), you may catch deals depending on origin and layovers.

Stay: Budget guesthouses (tea houses) are very common in trekking regions; theyre simple but comfortable, especially in December when trekking lodges are less busy.

Do: Go for short treks in the Annapurna foothills, or enjoy panoramic viewpoints like Sarangkot near Pokhara, which dont require weeks or expensive logistics. Explore Kathmandus ancient valleys (Patan, Bhaktapur), where temples, pagodas, and old courtyards are everywhere and inexpensive to enjoy.

Related: Budget airline Breeze Airways announces its first international routes

Stretching your budget: Travel smarter, not harder

Be flexible on dates. Leaving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day often yields the lowest fares.

Set flight alerts. Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or KAYAK with flexible-date search turned on to catch last-minute deals.

Consider lesser-known airports or nearby airports. Sometimes flying into or out of secondary airports saves big.

Use local transport and street food. This isnt just cheaper. Its how you truly live like a local.

Book transport and activities locally. Rather than paying for tours online, wait until you arriveyoull often get better deals.

A last-minute Christmas trip doesnt have to mean compromise or overspending. With a bit of flexibility, a willingness to embrace the unexpected, and smart use of travel tools, you can find warm sun or winter sparkle, without paying the holiday premium. Whether you're sipping mezcal in Mexico, browsing Eastern European markets by candlelight, or watching Lisbons tram lights glide by, you're crafting a story thats both spontaneous and deeply rewarding.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Illustration by Madie Homan

For this week's edition of Ask A Met, I asked for our weather.com team to share a few of their worst weather-related vacation delays. Have you ever been stuck in the airport during a winter storm? Or waiting on a train that never arrives? If you've got a good story, share it in the comments below.

Meteorologist Jonathan Belles: My hometown is near Elmira, New York. Its big snow country and lake-effect snow was a big concern there. I used to fly back and forth from there to Tampa, Florida, every year for Christmas. Back in those days, those planes were puddle jumpers that could hold maybe 10 people.

I was so young, I cant remember exactly why, but one year our puddle jumper got stuck somewhere in the snow before it could bring us back home. So, as a kid, I got stuck in the Philadelphia airport all night long. It was something like an 8 or 12-hour delay right in the middle of the holidays. We didnt fly out until the next morning.

Producer Caroline Aylward: Got to the airport on Christmas Eve, waited in line to check my bag, got to the desk and they said the flight was cancelled. So I went to Chick-fil-A, got some coffee and drove 10 hours to Florida. Honestly, it was kind of fun.

Meteorologist Rob Shackelford: Trying to leave southern India, I had to fly to northern India and then to London. The Northern India flight to London was delayed. By the time we got to the U.K., our flight from London to NYC was gone. They gave us a free voucher for an on-site hotel and a complimentary breakfast. Haha!

Illustrator Lisa Pringle: So, I went to New York this summer in June for a family trip. When it was over, my brother and I had a flight back to Atlanta from the LaGuardia Airport. While we were sitting in the terminal that morning, everything seemed normal. Suddenly, the monitor that has your flight information suddenly changed to "Cancelled." No announcement was made or anything. Well, it turns out, the day before I was scheduled to fly back into Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, a hailstorm hit Atlanta with quarter-inch hailstones.

Delta had to pull 100 planes out of service to inspect them for damage from the hail storm. We had to book a flight for the day after that. Even then, the next day at 5:00 p.m., they kept on pushing it back and we didnt leave until 9 p.m. It was a nightmare experience staying an entire 2 days before we could get home.
A man fought to save his girlfriend from a fatal bull shark attack only to be nearly mauled to death by the animal himself.

Swiss tourists Livia Muhlheim, 25, and Lukas Schindler, 26, were swimming at a beach north of Sydney, Australia, when tragedy unfolded.

Ms Muhlheim was filming herself swimming with dolphins when she was attacked by the 10ft shark at dawn on Thursday. Bitten multiple times, she lost an arm in the assault at Kylies Beach.

Schindler managed to swim Ms Muhlheim back to shore and called emergency services, but suffered severe bites himself. A passerby likely saved his life by applying a makeshift tourniquet to his injured leg, authorities said.

Livia Muhlheim was killed by a shark (LinkedIn)

Superintendent Joshua Smyth of New South Wales Ambulance praised the passerby who used clothing to help Schindler with his injury.

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. Schindler remains in hospital in a stable condition.

According to Muhlheims LinkedIn, she was a former synchronised swimmer and worked at a Zurich based wealth and asset management firm Bellecapital. Schindlers profile states he is a security supervisor for the World Economic Forum and is currently studying a Master of Arts at the University of St. Gallen.

A forensic assessment by shark scientists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries concluded that a large bull shark was likely involved in the attack.

A bull shark was likely involved in the attack (file photo) (Wikimedia Commons)

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.

Shark specialists also 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.

Kylies and neighbouring beaches were closed following the fatal incident as five SMART drumlines, baited devices that alert contractors when a shark is hooked so it can be tagged and released, were deployed.
President Donald Trump is issuing a warning to avoid Venezuelan airspace as his administration is ramping up its strikes against drug trafficking organizations.

In a Nov. 29 post on social media, the president told "all airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers," to keep clear of the flying areas "above and surrounding" the South American country as he contemplates land strikes.

Tensions are rising in the region as observers suspect the Trump administration may topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been designated the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, a group the State Department has deemed to be a foreign terrorist organization.

The U.S. positioned its largest aircraft carrier, two guided missile destroyers, and a special operations ship near Venezuela and around 12,000 troops are stationed in the area.

A view of the city, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and around Venezuela would be completely closed, amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, November 29, 2025. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa

Trump has no authority over Venezuelan airspace and he did not provide further details about any action in his Truth Social post. But he signaled this week that he plans to expand on his controversial boat strikes against suspected narcotics traffickers and the Nov. 29 message could deter flights coming into and out of the foreign country.

Donald Trump's second term: Actions, travels of the 47th president President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hand out candy to children during the annual Halloween event on the South Lawn of the White House on Oct. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. The President and first lady welcomed military, law enforcement, and foster and adoptive families, as well as administration officials and their children, to the annual trick-or-treat celebration on the White House grounds.

"Well be starting to stop them by land also," Trump said during a call with military service members. "The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon."

Trump and his allies defend the actions as a way to combat illegal drugs, specifically fentanyl, from flowing into the country.

Even a small amount of the narcotic, such as the size of a few grains of sand, can be fatal and it is responsible for about 48,000 people dying, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

But experts have pointed out Venezuela is not a source of fentanyl and that the foreign country barely contributes to the flow of other drugs coming into the U.S., accounting for just a fraction of the cocaine which largely comes from Mexico.

That hasn't halted the Trump administration, however, from launching attacks against at least 21 boats traversing international waters, killing 83 people  many of them Venezuelans. Administration officials have said that those boats were attempting to carry narcotics to the U.S. without providing evidence to the public or Congress.

Some former military and law enforcement officials and legal analysts say the strikes are illegal and amount to extrajudicial killings. Thats also the assessment of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who says the strikes violate international human rights law.

Contributing: Josh Meyer, Zac Anderson, Cybele Mayes-Osterman

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump tells airlines to avoid Venezuela
Pete Hegseth, drug boat bombings

War Secretary Pete Hegseth defiantly dismissed a report Friday alleging he ordered no survivors be left ahead of the first military strike on a drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September.

A Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) commander reportedly ordered a second airstrike on the speed boat carrying 11 Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists on Sept. 2 after the first strike left two people clinging to the wreckage, according to the Washington Post.

The call for a second strike was allegedly given in response to a verbal order from Hegseth to kill everybody, the outlet reported.

Hegseth was adamant Friday that the military campaign against alleged narcoterrorists in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific is lawful. ORLANDO BARRIA/EPA/Shutterstock

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, Hegseth wrote on X after the report dropped.

As weve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be lethal, kinetic strikes, the Pentagon chief continued. The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people.

Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.

Echoing Hegseth, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson argued: Every lethal kinetic strike against narco-terrorists is:1) Completely legal 2) Conducted against the operations of a Designated Terrorist Organization 3) In defense of vital U.S. national interests.

President Trump shared footage of the Sept. 2 attack  the first of more than a dozen military strikes targeting suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific  showing only the first missile hitting the speed boat, and seemingly obliterating it.

The Washington Post claims a total of four missiles were fired at the boat: Two to kill the crewmember and two to sink the vessel.

JSOC reportedly explained to the White House and congressional lawmakers that multiple strikes were needed to remove potential navigational hazards to other ships.

A person who watched a live feed of the second lethal strike told the outlet that the public would be horrified if they saw the footage.

After the Sept. 2 strike, protocols were reportedly changed to emphasize rescuing survivors, according to the report.

More than a dozen suspected drug boats have been sunk as part of Operation Southern Spear. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's X Account/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration has shared several videos of the alleged drug smugglers being blasted at sea. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's X Account/AFP via Getty Images

The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people  including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans  to flood our communities with drugs and violence, Hegseths post continued. The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists.

Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.

The war secretary argued that the strikes against suspected narcoterrorists, part of a campaign dubbed Operation Southern Spear, are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

Democratic lawmakers vowed to investigate and prosecute anyone who gave illegal orders in response to the report.

The idea that wreckage from one small boat in a vast ocean is a hazard to marine traffic is patently absurd, and killing survivors is blatantly illegal, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), wrote on X. Mark my words: It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder.

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) warned Hegseth that he will be held accountable for illegal orders you give.

This demands Congressional investigation, and the unredacted video of the strike and radio recordings of the orders given need to be shared with Congress and the American people immediately, Vindman added.

Rep. Ted Lieu (R-Calif.) said nothing in the classified legal memo or military law being used to the justify the operation authorizes a second kinetic strike against defenseless survivors.

If the reports are true, then a war crime was committed, Lieu claimed. Also, there is generally no statute of limitations for war crimes.

The White House did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment.
FILE - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the troops during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines on Dec. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at the International Criminal Court after appeals judges on Friday rejected a request to release him on health grounds.

The octogenarian is facing charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in dozens of killings as part of his so-called war on drugs when in office, first as the mayor of a southern city and later as president.

Dutertes lawyers failed to show that an October decision by the lower chamber was unreasonable, Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza said, addressing the full courtroom in The Hague.

The former president was not in court on Friday.

The defense said it plans to reintroduce its request to release Duterte following the results of a medical examination expected next month, lawyer Nick Kaufman said in a statement.

Dutertes lawyers say he is infirm and debilitated and that it is cruel to keep him in custody during the trial. In September the court postponed a pretrial hearing until a full medical assessment could be made. According to defense filings, Dutertes cognitive faculties have declined to a level that he cannot assist his lawyers.

Last month, judges decided to keep Duterte in custody, finding that he was likely to refuse to return for trial and could use his freedom to intimidate witnesses.

According to court filings, Duterte instructed and authorized violent acts including murder to be committed against alleged criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users. The charges against him date from Nov. 1, 2011, when he was still mayor of the southern city of Davao, to March 16, 2019, when the country withdrew from the court. He was president from 2016-22.

Estimates of the death toll during Dutertes presidential term vary. National police put the figure at more than 6,000, while human rights groups claim up to 30,000. Families of victims hailed Dutertes arrest in March.

The legal team requested that he be transferred to the custody of another member state while proceedings continue. However the appeals judges agreed with the lower chamber that the risk posed by his released could not be mitigated by the undisclosed country, Judge Ibanez said.

ICC prosecutors announced in February 2018 that they would open a preliminary investigation into the violence that took place during Dutertes time in power. In a move that human rights activists say was aimed at escaping accountability, Duterte, who was still president, announced a month later that the Philippines would leave the court.

Countries cant abuse their right to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the courts founding document, by shielding persons from justice in relation to alleged crimes that are already under consideration, judges wrote in the ruling in October. Dutertes legal team has appealed this decision as well.

In a statement, the current government of the Philippines acknowledged Fridays decision. The International Criminal Court has already made its decision and the Palace respects it, presidential Communications Secretary Claire Castro said in a statement.

Dutertes family and allies have blamed current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for what they claim was the ex-presidents illegal arrest and detention by the global court.

The Duterte family said it accepted the decision with peaceful hearts.

We will continue to work with the defense team on the case and will keep supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte with our daily conversations. We thank everyone who prayed with us today, they said in a statement.

___

Associated Press journalist Jim Gomez in Manila contributed to this report.
Four times taller than the Hollywood sign and around seven times larger than the White House, Uzbekistans newest cultural center is a monument of epic proportions.

Part museum, part academic research facility, the three-story, $150-million Center for Islamic Civilization (CISC) in Tashkent will be open to the public in March 2026, and is intended to celebrate and revive Uzbekistans historical role as a center of Islamic scholarship.

This region has been home to many ancestors who influenced world civilization, said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, director of CISC. The big question was how to present their influence to the world, to younger generations, in an engaging and modern way.

Over the past eight years, while the building was under construction, CISC engaged 1,500 specialists from more than 40 countries to help develop the centers scientific, architectural and cultural elements.

For example, through an interactive educational zone that leverages virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence technologies for exhibits such as conversations with living portraits of historical scholars and thinkers, the center hopes to inspire children to explore astronomy, medicine, literature and art.

The second floor will be dedicated to research, where international academics can access more than 200,000 books in its library.

Its not just a museum  its a cultural and educational platform. Here, we dont only engage with artifacts, but also with the lives and ideas of influential figures, Abdukhalikov added.

Reviving the past

While Uzbekistan is a secular nation, Islam is a key part of its history and cultural identity.

Arab conquests brought Islam to Central Asia in the 7th century, replacing earlier Zoroastrian and Buddhist traditions, and between the 9th and 12th centuries, the region experienced a golden age of science, literature, and architecture.

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Medieval Uzbekistan, and the wider Central Asian region, was a globalized world before globalization, said historian Farhan Ahmad Nizami, founding director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies at the University of Oxford, whos not connected to the CISC.

Uzbek cities like Bukhara and Samarkand were important stops on the Silk Road, a cross-continental trade route that stretched from Venice to Xian for 1,500 years (130 BCE to 1453 CE), and became a confluence of culture and ideas from both the East and West.

(Uzbekistans) contribution in science and arts is obvious, and now people are rediscovering it, although it had not received sufficient attention, Nizami added.

Later, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Timurid Empire would see a second renaissance of art, science, and diplomacy, with Samarkand at its center, an era that the CISCs architecture draws inspiration from with its grand, mosaic-covered archways, blue tile-covered domes and intricate ornamentation.

The building, designed by Abdukakhkhor Turdiev, draws inspiration from classical Islamic architecture of Central Asia, particularly the Timurid era. - CNN

In the 19th century, Russian expansion saw many parts of Central Asia incorporated into the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union, which imposed secular rule and suppressed Islamic practices.

A significant portion of our cultural treasures left the country during the Soviet times, says Abdukhalikov.

It wasnt until 1991 that Uzbekistan regained independence and began reviving its Islamic heritage and cultural identity. To this end, CISC was given a directive to recover its historic items.

We have participated in auctions such as Christies and Sothebys, bringing back parts of our cultural heritage. We have reclaimed 2,000 items and are continuing our work on this, says Abdukhalikov.

An ancient manuscript displayed in the museum of the Center of Islamic Civilization - Sylvain Dumond/CNN

The centers exhibitions explore Uzbekistans history through these objects, including the 7th-century Quran of Uthman, one of the oldest in the world, and a collection of 114 Quranic manuscripts created by renowned rulers and calligraphers across the ages.

Tremendous potential

While Nizami said the center has tremendous potential, he cautioned that the building is a platform; what happens on the platform is entirely different, stressing that its success depends on long-term research, education and cultural engagement.

There are criticisms of the center, relating to its cost, the sources of its funding, and the limited religious freedom in the country.

CISC declined to comment on the buildings cost or funding sources.

A construction fire in September delayed the centers original launch, but the main construction work has been completed.

With around 60% of Uzbekistans population under the age of 35, Abdukhalikov said that the museum is for the next generation.

We have to inspire them and tell the story of our great history through innovation and creativity, he added.

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Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Friday that no West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., have requested to return home in the wake of Wednesday's shooting of two West Virginia Guard members that left one dead and the second critically wounded.

"I haven't heard of anyone step back," Morrisey told CBS News in an interview. "They wanted to stay. They wanted to complete the mission and serve their state and country."

Back in August, at President Trump's request, Morrisey was one of several Republican governors that deployed National Guard soldiers to D.C., with West Virginia sending somewhere between 300 and 400 Guard members.

According to the military's Joint Task Force  District of Columbia, there are 180 West Virginia Guard members deployed in D.C. as of Friday. They are among about 1,300 out-of-state Guard troops that were dispatched to D.C. as part of the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on crime in the city.

Although Mr. Trump has ordered an additional 500 Guard personnel to D.C. in response to the shooting, Morrisey repeatedly sidestepped questions on whether West Virginia troops would join that surge.

Members of the National Guard patrol the National Mall on Nov. 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Andrew Leyden / Getty Images

And though he expressed openness towards it, Morrisey said he will not pre-judge future deployment decisions, and avoided committing additional units.

"Right now, I'm focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing," the governor said. "As time evolves, I'll keep talking with Guard leadership to make the right call."

Still, he insisted the mission continues and should not be abandoned in the wake of the shooting.

"When evildoers come in and commit heinous acts, we can't back down," Morrisey said. "That's exactly what they want."

The suspect now faces charges of first degree murder. The former West Virginia attorney general told CBS News that the death penalty should remain "on the table."

Twenty-year-old Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed in Wednesday's shooting, and 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded.

Morrisey, who met Beckstrom's parents at the hospital following her death, described the young soldier as deeply respected among her unit  someone whose presence "brought positive energy to every room."

"She was loved and respected greatly," Morrisey said. "There's an energy around her  people lining up to pay respects, showing sympathy, standing by their friend and the Guard."

Wolfe, who remains in intensive care, comes from what Morrisey called "a rich tradition of service." Wolfe's father serves in the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, and his grandfather earned multiple Purple Hearts. "His family asked for one thing  prayers," Morrisey said. "He's fighting for his life."

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that following the ambush shooting, the suspected gunman, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national, was stabbed with a pocketknife by a third Guard member, while a fourth returned fire and shot the suspect multiple times, ending the attack.

President Trump said Thursday that the suspect remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The governor Friday confirmed West Virginia soldiers were directly involved in subduing the alleged gunman, but withheld operational details pending a federal review. He praised their response as swift, coordinated and heroic, crediting them with preventing further casualties.

Trump threatens major immigration overhauls after National Guard shooting

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dies after D.C. attack, officials say

Young mom murdered after receiving menacing messages from stalker
Northwestern University on Friday agreed to pay $75 million to the Trump administration to end its investigation into alleged antisemitism on campus and to resume millions of dollars in federal funding that was previously frozen.

The university will adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that the university does not preference individuals based on race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a press release.

Northwestern shall maintain clear policies and procedures relating to demonstrations, protests, displays, and other expressive activities, as well as implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff, the statement continued.

In fulfilling its agreement with DOJ, the Education Department and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Northwestern will be eligible for contracts and future grants. It will pay the $75 million to the federal government through 2028, according to the administration.

Government agencies investigating the Chicago-area university will close their probes. Under penalty of perjury, Northwesterns president and chair of the board of trustees will certify each quarter that the university is complying with the agreement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the agreement as another victory in the Trump Administrations fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, in a post online, called the deal a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country.

The Northwestern agreement is a huge win for current and future Northwestern students, alumni, faculty, and for the future of American higher education, she wrote on social platform X. The deal cements policy changes that will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination, and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions.

In April, the Trump administration froze its $790 million in federal funding after the university was accused of violating civil rights protections for students. Earlier this year, following a spat with Republicans and President Trump, Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation after serving three years in his role.

GOP lawmakers accused Schill of not tackling antisemitism during on-campus protests amid the nationwide student demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The administration accused Northwestern of not protecting its Jewish students.

The universitys interim president, Henry Bienen, told The New York Times that Fridays agreement closed a deeply painful and disruptive period in our universitys history.

We understand how difficult the past seven months have been since our federal research funding was frozen, and that many of you have felt the impacts deeply and personally, Bienen told students and staffers in a letter, which was obtained by the Times. The experience has been grueling, and we appreciate the care and professionalism you have taken as we have navigated this difficult stretch as a community.

The Hill has reached out to Northwestern for comment.

Northwestern and several other universities, including Ivy League schools, saw their federal funding freeze in the months after Trump returned to the White House. The funding pauses came after Northwestern, and many other universities, were accused of antisemitism amid the pro-Palestinian protests.

In February, the Education Department announced that it was investigating Northwestern and four other universities, including Columbia University, Portland State University, University of California, Berkeley and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

When the administration paused funding to Northwestern, it also cut off more than $1 billion in funds for Cornell University. Cornell reached a deal earlier this month to pay a $30 million fine and invest $30 million into agriculture and farming programs and will also give anonymized admission data to the Trump administration through the end of 2028.

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Zooming around on a map of the Midwest, I was searching for the least-visited regions of each state within driving distance. My fingers hovered on the border between North and South Dakota, signaling that I had no idea what to do in the area.

Coming up from Iowa, Sioux Falls and Fargo were familiar, but what about the three and a half hours of driving between the two? These strips of lonely roads laid between small towns and reservations, far removed from the urban bustle, are often my favorite pockets of the U.S. Knowing nothing about the area was grounds for a road trip: spending a week in a region most people numbly drive through in just a few hours.

Photo by Stephanie Frias for Only In Your State

What I found were fascinating small towns, traditional rodeos, rich Native American culture, and one very special museum. A museum so emblematic of South Dakota, it's now the first place I think of when somebody mentions the state. For someone usually on the hunt for state parks, biking trails, and farmers' markets, I rarely consider museums the best thing to do anywhere. But the Terry Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota, defies the odds. If there's one last thing I think you should do before the end of the year, it's to make it here.

Terry Redlin was an American painter and one of the most popular artists of the 1990s, celebrated for his twilight scenes that depict nature, small towns, and wildlife. Growing up in the Midwest, I fondly remember that nearly every home in my small town had a piece of Terry Redlin art-whether it was a painting, a collection of knick-knacks, a wall calendar, or even a holiday peanut can. He is a beloved figure in our region and is also recognized across the country for his poignant Americana paintings, especially his America the Beautiful series. This series consists of eight paintings, each illustrating one stanza of the patriotic song of the same name.

Photo by Stephanie Frias for Only In Your State

As a lifelong fan of his work in both art and conservation, my attention was piqued by the knowledge that he spent his final days in this part of South Dakota in the quaint and gorgeous Watertown. He left his legacy here as well, in a dedicated 52,000-square-foot art center that displays the original eight paintings from the "America the Beautiful" series. What I didn't expect was the free entry.

It was obvious to me that my foreign-born husband and my children needed to see the Terry Redlin Art Center as much as I did. Not only because his works were an iconic part of my childhood in the 90s, but also because of the art itself, Redlin's story of resilience, his dedication to wildlife, and his service to the American public, even after his death. To me, I saw an art lesson, a history lesson, and an entrepreneurial story all wrapped up in one museum.

My family wasn't as enamored as I was about the concept, grumbling and rolling their eyes about my wanting to stop at some big art museum. From the first glance of the mansion and lawns, however, they quieted their complaints. Inside, the giant, sparkly chandelier and pristinely framed paintings depicting light, wildlife, and small-town America put them at ease.

Photo by Stephanie Frias for Only In Your State

We spent hours quietly gazing and conversing over each painting, and I stood before the America the Beautiful series nearly in tears. After a lifetime of seeing the images in printed copies, seeing the original pieces come to life with brush strokes and textures felt like standing within the scenes themselves.

Love exploring hidden gems? Let Only In Your States AI-powered itinerary planner help you find them all!
It is often said that the first casualty when war comes is truth. A criminal warrant just issued in Germany shows that war continues to claim its victims. However, this warrant could prove to be as great an indictment not just of the government of Volodymyr Zelensky, but also of former President Joe Biden.

This week, a German court issued an arrest warrant for Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov, which may finally confirm what was long suspected: that Ukraine was responsible for the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the waters near Denmark and Sweden.

The Biden administration may have been given prior warning. It was allegedly told years ago by a Ukrainian whistleblower that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor and blow up the Nord Stream project. The operation was reportedly led by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces.

Nevertheless, after the attack, the Biden administration and many in the media fueled speculation that Russia had destroyed its own pipeline, despite evidence and logic to the contrary. It was another convenient claim of a Russian false-flag operation that allowed the Biden administration to ignore the possibility that Ukraine had not only engaged in environmental crimes but had also knowingly lied to its allies.

For years, some of us have questioned the official account from the Biden administration about the available evidence of those responsible.

The suggestion of a Russian attack on a Russian pipeline never seemed logical. However, the administration was funneling billions in support for Ukraine, funding that has now exceeds an estimated $180 billion. Having Ukraine sabotage pipelines to our allies would hardly be opportune when many were questioning the costs to U.S. citizens.

The Biden administration was not alone in running interference for Ukraine, as Zelensky denied responsibility despite mounting evidence to the contrary. When another alleged Ukrainian saboteur was found in Poland, a Polish court blocked the extradition to Germany and ordered his release. The reason? The judge did base the decision on Ukrainian denials. Instead, he declared that the act had been committed in the name of a just war. (Poland remains the frontline against Russian aggression in Europe).

An Italian court did not engage in such rationalization. It ordered the extradition of Kuznietsov, believed to be a key figure in the conspiracy. The attack involved leasing a yacht in the German port of Rostock, using forged IDs and a screen of intermediaries. Kuznietsov insists that he was an army captain serving in Ukraine at the time.

If the investigators are correct, it was not just the Ukrainian government that was lying to us. Biden was also presumably informed by the intelligence agencies of this evidence. Yet Biden kept suggesting anyway that the Russians were covering up the truth. He told the public, The Russians are pumping out disinformation and lies. We will work with our allies to get to the bottom [of) precisely what happened] Just dont listen to what Putins saying. What hes saying we know is not true.

Ironically, even if we were told about this evidence, the public might still have supported the commitment to Ukraine. After all, Ukraine is the victim of a horrendous invasion that has involved repeated charges of war crimes against the Russian forces. However, the public has a legitimate expectation that a country that is receiving billions in support will not engage in environmental attacks on our allies. These pipelines were in the economic zone of two NATO countries.

As the Germans work to find the truth, the question is whether the American public will ever be given transparency on our own governments complicity or knowledge. The public was asked to pump billions into a war while the administration allegedly covered up an attack by Ukraine on a Western pipeline  and then may have misled the public.

The public also has a right to know if the CIA was told in advance that this attack was coming and either gave tacit approval or said nothing to our allies.

While Johnson is often quoted on his 1929 line about truth in war, the line following was equally poignant: this mode of propaganda whereby  people become war hungry in their patriotism and are lied into a desire to fight. We have seen it in the past; it will happen again in the future.

It may have happened in the U.S., and truth was not the only casualty. The American people were treated as chumps who could not handle the truth.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of the best-selling book The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.

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 composite image showing suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal and an evacuation flight from Afghanistan

More than 5,000 Afghans brought to the US after American forces withdrew from the country got flagged for national security issues, Department of Homeland Security data obtained by The Post reveals.

In all, the feds uncovered potential derogatory information on a total of 6,868 people who came from Afghanistan as part of President Bidens Operation Allies Welcome in 2021.

Of that number, 5,005 came up with a national security concern, while 956 people had public safety concerns and 876 were flagged for fraud, according to the data.

The shooting of two National Guard troops, allegedly by suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has prompted an urgent look at other Afghan refugees, including more than 6,000 with potential derogatory information in their file US Attorney's Office/AFP via Getty Images

DHS provided the information to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, after he posed a series of questions to the Homeland Security Department in May 2024.

While various US agencies were able to resolve many of the red flags, as of September there were still 885 people with potentially negative national security information  posing a possible threat.

Following Wednesdays shocking ambush of two National Guards members in Washington DC, President Trump ordered a review of security and vetting protocols for migrants from 19 high-risk countries, along with all asylum cases approved by the prior administration.

The startling data comes to light just days after suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly killed National Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, hospitalized in critical condition.

For years, Grassley has been pressing the FBI and DHS about glaring red flags in the program that brought more than 70,000 Afghans to the US following the botched 2021 troop withdrawal.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem provided the information in a Sept. 9 letter to the lawmaker, three days after the agencys Inspector General reported it found DHS encountered obstacles to screen, vet and inspect all evacuees.

The chaotic 2021 withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan was widely criticized. US AIR FORCE/AFP via Getty Image

I spent years calling attention to the weak vetting standards in Operation Allies Welcome, despite considerable pushback from the Biden administration and many of my colleagues in Congress, Grassley told The Post.

Sadly, this past weeks tragedy in Washington only validates my concerns further. I appreciate the Trump administrations efforts to respond to my oversight and restore order in the wake of the Biden administrations disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and the chaos that followed, he said.

Another Department of Homeland Security IG report found the agency had a fragmented process for dealing with potential security risks in the program.

I spent years calling attention to the weak vetting standards in Operation Allies Welcome, despite considerable pushback from the Biden administration and many of my colleagues in Congress, said Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), who obtained the information Getty Images

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem provided the information in a Sept. 9 letter to the lawmaker following his request for data about Afghans who came here after the end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan AP

The Justice Departments IG, meanwhile, reported in June that 55 individuals who were on a terror watch list but still made it to a US port as of May 2023. Some of them had been added to the list while the evacuation was taking place.

According to the FBI, the need to immediately evacuate Afghans overtook the normal processes required to determine whether individuals attempting to enter the United States pose a threat to national security, which increased the risk that bad actors could try to exploit the expedited evacuation, the IG found.

Even while compiling its report, the IGs office noted the feds charged two Afghan nationals, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada, with planning an ISIS-inspired plot to try to disrupt the 2024 elections in Oklahoma City.

Tawhedi  who came into the US in 2021 on a Special Immigrant Visa and obtained two AK-47 assault rifles and 500 rounds of ammo in 2024  pleaded guilty in June to providing material support for ISIS and faces up to 35 years in prison. Zada, 19, got a 15-year sentence.

Tawhedi reportedly worked for the CIA as a security guard in his home country.

The suspect came to the US during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of US forces, amid an effort to protect those who had worked with the Americans in the fight against the Taliban in the 20-year war EPA

A Justice Department IG report noted the charging of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada with an ISIS-inspired plot to try to disrupt the 2024 elections in Oklahoma City. FBI

CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed hours after the Nov. 26 Guard shooting that Lakanwal had worked alongside the CIA in Afghanistan. Ratcliffe said he should never have been allowed to come here.

It sounds like they may have vouched for this guy, former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker told The Post, saying that cooperators play both ends all the time.

As for US vetting efforts going forward, You have to have an analyst or an agent look at every doggone one of them and do it critically and set some objective criteria for disqualification, he added.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to journalists at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport after the G7 foreign ministers meeting, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, November 12, 2025. Mandel Ngan/Pool via REUTERS

By Gram Slattery and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to skip a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels next week, two U.S. officials said, in a highly unusual absence of the top U.S. diplomat from a key transatlantic gathering.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will represent Washington instead, said one of the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss matters that have not yet been made public.

It was unclear why Rubio planned to skip the December 3 meeting, and his plans could change. But his likely no-show comes when U.S. and Ukrainian officials have been scrambling to narrow gaps over President Donald Trump's plan to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with some European diplomats complaining they are being cut out of the process.

There are usually two formal NATO meetings of foreign ministers per year, and it is exceedingly rare for a U.S. secretary of state to be absent. In 2017, during Trump's first term, then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson initially planned to skip an April meeting, though the gathering was then rescheduled to accommodate his schedule.

RUBIO MEETS WITH ALLIES REGULARLY: STATE DEPARTMENT

A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on Rubio's potential absence, but said the NATO alliance had been "completely revitalized" during the Trump administration and noted that Rubio met with several European officials recently in Switzerland.

"Secretary Rubio also meets with and talks to NATO allies regularly, including last weekend in Geneva," the spokesperson said.

A senior State Department official said Rubio attends enough gatherings.

"Secretary Rubio has already attended dozens of meetings with NATO allies, and it would be completely impractical to expect him at every meeting," the official said.

A NATO official deferred to the United States regarding Rubio's attendance, but said it was not unusual for some foreign ministers to skip the event.

Ukrainian and European officials have been wary of being coerced into accepting a deal that is too favorable to Russian interests, concerns that have intensified considerably after a draft 28-point plan to end the war was leaked to the media on November 18.

Rubio's absence risks deepening questions over Washington's commitment to European security, which has already taken a hit in recent years.

Washington is the de facto leader of NATO but Trump has repeatedly raised doubts about the alliance's necessity and has suggested at times that he could pull out of the decades-old alliance.

Landau, the No. 2 U.S. diplomat who will attend on Rubio's behalf, questioned the need for NATO in a June post on X, which he later deleted.

Trump reaffirmed his faith in the grouping during a NATO leaders' summit in June that was widely viewed as a success, but he has also consistently pressured member states to boost their defense spending, saying Washington was no longer going to "bail them out."

The likely absence comes at a particularly fraught moment for Ukraine. In addition to concerns over peace negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, quit on Friday, hours after anti-corruption agents searched his home.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Chris Reese, Diane Craft, Rod Nickel)
Many airline passengers booked to fly on the Airbus A320 family of aircraft could find their flights disrupted while urgent modifications are made to a piece of equipment susceptible to intense solar radiation. A total of 6,500 of the twin-jets are believed to be affected.

In most cases the necessary update is expected to take two hours. With tight scheduling for many aircraft, disruption was widespread in Europe, Asia and Australasia. But Britain's three biggest A320 operators  British Airways, easyJet and Wizz Air  say their operations are unaffected.

The Civil Aviation Authority had warned those aircraft would have to be modified or remain on the ground from Sunday onwards until the software has been changed. But by noon on Saturday Rob Bishton, the CAAs chief executive, said: I want to thank the airlines for working at pace to take this precautionary maintenance action.

Thanks to their diligent and swift efforts, UK aviation has come together to minimise significant passenger disruption.

Diarmuid O Conghaile, chief operations officer at Wizz Air, said: The software update required by Airbus has been successfully implemented overnight on all of its affected Airbus A320 family aircraft. All flights today are operating, with no further disruption now anticipated as a result of the issue.

Air France cancelled more than 50 flights that were scheduled to be operated by Airbus A320 family jets to and from Paris CDG between Friday evening and early afternoon on Saturday. They include an evening flight to Birmingham and the return flight to Paris.

Air New Zealand grounded its entire fleet of A320 aircraft on Saturday morning, but flights have now resumed.

Jetstar cancelled around 90 flights, mostly domestic Australian services, affecting more than 15,000 passengers  mostly flying in or out of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian budget carrier now says: Were expecting all affected aircraft to be ready to return to service overnight, allowing flights to resume as planned on Sunday 30 November.

Airbus issued a dramatic announcement on Friday evening saying: Intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.

The equipment in question is the elevator aileron computer (Elac). It controls the elevators that change the pitch of the aircraft, and the ailerons that enable the plane to turn. The fear is that solar radiation acting on the system corrupt data  which may trigger a movement that may result in exceeding the aircrafts structural capability.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) has issued an emergency airworthiness directive, effective from 11.59pm on Saturday 29 November, instructing operators of the affected aircraft to take action.

Easas directive says: An Airbus A320 aeroplane recently experienced an uncommanded and limited pitch down event. The autopilot remained engaged throughout the event, with a brief and limited loss of altitude.

It is believed that the incident involved was a JetBlue flight on 30 October from Cancun in Mexico to Newark, New Jersey. At least 15 people were hurt when the aircraft suddenly dropped. The plane made an emergency landing at Tampa in Florida.

Airbus said it identified a malfunction of the affected Elac as possible contributing factor.

The planemaker said: This condition, if not corrected, could lead in the worst-case scenario to an uncommanded elevator movement that may result in exceeding the aircrafts structural capability.

The fix for most of the planes involves a software update, taking around two hours. But for around 900 of the aircraft, new hardware is required. Airbus says it is working to accelerate delivery of the hardware to affected airlines.

The Airbus A320 family, which includes the A319 and A321, is now the worlds most popular shorthaul plane. It overtook the Boeing 737 in terms of deliveries last month.

According to Cirium data, the A320 family operated 1,414,516 flights in September alone  roughly 2,000 take-offs and landings every hour. Around 8 million seats depart each day on the series of aircraft.

A senior UK aviation source said: Its a serious issue but one which looks to be tackled very rapidly, and that in turn will exacerbate disruption to passengers.

Its a reminder that where passengers can take safety for granted, everyone in the aviation industry cannot and this is one of those rare occasions where decisive action is clearly needed to protect safety.

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: I am aware of the technical issue impacting certain aircraft and concerns over how this will affect passengers and flights this evening. Passengers who are due to fly this weekend should check with their carriers for the latest information.

The good news is it seems the impact on UK airlines seems limited with a smaller number of aircraft requiring more complex software and hardware changes.

I would really like to thank the experts, staff and airlines who are working at pace to address this and reassure passengers that work is ongoing. It is heartening this issue has been identified and will be addressed so swiftly demonstrating the high aviation safety standards globally.

The Colombian national airline, Avianca, said that 70 per cent of its fleet was affected and warned significant disruptions to operations will inevitably occur over the next 10 days. The carrier has stopped selling new flights up to and including 8 December to avoid a greater impact and to be able to rebook passengers on available flights.

On Friday afternoon and evening, Avianca cancelled a dozen flights to and from its hub at Bogota  mostly on domestic links.

Read more: Airbus grounding: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
Jean-Pascal Hohm is seen after he was elected AfD youth leader during the re-founding of the AfD youth organization in Giessen, Germany, early Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

GIESSEN, Germany (AP)  A confident far-right Alternative for Germany set up its new youth organization on Saturday even as thousands of protesters converged on the western city of Giessen, where the party held its meeting, some of them clashing with police.

A convention of the anti-immigration party, known by its German acronym AfD, started more than two hours late after groups of protesters blocked or tried to block roads in and around the city of around 93,000, delaying many delegates' arrival.

Police deployment

Officers used pepper spray after stones were thrown at them at one location, police said. They also used water cannons to clear a blockade by about 2,000 protesters after they ignored calls to leave. They did so again Saturday afternoon as a group tried to break through barriers toward the city's convention center.

Police said up to 5,000 officers were deployed. They put the total number of demonstrators at more than 25,000 and said that a large part of the various protests went peacefully. They said they knew of 10 slightly injured officers.

AfD's leaders assailed the protests as the meeting opened. What is being done out there  dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves  is something that is deeply undemocratic, party co-leader Alice Weidel said.

She said that one AfD lawmaker was attacked. Police said that a lawmaker had been injured near Giessen but didn't give details.

Generation Germany

The new youth organization's predecessor, the Young Alternative, a largely autonomous group with relatively loose links to the party, was dissolved at the end of March after AfD decided to formally cut ties with it.

AfD wants to have much closer oversight over the new group, named Generation Germany and open to all party members under 36, whose statute was approved Saturday.

AfD finished second in Germany's national election in February with over 20% of the vote and is now the biggest opposition party. The party, with which mainstream parties refuse to work, has continued to rise in polls as Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government has failed to impress voters.

Germany's domestic intelligence agency had concluded that the Young Alternative was a proven right-wing extremist group. It later classified AfD itself as such a group, but suspended the designation after AfD launched a legal challenge.

In a ruling last year rejecting a call for an injunction against the Young Alternative designation, a Cologne court argued that preserving an ethnically defined German people and the exclusion if possible of the ethnically foreign was a central political idea of the group.

It also pointed to agitation against migrants and asylum-seekers, and links with extremist groups such as the Identitarian Movement. In June, a higher court ended the appeal process, noting that the Young Alternative had been dissolved.

AfD's other co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, said the party must learn from past mistakes.

Some benefited from the young, from their ability to mobilize, but didn't have the well-being and future of this youth sufficiently in sight, he said. We should have taken more care of the young new hopes in our party; it will be different in the future. He added that the young activists must put themselves at the party's service.

Anti-establishment force

It's typical for German parties to have youth wings, which are generally more politically radical than the parent parties. It remains to be seen whether the new AfD youth organization will be more moderate than its predecessor, with significant continuity expected.

Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old state lawmaker from the eastern region of Brandenburg, was elected unopposed as Generation Germany's leader. He told delegates he had been the proud chairman of the Young Alternative in his home state. Hohm is considered a right-wing extremist by the regional branch of the domestic intelligence agency, a designation he rejects as politically motivated, German news agency dpa reported.

Kevin Dorow, a delegate from northern Germany, said he also was previously active in his local Young Alternative branch.

The new formation means above all continuing what the Young Alternative started  being a training ground, attracting young people ... and above all bringing them into politics for the good of the party," in which they could take on offices at some point, he said. He said he hadn't seen any drift in a radical direction in the Young Alternative.

AfD portrays itself as an anti-establishment force at a time of low trust in politicians. It first entered the national parliament in 2017 following the arrival of large numbers of migrants in the mid-2010s. Curbing migration remains its signature theme, but it has shown a talent for capitalizing on discontent about other issues too. That was reflected in leaders' confident tone Saturday.

Five of Germany's 16 states hold regional elections next year. Two are in the ex-communist east, where the party is strongest.

We will get the majority of mandates; we will provide our first governor, Weidel said.

___

Geir Moulson reported from Berlin. Martin Meissner contributed to this report from Giessen.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Tom Stoppard

NEED TO KNOW

Tom Stoppard died peacefully at home in Dorset, England, at age 88, his talent agency announced on Nov. 29

The screenwriter was known for co-writing the 1998 romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love, for which he won an Oscar

The playwright was also known for plays such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties and Leopoldstadt

Tom Stoppard, an Oscar-winning screenwriter, has died. He was 88.

The celebrated playwright  who won an Academy Award for co-writing 1998s Shakespeare in Love  died at his home in Dorset, England, according to his talent agency United Agents, which announced his death in a statement on X on Saturday, Nov. 29.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend, Tom Stoppard, has died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family," the statement said of Stoppard, who was also known for plays such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties and Leopoldstadt.

"He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him," the statement concluded.

D. Morrison/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Tom Stoppard at the 1972 Evening Standard Drama Awards, where 'Jumpers' won Best Play

Stoppard was born Thomas Straussler in Zlin, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), in 1937. When World War II began, his family fled to Singapore; as an adult, he learned all four of his grandparents and three of his mothers sisters were killed in the Holocaust.

When Japan invaded Singapore, Stoppard, his brother and his mother were evacuated to India. His father died in Japanese captivity. His mother married an English army major, who brought his stepsons to England, and Tom adopted his stepfathers surname, Stoppard.

Stoppard told PEOPLE in 1977 that as a young student in boarding school, he had no literary promise. "I found Shakespeare boring and even [the Charles Dickens novel] David Copperfield was an awful trudge," he said. "If I had been run over by a bus then, I would have been one of the most ignorant corpses around."

He quit school at 17 and, he told PEOPLE, decided to become a great journalist because he was "always thrilled to meet anybody known for anything at all. He worked as a reporter, an auto columnist (though he didnt know how to drive), a critic, a short story writer and a struggling playwright.

Chris Ridley/Radio Times/Getty Tom Stoppard in 1974.

His breakout moment came with his play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, an absurdist comedy that spun off two characters from Shakespeares Hamlet. The play premiered at Edinburgh Fringe in 1966, and in 1967, it debuted at Londons Old Vic, making him, at the time, the youngest playwright to have their work produced by the National Theatre. When the play came to America, the Broadway production won him his first Tony, for Best Play.

"There was no road to Damascus," he told PEOPLE of his transformation into a successful playwright. "I just shed one skin and grew another."

Other plays by Stoppard included Jumpers, Travesties, Night and Day, The Real Thing, Arcadia and Leopoldstadt, which reached Broadway in 2022. In all, he was an eight-time Tony nominee with five wins, the most recent in 2023 for Leopoldstadt.

Dave Benett/Getty Tom Stoppard in 1999.

Stoppard drew inspiration for Leopoldstadt from his familys experiences during World War II, though the family in the play is Viennese, not Czech. Because of the age I got to, I was born in 1937, it just felt like time that I dealt with my familys history, he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023.

But at the same time," he continued at the time, "I could also say that it arrived in my mind as something I had an instinctive interest in doing. Id never before thought of my family history, or my own history, as being an inspiration for a play. Id never remotely come close to writing a play, just by my own personal history, of being connected to, in a negative way, the most important event in European history in the 20th century.

Stoppard also translated many plays into English, especially works by Polish and Czech authors.

He began writing for the screen in the 60s, working on various shows and TV movies on British television. He co-wrote the 1975 TV movie Three Men in a Boat, and some of his plays were also broadcast.

Francesco Guidicini/Shutterstock Tom Stoppard in 2002.

He co-wrote with Terry Gilliam and Charles McKeown the 1985 dystopian drama Brazil, widely considered one of Britains best films. The trio received an Oscar nomination for their work on the screenplay.

Stoppard also wrote the screenplay for Steven Spielbergs 1987 film Empire of the Sun. He also worked on 1989s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, though he was uncredited. Stoppard told The Guardian in 2010 that he worked as a script doctor on movies about once a year. The second reason for doing it is that you get to work with people you admire, he said. The first reason, of course, is that it's overpaid."

The 1998 romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love won Stoppard an Oscar, which he shared with Marc Norman, his cowriter. Norman wrote the original script  which put Shakespeare in his own Romeo and Juliet-like story  and Stoppard worked on the next drafts.

The thing that makes life easier for someone writing fiction about Shakespeare is that there are very few signposts, very few agreed upon facts and lots of spaces to invent, Stoppard told the Los Angeles Times in 1998 about writing a movie about the Bard. Some of the film is pure mischief. But then again, youre riding on the back of the most famous love story ever written, so there are lots of strands to work with.

Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic Tom Stoppard with his Tony for 'The Coast of Utopia' in 2007

Stoppard also wrote the screenplay for 2012s Anna Karenina and received an Emmy nomination for writing the 2012 miniseries Parades End.

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Stoppard was married to Josie Ingle, a nurse, from 1965 to 1972. Together they welcomed sons Oliver and Barnaby. In 1972 he married Miriam Stern, a doctor and author. They welcomed sons Ed and Will. Ed became an actor. Stoppard and Miriam divorced in 1992, amid his relationship with actress Felicity Kendal. In 2014, he married Sabrina Guinness.

For Stoppard, writing was a bit mystical. All the good bits are subconscious  they truly are, he told The Spectator in 2019. Its one of those things maybe writers like to say of themselves or say of their trade, but its very seldom that you sit down knowing pretty much what you have to put on this page of paper. Its much more the case that it creates itself in the doing, almost as though it creates itself in the physical act of writing.

He hoped his plays would still be performed after he was gone. I aspire to write for posterity, he told the outlet. I would like my plays to be done occasionally, not just be done when theyre brand new. I like the idea of them being part of the furniture.

Stoppard is survived by his wife and children.



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President Trump is set to pardon a former Honduran president who had been sentenced to prison for drug trafficking, he announced on social media Friday.

I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly, Trump said in a Truth Social post Friday.

In June 2024, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was given a prison sentence of 45 years due to over 10 years of collaboration with drug traffickers on getting cocaine into the United States, according to The Associated Press.

Hernandez, who spent eight years as Hondurass leader, was arrested by officials in February 2022, according to Reuters.

Trumps comments about Hernandez also came alongside larger commentary on the Honduran presidential election, which is set for Sunday.

If Tito Asfura wins for President of Honduras, because the United States has so much confidence in him, his Policies, and what he will do for the Great People of Honduras, we will be very supportive, Trump said in his post, referring to National Party of Honduras candidate Nasry Asfura.

If he doesnt win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is, he added.

Reuters reported Thursday that a majority of opinion polls found a statistical tie between three candidates vying for the Honduran presidency.

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.
Cyber Monday isnt just for gadgets. Allegiant is offering oneway fares as low as $39 during a twoday sale on Dec. 12. The airline calls Travel Tuesday its biggest sale of the year  heres what you need to know before booking, according to Allegiant's sale announcement.

Allegiants TwoDay Cyber Sale

Allegiant is rolling out its biggest promotion of the year, timed to Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday. The twoday sale highlights limited $39 fares along with discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

What the Deal Includes

Travelers booking during the 48hour window can expect:

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Up to 40% off airfare across Allegiants network.

Oneway fares from $39 , valid for travel between December 15, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

Car rental and hotel perks , including free nights and upgrades.

Bonus rewards points for Allways Rewards members: 500 points for December travel, 1,000 for January, and 2,000 for February.

Seats and dates are limited, and restrictions apply. The lowest fares are available only at Allegiant.com.

Why Travel Tuesday Matters

Travel Tuesday has grown into one of the busiest booking days of the year. It began as a counterpoint to Cyber Monday shopping, giving airlines and hotels a chance to spotlight their biggest promotions. Industry research shows nearly half of consumers familiar with the event consider purchasing travel deals during this period, underscoring its rise as a fixture in the travel calendar. Allegiant positions its sale as a way for leisure travelers to lock in vacations at lower prices while demand is high.

Allegiants Expansion in 2026

Allegiant takes off with new routes for 2026. (Allegiant)

The sale comes as Allegiant prepares for a major network expansion. In early 2026, the airline will launch 30 new nonstop routes connecting 35 cities. Highlights include new service to:

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La Crosse, Wisconsin

Trenton, New Jersey

Columbia, Missouri

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

These additions strengthen Allegiants focus on linking smaller communities with popular vacation destinations. The expansion comes as Allegiant continues to earn recognition for its valuefocused approach.

Recognition for Value Travel

The Skytrax World Airline Awards are often described as the Oscars of aviation, drawing millions of passenger surveys worldwide. Allegiants recognition as Best LowCost Airline in North America in 2025 highlights how its model of nonstop service and affordable fares continues to resonate with travelers seeking value. The honor underscores the airlines growing reputation for connecting smaller communities with vacation destinations at prices that remain competitive in a crowded market.

How to Book Smart

Travelers looking to maximize savings should:

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Book early in the sale window to secure limited $39 fares.

Check restrictions on travel dates and routes before purchasing.

Join Allways Rewards for free to access bonus points and early promotions.

Bundle airfare with hotels or car rentals to take advantage of added perks.

Stay flexible on dates and destinations, since shifting travel by even a day or two can unlock lower fares. Comparing bundled packages often reveals additional value, mainly when Allegiants discounts apply to flights, hotels, and rental cars.

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A drone view shows a fishing boat anchored in the Gulf of Paria, and the coast of Venezuela in the back, in Cedros, Trinidad and Tobago, November 17, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety," but gave no further details, stirring anxiety and confusion in Caracas as his administration ramps up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government.

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump said in a Truth Social post.

U.S. officials contacted by Reuters were surprised by Trump's announcement and unaware of any ongoing U.S. military operations to enforce a closure of Venezuelan airspace. The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment and the White House did not provide any further explanation.

In a statement Saturday afternoon, Venezuela's government condemned Trump's comments, describing them as a "colonialist threat" against the South American country's sovereignty and incompatible with international law.

The U.S. president's post "represents a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act, incompatible with the principles of international law," the statement said.

MASSIVE MILITARY BUILDUP IN CARIBBEAN

David Deptula, a retired lieutenant general who commanded a no-fly zone over northern Iraq in 1998 and 1999, said Trump's announcement raises more questions than it answers. Imposing a no-fly zone over Venezuela could require significant resources and planning, depending on the goals of the airspace closure, he said.

"The devil's in the details," Deptula said.

The Trump administration has been weighing Venezuela-related options to combat what it has portrayed as Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans. The socialist Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.

Reuters has reported the options under U.S. consideration include an attempt to overthrow Maduro, and that the U.S. military is poised for a new phase of operations after a massive military buildup in the Caribbean and nearly three months of strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela's coast. Trump also has authorized covert CIA operations in the country.

Maduro, in power since 2013, has contended that Trump is seeking to oust him and that Venezuelan citizens and the country's military will resist any such attempt.

Trump told military service members earlier this week that the U.S. would "very soon" begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.

VENEZUELA ACCUSES U.S. OF 'COLONIAL AMBITIONS'

Caracas residents who spoke to Reuters criticized Trump's announcement.

"I think it's unfair because people need to travel to work, to do business, to see their family, and us Venezuelans aren't at fault for these situations," said Manuel Romero, a cooking assistant.

Carmen Castillo, a lawyer, said she worried that many people won't be able to visit their families outside Venezuela for the holidays.

"We're confined, here in Caracas, in Venezuela. Of course it affects us," she said.

The Venezuelan government said the U.S. was demonstrating "colonial ambitions" in Latin America and called on the international community to reject what it described as an immoral act of aggression. Iran  a Venezuelan ally that was bombed by the United States earlier this year  denounced Trumps announcement as "a serious breach of international law and a threat to global aviation safety," according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.

Trump's announcement also amounted to a unilateral suspension of the migrant deportation flights on which nearly 14,000 Venezuelans have recently returned home from the U.S., the Venezuelan government's statement added. Flights have been taking place twice a week in recent months amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Maduro and high-ranking officials in his government, some combination of whom appear almost daily on state television, have decried U.S. imperialism in their recent comments, but do not single out Trump by name, as the Venezuelan government may be trying to de-escalate tensions, according to security and diplomatic sources. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously been the focus of Venezuelan government ire, but even references to him have decreased in recent weeks.

The U.S. boat bombings have led to stepped-up surveillance by authorities in the remote northeastern Venezuelan state of Sucre, with increased patrols by security agencies and ruling-party supporters stoking fear among locals, four residents and one recent visitor said.

GPS signals in Venezuela also have been affected in recent weeks amid the U.S. buildup.

Trump's announcement on Saturday followed a warning last week from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration that major airlines faced a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela due to a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around" the country.

Venezuela revoked operating rights for six major international airlines that had suspended flights to the country after the FAA warning.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru and Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Lucia Mutikani and Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Sergio Non, Alexander Smith and Paul Simao)
Travelers wait in the main hall of the Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, after several international airlines canceled flights following a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration about a hazardous situation in Venezuelan airspace. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered as closed in its entirety, an assertion that raised more questions about the U.S. pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. His government accused Trump of making a colonial threat" and seeking to undermine the South American country's sovereignty.

The White House did not respond to questions about what Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, and it was unclear whether he was announcing a new policy or simply reinforcing the messaging around his campaign against Maduro, which has involved multiple strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean on small boats accused of ferrying drugs as well as a buildup of naval forces in the region. More than 80 people have been killed in such strikes since early September.

The Republican president addressed his call for an aerial blockade to Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, rather than to Maduro.

Venezuelas government said it forcefully rejects Trumps claim about closing the airspace and that it was a colonial threat intended to undermine the country's "territorial integrity, aeronautical security and full sovereignty.

The Foreign Ministry said such declarations constitute a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act.

The statement also said that U.S. immigration authorities had unilaterally suspended biweekly deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants. Following negotiations between the two governments, more than 13,000 Venezuelans have been deported to Venezuela this year on dozens of chartered flights, the latest of which arrived late Friday in Caracas, the capital, according to flight-tracking data.

International airlines last week began to cancel flights to Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration told pilots to be cautious flying around the country because of heightened military activity.

The FAAs jurisdiction is generally limited to the United States and its territories. The agency does routinely warn pilots about the dangers of flying over areas with ongoing conflicts or military activity around the globe, as it did earlier this month with Venezuela. The FAA works with other countries and the International Civil Aviation Organization on international issues. The FAA and ICAO did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.

Trump's administration has sought to ratchet up pressure on Maduro. The U.S. government does not view Maduro as the legitimate leader of the oil-rich but increasingly impoverished South American nation and he faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.

U.S. forces have conducted bomber flights near Venezuela and the USS Gerald R. Ford, America's most advanced aircraft carrier, was sent to the area. The Ford rounds off the largest buildup of U.S. firepower in the region in generations. With its arrival, the Operation Southern Spear mission includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines.

There are bipartisan calls for greater oversight of the U.S. military strikes against vessels in the region after The Washington Post reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of the Sept. 2 attack on suspected drug smugglers.

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee "will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.

Trumps team has weighed both military and nonmilitary options with Venezuela, including covert action by the CIA.

Trump has publicly floated the idea of talking to Maduro. The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had spoken. The White House declined to answer questions about the conversation.

___

Molina reported from Quito, Ecuador. Associated Press writer Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to this report.
Grilled cheese in the United States usually means slices of bread toasted in a pan until the cheese melts. In Italy, the same idea turns into a dish with a recorded name, a regional origin, and a frying method that gives it a crisp shell.

Campania cooks created it using mozzarella and leftover bread, and the result spread through Naples as a popular comfort snack. The melt stretches farther, the crust forms differently, and the first cut shows why this version has a reputation that surprises people who think they already know grilled cheese.

The Italian Grilled Cheese Upgrade

Image via Getty Images/lenazap

Italy calls it mozzarella in carrozza, which translates to mozzarella in a carriage. The carriage is bread wrapped around cheese, then sealed in a coat of batter before frying. The dish comes from the Campania region in southern Italy, especially Naples, where cooks needed a smart way to use leftover mozzarella and day-old bread.

Many food writers tie it to cucina povera, the tradition of stretching simple ingredients as far as possible. Stale bread gets trimmed and stacked with slices of mozzarella, then dipped in milk to soften the edges and help the crumb cling to the filling once it hits hot oil. Over time, that leftover hack evolved into a favorite street snack in Naples and a regular appetizer in Italian-American spots in New York City.

How Italians Build It So It Actually Hits

Image via iStockphoto/RobertoDavid

Mozzarella in carrozza starts like grilled cheese: slices of white or soft sandwich bread plus mozzarella. Campania versions often use buffalo mozzarella, while Roman kitchens lean toward fior di latte, both fresh styles with good melt. But here is where the Italian upgrade kicks in.

The sandwich gets a three-step coat. Bread can take a quick dip in milk, then the assembled stack moves through flour, beaten egg, and fine breadcrumbs. That shell keeps the cheese inside while the outside turns golden and crisp.

Next comes the fry. Seed or vegetable oil works well because it has a neutral taste and a high smoke point, and many recipes target around 338 degrees Fahrenheit, so the bread crisps while the cheese gently melts. Cooler oil makes the sandwich drink fat; hotter oil scorches the crust.

Once it comes out of the pan, a brief rest on paper towels keeps the texture crunchy instead of heavy. At the table, it usually gets sliced into triangles. That stretch of mozzarella when the pieces pull apart explains the carriage reins nickname some writers mention.

Small Tweaks That Make It Very Italian

The base version sticks to bread and mozzarella, but Italian cooks often add small upgrades. In Campania and beyond, classic versions slip in anchovies or prosciutto for salty depth, or sun-dried tomatoes for a meatless option with a punch of flavor.

Buffalo mozzarella yields a richer result, although any good fresh mozzarella will work. Some recipes stir grated pecorino into the egg mixture or season the breadcrumbs so the mild cheese has backup in the flavor department.

Then there is the sauce. A simple marinara or tomato sauce sits next to the plate, and the sharp tomato flavor cuts through the fried richness. Tomato soup on the side does the same job and turns the whole thing into comfort food turned up a notch.

Standard grilled cheese leans on nostalgia. Mozzarella in carrozza keeps that same comfort but adds crunch and a story. It has roots in practical home cooking and a personality that feels closer to a bar snack than a lunchbox sandwich.

At its core, it is still just bread and cheese. The difference is technique. Italians batter, seal, and fry the whole thing until each bite hits all the textures at once: crackly crust, soft bread, and a molten center that almost demands a cheese pull video.
Peru's former President Pedro Castillo shows little reaction as he is handed an 11-year prison sentence by a court in Lima on Thursday. - Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images

In an extraordinary two-day series of judgments, a Peruvian Supreme Court chamber sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to more than 11 years in prison for attempting to dissolve Congress, only a day after another ex-president, Martin Vizcarra, was convicted and given 14 years for bribery.

During a special hearing of the Supreme Court held at Limas Barbadillo Prison on Thursday, Castillo was found guilty by a two-to-one vote of attempting to dissolve Congress and assume extraordinary powers in 2022.

The ruling comes just one day after Vizcarra was convicted  marking unprecedented back-to-back convictions within a 48-hour span at the highest level of Peruvian politics.

With the convictions of Castillo and Vizcarra, Peru adds two more former heads of state to a long list of presidents investigated or sentenced since the early 2000s. The country has cycled through seven presidents in seven years, and nearly all recent ex-presidents have faced corruption or abuse-of-power charges.

The list includes Alberto Fujimori, who was imprisoned for 25 years; Alejandro Toledo for 33 years, Ollanta Humala for 15 years; and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski who was placed under house arrest for three years.

Protests after national address

Castillo has been held in pre-trial detention since December 7, 2022, after he was arrested for announcing on Peruvian national TV that he would dissolve Congress, govern by decree, reorganize the justice system, and convene a Constituent Assembly. His announcement triggered protests that left about 50 people dead across the country.

Prosecutors had initially accused him of rebellion against the state and requested a sentence of 34 years, but the Supreme Court ruled that specific crime was not carried out. He was instead convicted of conspiracy, which carries a lesser penalty.

According to the ruling, Castillo appropriated the exercise of power and attempted to dissolve Congress without meeting constitutional requirements. The former leader maintained his innocence throughout the trial, arguing that his televised remarks were merely a political speech expressing a popular outcry, not an official address to the nation.

The court said that immediately after giving the address, Castillo tried to reach the Mexican Embassy in Lima to secure impunity, which he also denies. He claims he headed to the embassy to drop off his family and never requested asylum.

Do you think someone could escape with their own official escort, with the police? he told the court in last weeks hearing.

The three years he has already spent in pre-trial detention at Barbadillo Prison will be credited toward his sentence.

The chamber also issued sentences against several of Castillos former officials, including Betssy Chavez, former president of the Council of Ministers; Willy Huerta, former interior minister  though his prison term was suspended; and Anibal Torres, former chief of cabinet advisers.

Castillo insisted his ministers were unaware of the contents of his 2022 address, saying he carried the sole responsibility himself.

Two convictions in two days

On Wednesday, just a day before Castillos sentencing, a court in Lima sentenced former President Vizcarra to 14 years in prison for bribery. Prosecutors accused Vizcarra of accepting money from private contractors in exchange for public works contracts during his time as governor of Moquegua between 2011 and 2014.

Vizcarra, who governed Peru from 2018 to 2020, denied any wrongdoing. As he left his final hearing days ago, he told reporters that private businessmen made statements they could not corroborate during the trial and that there is no justification for a conviction.

Vizcarra was also banned from holding public office for nine years.

Before his presidential term was cut short in 2020, Vizcarra was impeached over this same case. He may now return to Barbadillo Prison, where he was previously held in preventive detention in August. If so, he would join Castillo, Toledo and Humala  and follow the path of Fujimori, who died last year.

His political fate has had ripple effects  though elected to Congress in 2021, he was barred from taking office due to a 10-year disqualification following the Vacunagate scandal, in which it was revealed that several top officials, including Vizcarra, received early, irregular COVID-19 vaccinations. His replacement in Congress, Jose Jeri, became president of Peru after Dina Boluartes removal last month.

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The PSNI said an "evidence-gathering operation" was in place at each protest [Pacemaker]

Two arrests were made after Pro-Palestinian and loyalist groups assembled outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Hundreds attended the demonstrations and a buffer zone was set up between them outside the front gate of the city hall by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli speeches and chants could be heard simultaneously.

One person was arrested for public order related offences and another was arrested following a report of an assault, the PSNI said.

Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli speeches and chants could be heard simultaneously outside Belfast City Hall [Reuters]

A PSNI spokesperson added that an "evidence-gathering operation" was in place at each protest and the footage will be reviewed to consider any potential offences.

"The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest," they said.

"However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime."

Pro-Palestine activists were among the groups which converged on Belfast City Hall [Getty Images]

Three separate demonstrations took place in the vicinity of Belfast City Hall on Saturday afternoon. The Parades Commission had been notified of each.

A separate parade was organised by the 1642 Boyne Bridge Defenders Historical Group who marched over Durham Street, which reopened on Saturday morning.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland Director, addressed the pro-Palestinian activists outside city hall.

"It matters little that the Palestinian flag is not flying over city hall today," he said.

"What matters is that the citizens of Belfast are here in their thousands to stand in solidarity with a people facing an ongoing genocide."

A parade marched over Durham Street, which reopened on Saturday morning [Pacemaker]

The current military campaign in Gaza began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were abducted.

Israel responded by launching ground and air strikes which have led to more than 70,000 deaths so far, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

In September, the world's leading association of genocide scholars declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, which the Israeli government denies.

At the time, the UN and some Western nations said that they would only consider a ruling by a court that genocide is taking place as authoritative.

Three separate demonstrations took place in the vicinity of Belfast City Hall [Pacemaker]

On Saturday, a banner which could be seen among the Palestinian supporters stated, "End war, end genocide" while a pro-Israeli group gathered behind a banner which said, "We love Israel".

Traffic continued to move around Belfast City Hall during the demonstrations while Christmas shoppers watched from nearby streets.

The Belfast Christmas Market continued inside the grounds of the city hall.
Supporters say the new rules simplify the system and benefit companies and workers. Critics say the laws will only benefit owners, undermining employees' rights. Described as the most radical in decades, it reduces the previous 29 federal laws into four simplified codes, from 1,400 to 350 rules overall.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - The labour reform announced in recent days by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, a set of far-reaching regulations that aims to modernise a sector that has been neglected for too long, is sparking a heated debate in the country between supporters and critics. The aim is to overcome obsolete laws and ensure greater protection for millions of workers.

Furthermore, according to the head of the executive, it will guarantee a solid basis for universal social security, minimum and timely payment of wages, safe workplaces and remunerative opportunities. At the same time, the changes should also drive the creation of new jobs and increase productivity across the entire economic sector.

Ambitious slogans and messages have also been relaunched by the Ministry of Labour, according to which the reform places workers, particularly women, young people, precarious workers and migrants, at the centre of governance with expanded social security and transferable rights that apply nationwide.

The reform, described as the most radical in decades, reduces the previous 29 federal laws regulating the market to four simplified codes. As a result, the number of regulations has fallen from 1,400 to around 350, while the number of forms that companies had to fill out has been reduced from 180 to 73, drastically lightening the regulatory burden on businesses.

The laws were passed by Parliament in 2020, but after five years of delays and much political controversy, they are finally ready to be applied uniformly across the country. Companies, which have long blamed restrictive labour practices for the decline of India's manufacturing sector, have welcomed these changes with great enthusiasm.

Trade unions, on the other hand, are calling for their withdrawal and describe the reform as the most radical and aggressive repeal of workers hard-won rights and privileges since independence'.

The changes have already sparked demonstrations across the country, such as the protest held in the capital on 26 November by left-wing trade unions not aligned with the directives of Prime Minister Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

At the protest site, Akashdeep Singh, a 33-year-old worker employed by an international beverage company on the outskirts of Delhi, told the BBC that the laws will only benefit employers and not workers like us. Many others have expressed similar concerns.

The government says the long-awaited reforms aim to modernise outdated laws, simplify compliance and protect workers' rights, recognising India's growing precarious workforce for the first time in law.

Several measures in favour of workers  mandatory letters of employment, uniform minimum wages, free annual medical check-ups for those over 40 and gender-neutral pay  are positive steps. Together with lower compliance burdens, greater social security and a broader definition of employees that includes precarious workers, these reforms could help formalise India's vast informal economy, according to experts.

However, there are also critical elements in the reform, including two particularly controversial clauses that have sparked discontent among trade unions. These are rules that will make it easier for companies to dismiss workers and more difficult for employees to call legal strikes. Previously, factories with 100 or more workers had to obtain government authorisation before they could dismiss employees.

Now that threshold has been raised to 300. Some economists argue that the old rules prohibiting dismissals in companies with 100 or more employees were draconian and hampered competitiveness compared to countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. Others, however, argue that labour restrictions alone do not explain India's weak competitiveness or the slow pace of private sector investment in new plants.

Although ideological differences remain, experts agree that outdated and complex rules, often used by inspectors to hinder the work of factory owners, needed simplification. With more than half of the working-age population outside the labour market and nearly 60% of workers self-employed, the old rules could no longer work.

The impact of the new rules on manufacturing growth and investment remains uncertain, but in the short term, the transition will pose challenges for businesses. As labour is regulated by both state and central rules, employers may find themselves having to comply with dual regulations for a period, says BDO India, while the government faces continued resistance from trade unions.
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29 November 2025 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

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In October 2025, Azerbaijans tax authorities received a total of 44,757 applications, marking a 16.3% decrease compared to the same period last year, Azernews reports, citing the State Tax Service (STS) under the Ministry of Economy.

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29 November 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

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As of November 1, 2025, the total volume of loans extended by banks and non-bank financial institutions to Azerbaijans industrial and manufacturing sector reached 1.693 billion manats, Azernews reports, citing the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

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29 November 2025 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijans crude oil and petroleum product exports to Thailand saw a significant decline in JanuaryOctober 2025, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

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29 November 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist and tar player, Uzbekistans Cultural Ambassador Sahib Pashazade, together with the Centers soloist, Garabagh University lecturer, Honored Artist and naghara performer Kamran Karimov, are representing Azerbaijan at the World Culture Festival held in Karachi, Pakistan.

As reported by Azernews, the festivalorganized by Art Council Pakistan and running until December 7brings together more than 1,000 artists from 140 countries.

President of the organizing committee and head of Art Council Pakistan, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, welcomed the Azerbaijani performers and presented them with festival souvenirs. In return, Sahib Pashazade gifted books and cultural items promoting Azerbaijani art and heritage to the festival leadership. The concert of the Azerbaijani musicians is scheduled to take place on November 29 as part of the global artistic forum.

This marks the second time that Sahib Pashazade and Kamran Karimov represent Azerbaijan at the festival. During last years event, the artists performed at the opening ceremony with an extensive program and held a masterclass on Azerbaijani musical instruments and mugham at the University of Arts in Karachi. Their performance and Azerbaijani traditional music were met with great enthusiasm and admiration.

The festival includes music, theatre and dance performances, visual art exhibitions, as well as panel discussions and seminars covering various fields of art.
29 November 2025 14:40 (UTC+04:00)

A delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) conducted a series of high-level meetings in Beijing, Azernews reports.

The visit began with a meeting with Vu Hongbo, former Special Representative of the Chinese Government for European Affairs and Ambassador. The delegation also met with Professor Li Daokui, Mansfield Freeman Chair at Tsinghua University and Director of the China Center for World Economy (CCWE), as well as Dr. David Pan, Executive Dean of Schwartzman College and a member of NGICs Board of Directors. During the discussions, participants explored cooperation opportunities and confirmed the participation of Chinese representatives in the XIII Global Baku Forum.

On the following day, the delegation met with Vu Ken, President of the China Foreign Affairs University, and Yan Tao, Vice President of the institute. The talks focused on humanitarian dialogue, joint efforts on global issues, and prospects for multilateral cooperation.

As part of the program, NGIC representatives also met with Professor Justin Yifu Lin, former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank. Discussions covered regional economic trends, sustainable development strategies, and upcoming events including the 2026 XIII Global Baku Forum, the World Urban Forum, and other NGIC initiatives organized under the UN framework.

The Beijing meetings significantly contributed to strengthening NGICs strategic ties with Chinese partners and expanded the Centers role in promoting global dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
29 November 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

A winter camp for the children of Azerbaijani martyrs is being held at the GUHEM Space Aviation Research Centre in Turkiye from 25 to 30 November, offering participants training and hands-on experience in space and advanced technologies.

The Azerbaijan Space Agency told AzerTag that the programme is organised with the support of the KOSMIK Academy under Azercosmos, the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency, Turkiyes GUHEM Space Aviation Research Centre, and the Zfr Martyrs Families Support Public Association.

The camp brings together children from 10 martyr families representing various regions of Azerbaijan. Over the course of the programme, participants will be introduced to high technologies, space science, innovation and artificial intelligence. They will take part in practical sessions using state-of-the-art equipment.

GUHEM, a 13,000-square-metre centre established by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and TUBITAK, is one of Turkiyes leading institutions promoting space and aviation technologies. The centre hosts a wide range of educational initiatives aimed at advancing innovation, digitalisation and the ICT ecosystem.
In todays fast-paced digital landscape, businesses often require original music and lyrics for various applications, including marketing campaigns, presentations, and product videos. AI Song Creator is an online platform designed to meet these needs by enabling users to generate custom music and lyrics quickly and efficiently. This tool offers a user-friendly interface that allows for the creation of studio-quality tracks without the need for prior musical expertise.

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Final Thoughts

AI Song Creator presents a versatile and accessible solution for generating original music and lyrics, making it a valuable tool for businesses and professionals in need of custom audio content. Its range of features and flexible pricing plans allow users to select an option that best aligns with their specific requirements. Whether for marketing, content creation, or educational purposes, AI Song Creator offers a streamlined approach to producing high-quality audio materials.

Visit aisongcreator.ai for more.
29 November 2025 11:07 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry (ADNSU), together with the Azerbaijan-French University (UFAZ), has organized its annual career fair, bringing leading companies, industry experts, and professionals together with senior students and recent graduates.

As reported by Azernews, the event opened with remarks from UFAZ Executive Director, Associate Professor Vazeh Asgarov, who provided an overview of the fair. ADNSU Rector, Associate Professor Rufat Azizov, then welcomed guests and delivered a presentation on the universitys activities and recent achievements.

Rector Azizov emphasized that such fairs offer an important platform for connecting companies with upper-year students. He highlighted the strong demand for ADNSU and UFAZ graduates across industrial sectors, noting that the university has built close cooperation with the industry. This, he said, not only expands internship and employment opportunities for students but also helps identify the most in-demand specialties in the labor market.

Following the official ceremony, students explored the exhibition area.

Forty companies participated in the fair with their own stands, including SOCAR, SOCAR Polymer, bp, Azercell, SOCAR Downstream, AzerGold, Azersun, TotalEnergies, EiGroup, Deloitte, ABB, Simbrella, Azerconnect, SLB, AzInTelecom, Baku Metro, EY Azerbaijan, NORM, JOCAP, Turan Drilling, Mocuz Dad, and Azrsun Holding. Company representatives provided attendees with detailed information on their operations, preferred candidate competencies, available vacancies, and internship programs.

More than 500 students and graduates attended the event, approaching company representatives to ask questions and learn about current labor market trends, specialized projects, and career or internship opportunities.

Alongside the exhibition, several informative sessions were held. UFAZ presented its masters programs, while the State Employment Agency offered a two-hour on-site consultation for participants. AZCON Holding also introduced its Digital Bridge internship program.

The career fair was recognized as an important platform for supporting the professional development of students and strengthening ties between academia and industry.

UFAZ has been hosting this annual career fair since 2021.
29 November 2025 12:37 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Tamas Jozsef Torma, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, Chairman Muradov highlighted Azerbaijans successful diaspora policy under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He also drew attention to Hungarys hosting of an upcoming meeting of heads of diaspora institutions from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), emphasizing that the event will contribute to deepening cooperation and creating new collaboration formats among participating countries.

The ambassador was briefed on Azerbaijans multifaceted diaspora initiatives, including Azerbaijan Houses abroad, weekend schools, Coordination Councils, and the active role of the diaspora in the international information space.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Ambassador Torma stressed the importance of expanding cultural ties between the two countries and reaffirmed Hungarys continued support for Azerbaijans rightful positions. He also shared detailed information on Hungarian communities abroad and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation, including in diaspora activities, will continue to grow.

The discussion focused on strengthening relations between Azerbaijani and Hungarian diaspora organizations, promoting cultural and humanitarian projects, expanding youth exchange programs, and implementing joint initiatives.

Attention was also given to the II INTERNSHIP program for diaspora officials from OTS member and observer states, including participants visits to Azerbaijan and the Garabagh region.

Ambassador Torma expressed his interest in learning the Azerbaijani language. In response, he was presented with copies of Azerbaijani Language for diaspora members abroad and A Grammar of Contemporary Azerbaijani for foreign learners, published with the support of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on the prospects for continued bilateral cooperation in diaspora-related activities.
30 November 2025 00:57 (UTC+04:00)

Consular consultations between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Poland were held in Warsaw on 28 November.

According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Azerbaijani delegation was headed by Emil Safarov, Head of the Consular Department, while the Polish delegation was led by Justyna Chrzanovska, Director of the Department of Consular Affairs at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The consultations reviewed the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland in the field of consular services and discussed prospects for future development. The sides also examined the possibility of signing new bilateral documents and advancing the digitalisation of consular procedures.

During the meeting, both delegations exchanged views on expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the areas of justice, internal affairs, prosecution, migration, and consular affairs.
29 November 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Legislative changes have recently come into force in Uzbekistan, introducing strict penalties for the circulation of electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing devices, Azernews reports.

According to amendments to the Criminal Code, citizens convicted of importing or exporting tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems can face serious legal consequences. The law also covers the manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, and production of electronic cigarettes, the circulation of which is prohibited in the territory of the republic.

Significant violations, or repeated offenses after an administrative penalty, carry severe sanctions. Penalties include fines ranging from 300 to 500 basic calculation units, correctional labor for two to three years, restriction of liberty for three to five years, or imprisonment for three to five years.

The law provides an incentive for voluntary compliance: a person who reports their actions to the authorities and surrenders prohibited products can be exempt from liability. Experts suggest this approach could encourage greater public awareness and voluntary adherence to the new regulations, potentially reducing illegal circulation without increasing prison populations.
Tom Campbell

Now that President Trump is picking his cabinet and immediate staff to insulate him from the poor judgement of the Bureaucratic Class, while moving quickly to transition this Constitutional Republic unto a wise and sustainable direction: What is your immediate impression as to how our nation will prosper? We are headed toward a Golden Age in America's self-governed society. This will all wind up in a clustered mess since Trump is a Fascist, and thought to be the second coming of Adolf Hitler by our best journalists. This is a time where critical days lay ahead, where only wise and responsible decisions must be made to sustain US. I generally do not pay attention, but expect only the best to occur ... and that is what I always expect. 143 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



poll#221

There is a revelation within the Democratic Socialists, which is creating a newfound discovery that masks are bad or wrong for society, and should not be worn by certain groups; currently the rancor is to unmask ICE agents: What is your opinion on the wearing of masks? Yes, ICE agents should wear masks if it keeps them safe from the threat of doxing. No, ICE agents must be forced to reveal their true selves; however, wearing masks while rioting and looting is within the bounds of the Leftist dictum. I wear masks often at Halloween. 46 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



read the text message I received from the maid who cleans our house every other week.While I tried to figure out whether she was being literal or speaking figuratively, I received another text.This message was from the yard service I've been using for more than nine years. It didn't matter whether they were here legally or not.But it does matter.My Republican friends didn't acknowledge and tried to minimize what ICE was doing. Some in my own family emphatically denied that ICE agents were wearing masks; that was just fake news, they said. Besides, ICE agents weren't assaulting people who were here legally. Only criminals were being rounded up.Television news footage showed a different story. I watched as a man was forced into a vehicle and his wallet, obviously out so that he could prove his identity, thrown onto the pavement. I saw footage of a woman in her car in Durham, while guys dressed in Camo smashed out her windows with assault weapons. And yes, their faces were covered by masks.Nazi-like actions occurred in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and other cities in our state. One prominent Republican pundit, while saying he didn't like masked agents and unmarked cars on our streets, quickly added thatImmigration enforcement or just plain thuggery?There were protest rallies staged in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh and other communities in response to the actions of ICE. In Charlotte, several hundred high school students walked out of their classrooms in protest, outraged at what was going on. Bravo for these young patriots.Why weren't there more protests and greater numbers attending them? Was it because people were afraid that if they joined and make noise about these violations of freedom and of basic moral integrity they would face similar ICE actions? What have we become!It was the irony of ironies that these ICE raids were conducted at the same moment when Ken Burns' wonderful series, The American Revolution, was being aired on PBS NC. At the very beginning, Burns took great care to explain that the colonies were populated by proud British Citizens, people loyal to their King, willing to abide by the laws and policies promulgated by Parliament. They were happy campers. That is until leaders of Parliament decided they would treat their subjects in America differently from English citizens.First, they imposed taxes on colonists which other British citizens weren't required to pay. When the colonists objected in ways they believed would get attention, since they had no representation in Parliament, the response in England was to use force. Granted throwing a shipload of tea into Boston harbor was pretty dramatic. When tensions began rising the government sent soldiers into Boston, required colonists to house them and violence erupted. And escalated.King George sent more soldiers, there was more violence and the inevitable occurred. The Revolutionary War might have been prevented if reasonable people on both sides had acted reasonably.Actor Paul Giamatti often read quotes from John Adams, some so fitting for today that they need remembering. Said Adams,ByAdams meant putting the common good before one's own interests. The men and women who fought in that first civil war in our nation believed in the common good and there was a time in my lifetime when we believed in the common good. Sadly, this is not the case today.Those patriots didn't fight British oppression for us to have people afraid to leave their homes. We shouldn't tolerate people crammed into cars with their wallets thrown on the streets. And we should be outraged when drivers have their car windows smashed with assault weapons.Former Governor Cooper and current Governor Stein were right to have vetoed laws that allowed ICE to come into our law enforcement offices and conduct actions like we saw in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and other cities in our state.Yes, we want our borders protected, and we know we can't just throw open the doors to anyone who wants to come to our country, but we should all unite and raise our voices to oppose thugs with their faces covered, carrying rifles on our streets, especially when the crime rate is the lowest in many years.Adams had a message for us when he said,We don't need ICE Capades like we recently saw!
Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes?

0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say.
The zone has been in place since 9pm on Saturday

Cattle are among the species affected by the virus

Government officials have begun an investigation after a suspected case of Bluetongue virus was reported in Co Down.

The case was identified following active surveillance by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and has been tracked to a holding close to Bangor.

A 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been introduced and has been in operation since 9pm on Saturday evening after two cows tested positive for the disease.

First identified in the Netherlands in September 2023, Bluetongue disease is a virus spread among livestock mainly by biting midges. It affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as deer and goats and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

Symptoms include fever, lameness, swelling of the face and ulcers or redness around the mouth, nose and eyes of an animal.

Bluetongue virus is unpredictable and can spread rapidly through and between flocks and herds

The virus does not pose any threat to people or to food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged restrictions on animal movement and trade.

The Department said the virus could have a devastating impact on animals infected.

NIs TCZ prohibits the movement of susceptible species on or off premises within the zone while officials carry out further investigations. Moves direct to slaughter are permitted under a general licence available on the DAERA website.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir

Minister Andrew Muir said that while the suspected case was of great concern, it was essential all producers impacted by control measures adhered to them.

While there was always a potential for Bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease, he said.

"That is why, as a result of the Disease Control Framework for the virus we launched in June, DAERA has moved rapidly to ensure disease control measures are put in place. Members of the public should be reassured the virus does not have any impact on people or food safety.

"In the face of these suspected cases, my officials are taking all the necessary steps to protect the agri-food industry. I urge everyone in the industry to play their part as well and especially appeal to those in the Temporary Control Zone to follow the restrictions.

"My department is working closely with all stakeholders, including colleagues in GB and the Republic of Ireland, to monitor the situation.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher said: Bluetongue virus is unpredictable and can spread rapidly through and between flocks and herds.

Cattle are among the species affected by the virus

Watch: Traders embrace Durham St reopening

"Colleagues have been preparing for a possible incursion of this disease and have been working closely with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to ensure a co-ordinated response in tackling any incursion.

"I would urge all farmers to ensure they source their animals responsibly. The spread of Bluetongue could have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy. Furthermore, all livestock owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease.

"It is imperative that keepers report any symptoms immediately to their vet, local Divisional Veterinary Office or to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.
Affected by a cold air mass from the north, Storm Koto has barely moved and is weakening, with forecasts predicting it will lose further strength before reaching land.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported that as of 4 a.m. Saturday, the storm lay centered about 310 kilometers northwest of Southwest Cay Island, which is part of the Spratly Islands in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea.

The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 102 kph and is moving northwest at a slow 510 kph. This movement marks a shift from earlier forecast, as the storm has now turned north instead of continuing southwest.

By 4 a.m. Sunday, Koto is expected to be over the northwestern waters of the central East Sea, approximately 330 km east of the coast of Gia LaiDak Lak provinces. It is forecast to maintain its current strength but will shift its track northward and slow down significantly to just 35 kph.

The storms weakening trend is expected to continue into next week. By 4 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, Koto is projected to remain over the northwestern waters, about 300 km east of the Gia LaiDak Lak coastline, with winds decreasing to 75-88 kph and turning west at roughly 3 kph. By 4 a.m. on Dec. 2, it will be approximately 230 km east of the Gia LaiDak Lak coast, further weakening to 62-74 kph and shifting west-southwest at 35 kph.

A predicted trajectory of Storm Koto. Graphic by Vietnam Disasters Monitoring System

Forecasting agencies largely agree on the weakening trend. Japan Meteorological Agency estimates the storms current sustained winds at 90 kph, predicting it will hold this strength until it nears the Gia LaiDak Lak coast in south central Vietnam before degrading into a tropical depression. The Hong Kong Observatory assesses stronger current winds at 105 kph, but also predicts a decrease to 65 kph before the storm reaches land.

Due to the storm's influence, offshore areas from Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa, which is still reeling from the worst flooding in 50 years that has killed at least 98 people, are warned to expect winds between 39-74 kph and high waves of 46 meters. Authorities caution that vessels operating in these zones may be severely affected.

Meanwhile, an exceptionally rare tropical depression, which originated in the Indian Ocean, is heading toward the southern East Sea.

Meteorologists are tracking the new tropical depression, which is currently active off the coast of Malaysia. The NCHMF said it formed near the equator and is moving from the Indian Ocean into the Pacific Ocean. It is forecast to enter the East Sea Saturday, which would mark the region's 21st tropical cyclone this year.

A new tropical depression is expected to enter the East Sea from Malaysia. Graphic by Disasters Monitoring System

Koto formed from a tropical depression east of the central Philippines, strengthened into a typhoon, and entered the East Sea on the evening of Nov. 25, making it the 15th storm in the region this year.

The number of storms and tropical depressions recorded in 2025 has been the highest in 30 years. Natural disasters, primarily storms and floods, have so far caused 409 deaths, 727 injuries, and economic losses exceeding VND85 trillion (US$3.2 billion).
Police said an evidence-gathering operation was in place

Belfast Christmas Market organisers are aware of the parades and have contingency plans in place

Several parades and protests are underway in Belfast City Centre on November 29th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Pacemaker Press 29-11-2025: 1642 Boyne Bridge Defenders Historical Group and supporters pictured at the start of the parade on Sandy Row then crossing the new road where the Boyne Bridge was on its way to the gates of Belfast City Hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Pro-Palestinian march to Belfast City Hall. The march also seen pro-Israeli supporters some who had earlier attended the Boyne `Bridge opening march which also ended at the City Hall. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Two arrests have been made following an afternoon of rallies and protests in Belfast city centre, police have said.

The PSNI said an evidence-gathering operation had been in place throughout a day on which a number of loyalist parades, anti-immigration protests and a pro-Palestinian rally all took place in the city centre.

Police officers were in attendance at a number of protests in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, November 29, said a spokesperson.

One person was arrested for public order related offences, another was arrested following a report of an assault.

An evidence-gathering operation was in place at each protest and we will now review the footage gathered and consider any potential offences.

The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest.

However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.

It is understood one of the arrests related to a man wearing a tri-colour balaclava. He was detained by police at around 2pm and brought to Musgrave Street Police Station.

Three separate demonstrations took place in the vicinity of Belfast City Hall, where thousands of visitors were in attendance at the ongoing Christmas markets in the city. The Parades Commission had been notified of all three events.

Pacemaker Press 29-11-2025: 1642 Boyne Bridge Defenders Historical Group and supporters pictured at the start of the parade on Sandy Row then crossing the new road where the Boyne Bridge was on its way to the gates of Belfast City Hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Two loyalist flute bands also took part in a separate parade organised by the 1642 Boyne Bridge Defenders Historical Group. The march coincided with the reopening of Durham Street, which links nearby Sandy Row with the Grosvenor Road.

The road had been closed to accommodate the demolition of Boyne Bridge as part of construction work connected to the state-of-the-art Grand Central Station.

Activists also took part in the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally will make their way along Royal Avenue to Donegall Place before reaching City Hall.

Participants played music as they made their way towards City Hall and carried a banner demanding freedom and justice for Palestine.

Some loyalists sang you can stick your Palestine up your h*** as they approached.

PSNI officers policing the parades in Belfast city centre. Credit: Kevin Scott

Watch: Traders embrace Durham St reopening

Bandsmen gathered in the area also played The Sash and clapped for Soldier F  who was last month found not guilty of two murders and five attempted murders on Bloody Sunday.

Also in the city centre was Steven Baker, a far-right agitator who has appeared in court charged with criminal damage. He was among protestors who took part in an anti-immigration rally in the vicinity.

44-year-old Baker was seen singing Were not Gaza, were Northern Ireland as crowds lingered ahead of the pro-Palestine rally.

Some traders closed their businesses during the largely peaceful protests.

Follow how todays events unfolded today here:
A woman has been rescued from the River Lagan in Belfast.

Police, firefighters, rescue teams and ambulance were called to reports of a woman in her 20s entering the water close to the Waterfront Hall shortly before 3:30am on Saturday.

Emergency crews raced to the scene in a section of the water between Queens Bridge and the Waterfront.

A life ring was deployed to assist in keeping the woman afloat before she was rescued from the water by a specialist rescue swimmer.

At its height, the incident was attended by several rescue teams, including CRS.

Two fire appliances from the nearby Central station attended alongside the Special Rescue Team from Whitla Station.

Several police units also attended the incident to assist.

A spokesperson for the Community Rescue Service said: A CRS response boat was quickly launched and, working in close coordination with City Centre CCTV operators, made their way to the person in distress, where Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service deployed a rescue swimmer to help keep the person afloat.

"The casualty and rescue swimmer were brought aboard the CRS boat and immediate medical assistance administered.

"The casualty was handed over to our colleagues in Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Stock Image: Emergency services attended the incident

News Catch Up - Friday 28 November

The Belfast Telegraph understands the woman was treated by the ambulance service at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Revealed | How murdered drug lord fleeced 300k life savings from vulnerable woman

Fifty-four year-old McKeown was gunned down six years ago by members of a rival crime gang during a turf war over the lucrative drugs trade in mid-Ulster

CCTV footage showing last movements of Malcolm McKeown

By Crime World Investigations Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 09:48

Murdered sectarian killer and big time drugs baron Malcolm McKeown, fleeced a vulnerable Catholic woman to the tune of 300,000.
A man has been robbed at knifepoint in south Belfast.

It happened in the Ireton Street area shortly after 6.30pm on Friday.

The victim was walking when he was approached by a man from behind who placed a knife against his torso and demanded that he hand over a necklace.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Long said the suspect is described as being approximately six feet in height, with short ginger hair, and was dressed in a dark coloured hoodie and beige trousers.

PSNI

News Catch Up - Friday 28 November

We are appealing to anyone who has any information, or CCTV or other footage which might assist, to get in touch, they added.

The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1246 of 28/11/25.
Belfast food outlet Wing It appeal for info after break-in. Pic via @wingitbelfast Instagram

A popular food outlet in Belfast shared CCTV footage of masked intruders ransacking its head office as part of a marketing stunt.

Wing It issued an appeal for information on its social media channels over the weekend.

The footage showed three individuals wearing balaclavas and using the torch function on their mobile phones while raiding the companys offices on the Lisburn Road.

Last night at 1:07am, three people wearing full balaclavas broke until our Prep Kitchen & Head Office, the firm posted on Instagram on Saturday.

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We are unsure what their intentions or motive are as nothing of value, besides our sauces, are kept in our Prep Kitchen.

All we know for now is they took a couple of things, not of value, but more sentimental to the company.

The company urged anyone who saw any strange activity around the Lisburn Road site to get in touch.

Belfast food outlet Wing It appeal for info after break-in. Pic via @wingitbelfast Instagram

The story behind Belfast's 'Alec the Goose' tribute outside St George's Market in Belfast

However it later confirmed the post was part of a PR stunt for a festive giveaway campaign.

It has teamed up with @foodandcraic to give away gold cards to five lucky winners.

Anyone who commented on the original break in video is eligible to receive a vouched from the Wing It.
He claims he has a box full of peoples fingers which have been cut off

An Omagh man was in custody on Friday night after he posted threatening videos naming people he was going to shoot dead.

Videos of the local businessman appeared on his business social media account where he named a number of people he claimed had issued death threats against him.

He showed what appeared to be a genuine police threat message, delivered last Monday, which stated: Police are in receipt of information that there is a welfare concern for (name removed). He is going to be attacked by a rival gang in the next few days.

In one video he called on a number of well known individuals from the Omagh area and finished by saying F**k the lot of yous, Ill shoot the lot of yous in the brains.

He also posts a series of messages naming a number of individuals as MI5 agents.

One of the men named is a well known criminal who is facing serious criminal charges and cant be named for legal reasons.

In another video he addresses a woman and tells her he has access to dangerous gangs all over Northern Ireland who will back him up.

He claims he has a box full of peoples fingers which have been cut off and threatens his rivals with notorious drug gang, The Firm.

Stock image

The story behind Belfast's 'Alec the Goose' tribute outside St George's Market in Belfast

He says: Im bringing a turf war to this f**king town, Im bringing Dublin boys up, Im bringing Belfast boys down, Im bringing Portadown boys down, Im brining Cookstown boys downIm telling you The Firm are coming down and they hate (names rival).

He then states The Firm gave him a bullet proof vest which he shows the camera and then claims he has a Mac-10 machine gun.

Sort this out out because youre a stupid heavily pregnant b***ard and you tell (names removed) to ring me and Im telling you now theyre all going to get sprayed with bullets in their f**king brains  including you if you dont sort this sh*t out.

The PSNI told Crimeworld on Saturday: Police in Omagh have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of a number of offences including making threats to kill. He is currently in police custody. Anyone with information that could assist is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number CW 737 of 28/11/25. They added that, alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ Should you wish to make a report anonymously, you can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.
Racists are already using yesterday's court events over Ballymena case... facts rarely matter to them

Charges of attempted rape of a schoolgirl in Ballymena by two Romanian teens that led to riots and the arrest of more than 100 people have been withdrawn

Facts rarely matter to those who use the issue of violence against women and girls to advance their own racist agenda

Allison Morris Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 08:27

The withdrawal of the prosecution of two Romanian teenagers charged with the attempted rape of a 14-year-old girl in Ballymena on June 7 is far from the end of this appalling case.
Sacked martial arts teacher who chanted f**k Islam at Belfast protest makes more false claims about migrants

She was dumped by her martial arts school after she was questioned for leading the sickening anti-Muslim hate chant several times

Nicola Cree

Steven Moore Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 19:00

A disgraced martial arts instructor who repeatedly shouted f**k Islam at a protest has made false claims migrants smuggled machine guns and hand grenades into an asylum seeker hotel.
Exclusive | Unions to ballot Translink staff on substantial and positive pay offer ahead of potential Christmas strikes

New package could be enough to head off industrial action over festive period, but scepticism still remains over new night services

Translink workers on the picket line during a strike in 2023.

Kurtis Reid Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 08:47

Unions are preparing to ballot Translink workers on what has been described internally as a substantial and positive new pay proposal.
Dozens of flights across Vietnam were diverted overnight as Storm Koto sent dangerous winds and turbulence sweeping through the countrys southern air corridors, forcing aviation authorities to activate 24/7 storm-response protocols.

From midday Nov. 28 to early morning Nov. 29, Vietnamese carriers adjusted routes on 68 domestic and international flights operating in the southern region, according to the Civil Defense Steering Committee under the Ministry of Construction.

Multiple airports, including Phu Cat and Tuy Hoa, which lie closest to the projected storm belt, were placed under heightened warning. Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot were also told to prepare for abrupt weather shifts as the storm continued to behave unpredictably.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam ordered all units to maintain 24/7 monitoring, implement tropical-storm safety procedures and guide pilots on operations in hazardous weather conditions. Officials warned that even after Koto weakens and moves inland, heavy rain and flooding could affect airport operations.

At 4 a.m. Saturday, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting located Kotos center 310 km northwest of Song Tu Tay Island in the Spratly Archipelago, with sustained winds of 102 kph and gusts up to 149 kph. The storm, now tracking north-northwest at 510 kph, has already weakened compared with 24 hours earlier.

By 4 a.m. Sunday, Koto is expected to sit over the northwestern waters of the mid-South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea, about 330 km east of the Gia LaiDak Lak coastline, maintaining its strength while slowing to 35 kph and shifting further north.
The First Minister spoke at a rally against racism on Saturday (Robert Perry/PA)

Protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers are racist, Scotlands First Minister has said.

In recent months, hundreds of people have assembled outside hotels to voice their opposition to the housing of asylum seekers, with some carrying banners calling for the deaths of those crossing the English Channel on small boats.

John Swinney marched through Glasgow with the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) alongside other political leaders on Saturday before speaking at a rally decrying racism and the far-right.

The First Minister marched through Glasgow on Saturday (Robert Perry/PA)

Speaking to the Press Association after the rally during a visit to the group Glasgow Afghan United in the Maryhill area of the city, the First Minister said: Many of the people who are participating in these protests against the asylum seeker hotels are people who are spreading racist hate in our country.

So yes, there are people in there who are doing exactly that, and thats why thats got to be confronted and why people in Scotland can rely on their First Minister to do exactly that.

Asked if the protests themselves were racist, the First Minister said: Yes they are.

They are expressing hostility towards individuals and it is important that we confront that sentiment.

Mr Swinney was joined by Labour leader Anas Sarwar and independent Falkirk councillor Laura Murtagh, who has opposed the protests in her town and called for exclusion zones to be set up around the hotels to push protests away.

The First Minister refused to commit such a move, but said detailed consideration would be needed.

Addressing the trade union rally, the First Minister said those counter-protesting outside asylum hotels were expressing the true values of Scotland.

While Mr Sarwar told attendees at the rally that countering racism and prejudice was above party politics.

John and I are going to have lots of arguments over the next six months, he said.

But there is one thing that I know that I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with him on and he will always stand shoulder to shoulder with me on, because some things are bigger that party politics in Scotland and that is challenging prejudice and hate.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: St Andrews Day belongs to us all. Today weve shown that when working people unite together, we speak in one voice against hatred and division.

She added: Scotland is a welcoming country. Today we stood together to prove that.
The Prince of Wales was moved by the courage of the Gazan children he met who had been evacuated to the UK for specialist care.

Fifty children and their immediate families had been brought to Britain from Gaza for treatment as of November 21, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed.

William wished to offer a moment of comfort to the young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face, Kensington Palace said.

The prince also met Palestinian children during a 2018 visit to a refugee camp to learn about the lives of Arabs on the West Bank.

William, then the Duke of Cambridge, visiting the Jalazone refugee camp in the West Bank in 2018 (Arthur Edwards/The Sun)

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday: Recently His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales met a small number of children from Gaza who are currently receiving specialist care in the UK.

The prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face.

They added: The prince was also able to offer his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS teams providing exceptional care during such a profoundly difficult time.

His Royal Highness was moved by the courage shown by the children and their families and by the dedication of the team who are supporting them with such professionalism and humanity.

Artist Michael Landy showed his Global Humanitarian Memorial to the prince last month (PA)

William paid tribute to humanitarian workers last month during a visit to Gunnersbury Park, west London.

At the launch of the first global memorial for humanitarian workers, he said: We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence; from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti and, indeed, throughout much of the Middle East. And, alas, in so many other places.

Yet, the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.

William played football during his trip to Ramallah in the West Bank in 2018 (PA)

More than seven years ago, William met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, on the West Bank, before travelling a few miles away to the streets of the Jalazone camp, which was home to around 15,000 people at the time.

He visited a school and health clinic and met mothers having their babies vaccinated.

A Government spokesperson said on Saturday: The Government worked with partners to carry out medical evacuations from Gaza to the UK over the autumn.

Fifty patients and their immediate family members are now receiving care in surroundings that are safe and welcoming.

Following the ceasefire, now is the time to scale-up aid and ensure much-needed medicines and medical supplies are getting into Gaza, so that families can access the healthcare they need.

We stand ready to continue to provide health-related support to the people of Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV has visited Istanbuls famous Blue Mosque but did not stop to pray, as he focused more on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for eastern and western churches to be united.

Leo took his shoes off and, in his white socks, toured the the 17th-century mosque, looking up at its soaring tiled domes and the Arabic inscriptions on its columns as an imam pointed them out to him.

The Vatican had said Leo would observe a brief moment of silent prayer in the mosque, but he did not. An imam of the mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he had invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was Allahs house, but the Pope declined.

Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: The Pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.

Leo removed his shoes and walked through the carpeted mosque in his white socks (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

The Vatican then sent out a corrected version of its bulletin about the trip, removing a reference to the planned brief moment of silent prayer without further explanation.

Leo was following in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, as it is officially known, in a gesture of respect to Turkeys Muslim majority.

But the visits have always raised questions about whether the pope would pray in the Muslim house of worship, or at the very least pause to gather thoughts in a meditative silence.

There were no doubts in 2014 when Pope Francis visited: He stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, his head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, May God accept it.

When Pope Benedict XVI visited Turkey in 2006, tensions were high because Benedict had offended many in the Muslim world a few months earlier with a speech in Germany that was widely interpreted as linking Islam and violence.

Pope Leo looked up at the mosques soaring tiled domes (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

The Vatican added a visit to the Blue Mosque at the last minute in a bid to reach out to Muslims. He observed a moment of silent prayer, head bowed, as the imam prayed next to him, facing east.

Benedict later thanked him for this moment of prayer for what was only the second time a pope had visited a mosque, after St John Paul II visited one briefly in Syria in 2001.

There were no doubts in 2014 when Pope Francis visited the Blue Mosque: He stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, his head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, May God accept it.

With Leo, though, even the Vatican seemed caught off guard by his decision not to pray. The Holy See had to correct the official record of the visit after it originally kept the planned reference to him pausing for prayer.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, imam Tunca said he had told the Pope: Its not my house, not your house, (its the) house of Allah.

He said he invited Leo to worship, but he said, Thats OK.

The famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

He added: He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased.

There was also another change to the official programme, after the Vatican said the head of Turkeys Diyanet religious affairs directorate would accompany Leo at the mosque. He did not come and a spokesman from the Diyanet said he was not supposed to, since he had welcomed Leo in Ankara.

Past popes have also visited the nearby Hagia Sophia landmark, once one of the most important historic cathedrals in Christianity and a United Nations-designated world heritage site.

But Leo left that visit off his itinerary on his first trip as Pope. In July 2020, Turkey converted Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque, a move that drew widespread international criticism, including from the Vatican.

After the mosque visit, Leo held a private meeting with Turkeys Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. In the afternoon, he prayed with the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew, at the patriarchal church of Saint George.

There, they prayed the doxology, a hymn of praise and glory to God, and signed a joint declaration vowing to take courageous steps on the path to unity including to find a common date for Easter.

Pope Leo visiting the Blue Mosque (Emrah Gurel/AP)

Eastern and western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. While ties have warmed, they remain divided and other schisms have formed.

It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year, the joint statement said, referring to Easter.

The Vatican said in his remarks to the patriarchs gathered, Leo pointed to the next Holy Year to be celebrated by Christians, in 2033 on the anniversary of Christs crucifixion, and invited them to go to Jerusalem on a journey that leads to full unity.

Leos final event was a Catholic Mass in Istanbuls Volkswagen Arena for the countrys Catholic community, who number 33,000 in a country of more than 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslim.

While Leo was focusing on bolstering relations with Orthodox Christians and Muslims, trip organisers were dealing with more mundane issues.

Leos ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter was among those caught up in the worldwide Airbus software update, ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The order came after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

Vatican spokesman Mr Bruni said on Saturday that ITA was working on the issue. He said the necessary monitor to update the aircraft was on its way to Istanbul from Rome along with the technician who would install it.

Leo is scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of his inaugural trip as Pope.
Its odd how a couple of names can come hurtling at you from nowhere and take you straight back to an encounter still troubling even years later.

That happened to me this week with the news that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is to investigate the deaths of Eric and Desmond Guiney, the milkman and his son who died after being attacked by rioters during the IRA hunger strikes in 1981.
Expert warns NI on a path to Lebanon-style decay if floundering Stormont isnt urgently reformed

MLAs told that the Sunningdale Executive more than half a century ago was more serious about governing together than todays Stormont leaders  yet the prospect of meaningful reform is now receding

A senior academic advised the Executive to take a trip to Lebanon to see what the ultimate consequences of their failures might be

Sam McBride Sat 29 Nov 2025 at 08:00

A few weeks ago, a senior academic sat before MLAs and delivered two stark messages which went unnoticed.
There is a whiff of 2005 around the case of the damaged portrait of Wallace Browne in Belfast City Hall and the emerging theme of no-one at the venue wanting to talk about it.

Twenty years ago, literally down the street from the back entrance of City Hall, Robert McCartney was attacked in a bar and then murdered by a mob outside it. The bar, then called Magenniss, and subsequently renamed as Ronnie Drews, was packed with people who had returned from a Bloody Sunday commemoration in Derry, most from the nearby Markets area. Several of those there were members of the IRA and the cause of the murder was a row over a perceived insult.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 23F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

On and off snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 13F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. Morning high of 33F with temps falling to near 20. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

Scattered snow flurries and snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 14F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
The owners worked to renovate and transform the space, carrying through the colors, materials and design elements from the old space to the new.
Interview: Georgia strengthens connectivity capacity within BRI, says Georgian PM

Xinhua) 10:11, November 29, 2025

Staff members perform at the pavilion of Georgia during the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

"We are pleased with this growth and will continue our efforts to strengthen transit and economic cooperation with China in all areas," Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in an interview with Xinhua.

TBILISI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plays a crucial role in strengthening Georgia's connectivity and deepening its cooperation with China, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in an interview with Xinhua during the recent 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is very important for Georgia. We are happy to be strengthening our connectivity capacities within the Belt and Road framework and to demonstrate our important role," Kobakhidze said.

Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia's expanding partnership with China, citing growing trade and investment fostered by a free trade agreement and a favorable business environment.

"We are happy that we signed a free trade agreement with China. It has significantly promoted trade between our two countries, and we are exporting a growing range of products to China," he said.

"Participation in the China International Import Expo further expands our opportunities to promote bilateral trade. We have presented many different Georgian products at the Expo, and we are hopeful that even more Georgian goods will be exported to China in the future," Kobakhidze added.

The prime minister also welcomed Chinese companies to invest in Georgia's key sectors such as energy, digital technologies and real estate, and underscored China's essential role in his country's transit development.

According to Kobakhidze, transit volumes between China and Georgia have grown significantly in recent years. "We are pleased with this growth and will continue our efforts to strengthen transit and economic cooperation with China in all areas," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
Christmas Charity Fair, organized by Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, held in Kyiv

The annual charity Christmas fair "Charity Fair 2025," traditionally organized by the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, took place in Kyiv on Saturday.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, this year's event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions from 29 countries, who presented their national traditions and cultures. Ukrainian artists, traditional craftsmen, craft producers, designers, and public organizations also joined the joint charity initiative.

The event was personally attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and his wife, Tetiana Sybiha, who is a co-founder of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats.

As noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all funds raised will be used for charitable purposes, including: purchasing chemical heating pads for military personnel as part of the "Warm the Defender" project; supporting IDP children; assisting children and people with disabilities; supporting the elderly; assisting animal shelters; and other joint projects of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, the Club of Spouses of Kyiv Ambassadors, and IWCK.

Guests had the opportunity to purchase holiday gifts or create them with their children at themed workshops.

Each ticket purchase counts toward the Charity Fair 2025 fundraising total.
Local businesses in the Berkshires are stepping up in their own ways to support the 22,000 people in Berkshire County who will not get their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Saturday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Alice was a wonderful human being, said Jim Youngerman, the exhibit's curator and an old friend. She was very free and open and fun and lyrical. Those traits, he said, shone through her art.
Ralph Gardner Jr. is a journalist whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and New York magazine. He can be reached at ralph@ralphgardner.com. More of his work can be found on Substack.
Yermak resigns ahead of his trip to Miami for talks with Trump's team; Umerov will go instead

The resignation of Ukrainian Presidential Executive Office Chief Andriy Yermak occurred a day before his planned trip to Miami for peace talks with US President Donald Trump's team, Axios reports, citing two Ukrainian officials.

The publication reported that two Ukrainian officials said Yermak's resignation came a day before he was scheduled to travel to Miami for talks with President Trump's team about the peace plan.

In turn, Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller noted on social network X: Im told Rustem Umerov will still meet in Miami with Trump envoys this weekend.
Record homeless figures and a potential ban for under-16s on social media make the front pages of Saturday's papers.

The Irish Times reveals Gerry Hutch will be able to run in next years Dublin byelection and also take a seat in the Dail, if he wins, due to a gap in the law obliging newly elected TDs to have their tax affairs in order before taking their seats.

The Irish Examiner leads with another month which has seen a record number of homeless people, including an additional 629 children.

The Echo leads with calls for more roads gardai as Cork has seen an increase in the number of drug driving arrests.

The Irish Independent leads with a senior gardai claiming the Citywest and Dublin riots were not led by the far right.

The Irish Daily Mail leads reveal that children under 16 are set to be banned from social media.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with criticism from a domestic abuse survivor to the Minister of Justice regarding his response to character references for violent attackers.

The Irish Daily Star leads with the headless body of the stag, which was part of the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, found on Thursday morning.
Peru will declare a state of emergency along its border with Chile, President Jose Jeri said on Friday, as migrants seek to cross into the country following a Chilean presidential frontrunner's vow to expel undocumented migrants.

The state of emergency "will generate tranquility before the risk of migrants entering without authorization," said Jeri on X.

At least 100 foreigners, mostly Venezuelans, are at the border seeking to cross into Peru, Peruvian police General Arturo Valverde told local television station Canal N on Friday. He said surveillance at the border has increased in anticipation of the declaration.

On November 20th, far-right Chilean presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast, the favourite to win the runoff election next month against leftist Jeannette Jara, warned that illegal migrants must leave in the coming months or they will be detained and expelled when he comes to power.

"If you don't leave voluntarily, we will detain you, retain you, expel you, and you'll leave with what you have on," he said in a video message at the border.
Pope Leo XIV has visited Istanbuls famous Blue Mosque but did not stop to pray, as he focused more on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for eastern and western churches to be united.

Leo took his shoes off and, in his white socks, toured the the 17th-century mosque, looking up at its soaring tiled domes and the Arabic inscriptions on its columns as an imam pointed them out to him.

The Vatican had said Leo would observe a brief moment of silent prayer in the mosque, but he did not. An imam of the mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he had invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was Allahs house, but the Pope declined.

Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: The Pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.



Leo removed his shoes and walked through the carpeted mosque in his white socks (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

The Vatican then sent out a corrected version of its bulletin about the trip, removing a reference to the planned brief moment of silent prayer without further explanation.

Leo was following in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, who all made high-profile visits to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, as it is officially known, in a gesture of respect to Turkeys Muslim majority.

Advertisement

But the visits have always raised questions about whether the pope would pray in the Muslim house of worship, or at the very least pause to gather thoughts in a meditative silence.

There were no doubts in 2014 when Pope Francis visited: He stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, his head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, May God accept it.

When Pope Benedict XVI visited Turkey in 2006, tensions were high because Benedict had offended many in the Muslim world a few months earlier with a speech in Germany that was widely interpreted as linking Islam and violence.



Pope Leo looked up at the mosques soaring tiled domes (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

The Vatican added a visit to the Blue Mosque at the last minute in a bid to reach out to Muslims. He observed a moment of silent prayer, head bowed, as the imam prayed next to him, facing east.

Benedict later thanked him for this moment of prayer for what was only the second time a pope had visited a mosque, after St John Paul II visited one briefly in Syria in 2001.

Advertisement

There were no doubts in 2014 when Pope Francis visited the Blue Mosque: He stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, his head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, May God accept it.

With Leo, though, even the Vatican seemed caught off guard by his decision not to pray. The Holy See had to correct the official record of the visit after it originally kept the planned reference to him pausing for prayer.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, imam Tunca said he had told the Pope: Its not my house, not your house, (its the) house of Allah.

He said he invited Leo to worship, but he said, Thats OK.



The famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

He added: He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased.

There was also another change to the official programme, after the Vatican said the head of Turkeys Diyanet religious affairs directorate would accompany Leo at the mosque. He did not come and a spokesman from the Diyanet said he was not supposed to, since he had welcomed Leo in Ankara.

Past popes have also visited the nearby Hagia Sophia landmark, once one of the most important historic cathedrals in Christianity and a United Nations-designated world heritage site.

But Leo left that visit off his itinerary on his first trip as Pope. In July 2020, Turkey converted Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque, a move that drew widespread international criticism, including from the Vatican.

Advertisement

After the mosque visit, Leo held a private meeting with Turkeys Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. In the afternoon, he prayed with the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew, at the patriarchal church of Saint George.

There, they prayed the doxology, a hymn of praise and glory to God, and signed a joint declaration vowing to take courageous steps on the path to unity including to find a common date for Easter.



Pope Leo visiting the Blue Mosque (Emrah Gurel/AP)

Eastern and western churches split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. While ties have warmed, they remain divided and other schisms have formed.

It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year, the joint statement said, referring to Easter.

The Vatican said in his remarks to the patriarchs gathered, Leo pointed to the next Holy Year to be celebrated by Christians, in 2033 on the anniversary of Christs crucifixion, and invited them to go to Jerusalem on a journey that leads to full unity.

Leos final event was a Catholic Mass in Istanbuls Volkswagen Arena for the countrys Catholic community, who number 33,000 in a country of more than 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslim.

While Leo was focusing on bolstering relations with Orthodox Christians and Muslims, trip organisers were dealing with more mundane issues.

Advertisement

Leos ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter was among those caught up in the worldwide Airbus software update, ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The order came after an analysis found the computer code may have contributed to a sudden drop in the altitude of a JetBlue plane last month.

Vatican spokesman Mr Bruni said on Saturday that ITA was working on the issue. He said the necessary monitor to update the aircraft was on its way to Istanbul from Rome along with the technician who would install it.

Leo is scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of his inaugural trip as Pope.
Global airlines scrambled to fix a software glitch on Airbus A320 jets on Saturday as a partial recall by the European planemaker halted hundreds of flights in Asia and Europe and threatened US travel over the busiest weekend of the year.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury apologised to airlines and passengers after the surprise recall of 6,000 planes or more than half of the global A320-family fleet, which recently overtook the Boeing 737 as the industry's most-delivered model.

"I want to sincerely apologise to our airline customers and passengers who are impacted now," Faury posted on LinkedIn.

Friday's alert followed an unintended loss of altitude on an October 30th JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, which injured 10 passengers, according to France's BEA accident agency, which is probing the incident.

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Airlines worked through the night after global regulators told them to remedy the problem before resuming flights.

That appeared to help head off the worst-case scenario and capped the number of flight delays in Asia and Europe. The US will face high demand after the Thanksgiving holiday period.

"It's not as chaotic as some people might think," said Asia-based aviation analyst Brendan Sobie. "But it does create some short-term headaches for operations."

Airbus recall lucky timing for some airlines

The alert landed at a time of day when many European airlines and Asian airlines are winding down their schedules, which mostly do not require the short-to-medium-haul jets like the A320 to be flying at night, leaving time for repairs.

In the United States, however, it came during the day ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel weekend.

Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi carrier Flyadeal, said that the recall had hit late in the evening, which had avoided more serious disruption. The airline said it had fixed all 13 affected jets and would resume normal operations by midnight.

"It was a great team effort, but our luck also held up in the timing," Greenway told Reuters.

Airlines must revert to a previous version of software in a computer that helps determine the nose angle of the affected jets and in some cases must also change the hardware itself, mainly on older planes in service.

By Saturday, Airbus was telling airlines that repairs to some of the A320 jets affected may be less burdensome than first thought, industry sources said, with fewer than the original estimate of 1,000 needing the time-consuming hardware changes.

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Even so, industry executives said the abrupt action was a rare and potentially costly headache at a time when maintenance is under pressure worldwide from labour and parts shortages.

There were also unresolved questions about the impact of solar flare radiation blamed for the JetBlue incident, which is being treated by French investigators as an "incident," the lowest of three categories of potential safety emergency.

"Any operational challenges that comes at short notice and affecting a large part of your operation is tough to deal with," said UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland.

Fix is simple but necessary

The fix must be completed before the planes can fly again with passengers, a process needing two to three hours per jet.

Globally, there are about 11,300 of the single-aisle jets in service, including 6,440 of the core A320 model. Those include some of the largest and busiest low-cost carriers.

Tracker data from Cirium and FlightAware showed most global airports operating with good-to-moderate levels of delays.

Wizz Air said updates had been implemented overnight on all its affected jets. The European low-fare airline had already been hit hard by groundings caused by long waiting times for engine repairs, rather than safety concerns.

AirAsia, one of the world's largest A320 customers, said it aimed to complete fixes in 48 hours.

India's aviation regulator said on Saturday that budget giant IndiGo had completed the reset on 184 out of 200 aircraft, while Air India had done 69 of 113 impacted planes. Both were expected to complete the process on Saturday.

Taiwan, meanwhile, said around two-thirds of the 67 A320 and A321 aircraft operated by the island's carriers were affected.

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ANA Holdings cancelled 95 flights on Saturday, affecting 13,500 travellers. Japan's biggest airline and affiliates such as Peach Aviation operate the most Airbus A320 jets in the country.

Rival Japan Airlines has a mostly Boeing fleet and does not fly the A320.

Jetstar, the budget carrier of Australia's flag carrier Qantas, said some of its flights would be affected.

South Korea's Transport Ministry said upgrades to 42 aircraft there were expected to be completed by Sunday morning.

American Airlines, the world's largest A320 operator, said 209 of its 480 jets needed the fix, below initial estimates, most of which it expected to complete by Saturday.

US carriers Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines are also among the biggest A320-family operators.

Although Thanksgiving is critical for airlines in the United States, Strickland said the financial impact for European carriers would be cushioned by the fact that the recall happened during a lull before end-year holidays and the ski season.
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Two of the citys Vietnamese eateries are set to become one  with a banh mi bonus. But dont worry, Cafe O-Mai isnt going anywhere.

Two of Brisbanes most iconic Vietnamese eateries will next week become one, with the Nguyen family closing their Red Lotus restaurant in Annerley and moving it a few doors down to Cafe O-Mai.

Cafe O-Mai will now serve its cafe menu during the day before switching to the Red Lotus menu at night. Co-owner Maggie Nguyen says the move has been a couple of years in the making.

Vietnamese restaurant Red Lotus will operate out of sister venue and neighbour Cafe O-Mai from Tuesday. Matt Shea

Its really about consolidation, she says. My mum [Kim Nguyen] is working so much. She works all day and doesnt stop.

Nothing will change with either menu. It just means that the staff dont need to prep to walk everything over to Red Lotus in the afternoon.
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LifestyleFashionWeddings Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette: The story behind Jodie Haydons dress Damien Woolnough Updated November 29, 2025  5:42pm ,first published November 29, 2025  5:37pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 23 View all comments

For a rare fairytale moment in Australian politics, Jodie Haydon avoided the princess fantasy of meringue dresses and sweetheart necklines, instead choosing a dramatic long-sleeved gown fit for a fashion queen from Sydney label Romance Was Born, for her wedding to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The elegant gown, with fabric-covered buttons, demonstrates the restrained artistry of designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, who this year celebrated their labels 20th anniversary at Australian Fashion Week. It was an honour to dress Jodie, and we think she is amazing, Plunkett says. The dress is so beautiful, it fuses our love of Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in MJ Bale and Jodie Haydon wearing a gown by Romance Was Born married at The Lodge in Canberra. Mike Bowers In the past, Romance Was Born designs have incorporated Australian native flora and fauna elements through the work of May Gibbs characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, but they contained themselves on this occasion to subtle references through the embroidery.

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Haydon was on hand to witness the unveiling of the designers portrait at the National Gallery Portrait Gallery in Canberra in July, placing them among early contenders for the coveted commission. Related Article Anthony Albanese Australian prime ministers wedding as it happened: Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon marry The elegant long silk gown with beautiful embroideries and adornments are signature Romance, says Mattie Cronan style director, The Australian Womens Weekly, who worked with Albanese and Haydon for the March issue of the magazine, released just in time for the election campaign. Jodie is a passionate champion of Australian fashion and especially female founders. Romance Was Born is popular on the red carpet with stylish actors such as Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne, but finance executive Haydons surprise selection should help shift their profile beyond fashion insiders.

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The last time the wife of an Australian prime minister made headlines in a white dress, it was Lady Sonia McMahon at the White House, on the arm of then US president Richard Nixon in 1971. The dress, picked by then prime minister Billy McMahon, was slit to the thigh, with nude illusion fabric inserts climbing to the armpits. Photos from the wedding at The Lodge. Mike Bowers Haydons wedding dress selection chose sophistication over shock value. It is not known if Albanese was involved in the selection process. Having worked with Jodie for the Parliamentary Ball, I discovered that shes got an exquisite sense of style and really knows what works, says stylist Donny Galella, who dressed Haydon in a high-necked red crepe waterfall dress from Carla Zampatti in August.

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Related Article Opinion

Weddings Three cheers for the bride and her unique wedding day dilemma Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist The soft A-line silhouette is perfect on her. The beading detail adds just the right amount of drama. And I love that the prime minister went for a navy tuxedo rather than black. While Haydon took the high road, Albanese was a man of the people in a suit from high street staple MJ Bale. The Saunders-style tuxedo jacket retails for $749. While Albanese recently faced criticism for dressing down, wearing a T-shirt promoting the band Joy Division, he dressed up below the ankles. Unlike tycoon Rupert Murdoch in sneakers at his most recent wedding, Albanese wore shoes. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
Melbournes Lord Mayor Nick Reece says the Metro Tunnel is going to be the biggest single boost to the Melbourne CBD in 40 years, with the City of Melbourne expecting an extra 500,000 people a week to visit the CBD.

It will not only transform the city, it will change the way people use our rail network as it will increase the capacity across our network so it is a boost for everyone, he said.

The Metro Tunnel stations are Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. The Age

It is going to be fascinating to see the way new communities across Victoria are connected from Tarneit to Toorak, from Pakenham to Prahran.



Reece said he was blown away by the architecture of the Metro Tunnel stations.

People will visit Melbourne to visit the stations  they are that good, he said. The Moscow underground with its famous gilded stations with chandeliers has got nothing on these fabulous stations we have in Melbourne.

Reece said Metro One was such a brilliant project that he hoped it helped make the case for Metro Two, which would involve constructing new rail tunnels from Newport to Clifton Hill via the city centre. Reece said this was much-needed.

The decade of disruption is over, the hoarding is coming down, and the cyclone fences are coming down, its an early Christmas present for Melbourne, he said.

Click here to see photo galleries of the stations from construction to what they look like today.
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PoliticsFederalWeddings Anthony Albanese marries Jodie Haydon at The Lodge, first prime minister to wed in office James Massola Updated November 29, 2025  5:23pm ,first published November 29, 2025  4:35pm 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 101 View all comments

Anthony Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, married in a small, family occasion on a warm but gusty afternoon at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, making him the first prime minister to be wed while in office. The happy occasion rounded out a momentous political year for the prime minister in which he led the Labor Party to its second term in office with an increased majority that eviscerated the federal Coalition. We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends, Albanese and Haydon said in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon at their wedding on Saturday. Mike Bowers Details of the wedding were tightly held for months, and it is understood the couple decided on the date and venue during a week-long holiday on the tiny Pacific island of Palau in October.

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While the wedding took place at the prime ministers official residence, all expenses related to this event were being paid for privately by Albanese and Haydon. Related Article Anthony Albanese Australian prime ministers wedding as it happened: Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon marry The wedding was the first for Haydon, 47. Albanese, 62, was previously married to former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt for 19 years. They have one child, Nathan, and separated in 2019, before divorcing. Plans for the wedding were closely guarded for both privacy and security concerns. The latter was a large part of the reason Albanese and Haydon chose to hold the event at the prime ministers Canberra residence, where security could be much more easily managed than at other venues such as the prime ministers Sydney Harbour residence, Kirribilli, or on the NSW Central Coast, where Haydon was born. The couple have grown fond of Canberra and were happy to be able to be married at their residence in the national capital. The nuptials were held the day after the parliamentary year finished on Friday.

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The couple were married by a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast, where much of Haydons family still live, and the couple wrote their own vows. Haydon was walked down the aisle by her parents, Bill and Pauline Haydon, while the Ben Folds song, The Luckiest, played. Her five-year-old niece, Ella, was the flower girl and the prime ministers dog, Toto, was the ringbearer. Albaneses son, Nathan, was among the guests on hand to celebrate the day. The guest list included many of Albaneses closest political allies, including senior ministers Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Don Farrell, Tony Burke, Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers, Tim Ayres and Jenny McAllister and their partners, as well as NSW state MPs John Graham and Jo Haylen, who once worked for Albanese. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (at front) and partner Dave Skinner arrive at The Lodge with Treasurer Jim Chalmers (right) and wife Laura Chalmers. Alex Ellinghausen ALP national secretary Paul Erickson and his partner, Dimity Paul, and the prime ministers chief of staff, Tim Gartrell, were also on hand, but the event was a relatively small affair with a limited guest list.

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No other world leaders, past or present, attended, but well-wishes were delivered on social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X to congratulate Haydon and his good friend Albanese. Wishing them a happy married life, the post read. Related Article Opinion

Weddings Three cheers for the bride and her unique wedding day dilemma Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana, posted their best wishes. The pair dined with Albanese and Haydon in London in September when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had them to dinner at 10 Downing Street. Congratulations, @alboMP. Diana and I send all best wishes, Carney posted on X. Also spotted among the ministers, high-powered bureaucrats and close family members were friends from Albaneses childhood growing up in an inner-city Sydney social housing estate, including Sherie Dewstow and Rod Burns.

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The pair were among a number of Albaneses childhood friends who paid him a surprise visit in Canberra in 2022, at the start of his first term in parliament as prime minister, and who returned to Canberra to visit Albanese on the first day of his second term as prime minister earlier this year. Related Article Weddings Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette: The story behind Jodie Haydons dress No members of the Coalition were spotted among the guests, but Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was quick to send her best wishes. Congratulations to Anthony and Jodie! she said in a statement issued shortly after the news broke. I wish them every happiness as they continue building their lives together. After making their vows, witnessed by Haydons brother, Patrick, and the PMs cousin, Helen Golden, the newly married couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonders hit, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours).

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Their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Haydon wore a flowing white dress with long sleeves by Sydney designer Romance was Born, while the prime minister wore a suit from Australian menswear store MJ Bale. The wedding rings were supplied by Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, Sydney, where Albanese had an engagement ring designed for Haydon. Dimity Paul and Paul Erickson, the ALP national secretary, arrive at The Lodge. Alex Ellinghausen Albanese and Haydon will take a five-day honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday next week at an undisclosed location. The wedding capped a historic year for Albanese after the prime minister in May secured a crushing election victory where Labor won a record 94 seats in the lower house.

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Albanese paid tribute to his fiancee on election night, saying she probably wasnt expecting this to be in your life half-a-dozen years ago. I am so grateful for your support, your friendship and your love. You make me so happy, which matters, you have my heart, I love you and I look forward to living our lives together, he said. Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentines Day, February 2024, on a balcony at The Lodge, after an intimate dinner at Italian and Sons, about five years after the couple first met in late 2019. The Sydney-born, Central Coast-raised partner of Australias 31st prime minister has rarely given interviews or spoken publicly about the relationship. Albanese and son Nathan, with ringbearer Toto before the ceremony in Canberra. Mike Bowers The couple met at a business event in Melbourne in late 2019 when Albanese had been opposition leader for a year. His election victory in May 2022 catapulted Haydon, an industry superannuation manager, into the spotlight as she accompanied Albanese to a NATO summit in Spain and on several other trips, including Queen Elizabeths funeral, King Charles coronation and a state dinner hosted by former US president Joe Biden.

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Their relationship made headlines in October last year when 2GBs Ben Fordham revealed that Albanese had bought a $4.3 million clifftop house on the NSW Central Coast, near Haydons family, to be the couples post-politics home. Albanese and Haydon are both Catholics and enjoy similar music, walking the prime ministers dog, Toto, watching the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team and playing games of pool at The Lodge. One of Albaneses closest political allies, Penny Wong, last year married her long-term partner, Sophie Allouache, after close to two decades together. Details about that ministerial wedding were tightly held, much like Albanese and Haydons wedding. It was held at the Bird in the Hand winery in the Adelaide Hills. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
Number of victims in Kyiv grows to 16, eight people rescued  Interior Ministry

Photo: https://t.me/UA_National_Police

As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv overnight, 16 people were injured, including a child, and two were killed. Rescuers saved eight people, including a child and a person with limited mobility, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Additionally, residential buildings in several districts were damaged.

For example, in Shevchenkivskyi district, a fire broke out in a 14-story building as a result of the strike, causing one casualty, but the fire was extinguished. In Solomyanskyi district, 25- and 17-story buildings were damaged, causing two casualties.

In Sviatoshynsky district, a three-story building was hit: one person died, a child was rescued; another address reported a fire in a private home.

In Dniprovskyi district, a 10-story building was partially destroyed, and three people were rescued. In Darnytskyi district, a fire broke out after a rocket landed near a 9-story building: one person died, six were injured; a car near a shopping center was also damaged.

A fire broke out in a private home in Obolon district, and in Holosiyivsky, garages caught fire after falling debris.
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PoliticsWALocal council Turmoil embroils City of Perth as acting CEO accuses lord mayor of unlawful motion Carla Hildebrandt November 29, 2025  10:46am 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 City of Perth is facing fresh internal turmoil after acting chief executive officer Peta Mabbs alleged Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds acted unlawfully by pushing through an urgent workplace culture motion shortly before she quit. At the November 18 council meeting, Reynolds introduced an urgent motion to appoint law firm Mills Oakley to carry out a workplace culture review with a budget of up to $125,000. The City of Perth Council. City of Perth However, in a brief prepared for an agenda briefing session on December 2, Mabbs, standing in for chief executive Michelle Reynolds who is on leave, claimed the decision was not a lawful decision and therefore can not be implemented. In the item, Mabbs claimed councillors were given just six minutes to read the motion before voting, with no reason was provided for the urgency, questions were not allowed, and the lord mayor moved straight to a vote, depriving council of the information required to make an informed decision.

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Mabbs said the motion breached the Local Government Act and shuns the CEO in her role as principal adviser to council. Following the November 18 meeting, Councillor Catherine Lezer flagged she wanted to move a revocation motion at the next council meeting, and circulated a draft motion to colleagues on Saturday, November 22. The same day, the lord mayor requested a special council meeting be convened on Tuesday, November 25, to consider the revocation motion, despite it not being formally lodged yet. The Lord Mayor subsequently advised the Administration that a [special council meeting] does not require an item to already exist, and that the meeting should be convened, Mabbs brief read. Lezer and the two other councillors who voted against Reynolds motion at the November 18 could not attend the special council meeting due to the short notice, Mabbs brief read.

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As a result, the only elected members in attendance at the SCM were those who voted in favour of the resolution adopted by the Council at the OCM on 18 November 2025, it read. Related Article Local council Perths new Lord Mayor orders workplace culture investigation in shock opening move A second revocation motion was raised at the special council meeting by councillor Liam Gobbert, but was not supported by those at the meeting  including Gobbert. Mabbs brief labelled that revocation motion invalid and of no effect because it was in the same terms as the first revocation order, which had not yet been considered and determined by the council at the meeting date specified. Given the Second Revocation Motion was invalid and that the First Revocation Motion ... remains valid, the Administration is barred, under the Standing Orders, from taking any steps to implement or give effect to the Council resolution of 18 November 2025, the brief read.

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However, Bruce Reynolds rejected the administrations characterisation of events, in a statement saying the review was essential and would provide a transparent health check of the organisation. This is a healthy and positive step for the City of Perth, Reynolds said. As a new leadership group, it is important that we seek continuous improvement in the critical areas of workplace culture, staff wellbeing, and organisational safety. An independent and transparent review will help us set the benchmark for where we are now and how we continue to strengthen the organisation into the future. Reynolds said elected members who were unable to attend the special council meeting in person were given the option to attend electronically.

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He said he opted to call the special council meeting to ensure Lezers revocation did not delay the commencement of the review or the work of the new committee, followed up with the administration on Monday and notified councillors on Monday evening. At [Tuesday nights] meeting, the proposed revocation was considered and defeated, he said. Council is now able to proceed with the important work it resolved to undertake last week. The administrations report also points to deeper tensions, including concerns raised by the CEO about the psychosocial safety of staff who work closely with elected members. Ten behavioural complaints involving councillors have been lodged this year, eight since June.

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In the item, Mabbs claimed no concerns about workplace culture were raised in Michelle Reynolds August performance review, which unanimously recognised her high performance and achievements. Council will deal with the matter at an ordinary council meeting on December 9, when Lezers original motion is listed to consider revoking the motion pushed through by the lord mayor on November 18. Mabbs resigned from the organisation on November 25. A City of Perth spokesperson said chief executive Michelle Reynolds was due to return in mid-December. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
It was ramshackle from the street, but the interior was worse  a treasure trove of horrors. Even tradesmen were reluctant to enter, so Cavlovic faced the calamity himself. It looked like Jurassic Park, there were possums in there, a bus shelter bench, syringes  everything, he said. The threat of demolition previously hung over the property. Credit: Domain The neighbours tree had grown through it, and the tree loppers were too scared to go in there due to insurance reasons. So I spent a week in there on my own, man versus nature, cutting it all out, to find what was there and what we could salvage. Loading

The threat of demolition previously hung over the property, but Cavlovic had the courage and expertise to take a different path. He has a passion for building vintage Hot Rod cars, and took the same approach with the house, reinstating Victorian period glamour and personality. Cavlovic steered the design choices and said they came to him easily. I like restoring old things back to great glory, he said, and with that house, I had a vision there that I couldnt even explain to some of the trades because I had it in my head. And once I have something in my head, I keep pushing. The living zone now flows to a sunlit deck, terrace and swimming pool. Credit: STEVEN SIEWERT

Originally, the person that boarded it up had a DA and had the approval to knock the whole house down and start from scratch, but I chose not to. The sandstone rocks that were there, the old craftsmanship, was just so beautiful to see, and some of it we could keep. Cavlovic was able to retain the downstairs footprint, and extend up. Cavlovic kept the homes downstairs footprint, and extended up. Credit: STEVEN SIEWERT What we ended up keeping was the two side walls, the front part of the house and the corridor, for that old heritage look, he says. Some of the brickwork was wobbly so he steadied the structure with steel. Once done, he could focus on adding a second floor, which includes a main bedroom with an en suite, walk-in robe and balcony, a central bathroom and three other bedrooms.

The second floor includes four bedrooms. Credit: Domain There was so much decay and debris inside that the original floor plan was almost obsolete, but Cavlovic said he could visualise the larger front rooms and pokey kitchen and dining at the back. The kitchen features a gold-veined marble island kitchen with a suite of premium appliances, according to the listing. Credit: STEVEN SIEWERT One of those front rooms is now a second lounge with an elegant fireplace, and beyond, a kitchen, capped in gold-veined marble, with a butlers pantry, and a living zone that flows to a sunlit deck, terrace and swimming pool. One of those front rooms has an elegant fireplace. Credit: STEVEN SIEWERT

Agent Bryan Mahlberg, who sold the terrace to Cavlovic around two years ago, said the turnaround is unlike anything hes encountered. Loading Never have I seen a property that was in such a state of rack and ruin, returned to market as a high-end, brand-new home before, he said. Mahlberg said astute buyers will appreciate the level of finish. They will notice the quality, and the time and trouble that Anthony has put in  he has meticulously taken care of it. The listing agent who sold the terrace to Cavlovic said the turnaround is unlike anything hes encountered. Credit: STEVEN SIEWERT
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WorldEuropeVale Tom Stoppard, playwright who dazzled with verbal gymnastics, dies aged 88 David Crowe November 30, 2025  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Tom Stoppard, the playwright whose work ranged from cerebral theatre to Hollywood blockbusters, has died at the age of 88. Friends and admirers reacted with dismay to his death on Saturday in the United Kingdom, where he took the theatrical world by storm in the 1960s and became one of the nations greatest literary talents. British playwright Tom Stoppard has died, aged 88. AP The success of his sharp dialogue on stage led film directors to seek him out to create movies, including Shakespeare in Love  for which he shared the Oscar for best original screenplay  and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. His agent said he died peacefully at his home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.

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He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language, the firm, United Agents, said in a statement. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him. View post on X In a sign of the breadth of his appeal and the range of his friendships, his death drew reactions from royalty to rock stars and writers. Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright, said Mick Jagger in a social media post. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him.

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King Charles said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were deeply saddened by the news. A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history, the King said. He ended his public statement by quoting a line from Stoppard: Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else. Australian writer Kathy Lette described Stoppard as one of the wittiest people she had ever met. A conversation with him left you reeling from irreverent and imaginative quip-lash, she posted.

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While Stoppard rose to the heights of English literature, he was born to Czech parents in 1937 and spent his early life in what was then Czechoslovakia before fleeing with his family to Singapore and India. Stoppard in 2023 with the Tony award for best play for Leopoldstadt. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP After his father died in Singapore in 1942, his mother, Martha, married an English officer, Kenneth Stoppard, and moved the family to England in 1946. Stoppard, who described himself as a bounced Czech, only learnt of his familys Jewish heritage late in life  and discovered that all four of his grandparents had died in the Holocaust. He was raised with his brother as an English boy and told little about his mothers early life. The exploration of his family history led him to write his most personal play, Leopoldstadt, which was first performed in 2020 and told the story of a Jewish family in Vienna over the first half of the 20th century.

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While he began his working life as a journalist in Bristol in his late teenage years, he was drawn to the theatre and began by writing plays for radio and television. Stoppards breakthrough came with the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. His breakthrough came in 1963 when his first major stage play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, packed theatres by creating a comic drama out of two of the minor characters in Hamlet  using some of Shakespeares dialogue. He combined history, philosophy and comedy in a series of plays, including Travesties in 1974, in which he created a meeting between historical figures such as James Joyce and Vladimir Lenin during the First World War. Arcadia, first performed in 1993, combined science and mathematics in a drama about a teenager, Thomasina Coverly, growing up in 1809, and the rediscovery of her life more than a century later.

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His movie work included the screenplay for Steven Spielbergs Empire of the Sun and Terry Gilliams cult classic Brazil, but he did not always seek a public credit for his work. When Spielberg called Stoppard in to complete Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the playwright worked with the pen name Barry Watson and added comic touches to the result. Spielberg is said to have remarked that every line of dialogue in the film came from Stoppard. His work on Shakespeare in Love created the most successful film about the literary giant, based on the notion that the Elizabethan playwright was dogged by writers block while attempting a play called Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter. In one play, The Real Thing, first performed in 1982, a character, Henry, sums up the writing life: I dont think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when youre dead. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Trump Warns Iran of 'Even More Brutal' Strikes, Urges Tehran to Make a Deal Before It's Too Late (Photo: The White House / Public domain)

President Donald Trump said he intends to issue a "full and complete pardon" to former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, a convicted drug trafficker serving a 45-year sentence in the United States, while tying future U.S. financial support for Honduras to the outcome of the country's upcoming presidential election. The announcement, posted on Truth Social days before Hondurans vote, also included Trump's endorsement of conservative candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura.

Trump said Hernandez "has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly," adding, "This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura wins the election, when Honduras will be on its way to great political and financial success." He also told voters, "Vote for Tito Asfura for president, and congratulations to Juan Orlando Hernandez on your upcoming pardon. Make Honduras great again."

The former Honduran leader was convicted in Manhattan federal court in March 2024 of orchestrating a years-long conspiracy that moved more than 400 tons of cocaine toward the United States. Prosecutors said he oversaw a vast corruption network that transformed segments of the Honduran police and military into security escorts for drug convoys. One prosecutor said his government "paved a cocaine superhighway to the United States." Hernandez denied the allegations, arguing the case relied on "professional liars" seeking leniency.

A jury found him guilty on charges of cocaine-importation conspiracy, weapons offenses involving the use of machine guns, and other narcotics-related crimes. He was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to 45 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $8 million. The sentencing judge described his administration as a "narco-state."

Trump's pledge immediately set off alarm among anti-corruption groups and U.S. prosecutors who view the Hernandez conviction as a rare breakthrough in holding senior political figures accountable for facilitating cartel operations. Critics warned a pardon would reinforce perceptions that well-connected officials can escape consequences through political channels, potentially undermining regional efforts to combat entrenched corruption.

Beyond the pardon promise, Trump said U.S. support for Honduras would depend on Asfura's victory. "If Tito Asfura wins for President of Honduras, because the United States has so much confidence in him, his policies, and what he will do for the great people of Honduras, we will be very supportive," he wrote. "If he doesn't win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country."

The move injects Washington directly into a contentious Honduran campaign, elevating questions about the extent to which U.S. policy could shift based on foreign electoral outcomes. Analysts noted Asfura has emphasized international economic support as part of his platform and that Trump's message may resonate among voters anxious about security and economic instability.

If Trump issues the pardon, Hernandez's U.S. conviction would be nullified, though legal experts say the former president could still face charges in Honduras or elsewhere. A U.S. pardon would also not erase years of allegations regarding his role in shielding traffickers and receiving bribes in exchange for political influence.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the Bundestag's decision to increase support for Ukraine to EUR 11.5 billion in Germany's 2026 budget.

Sybiha thanked his German partners and parliamentary forces who supported the decision: I highly appreciate todays strong and timely decision by the Bundestag to increase support for Ukraine to EUR 11.5 billion in the 2026 budget, he noted.

The Foreign Minister also expressed gratitude to his German counterpart, the German Foreign Minister, and the parliamentary factions that continue to support Ukraine. I am grateful to my German colleague Johann Wadephul and to all parliamentary forces that continue to stand with Ukraine, Sybiha stressed.

Your steadfast support strengthens our defence, protects our people, and brings us closer to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and throughout Europe, the minister added.

As reported earlier, on November 26, during budget debates in the Bundestag, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in particular, touched on the topic of settling the war in Ukraine and stated that Germany would increase its support for Ukraine next year to a total of EUR 11.5 billion.
Welcome to Cartoon Brews series of spotlights focusing on the animated shorts that have qualified for the 2026 Oscars. The films in this series have qualified through one of multiple routes: by winning an Oscar-qualifying award at a film festival, by exhibiting theatrically, or by winning a Student Academy Award.

Todays short is Cafune from Spanish directors Carlos F. de Vigo and Lorena Ares, produced by Dr. Platypus & Ms. Wombat, New Gravity Laws, White Leaf Producciones, and Damian Perea Producciones. The short qualified for the Oscars by winning the 2025 Spanish Academy Goya Award for best animated short.

Set against the backdrop of Spain and Europes ongoing immigration crisis, this short, supported by Amnesty International, explores migration-related trauma through the eyes of a child. When Almas doll slips into a swimming pool, the moment triggers echoes of her perilous journey across the Mediterranean. As panic resurfaces, Luna, the volunteer who once saved her, steps in to guide her through the episode, offering steadiness, care, and a path toward healing.

Cartoon Brew: What was it about this story or concept that connected with you and compelled you to direct the film?

Carlos F. de Vigo, Lorena Ares: The four-page comic by Chechu Ramirez moved us immediately: a little girl falls into a pool and, as she resurfaces, she emerges into the memory of the shipwreck where she lost her mother. That transition between present and past felt incredibly powerful and deeply cinematic. We were also drawn to exploring forced migration through emotional scars, through trauma, not just the journey itself. From the start, we conceived the film as a drift inside Almas mind, moving between memories the way pain does: without order, without permission, without a timeline.

What did you learn through the experience of making this film, either production-wise, filmmaking-wise, creatively, or about the subject matter?

The biggest lesson was about empathy, and the danger of turning a human tragedy into a political debate. As Europeans, we feared not being the right voice to address forced migration, so we listened a lot: to volunteers, to people who lived these journeys, to Amnesty International, who supported us from the very beginning. We also did an exercise with our team: trying to find news articles that listed victims by name, not by number. We couldnt. That realization was striking. We understood how accustomed weve become to statistics, how easily we stop seeing people, and how urgently we need to de-anesthetize ourselves.

Can you describe how you developed your visual approach to the film? Why did you settle on this style/technique?

We knew the film had to be animated: in live action, some scenes would be too distressing to watch, and viewers would look away. We needed the opposite; we needed them to stay with Alma. We tried several styles before realizing they didnt work, and we dared to reset a production already in progress. The arrival of Grangel Studio defined the designs of Alma and Luna and set the tone. With Almu Redondo as our production design advisor, we found the balance: a soft, readable, never-grotesque line, with an authorial touch and a palette that clearly separates ocean, pool, and emotional refuge.

By centering the story on a child survivor, the film reframes the migration experience with a rare sense of vulnerability. What does Alma allow you to express symbolically about forced displacement that an adult character could not?

Choosing a child was essential. Alma is a blank canvas: no ideology, no prejudice, only the need to survive. Her extreme vulnerability makes it impossible for viewers to retreat into political arguments. An adult would arrive with history, anger, discourse; Alma arrives with fear and a need for affection. And her relationship with Luna reveals something important: Luna helps Alma heal, but Alma also helps Luna. The film speaks about migration, yes, but above all, it speaks about love that heals in both directions.
Since the beginning of the day, 289 combat clashes have occurred, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported in operational information as of 10:00 p.m. on Friday.

"The invaders carried out 28 airstrikes, dropping 86 guided bombs. In addition, the Russians deployed 876 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,264 attacks on our troop positions and populated areas," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

According to the General Staff, the most intense situation today was in Pokrovsk direction, where the aggressor carried out 65 assaults and offensive actions.
The Signal Mountain Fire Fighters Association invites the community to join them for Pictures and Cookies with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Signal Mountain Fire Department Station #2, 5240 Shackleford Ridge Road in Signal Mountain.Attendees will enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, along with cookies and hot chocolate. Kids can take part in festive activities, such as decorating sugar cookies and creating holiday crafts.Donations will be accepted for Signal Mountain Social Services to help support programs that assist members of the community in need.For questions or more information, email info@ffasignal.org.
Peggy W. Green, 96, of Hixson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Peggy attended Tennessee Wesleyan and retired from DuPont. She was an excellent homemaker and a devoted member of White Oak United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was an active member of the United Methodist Women for many years. She dearly loved her Sunday school class and was known for her charitable spirit and willingness to help others. Above all, she cherished her role as Mimi to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, John G. Green, who passed away in 2008; her step-son, John G. Green Jr.; and her parents, Edward C. and Levina G. Wright.

Survivors include her daughter, Patti Green Jenkins; grandchildren: Megan Jenkins, Hannah Johnson, Laura Reed, Andrew Keith, and Elizabeth Jenkins; great-grandchildren: Emma Keith, James Johnson, Peter Johnson, and David Johnson; her sister, Edwina Carla Lewis; niece, Alise OBrien; and nephew, Juston Barrows.

Peggy will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, steadfast faith, sense of style, and the deep love she held for her family and church community.

Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Hearth Hospice in Peggys memory.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, Little Coyote is hosting an event on the south's most favorite and famous food: Barbecue.

There will be stories and histories unlike any you've heard before. Plus, a menu of barbecue offered that's now known across the world.

The event is called "Real Smoke: a Brief History of Barbecue."

For more info or tickets, email david@foodasaverb.com

Food historian and professor Dr.

Mark Johnson  author of a book on the history of Alabama barbecue and the impact of bacon on American culture  will join Chef Erik Niel, whose Little Coyote was just named a Michelin Guide restaurant  to discuss the impact and influence of barbecue on us all.

Barbecue has a tremendous history, connecting politics, race, class and community. Far more than a roadside food, barbecue may be our region's most impactful culinary and cultural experience.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, join us at 4:30 p.m. for a discussion and full menu of Little Coyote barbecue.

For tickets, email david@foodasaverb.com.

In 1492, on Columbus's first trip to modern-day Cuba, he encountered many things, including the Taino people and one particular pleasure: Barbecue.

"Columbus's crew witnessed these indigenous people cooking hundreds of pounds of fish over the indirect heat of embers," writes Dr. Johnson in An Irresistible History of Alabama Barbecue.

Then, "the entire community gathered, seemingly without regard for social status or wealth, for the feast," writes Dr. Johnson, a professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The experience has continued for centuries, making barbecue a cultural and culinary powerhouse across the South.

Including right here, in St. Elmo.

"I refer to barbecue as a food, a cooking technique and a social event," Dr. Johnson writes in his An Irresistible History of Alabama Barbecue, which details a treasure of stories  political, racial, cultural  on barbecue's impact.

He's got all the qualities of a favorite professor: good stories, a true thoughtfulness and an engaging curiosity that's contagious.

This event is sponsored by Food as a Verb, Chattanooga's only media devoted to local food stories.
Photo credit: Facebook/ Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University will close two of its academic departments focused on race and gender studies at the conclusion of the 202526 academic year.

According to an official TCU announcement, the Department of Women & Gender Studies and the Department of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies will cease operations in June 2026. A university spokesperson told TCU 360 that the decision stemmed from enrollment data rather than political motivations.

The university reported that only nine undergraduates were majoring in Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies and just two students were pursuing majors in Women & Gender Studies during the fall 2025 semester.

Once the departments are dissolved, their faculty, courses, and enrolled majors and minors will transition to the oversight of TCUs English department. University officials noted that students will still have opportunities to major or minor in these subjects through other academic units.

The Women & Gender Studies curriculum introduces students to concepts such as social construction of gender, sex, and sexuality, intersectionality, [and] privilege and oppression and includes instruction on how to create and execute activist projects focused on social justice.

According to its departmental mission, Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies seeks to decolonize higher education and prepare students to work toward ending various systems of oppression in every facet of our shared society.

The restructuring marks another shift in TCUs handling of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following the September departure of the schools senior advisor to the chancellor and chief inclusion officer.

TCU announced that Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, who joined the university in March 2022, was no longer with TCU and two important university functions have been realigned to departments where they have incredible support.

In April, TCU formally disbanded its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, removing related materials from university websites. TCU's Burnett School of Medicine and the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences later took down their DEI pages as well.

The changes came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott implemented a statewide ban on DEI agencies in all state agencies  a move that mirrored Trumps own executive order on DEI.

TCU recently pushed back against claims that it canceled a speaking event hosted by Turning Point USA featuring Chloe Cole, a young woman who previously identified as male before de-transitioning to her biological sex.

The dispute drew criticism from high-profile Republicans, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, though the university denied was politically motivated.
Home News Christian documentarian banned from filming at historic site over 'religious affiliation'

Christian human rights organization Voice for Justice UK has raised serious concerns about the National Trust after a Catholic filmmaker was denied filming permission at a Christian site.

Tensions arose after Christian Holden requested permission to film at St Cuthberts Cave near Belford, Northumberland. St Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumbria and is traditionally believed to have been laid to rest in the cave in 875 AD. The National Trust, a heritage organization, manages the site.

Holden was producing a film titled "The Way of St Cuthbert," a historic path that follows St Cuthberts journey from Melrose Abbey in Scotland to Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland, England.

For reasons that remain unclear, Voice for Justice UK said the National Trust refused to give Holden permission to film in the historic cave.

Initially, Holden was told the Trust had a policy against filming with religious affiliation, Voice for Justice UK said. However, subsequently, a Trust spokesperson said the group does not have a formal policy about religious filming at our places.

Voice for Justice UK has raised concerns that the National Trust might have discriminated against Holden on the basis of faith.

The group said in a statement, Voice for Justice UK warns that the wording indicates discrimination and raises troubling questions. The refusal comes in the wake of wider public debate about the Trusts direction and priorities.

The organization has been criticized in recent years for sidelining Christian heritage in its public programming and internal culture.

Voice for Justice UK said that the National Trusts actions could fall foul of the Equality Act 2010 and that it had written to its Director-General, Hilary McGrady, asking for an explanation and an apology for Holden, as well as appropriate reparation for the discriminatory decision.

Commenting on the matter, a National Trust spokesperson said, We are reviewing what has happened in this case. We welcome everyone to the places in our care and provide space for people to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage.

We are also proud to look after historic chapels and churches, some of which are still used for worship today, as well as other sites of religious significance. We do not have a formal policy about religious filming at our places.
Home News Trump halts all asylum decisions after National Guard attack

President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of all asylum decisions following Wednesdays shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The move is part of a sweeping clampdown on immigration announced after an Afghan national was charged in the attack.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible, USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow wrote on X late Friday.

Edlow also announced new national security measures and said the agency would reexamine every green card issued to immigrants from what he called countries of concern, including Afghanistan.

The Department of Homeland Security has simultaneously stopped processing all immigration requests from Afghanistan and is reviewing asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. The Department of State said it had immediately paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, Fox News reported.

The shooting occurred Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station, where Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly opened fire on two service members of the West Virginia National Guard. Army Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remained in critical condition Saturday, according to federal authorities.

The Justice Department has charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and will seek the death penalty, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed.

Trump had declared in a Truth Social post Thursday that his administration would permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover. USCIS confirmed it was implementing the order and freezing all pending decisions, citing public safety concerns.

Lakanwal entered the United States legally in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration initiative to resettle Afghans who had worked with U.S. forces before the Taliban returned to power. Afghans were evacuated en masse to be resettled in Europe and the U.S. following the Biden administration's hasty withdrawal from the country.

The Department of Homeland Security has said that all applicants were required to pass biometric, biographic, and security checks conducted by multiple intelligence and law enforcement agencies. A law enforcement official told The Washington Post that Lakanwal was initially granted humanitarian parole and later approved for asylum by the Trump administration earlier this year.

The Post quoted multiple sources saying that Lakanwal had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and underwent extensive background checks before being relocated to the U.S., including vetting by the National Counterterrorism Center and the CIA. The Department of Justices Office of the Inspector General released a report in June that found no systemic failures in vetting processes for Afghan refugees and asylum applicants.

Still, Lakanwals case has reignited political disputes over the security of resettlement programs.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem wrote on X that the suspect was one of the many unvetted, mass paroled into the United States during the Biden administration.

Vice President JD Vance and FBI Director Kash Patel also said that Lakanwal had not been properly vetted.

The White House confirmed that Lakanwals parole had been granted under Biden-era rules, but his asylum was approved this year under a 2023 settlement meant to expedite delayed cases.

A White House official was quoted as saying that even if Lakanwal had not received asylum, he would not have been deported due to his parole status. The official said the settlement required USCIS to fast-track cases filed by Afghan evacuees, many of whom had experienced multi-year delays.

The attack prompted criticism from Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who alleged that the presence of National Guard troops in cities was partly to blame. Schultz questioned whether the suspect would have targeted military personnel in the capital if the Guard had not been stationed there under Trumps orders, according to the New York Post.

Critics have also questioned the timeline of Lakanwals arrival in the U.S.

Trump said he entered on the chaotic flights out of Kabul in August 2021, but the Post reported that those evacuees were first processed in Qatar, where they underwent vetting at Al-Udeid Air Base.
Home News Nigerian pres. declares national security emergency amid rash of kidnappings, priest dying in captivity

The Nigerian government is scrambling to respond following a wave of abductions and attacks, including one in which more than 300 schoolchildren were seized. This, along with the announcement that a priest who was kidnapped along with his wife was confirmed dead, has led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a national emergency.

In a statement issued this week, Tinubu ordered the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers, in addition to the 30,000 previously approved, and called for their rapid deployment to areas plagued by armed violence, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.

He also approved the recruitment of forest guards under the Department of State Services and said state-run security outfits would receive federal support.

The president instructed police personnel to be withdrawn from VIP duties and reassigned to operational roles. He also called for a ban on open cattle grazing and said herders must surrender illegal arms.

Places of worship were urged to seek security protection, and state governments were advised against placing boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Edwin Achi of the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna was confirmed dead on Wednesday, a month after being abducted from his home in Nissi, Kaduna State, along with his wife, Sarah. Church of Nigeria officials announced his death in a press statement, saying, His transition is a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy, the church family and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry.

The priest and his wife were kidnapped on Oct. 28, and a photo showing them seated among other hostages was released shortly before Achis death. Their captors had demanded a ransom of 600 million naira ($415,000), Morning Star News reported.

The couples daughter was also abducted but wasn't shown in the proof-of-life image. According to the latest updates, Sarah Achi remains in captivity.

Tinubus declaration followed a heated Senate debate on the growing insecurity, in which lawmakers described kidnapping as a form of terrorism and recommended capital punishment for perpetrators. Legislators also raised concerns over inadequate equipment, insufficient intelligence support and troubling infiltration of the armed forces.

Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase told the Senate that North-Central Nigeria bore over half of the countrys violence, and warned that names of known Boko Haram militants and criminals had been found on lists of army and police recruits.

Among the cases cited during the debates was the Nov. 21 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Marys Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the Papiri community of Niger State. Most of the victims were children between the ages of 9 and 14. Armed men on motorcycles stormed the dormitories before dawn.

CSW reported that 253 students remain missing.

Three days after the mass kidnapping, a man identified as Anthony Musa, father to three of the abducted children, died of a heart attack that might have been sparked by the trauma.

Other abductions reported in the last two weeks include the Nov. 17 kidnapping of 26 girls from a government school in Maga, Kebbi State. President Tinubu announced on Nov. 25 that 24 of them had been released, though no terms were disclosed. Two of the girls had escaped in the hours after the attack.

On Nov. 21, gunmen attacked a church service in Eruku, Kwara State, killing two worshipers and kidnapping 38. Officials confirmed on Nov. 23 that the hostages had been freed, again without elaborating on the conditions of their release.

On Wednesday evening, armed men raided two homes in Gidan-Bijimi, a community in the capitals Bwari Area Council, and kidnapped six girls and a 16-year-old boy. In a separate incident that day, about 20 farmers, including four pregnant women and several children, were abducted in Unguwan-Kawo, Niger State.

Security analysts and rights groups attribute the rise in kidnappings to a mix of extremist groups, criminal gangs and armed Fulani militias.

The U.K. Parliaments All-Party Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief stated that militants in Nigerias North regularly attack Christian communities, with Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani extremists among the key actors.

A new group known as Lakurawa has also emerged in the northwest. The World Watch List 2025 report from Open Doors noted that the group, which is linked to al-Qaedas Sahel-based affiliate JNIM, is armed with advanced weaponry and adheres to a radical Islamist ideology. Of the 4,476 Christians reported killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 were in Nigeria.
Home Opinion 11 reasons Im an Evangelical Catholic

I realize the title of this article may sound like an oxymoron. However, the original Protestant Reformers never viewed themselves as abandoning the Catholic Church. The term Catholic, which simply means universal, was not synonymous with Roman Catholicism in their minds. They believed they were reforming the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, not departing from it.



Consequently, in an age of theological confusion and denominational fragmentation, for the past several decades I found myself increasingly drawn to a vision of the Church that is both ancient and reformational, rooted in the apostolic faith and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, I consider myself an Evangelical Catholic: (not a Roman Catholic!) a believer who affirms the essential truths of the Protestant Reformation while holding fast to the spiritual richness and theological depth of the historic, catholic (universal) Church. This is not about denominational identity but about fidelity to the fullness of the faith once delivered to the saints.

Here are 11 reasons why I identify as a Protestant Catholic:



1. I Believe in Scripture alone as the final authority, but not as a solo Scriptura



The Reformers championed sola Scriptura, that the Bible is the highest authority in matters of faith and practice. I affirm this wholeheartedly. But Scripture alone does not mean Solo Scriptura or me and my Bible alone. The Evangelical Catholic reads Scripture within the historic, Spirit-filled community of faith, guided by the creeds, councils, and trusted teachers of the Church. We do not worship tradition, but we respect it as the echo of the Spirits voice through the ages.

2. I embrace the great tradition without submitting to post-biblical innovations



Being Evangelical means I reject doctrines that emerged in reaction to or in deviation from the apostolic faith  like the Roman dogmas of papal infallibility or the immaculate conception of Mary. Being catholic means to embrace the Churchs creeds, its patristic wisdom, and its liturgical heritage. I am not interested in reinventing Christianity every generation. I desire a rooted, durable faith  one that spans the centuries and draws strength from the historic communion of saints.

3. I hold to justification by faith  but also to the transforming power of grace



The Reformers rightly taught that we are justified by faith alone, apart from works. I affirm this as the heart of the Gospel. Yet true faith is never alone  it brings transformation. The grace that justifies also sanctifies. True catholicity rejects the false dichotomy between faith and obedience, between salvation and discipleship. We are saved by grace alone, but grace is not cheap  it is the power of God that reorders the soul for the purpose of engaging in good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).

4. I believe in the unity of the Church  not denominational tribalism



Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. This is spiritual oneness with the Triune God, His body. As an Evangelical Catholic, I also long for the visible unity of the Church  not through institutional uniformity, but through spiritual and missional harmony. I do not align myself with sectarianism that pits one group of Christians against another. Rather, I seek to honor the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, even if I disagree strongly with some aspects of historical expressions of Christianity.

5. I practice a sacramental life without sacramental legalism



I believe that baptism and the Lords Supper are more than mere symbols. They are means of grace, through which God acts upon the believer in faith. I reject the notion that these practices are magical or salvific in themselves, but I also reject the modern evangelical reduction of them to mere symbols. An Evangelical Catholic can espouse a high view of the sacraments without falling into some extreme teachings of sacramentalism.



6. I value the mystical and contemplative streams of the Church



Too much of modern Christianity is shallow, distracted, and performative. As an Evangelical Catholic, I draw deeply from some of the wells of Christian mysticism  from Augustines longing for God, to Bernard of Clairvauxs fiery love of Christ, to the Eastern fathers vision of theosis. While I test all spiritual practices by the Word, I recognize the importance of silence, stillness, and interior transformation. God is not just to be studied  He is to be encountered.

7. I uphold apostolic ministry without apostolic elitism



I believe the five ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11; however, I do not confuse biblical apostolicity with hierarchical dominance. An Evangelical Catholic vision of apostolic ministry is servant-oriented, Christ-centered, and accountable, not based on personal ambition or dynastic control. The historic Apostolic Episcopacy exists to ground the Church in truth and launch it into mission.

8. I Preach the Kingdom of God, not just individual salvation



The church throughout the ages not only emphasized personal salvation, but also the priesthood of all believers, and the sacredness of work as a vocation. Furthermore, Protestant Reformers like Calvin held that Gods moral law (the Decalogue) provided the ethical framework for both personal conduct and civil order



As an Evangelical Catholic, I believe Salvation includes the Lordship of Christ, renewing every aspect of civilization. I preach the cross and resurrection not only as a personal benefit but as a cosmic victory.

9. I love the Church Fathers and learn from them



Many believers have little knowledge of the early Church Fathers, yet these men  Athanasius, Irenaeus, Cyril, Maximus, and Augustine  laid the groundwork for much of what we believe. As an Evangelical Catholic, I read them not as infallible authorities but as wise guides who preserved the faith under fire.

10. I believe the Church must be both Reformed and ever reforming



An Evangelical Catholic subscribes to some form of the Protestant mantra Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est the Church reformed must always be reforming. This is not a license for theological innovation but a call to constant repentance, humility, and realignment with Scripture. I do not seek nostalgia for a golden age nor bow to cultural trends. Instead, I seek a Church that is faithful, historically rooted in the great tradition, mission-driven, and Spirit-empowered  a Church that recovers the past to redeem the future.

11. I am not a restorationist



I do not believe the Ephesians 4:11 ministry gifts were missing for 1800 years and restored in the 20th century. God has been building His church for 2000 years and never left Himself without a witness of all the ministry expressions of His Son.

To be an Evangelical Catholic is to hold the tension between truth and tradition, Word and Spirit, past and future. It means grounding ourselves in Scripture, standing with the historic universal Church, and living out the Gospel in the world today.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to skip next week's NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. Rubio's likely absence comes as US and Ukrainian officials attempt to agree on Trump's plan to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as amid tense political tensions in Kyiv, Reuters reports.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will represent Washington instead, one of the officials told the publication.

A State Department spokeswoman declined to comment on Rubio's possible absence, but noted that Rubio meets regularly with allies."Secretary Rubio has already attended dozens of meetings with NATO allies, and it would be completely impractical to expect him at every meeting," noted a senior State Department official.
Home Opinion Nigeria's govt didn't end Christian school kidnappings

In the middle of the night, while most families slept peacefully, darkness came for a school in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Armed men crashed into the Hassan familys home at 3:30 a.m., killing a husband and dragging terrified girls into the bush. Twenty-five daughters  each with dreams, innocence, and God-given worth  were stolen in moments.

Amina Hassans testimony is almost unbearable:

I thought it was animals outside. Then I heard the bang. By the time we got up, they were already inside with guns. They told her to lie down so they could shoot her. She begged to go and ease herself, and when they opened the door they saw other girls and left her.[1]

Her daughter survived only because she begged to step outside and, in that sliver of distraction, fled into the bush. She hid until morning, shaken but alive.

Many others were not so fortunate. And Nigerias leadership cannot hide behind press conferences anymore.

Just months ago, the Minister of Education stood on national television claiming that Nigeria had gone 12 months without a school abduction. He praised focused policies, historic spending, and a triumphant Safe School Initiative.

But the bodies of innocent Nigerians now testify to the truth: the government did not end school kidnappings  children were still being taken, but officials were too busy taking victory laps.

Civil rights groups have rightly called these boasts propaganda. Western officials  from the Pope to U.S. lawmakers  have issued warnings. And Christian communities, already hammered by targeted genocide, understand what is really happening on the ground.

This is not random chaos. This is a pattern. A predictable, preventable, and devastating pattern.

It is a pattern of armed Fulani ethnic militias targeting Christian-majority regions. A pattern of porous security despite billions spent on defense. A pattern of government declarations that collapse the moment reality intrudes.

The Hassan familys grief is not isolated. Their suffering is not unique. And the trauma inflicted on these girls is not an accident  it is the result of apathy toward Christian victims and a security architecture that has failed its most basic duty: to protect the innocent and punish the wicked.

The first step toward healing is refusing to pretend. The first step toward justice is naming evil. The first step toward protecting the next school is acknowledging that the last school was not protected.

So let us say this plainly: If a nation spending billions on security cannot stop armed men from walking into a school at 3:30 a.m., the issue is not funding  it is integrity. It is competence. It is accountability.

How many more schools must fall? How many fathers must die? How many daughters must be buried in lies before Abuja stops boasting and starts protecting?

Families in Nigeria are not asking for sympathy  they are asking for help. They are asking for someone to do what their own government has failed to do: protect their children and tell the truth about the danger they live in.

This is the moment for action. Not tomorrow. Not after the next attack. Now

Support the work on the ground. Strengthen the communities under threat. Make sure these families are not abandoned a second time.

Nigeria may pretend the crisis is over. We know it isnt. And this is where we take our stand.

Will you stand with us at Equipping the Persecuted?

[1] https://truthnigeria.com/2025/11/nigerias-12-months-without-school-abductions-claim-shattered-by-predawn-kidnap-of-25-girls/
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua

Former head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, who held the post until Friday, told The New York Post that he was leaving for the front shortly after resigning and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau's search of his home.

Im going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals. I am an honest and decent person, Yermak stated in a text message. He also apologized if he no longer answers calls, without specifying when or how he intends to go to the front lines.

According to him, he served Ukraine and was in Kyiv on February 24, 2024, and added: Maybe well see each other again. Glory to Ukraine. In another message he noted that he is desecrated, and that he doesnt want to create problems for Zelenskyy.

Im disgusted by the filth directed at me, and even more disgusted by the lack of support from those who know the truth, he added.

Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, told the ezine that searches of Yermak's home had indeed been conducted, but that "no further procedural actions were taken." She said Yermak resigned because he wanted to stop the speculation.
American Signature Inc., the company behind Value City Furniture, will close its Columbus headquarters and lay off 326 employees as it struggles with mounting debt. Heather Jordan | MLive.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  American Signature Inc., the company behind Value City Furniture, will close its Columbus headquarters and lay off 326 employees as it struggles with mounting debt.

The company filed paperwork with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Nov. 21, saying layoffs will begin Jan. 20. Of the employees losing their jobs, 256 live in Ohio.

In its notice, the company cited a significant decline in sales (and) resulting liquidity challenges.

A day later, American Signature filed for bankruptcy in U.S. District Court in Delaware, listing more than $500 million in debt. Records show that includes $14.5 million owed to a furniture company based in China.

American Signature said it tried to avoid layoffs by cutting costs and seeking new financing, but those efforts were ultimately insufficient.

Value City Furniture has been a pillar of Columbus retail for decades, with locations across Ohio and the Midwest. It has more than 120 stores, according to published reports.

The company has begun to close some of its stores. It noted that select stores and our website remain open at this time, and we hope to help you find the style, quality and value furniture you have come to love.

The closing touches nearly every part of the company, affecting executives, accounting, customer service, IT, marketing and operations. Customer service will see the deepest cuts, with 50 positions being eliminated.

Eric Duerksen, the executive vice president of human resources, signed the notice and said affected workers have been told about unemployment benefits and dislocated worker assistance.
Zelenskyy appoints NSDC Secretary Umerov as head of delegation for peace talks with USA, updates delegation's directives

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the new composition of the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the negotiation process with the United States of America and Ukraine's other international partners.

Corresponding decree, No. 869/2025, was published on the presidential website.

According to the document, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Rustem Umerov has been appointed head of the delegation, replacing the dismissed head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak.

In addition, the President also signed Order No. 135/2025-rp on new Directives for the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the negotiation process. The text of the directives was not made public.

As the Presidents Office told reporters, Umerov reported to the president on Saturday about preparations for meetings with the American side.

The delegation is now on its way.
When South Park returned to TV in 2025, series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone came out hot against the political movement that has taken over American culture in recent years, but they probably didnt expect the far-right to try and pin a murder on them.

By far, the biggest controversy in this especially spicy South Park Season 27/28 has been the shows treatment of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk in the August 6th episode Got a Nut. While Kirk himself loved his South Park depiction and praised it proudly, the next month a shooter at Utah Valley University murdered Kirk, causing many conservatives to blame South Park, its creators and Got a Nut for the violent act.

But thats not what we want to talk about  no, now that the heat has finally died down on Got a Nut, we can finally get back to talking about the other truly shit-stirring episodes that created a divide in the fandom, the most controversial of which is, in our opinion, last months Twisted Christian.

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It turns out that pairing a Gen Alpha brainrot trend with the most depressing critique of conservative Christianity in South Park history can ruffle a few sleeveless t-shirts.

In Twisted Christian, the 6-7 meme takes over South Park Elementary, leading P.C. (Power Christian) Principal to bring in billionaire antichrist expert Peter Thiel to root out the trend's supposedly demonic roots using invasive mass surveillance technology. Meanwhile, a depressed Jesus Christ, now serving as the school's guidance counselor, grapples with the reality that right-wing Christians like P.C. Principal have completely ignored his teachings and now use his name as a justification for silicon-injected bigotry.

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Controversially, the episode ends with P.C. Principal kicking Jesus' ass so bad that Jesus decides to join the far right while Peter Thiel takes a possessed Cartman into his care to attempt to prevent the birth of the antichrist from Satan's ass.

In the wake of Twisted Christian, many fans felt that the downer, cliff-hanger endings to the episode's plotlines were genuinely depressing, and not in the You're Getting Old way where we'll still be talking about it 14 years from now. And, when South Park failed to resolve either of the story threads from Twisted Christian in the following episode, The Woman in the Hat, it further soured fans' feelings on the entire 6-7 demon plot.

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On top of all that, many fans of the series are still struggling to accept that, within the floating timeline of South Park, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, Butters and all their classmates are now Generation Alpha, and they naturally gravitate towards the fads and inside jokes of America's real-life youths. Considering how kids these days specifically perform the 6-7 meme in order to confound us uncs, South Park's embrace of the brainrot gag remains a controversial subject among its OG fanbase.

While Cartman thankfully recovered from his 6-7 possession and escaped Thiel's clutches in the most recent episode, Sora Not Sorry, as far as we can tell, Jesus has yet to return to form following his depressing plotline in Twisted Christian. Until that plotline resolves in spectacular and unexpected fashion, Twisted Christian will likely remain the most divisive Season 27/28 episode thus far.

But, hey, at least no mob has demanded that Paramount cancel South Park because of it.
Somehow, the dudes rock song of Top Gun fame is embroiled in a culture war that's reached the South Park universe. In Season 28, Episode 4, the battle between the Trump administration and artist Kenny Loggins over the song Danger Zone was given animated life.

In Turkey Trot, South Park takes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to task for his extrajudicial military killings and also acting like a total fing douche, in a new song to the tune of Danger Zone. The show portrays Hegseth, who has been dubbed the Secretary of War by President Donald Trump, invading and ruining a Turkey Trot.

Instead of Out along the edges / Always where I burn to be / The further on the edge /The hotter the intensity, lyrics, South Parks version trots out Making lots of content / Like a teenage girl.

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The Loggins parody wasnt just an excellent opportunity to rag on Hegsethwho probably thinks of himself as a Top Gun Maverick typeit was also a chance to resurface the existing political battle over Danger Zone.

Back in October, Trump posted an AI generated video to Truth Social that depicted the president in a fighter jet, dropping metric tons of poop on the city of Chicago. The horrific and bizarre video was set to none other than Danger Zone. Almost immediately, Loggins issued a statement to NPR, decrying the usage.

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This is an unauthorized use of my performance of 'Danger Zone, the statement said. Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately.

The hit song was first released as a single from the 1986 classic Top Gun soundtrack. Starring Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, it follows strapping young men as they attend the U.S. Navys elite pilot academy. Its a perfect piece of military propaganda and cemented both Kilmer and Cruise as bonafide movie stars. Danger Zone accompanied sweaty faces, fast motorcycles, and even faster jets. It was awesome and way far afield from the intent of Trump's shit-plane or the South Park dunk on Hegseth.

When Loggins blasted Trumps use of the song he said: I can't imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us. Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together. We're all Americans, and we're all patriotic. There is no 'us and them'  that's not who we are, nor is it what we should be. It's all of us. We're in this together, and it is my hope that we can embrace music as a way of celebrating and uniting each and every one of us."

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Its gotta suck to create a song that, for decades, captured this perfect masculine mythos of America, only to be ruined 40 years later with AI slop and an extended animated insult at the countrys senior most military officer. Sorry, Kenny. At least the South Park song was a little funny?
Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a delegation led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary (NSDC) Rustem Umerov has already departed for talks in the United States.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov, together with the team, is already on the way to the United States. Rustem delivered a report today, and the task is clear: to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war, Zelenskyy said on X.

He emphasized that the Ukrainian side continues to make every effort to achieve peace.

Ukraine continues to work with the United States in the most constructive way possible, and we expect that the results of the meetings in Geneva will now be hammered out in the United States. I look forward to our delegation's report following its work this Sunday. Ukraine is working for a dignified peace, the President noted.
Whatever happened to Royal neutrality? The Royal Family has keenly joined the side of the liberal Left, starting with the global warming frenzy and now moving on to the disastrous appeasement of the drugs lobby.

The Princess of Wales last week called for an end to the 'stigma' surrounding 'addiction'.

She urged us to offer 'empathy and support' to those 'dependent' on alcohol, drugs or gambling.

Our future Queen proclaimed that 'addiction' was 'not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support'.

She complained that 'even now in 2025, people's experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgment. This needs to change'.

Does it? This is a highly contentious opinion and the supposedly neutral Royal Family should stay out of such things.

We already treat criminal drug abusers pretty gently, and lo! the more we do this, the more of them we have.

Yet the world is full of people who have used their will and character to conquer so-called addictions.

The Princess of Wales last week called for an end to the 'stigma' surrounding 'addiction'

Countless thousands in my generation have given up smoking, a very hard habit to break. Yet they did it. Enormous numbers of American soldiers, who were thought to be heroin 'addicts' in Vietnam, stopped using the drug when they got home from that foul war, without any help.

What then of the supposedly terrifying withdrawal symptoms of which we hear so much? Can it be that they have been overstated by people with an axe to grind?

The wicked, destructive idea that we are all powerless to fight against bad choices is the basis of our current accelerating slide into disorder. It has smashed our moral system and turned criminal justice into a cardboard fake.

For 60 years now, much crime has been excused as the helpless response of the poor or unlucky to their sad conditions.

The idea that it is deliberate, selfish wrongdoing, which could be deterred by punishment, has been hidden away in the cupboard of the yesterdays.

There is hardly a form of bad behaviour, from swearing to taking illegal drugs, which is not excused by a matching syndrome or disorder.

Alas, the new regime has no cure for these alleged complaints, so they just grow more common.

During those six decades, every sort of crime and cruelty has increased beyond anything the British people of 1965 could have imagined. But it is not just crime which is emptied of blame. Almost every type of selfishness or of weakness gets the same treatment.

Above all it is applied to the takers of illegal drugs. And it is constantly suggested that such drug abusers are cruelly persecuted by the law, which  we are told  throws them into cells for their actions.

Well, it isn't true. We have for many years treated this crime as a disease and those who commit it as powerless victims.

Governments in the UK spend hundreds of millions on drug 'treatment' every year. Does it work? Not very well.

How many of these undoubted offenders were prosecuted? There are no centralised figures, probably for the very good reason that the answer is 'hardly any'. These criminals inflict misery on their neighbours and their families. Sometimes they steal.

Sometimes the Government mugs the taxpayer on their behalf, which is less violent but no less expensive.

Their habit, like all drug-taking, fuels the nauseating global industry which has destroyed much of Latin America, as criminal cartels fight for the mountains of British pounds and American dollars spent on drugs by Western fools. You may like this arrangement but millions, who live with its results, do not.

When someone of the standing of the Princess of Wales endorses this fashionable bilge, where can the rest of us turn?

If the Crown spurns the views of decent, responsible citizens who don't prey on their fellow creatures or blame others for their crimes, we are alone.

Why isn't there a campaign for more women on dustcarts?

Avonmouth fireman Simon Bailey quit the brigade after he was disciplined by superiors

If sex equality is such a universally good thing, why has there never been a campaign to have more women collecting dustbins? Wouldn't the frequent sight of female refuse collectors, strong and tough, send a powerful message about feminism to little girls and boys?

I've yet to see one, but no doubt there are a few.

Compare and contrast with the fire brigade, which like other prestige jobs including the Navy and the police, has been chosen as a key feminist battleground. In 1999, Home Secretary Jack Straw decreed that the fire service should aim to be 15 per cent female by 2009. At that time, only 1.4 per cent were female.

The 15 per cent target has yet to be reached. Just 9.3 per cent of firefighters were women in 2024.

When I investigated this back in 2002, I wrote of 'a nasty, totalitarian atmosphere in which people are afraid of speaking.

'All the firemen  and firewomen  who wrote or spoke to me begged me to keep their identity secret. Complaining publicly about the new policy is death to a career and can even lead to disciplinary action'.

So now we see the dismal case of senior Avonmouth fireman Simon Bailey.

This is one of those fiendish employment law rows which rapidly spiral off into craziness.

Mr Bailey quit the fire brigade after he was disciplined. Why? Well, for failing to tell off his subordinates for using the banned term 'fireman' to refer to, well, firemen. Among other things. No doubt there is more to it but it is all caused, in the end, by dogmatic politics.

I have always predicted that the end result of trying to get more women into the fire service will be that it ends up employing lots of weedy men, who would never have met the old blatantly sexist requirements.

My advice is to get a smoke alarm.
Think psychopath and most of us will probably come up with fictional characters like Patrick Bateman, and famous serial killers like Ted Bundy or Jack the Ripper - maybe even Sherlock Holmes comes to mind, when we talk about sociopaths.

But psychologists say it's actually a lot more complex than we might think, with these two antisocial personality disorders sharing a lot of the same traits.

The term sociopath, whilst often used to refer to someone who is acting in their own self-interest, manipulating others or lacking in empathy, isn't actually recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a diagnosis in its own right.

Rather, sociopathic traits - like psychopathic ones - fall under the wider umbrella of dissocial personality disorder.

And while sociopathy and psychopathy do share a lot of characteristics, according to Justin Brown, an expert in psychological patterns at The Vessel, there are some important differences to be aware of.

'People with psychopathy don't feel much empathy or guilt,' he explained.

'They can be quite charming on the outside and fit in easily with other people, but on the inside, they have a hard difficulty making meaningful emotional connections.

'Sociopaths, on the other hand, may have some idea of what is right and wrong, but they have difficulties controlling their impulses and generally have a history of disobeying laws or having trouble with authority.'

The term sociopath may conjure up mental images of serial killers like Bret Easton Ellis' Patrick Bateman, but according to experts it's a lot more complex

It is also not uncommon for sociopaths to act out more overtly. And with around one per cent of the UK's population falling somewhere on the spectrum, it is important to know what tell-tale signs to look out for - with a high number of CEOs demonstrating this specific pattern of behaviour.

But just because someone shows these traits, doesn't necessarily mean they're a sociopath, but knowing what to look out for can help you to set firmer boundaries.

Experts also believe that these people can change, and if someone is willing to look inwards and recognise these sociopathic traits, they have the chance of making meaningful connections.

Here, we break down the typical tendencies of sociopaths to look out for...

They will be aware of your every move and will never say sorry... and mean it

For centuries we've had a strong cultural sense of what a sociopath is: someone who takes no issue with inflicting pain and will manipulate and deceive those around them for personal gain.

From Bret Easton Ellis' Patrick Bateman to Bronte's Heathcliff, most of us feel pretty confident throwing this term around - but until recently, science hasn't been able to offer a true distinction.

But now, brain scans show that sociopaths have different brain chemistry from the rest of the population.

'Brain imaging studies show less activity in the circuits that generate fear and empathy,' Dr Caitlyn McClure, from Northern Illinois Recovery, explains.

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'As a result, behaviour seems reward-focused, planned, and amazingly guilt-free.'

Therefore, it's not unusual for sociopaths to engage in obsessive behaviour - which at times can culminate in aggression or violence when things don't go their way.

And unfortunately, for many, this means their hunger for control and power trumps any interest for a deeper meaningful connection, leaving those around them feeling isolated and even gaslit at times.

Which is also why they find it very hard to apologise and actually mean it.

'If you observe someone who always overlooks other people's feelings, uses people to obtain what they want, or doesn't seem to feel bad about what they've done, you should be careful,' Brown warned.

'Don't get drawn in and set firm non-negotiable boundaries in your own mind. Focus on what you can control and decide how close you want to let someone like this into your life.'

No long-lasting relationships

While sociopaths have no problem charming a crowd, personal relationships tend to elude them.

This is mostly due to the fact that they struggle to understand and experience deeper more nuanced emotions like guilt, love and particularly, empathy.

And whilst their innate ability to mirror the positive attributes and behaviours of those around them may make it look like they have a lot of friends, when it comes to building more meaningful connections they often struggle.

Sociopaths can form attachments, but these are often shallow and driven by personal gain rather than mutual care

As Dr McClure explains: 'Instead of being absent, like psychopaths, attachment capacity is damaged in sociopaths, resulting in spontaneous outbursts that are motivated by frustration.'

This relates in part to how their brains are wired, meaning their capacity for emotional depth is usually somewhat limited, and can make them very unpredictable.

Claire Law, a psychotherapist and legal contributor at Custody X Change, added: 'Sociopaths can be warm one moment and angry the next.

'Their reactions are emotional, and they often act before considering what might happen after. This impulsivity makes their relationships more chaotic and unstable.'

They live life on the edge - and will always work their charm for their own advantage

Unlike psychopaths, who tend to be more cold and removed from social circles, sociopaths can be charming and tend to live very successful lives.

This is because they have a 'naturally low anxiety temperament', Dr McClure says, meaning that they are biologically predisposed to remain calm under pressure.

So while they may present themselves as an attractive friends, colleague or partner who has your best interest at heart, behind the scenes they are master manipulators.

As Sumeet Grover, a registered psychotherapist, explains: 'Pulling you into their world gives them power and a sense of grandiosity. And it deflects what is really going on for them internally.

'Their sense of self is fragmented and so they dont feel in the same way as most people. They can be very charming, believable and relatable, while often lacking in a felt sense of empathy or remorse,' he told The Telegraph.

Studies have even shown that in stressful situations, when most people's heart rate would increase, a sociopath's will remain the same, or even go down.

This means that they often underestimate risk and experience a delayed response to fear - and big emotions are often the only way they can feel.

Experts have theorised that because sociopaths cannot experience emotion in the same way as people without the personality disorder, they are driven to destruction by a subconscious desire to feel something.

As Patric Gagne, a clinical psychologist and self-proclaimed '21st century sociopath', writes in her book, Sociopath: 'I was starting to understand why doing bad things made me feel

'However brief, it connected me to the way I imagined everyone else felt all the time And we werent bad or evil or crazy, we just had a harder time with feelings. We acted out to fill a void.'
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with the head of the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.

Kyrylo reported on the security situation, the political situation around Ukraine, and the current prospects. We identified several key points that are important in the negotiation process, Zelenskyy said on X.
It's the style that's dominated the airwaves and taken South Florida by storm. But, as 'Mar-a-Lago face' takes over DC, experts are issuing a chilling warning.

The style of surgery, which has a specific facial construction previously called the 'duck look', has been common across America for years.

It has particularly dominated areas such as Palm Beach in the Sunshine State, where Donald Trump's sprawling mansion lays.

Stars surrounding the president - including Melania, Kristi Noem and Kimberly Guilfoyle - now all sport similar chiseled features.

But experts told the Daily Mail they're seeing a huge uptick in recent months in regular woman - and some men - begging them to style them the same way.

Now they're issuing an urgent warning of the threat it can pose, and reveal they have turned down some customers who are completely unsuited for it.

The Daily Mail spoke to two experts in the field from the Washington DC area who said they think 'Mar-a-Lago face' is 'worse' than the 'duck look'.

Dr Ayman Hakki, a board-certified celebrity plastic surgeon and owner of the Luxxery Medical Spa said: 'A higher forehead, a thinner nose, thicker lips and more of a defined jawline.'

First lady Melania Trump welcomes the official 2025 White House Christmas Tree outside the White House on November 24

Donald Trump and Melania stand next to the national Thanksgiving turkey during a pardoning ceremony on November 25

He continued: 'Now it's almost a square duck look... So it's actually worse than the duck look.'

Dr Philip Schoenfeld, from Renu Med Spa, said he and his peers used the waterfowl nickname 'about overdone lips.'

'Listen, that's just one part of you,' he said. 'I think [now] it's a whole overall overdone face.

'Where, again, your features become distorted. And that's not rejuvenation, that's transformation - and that's where it gets dangerous.'

Both plastic surgeons said they weren't concerned about the safety of fillers, which are used in the lips and other parts of the face to achieve the Mar-a-Lago look.

Melania has publicly denied having major facial plastic surgery, including a facelift, and she has never confirmed any cosmetic procedures.

The women of Washington are seeking out plastic surgeons to give them a version of the so-called 'Mar-a-Lago face,' made popular by Trumpworld figures, including Greek Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (left) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (right)

Instead, they worry about a slippery slope to looking like, as Hakki put it, Jeff Bezos's wife, Lauren Sanchez, or Michael Jackson.

'It becomes dangerous psychologically,' Schoenfeld said. 'But if you're a good injector, you're not going to endanger anybody.

'I think that chronic damage to your face is probably overhyped.' Schoenfeld said he is fine with making a tweak here and there.

He continued: 'But if somebody wants permanent changes that make them look more like an Instagram post than an actual human being and they start distorting what reality looks like, I'm going to tell them, ''I don't think that's a good idea''.'

Hakki said when asked by a client for such augmentations, he will bring out a charcoal pencil and pad and draw the person's face to discourage them.

'There is not a day in my practice that somebody does not come to me and tell me, 'I want this look,'' Hakki said.

Plastic surgeon Dr Ayman Hakki used Lauren Sanchez, the wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos, as an example of someone who has had too much work done, to the point where she doesn't look natural

Schoenfeld has found while the 'Mar-a-Lago face' is associated with Republicans, Democratic clients are asking for it too - and both women and men are pursuing it.

He suggested it is due to Trump's pursuit of a 'central casting' aesthetic.

'I think that Trump has attractive people around him,' Schoenfeld said. 'So, you want to be part of the inner circle? You'd better be attractive. So you're doing whatever you need to.'

He added that this mentality has led everyday people to think: 'I kind of want to look like I've had some stuff done, because they look like they've had some stuff done.'

Patients are also clearly trying to look like Trump's wife, the professionals said.

'That combination is definitely Melania Trump,' Hakki told the Daily Mail. 'Which wasn't considered really, really beautiful a few years ago, because it's a little manly.'

Hakki, a board-certified celebrity plastic surgeon and owner of the Luxxery Medical Spa in the DC suburbs, also pointed to the late pop star Michael Jackson as an example of what not to do to your face

But, experts added, you don't have to permanently alter your face in order to achieve the look.

Erwin Gomez, a longtime celebrity makeup artist and owner of Karma Beauty Lounge in Georgetown, has seen DC women are also pursuing the 'Mar-a-Lago face' through makeup.

'I can't even tell you how many times I do makeup, they end up showing me Melania,' Gomez told the Daily Mail.

''I want to be her. I want to do her smoky eyes. And her very full, plump lips, with the high arch, the very prominent cheekbones.''

He said that clients across the political aisle are guilty of trying to look more tanned, asking Gomez to apply a large amount of bronzer.

But the way Republicans stand out, he said, is that they 'attempt to have it all over their face, just like Trump.'

'And, of course,' he added, 'everyone is frozen because of Botox.'
Americans living in the southwest are feeling especially stressed, leaving them at risk of a laundry list of chronic health conditions.

Researchers at WalletHub looked at all 50 states and measured residents across four key stressors: work, money, family and health and safety. Higher scores indicated greater levels of stress.

These categories were then further broken into metrics such as hours worked in a week, unemployment rate, median income, poverty rates, physical activity, mental health and number of doctors.

Results showed New Mexico had the highest stress score out of every state, scoring 60.5 out of 100 possible points.

The researchers suggested this could be due to the state's soaring crime rate, which is 100 percent higher than the national average for violent offenses and is often tied to illegal drugs and weapons trafficked from across the border.

Just two states away, Nevada was deemed the second-most stressed state with a score of 60.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state has the second-highest unemployment rate, only beating out California, which can lead to long-term financial stress.

High and chronic stress levels have consistently been linked to chronic conditions such as cancer, dementia, obesity, heart disease and cardiac arrest due to the damaging effects of elevated stress hormones.

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Rounding out the top three most stressed states was Louisiana with a score of 56.2. This was due to its low rate of job security, the lowest in the nation, and high rates of poverty and crime.

Residents in the Bayou state also had the second-lowest credit scores at 690 compared to a national average of 715, indicating financial stress.

Meanwhile, Nebraska was the least stressed state in the country, scoring just 38.8 out of 100. It's unclear exactly why the state's residents are more relaxed than other Americans, though the WalletHub team suggested a high proportion of affordable housing and getting more sleep at night could contribute to a decreased level of stress.

While stress is a natural part of life, persistent stress has long been associated with chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, dementia and even some forms of cancer.

Stress induces a 'fight-or-flight' response, triggering the release of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise and breathing to quicken, all of which ready the body in case of a threat.

But for sustained or frequent periods of time, elevated heart rate and blood pressure force the heart to work harder, leaving it prone to damage and cardiac arrest.

Stress also weakens the immune system, as cortisol suppresses immune cells and promotes harmful inflammation. Inflammation provides a prime environment for cells to mutate uncontrollably and become cancerous.

Elevated cortisol also attacks the brain's memory center, the hippocampus, impairing memory and eventually leading to dementia.

As the most stressed state, New Mexico also has higher rates of dementia and heart disease than the national average.

Researchers behind the new study used data from the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CDC, US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.

The team noted New Mexico's high placement on the list is largely due to high crime rates.

In 2024, there were 717 violent crimes and 2,751 property crimes for every 100,000 residents. This is nearly twice the national violent crime rate and 56 percent higher than the rate of property crimes nationwide, according to the FBI.

Chronic stress has long been linked to chronic health problems such as dementia, cancer and heart disease (stock image)

New Mexico's proximity to the southern border makes it a prime hotspot for illegal drugs and firearms, which contribute to the high crime rate.

The team also noted New Mexico had the country's highest divorce rate and the third-highest share of households with a single parent. Having only one income and paying for costs associated with divorce may raise financial stress levels.

Dawn Hunter, a public health expert from New Mexico and founder and CEO of The Dawn Lab, told the Daily Mail: 'In public health, we look at economic stability, and it's true that New Mexico has a low median household income and a higher percentage of people living in poverty, including children.

'But economic stability is holistic, and includes factors like employment status, food security, and housing stability as well. New Mexico is a largely rural state with a strong military presence and lower average educational level.

'These are all things that can contribute to higher stress levels by shaping a person's experience of health care, access to jobs, and family-related stress.'

Nevada, which was the second-most stressed state, reports the country's second-highest unemployment rate and high levels of bankruptcy, meaning an individual or business cannot pay their debts and need a fresh start to tackle them.

About 5.3 percent of Nevada residents are unemployed, the latest federal data shows compared to the 4.4 percent national average.

As the third-most stressed state, Louisiana earned its place due to having the second-highest poverty rate in the US. About 19 percent of residents live in poverty compared to 11 percent nationwide, leaving this group unable to afford necessities or regular doctor visits in many cases.

Roughly one in eight Louisiana residents had not seen a doctor in the past year due to costs, and it ranked in the top 10 worst states for the share of adults with depression or poor mental health.

New Mexico was deemed the most stressed state in WalletHub's analysis. The above stock image shows a view of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nebraska, meanwhile, was America's least stressed state, which could be due to the amount of sleep its residents are getting and their ability to afford housing.

Nebraska residents were the fourth best-ranked state in terms of average hours of sleep per night. The CDC recommends adults get an average of seven to nine hours of sleep each night, which lowers cortisol and relieves tension.

It's unclear exactly why the state's residents slept more than most of the US, but it could be because 28 percent of the state is made up of rural areas, compared to 20 percent of the US as a whole.

Rural areas have less light and noise pollution than larger cities and suburbs, reducing potential nighttime disruptions.

Additionally, homes in Nebraska cost about $270,000 on average, whereas the national average ranges from $400,000 to $500,000. This increases the chance of housing stability and financial security.

Minnesota and New Hampshire rounded out the three least-stressed states with scores of 32.3 and 32.5, respectively.
Rachel* had only been on Mounjaro for a week when it started.

Like all patients starting out on the weight-loss injections, she was on the lowest dose - 2.5mg - and 'felt otherwise great'.

'But I noticed every time I went to the bathroom, blood was on the toilet paper,' the 45-year-old mother of two told Daily Mail.

Rachel, from Sydney, at first assumed it must have been perimenopause.

'I have been in the throes of perimenopause for a couple of years now, experiencing all the usual annoying symptoms - brain fog, memory loss and, of course, mood swings - so I assumed this was just another symptom I had to contend with,' she said.

But to ease her mind, Rachel went to see her doctor, who sent her for blood tests.

When everything came back normal, she tried to forget about it - but a month later, she was still bleeding almost every time she wiped.

Worried, Rachel returned to her doctor. 'My GP was great. She said I didn't have to put up with this and the answer was to up my oestrogen,' said Rachel.

Mia Schaumberg (pictured), an Associate Professor in physiology, explains how fat loss can affect menstruation, which may explain why women on weight-loss medication notice changes

Rachel* had an 'eight-week non-stop period' after she started on Mounjaro (stock image)

'At the time I was already on hormone replacement therapy patches so she switched me to oestrogen cream and progesterone pills - it was a disaster.'

Hot flushes and mild depression joined a growing list of complaints for Rachel who was beginning to feel desperate. Her spotting had, by now, turned into full bleeding and her period was the heaviest it had been since her teenage years.

'I knew to expect changes in energy levels on Mounjaro and hair loss - the doctor even had me get a scan of my gallbladder just to be safe, but nobody, not even my GP, knew about this.'

After two months, Rachel was down a dress size but her 'eight-week non-stop period' was not just uncomfortable - it was causing serious fatigue. 'I have a demanding corporate job and I found myself having to come straight home and take a nap.'

Rachel decided to google 'Mounjaro period' and while there wasn't a lot of information from medical websites, she did find dozens of Reddit threads where women were talking about their periods suddenly returning after years without them, or becoming heavier than they had been in decades.

'There were even a few questions about heavier cramps, too,' Rachel said.

But Rachel noticed some of these questions were met with scepticism. Several commenters suggested the period issues were simply due to obesity or sudden weight loss. However, Rachel knew this wasn't true in her case: she wasn't obese and by the second month she had only just graduated to the next dose, 5mg.

'It seemed kind of dismissive to me.'

'For women, especially those with underlying hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), even small shifts in insulin levels, body weight, or inflammation can have a ripple effect on oestrogen balance, ovulation patterns, and menstrual symptoms' (stock image)

Paula* also experienced hormonal changes while taking Mounjaro.

'I'd been on the contraceptive pill for years and would often skip the seven-day break, so I didn't exactly have a regular cycle anyway, but a few months before I started on Mounjaro, I'd come off the pill and was starting to see a monthly bleed again,' she said.

'The first period I had after a month on 2.5mg of Mounjaro was extremely heavy and the PMS symptoms right beforehand were extreme. I was so full of rage but assumed it was because I'd just come off the pill and my hormones were getting back to normal.'

While this could indeed be the case, Paula felt sure it was a 'double-whammy' effect of adding Mounjaro into the mix. The following month she had full-on PMS symptoms but no bleed. The month after that, intermittent bleeding over a two-week period.

Like Rachel, she turned to Google and also found forums with hundreds of posts from women experiencing similar changes.

While there is no official link between Mounjaro and unpleasant changes to women's menstrual cycles - and it is not listed on the pamphlet as a side effect - a growing number of complaints means some pharmacies that dispense the medication are now posting warnings on their websites, like this one, from Simple Online Pharmacy:

'Mounjaro (tirzepatide) affects hormones that regulate both appetite and glucose metabolism (how the body uses glucose). So it is possible that changes in hormone levels and insulin sensitivity could also influence the menstrual cycle.'

Mia Schaumberg, an Associate Professor in physiology in the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast, takes it one step further, explaining: 'Oestrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, but fat cells also produce oestrogen. This is why weight  and more specifically body fat  can affect menstruation.'

It stands to reason that sudden drops in body fat mean sudden drops in oestrogen, which can have a significant impact on regular menstrual cycles.

Indeed - in contrast to Rachel and Paula's experience - some women have reported lighter periods and less cramping on Mounjaro, something medical experts theorise has to do with an overall improvement in metabolic health.

'For women, especially those with underlying hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), even small shifts in insulin levels, body weight or inflammation can have a ripple effect on oestrogen balance, ovulation patterns, and menstrual symptoms' agrees Dr Amit Kumar.

'This means that although Mounjaro is not designed to act on reproductive hormones, its metabolic actions can influence menstrual health in meaningful ways.'

For Rachel, the bleeding seemed to stabilise after a few months, something she's found is common among the other women who experience menstrual changes on the weight-loss medication. 'The benefits for me - more energy, lower blood pressure and, of course, weight loss - mean I'm not stopping anytime soon,' she said.

'But these days, I take only the smallest dose and I've gone back to hormone therapy patches. Honestly, those two things are what's saving me in perimenopause.'

Paula is considering going back on the pill to see if this improves her periods while on Mounjaro - but, like Rachel, her 11kg weight loss and improved energy levels won't see her giving up the injections anytime soon.

*names have been changed
They can scupper your sleep, make mealtimes miserable and turn your favourite hot drink into an instrument of torture.

Even holding a simple conversation can often be agony.

Mouth ulcers, its fair to say, punch way above their weight when it comes to dragging down our health and mood.

Its estimated that one in five people in the UK  about 14million  are affected by mouth ulcers at various points throughout their lives. Not only are they disproportionately painful for their size, but the worst thing for many is that the lesions keep coming back.

Worryingly, experts also warn that, in rare cases, what appears to be an ulcer can, in fact, be mouth cancer (see panel below).

Its not always clear why some people get ulcers time and again. Constant stress may be a factor, as can lacking in certain vitamins and minerals  such as B12 and iron.

An unfixed broken or jagged tooth that keeps causing injury to the tongue, the lips or the lining of the cheek, can also lead to ulcers.

Last week Dr Ellie Cannon, The Mail on Sundays GP columnist, gave her advice on how to banish ulcers. In response, we received a flood of emails and letters from readers keen to share their own remedies.

Its estimated that one in five people in the UK  about 14million  are affected by mouth ulcers at various points throughout their lives

One woman claimed red wine was behind her long-standing mouth ulcer problems

One woman told how a century-old spot cream rid her of the painful lesions for good. Another claimed that a little-known vitamin supplement was the answer to stop them returning.

Others explained that cutting out certain foods or drinks made a massive difference to their frequency. One man said ditching Marmite ended his ulcer agony, while a woman said she realised red wine was behind her long-standing problem.

So whats the best way to deal with mouth ulcers? What treatments really do work?

And, crucially, when should you worry that it might be something more sinister?

The vitamins that can keep ulcers at bay

Lacking in certain vitamins and minerals can, some studies suggest, put you more at risk of regular ulcer outbreaks.

Most common is vitamin B12 deficiency. Its vital for healthy red blood cells, and foods rich in it include meat, fish, eggs and dairy goods  as well as fortified breakfast cereals.

Cutting out certain food and drinks has been beneficial for some patients, with one man saying ditching Marmite helped end his ulcer agony

But when we dont get enough, it can lead to anaemia, where there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body  including to the mouth.

One sign of anaemia can be recurrent mouth ulcers. Taking B12 supplements (available as drops or mouth spray) could combat this, according to a 2015 study from Taiwan.

Similar studies have found that folic acid supplements, iron tablets and zinc pills may also combat recurrent ulcers. Zinc, for example, is known to accelerate wound healing.

And one reader swears by a supplement called Coenzyme Q10, often taken by those on cholesterol-lowering statins as a way to prevent the muscle pain the pills can sometimes cause.

Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that occurs in the body that protects cells against damage.

The long-time sufferer said ulcers stopped when she started taking the vitamin supplement 20 years ago. I have been taking it every day since, she says. I can honestly say I have not had a single ulcer. I am a pharmacist and have recommended it to many of my patients.

Beware  toothpaste might be a trigger

Most toothpastes contain a chemical called sodium lauryl sulphate, or SLS. Its what makes it foam up in your mouth.

But in some people, it can cause mouth ulcers, or make existing ones worse, according to Stephen Porter, professor of oral medicine at University College Londons Eastman Dental Institute.

This is because SLS can sometimes irritate the tissue in the gums, cheeks and tongue, and strip away the protective layer of mucus that covers them.

But Prof Porter adds: Strong flavourings  such as mint  in toothpastes can also irritate existing ulcers, so it can be a good idea to switch to ones with little or no flavourings.

If you get lots of ulcers you might want to try OraNurse, as its completely free of flavourings and SLS.

Foods and drinks that can make them worse

Chocolate-lovers, look away now. Studies show it can be a trigger for mouth ulcers, because its rich in theobromine  a compound found in cocoa beans which can irritate the lining of the mouth, almost like an allergic reaction.

Peanuts, too, can be a problem. They contain high levels of an amino acid called L-arginine which has a similarly aggravating effect on soft tissue in the mouth, creating the ideal conditions for ulcers to form.

Other known culprits include spicy foods, or acidic treats such as strawberries, tomatoes and even cheese.

One reader told us that red wine  which is known for its acidity  was the source of her ulcer problems for many years. I used to suffer from mouth ulcers for years and then I found out that I was allergic to red wine, she said. I stopped the wine and have not had any further trouble.

And another insists the lesions disappeared as soon as he stopped eating Marmite.

My wife read an article about yeast extract products being a possible cause, he said. I was a Marmite lover but I gave it up and now rarely get an ulcer at all. Its changed my life.

Blood pressure pills increase the risk

Several prescription medicines increase the risk of mouth ulcers.

They include beta blockers  used to treat high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms  nicorandil, a drug used to control angina or chest pain, and even the widely used anti-inflammatory painkiller ibuprofen.

Its not clear why they raise the risk of ulcers.

One theory is that the tablets themselves  rather than the medicines they contain  can inflame the tissue inside the mouth.

Lots of drugs can do this, says Prof Porter. Usually, the ulcers disappear when the drug is stopped.

He warns that it is important that patients do not stop taking prescription medicines without speaking to their GP first. In some cases, it might be possible to switch to an alternative. However, he adds: Sometimes the benefits of the medication are far more important to the patient than the mouth ulcers.

A dab of honey to clear them up

When ulcers do occur, applying a blob of honey could hasten its departure, according to research. One 2009 Turkish study found applying it every few hours speeds up the healing process.

They argued this was possibly because it provides a natural protective barrier from food, bacteria, sharp teeth and anything else that could aggravate an ulcer.

However, a more common remedy is washing the mouth with warm, salty water. And there is some evidence that this may actually help heal the lesion.

A 2021 Indonesian study looked at what happened to skin wounds generally when exposed to a solution made with 7 per cent salt. The results showed it significantly accelerated the rate at which wounds heal.

But whether that applies to mouth ulcers too is still not clear.

One traditional technique that has been roundly rejected is apple cider vinegar.

Typically, patients will rinse their mouth with a combination of the vinegar and water. However, there is no evidence that it works.

Moreover, it can sting  and possibly even aggravate the mouth further.

Interestingly, one MoS readers believes that Germolene may effectively deal with ulcers. The over-the-counter antiseptic cream was invented 100 years ago as a treatment for blemishes, minor cuts, grazes, burns and blisters.

I had a spot forming on my face one day and coincidentally was getting a mouth ulcer in the exact same spot but on the inside of my cheek, says Elaine Taylor, 75, from Oldham The spot cleared up, and after a couple of days I realised so had the mouth ulcer.

That was over 30 years ago and Ive been using Germolene for my mouth ulcers ever since and it has worked every single time.

Prof Porter says he isnt aware of any evidence that Germolene helps with ulcers  but says that doesnt necessarily mean patients shouldnt use it.

As long they seem to work and have no adverse side effects, then carry on using them, he says.

Drug treatment that can help

Most ulcer treatments are designed to dull the pain rather than provide a cure. However, there are prescription medications that, in rare circumstances, can be given to quickly heal ulcers.

Over-the-counter treatments include Bonjela and Iglu, which dull the pain and act as a protective barrier to prevent infection.

Experts suggest that over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can often be just as effective at managing uncomfortable symptoms.

In most cases, doctors will not prescribe medicines to treat ulcers as they usually go away on their own.

But when severe ulcers do not go away  and other causes, such as cancer or an infection have been ruled out  then GPs may prescribe a drug called fluticasone. This is a steroid that dampens down inflammation, calms surrounding tissue and should help ulcers heal.

The treatment tends to come as drops, a mouthwash or a spray that is applied to the inside of the mouth.

However, steroid treatments can also trigger uncomfortable side effects, including burning or stinging. They can also raise the risk of oral thrush  a fungal mouth infection.

For this reason, experts says that the majority of patients who develop an ulcer are best served by simply taking painkillers, waiting for it to heal and  if they can bear it  avoiding chocolate.

My 'harmless' sore turned out to be cancer

Grace Brand, 30, thought the sore patch on the side of her tongue was just a stubborn mouth ulcer but found out that it was actually cancer

When civil servant Grace Brand felt a sore patch on the side of her tongue, she thought nothing of it.

The 30-year-old assumed it was just a stubborn mouth ulcer brought on by stress after a house move and long hours at work.

But six weeks later the pain was still there  and getting worse.

A trip to the pharmacist for Bonjela set off a chain of referrals and tests that ended in the news she had stage two tongue cancer.

During a 12-hour procedure, surgeons removed half her tongue and rebuilt it using skin from her left forearm. Now she faces radiotherapy and months of speech therapy to relearn how to talk, swallow and eat.

She says: I realised after six weeks that I had a painful ulcer on my tongue, and I didnt do anything about it. I want to get people to look at their tongues. Im very lucky it was painful  [in many cases] unless you see it, you wouldnt know it was there.

She is one of the around 11,000 people a year in the UK who are diagnosed with mouth cancer.

If an ulcer is still there after two weeks, then get it looked at, says Prof Porter.
The Silver Book is available now from the Mail Bookshop

The Silver Book by Olivia Laing Hamish Hamilton, 20 256pp

The writer Olivia Laing is a wonderful cultural critic who has written several excellent books about artists and writers, including a particularly good one on Virginia Woolf. Yet this second novel, set in 1970s Italy, is a disappointment.

Following the love affair between a London waif, Nicholas, and Danilo Donati, the visionary costume designer, on the set of two classic Italian films  Pasolinis controversial anti fascist final work Salo, and Fellinis Casanova - it takes cinema and its capacity to summon fantasy and desire as its primary subject. Yet while Laings sentences are lush and intoxicating, the novel falls fatally under its own spell, as though infatuated with its own ability to summon beauty out of nothing.

The final pages, which centre on Pasolinis appalling death, yank the story into Italys current right wing resurgence  a crude denouement to a novel that feels as artificial as any one of Donatis wondrous sets.

One Aladdin Two Lamps is available now from the Mail Bookshop

One Aladdin, Two Lamps by Jeanette Winterson Jonathan Cape, 18.99 272pp

The message of the [Arabian] Nights, regardless of what story we are reading, is the sovereignty of the imagination," writes Jeanette Winterson in this cartwheeling ride through memoir, fiction and politics. The people who come off badly are those who cant see past their own representation of reality. By which she means true freedom lies in our ability to fashion stories both out of the world around us and our very selves.

Using as a framework the Arabian Nights itself  the greatest metaphor for storytelling as a survival tactic  the Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit author riffs on Tump, feminism and her own much storied life in a restless shapeshifting treatise on art, transformation and the current moment. Yet the application of her argument to AI is both glib and alarming. This isnt the end of the human, she writes approvingly. Unless you think being human begins and ends with biology.

Archipelago of the Sun is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Archipelago of the Sun by Yoko Tawada Granta, 12.99 224pp

Archipelago of the Sun is the ostensibly concluding instalment to a trilogy about Hiruko who has embarked on a journey across the seas with a group of fellow travellers in search of her apparently obliterated homeland of Japan.

Various strange and mysterious encounters and events take place en route, prompting much naval gazing about the nature of identity, borders, language, migration and home itself. Readers who are tantalised by this premise are firmly advised to read the preceding volumes first. Still, whether you enjoy Tawadas writing depends on whether you care for her particular brand of cute, quirky Japanese whimsy. I dont particularly.
Elizabethan England was a dangerous and blood-soaked place. The Queen and her councillors meted out arrests, torture and executions like councils hand out parking tickets today. Any position in the public eye  be it nobleman or a parish priest  was to live with an axe poised permanently above your neck.

Ian McKellen playing Marlowe's Edward II

To be a risk-taker in the 16th century, one had to be mad, extraordinary and perhaps a touch suicidal. The playwright Christopher Marlowe, the subject of this astounding biography by the popular Renaissance historian Stephen Greenblatt, was a combination of all three.

The biography itself offers nothing new on a subject that has been pored over for centuries. But that's no matter, it is compelling and readable.

The plays Marlowe wrote in his short life would redefine theatre forever. They were carnivals of eroticism, violence and debauchery on a scale never seen in Britain before. He pushed the boundaries of theatre, paving the way for his more famous contemporary, William Shakespeare.

Humbler origins could hardly be found. Born in Canterbury as the second of nine children to an illiterate cobbler, it was Marlowes genius that allowed him to shake off his background (with the help of scholarships) and land a spot at Cambridge. While there he was nearly kicked out for truancy, until a letter from the Queens privy council demanded the college give him his degree for he had done her majesty good service. Only one possible explanation exists for how a cobblers son received the Queens favour: spying.

Exactly what his role was is unknown, but there is little doubt that Marlowe was plunged headfirst into the murky world of espionage and duplicity that would define his plays.

Dark Renaissance is available now from the Mail Bookshop

To say these plays courted controversy when they first appeared on the stage would be a gross understatement.

Edward II was an explicit portrayal of gay love and lust. The play was a tragedy but despite the violent deaths of Edward and his lover, Marlowe doesnt condemn homosexuality.

To so much as think about such things was enough to have you arrested. But to write them down and have them performed to thousands of Londoners was a risk of magnificent proportions. Just imagine the Village People trying to make it big in Saudi Arabia, or the Sex Pistols in North Korea.

No doubt the courts would have eventually taken him in for something or other, but before they did, he was killed in a brawl in an inn at the age of 29  stabbed through the eye by one of his friends.

Greenblatts accessible biography leaves the impression that if Marlowe hadnt been too relentlessly destructive and continued to write as radically and brilliantly as he did, it would be Christopher Marlowe, and not William Shakespeare, recognised as the greatest writer in English history.
Jen Ruiz found herself suddenly single when she was brutally dumped while on vacation with the man she thought she would marry.

She embarked on a cruise with her then-boyfriend-of-two-years back in December 2021 to ring in the New Year and celebrate her 35th birthday.

But when he ended their romance mid-trip, the travel influencer and blogger was not only stuck at sea with the ex who had broken her heart, but she also had to forge ahead as she was on a work trip.

'I was on the Mediterranean on a work cruise [and] my partner of two years was there as my plus one,' she told the Daily Mail.

'I had really been looking forward to this trip,' she admitted. 'So when [I was dumped] understandably, it was a damper on the whole occasion.'

Ruiz recounted her life-changing trip in her upcoming book, All You Need Is Flights, sharing the journey she went on after finding herself with a broken heart courtesy of her ex, whom she called My Prince in the book.

Ruiz recalled the days after the breakup being painful, as they embarked on her birthday excursion in Greece the next morning.

'That was when the pretending started and I had to smile despite being heartbroken,' she recounted. 'My eyes were puffy from all the crying and I had to take pictures with sunglasses on.'

Jen Ruiz found herself suddenly single when she was brutally dumped while on vacation with the man she thought she would marry

Ruiz, who also authored 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic, said she has a theory that for many people there's a point where you feel like 'life falls apart,' or hasn't come together how you had planned.

For Ruiz, that age was 35. But despite being devastated, she knew that continuing on her travels would be the best thing to mend her, despite being apprehensive at first.

She continued on her trip post-cruise, which included visiting Egypt, where she decided to keep traveling.

'I figured, worst case, travel has always been a way for me to get perspective, a way for me to get different experiences and clarity, and I never regret the memories that I make while traveling,' she shared.

'I was worried that maybe I'd be, you know, too emotionally distraught or distracted to really be able to be present for them all and take them in, but thankfully, as the year progressed, it became easier to go on them.'

The avid traveler admitted that despite 'crying daily' over her breakup, there was a part of her that was convinced the breakup was a maybe and not definitive - until she landed back at home in Florida.

'Normally, Mr. Prince picked me up at the airport every time, but I got a message from him saying that I should get a taxi, that he wouldn't be picking me up at the airport,' she recalled.

'Then he sent me a long letter detailing all of the reasons why he didn't want to continue.'

Despite being devastated, she knew that continuing on her travels would be the best thing to mend her, although she admitted she was apprehensive at first

Ruiz said: ''Travel has always been a way for me to get perspective, a way for me to get different experiences and clarity, and I never regret the memories that I make while traveling'

Despite her eyes being 'puffy from all the crying,' she made the decision to keep traveling

During her journey after the breakup, Ruiz visited a number of breathtaking sites and participated in a slew of endeavors all around the world, including eating pizza on a volcano in Guatemala, going to Japan to see the cherry blossoms and even seeing a baby gorilla being born in Rwanda.

'Rapa Nui [in Chile] felt like that moment of rebirth,' she recalled. 'You are so secluded. Everywhere you look, it's just endless ocean, so it feels really peaceful.'

Ruiz said she hopes her travels and books will inspire women to embark on their own adventures.

'I think women owe it to themselves to solo travel at all stages of their life as a way of maintaining integrity to where you are right now and everything you've done to get here as a way of celebrating yourself,' she urged.

She also revealed the places that helped her heal the most after jetting around the world as a newly single woman, sharing that, surprisingly, Jordan is on the top of her list as a country to visit as a female.

Ruiz said she hopes her travels and books will inspire women to travel on their own. Pictured in Greece after her breakup

When she landed at home in Florida after her trip, Ruiz knew her relationship was over

'It's a great place to solo travel, particularly for somebody interested in going to the Middle East for the first time,' the travel enthusiast said.

The author described Jordan as a 'little oasis,' and said a lot of women she speaks to are surprised at how easy it is to travel there.

'[I didn't experience] really any harassment, no issues whatsoever, so I think for me and my travel friends that we go, we really do have a soft spot for Jordan,' she shared.

As for her birthday next year, Ruiz has already planned a solo trip - in Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida.

'I think my birthday sets the tone for the year, and so to set the tone for that this year, I am going to have a mermaid-themed birthday, and I am going to become a mermaid!' she said enthusiastically.

'I think that this would be a great way to do something unique that's still bucket list, that's still something I'll never forget,' she continued. 'I'll never forget the day I turned into a literal mermaid by the ocean.'
Gen Z: Booked us a table for 6pm tonight!

Boomer: Six?! I thought it would just be the two of us.

*Groans* I said SIX PM. Someone needs a hearing test

Rude. But seriously, why 6pm? Did you leave it too late to book a decent table?

Its the new dining prime time, Boomer. Booking site OpenTable says 6pm reservations are up 11 per cent in London.

Then whens cocktail hour? Do you start swigging martinis at 4.30pm?

Im teetotal, duh. Anyway, early dining is good for wellbeing: better sleep, no hangovers and we can still socialise.

Back in my day, leaving Soho House at 3am was the norm. Dinner at 6pm meant you were either pregnant or entitled to a free bus pass.

Now its trending. According to The Times, Gen Zs average dinner time of 6.12pm shows we prioritise our physical and mental wellbeing.

By scoffing steak frites late afternoon so youre back on the sofa in time for EastEnders?

Early doors: post, eat and home in time for Eastenders

By giving our food time to digest and not sacrificing our eight hours sleep.

Im more aligned with my fellow Boomer commenter: Early dinner is for wimps and 6pm-8pm is solely for boozing!

There are other perks too. One 20-something told The Times she books at 6pm because the [sober] vibe suits me better and she can actually hear friends talk.

Thats because the only other people there are infants and pensioners.

Sorry, would you rather I came crawling in at 3am on a Wednesday morning?

Completely! Im with The Standard, which declared: Gen Z are eating dinner at 6pm because theyre losers.

*Gasps* Sooo salty.

There is something inarguably sexy about a late-night dinner, The Standard says. Staying until the waiter kicks you out. Going to bed hot and full and boozy.

Vom. As one Gen Z put it on TikTok: If I eat at nine and get home at 12, when do I do my skincare regime?

Dinner used to be a social event. Aperitifs at seven, a buzzy 9pm table. Our favourite restaurant on Kensington Church Street, home to royal protection officers from Kensington Palace and itinerant journalists, once famously hosted a Christmas party that ended at 7am.

FGS, you win, but were still social! Thats why were obsessed with communal tables.

What tables?

Communal. You share with other diners. Ninety per cent of Gen Zs enjoy them, compared to just 60 per cent of boring Boomers.

How am I meant to enjoy a meal while making trivial chat with strangers? I struggle enough with engaging my own family in decent conversation.

Its fun! According to booking site Resy, youngsters are intentionally seeking real-world connection and social experience.

Whats wrong with socialising with the people you already know?! Let me guess They finish work at 6.30pm, so a dinner date would disrupt your sleep schedule.

I wanna meet exciting new people. You know one in three Gen Zs has made a new friend at a shared table, and one in seven has landed a date.

While the other six in seven were stuck making small talk with someone called Tarquin who works in crypto-finance-banking

Well, youre always telling me you met all your boyfriends in bars and restaurants or on the night bus home.

Yes, but not by initiating forced conversation at a dinner table while scoffing hummus.

A good old-fashioned night out: Kate Moss and Jamie Hince spill out of The Groucho Club, 2008

Besides, a long, bustling table looks way more bougie when you post it on your Insta stories.

Great. So not only am I forced to chat to strangers, Ill also probably be snapped inelegantly shovelling forkfuls of dauphinois into my gob.

Were doing venues a favour, actually. Ninety-two per cent of Gen Zs say theyre willing to travel at least 30 minutes to visit a social-media famous venue.

Its a pity 92 per cent of Gen Zs arent as enthusiastic about travelling 30 minutes to visit their office.

And 36 per cent of us have been to a restaurant just so we can post about it. My latest meal pic in a hip Mayfair joint got 157 likes.

One hundred and 57 strangers validated your steak. Im delighted for you.

And back home by 7.30pm. Talk about a meal-ly good idea.

I have major reservations.
For many of her devoted customers, Christmas wouldnt be Christmas without Sally Barness smoked wild salmon, made at her tiny Woodcock Smokery near Skibbereen, in Irelands West Cork. And for the past 20 years or so, I have been one of them.

Why? Oh my god, I love this stuff. Rich and fragrant, tickled with wood smoke and singing of the sea, it is delicious carved into thin, coral ribbons and simply served with a grind of pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Barnes says you dont even need the lemon, and perhaps she has a point. Either way, it would be my first choice for my last meal  and not just because it is a unique slice of nature in a salmon industry that increasingly relies on mass production and shortcuts, but because it tastes so good.

Up here in the hills of West Cork, in the smokery next to her home, 70-year-old Barnes personally hand trims, pin bones, dry salts and cold smokes her fish over beechwood chips in a slow process she has perfected over 45 years. She is entirely self-taught, a true artisan, a purist, a pioneer, a warrior, an ocean activist; the salmon queen of Skibbereen and the last wild fish smoker in Ireland.

For Barnes only uses wild fish  never farmed  because she does not approve of the environmental impact of aquaculture, nor the fish that intensive farming produces. She buys her Atlantic salmon from draft-net fishermen up on the Blackwater River, about 60 miles northwest of here, on the border with County Waterford.

Preparing fish in the smokery next to her home

Once she gets the fish back to the smokery she processes them without using sugar, nitrates or any artificial additives  and she couldnt tell you her exact recipe or how much salt is required if she tried. Not just because the atmospheric conditions play their part in her methodology, but more that every fish is different. They are all individual. They all have a different fat content for a start. So I gauge it all with my eyes and hands. What I can tell you, she says, wiggling her fingers in the air, is that every salmon gets a personal massage from me.

And, oddly enough for someone who slays them then flays them, Barnes absolutely loves each and every one of them. I am weird, I know, but they are exquisite, intelligent creatures, she says. She worries that they are in real danger of becoming extinct because of pollution, diseases spread from aquaculture, government meddling, declining fish stocks and punishing quotas imposed on small-boat fishermen. Wild salmon is under siege and in 2025 Barnes has smoked only 351 of them.

Like many, I first came across her fish when Richard Corrigan took over Bentleys fish restaurant in Central London, back in 2005. The celebrated Irish chef put it on his menu as a starter, billing it as Sally Barnes Wild Irish Smoked Salmon and serving it with soda bread and butter. Nothing else went on that dish, I was as proud as punch of just slicing it and putting it on a plate, says Corrigan today. In fact, I felt as proud of serving that as I did of any dish I ever made.

Sally at her fish-smoking school

He sold four sides of Barness salmon every month and recalls that among the regular customers who became fans were Earl Spencer and Hugh Grant. The former would stand at the bar and hoof down plates of it, while the latters enthusiasm was a surprise to Corrigan. I didnt think he would have the taste for it, but you know he did, he absolutely loved it.

Two decades ago, it was on Bentleys menu at 32 a portion, expensive even then  but this is a luxury product with a high price point befitting its uniqueness and rarity. This Christmas, a 650g side of Woodcock Smokery smoked salmon retails at 205 while a 500g pack is 155. Yes, you can get smoked salmon for a fraction of the price at any supermarket, and sometimes I do. But that is farmed salmon, not wild, and there is no comparison between the two in terms of taste and texture.

Sally with team members and friends at her fish-smoking school

It does things to you. Once wild salmon is in your system that is it, says Corrigan. And I have met a lot of artisans but never one as close to nature as Sally is, such a natural product from such a natural person.

Barnes got into fish smoking by accident  and desperation. Born in Scotland, she married a fisherman and moved to Cork in the 1970s. She would sell her husbands fish to local suppliers and when one went bust, he gave her his kiln in part payment of his debt.

Barnes began experimenting by smoking mackerel in camping pots in a tea chest. She studied food production systems with the Open University, worked with a fishery research facility in Aberdeenshire and read everything she could. I just wanted to find something I was good at, she says.

She shows me around her simple smokery with its double smoking oven and preparation table. On the wall there are two metal strips, one with seven pairs of fish tweezers, the other with nine boning and filleting knives. Sometimes she has someone come in to help her, but mostly she does it all herself. I couldnt say how long it takes me to fillet a salmon. Its just whip, turn it over, she shrugs.

Sally foraging for sea spinach

With her white hair and weathered face, she reminds me of the American artist Georgia OKeeffe; another independent pioneer woman who headed west to discover her passion and live a life on her own terms. Today Barnes is divorced from her fisherman, her two girls are grown up but live nearby, and she is a grandmother who is full of energy and new ideas for fish-based products.

At the moment she is developing a smoked salmon oil; an elixir she distils from the skin and scraps of the exquisite creatures she smokes. Taste that, she says, dipping a spoon into a jar of the oil and passing it across her kitchen table. Its unbelievable. I can feel it slipping down my throat like rich, liquid smoke, a bloom of pure, ocean-going goodness. That is magical, I tell her. No. Its the salmon who are magic, she says.

Visit woodcocksmokery.com for more details; for UK orders go to nealsyarddairy.co.uk. Stocks are limited.

paul sherwood, , woodcock Smokery
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

Nothing is hotter this festive season than nostalgia  and Ralph Lauren Christmas is the trend everyone is aiming for. In fact, Ive just paid a visit to the brands outdoor pop-up in Londons Sloane Square, where cosy wooden cabins featuring a Ralph Lauren gift shop and hot chocolate stall can be found, plus Christmas trees  a huge one decorated in plaid and velvet, plus a movie-esque truck overflowing with them.

I am a sucker for this sort of nostalgic stuff  and its very clever branding to boot. This year I have found myself googling red velvet bows and antique ornaments to decorate my own home.

So what exactly is a Ralph Lauren Christmas? Its festive inspiration from the brands classic aesthetic, characterised by traditional patterns such as tartan and plaid, luxurious textures  think velvet and leather  plus deep jewel tones like burgundy and forest green. Throw in a roaring fire and youve nailed it. However, its not just decor that nostalgia has influenced but what we want to wear this festive season, too

Fair Isle, cable and Argyle knits are trending. Look for pieces inspired by classic movies such as The Holiday and When Harry Met Sally at Massimo Dutti, Frame and Cos.

Checked coats and jackets are your go-to cover-up. This heritage feel evokes a wistfulness for pub lunches, fresh air and country walks.

Bring back Christmases past with an embellished jumper. This oh-so-festive piece comes out each year, as well as red velvet dresses and trouser suits, making it a powerful way of connecting with yuletides gone by.

Jumper, Mango. Shirt, WNU. Skirt, Nili Lotan. Earrings, Monica Vinader. Bag, Radley.

Faux and vintage fur has had a big resurgence. Once favoured by older generations, now 20-somethings are teaming their fur with jeans.

Antique jewellery is back. The style set are taking joy in teaming something old with something new. The Antique Jewellery Company, Wave Antiques and Charlotte Sayers all offer special unique finds.

Leggings are no longer stuck in the 80s (thanks to Claudia Winklemans Traitors wardrobe). Wear with knee-high boots, oversized jackets and chunky knits for a modern, cosy look.

@thestylistandthewardrobe

@youmagazine

I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE WAS HAVING

Channel Meg Ryans festive-red knit from When Harry Met Sally with this chunky wool and cashmere piece by Cos.

CUFF CRUSH

Dinny Hall has just dropped a new collection in time for your Christmas list. I love this wave cuff, a hero everyday piece that comes in silver as well as gold.

SPOTTED

Suki Waterhouse and designer Michael Kors are new BFFs. The British model is an ambassador for his eponymous brand and the pair were in town for the opening of his new Regent Street store. She was in head-to-toe Michael Kors, of course!
Young Chinese revive, transform ancient crafts for modern markets

Xinhua) 10:17, November 29, 2025

A woman experiences the tie-dye technique of Bai ethnic group in a dyehouse in Zhoucheng Village of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

KUNMING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- In a sun-drenched courtyard in a village in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Bai ethnic woman Yang Julan hung up newly dyed tie-dye scarves, one by one. Soon, the sun would dry them, allowing these scarves to embark on a journey to Europe, destined for the Netherlands.

A farmer near Erhai Lake in the city of Dali, Yang would possibly struggle to pinpoint Amsterdam on a world map, but her creations do find their way to the Dutch capital and even beyond -- adorning customers in distant lands she has never seen.

"At my age, to see our dyeing cloth reach the world map... It's a profound pride," said Yang, 65.

The tie-dye technique, dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in China in 2006.

Like tie-dye, ICH in general is experiencing a remarkable revival in China -- resulting in the transformation of ancient crafts into modern global commodities, driven by a new generation who are breathing contemporary life into time-honored traditions.

Just a few years ago, many traditions faced extinction as practitioners dwindled. Yang herself had abandoned her craft, believing "the ancestors' handiwork had become useless."

The turning point came when urban entrepreneurs recognized the commercial potential of ICH.

While working in Beijing, Dali native Zhang Hanmin, then 28, noticed urban youth embracing traditional elements like embroidery and prints in their clothes and accessories. Convinced that her hometown's tie-dye held similar appeal, she returned to Dali to revitalize the craft.

Having established a brand named Dali Blue in 2012, Zhang focused on innovating product designs while also launching hands-on workshops for visitors -- resulting in an influx of both orders and tourists.

Such market success created more jobs, attracting experienced local artisans like Yang back to the craft. "With improvements made by the young people, tie-dye has been reborn," Yang noted.

This craft's revival is part of the country's larger wave of cultural entrepreneurship -- seeing young Chinese tapping into ICH to build successful commercial ventures.

Chinese cultural authorities have established a comprehensive system to preserve and revitalize ICH items, guiding artisans to enhance quality, build brands and sharpen their market focus.

At the 2025 ICH brand promotion week held from Sunday to Friday in Dali, which was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, over 120 heritage brands demonstrated how traditional craftsmanship can be integrated with contemporary design.

Numerous people in their 40s, 30s and even 20s have joined ICH preservation and inheritance efforts, creating many distinctive heritage brands, the ministry revealed.

At the event's opening ceremony, Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, announced that its e-commerce platform had sold 6.5 billion orders of ICH-related products in the past year. Meanwhile, another platform, Kuaishou, reported over 178 billion views for ICH-related videos.

During the "Double 11" shopping festival earlier this month, ICH-related product sales via Alibaba's Taobao platform had reached 9.42 billion yuan (1.33 billion U.S. dollars).

Brian Linden, an American from Chicago who has lived in Dali for over a decade, said growing cultural confidence is reshaping Chinese consumption patterns, making heritage products part of daily life.

"Meanwhile, these heritage goods, infused with Chinese aesthetics, are crossing borders and stirring a strong 'China chic' trend in the international market," Linden added.

A staff member displays a Lord Rabbit, known as Tu'er Ye in Chinese (a traditional handicraft and a festive clay toy for children, especially in Beijing), during the 2025 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) brand promotion week in Dali City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Brian Linden (L), an American from Chicago who has lived in Dali for over a decade, checks his tie-dye product at Dali Blue workshop in Xizhou old town of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A woman dyes patterns on fabrics in a dyehouse in Zhoucheng Village of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Yang Huanpei, a provincial-level inheritor for Jianchuan Wood Carving, demonstrates skills during the 2025 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) brand promotion week in Dali City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
During a meeting with Juan-Pedro Schaerer, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mission in Ukraine, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Maryana Betsa emphasized the need for international organizations to respond appropriately to Russia's gross violations of international humanitarian law and to increase access to Ukrainian prisoners of war.

"I call on the ICRC to use all available mechanisms to ensure unimpeded access to Ukrainian prisoners of war held by the Russian Federation, to end the practice of executions, torture, and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian soldiers, and to strengthen the international response to Russia's war crimes," emphasized Betsa.

The Deputy Minister also thanked the ICRC for its efforts to address the negative humanitarian consequences of Russia's daily targeted shelling of civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, and called for the Committee to further expand its activities, particularly in frontline areas.
Marc Bouwer admitted he was worried the actress might 'taint its legacy'

When Sydney Sweeney re-wore Angelina Jolie's iconic 2004 Oscars dress last year, designer Marc Bouwer was incredibly worried the actress might 'taint its legacy.'

Two decades earlier when Jolie arrived at the acclaimed awards show in the iconic ivory satin gown it was a massive turning point in her career - and a moment that has been hailed by some fashion experts as one of best red carpet moments in history.

So it comes as no shock that Bouwer, who had meticulously designed the gown and preserved it for 20 years, was hesitant to let anyone borrow it.

He explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail that many stars had asked to wear it over the years but it never felt quite right.

But when he saw Sweeney in it for the first time, he felt he finally found the perfect person to pay homage to Jolie, despite his trepidations over how she could 'destroy' its pristine reputation.

'I was concerned because that dress is so iconic and it had so much great press written about it, I didn't want to destroy or taint that legacy of what we had created,' he admitted to the Daily Mail.

'I was nervous. But when I saw how beautiful she looked... She looked different [than Jolie] but she still had that old Hollywood glamorous vibe that I love so much.

'It really took my breath away. I breathed a sigh of relief, like, "Yes, we did it, this is good."'

When Sydney Sweeney re-wore Angelina Jolie's iconic 2004 Oscars dress last year, designer Marc Bouwer was incredibly worried the actress might 'taint its legacy'

'I was concerned because that dress is so iconic and it had so much great press written about it, I didn't want to destroy or taint that legacy,' Bouwer admitted to the Daily Mail

Sweeney wore the gown to the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party in March 2024, exactly 20 years from the day that Jolie donned it at the Oscars.

'She's one of the hottest actresses on the planet, it was right for her to wear it,' he added of Sweeney. 'She's a powerhouse celebrity.

'[I liked that] she wasn't trying to emulate Angelina in her look. They each had their own vibe and own persona.'

Bouwer, who hails from South Africa, started his career off working for the designer Halston.

He ultimately parted ways with the designer after Whitney Houston noticed some of his dresses and hired him to make ensembles for her.

He went on to create some of Houston's most iconic looks during the early years of her career.

But the true turning point in his career came when Jolie wore his ivory satin haltered gown to the Oscars.

'One of the collections I did at that time was called the "red carpet collection" and it was all about dressing celebrities,' he recalled.

Two decades earlier when Jolie arrived at the acclaimed awards show in the iconic ivory satin gown it was a massive turning point in her career

Sweeney wore the gown to the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party in March 2024, exactly 20 years from the day that Jolie donned it at the Oscars

'Her and her stylist saw the clothes online and they asked if we could send two of the pieces down to her and we did.'

Jolie's stylist then invited Bouwer to come to LA for a fitting, where he met with Jolie so she could try on the looks with him.

'It was very, very exciting. It was one of the most memorable fittings of my life,' he continued. 'She was such a pleasure and a joy to work with.

'There was a big lightning storm and thunder and [her son] Maddox was a baby at the time, she had him on her hip while fitting the dress, comforting him. It was a really wonderful, warm and pleasurable experience.'

He explained that a jewelry brand wanted Jolie to wear a 'very expensive diamond necklace' with the dress, but she wouldn't agree without his input.

'She said to me, "Marc what do you think about the necklace with the dress? If you don't think it's right I won't wear it,"' he revealed.

'I said, "I really do like it, it's actually beautiful" and she ended up wearing it.'

Bouwer is not shy about how the dress transformed both his career and Jolie's.

Bouwer, seen with one of his dresses in his New York studio, started his career off working for the designer Halston and created many of Whitney Houston's looks

Bouwer is pictured in his studio with model Sabrina Perlleshi wearing one of his gowns

Bouwer is seen with model Sabrina Perlleshi wearing one of his gowns

'It was a total image-changing look for her,' he said of the Girl, Interrupted star wearing the gown.

'She had been known as the wild child of Hollywood, carrying the blood vial around her neck, stuff like that.

'And all of a sudden she was perceived as a humanitarian. She was this angelic, beautiful woman on this red carpet.

'It totally shifted her whole image and I think that's why it has become so iconic. Many editors have considered it one of the best Oscar dresses of all time. It was the perfect dress on the perfect person at the perfect moment.'
A designer to the stars has shared the secret way he elevates his celebrity clients' red carpet looks, which he believes everyone can use to enhance any ensemble.

Over the span of his decades-long career in the fashion industry, Marc Bouwer, 66, has helped curate looks for Hollywood's most elite including Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Whitney Houston, Shania Twain, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum, to name a few.

He's created some of the most iconic red carpet looks of all time - like Jolie's famous 2004 Oscars dress, which was re-worn by Sydney Sweeney last year.

Now, he has revealed his secret to mastering a perfect red carpet ensemble exclusively with the Daily Mail: picking the right undergarments.

That's right, according to the designer, all amazing looks start with your bra and underwear.

He explained that many people overlook what goes on underneath their dresses, but pointed out it really impacts how the design looks on your body.

'I always say, it starts with the undergarments,' he said. 'Make sure you're wearing the right size bra for you and the straps are equal before you put a dress on.

'Make sure your underwear doesn't show through the dress. And if you're worried about any bulges that will show put on something on will control that.

Acclaimed fashion designer Marc Bouwer, 66, has made dresses for a slew of stars like Angelina Jolie, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Sarah Jessica Parker

He famously created Jolie's 2004 Oscars dress, seen here, which Sydney Sweeney re-wore last year

'Then whatever you put on top of that will look a whole lot better.'

In addition, Bouwer said it's important to 'always look at yourself from the side' and from the back when looking in a mirror, rather than just the front.

'Not everyone sees you from the front all the time,' he added. 'Look at yourself from the side and back and make sure what you're wearing looks good from as many angles as possible.'

He also reminded Daily Mail's readers, 'Don't be afraid to try new things. Style is very, very personal and there's certain things people find very beautiful but others find it horrible.'

Bouwer, who hails from South Africa, started his career off working for the designer Halston.

He ultimately parted ways with the designer after Whitney Houston noticed some of his dresses and hired him to make ensembles for her.

He went on to create some of Houston's most iconic looks during the early years of her career.

But the true turning point in his career came when Jolie wore his ivory satin haltered gown to the Oscars.

Now, he has revealed his secret to mastering a perfect red carpet ensemble exclusively with the Daily Mail: picking the right undergarments. He's seen showing off one of his designs

Bouwer, seen with one of his dresses in his New York studio, started his career off working for the designer Halston and created many of Whitney Houston's looks

Bouwer is seen with model Sabrina Perlleshi wearing one of his gowns

Bouwer is pictured in his studio with model Sabrina Perlleshi wearing one of his gowns

When Jolie arrived at the acclaimed awards show in the iconic ivory satin gown it was a massive turning point in her own career - and a moment that has been hailed by some fashion experts as one of best red carpet moments in history.

'It was a total image-changing look for her,' he said of the Girl, Interrupted star wearing the gown.

'She had been known as the wild child of Hollywood, carrying the blood vial around her neck, stuff like that.

'And all of a sudden she was perceived as a humanitarian. She was this angelic, beautiful woman on this red carpet.

'It totally shifted her whole image and I think that's why it has become so iconic. Many editors have considered it one of the best Oscar dresses of all time. It was the perfect dress on the perfect person at the perfect moment.'
YOGURT STOLLEN

The origins of stollen go back to the medieval tradition of fasting before Christmas, when bread was not allowed to contain butter or sugar. At some point, the nobility of Saxony got permission from the Pope to use butter on condition that the stollen was taxed and the money used to build a cathedral. A hard, tough bread thus evolved into a rich and expensive sweet loaf.

MAKES 1 18cm x 25cm stollen (or 2 half-sized stollen)

120g raisins

120g currants

150ml rum

300g strong white flour

200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

16g baking powder

150g caster sugar

120g ground almonds

1 pinch salt

 tsp ground nutmeg

 tsp ground cloves

 tsp ground cardamom

100ml full-fat milk, at room temperature

150ml full-fat Greek yogurt, at room temperature

2 eggs, at room temperature

zest of 1 lemon

120g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cubed, plus 150g for brushing

120g mixed peel

icing sugar, for dusting

1 Soak the raisins and currants in the rum overnight.

2 Make sure the milk, yogurt, eggs and butter are all at room temperature before you start.

3 Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

4 Sift the flours into a large bowl along with the baking powder, caster sugar, almonds, salt and spices. Mix well with a whisk.

5 In a separate bowl combine the milk, yogurt, eggs and lemon zest, and whisk to combine. Add this mixture, along with the cubed butter, to the dry ingredients and mix with a big spoon or electric mixer until well combined.

6 Drain the dried fruit, add it to the dough with the mixed peel and knead it in until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes.

7 Turn the dough on to a well-floured work surface and shape it into a flat rectangle, around 25cm x 18 cm. Fold the dough in half lengthways, transfer it to the prepared sheet and bake for about 70 minutes, or until the top is dark golden brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack. (If you are making two small stollen, simply cut the folded dough in half and bake side by side on the prepared sheet for around 1 hour. Make sure you keep an eye on the colour towards the end of the baking time.)

8 For the topping, melt the extra 150g butter in a small pan. Brush the butter all over the stollen, let it set, then dust liberally with icing sugar. If stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, the stollen will improve over the first week and keep for 2 weeks.

ROAST ALMONDS

During the cold months of the year in Germany, sellers of roasted almonds pop up at every street corner and, of course, at Christmas markets as well. The almonds are prepared on the spot in copper colanders with cinnamon and caramel; the aroma they emit is irresistible.

MAKES 4 small portions

100g caster sugar

15g vanilla sugar

 tsp ground cinnamon

 tsp ground cloves

50ml water

150g whole almonds, skin on

1 Melted sugar gets very hot  well over 100C  so be very careful and make sure you dont get distracted.

2 Line a baking sheet with baking paper and set aside.

3 Set a steel or iron preserving pan or wok on the stove over a high heat. Add the sugars, cinnamon, cloves and water and bring the syrup to the boil, stirring constantly.

4 Add the almonds and keep stirring until the sugar crystallises, then continue stirring until the nuts are done to your liking. Some people like them encrusted in little sugar lumps; others prefer them to be more caramelised, with just the occasional lump of sugar. The timing will depend on your equipment.

5 When youre happy with your almonds, turn them on to the prepared baking sheet and separate them with a spatula or spoon. They can be eaten slightly warm, or left to cool then stored in an airtight container, where they will keep for several days.

CINNAMON STARS

Very easy to make, and a staple in every German household around Christmas time, cinnamon stars are naturally gluten-free. Its impossible to overwork the dough, so these are a great bake if you have children involved. If possible, use almonds with the skin on and grind them yourself  the stars will have a richer flavour and better colour.

MAKES about 40 depending on cutter size

250g ground almonds (skin on, if possible)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

150g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting

1 egg white

For the meringue icing

1 egg white

125g icing sugar

1 tsp rum (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 2. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

2 Put the almonds in a bowl with the cinnamon, then mix in the icing sugar. Stir in the egg white and knead the mixture with your hands until you have a smooth dough.

3 Dust a work surface with a little extra icing sugar and roll out the dough until 1cm thick. Using a star-shaped cutter of your preferred size, stamp out stars and transfer to the baking sheet.

4 For the icing, beat the egg white into stiff peaks, using an electric mixer. Add the icing sugar bit by bit, while continuing to whisk. Add the rum (if using).

5 Use the meringue icing mixture to paint the stars evenly. The thickness of the meringue is a matter of taste, but it should cover only the top of the stars, not the sides.

6 Bake for 10-15 minutes  the meringue should still be white  then set aside to cool. The stars are quite delicate at first, but develop a slightly chewy texture while cooling. If stored in an airtight container, they will improve over time and keep for at least 6 weeks.

MULLED WINE CAKE

In Germany, Christmas markets start on the Friday before the first Sunday in Advent, which is usually in late November, and last until 24 December. This means the weather can be very cold, so its a great time to indulge in gluhwein (mulled wine) with its characteristic spices. Those same spices, along with a dash of red wine, are used to flavour this cake.

MAKES 1 x 26cm bundt cake

300g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

16g baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

 tsp ground cloves

 tsp ground star anise

 tsp ground allspice

 tsp ground nutmeg

25g cocoa powder

225g caster sugar

20g vanilla sugar

 tsp salt

275g unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing

4 large eggs

zest of 1 lemon

200ml fruity red wine

80g mixed peel

For the glaze

200g icing sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

about 3 tbsp red wine

1 Preheat the oven to 195C/175C fan/gas 6. Butter a 26cm bundt tin, getting into all the crevices, and dust with flour.

2 Sift the flour, baking powder, spices and cocoa powder into a bowl and mix to combine.

3 Put the caster sugar, vanilla sugar, salt and butter into a separate bowl and cream together using an electric mixer. Add the eggs and lemon zest and mix until everything is well incorporated. While continuing to mix, work in small amounts of the wine and the flour mixture, adding them alternately. Finally, stir in the mixed peel.

4 Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 1 hour. The cake is ready if its separating from the tin and a skewer inserted at the thickest part comes out clean. Switch off the heat and let the cake cool inside the oven with the door held slightly ajar by a wooden spoon or a rolled-up tea towel. After 30 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and carefully remove it from the tin. Set it aside on a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

5 For the glaze, sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, then add the wine a bit at a time, stirring constantly until the mixture is pourable but not runny. Pour over the cold cake  it can nicely enhance the pattern from your bundt tin. If stored in an airtight container, the cake will keep for about 1 week.

CINNAMON FRUIT CAKE IN A JAR

Baking mini cakes in jam jars has been a bit of a fashion in Germany recently, and for several good reasons. This kind of cake is very easy to make, keeps unopened for three weeks and makes an excellent gift. While the cake matures, the aroma of the fruit slowly penetrates the whole sponge and, because it is sealed, it wont dry out.

MAKES 5 x 340ml jam jars

200g plain flour

16g baking powder

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

 tsp ground cloves

125g unsalted butter or margarine, plus extra for greasing

120g brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tbsp full-fat or semi-skimmed milk

10 cherry-sized pieces of fruit, such as apple, pear or plum

1 Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start.

2 Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Grease 5 x 340ml jam jars. Sterilise the lids by putting them in boiling water and setting aside.

3 Sift the flour, baking powder and spices into a bowl and set aside.

4 Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl. When light and fluffy, beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the flour mixture a bit at a time, then add the milk.

5 Divide the batter equally between the jam jars, making sure they are no more than half full.

6 Place a piece of fruit in the middle of each jar and push it down, then place a second piece of fruit in the middle and push it down lightly. The top half of this piece will still be visible on the surface when cooked.

7 Put the jars on a baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted at the cake comes out clean. Transfer the jars to a wire rack and put the sterilised lids on.

8 Serve the cakes with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. They taste delicious when eaten straightaway, but will develop their flavour over time. Provided the jars are unopened, the cakes will keep for 3 weeks.

LINZER CHRISTMAS BISCUITS

Apart from being full of traditional spices, which makes them very delicious, these are quick and easy to make. A seasonal must-have.

MAKES 50-60

240g plain flour

30g cocoa powder

200g ground almonds (skin on, if possible)

175g caster sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

 tsp ground cloves

200g unsalted butter, cubed

1 egg

1 tbsp raspberry brandy (optional)

200g red berry jam (raspberry, redcurrant or a mixture)

icing sugar, for dusting

1 Sift the flour, cocoa powder, almonds, caster sugar and spices into a big bowl. Add the butter and rub it in.

2 Add the egg and the brandy (if using) and knead until the dough holds together. If you have time, cover the dough with clingfilm and leave it to rest in the fridge for 1 hour.

3 Preheat the oven to 195C/175C fan/gas 6. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.

4 Take a piece of dough and roll it into a log 2cm in diameter. Cut the log into 2cm pieces and roll those into balls. Repeat until all the dough is used up.

5 Push your index finger about two-thirds of the way into each ball of dough, then half-fill the holes with the jam. Transfer to the prepared sheets (the biscuits dont spread much while baking) and bake for 12-15 minutes.

6 Set the biscuits aside to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Take care, as they are quite fragile while hot.

7 These biscuits taste great on the day they are baked, but their aroma and flavour are even better if they are stored for a week or longer in an airtight container. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

RUM BALLS

These rum balls are ganache based, so the basic mixture can also be used to fill chocolates, truffles or macaroons.

MAKES ABOUT 60

200g unsalted butter, at room temperature

100g icing sugar

300g dark chocolate (5070 per cent cocoa solids), broken into pieces

300g milk chocolate, broken into pieces

 tsp ground cloves

80g rum (ideally 80 per cent proof)

For coating

desiccated coconut

cocoa powder

1 Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together.

2 Place both types of chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave on high in 10-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until it has melted and is no warmer than 34C. Be careful not to overheat it or the result will be grainy. Alternatively, you can use the bain-marie method.

3 Add the chocolate and the ground cloves to the butter mixture and beat to combine. Once the ganache is smooth, keep mixing while adding the rum. Cover with clingfilm and place in the fridge for several hours, until fairly solid.

4 Set out 2 plates or shallow bowls. Cover the bottom of one with desiccated coconut and the other with cocoa powder. Also set out an empty plate for the finished rum balls.

5 Place a teaspoonful of the ganache between the palms of your hands and roll into a ball the size of a cherry. Roll the ball in either the coconut or cocoa powder, then transfer to the clean plate. I like to shape about 10 or so, then clean my hands before coating them.

6 Store the finished balls in an airtight container lined with kitchen paper and place in the fridge. They will keep for about 2 weeks.

HONEY GINGERBREAD

I believe Hansel and Gretel would have liked some of these Lebkuchen! They use a starter made by allowing flour and honey to mature together. Although these ingredients create very little fermentation, if any at all, they do develop a special flavour and texture provided they sit for at least three weeks. These Lebkuchen keep very well for weeks while improving in flavour, making them ideal presents.

MAKES 40-100, depending on size

For the starter

200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

150g white or wholemeal spelt flour

150g light or wholemeal rye flour

400g honey

For the Lebkuchen

2 tbsp Gingerbread Spice (see separate recipe)

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 egg

80g ground almonds

100g mixed peel

blanched almonds, as needed

glace cherries, as needed

2 egg whites, lightly beaten, for glazing

1 Combine the starter ingredients in a bowl and mix or knead until a ball of dough forms. Transfer to an airtight container or wrap it in clingfilm and store in a cool place for at least 1 week, or up to 3 months.

2 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.

3 Put all of the starter into a large bowl and break it into little pieces. Add the spice, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder, the egg, ground almonds and mixed peel. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the dough feels smooth.

4 On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough until 6mm thick. Cut into rectangles 6 x 4cm, or stamp out circles using a 5cm cutter. Transfer to the prepared sheets, spacing them about 3cm apart. Decorate by pushing blanched almonds and glace cherry halves into the dough. A traditional pattern would be 4 almonds near the corners of the rectangle, and a cherry half in the middle. Bake for 12 minutes.

5 Remove from the oven and immediately use a pastry brush to glaze the biscuits with a thin coat of egg white. Set aside to dry and cool.

6 If stored in an airtight container, these Lebkuchen will keep for at least 8 weeks and are great as gifts.

GINGERBREAD SPICE

There are many recipes for gingerbread spice, but I particularly like the combination of flavours below, especially the light heat that comes from the pepper and allspice.

MAKES 1 jar

5 tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground aniseed

 tsp ground nutmeg

 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp ground coriander

 tsp ground allspice

 tsp ground black pepper

1 Place all the spices in a small screw-top jar. Seal tightly and shake well to combine. Use as needed.

NOW BUY THE BOOK

Our recipes are from The German Christmas Cookbook by Jurgen Krauss, with photographs by Maja Smend (Kyle Books, 26). To order a copy for 22.10 until 14 December, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25.
A top economist once cited by Labour ministers as an inspiration for their tax raid on family farms has lambasted the Budget saying it will not 'move the needle' on growth.

Arun Advani, head of the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation, told The Mail on Sunday there had been 'barely a hint of progress' in boosting the economy on Wednesday. He said overhauling the tax system was the only effective way to revive the UK economy.

'For a Government that's supposedly obsessed with growth, we seem no closer to the realisation that our broken tax system is part of the UK's growth problem,' Advani said.

'Major structural reforms  not just rate-changes or more bolt-ons  are needed to fix it.'

Taxing: There has been 'barely a hint of progress' in boosting the economy in Rachel Reeves' Budget

Advani's criticism is likely to be among those reaching the ears of Treasury officials.

Last year, two ministers, including Treasury Minister James Murray, said research from Advani's think-tank was key to the decision to charge inheritance tax on farms worth 1 million or more, indicating his views hold considerable sway with the Government.

Advani is one of a group of eight senior economists from both sides of the political divide calling for big changes in how the UK collects tax.

Proposals include lower VAT rates and reform to property and corporation taxes.
When Nvidia posted blockbuster results 11 days ago the relief was palpable. The artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer  and world's most valuable company  had eased growing fears that the tech bubble was about to burst.

Demand for Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell computer chips was 'off the charts', said its leather-jacketed boss Jensen Huang.

'AI is going everywhere, doing everything, all at once,' he added.

The headline numbers certainly looked impressive. Turnover of $57 billion in the three months to the end of October was 62 per cent higher than a year ago.

Gross margins  a measure of how much of those sales are converted to profit  remained incredibly high at more than 73 per cent.

And net profit of $31 billion was two-thirds up on last year's mark.

Crash: Nvidia boss Jensen Huang saw his firm's value fall $700 billion in a month

But despite smashing analysts' expectations, the euphoria didn't last. Within hours Nvidia's shares were on the slide as the backlash against the AI boom resumed.

From a peak of more than $5 trillion in late October, Nvidia has lost $700 billion in value.

'The market did not appreciate our incredible quarter,' Huang later told staff. Expectations were now so sky-high that Nvidia was in a no-win situation, he added.

'If we delivered a bad quarter, it is evidence there's an AI bubble. If we delivered a great quarter, we are fuelling the AI bubble,' Huang complained. 'If we're off by just a hair, the whole world would have fallen apart.'

Instead, it is Nvidia's world that is increasingly under threat.

Now it faces growing competition for its high-end processors from the likes of China's DeepSeek and Alphabet-owned Google. The search engine giant has just released Gemini 3, its latest large language model, which is powered by bespoke chips rather than trained using Nvidia's ubiquitous semiconductors that power ChatGPT, OpenAI's rival chatbot.

Other tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon are also developing their own custom-made AI chips to reduce reliance on

Nvidia's expensive graphics processing units (GPUs) that have up to now cornered the market.

And the sheer amount of debt-funded capital pouring into AI has fuelled concerns that the revolutionary technology has become little more than a vast money pit where any hope of a return on such a huge investment vanishes.

OpenAI, for example, is at the centre of a complex web of 'circular' deals with Nvidia, Microsoft and software giant Oracle worth $1.4 trillion. Yet its turnover is a thousandth of that  $13 billion.

But for some it is Nvidia's own knockout numbers that look too good to be true.

Foremost among the sceptics is Michael Burry  the 'Big Short' investor who famously anticipated the US housing crash ahead of the 2008 financial crisis and whose hedge fund recently made a hefty bet on Nvidia's share price falling. In a post on social media website X, he claimed Nvidia was one of a number of AI companies that have 'suspicious revenue recognition'.

More specifically, it is the practice of booking revenue after its products have been supplied but before invoices have been paid by customers. This tends to boost short-term earnings for a firm but risks bad debts piling up later if bills are not settled in full.

The true scale of the ruse  which is allowed under US accounting standards as long as the income has been earned  is buried in Nvidia's latest results.

Its 'accounts receivable'  the amount of money owed for chips sold on credit but not yet paid for  soared by more than $10 billion to $33 billion in the third quarter.

In other words more than half of Nvidia's sales have yet to be paid.

'It does beg the question  if things are flying off the shelves, why aren't you getting paid for it?' asked Kimberly Forrest, founder of investment firm Bokeh Capital.

So who are these customers  and why don't they pay on time? Nvidia won't say who they are, but just six of them account for about 85 per cent of its total sales.

Two of them  referred to as Customer A and Customer B  speak for 23 and 16 per cent of revenues.

One view is that such customer concentration shows just how much Nvidia has captured the AI infrastructure market.

Its chips are essential for the physical data centres that store and retrieve vast quantities of text and video from the internet and other sources to train chatbots and other large language models.

And Nvidia's main customers are thought to be data centre operators such as Microsoft and Amazon who are among the most stable in the world and whose spending on AI shows no sign of slowing.

But the risk of relying on just a few customers for the bulk of income is clear, especially if those customers decide to do their own thing and develop their own chips  or simply spend less on AI.

For Burry, this is just another reason to avoid Nvidia.

'Almost all customers are funded by their dealers and propped up by a string of circular contracts rather than genuine demand from firms using the revolutionary technology,' he said on social media.

True demand for AI tools was 'ridiculously small', he said, also claiming the way Nvidia accounted for its flagship GPUs was incorrect, as they had a shorter shelf life than the firm suggested.

In an extraordinary rebuttal, Nvidia hit back at Burry, saying in effect it was not Enron  the US energy giant that collapsed after an accounting scandal in 2001.

'Nvidia does not resemble historical accounting frauds because Nvidia's underlying business is economically sound, our reporting is complete and transparent, and we care about our reputation for integrity,' it wrote to analysts.

'Unlike Enron, Nvidia does not use special purpose entities to hide debt and inflate revenue.'

As its share price tumbled this month Nvidia went further, claiming its technology is 'a generation ahead of the industry'.

'It's the only platform that runs every AI model and does it everywhere computing is done,' it said.

But Burry stands by his analysis.

The stand-off matters because if Nvidia is right we are still in the foothills of the AI revolution, and the tech boom has further to run.

But if Burry and the sceptics prevail, a stock market crash will surely follow on a scale that will make the dotcom crash look benign. That's because far more wealth is tied up in technology stocks today than back in 2000.

The so-called Magnificent Seven  Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook-owner Meta, Alphabet and Tesla  make up more than a third of the benchmark S&P 500's total value.

And the US stock market itself accounts for about 70 per cent of the global MSCI index.

Some economists say without the AI spending boom, the US  the world's biggest economy  may be in recession already. So if the bubble does burst, it won't just be stock markets that catch a cold.
A surge in electricity prices, worsened by Britain's Net Zero drive, has thrown the future of UK industry into doubt and left the wider economy vulnerable, a new banking report has warned.

Successive governments have run down North Sea oil and gas capabilities that could have eased the transition to green energy, it said. That has left consumers and businesses footing the bill.

And it means UK industry faces electricity prices that are 50 per cent more expensive than in Germany and France and four times as expensive as in the US.

'The UK is facing an energy dilemma,' according to the report, published by Santander as part of its recent global annual outlook.

'Its industries pay far more for electricity than their international competitors, a disadvantage that erodes competitiveness and threatens to accelerate deindustrialisation.' The analysis suggests there have been flaws in the strategy to cut energy costs by shifting from oil and gas to solar and wind power. It notes the UK 'could use its natural gas resources to back up renewables', just as Germany is firing up old coal power stations when it faces energy shortages.

'But successive governments have backed away from offshore oil and gas leasing and recently closed the last coal plant in its pursuit of decarbonising all sectors of the economy to reach the target of Net Zero by 2050.'

Green dream: Successive governments have run down North Sea oil and gas capabilities that could have eased the transition to green energy

Solar and wind power are 'far less reliable than other sources of energy', the report says, noting the need for backup when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow. And the increasing use of renewables is not bringing prices down. 'Renewables accounted for just over half of all electricity production in the UK last year; but while the technology has become cheaper, bills have not fallen,' Santander said. That is partly because of the high costs of 'land, labour and capital' needed to develop the technology.

High energy costs pose a big problem for energy-intensive firms in sectors such as paper, petrochemicals, metals and glass.

Official figures this year showed their combined output fell by a third between 2021 and 2024.

The Government has set out a series of measures to cut energy costs for firms and households. But the bank says these 'are only shifting higher electricity costs on to other energy consumers or to taxpayers and are not a permanent cure to the problem'.

'The UK is becoming ever-more reliant on the service sector to drive economic growth, leaving it with an ever-worsening trade imbalance and more vulnerable to global shocks,' the report says.

'High industrial electricity costs threaten the future of the industrial sector in the UK and a failure to act could lead to job losses, decreased competitiveness and slower economic growth.'
Clare Mackintosh, 49, is a crime writer best known for her million-selling debut novel, I Let You Go, a Richard And Judy Book Club pick that was also Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016, writes York Membery.

The police officer-turned-novelist has now sold more than three million books, which have been translated into at least 40 languages.

She lives with her husband and three children (including twins) aged 17 to 18 in North Wales.

The write stuff: Clare Mackintosh's debut novel, I Let You Go, was the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016

What did your parents teach you about money?

I was one of three girls and had a comfortable upbringing in Buckinghamshire, though we weren't wealthy.

My dad Andrew was a doctor, and my mum Colleen, now 83, looked after us.

She later retrained and became an adult education teacher.

They made us appreciate how lucky we were as a family to afford the nice things in life, however at the same time stressed that it was hard work that had bought such a lifestyle.

Sadly, Dad died at 68  he had big retirement plans.

It made me recalibrate my life and  while I'm not a spendthrift  ever since then if I have wanted to do, or buy, something I've thought 'Yes, do it!' while I have the chance.

It was around then that I also left the police to pursue my dream of becoming a novelist.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

I've never been in debt or had to use a foodbank, but when the children were small and my husband and I were both in the police, we had to watch the pennies and didn't have money for holidays or extras.

When I left the force I was initially scratching around for freelance work  and even after I Let You Go went stratospheric, money was tight because the royalties arrive so slowly.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

I get paid silly money now, though I'm not going to complain about it, compared to how hard I worked in my 12 years in the police.

I still work hard  however these days I can work in my pyjamas at my laptop.

I was also once flown Emirates business class to appear at a Dubai literary festival, which was nice.

On the beat: The police officer-turned-novelist has now sold more than three million books, which have been translated into at least 40 languages

What was the best year of your financial life?

Probably the three or four years immediately after I Let You Go came out.

Ironically, I was only paid a 15,000 advance for my first two books  I Let You Go and I See You. But the first sold a million, and the follow-up around 500,000, so when the royalties eventually rolled in I found myself sitting quite pretty. It made it possible to move from a boxy four-bed to our gorgeous Georgian manor house in Snowdonia.

I'd also sold the television rights to both books  an 'option' fee can pay for a family car  and signed a more lucrative deal for my subsequent books.

The most expensive thing you bought for fun?

I buy a painting or a piece of art every time one of my books comes out.

They're not always hugely expensive, but I did splurge 3,500 on a beautiful Neil Nelson seascape oil painting after I Let You Go was published.

It was a symbolic purchase but the painting still fills me with joy every time I see it, so it was money well spent.

What was your biggest money mistake?

We over-capitalised on the family home. We recently had it valued and the estate agent said there was 'a ceiling' to every house, based on its location, and that we were never going to get back the six-figure sum we'd spent renovating the property.

Having said that, I am very happy with the additions we have made  even if they could have been done cheaper.

Best money decision you have made?

Enrolling our three children in independent schools for their sixth-form to do their A-level studies  which is costing us 100,000 a year.

I went to a state school and had a great education, so I wrestled with my conscience.

However it's made a huge difference to my children, particularly to the one with additional needs who was struggling at the previous school.

I would pay twice as much to see what it has given them in terms of confidence, academic input and just broadening their horizons. It has been worth every penny.

Having said that, I back the Government's decision to put VAT on school fees.

Will you pass your money down or spend it all?

I'll pass it down to my children  but at the same time I've emphasised the importance of them making their own money.

All three have part-time jobs: one in a chip shop, another as a lifeguard, the third as a voiceover artist.

Do you have a pension?

Yes, I pay as much into a private pension as I can afford. First, because you never know what's around the corner health-wise.

Second, even though I don't think I'll ever stop writing entirely, I'd like to be able to slow down in a few years.

What property do you own?

The family home is half of a Georgian manor house, set in an acre of land in North Wales, which cost 325,000 in 2017 but is now worth 600,000.

I've also got a tiny flat the size of a cupboard in Cardiff, which cost 100,000 just after lockdown, where I go to write.

It was a terrible investment  the flat's service charges are horrible  but I love it there.

If you were Chancellor what would you do?

After getting my log-in code and finding out where the loos were, I'd increase arts funding which provides a huge economic boost to this country. I'd also put more money into the NHS.

What is your number one financial priority?

My dream is to be mortgage-free at 60, and know that my children are financially secure.

I'd also like to be able to support the two charities closest to my heart, the Silver Star Maternity Fund and Meningitis Now.
A former private schoolboy has been accused of creating his own child abuse material and sharing it on Telegram, along with a stash of bestiality, animal torture and suicide content.

Ethan Ungerboeck, 20, was arrested at his parents' $6million mansion in Maroubra in Sydney's south in December following an Australian Federal Police investigation into online groups which trade images of children engaging in sexual acts and self-harm.

The Scots College alumnus, whose parents paid up to $46,000-a-year for his private education, was initially charged with one count of possessing child abuse material, but the Daily Mail can reveal has since been hit with 16 additional charges.

The fresh charges largely relate to the production, distribution and possession of child abuse material.

On Tuesday, Ungerboeck smiled as he entered Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court with his lawyer following his charge certification hearing.

He was required to stand while Magistrate Susan Horan told him that he would be required to enter a plea at the next mention, to which he calmly responded: 'Thank you, your honour'.

Magistrate Horan approved the police prosecutor's request to apply his bail conditions to all 17 charges.

Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail showed Ungerboeck allegedly started storing bestiality and animal torture content on his personal devices from his 18th birthday in May 2023, and allegedly accessed it with a phone.

Ethan Ungerboeck, 20, could be seen smiling outside court on Tuesday (pictured)

Ethan Ungerboeck (left, with his lawyer) has been hit with 17 charges which largely relating to the production and possession of child abuse material

Ungerboeck was accused of possessing and controlling child abuse material from about June 2024, and allegedly started producing his own material from about September that year.

A month later, in October 2024, he allegedly sent a video to a user on encrypted messaging app Telegram which showed a person taking their own life by discharging a firearm into their own head.

Court documents also alleged that he shared child abuse material with other Telegram with users called 'og asa', 'ArchivistofArchives', 'oy bootes' and a number of now-deleted accounts.

By September 2024, he was allegedly using the messaging service to share content described in court documents as 'animal crush' material.

The child abuse material, bestiality, and animal crush content was allegedly stored on his Deepcool computer tower and a HP laptop, and accessed by phone.

Conditional bail will continue, banning him from leaving his parents' mansion without one of them as an escort.

Ethan Ungerboeck was bailed to his parents' $6million Maroubra mansion (pictured)

Ethan Ungerboeck went to Scots College (pictured), a wealthy private boys' school in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Pictured, a recent architectural addition to the grounds, a $60million Scottish baronial style castle

He is required to present at the front door when police arrive for a curfew check, or a drug and alcohol swab, up to once a day, seven days a week.

He is also not allowed to drink alcohol, taking drugs, or use gaming platforms. Police can enter his family home and check his devices to ensure he complies with this condition.

He is also banned from being in the company of anyone under 18 without adult supervision.

His full list of charges include one count of possess/control child abuse material using a carriage service, three counts of possess child abuse material using carriage service, three counts of produce child abuse material with intent to transmit using a carriage service.

He was also charged with four counts of use carriage service for child abuse material, one count of use carriage service to cause offence, two counts of possess bestiality material, three counts of possess animal crush material.

Ethan Ungerboeck is pictured, right, leaving Sydney's Downing Centre on Tuesday

Ungerboeck was arrested following an AFP investigation into members of an online decentralised crime network who target children through eating disorder forums and gaming platforms like Roblox.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett described the groups as 'crimefluencers' in a speech at the National Press Club last month.

She said alleged victims are often forced to share sexual images of themselves, self-harm, commit violent acts against their siblings, as well as kill their pets, by members of these online gangs.

'To be accepted into these networks, the perpetrators often have to pass a test or undertake a task, such as providing videos of the self-harm of others, or other gory content,' she said.

'Members of these groups revel in creating chaos and anarchy and are also involved in various other crimes, including hacking, cyberattacks and terrorism.'

Ungerboeck's matter will return to court on February 3.
Donald Trump swept back into office in January promising the 'largest mass deportation campaign in American history.'

His pledge to reverse what he called the border 'catastrophe' of the Biden years is what electrified his base, terrified his critics and helped propel him back into the White House.

But almost a year later, the bold campaign has hit a wall.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, JJ Carrell - a 24-year US Border Patrol veteran-turned-author and YouTuber - said the administration is falling badly behind its own immigration goals.

And, in language that will shake Washington, he blamed the failure not on liberal judges, left-wing activists or sanctuary cities, but on what he called 'internal sabotage' from within the agencies tasked with carrying out Trump's crackdown.

For Carrell - who wrote Treason, a book about 'the Biden Administration's strategic and malicious destruction of America's sovereignty' - the numbers speak for themselves. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported in October that it had deported 527,000 illegal migrants this year, with the figure expected to reach 600,000 by year's end.

Another 1.6 million, officials said, had 'voluntarily self-deported.' That is a dramatic acceleration compared to the Biden years - though, fiscal year 2024 had seen the largest numbers up until that point, with more than 271,000 immigrants deported. Still, Trump's 2025 numbers are nowhere near enough for hardliners.

The White House set a goal of one million immigration-related arrests in 2025, and a daily arrest target of 3,000. In reality, the average number of daily arrests barely tops 700.

Despite graphic scenes of immigration busts (pictured), the Trump administration is badly failing to meet its own arrest and deportation targets

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (pictured) posed at a terrorist lockup in El Salvador to promote the administration's deportation campaign

Carrell called the shortfall staggering - and dangerous.

'If we do this at this pace, it will take us over 125 years to deport everybody,' he told the Daily Mail. 'This is unacceptable. It's ineffective, and it's not working. Period.'

The veteran agent argued that the real problem is buried deep inside the bureaucracy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.

Trump has reportedly slashed illegal border crossings to 50-year lows.

JJ Carrell (pictured) said immigration chiefs don't want to do their job

But stopping people at the border is one battle, removing the millions already living in the US without papers is another.

Carrell said Trump is still relying on mid- and upper-level officials who, in his view, carried out what he called unconstitutional policies under Biden. Those same officials now oversee the mass-deportation machinery.

'The same border sector chiefs and those running ICE are the same people who followed unconstitutional orders and opened the border,' he told the Daily Mail.

In his view, those officials cannot - or will not - execute Trump's agenda with the urgency required.

He spotlighted Greg Bovino - the hard-nosed Trump-aligned Border Patrol chief who has led high-profile raids from Los Angeles to Charlotte, North Carolina - as an exception.

'There are 20 Border Patrol sectors across the nation but there is only one chief that is actually doing interior enforcement,' Carrell said.

For Carrell, who joined the agency when Bill Clinton was president and quit under Biden, the logic is simple: Trump promised a national-security operation, but the government is treating it like routine policing.

'You either believe this is a national security issue, and you act as if it's a national security issue, or we're just whistling Dixie,' he said.

Trump's immigration agenda is popular, but a majority also says the president has gone too far (Pictured: people protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Trump was elected on a promise of deporting violent criminals and gang members who have entered the US illegally (Pictured: asylum seekers at the California-Mexico border in May 2023)

When 24-year US Border Patrol veteran JJ Carrell (pictured) joined the force, Bill Clinton was president

Meanwhile, the scale of the immigration challenge remains enormous. As of January, roughly 53 million people are known to be immigrants living in the US, and millions of them lack legal status.

Under Biden, Carrell argued, illegal entrants surged into the country, which he said demand a response far bigger and far more disciplined than what the Trump administration has delivered so far.

Carrell also pointed to what critics call unforced errors by the White House. These include a proposed amnesty for undocumented farm and hospitality workers, which was floated under pressure from business groups.

The measure, which could have shielded roughly one to four million workers from deportation, was later walked back, but the political damage lingered.

He also argued that ICE is structurally unprepared for the street-level enforcement the administration is now reliant on.

Many ICE officers, he said, specialize in white-collar investigations, document fraud and long-term casework - not day-to-day operations rounding up people with outstanding deportation orders.

Others typically staff detention centers or focus on removal logistics. That, Carrell said, leaves them ill-equipped for the aggressive 'street arrest' mission the administration thrust upon them.

Cross-agency friction has added to the strain, he said. Carrell told the Daily Mail that hundreds of former agents who quit during the Biden years - people he called 'patriotic men' - are ready to return. But, he claimed, bureaucratic bottlenecks are sidelining them.

'There are hundreds, if not thousands, of men like me that have been waiting for months ready to go back, and they won't put us in a position to do it,' he said.

Carrell highlights MAGA star Gregory Bovino (pictured) as a rare Customs and Border Protection chief who is actually focused on immigration enforcement

Pictured: President Donald Trump visits a temporary migrant detention center informally known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida in July, before it was hit with legal challenges

'They leave us on the sideline because of some administrative snafu.'

In July, Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which pours more than $170billion into border enforcement.

The law funds 10,000 new ICE officers, between 6,000 and 8,500 new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and the construction of larger detention centers across the country. But even with the cash, Carrell argued, DHS will struggle to scale fast enough.

He blamed slow hiring pipelines, months-long background checks and a government still reeling from resource shortages under Biden.

The result: a huge pot of money, but limited immediate impact on the ground.

Beyond internal failures, the administration has faced obstacles everywhere, including overcrowded lockups and legal pushback from federal judges and local officials.

Despite Trump's previously announced focus on rounding up violent criminals and gang members, federal agents in major cities have staged high-profile sweeps targeting people working as street vendors, delivery drivers, construction laborers and others believed to be in the country illegally.

Cameras captured agents surrounding food carts and chasing suspects across parking lots. Clashes have broken out with activists, bystanders and even family members trying to intervene.

The scenes are dramatic and polarizing. Loved members of the community, undocumented parents of American-born children, and even US citizens who were detained have all appeared in news reports.

Civil-rights groups accuse the administration of cruelty, while supporters say the law is finally being enforced. Carrell said the solution is clear, though certain to inflame critics.

He argued that Border Patrol, not ICE, should command all interior operations. Raids should be large-scale, military-backed and supported by military lawyers conducting rapid-fire immigration hearings, Carrell told the Daily Mail.

Deportation flights, he said, should run on a fleet of C-130 aircraft, moving people out of the country in bulk.

Immigration hawks have questioned whether Trump administration officials are more interested in promotional selfies than mass deportations

Pictured: Venezuelan migrants disembark after being deported from the United States, in Caracas, Venezuela

To his supporters, it is a blueprint for finally meeting Trump's million-arrest target. To his opponents, it's an alarming march toward militarized immigration policing.

Polling shows Americans remain deeply torn. According to an October survey by The New York Times and Siena University, 54 percent of registered voters support deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally, and people across the aisle (90 percent of Republicans, 52 percent of independents and nearly 20 percent of Democrats) agree on this issue.

The survey also showed that 53 percent of registered voters believe the deportation process has not been fair, 52 percent disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration and 51 percent think his actions have gone too far.

It is a familiar pattern in the Trump era: voters back the goals, but balk at the execution.

For Carrell, however, the debate is secondary. He told the Daily Mail that what matters most is urgency - which in his view, the country is lacking. He claimed that without a dramatic overhaul, the deportation campaign will collapse under its own ambition.

A handful of dedicated officers are doing their jobs, and the rest amounts to theater, he said, based on reports from friends who still wear a badge.

Carrell told the Daily Mail that America cannot afford more delay - and unless Trump tears down the internal obstacles and rebuilds the enforcement system from the ground up, the promise that fueled his return to power may remain out of reach.
Deep-blue California contains some of America's most progressive cities and towns, but there are always exceptions.

And one conservative pocket inside ultra-affluent Orange County has gone so far as to honor assassinated right-wing activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Westminster, home to one of the largest Vietnamese migrant communities in the United States, voted last week to partially rename 'All American Way' to 'Charlie Kirk Way' in remembrance of the conservative influencer.

The city council approved the measure in a 4 to 1 vote, with the lone Democrat opposed.

City officials emphasized that the new sign is strictly ceremonial and will not affect the addresses of residents who live along the street.

Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen praised the decision and claimed Kirk 'reflects the values that make Westminster truly special: pride in our country, belief in our freedom, and the spirit of civic engagement.'

Nguyen added that All American Way has long symbolized patriotism and unity, arguing that Kirk 'encouraged a new generation to care about their country.'

'Charlie Kirk's message has inspired countless Americans to think critically, serve their communities, and appreciate the freedom we enjoy,' the mayor said.

Westminster has a significant Vietnamese-American population and is located in the affluent California county

The sign wouldn't change any addresses and would be placed in a small font under 'All American Way'

Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo, the council's only Democrat, blasted the move and argued that Kirk had no ties to Westminster. He accused his colleagues of exploiting the memorial for political points.

'That's what you're doing, exploiting a tragedy for political gain,' Manzo protested during the meeting.

'You're going to go out there and campaign with it and say, 'Look, I got this done in my city.''

Manzo further accused the Republican majority of trying to 'outdo each other' and said they had 'no respect' for their offices.

He called it hypocritical to use unity as a justification for honoring Kirk, given the conservative figure's polarizing reputation.

But several members argued the tribute did not go far enough, including Councilwoman Amy Phan West, a vocal Kirk supporter.

She criticized the decision to display 'Charlie Kirk Way' in small font beneath the existing street name rather than fully renaming the road.

'Mr Mayor, I feel like you're just getting by with putting his name teeny-weeny (tiny) small little sign, you can't really see,' she said.

West praised Kirk during her remarks at the city council meeting and pushed for the approval of a sign in his honor. Councilwoman Amy Phan West is pictured with Kirk

Phan West voiced strong support for the sign and introduced a vote to designate October 14 as 'Charlie Kirk Day'

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'You either go big or go home, dude,' West added.

West also introduced a resolution to designate October 14 as 'Charlie Kirk Day,' which passed in a 3 to 2 vote.

The staunch conservative and Trump loyalist posted a photo with Kirk on his birthday, writing: 'Happy birthday, Charlie Kirk. Thank you for dedicating your life to fighting for truth, freedom, and the next generation.

'I'll keep the light burning in your honor, your courage continues to inspire us all.'

West was elected to the council in 2022 and announced her run for California's 45th Congressional District in September.

'In 2024, CA-45 saw a razor-thin race, with Democrat Derek Tran winning by just 600 votes, largely by connecting with our district's Vietnamese community,' she wrote in a statement.

'Many of these voters supported President Trump but split their votes for Congress. As a proud Vietnamese-American and conservative, I'm uniquely positioned to bring these voters back to the Republican Party, uniting our shared values of family, freedom, and opportunity.'

Representative Tran, a Democrat and Army veteran, ultimately beat Republican Michelle Steel by 680 votes, driven largely by ballots cast in Los Angeles County.

Westminster in Orange County, California, voted to approve a street sign honoring Charlie Kirk

Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo was the lone Democrat in opposition to the street naming

Orange County, however, swung in Steel's favor, with the Republican beating Tran there by 3,000 votes.

Kamala Harris carried Orange County in 2024, yet Trump recorded his narrowest loss there to date, falling short by just three percentage points.

In 2020, Trump lost the county by nine points to President Joe Biden, and in 2016, by 8.6 points to Hillary Clinton.

'It's becoming clear that the politics of Orange County has begun to reflect the politics of the entire country,' Dan Schnur, a former campaign consultant and University of California professor, told the Orange County Register.

'The trends we're seeing here are very similar to what's taken place throughout the US over the last three presidential elections.'

Westminster's large Vietnamese diaspora has helped shape its political identity, making it one of the most fiercely contested cities in the region.

Before Steel's loss in 2024, she defeated an incumbent Democrat by about two percentage points, powered in part by voters in Westminster.

The city is more than 50 percent Asian, according to Data USA, with roughly 20 percent identifying as white and 12 percent identifying as Hispanic or other groups.

Westminster has become a key battleground city in Orange County and is important for candidates running for California's 45th Congressional District (Pictured: Protesters in Westminster demonstrating against Gavin Newsom's Proposition 50)

Derek Tran narrowly secured a victory in his race for California's 45th Congressional District and will face off against West in 2026

Many Vietnamese residents are refugees, or the children of refugees, who fled communist Vietnam and remain staunchly opposed to left-wing economic policies.

Madalene Mielke, president of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, told Business Insider that first-generation Vietnamese Americans tend to be wary of progressive policies, deeply religious, and committed to the American Dream.

'You're talking about people who are now voting in America who come from a place where they didn't have democracy,' she said.

'There's distrust in government from the country they originally were coming from.'

West echoed that history, telling followers in a Facebook video: 'I'm a Communist survivor. My family fled for freedom, hid in the bottom of my father's fishing boat, lived in a refugee camp, fought for spoiled food and water was hard to find.'

West will face Tran again in 2026.

Tran's parents were also refugees and veterans of the Vietnamese civil war.
Ukrainian Red Cross working on sites affected by Russian attack in Kyiv, its region

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is working on the ground in the aftermath of yet another massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and Kyiv region.

"In Kyiv, the rapid response team of the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross provided assistance at four locations. Volunteers provided first aid to seven wounded, and another seven people received psychological assistance," URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday.

URCS volunteers, together with representatives of the State Emergency Service and Kyiv Emergency Rescue Service, evacuated one victim from a damaged residential complex using a fire escape ladder. Volunteers also assisted a resident of a damaged apartment building in Darnytskyi district of Kyiv to evacuate.

In Vyshgorod, the Ukrainian Red Cross rapid response team in Kyiv region provided assistance to residents of a residential building damaged by shelling. Together with State Emergency Service rescuers, volunteers helped 47 people evacuate.

A headquarters is in place to gather information about the residents' needs. An URCS assistance point has been set up, providing residents with film and tarpaulin for temporary home repairs.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, as of 12:00, two people were killed and 37 injured as a result of the enemy air attack on the capital (15 are currently in hospital).

According to Kyiv regional police, a woman was hospitalized and two multi-story buildings were damaged as a result of the Russian attack in Vyshgorod.

In total, 13 multi-story buildings and nine private homes, 20 garages, and 24 vehicles were damaged in Kyiv region. One woman was killed and eight people were injured.
Four different doctors told Camryn Herriage's family to take her off the ventilator as she lay motionless in her hospital bed.

They warned she would be a vegetable for the rest of her life, even if she did survive the injuries from the horrific crash that killed her best friend and tore her world apart.

Camryn and Sara House, 22, were leaving a Dallas club and sitting at a red light on February 11, 2024, when a white pick up truck slammed into their car - killing Sara.

Both were recent graduates of Texas Tech University and had moved to the big city where Sara worked as an executive sales associate assistant at Ralph Lauren and competed in body building competitions.

Camryn, 24, who had a social media following of 32,000 on TikTok after studying social media management and branding, spent nearly four months in ICU.

'She was basically decapitated internally,' Camryn's mother Shirley Campanello told the Daily Mail on Monday at the rehabilitation facility In Irving, Texas, where her daughter now spends her days.

Campanello said her daughter's spinal cord was severed from her head after the wreck. Doctors believed they would have to reattach it in surgery, but after months of healing, it reattached on its own.

'We just didn't believe them and we just believed in God, that if enough people prayed and enough people believed that miracles can happen, and miracles did happen,' she continued.

Camryn Herriage, 24, before the Feb. 11, 2024 crash in Dallas, Texas that changed her life. Right: Camryn after making a remarkable recovery that was not expected by doctors

Left: Camryn Herriage, 24, before the Feb. 11, 2024 crash in Dallas, Texas that changed her life. Right: Camryn after making a remarkable recovery that was not expected by doctors

The pair of college roommates (pictured) were extremely close and would often make TikToks together, which Herriage shared on her profile boasting 32,000 followers

Last year, the wheelchair-bound survivor powerfully addressed Carmen Guerrero, the drunk driver who destroyed her life, in court.

'She's a monster - a god damn monster. I said she was selfish,' Camryn said of the days she saw Guerrero, who pleaded guilty to being behind the wheel of the truck that barreled in the girls that night.

'No remorse. She had none.'

In her first ever interview, Camryn revealed to the Daily Mail she believes she had a near-death experience while in a coma where she saw God.

'He's big and beautiful. His skin is like sand. It glows. He told me it wasn't my time,' she recalled.

After spending four months in a coma and nearly one year lying in a bed, Camryn is now defying odds.

She's regaining feeling in her legs after being told she would never walk again. She credits her faith for the progress.

'My faith in God. God is helping me. I'm a born-again Christian. He saved me,' the young woman said.

'I think that science only goes so far, and then it's God.' But the strength of her faith is a post-crash change.

In her first ever interview, Camryn Herriage, 24, sits next to her mother, Shirley Campanello, in the Irving, Texas rehabilitation facility where she receives treatment

The two young women were leaving a Dallas club and sitting at a red light on February 11, 2024, when a white pick up truck slammed into their car - killing Sara

'She's got a lot of faith in God that she didn't have before,' her mom shared. 'I mean she believed in God, but not like now.'

Despite her medicine-defying progress, Camryn still has tough days, still unable to stand or walk, mourning her best friend and thinking of the life she might have had.

When asked what's hard about her life now, she said: 'Being a shell of what I used to be.'

She's also aware of how different she looks. 'I just miss my hair because it was super long.'

Her blonde locks had previously been long and straight and now her hair is short and curly.

However, she stays positive, encouraged by her incredible progress, leaving medical professionals speechless at how far she's come.

Her tracheostomy tube was removed in September 2024 and she's only been able to hold her head up on her own for less than a year.

The woman who allegedly took off was later identified by police as 27-year-old Carmen Guerrero

'She will always be on seizure medicine because she had probably four or five seizures, three strokes, 11 brain surgeries,' Campanello added.

'Her brain is all there, which is totally a miracle because they just kept taking out little pieces.' Camryn remembers everything except for the month after the crash.

She learned her beautiful friend had died when she woke up in the hospital after the totally avoidable tragedy.

Pick up driver Guererro, 27, was described as 'extremely intoxicated' by witnesses on the night of the crash.

Sara House, (pictured) tragically died in the hit-and-run, and tributes have poured in for the Texas Tech University graduate

Walking again isn't Herriage's only goal. She also dreams of finding love and becoming a mom one day

They told police she fled the scene on foot and was arrested 11 days later.

Guerrerro was sentenced to 18 years for all the victims after she agreed to plead guilty for all the passengers she hit, instead of trying each victim's case individually.

'I don't have that much anger,' Campanello said. 'I don't have time to think about her. All I focus on is Camryn.

'She's in jail. I don't think of her. I'm not going to carry that burden forever when I have her to deal with.'

'I'll do it,' interrupted Camryn. But the 24-year-old also doesn't have time for self-pity.

Proving doctors wrong takes a lot of work. And walking again isn't her only goal. She also dreams of finding love and becoming a mom one day. But for now, she remembers Sara.

'I want to work out again. Sara was a body builder. I want to do it for her.' At one point, Camryn flexes her bicep, showing how strong she is.

Her mother shares how Sara's family visits her often: 'They say Sara is going to live through Camryn, so she has two lives to live.'
An outbreak of feral hogs in Texas has sparked concern as they could be carrying anthrax infections, which can be dangerously fatal in humans.

Feral hogs are an invasive species that have largely made their home across Texas, but some could be carrying a deadly infection that could be spread to humans.

These hogs cost more than $1billion in damage per year across the US and have been documented in 250 of Texas' 254 counties, according to Chron.

However, there's one specific spot in the Lone Star State, where these curious hogs are a bit more dangerous than the rest.

Those living and rooting around inside the Texas Anthrax Triangle could be digging up dormant anthrax and spreading it to other animals and even humans.

The towns, located in Southwest Texas, include Uvalde, Ozona, and Eagle Pass, according to Texas A&M University. The area has around half of the country's feral hog population, or roughly three million.

Although livestock producers routinely vaccinate livestock in the area to prevent disease, microscopic anthrax spores can lie dormant in the soil for decades.

All it takes is one feral hog digging into the soil and disturbing it to cause the animal to become infected, leading it to be spread to other animals and humans.

The Texas Anthrax Triangle has roughly half the nation's feral hog population and the highest change of a hog getting infected with anthrax, which can be deadly to humans (pictured: stock image)

Humans can contract anthrax through skin contact or by inhaling it. It can also appear intestinal, which is very rare.

Infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but contracting it through inhalation, can be very dangerous if not treated appropriately.

An infected patient can appear to have flu-like symptoms a few days after exposure that quickly goes away, only to reappear a few days later. It can cause several lung problems, difficulty breathing and shock.

Without treatment, it has a 90 percent fatality rate, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Anthrax spores are resistant to heat, sunlight and many disinfectants.

Although feral hogs have a low chance of dying from the infection, ones that do get infected need to be properly disposed of to avoid reinfection, either by burning them to ash or deeply burying them to avoid other hogs digging up the carcass, according to Texas A&M University.

'Feral swine are known to opportunistically feed on carcasses of livestock and wildlife, and regularly disturb soil through wallowing and rooting,' the university said.

'These behaviors have the potential to further spread anthrax spores.'

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Several outbreaks have reported inside the Anthrax Triangle between 2000 and 2021. Although treatable in humans with antibodies, an untreated infection contracted through inhalation has a 90 percent fatality rate among humans

Between 2000 and 2021, the Anthrax Triangle has had reported outbreaks, as well as a few other counties in the Southern State.

Areas outside of the region hardly ever have outbreaks, research showed.

These outbreaks are especially dangerous for cattle and deer, which are very susceptible to the infection and have higher chance of death, according to Colorado State University.

Texas has been trying to control the hog population for years. As the animal is classified as an invasive species, Texans don't need a hunting license to kill them. The only exception is if they are on federal property, Chron said.

Local farmers are tasked with keeping them away from their livestock and homeowners off their property.

One local company, HeliBacon, even offers a nearly $6,500 package that allows participants to shoot hogs from inside a helicopter with no gun experience required.

'We can't sport hunt from the helicopter,' HeliBacon's Taylor Cary told NBC DFW.

The feral hogs come in contact with it by digging into the soil, where anthrax can lay dormant for decades

'We've got to give wild chase. We have to go out and find them. It's not like deer, where they hang around in a few square miles their entire life. The pigs are always moving.'

The company partners with farmers and ranchers in the area, and they fly over a roughly 400,000-acre zone where the feral hogs have destroyed property.

'It's helping them out a lot,' Cary said.
Marjorie Taylor Greene's sudden decision to resign from Congress provoked bipartisan shock in Washington last week, as they scrambled to understand why she would leave at the height of her career.

But people familiar with her feud between Republicans and Donald Trump told the Daily Mail she had finally pushed the president beyond the breaking point.

For months, Greene chose to side with Rep. Thomas Massie over the struggle to release Epstein files. Even though her decision angered Trump, Republicans close to Trump told the Daily Mail their friendship could have survived.

The final straw for President Trump was Greene's repeated suggestion he was 'abandoning' or 'betraying' the MAGA movement.

'The president created the MAGA movement,' a source close to Trump told the Daily Mail. 'You can't get into a fight over the movement with Trump without expecting some blowback.'

No one should have been surprised that the president was willing to 'punch back ten times as hard' against Greene's criticism.

'She was poking the bear for quite a while,' a MAGA political consultant told the Daily Mail.

Greene was among the first political figures inspired by Trump to run for office, but she grew increasingly despondent about their inability to change Washington, DC.

People familiar with her feud between Republicans and President Donald Trump told the told the Daily Mail she had finally pushed the president beyond the breaking point

Her newfound willingness to buck the Republican party predictably earned her invitations to appear on CNN, Bill Maher's HBO show, and even with the Trump-hating co-hosts of 'The View.'

One Republican source told the Daily Mail it was increasingly a hallmark of the MAGA era Congressional Republicans who stormed Washington, DC.

'I think they burn out really quick,' the source noted. 'They have so much ambition, so much hope, all of these ideas that go viral on X and then they get to congress and they can't get s**t done.'

Sources revealed that everyone in Washington was familiar with Green's latest political image reboot, by vocally criticizing the Republican party, House Speaker Mike Johnson and even Trump himself.

'She's gone through this before,' a source close to Greene told the Daily Mail, noting that in recent months Greene had replaced some of her more experienced aides with 'some of the dumbest men I've met in her life' who spent their time applauding her and encouraging her worst instincts.

For weeks, Greene has been basking in the widespread wave of support and media attention she received since she started criticizing Trump.

Her newfound willingness to buck the Republican party predictably earned her invitations to appear on CNN, Bill Maher's HBO show and even with the Trump-hating co-hosts of 'The View.'

'I'm really tired of the pissing contest in Washington between the men,' Greene told The View co-hosts.

'You're taking my job,' co-host Joy Behar cooed.

Shocked co-host Sonny Hostin admitted she didn't even recognize Greene, who she thought was the crazy Q-Anon member of Congress who had once tried the connect the dots on 'Jewish space lasers.'

Greene insisted she had been misled by social media and that people were fooled by clips of her that were taken out of context by the media.

Maher reacted similarly.

'I feel like I'm sitting next to a completely different Marjorie Taylor Greene, why the evolution?' he asked.

Greene pivoted to remind the audience she was born and raised in a working-class family, and was the owner of a construction company, blaming 'both sides' in Washington, DC, for their failure to address problems.

When Trump told reporters that Greene had 'lost her way' she replied: 'I haven't lost my way. I'm 100% America first and only!'

'I have no problem pointing fingers at everyone,' she said, earning applause from the hosts and the audience.

That was the behavior of a 2028 presidential candidate, Republican consultants noted, who were watching her movements closely.

'I think she's happy about it. She's getting a ton of attention which she cares about and at the same time she's definitely bored of Congress,' one source close to Trump told the Daily Mail.

When reminded by Republicans that politics was a 'team sport,' Greene responded she was 'not willing to wear the Republican jersey' anymore, comparing herself to a 'battered wife' that did not need to take any more abuse.

When Trump told reporters that Greene had 'lost her way' she replied: 'I haven't lost my way. I'm 100% America first and only!'

Many of her supporters have shortened to the acronym 'AFAO' which indicates a separation from Trump's MAGA movement.

In the wake of her resignation, Greene furiously denied she was interested in a 2028 presidential campaign.

But she also did not rule out the idea, Republicans noted.

MAGA figures who have spoken with Greene since her retirement announcement lamented that her separation from Trump was 'unfortunate' but that they are not aware of any future plans.

There is a growing group of MAGA supporters who feel the president has lost his way, with his attention focused on peace deals, meetings with foreign leaders, and willingness to align with his former critics.

Greene supporters watched in horror as Trump was overwhelmingly gracious to the newly elected avowed Democratic socialist for mayor Zohran Mamdani  and at the same time was pillorying Greene as a traitor.

In the future, Greene may find a presidential run impossible to resist, as it offers more political and media attention, and the opportunity to hold potential candidates like Vice President JD Vance accountable, should he choose to run in 2028.

When the drama over Trump dies down and Greene approaches her departure date from Washington, DC her supporters may rally toward her return to elected politics.

After a dramatic 24 hours since Greene insisted she was not running for president, she admitted she had received overwhelming support over the weekend and returned to her new political slogan.

'America First America Only!' she repeated Tuesday morning.
Glittering Dubai skyscrapers, lorry loads of cash and pigs snuffling through a heap of stinking rubbish on a Lancashire farm.

The connection is hardly obvious. Yet, once understood, it reveals the hidden reality behind Britain's fly-tipping crisis - and the criminal networks cashing in on it.

As investigators scramble to identify those responsible for the country's 'biggest ever' fly-tip in Oxfordshire, the Daily Mail has investigated the gangs profiting from this 1billion-a-year racket.

Our findings expose the links between waste crime and other forms of organised criminality, from industrial-scale fraud and money laundering to drug trafficking.

They also reveal the brutal tactics used by gangs to protect their lucrative operations, including threats of violence against anyone who dares to confront them.

The scale of these illicit enterprises can be vast, with one gang of Irish Travellers based in the southeast linked to at least 100 illegal tips.

And the criminals driving the trade are no longer 'one man with a van', but serious operators employing accountants, drivers, transport managers and corrupt insiders.

They include the likes of Marcus Hughes, the 55-year-old co-founder of a haulage firm based in Stoke-on-Trent.

Seemingly a respectable businessman, he would boast in a newspaper about a multi-million-pound contract with Amazon, and his role creating much-needed local jobs.

Haulage firm boss Marcus Hughes combined a waste collection racket with a multi-million-pound money laundering operation. He also has convictions for drug trafficking

Hughes employed two full-time drivers at his Stoke haulage firm - Genesis 2014 (UK) Ltd - to gather banknotes from criminal associates across England before driving them to London

Pigs rooting around in a pile of rubbish Hughes's gang dumped at a farm in Lancashire. They ditched 1,000 tonnes of waste at this farm alone

But alongside his legitimate haulage work, Hughes was involved in a far dirtier business  illegally dumping household and business waste he had collected for cash.

He and two associates disposed of more than 26,000 tonnes of rubbish in total  weighing the equivalent of 2,170 double-decker buses - at 17 illicit sites across the country.

The trio approached firms offering to get rid of waste at bargain rates, before gaining access to vacant land by breaking in. Alternatively, they would trick landowners into handing them leases to farms, industrial units and even an airfield.

Afterwards, they would leave behind bales of rubbish, leaving their victims with 3.2million in clean-up costs - while saving themselves more than 2.7million in landfill taxes and disposal fees.

When Hughes was jailed for 30 months in January, he was already serving a 14-year stretch for his role in a separate conspiracy.

This time, rather than carrying waste, he transported dirty cash - worth as much as 45million.

This operation saw Hughes employ two full-time drivers at his Stoke haulage firm - Genesis 2014 (UK) Ltd - to gather banknotes from criminal associates across England before driving them to London to be laundered.

Throughout the operation, Hughes used encrypted messaging platform EncroChat to communicate with Craig Johnson, a convicted fraudster and fellow Stokie living in Dubai.

At one point, Hughes travelled to the UAE to meet Johnson, whose role was exposed after the successful decryption of EncroChat by French law enforcement in June 2020.

A decade earlier, Hughes and Johnson had clubbed together to carry out a vast 250million VAT fraud - one of the largest in UK history.

Hughes was already in prison serving a 12-year stretch for drug smuggling when he was handed six years for the fraud in 2011 alongside 14 associates.

Johnson has long enjoyed a glitzy lifestyle featuring supercars, Rolexes, helicopters and yachts - although his UK assets, including 17th-century country house Meaford Hall in Staffordshire, have now been seized.

Hughes worked alongside Craig Johnson, a fellow Stoke boy now based in Dubai

Johnson has long enjoyed a glitzy lifestyle. Pictured is one of his helicopters, which was seized by the UK authorities

He used to own Meaford Hall, a grand 17th-century country house in Staffordshire

'The new narcotics'

The case of Marcus Hughes is emblematic of the way many career criminals have shifted into the waste sector because it is seen as 'low risk and high reward'.

Police have called fly-tipping 'the new narcotics' - a reflection of the vast amounts of money it can generate for criminals.

Yet while drug traffickers go to great effort and expense to source their product, simply picking up waste and dumping it in a farmer's field costs next to nothing.

And while cartels contend with the likes of the National Crime Agency, organised waste gangs face a far weaker foe in the form of the Environment Agency, which scarcely manages to clear illegal dumps, let alone prosecute those responsible.

Gangs are paid as much as 2,500 per lorry to illegally dispose of rubbish, often reinvesting the cash in other crimes.

The volume of waste handled this way each year would fill Wembley Stadium 35 times over.

This costs the UK economy an estimated 1billion annually - although this is almost certainly an underestimate given just 27 per cent of waste crimes are reported.

While many criminals dump waste on other people's land, others are happy to soil their own property.

They include John Allison, a 'prolific' offender who was jailed in 2023 for failing to pay 368,000 to the authorities over a tip he set up on his farm without a permit.

The career criminal, who is in his late seventies, had previously been jailed for three years in 2021 for allowing 800,000 worth of hazardous waste to be buried and burned.

Allison was handed another three years and five months after failing to pay a Proceeds of Crime Order secured by the Environment Agency.

He was automatically released in May after serving half of his sentence.

'Prolific' waste criminal John Allison was jailed in 2023 for failing to pay 368,000 to the authorities over a tip he set up on his farm without a permit

Piles of rubbish at Hubbs House Farm, where he previously kept two cannabis farms

A relative said from his farmhouse this week: 'All this was years ago, he has gone to prison and done his time. He won't be doing anything like it again because if he does, he will lose his family.

'We have to keep the gates locked because other people think it is all right to fly tip like he used to do, and it all comes back on him.'

Like many waste criminals, Allison has a long criminal history - including prosecutions for operating two cannabis farms at his home containing plants worth nearly 40,000.

Other rogue landowners include Christopher Garrett, who was jailed for 32 months last year for dumping 12,000 tonnes of waste, including asbestos, on land by his house near Kingsteignton in Devon.

Exeter Crown Court heard the 64-year-old was 'unable to resist' the money he could earn through illegal tipping - despite his home being on a floodplain.

He was ordered to pay back 200,000.

Meanwhile, Stephen Lack, 72, allowed his 38-year-old son Andrew to dump waste on farmland he owned in Monkton Sidings, Northamptonshire.

Lack, who had three previous convictions for similar offences on the same land, was handed a 34-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and given two years to clear the rubbish.

A common tactic among smaller-scale criminals is to advertise waste collection services on social media offering unrealistically cheap rates.

They include Lee Powell, of Waunheulog in Blaenau Gwent, who was fined more than 1,500 for picking up rubbish from people who had replied to his adverts before abandoning it on a country lane.

He had a string of previous convictions, including for theft, bodily harm and affray.

Lee Powell admitted picking up rubbish from a paying customer's home before dumping it on a country lane in South Wales

'Shut up or we're coming to get you'

Gangs often operate illegal dumps in full view of local people. But when residents confront them, they risk being met with violence.

One man - who asked to remain anonymous for his own protection - told of his experience after he complained about a gang dumping construction waste on land near his village.

'Over the years I'd watch them steadily increase their activity, with massive lorries coming from across the country to dump shredded waste in a field secured with gates and CCTV,' he said.

'I had spoken to the Environment Agency, but it was a waste of time - nothing happened, and I was just told to lobby my MP for extra funds.

'So, I started talking about what was happening online. Shortly afterwards, I got a message from an unknown number saying, "Shut up or we're coming to get you."'

A recent review of waste crime by the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee heard plentiful evidence about the threat posed by organised criminals.

Biffa, the UK's second largest waste management firm, said it had seen evidence of fly-tipping gangs also being involved in 'theft, drug and human trafficking and violence'.

Committee chair Baroness Sheehan was left 'shocked' by the 'enormous' scale of the illicit market - and warned taxpayers will be left picking up the tab for decades.

'The evidence we heard from a number of sources is that serious organised criminal groups were in this enterprise because they could make millions of pounds and have little fear of being caught,' she said.

'And if they were caught, the penalties would be, to them, meaningless. They would get either a penalty charge notice, or if they were prosecuted, they'd get off with very light sentences.

'This is, to all intents and purposes, crime without punishment. Low risk, very high reward. It's astonishing.'

An investigation is underway into 'Britain's biggest fly-tip' near Kidlington in Oxfordshire

Her sharpest criticism, however, was aimed squarely at the Environment Agency.

She pointed to the notorious Hoads Wood site in Kent, where convoys of up to 30 trucks a day dumped mountains of waste.

Despite the agency knowing about the site in 2020, access restrictions were only issued this February - a delay she branded 'incomprehensible'.

The Environment Agency's defenders have insisted the organisation needs more funding to effectively fight waste crime and stronger enforcement powers.

But Baroness Sheehan was left unimpressed by the evidence its bosses gave to her committee.

'There didn't seem to be frustration that they could see all this very lucrative, illegal business going on,' she said.

'They could see it was highly damaging to the environment and to local communities, and yet they didn't seem to be pushing for a change within the agency so that they could go out and tackle these people.

'They seemed to be satisfied with the situation as it was, which I found quite irksome.'

The consequences, the Liberal Democrat peer warned, will be ruinously expensive.

'Some of these sites will cost tens or even hundreds of millions of pounds to clean up,' she said. 'Hoads Wood, we know, is going to cost upwards of 15million.

'This is all going to be paid for by the taxpayer. And as far as I know, none of those sites have had any of their waste removed. Where is that waste going to go?

'It just beggars belief that we're in this situation. We need the Government to look at it from top to bottom.'

'I was told not to go near them'

Fly-tipping has surged by 150 per cent in the last ten years, with many blaming the rise - in part - on the increasing cost of legitimate waste management.

Alasdair Meldrum, director of waste management consultants Albion Environmental, said: 'The driver behind all of this is landfill tax.

'If you go to a legitimate landfill site, you're paying around 160 to 170 a tonne once you include the tax and the gate fee.

'The clients we work for are all genuinely trying to do the right thing and manage waste properly. But they're just being totally undercut.'

One fly-tip in Worcestershire stretches for more than 100 yards and reaches a height of almost 70ft, equivalent to the space occupied by eight sizeable homes

Mr Meldrum, who hosts the Rubbish Talks podcast, says waste crime is now so common that he finds it hard to tell legitimate operators from illegal ones.

He continued: 'We try as much as possible to avoid the dodgier end of the market. But sometimes it's difficult. They're very good at making them appear as clean as a whistle.

'I had one enquiry recently and they seem completely kosher - I did my research and on paper they looked absolutely fine - but one of my contacts told me not to touch them.'

Respondents to the 2025 National Waste Crime Survey estimated that 35 per cent of waste crime is now committed by organised crime groups.

At the end of March 2025, the Environment Agency recorded 451 illegal waste sites as being active, up from 344 a year earlier.

The department also uncovered another 749 new sites, of which 743 were shut down.

One fly-tip in Worcestershire stretches for more than 100 yards and reaches a height of almost 70ft, equivalent to the space occupied by eight sizeable homes.

The pile is kept behind a padlocked fence by what used to be known as The Crabbe Yard, a plant and haulage depot three miles from the town of Pershore.

Paul Bennett, a Worcestershire County Councillor, who lives locally, said: 'You can see this is a very sophisticated operation which will have involved heavy machinery.

'It is particularly worrying that this is right next to a brook which feeds into the River Avon.'

Locals say that the problem has been growing for years with nobody taking any action.

Mary Evans, 76, a former shopkeeper who lives up the road, said: 'My neighbour could see it from her side window and would report the lorries arriving to the council.

'But every time they got to the site, those responsible had gone. We thought someone was tipping them off.'

The owner of the Yard is John Bruce. Locals say he owns several other yards in the area and has been in and out of prison.

'He never stops making money though,' said one, who asked not to be named.

In 2002, Bruce was jailed for a year for dumping illegal waste, including asbestos, at several unlicensed sites.

He has also been prosecuted for allowing heavy oil to pour into a stream, running a scrap metal site without a licence and operating an unlicensed second-hand commercial vehicle dealership.

Former local MP Peter Luff raised concerns about the environmental impact of activities at The Crabbe Yard in Parliament as far back as 2003.

The pile is kept behind a padlocked fence by what used to be known as The Crabbe Yard, a plant and haulage depot three miles from the town of Pershore

'You could register a dead dog'

In a rare official escalation, police from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit have joined the Environment Agency to investigate the huge tip in Kidlington, which would cost the local council more than its entire annual budget to clean up.

Experts are convinced the size of the site - which stretches for a staggering 500ft and borders the River Cherwell - means it will inevitably be linked to organised crime.

Investigators have hailed the arrest of a 39-year-old man from Guildford in Surrey as evidence of progress.

But Sam Corp, head of regulation at the Environmental Services Association, said even when gangs are caught and prosecuted, they simply view the penalties as 'a business expense'.

'There is too low a risk of being caught and, even if the culprits are caught, the penalties are - in the vast majority of cases - an insufficient deterrent,' he said.

Baroness Sheehan is now urging sweeping reform of the waste-licensing system, which she describes as overly lax.

Without action, the peer fears Britain risks becoming like Italy, where mafia groups control waste disposal in their local areas.

She said: 'At the moment, all you have to do is to register to be a carrier, broker or a dealer. That's it.

'And you can register a dead dog, as it turns out, or you can register a goldfish, as some people were successful in doing. It's a system that's absolutely broken.

'Anyone who's a criminal can register. There seems to be no checks and balances on that. That needs to change very quickly.'

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 'Illegal waste dumping is appalling, and we work tirelessly to protect the environment and communities from it.

'Investigations can be multi-layered and complex as we look to bring rogue operators often from the criminal underworld to justice.

'Last year alone our dedicated teams successfully stopped activity at 743 illegal waste sites and we're doubling staff in our Joint Waste Crime Unit to help crack down on these miserable crimes.'

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: 'This Government is working in lockstep with the Environment Agency to clamp down on these appalling waste crimes which blight our communities and natural spaces.

'We're tightening the net on gangs exploiting our waste system by funding more Environment Agency enforcement officers, increasing their budget for waste crime enforcement by over 50 per cent and imposing tougher sentences for those who transport waste illegally.'

Ross Slater contributed reporting.
A pretty Welsh seaside village is at the centre of an anti-English storm over claims Plaid Cymru councillors want to ban English families from moving into its homes.

Councillors on the island of Anglesey have claimed people living in council houses in England have swapped homes via Facebook so they can move to picturesque Aberffraw.

They also said it has led to empty homes in the tourist village, known for its long sandy beach, and could have a devastating effect on the Welsh language.

The claims have shocked many local residents who have criticised the councillors for whipping up anti-English feeling and insist the claims are 'nonsense'.

However, others have admitted there is resentment towards the English in the area.

Dog walker Emlyn Jones, 58, said: 'There is anti-English feeling because there are too many second homes here.

'It doesn't feel like you're in Wales anymore as there are so many English here.

'A lot of Welsh people can't afford to buy houses where they're from as the English have come in with more money.

Councillors on the island of Anglesey have claimed people living in council houses in England have swapped homes via Facebook to live in council houses in stunning Aberffraw (pictured)

Anglesey (pictured) is at the centre of an anti-English storm over claims 'racist' councillors want to ban English families swapping their council houses to live by the seaside in Wales (file image)

Retired kitchen fitter James Todd, 77, (pictured) came to Wales from Manchester

'They have pushed up the prices. I agree with what the councillors have said but I don't think anything will change.

'We don't want more English people here.'

Other locals rubbished the councillors' claims that council houses have been swapped between England and Wales but admit there is anti-English feelings.

Mother-of-one Jean Owen, 64, said: 'You do get people in the village complaining about there being too many English here.

'They say things like: "The English are taking over".

'People grumble about them by it's generally just the nationalists.

'I don't agree with what these councillors are saying.

'I think it's disgusting they are trying to cause divisions with the English.

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Tourism is essential in Anglesey, (pictured) with one in five people working in the tourism industry, it is the region in the UK most dependent on tourism for work (file image)

Mother-of-one Jean Owen, 64, (pictured) said she knew two people who had swapped council homes in Wales

A council house or housing association tenant can swap homes with other social tenants through the mutual exchange scheme. Pictured: Trearddur Bay Beach in Angelsey (file image)

'It's all a load of rubbish - they're taking nonsense.

'I know a lady who swapped her house for someone living here but she was from a different part of Wales.

'She was living in an isolated areas was lonely - now she's come here she goes to coffee mornings and things and is a lot happier.

'I don't know of any English who have come here after swapping council houses with locals.

'These councillors don't have any common sense.'

Councillor Arfon Wyn told a recent meeting of Anglesey County Council: 'There are a lot of homes still empty in Aberffraw, that are meant to be rented out to people who really need homes.

'One thing that concerns me, is that people in the nice areas on the coast, so to speak, can swap homes with people in towns in England on Facebook.

'I know it is something to do with the government, unfortunately, but there are also homes that have been empty for quite a while in Aberffraw.

It is estimated that around two million people visit the small island a year, many of who, are English. Pictured: Beaumaris in Anglesey

Rodney Fox, 77, (pictured) moved to Aberfraw from Bradford to be nearer to his family

'We have had a few enquiries about this from the public and people in the area.

'These two things concern me, especially in my area, where there are nice places to retire to and so on, the impact on the Welsh language can be significant.'.

A council house or housing association tenant can swap homes with other social tenants through the mutual exchange scheme.

Commenting on the claims, retired lorry driver Rodney Fox, 78, originally from Bradford, said: 'They are talking nonsense.

'I know of someone who swapped with a couple from Holyhead but that's still in Anglesey.

'I have seen people asking for swaps on Facebook but that is always for other people in Wales.

'I feel welcome here.'

Tourism is essential in Anglesey, with one in five people working in the tourism industry, it is the region in the UK most dependent on tourism for work.

Plaid Cymru control the council and have led a crackdown on second homes on the island

It is estimated that around two million people visit the small island a year, many of who, are English.

It boosts the local economy, with a holiday home in the summer in Aberffraw costing on average, 1000 a night to stay in the coastal area.

Welsh speaker Julie Jones, 60, who works in the one shop in the village, added: 'These councillors are just causing trouble.

'Times have changed and there are more English here now but those who come on holidays or own holidays lets try to make an effort with Welsh.

'They always ask how do you say "thank you" or "hello" in Welsh.

'It can be difficult to get a council house here but that's the way of everywhere not just here.

'It took me 30 years to get a council house here.

'But we need the English tourists here and those who have retired here. They come in and spend money in the shop and I have no problem with the English.'

Plaid Cymru control the council and have led a crackdown on second homes on the island.

In a decision aimed at driving out second homeowners, they introduced a rule that owners whose properties are occupied (whether by themselves or paying guests) for fewer than 182 days have to pay council tax of up to 300 per cent.

It has come as villages across Wales have been hating on English buying Air BnBs across the country

In August, the park by Llyn Padarn, the stunning lake at the foot of Snowdon, was vandalised with stickers (pictured) bearing sinister messages for the tourists, clearly intended to send them packing

Holiday let owners, who rent their properties for more than the 182-day threshold, are subjected to business rates, which is lower than the punitive rates of council tax.

Retired kitchen fitter James Todd, 77, who came to Wales from Manchester, said: 'I have never felt anything but welcome here in Wales.

'All my neighbours are Welsh and they are always very friendly.

'You don't see empty homes here - there's always lights on in the houses at night unlike some other tourist places.

'There are holiday homes or Airbnbs but Anglesey is a tourist island as it is so beautiful.

'I can see the sea and sand dunes from my house. It's amazing.'

Mother-of-one Jane Williams, 70, was born in the village and speaks Welsh.

The part-time cleaner said: 'I speak Welsh as my first language and a lot in the village speak it.

Last year, a group of seven English women, (pictured) aged between 55 and 70, travelled from Lancashire on a four-day walking holiday to enjoy the natural beauty of Llanberis, but claim they were met with anti-English jibes in the street

'Having English people here doesn't damage the Welsh language.

'We need the tourists but you do here the odd grumble about the English.

'But I love it here - I have an amazing view outside my home with the sea and sand dunes.'

It has come as villages across Wales have been hating on English buying Air BnBs across the country.

In August, the park by Llyn Padarn, the stunning lake at the foot of Snowdon, was vandalised with stickers bearing sinister messages for the tourists, clearly intended to send them packing.

One, rekindles the cottage-burning Welsh nationalist terrorist campaign of Meibion Glyndwr (sons of Glyndwr) in the 80s and early 90s, shows a blazing house with the blunt message: 'F*** your second home'.

Another shows an Airbnb logo with a noose around it, proclaiming 'Death to Airbnb'.

Meanwhile, last year, a group of seven English women, aged between 55 and 70, travelled from Lancashire on a four-day walking holiday to enjoy the natural beauty of Llanberis, but claim they were met with anti-English jibes in the street.

They also said they were snubbed in pubs and restaurants and found it hard to get served.

Plaid Cymru council have been contacted for comment.
The enduring appeal of its annual television advert has made John Lewis a staple of the national Christmas experience.

But visitors to the department store's flagship branch on Oxford Street this year will find the atmosphere is decidedly un-Christmassy - as it has become the site of the latest homeless migrant camp blighting central London.

And, as well as the John Lewis camp, The Mail can also reveal that a tent village has been established close to the offices of London Mayor Sadiq Khan - whose 2024 campaign pledge was to end homelessness in the capital.

While a third camp visited by the Mail this week is located under a flyover on the Edgware Road - on land owned by Transport for London, whose ultimate boss isSadiq Khan.

Despite his grand ambition to eradicate rough sleeping in the capital, Mayor Khan appears to have made little headway in the 18 months since he was re-elected - with charities describing the numbers on the streets now as 'extremely high by historic standards'.

Anecdotal accounts suggest that there are more rough sleepers in central London than ever before - with more arriving every day.

And the three settlements in West, East and Central London reported above are simply the latest examples of their kind to spring up in what were previously prestigious areas of the capital - as the Mail has documented extensively.

These have recently included similar encampments made up of clusters of tents on Tottenham Court Road, behind the Savoy Hotel on the Strand, outside Grade I-listed Apsley House on the corner of Hyde Park and beside Westminster Cathedral.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan's 2024 campaign pledge was to end homelessness in the capital

The causes of homelessness are notoriously complex but the single most common trigger is believed to be losing a job at short notice - and with most Britons having only the equivalent of a month's salary in savings millions of people are in a potentially precarious position.

While those who arrive from overseas without an established support network are even more likely to end up on the streets if work falls through.

Certainly that was the experience of one of those we spoke to who has been living outside John Lewis on Oxford Street for more than three months.

This is located underneath the canopy of the famous West End store where, beneath a glittering display of consumer goods including 1,000-plus hifi equipment, a long line of makeshift beds now sits.

Romanian migrant John Ionut, 37, had initially made a relative success of his new life in England - having arrived here under the free movement rules before Brexit made this harder.

He rented accommodation in Wolverhampton and had what appeared to be a stable job washing up in nearby kitchens which he held down for several years - before becoming one of the many redundancies as the hospitality industry was hit hard by tax changes last year and costs spiralled.

With no savings, Mr Ionut quickly lost his flat as well as his job and then gravitated from the Midlands to London where - as many others have told us - he finds it safer to live among other homeless in prominent central locations.

Mr Ionut told the Daily Mail: 'I used to work in a kitchen washing plates. But I lost my job and fell on hard times.

'I've been living on the streets for a year. It's very difficult for me. It's not a good situation to be in.

Romanian migrant John Ionut, 37, had initially made a relative success of his new life in England - having arrived here under the free movement rules before Brexit made this harder

'[But] this is a good spot to live, I've been here for months now.'

The festive window display that he camps under features a row of sparkling disco balls and music speakers - perhaps a nod to this year's John Lewis Christmas advert which features a father who reminisces about his rave days after receiving a record from his sometimes distant son.

Mr Ionut continued: 'It makes sense to be here with the cover above [the famous store's canopy] from the weather - and the people are nice.

'It's definitely a safer place than many other areas. You have others to look out for you.'

Meanwhile tucked away behind the glistening lights of West End theatres and the Savoy Hotel lies another secret 'tent village' housing 30 homeless people.

In the shadow of the 800-a-night Adelphi, on London's Strand, people from Britain and around the world are living in a street encampment.

The Grade II-listed building, home to publications including Vogue and GQ, creates a stark contrast with the series of tents and poverty outside.

Here there are migrants, men from Romania, Uganda, a woman from Germany and people from Scotland, northern England and the capital itself.

Tracy Wood, 42, is a former graphic designer born in Middlesborough who has lived at the site for the past six years.

She told the Mail: 'Obviously it's not ideal, but it could always be worse.

'I moved down here when I was about 22 for work. I designed birthday and greeting cards.

'About five, six years ago, I lost my job. Got in a bit of a situation, couldn't pay my rent and ended up down here.

'I've got good people around me, and there's good organisations out there that are doing the best they can do to help the homeless.

'There's a fair amount of support here - that's why I've stayed here.'

Tracy Wood, 42, is a former graphic designer born in Middlesborough who has lived at the site on central London's Strand for the past six years

Some 67% of those living rough in the central London borough are believed to be from outside the UK according to a 2024 report from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities - a statistic which corresponds with Mr Ionut's mostly Eastern European camp mates.

He now begs for handouts from shoppers visiting the famous branch which sits on the site of the very first John Lewis store, established in 1864, one of dozens of homeless men slumped on the pavement when we visited.

And the main obstacle to him getting back into mainstream society is his status as homeless, he says: without a conventional address he has struggled to convince employers and employment agencies that he is a fit candidate for work.

Mr Ionut explained: 'I am legally able to work but I am struggling to find a job.'

Also in the display window above the Oxford Street pavement where he lives are mannequins draped in the latest season's fashion - including faux fur coats, which rough sleepers might covet.

He went on: 'It's freezing cold hereI'm lucky to have blankets and there's kind people who donate food to all of us. '

The father of two aspires to have more regular contact with his daughters once his circumstances have changed: 'I'm hoping to get a job so I can get back on my feet again,' he repeats.

But with each month spent on the streets a route to return to conventional employment and housing seems more elusive.

It is estimated there are upwards of 320,000 homeless people in Britain with Westminster - where the flagship John Lewis is situated - among the boroughs with the highest numbers.

According to Westminster's own statistics, the borough has experienced an explosion in rough sleepers with the number having risen to 355 in one year alone - between June last year and this, an increase year on year of 25% and double the figure from 2021.

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Tucked away behind the glistening lights of West End theatres and the Savoy Hotel in London lies a secret 'tent village' housing 30 homeless people

This is despite considerable provision of homeless support in central London, including day centres, soup kitchens and night shelters - but even these have had their controversies.

One centre for example, King George's Hostel on Great Peter Street, close to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, was the subject of a petition by local residents to have it shut down over claims of frequent fighting, often with weapons, as well as open drug use and vile waste left on doorsteps.

Jane Tkachenko, who started the petition wrote: 'Everyone in our area is suffering.This is not an occasional nuisance, it is a daily threat to our well-being, dignity, and ability to live and work safely.'

David Harvey, a Conservative councillor at Westminster, told The Daily Mail, is among those who believes Sadiq Khsn is not doing enough to address the issue.

He said: 'We have called on the mayor to provide more funding to tackle the issue in Westminster.

'In the past year things have deteriorated so sharply that some churches and residents' associations have paid for private security. There is a lot of desperation.

'There is a private company which mounts security patrols and it's an effective deterrent - they're quite robust.

'But if you look at the costs for residents and churches, it's just not sustainable.'

He added: 'Most rough sleepers are harmless and vulnerable, but a small minority who are violent and ongoing drug activity with substances such as spice have made people feel unsafe

'It's not only for themselves, but also for the rough sleepers and the charity workers trying to help them.

'Part of the issue is big hostels, which are not places for people to get better. People get lost and a lot of criminality and dealing goes on.

'We want to move across to smaller units so tailored care can be given and provide these people with a better life.

Despite the Mayor's bold pledge on tackling homelessness within five years, some believe that Khan's policies are actually exacerbating it.

These critics point out that two sites of recurring encampments - that on the Edgware Road mentioned above and that on a strip of land along Park Lane - are both on land owned by Transport for London (TfL), which Khan is ultimately in charge of.

Tents pitched up at Edgware Road. The Labour government is set to repeal the Vagrancy Act - which has been in force since 1824 and under which rough sleeping is a criminal offence

And they claim that TfL is either too woke or too complacent to take serious steps to evict homeless people from these spots.

But TfL in turn points out that they have spent 37,000 addressing the Park Lane site alone in the last year - on costs like bailiffs and court orders - even though the ultimate responsibility lies with the council rather than the landowner.

Another complication is that next year the Labour government is set to repeal the Vagrancy Act - which has been in force since 1824 and under which rough sleeping and begging are criminal offences.

The stated intention is that the outdated law will be replaced with more fit-for-purpose laws in a new Crime and Policing Bill which will recognise issues like organised begging

But another counsellor at Westminster, Paul Swaddle, the Conservative Group Leader, is sceptical that this will improve things - unless new laws are implemented to tackle tent sites.

He told the Daily Mail: 'Westminster should be a safe, clean and orderly city but Sadiq Khan and Labour have allowed parts of our city to be overtaken by 'tent-cities' that are fuelled by crime, anti-social behaviour, open drug use and weak enforcement.

'I fully support the repeal [of the Vagrancy Act] as long as laws are brought in to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime - particularly the use of tents.

'Without new laws the tent sites and the chaos they bring to the streets of London will grow unchecked.

'We have already seen the impact of Labour's soft approach in Westminster, with tent cities popping up across the city and remaining for many, many months unchallenged.

'This is not about homelessness. It is about tent encampments that have become hotspots for anti-social behaviours and criminality.

'Residents, workers and visitors increasingly report areas where drug dealing is operating openly, aggressive behaviour is commonplace and street drinking is left unchallenged.

'Tents become bases for crime, not shelters. Public spaces are blocked, damaged or unsafe after dark.

'Many of these sites are vulnerable people exploited, coerced or trapped in modern-day slavery. They deserve protection, not abandonment in dangerous encampments.

'Labour talks tough, but their failure to enforce the law shows they have no meaningful commitment to protecting vulnerable people or law and order.

'The reality is clear: Sadiq Khan and Labour have delivered lawless tent encampments, unsafe streets and a council that has lost control.'

But the issue affects London much more widely than just in Westminster.

More than 4,700 rough sleepers were counted on the whole city's streets between July to September this year, according to Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) statistics.

In the east of London, at Royal Dock, for example, another cluster of homeless tents has sprung less than a minute's drive from the Mayor's London City Hall offices.

When we visited this week we witnessed rats foraging among the discarded blankets and carrier bags strewn across the site - which is only separated from the mayor's office by a block of luxury new-build flats which start at 600,000.

One tent resident, a 37 year old British citizen, who asked not to be named, said he chose the location because he and others are not moved on by authorities there as happens at other locations.

Indicating the squalor in which he lives, he told us: 'The migrants all get hotel rooms and TVs, I'm British but I'm too ill to work, so all I've got is this.'

But judging by what we found during our investigation, a vast number of migrants also end up sleeping rough.

Another camp visited by The Mail this week sits on the otherwise monied Edgware Road - where a cluster of more than 10 tents has been set up, sheltered underneath the Westway flyover close to the tube station.

It comprises several smaller tents around one larger improvised tarpaulin structure big enough to accommodate for several people.

Those living there are a mix of migrants of mostly Romani origin, a small number of British citizens and a handful of others, most of whom beg for money in the wider area.

Among their number is Wayne Williams, 64, who came to the UK from Grenada in the Caribbean 20 years ago - and who has been living in a tent here for three years.

Wayne Williams, 64, who came to the UK from Grenada in the Caribbean 20 years ago is camping under the flyover at Edgware Road. He has been living in a tent here since 2022

He said: 'I used to work in construction, but then I came to the UK to see my mum and sister and then I fell on hard times.

'I've lived here for three years. There is shelter from the rain and some people are kind enough to give donations.

'I can't work now. Nobody will hire me, so I beg for money around this area.

'I fear for my safety but I am used to this way of life now. I'm worried about the winter and the extreme cold we're already starting to have.

'I'm stuck in the loop of living here.'

He's right to worry: Homeless charity Crisis says the homeless are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence than the general public.

More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence while homeless, according to the charity.

And harrowing figures show that homeless people are over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population.

While the average life expectancy for people experiencing homelessness is just 45 for men and a shocking 43 for women, according to the Office of National Statistics.

But the issue isn't just confined to the centre of London - we also found camps this week in Finsbury Park, Tottenham and Edmonton in north London.

This ten has sprung up in we also found camps this week in Finsbury Park, north London. Figures show that homeless people are over nine times more likely to take their own life

In the former a number of tents were visible just weeks after an even larger encampment was moved on by the council.

While in nearby Tottenham, a large tent was pictured on a small parkland area which hundreds of commuters pass spot every day.

Another tent is pitched in Tottenham, north London. The average life expectancy for people experiencing homelessness is just 45 for men and a shocking 43 for women

Yet another site was spotted less than two miles away in Meridian Water, Edmonton, with a large shelter built on a traffic island from railings, cardboard and blankets.

Fiona Colley, director of social change at Homeless Link, said: 'No-one should be exposed to the danger and trauma of rough sleeping.

'Government needs to embrace a twin approach that breaks the cycle of rising homelessness.

'We need an emergency response to levels of homelessness and rough sleeping which remain extremely high by historic standards, and to start building a system equipped to create a country free from homelessness.

'The best solution to rough sleeping is to stop it happening in the first place. That's true for the people who sit behind today's statistics, but prevention is also the most cost-effective solution for government.

'Preventing homelessness is everyone's job: that's why we need true cross-departmental accountability and responsibility on prevention to be baked into the new Homelessness Strategy.'

A Westminster Council spokesperson said: 'In Westminster we have more people experiencing rough sleeping than any other part of the country  as the heart of the capital, new people appear on our streets every day.

'Our teams are out on the streets seven days a week to offer help to those who will take it. People end up on the streets for complex reasons, but staying there isn't an option.

'The council is working with the Mayor's rough sleeping team and landowners to address the encampment on Oxford Street which is not a safe place to live and is disruptive to local people.

'We will continue to offer people support they need whether this is with housing, addiction, mental health problems to help them move away from homelessness.'

A TfL spokesperson said: 'No one should be faced with sleeping rough on London's streets.

'We have been working closely with partners over many months to try to resolve the encampment at Marylebone Flyover compassionately and safely.

'In order to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone involved, last month we applied for and were granted a possession order at the Central London County Court.

'We continue to closely monitor the situation and are working through next steps with partners.'

And they pointed out that TfL has taken enforcement action at Park Lane.

People who have been sleeping rough at this site have been made aware that returning to the site is not an option and that they will be removed, they said.

And they pointed out that while TfL is a highway authority, it does not have a statutory responsibility to deal with homelessness which instead falls to the relevant local authority.

A John Lewis spokesperson said: 'We're monitoring this closely, and have been working with local authorities to find the best outcome for all involved.'

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'The Mayor has made clear that no one should have to sleep rough on our streets.

'Under his leadership, more than 18,000 people have been helped off the streets, but there's much more to do.

'That's why Sadiq has launched a bold new Plan of Action to end rough sleeping for good by 2030 and has provided record funding from City Hall.

'Earlier this year the Mayor announced the biggest ever single investment of 10million to tackle homelessness to support those most at risk of sleeping rough.

'Sadiq will continue to work closely with the Government, London councils and the homelessness sector to tackle this crisis as we continue building a fairer London for everyone.'

The deputy leader of Haringey Council, councillor Sarah Williams, said: 'The safety and welfare of all residents and those experiencing homelessness remains a top priority for Haringey Council and our partners.

'We are working closely with the police, the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and colleagues across the council to address the complex challenges of rough sleeping and associated safety issues.

'Although rough sleeping has risen across London, Haringey has achieved a notable reduction thanks to a wide range of interventions.

'Through commissioned and directly delivered supported housing, proactive outreach, and coordinated enforcement, we have successfully decreased the number of people sleeping rough in the borough.'

Crisis says it wants the public to understand the 'devastating, dangerous and isolating' impact of living on the street.

Newham Council was also contacted for comment.
North Korea is no longer just a pariah state with a few crude bombs buried in mountain tunnels.

Under Kim Jong-un, it is turning into a full-blown nuclear factory, churning out the fuel for dozens of new warheads and testing missiles that can turn almost anywhere in the world into radioactive wasteland.

In the hills at Yongbyon, the heart of the regimes nuclear machine, satellite images now show a landscape of new buildings, fresh concrete, steaming reactors and growing fields of radioactive waste.

To experts who have tracked the site for years, it looks like a nuclear production line being pushed to its limits. At the centre of it all stands the nation's dictator, Kim, who told his scientists that 2025 was a 'crucial year' for 'bolstering up the nuclear forces'.

His message to them has been simple and clearly effective - more bombs and more often. Just last month, he unveiled what his regime described as 'the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon', the Hwasong 20, which can reach any part of the US.

For years, world leaders warned that if diplomacy failed, North Korea would become a serious nuclear power. That moment has now arrived. What makes North Korea so frightening is not only the nuclear weapons it has built, but the leadership in charge of them.

Kim is unpredictable and rules through fear. He has also never shown the caution of other nuclear states and has tested more missiles than his father and grandfather combined.

He has threatened neighbouring countries, defied sanctions, and watched the world fail to stop him.

With every year that passes, he grows more confident that nobody will dare take his arsenal away. Experts have warned that his confidence is dangerous because it gives him room to build without restraint.

Dr Edward Howell, an expert on North Korean relations at Oxford University, told Daily Mail that labelling Kim and his country as 'irrational' is a 'dangerous misunderstanding'.

He said: 'Kim Jong-un is neither irrational nor crazy. Rather, he has a clear strategy in mind, namely, to behave delinquently and reap rewards in so doing, from the international community, without giving away his 'treasured sword' of nuclear weapons.'

Now, 38 North, a website that tracks North Korea, has revealed that new satellite images show that the country is working around the clock to meet Kim's demands for more nuclear weapons.

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Commercial satellite imagery has revealed the extent of work at Yongbyon. This image from October this year shows the possible uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon

Kim Jong-un in a picture released by his government in October 2025. The North Korean dictator has instructed his scientists to ramp up their nuclear weapons production

Inside the Yongbyon complex, 60 miles north of Pyongyang, which has been the core of North Korea's nuclear programme since the late Cold War, fresh activity is visible everywhere.

Dr Howell explained: 'The recent developments at Yongbyon make clear what we have known for a while: the Kim regime's ultimate goal is for North Korea to be recognised as a de facto nuclear-armed state.

'As Kim Jong-un said only recently, North Korea will never give up its nuclear programme. Pyongyang has long pursued highly enriched uranium, even in the 1990s, while it froze its plutonium programme at Yongbyon.'

The old 5 megawatt reactor at the facility that once produced plutonium for the first nuclear tests continues to run. Satellite images show constant heat signatures from its cooling system and a series of upgrades around its exterior.

Roof panels have been replaced, walls have been repainted, and construction equipment has been spotted in nearby yards.

The reactor may be old, but it is being cared for and has become a reliable source of plutonium production.

A short walk away, though nobody can see it except from space, is an experimental light water reactor that has been in development for more than a decade.

It has gone through irregular cycles of cooling-water discharge, which analysts say reflects pre-operational testing, meaning it is close to becoming operational.

Once active, it would produce a different kind of nuclear material and could support more advanced warhead designs in the future.

Its presence alone transforms Yongbyon from a limited facility into a multi-reactor complex capable of long-term production and expansion.

Even heavy flooding that damaged the old river dam could not slow it down for long.

Engineers built a temporary embankment, then began work on a stronger dam to secure stable water levels, a clear indication that North Korea is not letting nature get in the way of nuclear progress.

Fresh satellite imagery reveals cranes and construction material surrounding the ageing 5MWe reactor, confirming continuous maintenance to keep plutonium production running

Although heavy rainfall damaged the old dam, engineers built a temporary work and hastily built a stronger dam, ensuring that production was not slowed down

The Experimental Light Water Reactor, in development for more than a decade, continues observable cooling water discharge

The most dramatic development in the complex is the rapid rise of a suspected new enrichment area to the north east of the radiochemical laboratory.

Earlier images showed open ground, but newer ones show a huge building with a central hall, surrounded by a secure boundary.

The entire structure was roofed within months. By early autumn, the outer walls looked complete and fresh concrete connected the main hall to its side buildings.

A covered walkway links one block with another for weatherproof transfers of sensitive materials or personnel. Rows of heat exchangers line the outside wall, which hints at what lies within.

Centrifuges that enrich uranium generate heat and require steady temperature control. The layout and equipment match what analysts expect to see at a modern enrichment plant.

Kim's call for 'exponential' growth in nuclear material appears to be turning into real infrastructure.

The appearance of fresh waste storage vaults adds more proof. One bunker sits partly buried, with roof hatches arranged in an organised pattern.

In October, the sides of the structure were packed with earth, leaving only the top exposed. Another excavation sits next to it, showing North Korea is preparing more underground storage.

There is a suspected underground radioactive waste storage at the facility, underscoring Kim's plans for long-term production

Waste is an unavoidable part of plutonium and uranium processing. Larger waste areas usually mean increased production.

Long-term waste expansion signals that North Korea is planning not a short burst of activity but a permanent rise in nuclear output.

Away from the reactors and enrichment sites, the entire Yongbyon complex shows signs of renewal.

Buildings once linked to agricultural use have been cleared, and in their place are new support facilities are rising.

Older industrial structures near the uranium conversion area now have large holes in their roofs, likely part of a full refurbishment or possible replacement.

The message across the site is hard to miss - North Korea has decided that Yongbyon will remain its most important nuclear asset for the coming decades. It is not winding down. It is being reinforced.

This rapid physical expansion comes at a moment when North Koreas overall warhead numbers are rising.

Independent estimates suggested that by the start of this year, the country had about 50 assembled warheads with enough fissile material for around 90 more if all available resources were weaponised.

The hydrogen fluoride handling building shows multiple roof openings, a sign that major refurbishment or internal equipment replacement is underway in this critical conversion area

Other studies suggest Pyongyang may hold up to two tonnes of highly enriched uranium, which could support dozens of additional weapons depending on design.

Some forecasts by defence analysts in the region say the total stockpile could rise to more than 150 warheads within a few years if current rates continue.

Long-range projections by think tanks in Seoul and Washington suggest that North Korea could reach hundreds of warheads by the 2030s, putting it within range of the smaller Cold War nuclear powers.

These figures are alarming not just because of the numbers but because of the kind of weapons North Korea is believed to be developing. Early designs were single-stage fission devices with limited yield.

Now the country appears to be moving into more complex territory. The likely output of Yongbyons reactors and enrichment halls opens the possibility of boosted fission weapons, which use small amounts of tritium to create far more powerful blasts.

There are also concerns about miniaturised warheads that can fit on a variety of missiles.

At the same time as its factories grow, North Koreas nuclear weapons are becoming more advanced than many people realise. Most of the warheads publicly discussed by analysts are based on fission designs, which use plutonium or highly enriched uranium to create powerful blasts.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says that the 5 megawatt reactor at Yongbyon has long produced the plutonium needed for these weapons.

The country's early nuclear devices produced relatively small yields. The first test in 2006 was under one kiloton according to seismic readings studied by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation. Later tests were far larger.

A 2017 detonation measured around 140 to 250 kilotons depending on analysis. Several independent monitoring groups believe this shows that North Korea can now build weapons many times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

North Korea is believed to have miniaturised some of its warheads. This assessment has been repeated by the South Korean Ministry of Defence and by the US Defence Intelligence Agency.

Miniaturised designs matter because they can fit on a wide range of missiles. North Korea has already shown the ability to combine its warheads with short-range and medium-range systems.

South Korean and Japanese military tracking confirms that many of these missiles can reach their targets in minutes, leaving very little time for warning or interception.

The countrys long-range missiles are even more worrying. The Hwasong 20, unveiled in October, has been described as the next generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles, with a range of 9,300 miles and the ability to reach and flatten any part of the US.

Kim's other nuclear weapons, the Hwasong 14 and Hwasong 15 intercontinental missiles, have demonstrated flight paths consistent with the ability to reach cities thousands of miles away.

During a military parade on October 10, North Korea unveiled the Hwasong 20, which it described as 'the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon'

Analysts say the Hwasong 17, unveiled in 2020, is even larger and could carry multiple warheads and decoys, although this has not been confirmed by flight tests. It has been speculated that it could evade some of the best missile defences in the world.

The Hwasong 18 also has a range of 9,300 miles and uses solid fuel, confirmed by both the US and South Korean militaries. Solid fuel missiles can be launched with little preparation time and are harder to detect before firing.

The damage these weapons could cause depends on their yield and where they are aimed. A basic fission weapon of ten kilotons can flatten buildings within a large radius.

A device in the range of the 2017 test would destroy many miles and produce deadly radiation. Researchers note that even a single detonation in a populated area would overwhelm emergency services and create long-term contamination. Multiple detonations would be impossible to manage.

Dr Howell believes this is a worrying threat that should not be taken lightly. He also notes that Vladimir Putin's involvement should not go unnoticed.

He explained: 'North Korea's nuclear threat to the East Asian region and the world must be taken seriously, as it is only going to increase in severity. Of note, we must remember that ongoing cooperation between Russia and North Korea looks unlikely to abate even in the event of an end to the Ukraine War.

'Russia looks to continue supplying missile and military technology to North Korea, which raises the concerning prospect that North Koreas ability to expand the scope and sophistication of its nuclear programmes will only accelerate.'

Experts also warn that North Koreas nuclear strategy increases the danger. In 2022, the regime passed laws that allow the use of tactical nuclear weapons at the start of a conflict if it believes an attack is coming.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service described this as a major shift that lowers the threshold for nuclear use. Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller than strategic ones but would still kill large numbers of people and contaminate wide areas.

Taken together, these assessments show that North Korea now has nuclear weapons that can be delivered by a variety of missiles, launched quickly, and used in different types of conflict.

Kim Jong-un is neither irrational nor crazy. Rather, he has a clear strategy in mind, namely, to behave delinquently and reap rewards in so doing, from the international community, without giving away his 'treasured sword' of nuclear weapons.

Dr Howell agrees with other experts who have warned that Kim would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if his back is against the ropes.

He said: 'Whilst Kim Jong-un knows that any use of nuclear weapons in the event of any war on the Korean Peninsula will lead to the end of his regime, he has not ruled out the offensive usage of nuclear weapons in any such event.'

Each improvement in missile reliability makes its growing warhead stockpile even more dangerous.

The expansion also matters because it signals the failure of previous diplomatic efforts. When Kim met Donald Trump in 2018, there was real hope that the nuclear programme could be paused or even reversed.

The following year, Kim offered to dismantle Yongbyon in exchange for partial relief from sanctions.

Trump refused and insisted that North Korea hand over its entire nuclear, chemical and biological arsenals in a single deal. That meeting collapsed with no agreement.

Since then, North Korea has gone back to what it does best - building, testing, and refusing to answer calls from the outside world. Whatever chance existed for a negotiated freeze seems to have now passed.

According to Dr Howell, North Korea is not even 'pretending' to show that it is interested in any discussion. He said: 'Any form of diplomacy takes two to tango, and since the inconclusive summit between Donald Trump and Kim at Hanoi in 2019, North Korea has not even been pretending to negotiate with the US and South Korea.

'Now that Pyongyang has Russia as its newfound treaty ally, from which it has been getting humanitarian assistance, material support, financial assistance, as well as sanctions evasion, the Kim regime may plausibly choose to delay any talks with the US or South Korea.

'At the same time, if Kim Jong-un can secure a meeting with Trump wherein Trump tacitly acknowledges North Koreas nuclear status, then it would be a victory for the North Korean leader.'

The growth of Yongbyon shows that North Korea no longer seeks small concessions. It wants a long-term guarantee of survival, and the leadership believes nuclear weapons are the only way to achieve that.

Kim Jong-un walking in front of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. Analysts say it can carry multiple warheads

Kim has watched global events and concluded that countries without nuclear arms can be invaded or toppled. Countries with nuclear weapons cannot. Analysts say this belief drives everything North Korea is doing today.

It is preparing for a future in which conflict with the outside world is always possible, building weapons that make any strike against it unthinkable, and shaping itself into a state that relies entirely on nuclear deterrence.

The consequences of this shift are bleak - a larger arsenal makes each crisis more dangerous. A single miscalculation, accidental launch or misunderstood military exercise could escalate into a nuclear exchange.

North Koreas missile men have tested rockets with erratic flight paths and experimented with new fuels. Any of these steps could produce a catastrophic accident.

A failed missile could fall on a neighbouring country and trigger retaliation. A misunderstanding during a tense moment could lead to an order that cannot be withdrawn.

There is also the ever-present danger of proliferation. North Korea has a long history of trading military technology for money or political support. It once helped Syria build a suspected nuclear reactor.

It has supplied missiles and artillery to countries that could not get them elsewhere. With a larger nuclear programme comes a larger network of engineers, labs and transport routes.

The more material that flows through Yongbyon, the more chances there are for small amounts of it to disappear. Even a few grams of stolen plutonium or enriched uranium would be enough to spark a global search and a cascade of fear.

The expansion of Yongbyon also places new pressure on South Korea, Japan and the wider region. All three have begun to reconsider their defence strategies.

Japan has raised its defence budget to levels not seen since the Second World War. South Korea is debating whether it needs its own nuclear weapons to counter the North.

According to Dr Howell, South Korea's worries are valid, taking into account the rhetoric that has come out of Pyongyang in recent years. He said: 'Even though Kim abandoned the reunification of the Korean Peninsula as a goal, in January 2024, he did not rule out North Koreas intention to absorb, subjugate, and annexe South Korea in the event of any war.'

China, which once acted as a buffer, no longer looks able or willing to restrain Kims ambitions.

The United States continues to promise nuclear protection to its allies, but a larger North Korean arsenal complicates any response plan. Despite Trump's previous strongly worded warnings, no military commander wants to face a leader who believes he can fire multiple warheads and survive the retaliation.

Kim Jong-un overseeing tests for a new multiple rocket launcher in September last year. Analysts say he will not hesitate to use his nuclear weapons at the start of a conflict

Kim inspecting an operational army base in 2024. Dr Howell says he is determined not to give away his nuclear weapons

Beneath all these strategic considerations lies the simple human cost of living next to a nuclear factory that never sleeps. The workers who build, reprocess and handle nuclear material do so in conditions that remain unknown.

Accidents inside the complex would never be reported, and radiation leaks would be hidden from the outside world. The region surrounding Yongbyon sits on land that could one day become heavily contaminated.

For the people who live near the complex, the threat is not only a distant missile strike but immediate exposure to the byproducts of bomb production.

A North Korean defector claimed last year that children were being born without anuses, toes, or hands as a mysterious illness spread near the Punggye-ri test site, raising fears of what could happen to those living near nuclear production sites.

The truth is that the world now faces a North Korea that cannot be forced back to the negotiating table with the old methods. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure have failed.

Every year that passes without a new agreement allows Yongbyon to grow larger. Every month of construction feeds a programme that is now too big to dismantle quickly.

What began as a secret project decades ago is now a visible nuclear empire, captured in satellite imagery that shocks even seasoned analysts.

And if nothing changes, the outcome is clear - North Korea will move from a state with nuclear weapons to a state defined by them.

As Kim continues to build his weapons, Dr Howell believes that he has a clear strategy to reach his objectives.

He explained: 'Thanks to North Koreas cooperation with Russia, Kim Jong Un is now more emboldened than ever, able to play off Russia and China, as well as the US, in order to ensure he obtains his goal of recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.

'At present, North Korea has an estimated 50 warheads, but if current levels continue, North Korea could possess between 200-250 warheads at least by 2030. 'The modernisation of its capabilities and the development of a new uranium enrichment plant only evince Kims statements earlier this year with respect to accelerating North Koreas quest both to modernise and expand its nuclear development.'
A 140lbs, 5ft 10in socialist 'twink' too pure for alcohol, marijuana or nightclubs could have been engineered in a lab producing Gen Z prototypes.

But in New York City, Cameron Kasky is a real-life test case for just how far Left one of America's wealthiest urban enclaves is willing to swing.

Rep. Jerry Nadler is stepping down from representing New York's 12th congressional district after three decades. The Democratic stronghold hasn't voted Republican since the '50s, offering the winning primary candidate a lifelong career in the House.

Kasky, 25, has opposed Trump and the GOP agenda for the last seven years since his classmates were murdered in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

The massacre inspired him to co-found the gun control group Never Again MSD at the tender age of 17. That same year, Kasky led the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington DC and was named as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

Now the Gen Z boy wonder, who is open about his mental health and struggles with bipolar disorder, believes he has what it takes to help revitalize a wounded Democratic Party in the new era of NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

If he were to win, Kasky - who defines himself as queer - would be the youngest member of Congress in history. he would also be in charge of New York's wealthiest district, which includes famed neighborhoods like Hell's Kitchen, and the Upper East and Upper West Sides.

However, the race to be the district's Democratic candidate is a crowded one - with the handsome list of lefty competition leaving many politicos describing it as the 'hottest primary ever.'

Most notably, Kasky is up against Jack Schlossberg, the earing-wearing grandson of President John F. Kennedy known for his viral shirtless snaps and who announced his intention to run earlier this month.

If he were to win, 25-year-old Cameron Kasky (pictured with two friends) would be the youngest member of Congress in history

Kasky is up against Jack Schlossberg (pictured), TikToker and grandson of President John F. Kennedy known for his viral shirtless social media posts and razor-sharp jaw.

As such, Kasky himself has described the race as a 'twink-off', featuring a 'cadre of twinks'.

'It makes you feel like you are on the ferry to Fire Island Pines getting ready to go dance... it's exciting,' he told the Don Lemon Show in a recent interview.

But can an inexperienced 'twink' from Florida beat a Kennedy in New York City?

After all, Schlossberg, 32, has the starting advantage of coming from a wealthy family who are friendly with the city's Democratic donor class.

And Kasky confesses that asking for money has already become a major problem for his fledgling campaign. But he believes his name recognition will triumph over a lack of funds.

'Part of the reason that you need money from the jump is to get on the map, but I'm on the map, so I need to fundraise now to build the long term infrastructure for the campaign,' he told the Daily Mail.

Indeed, Kasky is hoping that - as happened for Mamdani - online virality will propel him ahead of the crowded pack and past Democratic 'moderates' like Schlossberg.

Certainly, online fans have been gushing over Kasky's boyish appearance, but the young socialist insists good looks won't sway the election.

'I'm not worried about how my opponents look, I'm worried about how their platforms look. They look pretty opaque across the board,' he said.

Kasky is positioning himself as a truly socialist candidate in a field of moderate Democrats.

His headline policies include ending funding for Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza, abolishing ICE, and providing free health care to every American.

'I'm the only hardcore left winger,' he said. 'If people keep joining this clown car of a race, they're just dispersing the moderate vote wider and wider.'

And Kasky isn't afraid of calling out Democratic establishment figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

'We need more politicians who don't sit in their seats until they die of old age,' he said.

Years before turning his attention to elected office, Kasky was doing what many young men his age are still doing - getting high.

After dropping out of Columbia University at age 23 after just a handful of semesters, Kasky drifted to California where he admits to smoking weed heavily and experimenting with harder drugs.

Cameron Kasky addresses students at a rally at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after participating in a county wide school walk out in Parkland, Florida on February 21, 2018

Kasky is positioning himself as a true socialist in a field of more moderate liberals

'I was never really getting wasted all the time, but I used to smoke a ton of pot, and I had a lot of fun with drugs,' Kasky noted.

But on his way back to New York City he decided to give up those vices in a move that he feels symbolically represents a transition into real adulthood.

'I haven't smoked weed, drank, done any drugs, in a very long time, almost two years now, that was because I was just not able to moderate those things,' he said.

Kasky is now living sober, but moving through the streets of the Big Apple he looks back fondly on his misspent youth.

'Every time I smell weed, I'm like, "Oh yeah, those were good days".'

He will surely need that youthful vigor as he comes up against a crowded field of candidates with plenty of Democratic donor money behind their campaigns.

'My path to victory is counting on all of these people staying in the race,' Kasky said.

'I invite them to stay in until Election Day. I do not want a single one of these people to drop out. It just makes it easier and easier for me every day.'

Kasky and a girlfriend pose in a recent social media picture

Kasky, speaks March For Our Lives II to protest against gun violence on June 11, 2022 in Los Angeles

The young socialist launched his campaign in November with a Mamdani-style video walking through the streets of New York. It quickly went viral.

And like Mamdani, Kasky is not afraid to call out the Democratic Party for being too old and out of touch with his generation  the generation that was essential in handing Trump the keys back to the White House last November.

Kasky celebrated Pelosi's recent decision to not run again for office at the age of 85.

'I am very, very happy to see that she's stepping down, and that's not with any hate for Pelosi. That's just me saying we need more politicians like Pelosi and Nadler who do not sit in their seats until they die of old age,' he said.

He has other bones to pick.

Kasky is also taking a shot at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, claiming he is 'not the future of the party' but he would still work with him 'to pass bills that improve the material conditions of working Americans.'

And the young political wannabe is calling out Schumer, 75, for his recent Senate resolution condemning white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

'Oh my God, introducing legislation to denounce Nick Fuentes is a gift to Nick Fuentes. All he wants is to be targeted by institutions of power, because that allows him to further victimize himself and to further victimize the people who rally behind him,' Kasky said.

'Nick Fuentes being legitimized in any way by our government is handing Nick Fuentes a generational W on a silver platter.'

Kasky routinely denounces anti-Semitism and the rise of far-Right racism but he is not afraid to also criticize Israel and brand its war in Gaza a 'genocide.'

'I started my young adult life calling for an end to the horrific massacre of innocent children and adults by weapons manufactured in the United States, and it was unacceptable and a moral atrocity when it happened in the hallways of my high school,' Kasky said.

'And it is an unacceptable moral atrocity happening on a much bigger scale in Gaza. And you know, I also am focused on the part of my agenda is stop funding genocide.'

Kasky, who is Jewish, says his views on Israel and Palestine are in touch with Gen Z voters.

But is he in touch with the voters of New York's 12th district?

Kasky is running to represent a congressional district that has the largest Jewish population in the US with more than 181,000 Jewish residents.

However, the socialist up-and-comer doesn't believe comparing Israel to an apartheid state will turn off Jewish voters.

'There are a lot of liberal Zionists in this country who are against what the state of Israel is doing,' he said.

While Kasky's views on Israel may mirror the sentiment of many Zoomers across the political spectrum, his personal lifestyle is hardly representative of most young 20-something Midtown Manhattanites.

The young activist proudly rejects the city's famous nightlife: 'I don't like bars I'm in bed by midnight.

'I hang out when everybody is getting ready and pre-gaming and then when it's time for them to go hit the club, I say, "Good night," and then I go home.'

That self-discipline may serve him well in the grueling months of campaigning ahead as he tries to prove to New York's Democratic establishment that Mamdani's socialist underdog victory was just the start.
Families in high-immigration areas could be nearly twice as likely to benefit from the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, Daily Mail analysis of official data suggests.

In council areas with high levels of immigration, 2.2 per cent of households will gain from the policy change, compared to just 1.2 per cent in the lowest-immigration areas.

Local authorities with the largest foreign-born populations such as Barking and Dagenham, Luton and Newham, will see as many as 4 per cent of households benefit from Labour's lifting of the two-child benefit cap.

Robert Bates, research director at the Centre for Migration Control, told the Daily Mail, this was 'yet another attack on citizens who play by the rules, and a handout to high migration areas'.

The data shows around 4.2 per cent of households (3,400 of 82,000) in the east London borough of Barking and Dagenham should see their benefits topped up as they will soon be able to claim handouts for more of their children - the most of any council area in the UK.

More than 41 per cent of residents in the borough were born outside the UK, according to the 2021 Census - the 16th highest in the UK.

Similarly, 3.8 per cent of households in Luton and 3.4 per cent in Brent - where 38 per cent and 54 per cent of residents are foreign-born, respectively - will benefit from the benefits boost.

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What is the two-child benefit cap? Despite its name, the cap has nothing to do with the Child Benefit. It's actually related to Universal Credit and child tax credits. It makes parents only able to claim the benefit or tax credits for their first two children. The rule applies to third or subsequent children born after 6 April 2017. However, it didn't apply to multiple births like twins or children born as a result of rape or a coercive relationship. Advertisement

However, wealthy London boroughs with high rates of foreign-born residents defy the trend. Kensington and Chelsea (54 per cent), Westminster (56 per cent) and the City of London (50 per cent) are among the least likely to benefit from the change.

It is not possible to say for certain that the families claiming more benefits in these areas are immigrants, as correlation does not always imply causation, and other factors may apply.

Mr Bates added: 'There is no moral, fiscal or political justification for spending tens of billions of pounds every year in asylum costs, foreign aid and welfare handouts to migrants.

'This is especially true at a time when British citizens are at breaking point and our country is at an ever-accelerating doom loop.

'Boosting fertility requires tax breaks and for young Brits to feel like the country is worth bringing life into.

'Migration has swamped the housing market, attacked productivity, and undermined early stage job opportunities, all of which make it far more difficult for young people to start families.'

A 2022 Children's Commissioner report found that 38 per cent of Bangladeshi families and 41 per cent of Pakistani families had three or more children, compared to only 14 per cent of White British families.

And the most recent child poverty figures show nearly half of children from black and Asian communities were in relative child poverty, compared with only a quarter of white children.

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The 3billion cost of scrapping the two-child cap will be met by some of the 30bn barrage of tax increases the Chancellor announced at the budget this week

Labour MPs fear the disparity between who benefits from the policy could become a 'political flashpoint', the FT reports.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget was branded as one for 'Benefits Street' as opposed to hardworking British families, by leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch.

The 3billion cost of scrapping the two-child cap will be met by some of the 30bn barrage of tax increases she announced.

The benefit cap means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and child tax credit payments to the first two children, costing affected families a typical 3,455 in lost benefits for each additional child.

Figures produced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 470,000 families are now affected by the policy.

About 59 per cent have at least one adult in work, leaving almost 200,000 in which no one has a job.

Rachel Reeves putting the finishing touches to her tax raising budget earlier this week

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Almost two-thirds (297,000) have three children, while a quarter (117,000) have four. A further 37,000 affected families have five children, while 18,260 are listed as having 'six or more'.

The latest statistics show that 72,600 of those affected by the cap are in London. Newham makes up 4,580 of that, with 4,490 in Tower Hamlets and 3,710 in Hackney.

There were 17,990 currently under restrictions in Birmingham, and 7,800 in Manchester. The level for Bradford was 8,020.

At present, a single parent with three children is eligible for a total of 20,978 in benefits.

But when the cap is lifted, this could rise to 24,491  well in excess of the 21,807 take-home pay of someone working a 40-hour week on the minimum wage.

Ditching the policy will result in an estimated reduction of child poverty by 450,000 by 2029/30, the Government's independent spending watchdog said.

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The Government had been under increasing pressure from anti-poverty campaigners, as well as many of its own Labour MPs, to end a policy introduced under the Conservatives.

The two-child limit - first announced in 2015 by the Conservatives and which came into effect in 2017 - restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households.

When the policy was introduced by George Osborne, he said it was so that families on benefits faced 'the same financial choices' as those in work when deciding whether to have more children.

But research suggests the policy has only had a very small impact on whether people decide to have more than two children.

The rise in child poverty is being 'entirely driven by a large increase in relative poverty among families with three or more children', according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

In 2023-24, the proportion of children growing up in relative poverty in a household of three children or more was almost 44 per cent.

But in comparison, two-child households had a poverty rate of 25 per cent, and single-child households only had a rate of 21 per cent.

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The child poverty statistics have not been helped by the fact that the number of children living in large households has risen by almost a third since 2017, from 3.8 million to just under 5 million.

This could be down to rising immigration, particularly of people who have moved to the UK from outside the EU.

The chancellor Reeves made the decision to hike taxes by 30billion on budget day, blaming the Conservatives, Brexit and Donald Trump's tariffs for knocking the economy off course.

The scrapping of the two-child cap will mean more than 14,000 a year each to 18,000 low-income families with six or more children.

The move comes as a study by the Adam Smith Institute finds the average earner will see almost 2,000 of their taxes go towards Britain's spiralling benefits bill this year.

Critics of the cap claim it has worsened child poverty, and scrapping it has become an article of faith for many Labour MPs. But the potential rise in benefits is so large that some could be left with little incentive to work.

Government sources stress that eligibility for Universal Credit is based on immigration status and residence requirements, not nationality, and the scrapping of the cap does not change the existing eligibility rules.

And as part of the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms, migrants reliant on benefits will face a 20-year wait for settlement  quadruple the current period and the longest in Europe.

A Government spokesperson said: 'Nine in ten children impacted by the two-child limit have a UK-born parent.

'With almost three-quarters of children in poverty living in working households, this government is determined to give 550,000 of them a better start in life.'

Timeline of the two-child benefit cap July 2015: The two-child benefit cap is announced by the Conservatives as part of David Cameron and George Osborne's austerity programme. April 2017: The cap comes into force. 2019: Labour pledges to scrap the cap under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. February 2020: During his campaign to become Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer calls for the cap to be removed. July 2023: As leader of the opposition, Sir Keir Starmer says his party would not change the cap. He faces a backlash from the Left of his party. June 2024: The cap becomes a hotly debated subject in the run-up to the 2024 election. Labour's manifesto for government says the party will 'develop an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty,' but doesn't specifically mention the two-child cap. 17 July 2024: Shortly after it wins the election, the new Labour Government launches a child poverty taskforce to work on a new child poverty strategy, which will assess whether to scrap the cap. 23 July 2024: Labour suspends seven rebel MPs who voted against the Government to back a proposal from the Scottish National Party to scrap the cap. This included ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Richard Burgon and now Your Party's Zarah Sultana. 17 June 2025: The Scottish government announces it will effectively scrap the cap from March 2026, by offering payments to affected families 27 May 2025: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says the Government is looking at scrapping the two-child benefit cap but warns it would 'cost a lot' 26 November 2025: Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces scrapping of the cap from April 2026 Advertisement
A local GOP lawmaker is embroiled in a battle with her ex-partner after he accused her of failing to pay him thousands of dollars for an extravagant leopard and elephant hunting trip in Zimbabwe.

Nina Webber's ex-partner, Scott Weber, filed a small-claims lawsuit in a Wyoming circuit court, claiming the state representative owed him $6,000 for a hunting trip they never took.

Nina, 61, and Scott, 70, were together for almost a decade and had been on two safari hunting trips to South Africa and Zimbabwe, according to court records obtained by Cowboy State Daily.

Scott claimed that he paid for plane tickets and his girlfriend later reimbursed him, but she failed to do so for their most recent trip.

He testified that he bought the tickets for the wild safari trip on December 13, 2024, less than a week after Nina won her seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives.

Scott said he asked Nina to reimburse him for the trip, but she said she wanted to wait until after Donald Trump's inauguration in hopes the economy would improve.

However, months later, she allegedly told Scott that she didn't think she could go on the trip due to her committee meetings in the spring.

Scott told the court that he believed Nina knew her congressional schedule before they booked the trip.

Scott Weber is suing his ex-girlfriend and Wyoming politician Nina Webber for $6,000

The couple previously went on two safari hunting trips. Nina testified that their last safari was a nightmare, although her ex disagreed

Scott Weber denied his ex's account of their recent Zimbabwe trip and claimed that she had agreed to go on another one last December

He added that their relationship hit a 'breaking point' in late June when he confronted Nina about the payments.

'You havent been paying me rent. You havent been taking care of this place at all. I think its time for you to hit the road,' Scott said he told Nina during his testimony, as reported by Cowboy State Daily.

'But  before you leave, I need you to put a check for $6,000 on the kitchen counter along with the keys - and she didnt either,' Scott added.

However, Nina told a different story about how the trip unfolded. She recalled their safari in 2023, adding that it 'never' crossed her mind to return to Zimbabwe with Scott.

She testified that she felt unsafe on the trip that he planned. Nina recalled a harrowing tale of a black mamba entering the camp where they stayed.

A black mamba is a highly venomous snake native to sub-Saharan Africa. Nina said a camp attendant had shot the snake.

She added that there weren't any law enforcement agents near where she and Scott slept, though her ex disputed that.

Nina also said that she felt threatened by the locals and didn't want to get off the hunting truck.

Nina currently serves as the Wyoming GOPs committeewoman to the Republican National Committee and was pictured with Vice President JD Vance in September

Nina denied that she wanted to go on the trip her then-boyfriend booked in December, recalling a harrowing experience the last time they went on a safari

'It did become very clear that with this safari  the natives had seen hunters. What they didnt see was blond-haired, blue-eyed, female hunters. That was apparent,' she testified.

Nina added that the 2023 hippo-hunting trip negatively affected their relationship and made her reluctant to go away with him again.

After their breakup, Nina moved out of the home they had shared and was forced to leave the district she represented.

She gave up her committeewoman seat this month, party chair Vince Vanata confirmed to Cowboy State Daily.

However, Nina still serves as the Wyoming GOPs committeewoman to the Republican National Committee.

The case is being heard in the Cody Circuit Court under Judge Joseph Darrah. The first hearing was on November 12, and the second day is set for December 10.

Nina gave up her committee seat this month because she moved out of her precinct after the breakup

Scott testified that Nina did want to go on the trip but failed to reimburse him for the flights

Nina was previously accused of recklessly firing a rifle during an elk hunt in 2023, but she was cleared of the charges

This isn't the first time Nina was thrust into a legal battle. In 2023, she was accused of recklessly firing her rifle during an elk hunt, but was cleared of those charges, as reported by the Powell Tribune at the time.

'As you know, its been "open season" on conservative Republicans, and I was the victim of a political "hit job" by virtue of being the Republican National Committeewoman for Wyoming,' she said in a statement at the time.

The former sheriff denied that the charges were motivated and said he wasn't involved in the case.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Nina Webber for comment.
In Kyiv region, a woman born in 1952 from Boyarska community of Fastiv district was killed as a result of today's attack, 14 people were injured, and the aftermath of the enemy attack was recorded in five districts of the region, reported Mykola Kalashnyk, head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration.

"As of now, 14 people are known to have been injured  they have received all necessary medical care, and there is no life-threatening situation," Kalashnyk wrote on Telegram.

In particular, five multi-story buildings, three private homes, 26 garages, a kindergarten, a shopping center, and 25 cars were damaged in Brovary.
Deirdre Kelly was the 'mother hen' of Benefits Street - where around 95 per cent of householders were unemployed and on state handouts.

White Dee, 54, as she is better known, famously said her friends and neighbours in the 'welfare ghetto' of Birmingham's James Turner Street were simply claiming what they were entitled to.

The controversial Channel 4 documentary series sparked a national debate because some of its stars openly bragged on camera about cheating the system.

But 11 years since the show was first broadcast, Dee no longer relies on the welfare state and has dedicated herself to helping struggling locals in the Soho Road area of Birmingham, by opening a foodbank and community hub.

Speaking to the Daily Mail today, Ms Kelly said of the abuse of benefits: 'I can also see the other side now. We open the floodgates to people who are just using the system. Because theyve now been allowed to use the system'.

And in her typical direct style, Dee has also delivered a damning assessment of the current Government, declaring: 'Obviously since Labour came in, the whole world thought Keir Starmer is the man for the job, [and] have our backs. Big mistake that was wasnt it?', she said.

She said working people are aggrieved about the amount of tax Chancellor Rachel Reeves is asking them to pay after this week's Budget. You can see where people are coming from, the harder they work the more tax the Government are now going to be taking off them', she said.

Dee said the show 'ripped the heart' out of James Turner Street and wrecked her life. She had to change her home to protect her children and admits she has also changed her attitude towards benefits.

In her community work she sees many families in need of genuine help but admits there is now a 'culture' where people will visit foodbanks simply because: 'If its there you get it'. She says some turn up for food up five times a week, partly because 'theyre bored and have nothing to do'.

Ms Kelly says she believes that Sir Keir Starmer does not have the backs of working people who are angry about how much Rachel Reeves wants to tax them

When Channel 4 first arrived on Benefits Street, it was because this road was remarkable for its high number of welfare claimants. Today, however, it is no longer an outlier

She said of Labour: I think they only released the manifesto for the sake of getting people to vote and then they just dont do anything they said they were going to do'.

And on the decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap, she said: 'Have they thought about it properly? I think what would have probably been better is some kind of tier system, so you get this much for the first child, slightly less for the second, third, you know?'

Dee also slammed Rachel Reeves' Budget, claiming working Britons are increasingly aggrieved about the amount they are being taxed.

I think the expression being thrown around at the moment is the more you work the more you get taxed, she said.

'Its kind of like they are not going to see the benefit, you start to think they might be worse off, which means they might need to go into the system to top up their salaries. Their wages wont be going up, theyll still be working hard, if not harder, and theyre going to have more tax taken off them'.

She said: I sat there and I was watching most of it [Budget announcement] and its like a playground, watching them heckling each other, throwing insults at each other. These are the people that have been voted to represent them and look how theyre behaving'.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the House of Commons. She announced the highest tax burden in British post-war history to pay for greater welfare spending

Dee became a huge star in 2014 but is now back working in the community helping the needy

She ended up on Celebrity Big Brother for a reported 50,000 fee

She went on: Nobody thats working 60 hours a week should not have enough to live on, to not be able to pay their bills, should not have to visit a food bank. The highest number of people visiting food banks are people who are in employment'.

Dee, the matriarch of Benefits Street, became Britain's most famous benefits claimant and was later paid 50,000 to star in Celebrity Big Brother and secured other highly-paid TV gigs, including a spot on Loose Women.

But she has left that life behind.

She reiterated that she sees poor and starving families coming to her foodbank for help but admits there is now a 'culture' where people will visit foodbanks simply because it's free. Some families come five times per week, she claims.

'Its the culture. If its there you get it. And then it becomes no longer for just people who need it. Thats how society has let things become', Dee said.

Asked what she thinks of Rachel Reeves' scrapping of the child benefits cap, she said: Im really torn on this one. Its because I see it from the cost of living side. I see the hardship, I see the poverty, I see the kids going into school without food, families who are really struggling.

'But I can also see the other side now. We open the floodgates to people who are just using the system. Because theyve now been allowed to use the system'.

Deirdre spoke from her community hub on Soho Road in Birmingham where she provides a space for those struggling from homelessness and poverty with food, hot drinks and a place to socialise.

Speaking about how she views the benefits system now, she said: No matter what, youll always get the ones that are part of the system because they have no choice and because of circumstances, but youll then also get the people who use it because its so easy.

Ive always argued as well, if you are part of a system where the Government decides how much money you need to live on, its not then fair when you have someone who is working 40 to 60 hours a week who then hasnt got any money to live on.

The majority of people on Universal Credit are people in low paid jobs. Its used to top up their salary. People dont see that or think about that'.

Dee Kelly, aka White Dee, who now works at a community hub in Birmingham has had her say on the Budget, benefits and Labour

She went on: Ive always argued as well, if you are part of a system where the government decides how much money you need to live on, its not then fair when you have someone who is working 40 to 60 hours a week who then hasnt got any money to live on.

Covid is a prime example, people who were so anti-benefits system lost their jobs and had no other choice than to go into the system. You just have to do what you have to do to exist.

Dee still hasn't lost that matriarchal role in society.

Asked about how she has always remained in the same community since the show aired, she said: I always say better the devil you know. Thats my mindset. It does have its bad parts, but everywhere has high crime now. Where do you go now? Im a firm believer in better the devil you know; Im telling you the rougher the better. Because you know everyone and theyd have your back 1 million per cent.
Cheerleader Anna Kepner 'fought for her life' as she was strangled to death in a cruise ship cabin she shared with her stepbrother, her heartbroken aunt has revealed.

On November 7, the 18-year-old's dead body was shoved underneath a bed on the Carnival Horizon ship she and her blended family were vacationing on.

The Titusville, Florida, teen was on board the boat with her father, stepmother, grandparents, half-brother and stepbrother - who is under investigation for her murder.

Anna's jarring death has been ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation - meaning she was placed in a choke hold. It has left her loved ones demanding answers as they grieve her untimely death.

As authorities investigate the murder, Anna's aunt, Krystal Wright, spoke out about what she believes may have unfolded in her niece's final moments.

'I know Anna fought. I know she fought for her life, so its rough. Its rough,' Wright told Fox 35 Orlando.

Wright also expressed anger and confusion over the fact that Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother, who is being probed as a suspect, has not been arrested.

'We don't understand, if the boy is a suspect, why has he not been charged yet? What's happening there?' she asked.

Cheerleader Anna Kepner, was found dead underneath a bed on a cruise ship on November 7

Anna is seen above with her 16-year-old stepbrother, who is a suspect in her death

'It's turmoil. We're just sitting here waiting.'

While authorities have not publicly named the 16-year-old, whose name cannot be shared for legal reasons, the Daily Mail previously revealed that he was listed as a suspect in investigative documents.

His mother, Shauntel Kepner, has also revealed that federal authorities are looking into him and his alleged role in Anna's death.

She made the bombshell claim in a court filing in the child custody battle she is in with her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, over their two sons.

Other than the 16-year-old, Shauntel has a 17-year-old son who was resistant to moving in with the Kepners and lives with his father.

Shauntel and Hudson also have a nine-year-old daughter, who lives in the Kepner household. Hudson is now seeking emergency custody of her.

Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, said he would not shield his 16-year-old stepson from criminal charges.

'I do not stand behind what my stepson has done,' Christopher told People. 'I want him to face the consequences... I will be fighting to make sure that does happen.'

He added: 'He was the only one that was in the room, and the FBI has an ongoing investigation in which they will have to provide the evidence to say that he did do it or did not do this.'

Anna's aunt, Krystal Wright, said that her niece 'fought for her life' before she died

Anna's jarring death has been ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation

While Anna's grandparents described her and her stepbrother as 'two peas in a pod,' the victim's ex-boyfriend told a different story.

Josh Tew, 15, who broke up with Anna about six months ago, told the media outside of her memorial that he once witnessed the stepbrother climbing on top of her against her will.

He said that about nine months ago, he was having a late-night FaceTime call with his then-girlfriend, who was in the house she shared with her dad and Shauntel, who had brought her children into the home when she moved in.

Anna was lying down and 'he walked in there and tried to get on top of her ... but he got caught by me in the process of it,' Josh claimed.

'I was like, "What the hell are you doing in her room?" Then he got scared and ran away. And I heard his footsteps running through the house because he got caught.'

Josh said that Anna was 'too scared to tell anybody' because, if she did, her stepbrother would 'do something to her.'

He alleged that Anna was uncomfortable with Shauntel and her children living with her. Shauntel also has a 17-year-old son, Andrew,

'Their dad had just met this woman, not even like a year ago, and she doesn't really like her,' Josh said.

Shauntel, Christopher and Anna are pictured with their blended family

The 16-year-old was 'obsessed with' Anna and relentlessly pursued her despite their blended family, Steven Westin, Josh's father, told Inside Edition.

'He's infatuated, attracted to her like crazy,' Westin claimed. 'He always wanted to date her.'

Christopher said the last time he saw Anna was on November 6, when the family had gathered for dinner on the cruise ship.

Anna, who had left dinner because she did not feel well, had returned to the room she shared with her stepbrother and her half-brother, 14. The two boys had bunk beds, while Anna had her own.

On the night of her death, both boys went back to the room after Anna, but her younger brother left to take pictures of the $800 million ship to post on social media.

But when he tried to return to the room later on, he heard yelling and chairs being thrown, Josh claimed the 14-year-old told him.

Josh said the boy told him their stepbrother had prevented him from entering their room, and that he had heard yelling.

The following morning, the boys went to breakfast, but Anna was nowhere to be found.

A cleaner made the grim discovery of her corpse, causing the FBI to swarm the ship when it docked in Miami. She was pronounced dead at 11.17 am.
In Fridays Daily Mail we revealed Labours war on strivers isnt just driving away the rich  middle class professionals are fleeing too. Read their stories and start packing...

I save 15,000 a year and live near a beach

Five months ago, Nadia Leguel, 52, rented out of her two-bed London flat and moved to Nerja in Spain. She runs her own business, WagIt, a website for booking dog-friendly restaurants, bars and pubs. She says:

Starmer and Reeves were wonderful at making promises but, from the Budget this week, its clear it was all talk. Where were the positive changes  the encouragement for small businesses like mine?

Thankfully for me, I watched it from my apartment in southern Spain, congratulating myself on making the wisest move of my life.

Living in England had become financially unmanageable for me. For 14 years, Ive owned a two-bed flat near Battersea, south-west London, with monthly payments of 1,700 for the mortgage and 120 on utility bills  plus annual management charges of 3,000 and 840 on council tax.

Made redundant from my job in sales just before lockdown, I picked myself up and set up my own business. However, in this tumultuous period, my earnings dipped. I didnt qualify for government help because I own a property. Id have been better off on Benefits Street!

There was not one iota of help for me as a fledgling new business, either. The cost of living was crazy, too: I live alone, so socialising is important to my wellbeing, but even the simplest of nights out became unaffordable. A basic dinner out was never less than 60, while a glass of wine in my local was 14.

Nadia Leguel, 52, rented out of her two-bed London flat and moved to Nerja in Spain

So this year, I advertised my flat for rent and got a tenant immediately. They pay 2,500 a month. Here I rent a similar two-bed apartment near the beach for 840 a month.

On almost every other level Im saving, too. Theres no council tax or TV licence, just a nominal fee for rubbish collection, 16 a year.

My utility bills are around 40 a month, a saving of around 80 a month. A cut and blow dry is 25 versus 70 in London, and paella with a glass of wine in a restaurant is around 20. My monthly shop in the UK could cost as much as 250, including household cleaning products, toiletries and pet food  and now is just over 100.

Under this Labour government, its the people in the middle who suffer most  not poor, not rich, but those working hard and not getting anywhere because life is so expensive.

Taking everything into account, my savings tot up to around 1,200 a month  thats 14,400 a year. Finally I can breathe again.

4-bed house... for just 16K

Chanelle Hill-Dobson, 31, a foreign languages teacher, has bought a four-bed townhouse near Turin in northern Italy, with her mother, Laurelle, 61, a professional house and pet sitter. She emigrates in January. Chanelle says:

Can you imagine being able to buy a comfortable four-bedroom home for under 16,000 in England? I could have saved every penny for the next decade and still not have got on the property ladder. And I blame that firmly on ever-rising taxes  not to mention our high mortgage rates and the grinding expense of everyday life in the UK.

Chanelle Hill-Dobson, 31, a foreign languages teacher, has bought a four-bed townhouse near Turin in northern Italy

Shouldnt Reeves and Starmer focus on making the lives of ordinary people like me more affordable? Its no life in the UK. For the past four years, Mum and I have been renting a tiny two-bed house for 1,000 a month to keep costs down and allow us to save a little  hardly ideal for two grown women.

Our new life in Italy will free us from this financial struggle. Although in Italy income tax is slightly higher at 23 per cent for lower earners, everything else will be much less.

I was manager of a warehouse for a charity previously, earning 18,600 but can expect to earn up to 24,000 teaching English. Our utility bills will more than halve from 135 to 65. Well kiss goodbye to the TV licence of 174 and our 2,000-a-year council tax. I estimate that our monthly savings will amount to around 15,000 a year.

I have an Irish passport so can stay without restrictions. My mum, who has a British passport, will return to the UK every 90 days and will look into applying for residency.

We just cant wait to leave  even more so after this week.

Better off... in Switzerland

Media PR consultant Emily Falkner-Duffin, 32, lived near Oxford until four months ago when she moved to Switzerland to join husband Tom, 31, a development chef for a restaurant chain. She says:

Switzerland has been my home since July, where Tom and I live in a lovely new apartment with mountain views. Meanwhile, our three-bed semi in Oxfordshire is rented out for 1,400 a month, which more than covers the 1,200 monthly mortgage.

Tom moved here in 2022. Our long distance relationship worked and, at the time, we didnt know how long his contract would last. But in the past 18 months, everything changed. My concerns about rising taxes and living costs, violent crime, safety and even just getting a medical appointment in days rather than weeks or months increased  not just for myself but for my parents and grandparents.

Media PR consultant Emily Falkner-Duffin, 32, lived near Oxford until four months ago when she moved to Switzerland

Even though I shopped at Lidl and Aldi, spending around 60 a week, I worried how Id find money for the imminent doubling of water bills and the new tax for bin collections in our area, bringing my council tax from 170 to 210 a month.

So I quit my job, went freelance and moved to Switzerland. Now, looking at Reeves Budget, Im so glad I did.

The income tax rate here of 10 per cent is our biggest saving. We even received a letter recently to say our rent will go down by 100 Swiss Francs (around 95) from February, bringing it in line with current average rates. This just wouldnt happen in the UK.

Travel by trains and buses is remarkably affordable. Services run on time and the infrastructure is reliable, unlike in the UK.

Im surprised how much my wellbeing has improved  free from worries about crime, what taxes or bills are coming, and whether food prices will continue to go up. Everything is a battle in the UK.

Gloom of UK seems a world away

Business strategist Katie Godfrey, 36, her partner, Luke, 38, who works in real estate, and their children Lola-Rose, ten, and Brodee, three, left their Bedfordshire home to move to Dubai in July. Her business turnover is around 600,000. She says:

Fed up with rising costs, threats from Labour of more raids on taxes, homes and savings, as well as the general mood of misery in the UK, in July we swapped life in a three-bedroom house in a Bedfordshire village for a five-bed villa in Dubai.

At the heart of the decision were our children and a desire for a safer and more rewarding lifestyle for our hard work.

Business strategist Katie Godfrey, 36, her partner, Luke, 38, who works in real estate, moved with their children from Bedfordshire to Dubai

I have businesses in the UAE and UK (kgbusinessmentor.com) and clients across the globe, meaning I can work from anywhere. Having been a regular visitor to Dubai for 12 years, I love the anything is possible mindset here, in contrast to the negativity that prevails in the UK.

In Bedfordshire, we paid 1,500 a month rent and I owned an apartment which I sold just before our move. Council tax and utility bills totalled 2,000 a month and a basic meal for four at a local pub cost 100. In Dubai, theres no income tax, VAT is only five per cent, fuel costs me 20 a week instead of the 500 a month I was paying in the UK, while the weekly shop is around the same at 160.

I havent moved here specifically because of taxes  I still have businesses registered in the UK and am a taxpayer there. The biggest bonus for us is the lifestyle and the sense of being rewarded and encouraged for our hard work. Whats the point striving for a better life when Rachel Reeves keeps raiding our earnings and savings?

The focus in the UAE is on encouraging businesses to be progressive and to make and invest money, rather than having a government dragging you down. There is a range of visas for those who want to work over here and fulfil certain conditions.

At weekends we can dip in and out of the glitz of Dubai  dining in opulent hotels or eating for less than 50 for four in a local restaurant near our villa, relaxing in beach clubs, or playing in a community pool for free.

Saying goodbye to my parents and brother was a wrench and the first few months in the UAE were rocky as we forged new routines and friendships. But we are infinitely happier and financially better off.

When Im having a night-time swim with the children after a busy day, the gloom of England and Reeves threat of more taxes are a world away.

I booked one-way tickets...

Phil Harrison, a business strategist, his fiancee Kate, 37, a PA, and their daughter Alarna, ten, are moving from Newcastle to the UAE next month. Phil, 45, says:

Phil Harrison, a business strategist, moved to Dubai with his fiancee Kate and their daughter Alarna

Immediately after Rachel Reeves Budget speech, I booked us three one-way tickets to Dubai.

Yes, the rising tax burden deeply concerns me. But its not just about money  its about aspiration. As a businessman and father, I want to live in a country thats governed by forward thinkers, who are encouraging businesses and individuals to grow.

Thats certainly not here, with Reeves and Starmer running the show. So three days after Christmas, well leave our beautiful four-bed home in the North East and move to the Emirates for a new life.

Businesses in the UK are taxed from every possible angle, making the reinvestment needed for growth and innovation in order to create jobs, as well as better products and services, impossible.

I have clients who wont grow their businesses beyond the 90,000 turnover threshold at which theyd have to pay VAT because they cant afford to. Some are too terrified of increases in self-assessment tax to pay themselves a decent salary.

One client of mine turns over 40,000 a month. In Dubai, with lower taxes and no income tax, he would have 17,000 more every month to spend on his business and family.

Some people see Dubai as a place of luxury and excess  but thats not the appeal to me. For a decade Ive worked 65 hours a week. Its time to be in a country where Ill be rewarded, not penalised, for my hard work.

Out there, were going to rent a villa in a quiet suburb for around 2,600 a month  the price of our monthly mortgage in the UK  while we wait for our Newcastle home to sell, then decide where wed like to buy.

I will have to pay for a business licence that will be the equivalent of several thousand pounds but that will cover all our residency visas too. There will be still be some huge savings for us in Dubai, the biggest of which is our combined household income tax of around 35,000 in the UK, which doesnt exist in the UAE. That saving alone will pay for our daughters schooling of 13,000 a year and private health insurance with plenty of money left over.

We pay 200 a month for private health insurance in the UK and its terrible. In Dubai its 150 more but is world class  you can see a consultant or have a scan the same day.

Kate and I spend 750 a month on fuel for our cars here, which will plummet to 50 a month in Dubai.

Utility bills in the UK can be as much as 600 a month during the winter when the heatings on. Theyre around 200 a month in Dubai, even with the AC on all the time. The weekly food shop will be around 25 per cent cheaper per week. Well be saving a minimum 51,800 a year.

But by far the greatest saving is if you run a business and you move to Dubai, you dont pay corporation tax or VAT if youre just selling outside the UAE, and personal tax is nil. Corporation tax and VAT for a successful business in the UK can easily amount to between 50,000 and 60,000 per year. I will do the same job Im doing here, just remotely from Dubai.

Kates incredibly close to her parents, both in their late 70s, and will miss them terribly. But even they said: We dont blame you for leaving. This country is a complete mess.
For half a century or more, Sir Clement Freud and his wife Jill presented a wholesome image of middle-class respectability, radiating a benign pleasure at the successes of their high-achieving family.

Appearances, however, were deceptive. Their marriage of almost 60 years was far from conventional.

Seven years after his death, Sir Clement, once one of the most popular and enduring figures in broadcasting and public life, was unmasked as a serial sexual predator and paedophile who had fathered a secret love-child with his familys teenage nanny.

As for Lady Freud  whose death aged 98 was announced this week  she, too, had her secrets. In 2001 it was revealed that shed had a long affair with a teenage boy during the 1970s. Jill was 47 when it began and her lover, Jonathan Self, elder brother of fashionable novelist Will Self, was just 16.

She never publicly commented on Selfs revelations, which were contained in a shocking memoir of his unhappy childhood.

She could not, though, ignore the unsavoury allegations about Clement Freuds behaviour. There was no protest of his innocence.

Instead, Lady Freud  better known as the actress Jill Raymond  offered an apology to the two women who told an ITV documentary in 2016 they had been groomed and raped by her late husband.

After viewing the programme in advance, she issued a statement saying: This is a very sad day for me. I was married to Clement for 58 years and loved him dearly. I am shocked, deeply saddened and profoundly sorry for what has happened to these women.

Sir Clement Freud (left) pictured with his wife, Lady Jill, celebrating his birthday in 1997

Lady Freud had a long affair with a teenage boy during the 1970s. Jill was 47 when it began and her lover, Jonathan Self, elder brother of novelist Will Self, was just 16

I sincerely hope they will now have some peace.

The disclosures painted Freud as a vicious sex attacker, demolishing his image as a dry, acerbic wit and self-deprecating raconteur, whose funereal voice on Radio 4s Just A Minute was the one that audiences most wanted to hear.

A cousin of one victim described how it made her flesh creep to hear Freuds voice in later years knowing what he had done.

In many ways Jill Raymond was the perfect foil for Freud.

She had a footnote in the history of childrens literature as the model for Lucy in CS Lewiss The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe  and the succeeding six titles in his Chronicles of Narnia  and in her last film role appeared as the Downing Street housekeeper in Love Actually,

written and directed by her future son-in-law Richard Curtis. But it was as the wife of Sir Clement (he was knighted by Mrs Thatcher in 1987) that Jill achieved her widest fame and greatest notoriety.

The couple married in 1950 when Freud, the future broadcaster and Liberal politician, was a chef. She claimed that he never actually proposed and the first she knew of their engagement was on seeing a notice in The Times.

Hes a constant surprise, full of mischief, she said.

Life in the Freud household was rarely dull. She recalled the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas sleeping, drunk, on their floor one night and, another time, the painter Francis Bacon coming for Christmas dinner.

Her husbands pursuit of fame was restless, but she was always there to support him as he moved from caterer and journalist to gambler and adventurer.

When he decided to stand as the Liberal candidate in a by-election for the Isle of Ely constituency in 1973, Jill Freud commuted to Cambridgeshire every day to campaign for him while performing in The Dame of Sark for the Oxford Festival in the evenings.

Jill gave up her acting career for many years to bring up her five children, who included Matthew Freud, the PR guru, and the television presenter and broadcaster Emma Freud.

I think our children have been lucky because they havent just got the highly sensitive, neurotic, hugely intelligent Freud genes, theyve also got mine, she observed.

Clement Freud and Jill Raymond out walking in London following announcement of their engagement

I am pretty stable emotionally, you could say boring.

Publication of Jonathan Selfs autobiography, Self Abuse, in 2001, suggested anything but boredom. Louche maybe, racy even, but certainly not dull.

In it, Self disclosed his schoolboy affair. He referred, coyly, to his married lover as June and described the happy family home this woman had created in Suffolk.

It was not long before June  which all literary types knew had been Lady Freuds real name  was identified as Jill Raymond (her stage name), who ran a theatre company from her home on the Suffolk coast near Southwold.

I learned an awful lot, for me the experience was all positive... June taught and I learnt, wrote Self. She nurtured and I grew. Sometimes with the callous indifference of a teenager, I inadvertently hurt her. I loved June and she loved me.

Nevertheless, despite the strength and depth of our feelings for each other, we both understood the impossibility of our situation...

There was no question of deceiving Junes husband as they had an open marriage.

Although [Clement] and I never discussed the subject, he was fully aware with how things stood between his wife and me.

Indeed, he treated me as a member of their family, offering me support, advice and even financial assistance. Over time, the two of us developed a lasting and quite separate, if somewhat unconventional, friendship of our own.

When all this was put to Freud, he was evasive, parrying questions about a so-called open marriage by professing not to know what the term meant while describing Self as a chum who had helped celebrate the Freuds golden wedding.

In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Self  known to the Freuds as Joss  was keen to protect his seducer from censure.

I was very much in love with June, he said. If at my age (at the time he was 42) I started dating a 16-year-old girl or heard of some other man who did, Id be really suspicious.

But Id be very slow to condemn June in this respect. She certainly made the first move, but I wasnt unenthusiastic. Much is made of any romance where there is a large age difference. But not every relationship conforms to a stereotype.

Jill Raymond and Clement Freud, the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the psychologist, photographed after their wedding at St James's Church in London

In the case of June, she was physically very attractive whereas I was gangly and spotty. Furthermore, our relationship lasted a long time.

I was drawn to June for many different reasons. I was in love with her in the romantic sense though, obviously, we both knew at the time that this wouldnt be a get married and live happily ever after sort of relationship. She was happy, too  and happiness was in short supply when I was growing up  which made her all the more attractive.

There were other reasons, he explained. Id just ended three years in an abusive homosexual relationship and was very worried about being gay. I was quite keen to have relationships with members of the opposite sex.

Their affair, he said, was accepted by mutual friends and by her family.

If anyone thought it unusual, they said nothing to us about it. Of course, one of the difficulties for me was that I felt there was something wrong with me for wanting to be with someone so much older. Also, because it was an impossible situation, there was always a feeling of doom hanging over us. The relationship ended only when Self, by now in his early 20s, met his first wife.

But for his mid-life book, the extraordinary affair might have remained secret. Certainly, Lady Freud drew a discreet veil over this highly charged coupling and offered no public explanation.

Was it, perhaps, because of her open marriage that she apparently turned a blind eye to her husbands depravity?

When they emerged, the details of her husbands actions were truly shocking. They are no less shocking now.

Freud, who admitted morality was not a tremendously important part of my life, met 11-year-old Sylvia Woosley and her wayward mother in France in 1948.

Four years later, back in London, Freud became the girls unofficial guardian following the break-up of her mothers marriage and she moved in with him.

By now Freud was supposedly safely married to Jill.

But in her shocking testimony Sylvia described, aged 14, joining the couple for breakfast in their bed. While Jill went to get the breakfast things, she told Sylvia to stay there.

I knew what was going to happen, she later recounted. I was in my nightdress, and he pulls it up and pulls me against him, touching me and kissing me.

SIr Clement was unmasked as a serial sexual predator and paedophile who had fathered a secret love-child with his familys teenage nanny. Pictured: Clement and wife Jill in 1954

Three months after these claims, another Freud family secret was exposed. It was disclosed that Freud had got their 17-year-old nanny, Barbara, pregnant.

She was sent to a home for unmarried mothers and her baby girl, who was born in 1957, was put up for adoption. A relative of Barbara said Freud had behaved abominably. Every time you saw his face on television you had to pinch yourself to realise what this genial and charming so-called gentleman was really like.

The disclosures, however, led to Lady Freuds earlier amorous exploits being raked over, which some saw as a cruel act of disapproval for a woman who had once been described by CS Lewis as without exception, the most selfless person I have ever known.

She was born June Flewett in London in 1927, the second of three daughters of a classics master at St Pauls School.

On the outbreak of war in 1939 she was evacuated to Oxford where she was later offered accommodation at the Kilns, CS Lewiss home, where she worked as a domestic help.

A devotee of Lewiss religious writings, she realised only after she had been in residence for two weeks that Jack Lewis, as he was known, was in fact her literary hero.

She developed a tremendous crush on the writer, who took her to tea with fellow writer JRR Tolkien and scientist Alexander Fleming at a time when penicillin was first being developed.

Determined to be an actress, June won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), but she repeatedly deferred it until Lewis reluctantly told her that she had to leave and pursue her ambitions. He paid her fees. Although Lewis sent her a copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe when it was published in 1950, she did not identify herself with its young heroine, Lucy Pevensie, until in old age she was informed by Lewiss stepson Douglas Gresham: I suppose you know you are the prototype for Lucy?

After Rada, she made her screen debut alongside Jean Simmons.

The production company promoted June as a promising starlet and organised a competition to find her a more stylish name: Jill Raymond was the winning entry.

She became a leading stage actress appearing as Michael Redgraves daughter in The Father. A newspaper reported her wedding to Freud under the headline West End star marries cook. Jill gave up acting not long afterwards, although she had a part-time job in the long-running BBC radio serial, Mrs Dales Diary.

In later years, she returned to her theatre roots through the non-profit summer repertory company she established in Suffolk, which was financially supported by screen star Peter OToole.

Jill attributed her long life to keeping busy and eating the same lunch every day: A glass of red wine and a packet of crisps.

By the time of her death, the scandal of her husbands wicked behaviour might just have started to fade.

Jills daughter Emma posted that her mothers final evening was spent surrounded by children, grandchildren and pizza [before] she eventually told us all to f*** off so she could go to sleep.
Without close scrutiny, one particular listing on the register of hearings issued by Western Australias Supreme Court this week might easily have been overlooked.

Giuffre plus Anor v Louden plus Anor, it reads (Anor is shorthand for Another), dry legalese which gives little clue to the complex  and rancorous  real life circumstances which lie behind the proceedings which took place yesterday.

Those circumstances stem from a tragic event seven months ago in the rural farming community of Neergabby, 50 miles north of the metropolitan bustle of Perth where the Supreme Court is situated.

Here, at her remote farmhouse, Virginia Giuffre, the most prominent accuser of the late billionaire financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, took her own life on April 25 this year at the age of just 41, apparently no longer able to battle her demons.

Her death was a heartbreaking end to a troubled life. Yet the legal fallout  and the ensuing war of words  has arguably become even more tragic.

For in its wake is a bitter dispute that encompasses everyone from Virginias estranged  and, it turns out, much hated  husband Robert Giuffre, to their two adult children Christian, 19, and 18-year-old Noah (they also shared a 15-year-old daughter), Virginias US-based brother Sky Roberts and half-brother Danny Wilson, as well as both her former housekeeper and her barrister.

For its unclear whether Virginia died intestate  meaning she left no valid will  which has triggered a complex, protracted legal dispute over who inherits what.

Virginia and Robert Guiffre. There is an ongoing legal dispute over who inherits Virginia's estate

Her former lawyer says there definitely was a will: just eight weeks before she died, Virginia created an informal will in writing, although it hadnt been properly executed.

Confusing matters further is just how much money is left for the family to fight over.

Despite claims of a vast estate, including the 12million reportedly paid by the late Queen on behalf of her son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following Virginias allegations that she was trafficked to him by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell at the age of 17  accusations he has always denied  court documents put the existing sum at only around half a million Australian dollars (about 250,000) prompting questions over what has happened to the rest of the Queens millions.

Virginia owned at least four properties, two worth more than 1million, and at least 3million was ring-fenced for her sexual violence support charity, Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (Soar), which she had set up three years ago  but that still leaves a sizeable chunk unaccounted for.

Whats irrefutable, however, is the enmity between Virginia and her husband, Robert, in her final days and months.

As a friend exclusively told the Daily Mail: It is fair to say that by the end of her life Virginia absolutely hated Robert. She absolutely did not want him to have any of her money.

It is this crucial tangle of questions, claims and counterclaims that brought lawyers for several interested parties to a skyscraper in central Perth yesterday, for an initial procedural hearing ahead of many looming court actions that will determine the fate of Virginias fortune  and, by extension, the money paid out by Queen Elizabeth.

The fact that the legal process to decide the fate of that money began in an unremarkable conference room in Perth is one of the more bizarre aspects of a case that is already mired in scandal, legal wrangling and competing claims.

The infamous photograph of Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell

Only this week Virginias paternal aunt, Kimberly Roberts, told a newspaper that Virginias two brothers were seeking a chunk of her estate. We dont believe they have a right to it, she said. The estate should go to her children only.

In response, in a statement made to the Daily Mail this week, the brothers vehemently refuted the suggestion that they were seeking financial gain from their sisters estate.

While we will not comment about an open case before the court, we wish to reiterate that Virginia intended for her estate to be administered as she laid out in the informal will she drafted with her attorney ensuring the vast majority of it go to her children and be properly managed on their behalf, versus to her estranged husband Robert, the statement read. We have every confidence in the court that this will be the case.

While the brothers would not be drawn on whether they have hired their own lawyers in Australia to challenge any claim made by Robert Giuffre on their sisters estate, separately their PR representative also told the Daily Mail that they believed no credit could be given to Kimberlys claims, given her close links to Virginias father  whom Virginia claimed had raped her as a child.

The explosive claim was made in Virginias memoir, Nobodys Girl, which was published posthumously last month.

In it she said shed been raped by her own father for many years, starting at the age of seven, and had also been trafficked to one of his friends, who did the same, and that friend was later imprisoned for a similar crime.

Virginias claims were, in turn, strenuously denied by her father: Just to straighten this out, I never abused my daughter, he said.

There has been no allegation that Kimberly was aware of any abuse.

Virginia Roberts in Australia in 2011. Virginias memoir, Nobodys Girl, was published posthumously last month

Theirs was not the only fractured relationship in Virginias life, however. At the time of her death she was also estranged from her martial arts instructor husband Robert. Their troubled marriage of 23 years forms the backdrop to much of the legal drama that has unfolded.

Virginia met Robert in Thailand in 2002 during a trip funded by Epstein for her to undergo professional massage training. The pair married just ten days later, and she told Epstein she was not coming home and was instead moving to Australia to start a family. Robert seemed initially to provide a safe haven for Virginia, rescuing her from the evil clutches of Epstein, but in the months before she died she claimed her husband had become emotionally and physically controlling.

I was unable to escape the domestic violence in my marriage until recently, she told the US magazine People.

She added: After my husbands latest physical assault, I can no longer stay silent. In January this year she was hospitalised following an alleged assault which a spokesman later claimed was inflicted by Robert  an accusation he again strenuously denied.

He was then granted a restraining order against his wife, as well as temporary custody of the couples children.

He remained in the 1.2million family home in Perth overlooking the Indian Ocean, while Virginia retreated to her 1.3 million Neergabby farmhouse.

It was against this poignant and messy backdrop that, in April this year, Virginia took her life, days after a bizarre post on Instagram in which, accompanying a selfie showing her looking bruised and battered, she said she had been in a severe accident after a school bus collided with her car, resulting in kidney failure.

She wrote that doctors had given her four days to live.

Virginia with brother Sky Roberts (left) and half-brother Daniel Scott Wilson

One month before, she had apparently sent an email to a respected Perth-based lawyer called Craig Hollett which, he subsequently revealed, had been an informal will in which Virginia underscored her fervent wish that her estranged husband did not inherit any of her estate in the case of her death.

If I dont make it, please dont let Rob have any money, she wrote, under the subject line implied will.

In that same email, Hollett said, Virginia also stated she wanted her money to go to her children, as well as to other family members, a handful of friends and to charity.

Yesterday the claim was backed up by Virginias former barrister, Karrie Louden, and Cheryl Myers, her housekeeper and carer, in their submissions to court.

They say Virginia had indeed begun making an attempt to draft a new will before she died, and had also written a note appointing them as trustees.

This contention is opposed by Virginias adult sons who are also set to argue that their mothers medical records show that she did not have the testamentary capacity to make a will cutting their father off.

Either way, as the couple were separated, not divorced, under Australian law Robert may still be entitled to a third of his deceased wifes estate  whatever its worth.

Alongside the 12million payout, there was also the 371,000 paid by Epstein in 2009 and an undisclosed sum paid by Ghislaine Maxwell  now serving a 20-year sentence in a US federal prison for trafficking offences  after Virginia sued her for defamation.

Sky and Amanda Roberts, brother and sister-in-law of Virginia attend a press conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, ahead of a House vote on the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein

Whether these payments helped finance her property holdings  alongside the family home in Perth and the Neergabby farm, she owned two other properties  and whether these will form part of her estate, is unknown.

Yet, the courts Statement of Claims says she had interests whose value will exceed the sum of $472,000 in several items.

This included 50 shares in the Witty River Pty Ltd company which owned the Neergabby farm. It also states she was a beneficiary of that companys family trust, owned a 2017 Toyota Kluger, a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, a horse, jewellery, other personal effects and the contents of the Neergabby property.

The latest legal wranglings stem from the decision at the start of June by Virginias two sons to place an advert in a government gazette naming themselves as her estates administrators and asking creditors to come forward  a decision that the Daily Mail understands puzzled Virginias wider family.

The boys still live with their dad, so the fact they applied on their own to become administrators seemed unusual, the source said.

It was this action that prompted the legal proceedings which kicked off yesterday.

The brothers request is being contested by Louden and Myers  the latter described as a mother figure to Virginia  who have mounted a legal challenge to prevent Virginias sons being granted authority over the estate.

At yesterdays hearing, contrary to Virginias final wishes and efforts, it was recommended that Robert would indeed be added to the proceedings as a potentially interested party.

Meanwhile, it emerged earlier this week that the court has appointed an interim administrator to oversee the estate during any ongoing legal disputes  standing in, effectively, for Virginia herself.

Those legal proceedings are legion: aside from the ongoing issues over her estate, Virginia was also involved in a number of other actions, among them a continuing case involving the US lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who had sued Virginia for defamation after she alleged she had been trafficked to him as a minor.

She retracted the allegation, saying she may have made a mistake in identifying him. The arbitration is understood to relate to an ongoing out-of-court settlement.

Complicating matters further still is the fact that at the time of her death Virginia was also being sued by a US-based woman called Rina Oh over social media posts and a podcast in which she claimed that Oh was an official part of Epsteins sex trafficking scheme and physically abused her. Oh strenuously denies the claims, saying she was also one of Epsteins victims, and sued for defamation.

Following Virginias death an appeals court in New York ruled that Ohs claim could proceed on the basis that civil liabilities survive a defendants death.

It is a knotty legal mess, with court proceedings likely to stretch long into the future  the legacy of a woman whose death continues to cast a long shadow over those she left behind, while also leaving the question: what did happen to the Queens missing millions?
Among the litany of appalling murders in the annals of British criminal history, few have seared themselves into the public consciousness as deeply as the horrifying events which took place at White House Farm.

It was there, in that isolated farmhouse near Tolleshunt DArcy in Essex, that police discovered the bodies of five members of the same family early in the morning of August 7, 1985.

Amid scenes of unimaginable violence and bloodshed, all had died from gunshot wounds.

The White House Farm murders became one of the most notorious criminal sagas in modern times after the arrest, trial and imprisonment of Jeremy Bamber who, in 1986, was found guilty of shooting dead his wealthy landowner parents Nevill and June, their 28-year-old adopted daughter Sheila and her six-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Nicholas.

But 40 years on, in the wake of numerous books and TV series about the massacre which still poses a myriad of unanswered questions, the emergence of a mysterious 999 call has thrown fresh doubt over the killers true identity  and, therefore, Bambers guilt.

That haunting call is said to have come from inside the Georgian farmhouse at 6.09am on the morning of the murders  and wasnt mentioned at Bambers trial. If verifiable, its timing would provide the now 64-year-old, who has always protested his innocence, with a cast-iron alibi and could see his conviction overturned.

By the time the call was made, according to evidence which convicted Bamber four decades ago, everyone inside White House Farm should already have been dead.

Prosecutors successfully argued that by around 3.30am, when Bamber first called police from his own home three miles away, he had already shot dead everyone inside the farmhouse before placing the murder weapon on Sheilas body to make it look like the former model, a diagnosed schizophrenic, had taken her own life after slaughtering her family.

Jeremy Bamber was found guilty of shooting dead his wealthy landowner parents Nevill and June, their 28-year-old adopted daughter Sheila and her six-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Nicholas

Bamber has always argued that it was his mentally ill sister who wiped out the family in a case of murder-suicide. Right from the start, the events of that terrible bloodbath were horribly muddled in the way they were recorded, leaving questions about how many 999 calls police received and, crucially, who made them.

In the immediate aftermath of the shootings, Essex Police created two separate call logs noting phone reports that Sheila was wielding a rifle at the farm.

One, logged at 3.36am, referred to the call made by Bamber from his home, telling police that his 61-year-old father Nevill had just phoned him to say that his sister had gone crazy and has the gun.

The phone had gone dead, he reported, and when he tried to call his father back he had been unable to get a reply.

Another log created separately by a 999 dispatcher and given a time stamp ten minutes earlier at 3.26am, reported that Nevill himself had called police to say that his daughter had got hold of one of my guns.

Such a call would support the only alternative to Bambers guilt, which is that Sheila, who was found dead with the murder weapon, really was the killer.

Essex Police, however, have insisted that both logs refer to the same call by Bamber and that the difference in timing was an error.

Bamber, who is serving a whole life tariff at Category A Wakefield Prison, recently commissioned a document forensics expert to examine both pieces of paper.

Sheila Bamber was found dead with the murder weapon, which has prompted Bamber's supporters to suggest he is innocent

They concluded that while an error was possible, the existence of two logs was more simply explained if there had been two telephone calls.

After Bamber reported his fathers distress call, he was told to meet police at the end of the drive leading to the house.

Officers at HQ in Chelmsford kept trying to phone the Bambers home number but were unable to get through. Several hours passed before officers entered the farmhouse and discovered the carnage inside.

During that time, several key pieces of evidence suggest that there were signs of life inside the house. The first officers to attend the scene even claimed to have seen someone moving around through the window downstairs.

Telephonist Jean Rowe, on duty at the switchboard in Chelmsford, received a call at around 4am from Essex Police HQ asking her to check the farmhouse line to see if anyone was speaking or if the phone was off the hook.

I could tell that the receiver was off the hook and the line was therefore open, she said in a statement given the following day.

There wasnt any speech but I could hear a dog barking. The noise was loud so it appeared that the dog was near to the receiver. I couldnt hear any other noise.

Asked to check the line again by police at around 5.40am, Jean found that the phone in the White House kitchen was still off the hook. The only thing I could hear was a very slight moving sound, she said in her statement.

Jeremy Bamber has not been successful in his appeal bids. He has been in prison for 40 years

At 5.50am, she was asked to connect the call to police HQ in Chelmsford where officers took over monitoring the line.

In 2002, however, a brief mention of yet another 999 call at 6.09am was discovered by Scotland Yard detectives during an investigation into the initial handling of the case. Essex Police produced a short typed but unsigned statement in the name of one of their officers, PC Nick Milbank. It made no mention of the 999 call and said that Milbank, who reported for duty at around 6am that day, had been asked to monitor the open line into the farmhouse.

He heard nothing, according to the 2002 statement handed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), until police officers forced their way into the locked farmhouse at around 7.30am. Bambers attempt to appeal subsequently failed.

But last year, journalist Heidi Blake from the New Yorker magazine tracked down Milbank, who was still working as an Essex Police civilian. He recalled that a 999 call had come in at 6.09am to police HQ, suggesting that someone replaced the handset and dialled out again.

From what I can remember someone called 999, he said, from inside the farmhouse. While the caller did not speak to him, he recalled hearing what might have been muffled speech  perhaps a voice or a radio and noises that could have been a door opening or closing, or a chair being moved.

When asked if this suggested that someone had been alive in the house, he answered: Well, obviously. Asked about the 2002 statement in his name, he denied ever making it. I certainly didnt give anyone a statement. Any statement that Ive made Ive always signed, he said.

In yet another twist in this extraordinary saga, PC Milbank died of cancer in June this year.

Just months before his death, after Bambers legal team raised the issue of the call with the CCRC, Milbank gave a final statement to Essex Police in which he said that he had never to my knowledge spoken to a journalist from the New Yorker.

White House Farm at Tolleshunt D'Arcy, near Maldon, in Essex

In fact, their entire conversation can now be heard in full on the US publications newly-released Blood Relatives crime podcast.

Nor, said Milbank in that final statement before he died, did he recall making a statement to the Bamber Court of Appeal inquiry in 2002, but given the role I had it is likely I did provide one for continuity. It would have been a handwritten statement signed by me.

Since his death, Essex Police has produced a handwritten, signed version of Milbanks 2002 statement which Bambers legal team want forensically tested.

His widow told the Daily Mail this week that she had no dealings and never had with the case.

Bambers supporters insist the 6.09am call proves once and for all that Sheila  and not her brother  carried out the killings at the house which was locked from the inside. Several hours passed between those killings, they argue, before  realising the house was surrounded by police  Sheila shot herself.

She had recently been hospitalised for paranoid schizophrenia, had a fraught relationship with her deeply religious mother and was said to be afraid that her parents, who thought she wasnt well enough to care for her children, were planning to foster them.

Her mothers blood-stained Bible was found next to her body, open at Psalms 51-55. The line, save me from blood guiltiness was underlined.

In the aftermath of the murders, senior Essex Police detectives pursued this theory and the crime was treated as murder-suicide. But relatives raised concerns that Bamber, who like Sheila was adopted, appeared emotionally detached and was behaving strangely.

Colin Cafell lost his ex-wife Sheila and their twin sons in the murders

Further suspicions were aroused when he went on holiday to the south of France after the funeral. Sheila, they also argued, wouldnt have been physically capable of carrying out the crimes. Most damning of all, however, was testimony given by Bambers recently dumped girlfriend Julie Mugford, who told police he had been planning the murders for a year and had contacted a hitman.

She later changed her story and said Jeremy was the murderer.

News of a potentially crucial new piece of evidence in the case has been dismissed by those close to the Bamber family who remain convinced of Jeremys guilt.

A spokesman for June Bambers niece, Ann Eaton, who moved into White House Farm with her husband and children after the murders, said that as far as shes concerned justice has been done.

Colin Caffell, Sheilas ex-husband  and father of the twin boys  described claims of the call as spurious and told me this week: I know beyond a shadow of doubt that Sheila could never have carried out the killings.

One of Sheilas closest friends, Tora Tomkinson, also insisted to the Daily Mail that Sheila could not have been the killer.

She was the most kind, gentle person and a wonderful mother, she said. She loved her children to bits. They were her world. She wouldnt have had it in her to murder those two boys.

In a statement, Essex Police said: This case has been the subject of several appeals and reviews by the court of appeal and the Criminal Cases Review Commission. All of these processes have never found anything other than Bamber is the person responsible for killing his adoptive parents Nevill and June, sister Sheila Caffell and her twin sons Nicholas and Daniel.

Philip Walker, of the Jeremy Bamber Innocence Campaign, said this week that the CCRC should never have allowed Essex Police to interview Milbank last year, given that he was still serving with the force.

It had an obligation to protect Nick Milbank after he disclosed a potential cover-up by his employer. The CCRC put him at risk and compromised his evidence by allowing the force to deal with him directly.

The miscarriage of justice watchdog, which has come under heavy fire for long delays in investigations and its apparent reluctance to challenge the courts, is currently deciding whether or not to refer Bambers case back to the Court of Appeal for a second time. Since Bamber filed his application in 2021, it has reviewed only four of the ten grounds which his lawyers argue undermine the safety of his conviction.

While the remaining six grounds are still under review, in June the CCRC concluded that none of the first four reached the threshold for a referral to the Court of Appeal  including, astonishingly, the alleged 999 call said to have been taken by PC Milbank.

According to criminologist Dr Dennis Eady of the Cardiff University Innocence Project, wrongful convictions often arise because of something he calls the Agatha Christie syndrome involving the evil perpetrator of the perfect murder. He said this week: Theres something about this case which seems to blind people from looking at the evidence ... its easier for people to think that Jeremy Bamber is a psychopath than to actually accept that the system has made an absolute mess of it.

Bambers legal team are planning to respond to the CCRC next week. Earlier this year, Bambers 40-year bid to prove his innocence received another boost after bombshell claims by a police whistleblower that officers tampered with the crime scene.

The Essex Police ex-CID officer said that items were moved and replaced before crime scene photographs were taken and that video footage of the murder scene was withheld from Bambers defence team and later destroyed.

While the whistleblower claims he viewed the footage, Essex Police denies it even existed.

The officer, who served for 20 years and left the force with an exemplary record, told the Mail on Sunday this year: If the crime scene has no integrity, then neither does the investigation and it follows that neither does the case against Mr Bamber.

Campaigner Philip Walker says that Bamber was hopeful about the ongoing bid to overturn his conviction when he spoke to him on the phone this week.

For the time being, he remains one of Britains most notorious murderers  a man described at his original trial by the judge as warped and evil, almost beyond belief.

The only alternative is one which many refuse to countenance  that Jeremy Bamber is the victim of one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history.
Two Russian shadow fleet tankers were rocked by blasts before catching fire in the Black Sea near Turkey's Bosphorus strait, Turkish authorities reported Friday.

Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said the first tanker, the Gambian-flagged Kairos, caught fire approximately 28 miles off the coast of the country's Kocaeli province.

It blamed the fire on 'an external impact,' without providing details.

The 274-meter-long Kairos suffered an explosion in the Black Sea while en route from Egypt to Russia, Turkey's Transport Ministry added.

Within the hour, the maritime authority reported that a second tanker, Virat, was 'struck' while sailing in the Black Sea about 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast. It did not provide further details.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. All 20 crew members aboard the Virat were safe, although heavy smoke was reported in the engine room, the maritime authority said.

All 25 crew aboard the Kairos were also safely evacuated, Kocaeli Governor Ilhami Aktas said, adding that efforts to extinguish the fire were continuing.

'A large fire is taking place,' he said.

The OpenSanctions database, which tracks people or organisations involved in sanctions evasion, described the vessels as 'shadow fleet' - or vessels used to evade sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Russia.

Flames and thick smoke rise from a tanker after blasts rocked two vessels from Russia's shadow fleet in the Black Sea near Turkey's Bosphorus Strait

Smoke rises after a fire alert was received on board of the empty tanker Kairos, 28 miles off the Turkish coast, en route to Russia's Novorossiysk Port

Gambian-flagged tanker Kairos transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, September 29, 2025

Aktas would not comment on what caused the fires - including whether they may have been struck by sea mines - but said the authorities would issue 'a clearer statement' once their inquiries are completed.

The maritime authority posted distant shots of smoke rising from the area where the Kairos caught fire.

Both Kairos and Virat are on a list of ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to LSEG data.

The VesselFinder website showed the Virat was anchored north of the Bosphorus, not far from its current position, on November 4.

The Kairos' last position was on November 26 south of the Dardanelles Strait connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

The United States sanctioned the Virat in January this year, followed by the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, according to the OpenSanctions website.

Similarly, the EU sanctioned the Kairos in July this year, followed by the UK and Switzerland.

'The shadow tanker fleet continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the Kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners and poses significant environmental threats,' OpenSanctions says in its website entry on the Kairos.

The Virat, built in 2018, uses 'irregular and high-risk shipping practices' and has previously sailed under the flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia and Panama, OpenSanctions says.

The Kairos, formerly flagged as Panamanian, Greek and Liberian, was built in 2002.

Ukraine's military intelligence service, the GUR, says on its website that both ships visit Russian ports and have a history of shutting off their automatic identification systems, which transmit a ship's position.

The fire is believed to have been caused by an external factor

They have also docked at ports in China, Turkey and India, among other locations.

Russia's 'shadow fleet' refers to a covert network of ageing oil tankers used to bypass international sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine.

These sanctions, including price caps on Russian oil, aim to curtail Moscow's revenues.

However, the shadow fleet allows Russia to continue exporting oil globally while avoiding Western controls.

This fleet is composed of older, poorly maintained vessels often operating without reputable Western insurance, relying instead on obscure providers or none at all.

To evade detection, the fleet employs tactics such as turning off tracking systems, falsifying location data, and conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea to disguise the oils origin.

Its opaque operations and lack of oversight create vulnerabilities for maritime safety and international law enforcement.
A man shot dead in a brazen public shooting in Sydney's west is being remembered as a loving father-of-two as a teenager is charged with murder.

Emergency services were called to Carinya Street, Blacktown, around 11.50am on Friday after reports that shots had been fired.

Officers found 28-year-old Mal Seve with wounds to his neck, chest, and leg. He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Seve was an alleged member of the Inner West Brotherhood gang.

People close to him told 9News he was a loving father-of-two.

While paramedics fought to save Seve, officers tried to intercept a fleeing Mazda ute, triggering a tense five-minute pursuit.

The car crashed less than 1km away on Kildare Road and two men, aged 18 and 25, ran were chased, arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station.

Footage published by independent media channel SCN Worldstar showed one of the suspected shooters lying on the ground between two cars with a cut on his face, surrounded by officers as he was handcuffed.

Alleged member of the Inner West Brotherhood gang and a father-of-two, Mal Seve (pictured) was shot dead on Friday morning on Carinya Street, Blacktown,

Footage published by independent media channel SCN Worldstar showed one of the suspected shooters lying on the ground between two cars with a cut on his face (pictured)

Two men known to police, 18 and 25, were arrested by police shortly after the shooting

The pair had fled the scene of the shooting in a Mazda ute but, after it crashed, had attempted to run from NSW Police officers before they were apprehended

The 25-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries where he remains under police guard.

The 18-year-old man was charged with murder, driving dangerously, taking and driving a conveyance without the owners consent, and failing to stop during a police pursuit.

He was refused bail and will appear in court on Saturday.

'Both the people in custody and the victim are known to police,' Superintendent Brendan Gorman told reporters on Friday.

'Public place shootings and all shootings, police take very seriously - it's one of our number one priorities.

'Police will do whatever it takes to end that violence.'

Sydney has experienced more than a dozen public shootings, arson attacks and kidnappings since Christmas 2024, prompting police to set up the 150 officer-strong Taskforce Falcon in May to tackle underworld warfare.
A shopping trip to one of Portland's most famous bookstores turned into a sickening ordeal when a female customer says she was suddenly spat on.

The incident inside Powell's Books on Sunday is now being investigated by Portland Police Bureau as a possible bias crime.

Police confirmed officers responded to the downtown bookstore after the woman called to report that a man had allegedly approached her inside its cafe area and spat on her.

The horrifying encounter unfolded in full view of other shoppers who were browsing the iconic store's shelves and eating in the cafe.

The victim, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Kate, described the moment to KATU.

'It was Sunday night and my husband and I were shopping for books. I had just gotten a new job, so I was hoping to pick up some books to help me do well in my new job, and buy some holiday gifts,' Kate explained.

'I ordered a coffee, and I was waiting for my husband to arrive. I paid for the coffee and while I was waiting, I noticed some man was staring at me - watching me from the risers. I kind of ignored it at first. I thought, Okay, whatever. The cafe was really crowded - dozens of people, families. It was packed.

'I walked around the counter, and as I approached the pickup area, this man spat at me from about five feet away,' Kate said. 'It felt targeted, even though I dont know who he is. For some reason, I was the chosen victim.

Kate says she was shopping inside Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon, when she was suddenly spat on by a man

A spokesperson for Powell's said staff moved quickly once the assault was reported

'It was very intentional - forceful. It was a shocking amount of spit, and it traveled quite far. He was still about five feet away from me. I believe he was aiming for my face, but my head was turned and it landed in my hair. I was in complete shock, Kate said.

Police described the suspect as a 5ft 7ins, white male with light brown hair, a beard, who was wearing a stained white shirt and had a half-open black backpack with a bottle of wine in it.

Kate went on: 'After that happened, the man continued staring directly at me, not breaking eye contact, repeatedly saying, I have COVID. To me, that was especially disturbing. COVID is not something to take lightly, and using it as a threat after degrading and menacing someone in front of dozens of people was just shocking.'

Investigators said details remain limited, but confirmed 'the suspect could be facing a bias crime.'

The bookstore is a landmark in Portland drawing locals, tourists, families and students every day.

Kate says she was also very disappointed how staff handled the incident.

'Powells did nothing. There was no on-site security. No one to help de-escalate the situation or keep us safe. There seemed to be no protocol in place if he had pulled out a knife, a gun, or tried to physically harm us,' Kate said.

'The employees shrugged it off as if things like that happen all the time - as if women cant feel safe in bookstores. It was disgusting and dismaying to witness.

The encounter unfolded in full view of other shoppers inside the store and cafe

'I just want to feel safe to go to a book store. I'm shocked at how Powell's responded. These employees are not quipped to handle anything like and don't know what to do,' Kate explained.

'It was super degrading - to spit on a woman, physically place yourself above her, and then spit on her in such an intentional way. And afterward to imply, I just got you sick, using COVID as a weapon, is deeply disgusting and not acceptable.

Even when the man had left the bookstore, Kate and her husband still felt unsafe.

'The man stormed out and as he left, he was threatening us with violence, saying he was going to hurt us. For a moment, we were worried he would come back with a weapon.

'What shocked me too was the bystander effect. There were over a dozen peopleparents, families, children - and not a single person spoke up to help me,' Kate said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Powell's said staff moved quickly once the assault was reported.

'We've completed an initial review of the incident, including video footage. Our Operations Officers responded within two minutes, the incident occurred at 4.39pm and the individual was escorted out by 4.41pm. without further incident,' the spokesperson said.

'Powells did nothing,' Kate claimed. 'There was no on-site security. No one to help de-escalate the situation or keep us safe'

Powell's also confirmed the man has been 'permanently excluded from Powell's, consistent with our standard safety procedures.'

The company underscored the seriousness of the attack and its impact on both guests and employees.

'We never want any customer to have an experience like this, and the safety of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance,' the statement read.

Powell's has also said video of the incident has been sent to Portland police. Daily Mail has also reached out to Powell's for further comment.
READ MORE: Jodie Haydon touches down after week in Palau with Albanese

Couple tied the knot at The Lodge in Canberra

Jodie Haydon and Anthony Albanese have tied to knot, marking the first marriage of an Australian Prime Minister while in office.

The bride wore a long-sleeved white gown, by Sydney designer Romance Was Born, as she said 'I do' at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday.

The Prime Minister's suit was from MJ Bale.

The couple was blessed with blue skies for the happy occasion with several guests from Albo's inner-circle including Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Health Minister Mark Butler, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher attending the ceremony.

Ms Haydon was walked down the aisle by her parents, Bill and Pauline Haydon, to Ben Folds' 'The Luckiest'.

After the ceremony, Albanese, 62, and Ms Haydon, 46, walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)'.

The witnesses were Ms Haydon's brother, Patrick Haydon, and Albanese's cousin, Helen Golden, while guests were served beer in a special can made by Willie the Boatman whose brewery is in Sydney's inner-west.

The couple released a joint statement saying: 'We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.'

Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon tie the knot at The Lodge in Canberra

The happy couple hold hands after the ceremony

Ms Haydon enjoys a champagne

Albanese and Ms Haydon sign their marriage certificate

All expenses related to the event were paid for privately by the couple

At the reception, the couple's first dance will be to 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Frank Sinatra.

The Lodge holds significant meaning for the couple, who got engaged on its balcony on Valentine's Day 2024 after a romantic dinner at an Italian restaurant.

Ms Haydon is an executive for Teachers Mutual Bank, and has previously said her new husband was extremely supportive of her high-profile role.

During his first-term in office, Albanese planned the date, the place of the proposal and even helped design Ms Haydon's diamond ring - a custom piece by Cerrone Jewellers at Leichhardt, in the heart of his electorate.

He asked his son Nathan, 24 - whom he shares with ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt, a former NSW deputy premier - for his blessing before popping the question.

'I respect him and have a good relationship with him, and with his mother. So I asked him to think about it... and he was supportive. He wants me to be happy, and Nathan and Jodie have a really nice relationship as well,' he said at the time.

Ahead of the wedding, the couple dismissed several rumours about their nuptials.

In October, they spent a week soaking up the sun on the island of Palau in Micronesia, a paradise known for its stunning coral reefs.

Albanese pictured with his son, Nathan. The PM's dog Toto was on hand to celebrate the big day

Flowergirl Ella takes Toto for a stroll

Ms Haydon wore a long-sleeved dress designed by Romance was Born

The relaxed vibe and seven-day media blackout requested by the PM's office led to speculation that the pair may have had a small ceremony there.

In February, Haydon previously teased plans for a wedding 'before the year is out' in an interview with Australian Women's Weekly.

They said their dream day would be 'small, intimate possibly outdoors, in the second half of this year, with our family and loved ones'.

The couple also shared how challenges of the top job affected their relationship.

They agreed that frequent travel away or long hours spent at work were not far removed from what shift workers or those in FIFO jobs had to deal with.

The couple said they 'made the most of their time together' when their work commitments allowed.

Albanese met Ms Haydon at a conference in 2020 when he asked if there were any South Sydney NRL fans in the audience, at which she yelled out the team's catch cry of 'up the Rabbitohs'.

He later introduced himself and they decided to go for a drink when they were back in Sydney.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and his wife, Laura, at the wedding

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, front, with Jim and Laura Chalmers

Foreign Minister Penny Wong

Health Minister Mark Butler and his wife Daniela

Guests at the wedding

Ms Haydon is helped by guests as the couple's dog Toto watches on

Albanese is pictured on the morning of his wedding

Guests were served beer in a special can made by Willie the Boatman whose brewery is in Sydney's inner-west

He wooed her with a night out at the Young Henrys brewery in Newtown.

The following year he was seriously injured in a car crash when a Range Rover crossed onto the wrong side of the road and smashed into his car in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Ms Haydon got a call and raced to the scene to see the car written off, but Albanese alive.

'I saw the mess of a car before I saw him and thought 'he couldn't survive this',' she said.

'It was very scary, and in that moment, you realise just how much you love this person  the fear of losing them.

'As I jumped in the ambulance and saw Anthony, I knew then the depth of my feelings towards him.'

Leader of Opposition Sussan Ley said: 'Congratulations to Anthony and Jodie. I wish them every happiness as they continue building their lives together.'

The Prime Minister and Ms Haydon will go on a honeymoon in Australia from this Monday until Friday.
SBU Sea Baby naval drones struck two sanctioned oil tankers, KAIRO and VIRAT, belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea. This was a joint operation between the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy, an SBU source told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Modernized Sea Baby naval drones successfully attacked the vessels. They can cover long distances and are equipped with enhanced warheads. The video shows that both tankers were critically damaged after the hits and have been effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation," the source said.

It was noted that the sanctioned vessels were empty at the time of the attack, en route to the port of Novorossiysk for loading.

"The SBU continues to actively curtail Russia's financial ability to wage war against Ukraine. Sea Baby naval drones disabled vessels that could have been carrying nearly $70 million worth of oil and were helping the Kremlin evade international sanctions," noted an informed source at the SBU.
Ousted Oxford Union president-elect George Abaraonye has issued an apology to the family of Charlie Kirk after celebrating when he was shot.

The 20-year-old PPE student at University College, Oxford, sparked outrage in September when he wrote in a WhatsApp group of Union members: 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f****** go', and posted a similar message on Instagram.

The comments came just months after Abaraonye sat opposite Kirk, one of the most prominent pro-Trump voices in American politics during a heated Oxford Union debate.

He now claims his reaction came before the seriousness of the incident became clear.

'I had very little context for what I was reacting to, but I wanted to start a conversation I missed the mark and that's why I deleted and retracted my comments,' he said.

Speaking to The Times, he said he wanted to address Kirk's family directly. 'I want to offer my apologies and my condolences. No one deserves to lose a husband, no child deserves to grow up without a father,' he said.

'I hope that they are able, in some capacity, to move on from what was a tragic event and to that end, I am very sorry.'

Abaraonye had served on the committee that approved Kirk's invitation to the Union, describing him as a figure who had 'national influence... almost a direct line to the president'.

The ousted Oxford Union president-elect who celebrated the shooting of Charlie Kirk has publicly apologised to his family (pictured: George Abaraonye)

Mr Abaraonye, 20, posted his message on WhatsApp after the shooting

He also acknowledged Kirk's successful debating methods, adding that his authoritative style was effective due to current online editing abilities giving way for points to be framed in a certain light.

The student reflected that today's debates are increasingly polarised and shaped by social media attention rather than facts.

He admitted he reacted without having done research, and once his comments became a headline, critics responded in exactly the same rapid and hostile fashion.

Abaraonye says he faced a torrent of racist abuse, including being told to be 'shot' and 'deported from the UK', despite being born in London.

He also reported AI-generated videos attacking him personally.

His college has since introduced support measures after what he described as a breakdown, warning he did not want to be attacked by racists online.

A working-class student who grew up on free school meals - he said representation in elite institutions remains crucial - and fears backlash could deter other black students from participating in Oxford life.

The controversy ultimately led to a motion of no confidence in his presidency.

A chaotic vote - paused amid claims of 'obstruction, intimidation and unwarranted hostility' - ended with more than 1,200 members backing his removal.

He appealed over irregularities but lost, clearing the way for Katherine Yang to take over the role.

Abaraonye had planned to broaden the Union's appeal and platform a wider range of voices. Although 'gutted', he now says he is ready for closure.

He explained that he was grateful that the ordeal was over and that he would now be able to move forward.
Donald Trump has accepted Russian demands for the United States to recognise Ukraines eastern provinces as belonging to the Kremlin, it was reported on Friday night.

In return, Russia will finally agree to a ceasefire and further negotiations to ensure a lasting peace after almost four years of devastating conflict.

President Trumps position is a huge blow to Ukraine and to the countrys European allies, including Britain. Speaking to the Mail, former British Army commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon accused Trump of peddling Russian lines.

He said: This is a complete affront to Ukraine. Yet again President Trump only seems interested in the Russian position.

He conveniently forgets, time and again, that it was Russia who invaded Ukraine and it is Putin that is an indicted war criminal.

It might be better now for Trump and his commercial deal makers to go back to their day jobs and let us in Europe get a peace deal.

Previously, the White House has been forced to back down after adopting pro-Russian positions in the face of furious criticism.

President Trumps peace envoy Steve Witkoff, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are travelling to Moscow for talks about ending the conflict. Afterwards Mr Driscoll is expected to visit Kyiv.

On Friday defiant Volodymyr Zelensky gave every indication he was determined to stick to his countrys red lines on negotiations, backed by Britain and others.

Donald Trump has accepted Russian demands for the United States to recognise Ukraines eastern provinces as belonging to the Kremlin

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gave every indication he was determined to stick to his countrys red lines on negotiations, backed by Britain and others

He said: Our partners are impressed how Ukraine keeps fighting in the pursuit of peace. The president of Finland briefed me on the conditions Russia is putting forward. And now we are preparing for a meeting with the American side to discuss the steps needed to make peace a reality.

Our work goes on, our struggle goes on.

We have no right to fall short, no right to retreat. If we lose our unity, we lose everything. Putin has said Russia was ready to sit down and seriously discuss specific issues but has also threatened to continue fighting.

Russia does not appear to have made a single concession  and while the US has applied sanctions, these measures have failed to affect the Kremlins position.

Putin maintains Russia has momentum on the battlefield and does not need to stop. However, his gains in eastern Ukraine have come at a heavy cost of manpower.

According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War, at this rate it would take Moscow almost two more years to seize the rest of the Donetsk region.

Data on Russian forces rate of advance indicates that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent, the institute reported.

Ukrainian forces have proven effective at constraining Russian advances and conducting successful counteroffensives, particularly when well-staffed and well-equipped. Putin has demanded that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region or face being killed.

Earlier this week he said: If they dont withdraw, well achieve this by force of arms.

Putin has also demanded Mr Zelensky is removed from office before Russia signs any peace agreements.

He regards the government in Kyiv as illegitimate after it cancelled a general election.
A glamorous prison officer has pleaded guilty to having an illicit sexual relationship with a male inmate and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Leah Robinson, 24, pictured for the first time, entered her two pleas at Nottingham Crown Court while facing prisoner Patryk Dziewiatkowski via video link and her co-accused on drug charges.

Robinson pleaded not guilty to a third count of supplying Class A drug cocaine, along with others, to another.

Prosecutor Gareth Weetman told Judge Tina Dempster: This is a drug smuggling case when Leah Robinson was a prison officer at Lowdham Grange.

No details of the crimes were given.

Robinson, with long honey-coloured hair and wearing a brown check jacket and black trousers, spoke only to confirm her name and enter pleas.

When the first charge was put to her she glowered at Polish Dziewiatkowski, appearing on a video link from HMP Nottingham and shook her head.

Leah Robinson (pictured) leaving Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate and a further charge to supply cannabis in a drug smuggling case

Robinson (pictured) is the latest in a string of attractive prison workers to have been charged over illegal contact and liaison with inmates in recent months

Robinson (pictured) faced prisoner Patryk Dziewiatkowski - her partner or ex - via video link in court

She admitted the offence of misconduct in a public office between February 23, 2023 and August 17, 2023 while acting as a prison officer at HMP Lowdham wilfully misconducted herself by engaging in a sexual relationship with Partryk Dziewiatsku.

She look upset and shame-faced as she said: Guilty from the glass-panelled dock.

Robinson from Cherry Willingham, Lincolnshire, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class B drug cannabis between March 10, 2023 and April 18, 2024 with the five others, to another.

Dziewiatsku also pleaded guilty to the same offence.

Both Robinson and Dziewiatsku pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug cocaine between the same dates with others, to another.

Robinson was in the dock with three co-defendants - two women and a man - who each pleaded not guilty to the drug charges.

She was freed on conditional bail and faces trial with her co accused on April 13 next year.

It is not known if the defendant is still in a relationship with the prisoner, who had been serving time at HM Prison Lowdham Grange, a Category B mens prison near Nottingham, while she was working there.

On leaving court Robinson declined to discuss the case, telling the Daily Mail: I have nothing to say.

Robinson looked upset and shame-faced as she said: Guilty from the glass-panelled dock

She is the latest in a string of attractive prison workers to have been charged over illegal contact and liaison with inmates in recent months.

Earlier this month Sarah Barnett pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office which is understood to involve having an illicit relationship with a male prisoner.

Barnett, 31, who has since left the Prison Service to start working as a beauty therapist, will be sentenced on January 7 next year. She faces a possible jail term.

Dark-haired Barnett from Rugeley, Staffordshire, is charged with being a holder of public office, wilfully neglecting to perform her duty and wilfully misconducting herself.

She entered her plea during a brief five minute hearing at Derby Crown Court. No details of the offence were given at this stage.

She was released on conditional bail to return to the same court to learn her fate in two months.

Last month prison guard Heather Pinchbeck pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to making a series of illicit phone calls which are understood to be to a violent inmate.

Glamorous blonde Pinchbeck, 28, who has since left the service, was charged with one count of making illegal mobile communication with a prisoner who she met while on duty.

Pinchbeck from Drakelow, near Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, now a business management executive, is due to be sentenced in January next year.

In September prison cashier Yolanda Briggs was jailed for having a sexual relationship with an inmate who had bragged about their illicit fling and was dobbed in by a fellow convict.

Briggs, 52, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and was given an eight-month sentence at Lincoln Crown Court.
A former chair of the Democratic National Committee has led the charge blaming President Donald Trump for the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members, arguing that he put troops in danger by deploying them in Washington, DC.

Speaking on CNN on Friday, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said the shooting 'begs the question, would an individual have flown across the country to target law enforcement officers in Washington, DC?

'And, I mean, the answer is likely no. So, why wasnt the presidents first thought, "Wow, you know, maybe I should reconsider deploying military troops in the nations capital or in any city?"

'Particularly not when they havent coordinated closely with the leadership of these cities and when we have law enforcement that are quite capable of handling the criminal justice issues that are,' she added.

Schultz argued that the military should not be used as law enforcement officers. Generally, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits this and Trump's deployment of troops to Los Angeles was found to be in violation of the 1878 law by a federal judge.

'It's never the president's fault or his policies when it comes to his reaction, and it's pretty disgusting,' Schultz said.

The White House was quick to bite back. In a statement to the Daily Mail, spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said that liberals trying to blame Trump for what happened are misguided.

'This animal wouldve never been here if not for Joe Bidens dangerous policies which allowed countless unvetted criminals to invade our country and harm the American people.

'The Trump Administration is taking every measure possible  in the face of unrelenting Democrat opposition  to get these monsters out of our country and clean up the mess made by the Biden Administration. Instead of defending terrorists, the Democrats should join us in protecting the American people.'

Florida Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former head of the DNC, said on CNN Friday that President Donald Trump's policies are to blame for the shooting of National Guard troops on Wednesday

The White House fired back and argued that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, would not have been in the country if not for President Joe Biden

Lakanwal, entered the country during Biden's chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. He came under a program that allowed in thousands of refugees fleeing the Taliban's draconian rule

Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire on two National Guard members close to the White House on Wednesday, according to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

The attack, which is being investigated as an act of terrorism, killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously wounded Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24.

Other liberal commentators agreed with Schultz that the ambush could have been avoided and argued that Trump put troops in danger.

John Pavlovitz, a liberal Christian author, wrote on X: 'Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are culpable for endangering the National Guard by putting them in harms way.'

Wajahat Ali, an opinion writer for The New York Times, offered similar commentary, saying that the National Guard never should have been deployed in Washington.

Liberal podcast host Jack Hopkins took it a step further and claimed that Trump's rationale for putting soldiers on the street in the nation's capital back in August - to curb crime - was nothing but a farce.

'There was no "Emergency" situation with crime in DC. This stunt got a 20 year old young woman killed. It. Got. A. Woman. Killed,' Hopkins wrote.

Frequent CNN contributor Dean Obeidallah pointed out that Lakanwal, was granted asylum this year under the Trump administration.

Frequent CNN contributor Dean Obeidallah pointed out that the suspect in the shooting, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted asylum this year under the Trump administration

Wajahat Ali, an opinion writer for The New York Times, said that the National Guard never should have been deployed in Washington

Lakanwal, 29, first came to the United States in August 2021 under Operations Allies Welcome, an initiative that granted entry to Afghans seeking to avoid living in the country under Taliban control.

Following the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan, nearly 200,000 Afghans have settled in the US thanks to this program, which was later renamed Enduring Welcome.

Trump accused the Biden administration of failing to vet Lakanwal, who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, according to the agencys director, John Ratcliffe.

The Washington Post reported that Lakanwal was a part of the CIA's Zero Units, which were armed paramilitary groups took on deadly missions to kill members of the Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups.

'A CIA trained operative who Trump granted asylum to in April killed a National Guard member who Trump forced to be in Washington DC. Sounds like Trump is one the responsible for this from beginning to end,' Obeidallah wrote on BlueSky.

The liberal critic whose statement got perhaps the most engagement was the one put out by New Yorker writer Jane Mayer.

She wrote: 'This is so tragic, so unnecessary, these poor guardsmen should never have been deployed. I live in DC and watched as they had virtually nothing to do but pick up trash. It was for political show and at what a cost.'

The White House's official X account replied to her comment and called Mayer a 'sick, disgusting ghoul'.

'Two of these heroes were just SHOT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. The Guard has saved countless lives  backed up by evidence (which youre clearly too stupid to notice). They are American Patriots,' the White House added.

One of the National Guard members that was shot being tended to by paramedics

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from injuries she sustained in the shooting

Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, was in critical condition as of Friday

Criticism from the left on Trump's willingness to send troops to blue cities has been going on for months.

In June, Trump sent 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard soldiers from California to Los Angeles to quell the No Kings protests.

In September, he also sent troops into Memphis, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon. A number of other cities have been threatened with deployments of federal forces, including New York City, Baltimore, San Francisco and New Orleans.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that Trump requested 500 additional troops in Washington.

Hours before the shooting, the Trump administration filed an emergency application with a federal appeals court to overturn a previous ruling that his decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington was illegal.
A young Swiss woman who was killed by a shark was a competitive synchronised swimmer, with her club issuing a tragic statement about her love for the water.

Livia Muhlheim, 25, and her boyfriend Lukas Schindler, 26, were mauled by a bull shark during an early morning swim in the unpatrolled waters off Kylies Beach at Crowdy Bay, south of Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast, on Thursday.

Moments before the attack, Ms Muhlheim had been filming herself swimming with dolphins on a GoPro.

She died from her injuries before paramedics could reach the remote beach.

Ms Muhlheim was a skilled synchronised swimmer from a young age and later judged artistic swimming competitions.

She was a member of Swiss club Swim Regio Solothurn, which paid tribute to her lifelong love of the water  a passion that ended in tragedy.

'It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Livia Muhlheim, former artistic swimmer and active judge,' the statement read.

'She died in Australia  in her beloved element, the water. On behalf of the club, we express our sincere condolences to the family.'

Ms Muhlheim had earned her Master's in Accounting and Finance from the University of St Gallen (pictured, right, at a symposium in St Gallen, Switzerland)

Ms Muhlheim (pictured, centre) was a skilled synchronised swimmer when she was younger, going on to judge artistic swimming competitions

Ms Muhlheim's swimming club in Switzerland, Swim Regio Solothurn, issued this statement

Her boyfriend Lukas Schindler (pictured) was injured after he tried to fight off the shark

Ms Muhlheim was accomplished in her field, coming runner-up with her sync partner Mara Bachl in the technical duet competition at the 2019 Swiss Nationals.

She earned a Masters in Accounting and Finance from the University of St Gallen and began working at Zurich-based financial firm Bellecapital AG in May 2024, rising from junior to investment associate.

Ms Muhlheim had previously done seasonal work as a security operator at the World Economic Forum and interned at KPMG Deutschland.

Her boyfriend, Mr Schindler, had recently qualified as a diving instructor.

He swam out as fast as he could, punching the three-metre shark repeatedly before it latched onto his right leg and bit him twice.

Mr Schindler brought his girlfriend back to shore, retrieved his phone and called emergency services.

A passerby spotted the injured exchange student and, guided by paramedics over the phone, used her swimmers to apply a makeshift tourniquet to his leg.

Authorities have said her efforts likely saved Mr Schindler's life. He remained in a stable condition at John Hunter Hospital on Friday.

Livia Muhlheim (pictured) died after she was mauled by a bull shark while swimming in the unpatrolled waters off Kylies Beach at Crowdy Bay, south of Port Macquarie, on Thursday

Mr Schindler (pictured) is an exchange student who recently qualified as a diving instructor

Both Mr Schindler (pictured) and his girlfriend had only arrived at their Mid North Coast campsite late Wednesday night

Police are now reviewing the GoPro footage captured in the lead-up to the attack and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Authorities have launched a major operation to track down the three-metre shark, deploying drones and drum lines along the beach.

Mr Schindler completed his diving instructor's course at a Bondi dive centre and had served as a first lieutenant in the Swiss Armed Forces, according to his online posts.

Both he and his girlfriend had only arrived at their Mid North Coast campsite late on Wednesday night, other campers told The Age.

The pair set off for their morning swim at the unpatrolled beach early the next day.

Police have confirmed they are in contact with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney to notify the couple's family abroad.
The Trump administration ordered a nationwide pause on asylum decisions after two National Guard members were shot this week in Washington, DC.

The order was handed down to officers with US Citizenship and Immigration Services on Friday, according to an internal memo obtained by CBS News.

This is the latest effort by President Donald Trump to clamp down on immigrants coming to the United States, this time spurred on by Wednesday's attack near the White House, which was allegedly perpetrated by a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

USCIS asylum officers will now refrain from approving, denying or closing asylum applications that are received.

After CBS News reported on the new policy stance, the State Department added that immigration from Afghanistan will receive extra scrutiny.

'The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect US national security and public safety,' the agency wrote on X.

Officials said Lakanwal entered the country during President Joe Biden's chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

He was granted entry under a program called Operation Allies Welcome, which sought to provide safe haven to Afghans looking to flee Taliban rule in their country.

The Trump administration ordered a pause on all asylum decisions after two National Guard members were shot this week in Washington, DC

Soldiers gather in a cordoned off area where the West Virginia National Guard members were shot on Wednesday

The West Virginia National Guard members that were shot were Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.

Trump announced on Thursday that Beckstrom had died, while Wolfe was in critical condition as of Friday.

Because Lakanwal entered the country under Biden's watch, the Trump administration is now reviewing all asylum approvals during the Biden era.

Lakanwal, who is expected to be charged with first-degree murder, was granted asylum by the Trump administration sometime this year after applying in 2024.

The pause ordered by Trump means that people in countries who are suffering from persecution or state violence won't have the opportunity to get their asylum claims fully processed.

In-person appointments for asylum seekers will be canceled, at least for this coming Monday, the directive from the White House said.

Instructions to USCIS officers made clear that they could continue working asylum cases up until the point that a final decision needs to be made.

'Once you've reached decision entry, stop and hold,' the directive said.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has since died from injuries she sustained in the shooting

Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, was in critical condition as of Friday

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the country during President Joe Biden's chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. He came under a program that allowed in thousands of refugees fleeing the Taliban's draconian rule

USCIS Director Joe Edlow confirmed that all asylum decisions would be paused but did not offer a strict timeline for when they might resume.

'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,' he said on X.

Edlow said on Thursday that he had ordered a 'full scale, rigorous reexamination' of green card cases involving nationals from Trump's 'travel ban' issued in June.

It was a list of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and a number of other nations in the Middle East and Asia.

'Certain countries (including but not limited to Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Venezuela) lack a competent or central authority for issuing passports and civil documents among other concerns, which directly relates to USCIS' ability to meaningfully assess eligibility for benefit requests including identity, and therefore whether an alien warrants a favorable exercise of discretion,' according to guidance issued Thursday by the USCIS.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Truth Social that he will 'permanently' pause immigration from all 'third world countries.'

He intends to 'end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization'.
Right-wingers are demanding that Anthony Fauci be brought up on charges after President Donald Trump said he revoked all of President Joe Biden's autopen-signed executive orders and pardons.

Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly 40 years, received an autopen-signed pardon right before Trump retook the White House on January 20.

Because Trump has long argued that the autopen signatures should not be treated as authentic - while also factoring in Biden's cognitive decline - Republicans are voicing their belief that Fauci could be prosecuted for alleged wrongdoing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marjorie Taylor Greene led the charge, writing on X Friday that if 'autopen pardons are repealed then prosecute Fauci for crimes against humanity'. The Daily Mail approached Greene's office for further comment.

Nicolas Hulscher, an epidemiologist who works with the McCullough Foundation, said it was 'time to PROSECUTE Anthony Fauci.'

The McCullough Foundation is known in part for spreading the unsubstantiated claim that vaccines are leading cause of autism.

Another account on X pointed out that Fauci has been referred for criminal charges by Senator Rand Paul, who claims the doctor lied to Congress about gain of function research in Wuhan, China.

Some US intelligence agencies, including the FBI, CIA and Energy Department, all believe with varying degrees of confidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Now that President Donald Trump said he has revoked President Joe Biden's autopen-signed pardons, some conservatives want to see Anthony Fauci, who received a pardon, be prosecuted

Marjorie Taylor Greene led the charge, saying on Friday that if 'autopen pardons are repealed then prosecute Fauci for crimes against humanity'

Greene's reaction to Trump's decision to revoke Biden's pardons

Elon Musk has repeatedly called for Fauci to be prosecuted. In a November 2024 post to X, the Tesla and SpaceX founder wrote: 'My pronouns are still prosecute/Fauci.'

That came after a similar post two years before that where Musk claimed Fauci 'lied to Congress' and funded 'research that killed millions of people.'

In early 2023, Fauci called Musks claims against him 'insanity.'

He said: 'Prosecute me for what? What are they talking about? I wish I could figure out what the heck theyre talking about. I think theyre just going off the deep end.'

Presidents are legally permitted to undo executive orders that were signed by their predecessors and it happens all the time.

Trump is the only president who has tried to revoke pardons, a type of executive action, that were already accepted by the intended recipient.

What will end up coming of this remains an open question, because most legal scholars agree that Trump does not have the power to overturn clemency that has already been given to people.

The Constitution gives the president broad, unilateral authority to issue commutations to citizens.

Biden was threatened with perjury charges by Trump. He claimed Biden lied about being involved in the executive orders that were signed by the auto pen

His only hand-signed pardon during his final months in office was also his most pivotal - the order signed for his son, Hunter

The Constitution also has no language that explicitly states that executive orders or other documents need to be physically signed by the president's hand.

Constitutional scholar Jonathan Turley said in March that if Trump challenges Biden's autopen pardons in court, his chances of succeeding would be 'vanishingly low.'

Trump did not just threaten all the people Biden pardoned, he also threatened the man himself.

'Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury,' Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social.

Biden signed 162 executive orders during his tenure. Among them were the autopen-signed pardons of Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 committee.

Biden also pardoned family members - James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden - on his last full day in office.

His only hand-signed pardon during his final months in office was also his most pivotal - the order signed for his son, Hunter.

Biden claims he personally authorized every single pardon and commutation where the autopen was used.

An image of an autopen signing by former US President Joe Biden is displayed in place of a portrait of Biden at the 'Presidential Walk of Fame' in the White House

Biden's actual signature is seen above as he signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022

A file photo of an autopen is seen above. Biden used the device during his final months in office to sign pardons

The device, which has been used by Republican and Democratic presidents including Trump, replicates signatures.

Trump says he only uses the autopen to sign insignificant papers and that it should not be used for important orders, such as pardons.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee last month asked the Justice Department to carry out a review of every single executive order made by Biden.

It released a lengthy report which described a deeply 'flawed process', akin to a 'presidential pardon game of telephone' used in the Biden White House.

'The Committee has found that President Biden's aides coordinated a cover-up of the president's diminishing faculties,' it said.
A woman who posted naked photos of her father's ex-lover on an escort site has revealed how her revenge plot left her in prison and jobless.

Eleanor Brown, 22, spent the past year locked up behind bars after sharing explicit images of her policeman father's former mistress to an escort website, where she even created a fake profile of the woman.

Brown also sent racy photos of her father's ex-lover to her victim's husband, and exposed the affair - which had taken place years earlier - to her daughter.

But her revenge plan backfired when police were called in, and the young woman lost her job, home, and her six-year relationship.

In October 2024, Leeds Crown Court sentenced Brown, from Morley, West Yorkshire, to three years in prison. This was then reduced to two years on appeal.

Brown, described by a judge as 'vindictive, selfish and vengeful' served just 12 months before being released on license and she now has to wear an electronic tag on her ankle.

Speaking to The Sun, she explained that she regrets her decisions, but insists that at the time she did not realise that she was breaking the law.

'I now realise how terrifying it must have been for the woman, but I was never on a mission to cause maximum harm. I was just poking fun and I ended up in prison,' she said.

Eleanor Brown, 22, spent the past year locked up behind bars after sharing explicit images of her policeman dad's former mistress to an escort website

Eleanor and Sophie Brown, pictured here with their mother Sarah. The two girls posted naked photos of their father's mistress on an escort website

The girls posted the photos after finding out their father Geoff (pictured) had an affair with the woman nearly a decade ago

Brown recalled being locked up to 23 hours a day, only being allowed out of her cell to shower and eat, and claimed that if she could turn back the clock, she would.

She said her body went into shock as she was handed the long sentence and when she entered prison, she was met with the 'deafening noise' of new arrivals screaming and crying.

Insisting she does not expect pity from anyone around her, she explained that she sent the photos because she was 'angry' and 'wanted her to know the hurt she'd caused'.

Brown admitted that she had been 'drunk' at the time of the offence, but said 'that does not excuse what I did'.

Revenge porn - sharing intimate photos without consent - has been an offence in England and Wales since 2015, and is now illegal across the UK.

The court heard Brown's father, Geoff, 62, had an affair in 2012, which came to light three years later when his wife, Sarah, found raunchy photos and videos his former lover had sent.

The couple stayed together, but Brown admitted that her actions had deeply impacted the family, with her mother hit hardest.

Brown had bombarded the mistress's husband with intimate photographs and also set up a profile on a sex for sale site called Beaver Street.

The advert offered sexual services and included pictures of her father's former lover.

She included the number of the woman's husband who received 14 texts and eight calls from prospective clients in the space of half an hour of the ad being posted.

Looking back, Brown said: 'I knew I was getting a bit out of control, but at that moment I was getting angrier.'

The simmering resentment over the torrid fling exploded back into life when Brown discovered the mistress's husband had set up a new business, advertising on Facebook.

The court heard that she pointed out the post on Facebook and also sent her the sexual images.

Egged on by her mother and sister, who played a part in the planning, Brown began bombarding the business page with messages.

Both families were left shattered by the repercussions of the affair (Pictured: Geoff and Sarah Brown in India)

Eleanor Brown arriving at Leeds Crown Court where she was jailed for three years after she posted intimate pictures online of her father Geoff's mistress

Prosecutor Lucy Brown last year said: 'The business was doing well and gaining positive reviews but on August 27th 2022 Eleanor Brown posted a message on the profile calling his wife a home-wrecking s*** and a tramp.'

She later messaged him on WhatsApp and sent him the listing on the Beaver Street sex site.

She even sent him a link to the Celine Dion song 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now,' a reference to his wife's affair.

Brown then contacted the couple's daughter Lucy, who told the court: 'In that message Eleanor Brown said "I will make sure your mum is never allowed to forget what she did to my family and wherever she goes her photos will remain and follow her."'

Last October, the former mistress - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - spoke of her devastation.

She said: 'If you have ever felt so upset you are constantly nauseous and anxious you will know how I felt.

'I still recall the moment my husband told me what she had done, the look of panic and upset on his face as he revealed the extent of her actions.

'I was unable to stop the nightmare of my intimate pictures being shared with anyone and everyone.

'They were my pictures and she shared them with unnamed people for their sexual gratification.

'My pictures being used by strangers sickened me and I find it hard to believe that one woman would do this to another woman. To say I felt violated is an understatement.

'The thought of her control over me causes me anxiety and the hate she harboured for me over the years is very evident.'

Brown must now wear an ankle tag - which monitors her alcohol consumption - until January.

However, she remains on licence until October next year, meaning that she will be sent straight back to prison if she reoffends.
A bomb threat forced all departing flights from Philadelphia International Airport to come to a halt as air travel chaos continued over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the ground stop advisory for Pennsylvania's largest airport just after 7pm on Friday.

Officials lifted the alarming warning after about 30 minutes, resuming normal airport operations.

A police spokesperson told Reuters that the urgent measure was taken after cops were called to address a situation on a plane.

Once the aircraft involved in the incident was cleared for takeoff, the ground stop was lifted.

Two other major airports experienced similar scares earlier this month.

Hundreds of passengers were rushed off a Delta flight at New York's LaGuardia Airport on November 4 due to a 'safety concern' - as per the FAA - that was later revealed to have been a bomb threat.

The same day, all flights arriving and departing at Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC, were stopped in connection with a separate threat.

Passengers packed into John F Kennedy Airport in New York on Wednesday

Friday appeared to be a hectic day for air travel, with nearly 4,000 delays for flights traveling to, from or within the US

Friday saw nearly 4,000 flight delays and over 100 cancellations, according to FlightAware.

There were about 1,865 flight delays on Thanksgiving, with roughly 60 flights called off completely.

On Wednesday, more than 6,600 flights entering, exiting or within the US were delayed, while more than 120 were canceled.

The FAA warned fliers returning home from their holiday celebrations that gusty winds could spark delays at airports in Boston, New York, DC and Philadelphia.

Low clouds may slow air traffic in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Friday's travel chaos came on the heels of a dire Airbus recall that could cause nearly every major US airline to see significant disruptions over Thanksgiving weekend.

Airbus, one of the world's largest aircraft makers, announced on Friday the discovery of a potential vulnerability in the software on board the Airbus A320.

During solar storms, when bursts of particles from the sun occur, this flaw could interfere with pilots ability to steer or stabilize the plane.

Airbus has issued an emergency alert for the A320 passenger jet (pictured) which could suffer electronics problems during solar storms

Industry experts fear the problem could impact 6,000 jets, according to Reuters.

American Airlines says 340 of its planes are affected. Delta, which operates 316 A320 aircraft, said it anticipated 'limited' impact without being drawn on an exact number.

United flies 122 of the affected Airbus models but insisted to the Daily Mail that none of its aircraft would be affected.

Frontier, Spirit and JetBlue all rely heavily on their respective fleet of A320 aircraft.

The A320 family of planes also includes smaller A319 and larger A321 models. Most newer jets will only require a software update, but older planes will need to have an onboard computer replaced.

Southwest Airlines is the only carrier exempt from the recall because its entire fleet consists of Boeing 737s.

More than two-thirds of American Airlines' 480-strong Airbus A320 fleet was affected.

'Upon notification early this morning, American took swift action to address the software issue Airbus identified as potentially affecting a significant number of Airbus A320 family aircraft worldwide,' a company spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

The TSA line was extensive at Los Angeles International Airport as fliers waited to board their planes

The A320 recently became the best-selling commercial aircraft in history, surpassing the Boeing 737.

The 737 was plagued by scandal in recent years after a computer flaw on its latest 737-MAX variant was blamed for two fatal crashes that killed more than 300 people.

'Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers,' the company wrote in a statement Friday.
The Chancellor has insisted that the wealthiest Brits must bear the burden of rebuilding Britain's 'creaky' public services.

Rachel Reeves defended her tax rising budget, which raised the tax burden by 26billion, to improve schools, hospitals and infrastructure, and declined to rule out a future hike.

She claimed that Labour MPs want Sir Keir Starmer to succeed after the PM faced persistent rumours that ambitious colleagues wanted the top job.

'We all know what happened in the last government, when they went through leaders and chancellors. It was bad for the country,' Ms Reeves said.

In an interview with The Guardian, Ms Reeves said: 'When you've got creaky infrastructure, you're not able to get the productivity benefits. So you know what, I've chosen to protect public spending in the budget.

'It's quite clear that the economic burden in the budget was not about age. It was about wealth. People who bear more of the burden are those with big incomes and assets  so I don't accept that.'

It comes after Ms Reeves was accused of 'lying' to the public and markets yesterday after the Treasury's own watchdog revealed she was told months ago that there was no hole in the public finances.

The Chancellor delivered a series of extraordinary grim warnings about the state of the government's books in the run-up to the Budget.

Rachel Reeves defended her tax rising budget, which raised the tax burden by 26billion, to improve schools, hospitals and infrastructure

Ms Reeves and Sir Keir at the Labour Party Conference. Ms Reeves claimed Labour MPs want Sir Keir Starmer to succeed after the PM faced persistent rumours that ambitious colleagues wanted the top job

She flagged that the Office for Budget Responsibility was downgrading productivity, as well as blaming everything from Brexit to Tory austerity and Donald Trump for a 'worse than expected' outlook.

Ms Reeves even made a highly unusual 'scene setter' speech in Downing Street on November 4 hinting that she would have to breach Labour's manifesto promises not to increase income tax.

And six days later she gave an interview to the BBC in which she insisted that the only way to balance the books without an income tax hike was to cut 'capital spending' - something she made clear she was not willing to do.

However, a bombshell letter from the OBR to the Treasury committee has now laid bare that Ms Reeves has known since September that revisions to tax revenues had almost completely offset a 21billion productivity downgrade.

By October 31 the watchdog said it had informed Ms Reeves that she was in fact meeting both her fiscal rules without the need for any action - giving her more than 4billion in headroom.

In the event the Chancellor announced an eye-watering 30billion package of tax rises on Wednesday, a large chunk of which went on benefits rises that had been demanded by mutinous Labour MPs.

She had already U-turned on the hints of income tax rises - if they were ever seriously considered - but only after the fact they were not happening was leaked to the Financial Times.

The dramatic revelation sparked fury, with the Chancellor accused of 'deliberately misleading' the public and markets.

Speaking exclusively to The Guardian, the Chancellor refused to rule out future tax hikes

On November 4 Ms Reeves told the press conference in Downing Street: 'The OBR  the UK's public finance watchdog - will set out the conclusions of their review of the supply side of the UK economy.

'I will not pre-empt those conclusions but it is already clear that the productivity performance... is weaker than previously thought.

'A less productive economy is one that produces less output per hour worked.

'That has consequences for working people  for their jobs and for their wages and it has consequences for the public finances too, in lower tax receipts.'

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on November 10 she went even further with her apocalyptic hints, saying 'it would be possible' to stick with the manifesto commitments 'but that would require deep cuts to capital spending'.

It was not until November 17 that the Financial Times reported the idea of an income tax rise had been dropped.

Downing Street denied that Ms Reeves had 'misled' the country, saying she had been 'very clear' about the decisions.

Asked about the OBR telling Ms Reeves that the productivity downgrade had already been fully offset, a No10 spokesman said: 'At the Budget she set out the decisions very, very clearly.'

Pressed that Ms Reeves could have 'significantly misled' markets, the spokesman said: 'I don't accept that. As she set out in the speech she gave here, she talked about the challenges the country is facing. She set out the decisions very clearly at the Budget.'
Two killed, three injured in Dnipropetrovsk region due to enemy attacks on Friday  police

In Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were killed and three were injured as a result of enemy military strikes, the National Police reported on Saturday.

"In Synelnyky district, Vasylkivska and Pokrovsk communities were damaged by drone attacks and guided bombs over the past 24 hours. A 37-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman were killed in the attack. Two local residents were also injured," a Telegram post read.

In Troyitska community (Pavlohrad district), an 83-year-old woman was injured as a result of shelling. Six private homes were damaged: one was partially destroyed, five were damaged.

In Nikopol region, on November 28, the Russian army shelled Nikopol and villages in Marhanets, Myrivska, and Pokrovsk rural communities. Drones and artillery were used.
President Donald Trump said that he will be pardoning former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Friday.

In 2024 Hernandez was convicted for drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The president explained his decision on social media by posting that 'according to many people that I greatly respect,' Hernandez was 'treated very harshly and unfairly.'

In March of last year, Hernandez, who led the Central American nation from 2014 to 2022, was convicted in US court of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.

He was extradited to the United States just weeks after leaving office, when the current president, leftist Xiomara Castro, came to power.

Hernandez had served served two terms as the leader of the Central American nation of roughly 10 million people.

Hernandez has been appealing his conviction and serving time at the US Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia.

Shortly after Trump's announcement, Hernandezs wife and and two daughters gathered on the steps on their home in Tegucigalpa and kneeled in prayer, thanking God that Hernandez would return to their family after almost four years apart.

President Donald Trump said that he will be pardoning former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Friday

In 2024 Hernandez was convicted for drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison

Trump posted about his pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Truth Social on Friday afternoon

Following their father's conviction his daughters have been publicly campaigning for his release.

It was the same home that Honduran authorities hauled him out of in 2022 just months after leaving office. He was extradited to the United States to stand trial.

Garcia said they had just been able to speak with Hernandez and tell him the news.

'He still didn't know of this news and believe me, when we shared it his voice broke with emotion,' she said.

Garcia thanked Trump, saying that Trump had corrected an injustice, maintaining that Hernandezs prosecution was a coordinated plot by drug traffickers and the 'radical left' to seek revenge against the former president.

She said they had not been told exactly when Hernandez would return, but said 'we hope that in the coming days.'

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude for Trump's actions.

'A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras,' Stabile said.

'Thank you President Trump for making sure that justice was served. We look forward to President Hernandez's triumphant return to Honduras.'

Following their father's conviction his daughters, Daniela and Isabela, had been publicly campaigning for his release

Ana Garcia de Hernandez, center, the wife of former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, talks to the media during a press conference in Tegucigalpa on Friday

Ana Garcia, center, wife of former Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez and his daughters Daniela, left, and Isabela raise their fists in Honduras, after Donald Trump said he would pardon Hernandez, who is serving a 45-year prison sentence

The post was part of a broader message by Trump backing Nasry 'Tito' Asfura for Honduras' presidency, with Trump saying the US would be supportive of the country if he wins.

Asfura is the candidate of Hernandez's right-wing party. Should he lose Sunday's election this Sunday, Trump posted that 'the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is.'

Trump had endorsed Asfura earlier, but these latest comments went further, apparently conditioning future aid to Honduras on his victory.

Asfura, 67, is making his second run for president for the conservative National Party.

He was mayor of Tegucigalpa and has pledged to solve Honduras' infrastructure needs. But he has previously been accused of embezzling public funds, allegations that he denies.

In addition to Asfura, there are two other likely contenders for Honduras' presidency:

Rixi Moncada , who served as the finance and later defense secretary before leaving to run for president for the incumbent democratic socialist Libre party, and Salvador Nasralla , a former television personality who is making his fourth bid for the presidency, this time as the candidate for the Liberal Party.

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, second from right, is taken in handcuffs to a waiting aircraft as he is extradited to the United States, at an Air Force base in Honduras, in April 2022

Ana Garcia, left, wife of former Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez, listens to her daughter Daniela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras after hearing news of Trumps forthcoming pardon

Trump on Friday accused Nasralla, 72, of running as a spoiler candidate to draw votes away from Asfura.

Noting that Nasralla served as Castro's vice president before resigning, Trump said he 'is now pretending to be an anti-Communist only for the purposes of splitting Asfura's vote.'

Trump also bashed Moncada, the political heir to Castro, as a 'communist' and said her victory would be a win for Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro 'and his Narcoterrorists.'

Trump has framed Honduras' election as trial for democracy, suggesting in a separate Truth Social post that if Asfura loses, the country could go the way of Venezuela and fall under the influence of that country's leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump has sought to apply pressure on Maduro, ordering a series of strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs, building up the US military presence in the Caribbean with warships including the Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.

The US president has not ruled out taking military action or covert action by the CIA against Venezuela, though he has also floated that he was open to speaking with Maduro.

Outgoing Honduran President Xiomara Castro has leaned into a leftist stance, but she has kept a pragmatic and even cooperative attitude in dealing with the US administration and she has received visits from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and US Army Gen. Laura Richardson, when she was the commander of US Southern Command.

The president has even backed off his threats to end Honduras' extradition treaty and military cooperation with the US.

Under Castro, Honduras has also received its citizens deported from the US and acted as a bridge for deported Venezuelans who were then picked up by Venezuela in Honduras.

Trump had made a similar threat before Argentina's election last month.

Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch admirer of Trump, also gave his support to Asfura in Honduras on Friday.

'I fully support Tito Asfura, who is the candidate who best represents the opposition to the leftist tyrants who have destroyed Honduras,' the libertarian president said on his X account.

Former US president Joe Biden's attorney general, Merrick Garland, said after Hernandez's sentencing last year that he had 'abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world.'

Trump said in his social media post on Friday that Hernandez 'has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly,' without elaborating.
Terrified mall-goers ran for their lives on one of the busiest shopping days of the year after a gunman opened fire in West San Jose, California.

Horrifying videos and photos showed shoppers in Westfield Valley Fair Mall taking cover and running for shelter at around 5.40 pm local time on Black Friday.

Hundreds of bargain-hungry customers ran for the nearest exits or hid behind piles of clothing and mannequins as panic swept through Westfield.

More footage showed people flooding the sidewalks and escaping past a storefront with shattered glass strewn onto the pavement outside the mall.

Police confirmed that three victims, two adults and a 16-year-old girl, sustained gunshot wounds and have been taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses inside the mall recounted the horror online, with many saying that they were terrified while huddling in stores when authorities issued a lockdown.

After cramming into shops for safety amid the gunfire, panicked shoppers rapidly evacuated the premises.

People were seen fleeing the mall for safety - flooding the sidewalks as they quickly moved away from the shopping center.

Shoppers evacuating valley fair pic.twitter.com/acFu0oiI6l  Sam Karimzadeh (@KarimzadehSam) November 29, 2025

Two officers were seen patrolling the mall with guns drawn

Your browser does not support iframes.

'What the f**k?' one fearful shopper screamed as he and a slew of others sprinted out of the doomed shopping center, according to a heart-pounding TikTok video. 'Shooting!' a woman is heard shouting.

The hoards of people exiting the building were greeted by emergency vehicles and first responders swarming the area.

One mall patron, who never expected their leisurely shopping trip to take a dangerous turn, wrote on X: 'Ive never seen so many people running.

'I literally thought it was a dine and dash or shoplifting at first because I couldnt understand what was happening.'

An image depicting the aftermath of the shooting shows a storefront's window shattered by a bullet.

A man claiming to be inside when bullets rang recalled hearing at least 15 shots fired.

Officers are continuing to clear out the mall and said there is 'no ongoing threat to public safety.'

While the situation is no longer active, authorities have urged locals to stay away from the area as the investigation continues.

'San Jose - this is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend,' San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said of the shooting just one day after Thanksgiving.

'My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD) for more information.

A bullet shattered the window of one of the stores inside of the mall

Chaos erupted at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in West San Jose, California, on Friday, police announced just after 6 pm local time

Security advisor Patrick Fiel, the founder of PVF Security Consulting, told the Daily Mail that people should be especially cautious while holiday shopping.

'Being extra vigilant this holiday season will help keep you safe. Always trust your instincts and report any and all suspicious activity,' he warned.

'Law enforcement agencies across the nation have reported an increase in calls during the holiday season, which is partially attributed to shoppers placing greater emphasis on gift selection rather than personal safety.'

In the event of an active shooter, Fiel has advised the public to 'run, hide and fight.'

'Getting away from the attacker is the top priority. Leave your belongings behind and get away,' he wrote.

If you are unable to evacuate, Fiel said to look for a solid place to hide, preferably somewhere with a barrier between you and the attacker.

Fighting the assailant is the absolute last resort. But in the face of danger, Fiel has urged people to be 'aggressive.'

'Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books,' he suggested.

The Westfield Valley Mall, commonly known as Valley Fair Mall, opened its doors in 1986.

It has more than 200 stores and nearly 70 dining options. It is also home to an escape room and a bowling alley, making it a popular location for families.
Five children have been injured after a jumping castle detached from the ground and was blown over a fence by a 'freak tornado'.

Emergency services rushed to a home on Kelvin Park Dr in Bradfield, south-western Sydney, about 9.35am on Saturday.

Three nine-year-olds, a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old were assessed before four children were taken to the Children's Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition.

SafeWork NSW inspectors are onsite and making enquiries after the incident.

A spokesperson from the jumping castle company said the owners had informed him there was a 'massive wind' caused by a 'freak tornado'.

'I'm glad the children are OK, that's a positive thing,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

He added that the generator, which belonged to the owners of the property, was also reportedly 'ripped away' by the strong gusts of winds.

It comes after families in Tasmania were rocked when a 'dust devil' lifted a jumping castle into the air, killing six primary school children.

Five children have been injured after a jumping castle became detached from the ground

The jumping castle (pictured deflated on the ground) was blown over a neighbouring fence

Three nine-year-olds, a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old were assessed at the home by paramedics before four children were taken to hospital in a stable condition

A team of paramedics are seen treating the young children at the scene

Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died as a result of the incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in 2021

Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died as a result of the incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in December 2021.

They were enjoying end-of-year celebrations on the Tasmanian school's oval when a wind gust lifted the castle into the air. Three others were seriously injured.

A judge dismissed a workplace safety charge against the jumping castle operator in June, with one devastated mother lashing out in court.

Georgie Burt, the devastated mother of 12-year-old Zane Mellor, began yelling from inside the public gallery after the verdict was read out.

'I hope it stays with you forever, what you have done. My child, they will follow you until you are dead,' she shouted.

'My son Zane Mellor, I hope it haunts you, I hope you see them every single time they miss a Christmas, miss a birthday it's because of you.'
It is one of two 'dog beaches' in the east

A controversial dog ban at a popular beach in one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs has sparked a wave of backlash from furious residents.

Woollahra Council shared a statement on its website announcing 21 changes to rules around dog walking in the area, including a new ban for Kutti Beach in Vaucluse.

'We recognise there has been a significant increase in dog ownership and the number of people walking dogs in our local area in the last few years,' it read.

'Of the 21 changes which have been approved, most increase the opportunities for dog walking.

'However taking into account community feedback and safety concerns, Kutti Beach has been changed from dogs allowed on-leash to dogs prohibited from late November 2025.'

The decision has been met with fury from residents in the council area, who say there are now no off-leash beaches to take their dogs.

'Seems moronic considering (how) they lead the update,' an anonymous local told Daily Mail, in reference to the spike in dog ownership.

'The Mayor and the council members should probably re-read that and open more space up. Must be a bunch of sad cat owners.'

Woollahra Council has banned dogs from Kutti Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney's east

Love Island star Cassidy McGill questioned the ban on social media

The resident also took issue with how the council communicated the news.

'Would have been nice if Woollahra Council advertised these updates to about where dogs are allowed,' they said.

'Nothing posted on any of their social media about the dog ban, just a sly update on their website once you sift through the array of constrictive changes or arriving to the beach to find your dog can no longer go for a swim off-leash.'

Love Island star Cassidy McGill also shared her shock at the dog ban.

'Wait Kutti Beach is literally one of two dog beaches in the east? Does anyone know what this is about?' she wrote on her Instagram Stories on Friday.

When Woollahra Council was asked for comment regarding the criticism, it directed the Daily Mail to a column written by Mayor Sarah Dixson.

'The overwhelming majority of feedback we received on Kutti Beach in Vaucluse, which is one of our smallest and most popular beaches in summer, informed our decision to prohibit dogs in this location,' she wrote.

'In recent years, our staff have had to respond to many complaints about dogs being off-leash there.'

The council initially allowed dogs to be walked on-leash at Kutti Beach (pictured)

Cr Dixson said that, because the beach is often busy with families, and many of the adjacent properties don't have fences, 'this decision ensures a safer, more hygienic and enjoyable environment for all'.

She added that the council won't be issuing fines for the next 'few weeks' to focus on increasing awareness.

According to its website, the council held a community consultation on dog walking locations in mid-2023, which received 480 responses.

It then introduced changes, providing 'even more places to walk your dog on a lead and off-leash', which were approved on October 28 this year.

'Many of the locations where dogs will be allowed off-leash or on-leash require the installation of new signs, fences and bins before the new dog walking rules can take effect,' the council said.

'These will be implemented in 2026. We will continue to update this page.'

Dog walkers must keep their pets on a lead at all times in public unless in a sign-posted off-leash area, or risk a fine of more than $330.

The council has listed the parks and reserves in Woollahra where dogs are allowed off-leash, on-leash, and are prohibited on its website.
President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had a phone call where they discussed a possible meeting as the US continued to threaten military action against the country.

Trump has launched a crusade against suspected drug traffickers from Venezuela, breaking with US foreign policy and authorizing missile strikes on suspected vessels funneling drugs into the country.

The New York Times reported on Friday that multiple sources close to the president said Trump spoke with Maduro on the phone sometime last week.

The conversation included a potential meeting between the two leaders, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly joined the call as well.

Another source clarified to the publication that there are currently no concrete plans between the two leaders.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stood by efforts to kill potential Venezuelan operatives traveling by boat in the Caribbean.

Current and former officials at the Pentagon have estimated that the lethal campaign against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers has killed over 80 people, including 11 people on board a boat hit by a US missile strike in September, according to the Washington Post.

On Friday the Post reported that two sources with direct knowledge of the operation said that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth gave intelligence analysts monitoring the boat to 'kill everybody' on board on September 2.

Donald Trump reportedly spoke to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro last week on the phone as military tensions rose between the two countries

The Trump administration has condemned Maduro's rule as the Department of War ramps up strikes against potential drug traffickers from Venezuela

The US launched two missile strikes at a vessel believed to be carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing the 11 people on board in the September 2 attack

The sources said that the first missile struck the boat and set it on fire, but officials saw two survivors clinging to the wreck once the smoke cleared.

In line with Hegseth's lethal direction, a second missile was fired, and the two survivors were 'blown apart in the water,' The Post reported.

Hegseth fired back on the reporting of his chilling message, taking to X on Friday and calling it 'fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.'

The Defense Secretary doubled down on the 'lethal, kinetic strikes' and confirmed that the administration intends to kill 'narco-terrorists' who are 'poisoning the American people.'

'The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people - including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans - to flood our communities with drugs and violence,' Hegseth wrote.

'The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.'

In a separate post shared on Friday evening, Hegseth warned: 'We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists.'

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also denied the reporting, telling The Washington Post in a statement: 'This entire narrative is completely false.'

'Ongoing operations to dismantle narcoterrorism and to protect the Homeland from deadly drugs have been a resounding success.'

The September attack was reportedly led by SEAL Team 6 and overseen by Admiral Frank 'Mitch' Bradley, according to the Washington Post.

Two sources told the outlet that Bradley said on a conference call that the two survivors needed to be killed because they could call other traffickers to save them and their cargo, making them a continued threat.

One person who watched the live feed of the attack told The Post that the footage was horrifying.

There's also a discrepancy in how the White House justified the attacks, with two congressional aides telling the publication that lawmakers were told the follow-up attack was to remove carnage, not kill survivors.

Politicians and legal experts have disputed Hegseth's claim that the administration is acting in accordance with international law.

Representative Seth Moulton called the explanation for the second attack 'patently absurd,' noting that 'killing survivors is blatantly illegal.'

'Mark my words: It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder,' Moulton added.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly gave a directive to 'kill everybody' on board the vessel, approving a follow-up strike that killed two survivors

Politicians and legal experts have argued that the Trump administration's lethal force in the Caribbean violates international law

Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer who advised Special Operations forces, told The Post that since the two countries aren't in 'armed conflict' killing the men 'amounts to murder.'

The United Nations Charter states that the US only has the right to use military force against a vessel if it is engaging in an armed attack.

Anthony Clark Arend, a Georgetown University specialist in international law, told Politifact that: 'There has been no evidence presented that the vessel was engaging in an armed attack or was about to be engaging in an armed attack.'

However, Mike LaSusa, the deputy director of a crime and security think tank, told Politifact that it isn't unprecedented for the US to use lethal military force against suspected drug traffickers.

Since that attack, the Pentagon was estimated to have launched missiles at at least 22 more boats, according to internal data seen by The Post.

Rubio announced earlier this month that, as of Monday, the department named the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Rubio stated that the Cartel de Los Soles is a group of high-ranking individuals following Maduro who have corrupted the country's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary, including invoking terrorist violence and trafficking drugs.

However, experts told CNN that the term is more of a broad description of corrupt officials as opposed to an organized terror group.

The two leaders reportedly discussed a meeting, although one source said there were no concrete plans

The Trump administration has vocally opposed Maduro's rule, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio deeming him an illegitimate president

Trump reportedly told service members on Thanksgiving that the administration was planning on expanding military efforts to land strikes

The Trump administration has been vocally opposed to Maduro, with Rubio calling the leader an illegitimate president.

On Thanksgiving, a week after the reported phone call, Trump told service members that the administration was expanding military efforts to land strikes.

'In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore,' he said.

Trump added that it was 'easier' to intercept potential drug traffickers on land, and that it would be starting 'very soon.'

'We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country,' he added.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and the Defense Department for comment.
What was supposed to be a funny and festive pre-dinner moment for a massive New Jersey family turned into instant Thanksgiving chaos when a table suddenly collapsed.

Trays of food, pottery and decorations were sent crashing to the floor in a jaw-dropping moment all caught on video.

The clip shows a young family member finishing a pre-Thanksgiving speech in front of a long table overflowing with holiday dishes.

Moments after the final words are spoken, the entire tabletop tipped forward without warning, dumping the entire banquet onto the floor in one fell swoop.

Family members stood there in stunned silence before gasps and a scream followed just before the video abruptly ends as the family realizes weeks of prep are now on the carpet.

'We were filming our pre-Thanksgiving speech by one of our little cousins and right as she finished, the table broke and all the food fell to the ground,' said Kat Hovnanian to the Daily Mail, who filmed and shared the video online.

She said the food had been prepared over weeks of nonstop cooking by her determined aunt.

'Auntie Siran spent weeks preparing and cooking but she was an absolute champ about it,' Hovnanian said.

Relatives from a new Jersey family were enjoying listening to a pre-Thanksgiving meal speech

Moments later, a table, heavily loaded with food, suddenly collapsed under the weight of a feast fit for 150 people

'We are an Armenian family of about 150 people. We picked whatever we could off the floor - there was enough but most of it was destroyed.'

According to Hovnanian, the collapse wasn't sabotage, clumsiness or bad luck - it was simple physics with the table overwhelmed by the excess weight all positioned at one side.

'There was too much weight at the front of the table because of all the food,' she explained. 'What's an Armenian Thanksgiving without too much food!'

'It was a sturdy antique table that my aunt has had for forever. The legs snapped off in the back. Regardless of the value, there was so much that broke it was just devastating,' Hovnanian conceded.

'Some aunts were crying in the back. It was straight of a movie.'

Hovnanian doubled down on the family pride behind the over-the-top spread, adding: 'My aunt - give her three cheers - cooked all the food and spent weeks preparing to host our gigantic family! Weight distribution was off!'

By Saturday, the video had been liked more than 278,000 times, as viewers across the internet replayed the disaster in stunned amusement while sharing their own brutally honest reactions.

'This is legitimately sitcom material,' one person wrote in the comments.

'Happy Thanksgiving to the ground,' another joked.

'This would have won on America's Funniest Home Videos back in 2010,' one quipped.

Delicious dishes and precious ornaments were sent tumbling to the floor

The hungry family were shock by what had occurred but incredibly managed to salvage a meal from the remnants strewn across the carpet

Others zeroed in on what happened after the collapse.

'I am looking at the dishes to see which ones are salvageable - five second rule?' one commenter suggested.

Another summed up the moment in just four words: '5 second rule initiated.'

'Imagine you're the family member who can't cook so you brought the table,' one savagely stated.

Hovnanian explained that while much of the meal was lost, enough food managed to survive for the massive group to still eat together.
Donald Trump is reportedly eager to engage in business deals with Vladimir Putin as a way to end the war in Ukraine - hoping to bring billions of dollars from the Russian economy into America.

A report in The Wall Street Journal details how Trump's team - including his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff - have been negotiating with Russia on how to 'bring their $2 trillion economy in from the cold'.

Witkoff reportedly hosted Kirill Dmitriev - Putin's 'handpicked' negotiator - and Kushner at a waterfront Miami Beach estate to draw up a plan to end the war, while also ensuring American businesses beat their European counterparts to making money once the conflict ended.

Dmitriev is said to have pushed for the $300 billion of Russian central bank assets frozen in Europe to be used for joint US-Russian investment projects, and a 'US-led reconstruction' of Ukraine.

There were also reportedly talks of pursuing a joint mission between Elon Musk's SpaceX and Russia to reach Mars, a far cry from the 'space race' of the 20th century.

Russia's strategy, according to the report, is to convince the Trump administration that they are a 'land of opportunity' - and not a threat.

The Kremlin reportedly hopes to 'reshape the economic map of Europe', while also creating friction between the US and its allies on the continent and beyond, potentially giving Putin the last laugh in negotiations.

'Russia has so many vast resources, vast expanses of land,' Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal.

President Donald Trump's alternative peace plan could be a massive investment deal with Russia valued at $300 billion

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff have been heavily invovled in the negotiations

'If we do all that, and everybodys prospering and theyre all a part of it, and theres upside for everybody, thats going to naturally be a bulwark against future conflicts there. Because everybodys thriving.'

Presidential advisors see post-war Russia as an opportunity for American investors, according to the WSJ.

'It's Trump's "Art of the Deal" to say, "Look, I'm settling this thing and there's huge economic benefits for doing that for America, right?"' one of them reportedly said.

The Daily Mail has contacted the White House for comment.

This comes after Trump's 28-point peace plan to end the war in Ukraine was leaked to the media last week. It was widely panned by European countries as being too friendly to Russia.

It would allow Russia to keep occupied territory in Ukraine - Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk - while also getting Ukrainian land that its soldiers don't occupy.

The agreement freezes the front lines of the conflict at the Ukrainian oblasts of Kherson and Zaporizhia, which would allow Russia to effectively hold onto nearby Mariupol and have a direct line into the Crimean Peninsula.

Another key point is that Ukraine will forever be barred from NATO, the military alliance that Russia has long wanted to keep a buffer between.

Sanctions on Russia would also be lifted and the country would be ''reintegrated into the global economy'.

In exchange, Ukraine would receive looser security guarantees from the US and NATO.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to stop engaging in bombing campaigns in Ukraine after he asked them to stop.

Trump was frustrated with Zelensky earlier on in his first year in office. He got called into the White House only to get a verbal dressing down by Trump

Witkoff reportedly hosted Kirill Dmitriev - Putin's 'handpicked' negotiator - and Kushner at a waterfront Miami Beach estate. Miami's waterfront is pictured (file image)

Another draft agreement says NATO would treat any attack on Ukraine as an attack on the entire 'transatlantic community', according to Axios.

Ukraine has repeatedly ruled out handing over land to Russia, but Zelensky has signaled to his citizens that he likely won't be able to get everything he wants.

'Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest,' he said in a recorded speech. 'Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.'

He said he would 'work calmly' with the US and all other partners in the peace process.

The war in Ukraine has become a multi-year conflict, beginning when Russia invaded in February 2022. Many experts say the war actually began in 2014, when Russia formally annexed Crimea, which had been part of an independent Ukraine since 1991.

As Trump campaigned for president last year, he repeatedly claimed he would end the war that had been raging for much of President Joe Biden's term on 'day one'.

It has proved more complicated than that, with both sides being fairly dug in and maintaining their diametrically opposed demands.

Trump was frustrated with Zelensky earlier on in his first year in office. He got called into the White House only to get a verbal dressing down by Trump.

Later, Putin declined to stop engaging in bombing campaigns after he asked them to stop.
An ex-soldier has been jailed for rape after he pretended to pay a sex worker with a fake $700 bank transfer.

The ex-soldier, known only as Dixon, will serve as an example of NSWs tightened consent laws, Sydney's District Court was told.

Dixon, 38, displayed a fake $700 bank transfer receipt in order to gain a sex worker's services on August 9, 2023.

It constituted a 'fraudulent inducement', according to the new laws which were introduced in 2022.

He pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual intercourse without consent for the offence.

Prior to the new laws' introduction, the matter could not have been treated as fraud.

Both prosecution and defence lawyers in the case told Judge Jonathon Priestley SC there was no precedent for the crime Dixon had committed.

His is the first case of someone being sentenced under the amended laws in NSW.

An ex-soldier has been charged with rape after he tricked a sex worker into thinking he had paid her $700 in August 2023

Dixon, 38, pleaded guilty to the offence which served as the first time anyone in NSW had been charged with the state's new consent laws

Judge Priestley emphasised the importance of adjusting community attitudes towards the new laws.

'There is a need for general deterrence,' Judge Priestley told the court, reports the Daily Telegraph.

'As it may well be that the general public, and perhaps more particularly, likely clientele of sex workers, suffer from a misunderstanding that to simply not pay the agreed fee is wrong not only in the commercial sense but also is a serious criminal offence.'

The court also heard that as a result of this incident the sex worker suffered 'significant and ongoing psychological harm', due to Dixon's actions.

She required 'more than 500 hours of counselling' to overcome the feelings of 'anxiety, stress, (and) fear of future violations of consent' as a result, the court heard.

Dixon first met the sex worker on July 8 where they went out to dinner and he paid her in advance for sex later in the night at his house.

Their second encounter on July 18 was identical, the court heard.

However, during their third encounter on the night of the offence Dixon only paid the woman a $100 deposit before showing her the fake transaction statement.

Dixon had shown the sex worker a fake bank transfer receipt and then ignored her texts and calls in the following days after she realised what he had done

The woman believed Dixon was being honest so went through with their plans and went to his home to have sex with him for a third time.

But when Dixon dropped her off at her house she realised there was no such payment to her bank account and immediately texted him once that night.

She followed this up with another two texts the following day but none received a reply so she began calling him from various numbers on August 11.

Eventually Dixon answered one of the calls but immediately ended the call when he realised who he was speaking to.

The matter was then handed over to police who put a warrant out for Dixon's arrest.

He was charged with sexual intercourse without consent for failing to pay the sex worker.

He received the maximum sentence for his crimes which equated to 16 months in prison.

The ex-soldier has already been released on parole, having served the minimum 144-day sentence whilst awaiting trial.
Authorities in Hong Kong have warned the death toll of a deadly blaze that engulfed multiple tower blocks could grow as investigators continue to search for bodies.

At least 128 people are dead and 200 are missing after a huge inferno ripped through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district on Wednesday.

Dozens more were injured, with more than 40 people hospitalised and about 900 of the 4,800 residents evacuated to temporary shelter.

Seven of the eight 32-storey towers in the building complex were engulfed in flames after construction materials and bamboo scaffolding spread the fire, which burned for more than 40 hours.

Legions of police officers from Hong Kong's Disaster Victim Identification Unit, dressed in white full-body protective gear, were seen entering the charred remains of the skyscrapers this morning.

Eight people have been arrested over the devastating blaze, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, on suspicion of manslaughter.

Police did not name the company, but they searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., which was in charge of the renovations. Phone calls to the company's offices went unanswered.

An official three-day mourning period began on Saturday, while last night King Charles issued a heartfelt letter paying respect to the victims, saying he and Queen Camilla were 'greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire'.

Legions of police officers from Hong Kong's Disaster Victim Identification Unit were seen entering the charred remains of the skyscrapers on Saturday morning

Investigators search through the charred remains of the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district following a devastating fire

People look at the aftermath of a major fire that swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate

An old woman places flowers near the scene after the deadly fire that started Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court

'My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire in Tai Po and feel deeply for the people of Hong Kong at such a tragic time,' the King wrote.

'Our most heartfelt thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and with those who are now living with shock and uncertainty.'

He went on to praise the 'extraordinary courage' of the emergency services and the 'determined spirit' of community members who helped with the rescue effort.

'In the face of such appalling tragedy, strength can be found in supporting one another, and we see that same bravery in Hong Kong at this most heartbreaking of times,' the letter added.

The King concluded by offering 'profound sympathy' to all those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the tragedy.

'The families and loved ones of those whose precious lives have been lost, and the people of Hong Kong, will remain in our prayers and in our hearts,' he wrote.

People have been visiting a park near the charred shell of the residential complex to pay tribute to the victims by placing white and yellow flowers and handwritten messages of remembrance.

Elsewhere in the Tai Po neighbourhood, a hall in a community centre was turned into a 'condolence point' for the public, one of 18 across the Chinese finance hub.

City leader John Lee and top ministers stood in silence for three minutes at 8.00am local time outside the government headquarters, where the flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half-mast.

During the mourning period, celebratory events organised by the government will be axed or postponed, and officials will reduce their non-essential public appearances.

King Charles has issued a heartfelt message to Hong Kong after a deadly blaze ripped through a tower block - killing at least 128 people

Orange flames rise from a devastating blaze that tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district on Wednesday

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

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

Disaster Victims Identification Unit work at the site following a fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate on November 28, 2025 in Hong Kong

The floor-to-floor search for bodies began today in Hong Kong's charred towers where hundreds of people are feared to have died.

Photographs show emergency workers bringing out the first victims from the blackened towers, as well as the pets that miraculously survived the inferno.

Seven of the eight 32-storey towers in the building complex were engulfed in flames after construction materials and bamboo scaffolding spread the fire. Officials said extreme heat was hampering rescue efforts.

Officials are investigating why construction materials, netting and bamboo scaffolding being used in renovations to the exterior of the buildings caught fire.

Eight people have been arrested over the devastating blaze, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, on suspicion of manslaughter.

Police did not name the company, but they searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., which was in charge of the renovations. Phone calls to the company's offices went unanswered.

Officials said they suspect that some materials, such as plastic foam panels being used to protect windows from damage, did not meet fire resistance standards. High winds helped spread the flames.

It took more than 1,000 firefighters some 24 hours to bring the blaze under control, and even nearly two days later, smoke continued to drift out of the charred skeletons of the buildings from the occasional flare-up.

The final search of the buildings was expected to be completed later on Friday at which point officials have said they will officially end the rescue phase of their operation at the complex in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near Hong Kong's border with mainland China.

It was unclear how many people could possibly be inside the buildings, which had almost 2,000 apartments.

'We will endeavour to force entry into all the units of the seven blocks concerned so as to ensure that there are no other possible casualties,' said Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director of Hong Kong Fire Services.

Firefighters struggled to bring the blaze under control as their ladders and hoses could only reach just over halfway up the 32-storey buildings, or about 174 feet - under 20 stories.

Investigators in personal protective equipment walk next to the buildings of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex after the deadly fire, in Tai Po, Hong Kong

Firefighters work at one of the towers following a fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee (C) and other government officials observe three minutes of silence to mourn victims of the Wang Fuk Court residential estate fire

Officials attend a ceremony at Central Government Offices of Hong Kong to commemorate victims killed in the deadly fire

High winds and extremely high heat may have prevented use of aerial equipment such as helicopters. The high temperatures also deterred firefighters from entering the buildings to fight the blaze and rescue survivors, said Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director of Hong Kong's Fire Services.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said the government would set up a task force to investigate the fire and the case would be submitted to the Coroner's Court, which conducts inquiries into the causes and circumstances of certain deaths.

Lee said the government planned to inspect all housing estates undergoing major repairs to review the safety of scaffolding and construction materials. He also promised to provide 'all possible support' to those affected by the fire.

The hundreds of survivors who were evacuated or were outside the buildings at the time the fire started were staying in temporary shelters, including a nearby school.

There, workers were distributing bottled water, food and other necessities. Volunteers were bringing supplies like water and snacks.

More than 70 people were injured, including about a dozen firefighters, the city's Fire Services Department 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.

He had been with the service for nine years.

About a third of Hong Kong residents live in the government's Housing Authority dwellings. Wang Fuk Court is privately owned but subsidised housing built in the 1980s.

The basic apartments in the complex measure 430-485 square feet, according to online real estate listings. Like most Hong Kong mass market housing, they appear to lack smoke detectors or sprinkler systems.

The buildings were constructed before revisions to Hong Kong's fire codes required mandatory fire-refuge floors.

A view of the rubble in the aftermath of the Tai Po apartment fire in Hong Kong, China, November 28, 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, China

People write in condolence books to mourn for victims of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, at a community centre in Tai Poi

Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents mostly live in cramped apartments crammed on scarce flat lands or perched on the slopes of steep mountainsides. Many of those high-rise buildings are crowded closely together.

The fire was deadlier than a 1996 blaze in a commercial building in Kowloon that killed 41 people. A warehouse fire in 1948 killed 176 people.

Police said the company leaders in charge of the renovation of the apartments were suspected of gross negligence and seized bidding documents, a list of employees, 14 computers and three mobile phones in a raid of the construction business' office.

The apartments from which a total of 25 unanswered rescue calls were received, which are being prioritised, were primarily on higher floors, where the fire was the last to be extinguished, Mr Chan said.

Most of the casualties were in the first two buildings to catch fire. The apartment complex housed many older people.
A US TikTok star has told how a robber armed with a knife allegedly punched him in the face and stole 3,000 worth of jewellery after spending just five hours in lawless London.

Eric Ou, who has some 335,000 followers on Instagram and 288,000 on TikTok, took to social media to recount the ordeal while walking through the streets of central London with two friends.

Mr Ou, who is seen holding ice to his face during the clip, said the incident occurred in Soho on Thursday night.

'Been in London for five hours and I just got my chain snatched and I got decked in the f***ing face,' he told his followers.

'London is this normal? Is this the London experience I've been told about?'

Describing the alleged attack, the CCO of AI firm Turbo AI said he was approached by a man wearing a 'fake Gucci hat' asking for directions.

'I literally got off the Metro, had Nando's, and now we're in Soho and I just f***ing got my s*** snatched.

'Anyone sees a guy in a fake Gucci hat asking for directions to Oxford [Street], do not give him directions to Oxford.

WARNING: Video contains explicit language

Eric Ou told how a robber armed with a knife allegedly punched him in the face and stole 3,000 worth of jewellery after spending just five hours in London

Mr Ou, who has also visited a classic British pub during his trip, said the incident occurred in Soho on Thursday night

'But did we back down? No we did not back down. Gonna buy a $4,000.'

In a later video the TikToker said the man pulled out a knife before punching him in the face and snatching his 'chain'.

He also posted a photograph of himself enjoying a cup of tea with the caption: 'They took my chains but not my swag'.

The incident does not seem to have prevented him taking in the local sights, with Mr Ou sharing photos of himself visiting a pub and trying the British staple: fish and chips.

The American appeared less than impressed with the dish, joking it was 'batter with a side of fish'.

It comes just days after Team GB swimmer turned actress Genevieve Chenneour called for women's safety to be prioritised in the city after she was assaulted for the second time in less than a year in the capital.

She described her terror after being struck by a man who 'locked onto' her as she walked to an audition last week, before elbowing her and body-checking her 'with full force'.

Ms Chenneour, who starred as debutante Clara Livingston in Netflix drama Bridgerton, was left tearful after the incident and told fans nobody stopped to check on her.

It comes just days after Team GB swimmer turned actress Genevieve Chenneour (pictured) called for women's safety to be prioritised in the city after she was assaulted for the second time in less than a year in the capital

Ms Chenneour, who starred as debutante Clara Livingston in Netflix drama Bridgerton, was left tearful after being assaulted in London for the second time in a year

It followed an attempted mugging in Kensington in February which left the actress with a concussion.

While prolific thief Zacariah Boulares, 18, is now serving a 22-month prison term for the would-be theft, an accomplice who came into the shop and threatened to stab Genevieve as she fought him off remains at large.

In a video shared to social media this week Ms Chenneour added she has also been 'groped more times than I can count' in the capital.

There is a growing concern over crime in the capital with phone thefts and robberies spiralling out of control.

In 2024 alone some 117,211 phones were reported as stolen in London - with the true number thought to be far higher.

Muggings for expensive items such as luxury watches are also a concern.

In one area that covers both Oxford Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, a total of 508 muggings were reported to police in the year to June 2025.

Another 499 robberies of individuals were recorded in the area including Regent Street, New Bond Street and sections of Oxford Street in the same time period.
Zelenskyy: It's time for Europe to make decision on frozen assets if Moscow doesn't give up on strikes

Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Russians launched approximately 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, commenting on the latest strike on Kyiv and the region.

The main targets of the attack were energy infrastructure and civilian facilities, with extensive damage and fires in residential buildings. We currently have reports of dozens injured and three killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones, Zelenskyy said on X.

He noted that Ukraine and its partners must work without wasting a single day to ensure that there are enough missiles for air defense systems, so that there is everything necessary for Ukrainian defense and to put pressure on Russia.

It is time Europe made a decision on the frozen assets if Moscow refuses to end its drone and missile strikes. And we must certainly discuss with all partners the steps needed to bring this war to an end. Thank you to everyone who is helping, the President stressed.
Princess Eugenie left the recent woes of her parents behind her as she treated her sons to a family day out at Winter Wonderland.

The youngest daughter of the former Duke and Duchess of York was all smiles as she held onto August, four and Ernest, two, at the annual outdoor funfair in Hyde Park, London on Friday.

The 35-year-old royal cut a casual display in a fawn belted coat paired with a grey top and baggy jeans.

She also sported stylish sunglasses to keep away the winter glare and a black leather crossbody handbag with a gold-tone clasp by luxury brand Mark Cross.

Princess Beatrice's sister was in a jovial mood as she clutched her youngest son by the hand while enjoying a giant red and pink swirl lollipop.

The art director at the Hauser & Wirth gallery, was later seen at the merry-go-round with the boys, whom she shares with husband Jack Brooksbank, 38.

During their outing, the family enjoyed pizza and hot dogs, as well as a ride on the bumper cars, with the royal seen throwing her arms up in delight.

Eugenie seemed a world away from the woes around her, as her father's world continues to cave in around him.

Princess Eugenie left the recent woes of her parents behind her as she treated her sons to a family day out at Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park

Princess Beatrice's sister was in a jovial mood as she clutched her youngest son by the hand while enjoying a giant red and pink swirl lollipop

The 35-year-old royal cut a casual display in a fawn belted coat paired with a grey top and baggy jeans, paired with a black leather crossbody handbag by luxury brand Mark Cross

Disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had all of his royal titles stripped over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, last month.

Princess Eugenie, who is 12th in line to the throne and her sister Beatrice, who is ninth in line, will however retain their titles despite Andrew's fall from grace.

Amid the controversy King Charles was said to have been very keen to 'protect' nieces Eugenie and Beatrice, 37, who remain Her Royal Highnesses as granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth.

'He wouldn't have wanted to sign off on anything that would impact them,' a source told the Daily Mail at the time.

The latest humiliation for her father came after the line of succession on the Royal Family's website was finally updated to reflect the removal of Andrew's titles this week.

Buckingham Palace announced on October 17 that Andrew would stop using his remaining titles and honours and would no longer be known as the Duke of York.

Three days later Andrew's title was scrubbed out on his profile page on the royal website to reflect the loss of this dukedom over the Epstein sex scandal.

On October 30, it was revealed that Andrew would lose his prince title, before this was officially actioned on November 7 by the King, who also removed his HRH style.

The art director at the Hauser & Wirth gallery was later seen at the merry-go-round

Eugenie seemed a world away from the woes of her parents who have been hit by scandal

The royal's outing comes just weeks after her father was stripped of all his royal titles over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

The princess seemed relaxed as she enjoyed the fun-filled day out with her sons

Eugenie and her husband are said to have prepared a 'grand suite' in their oceanfront villa in Portugal for her mother, Fergie. Pictured: The royal buying refreshments at Winter Wonderland

But Andrew was still listed until recently on the website's line of succession page in eighth as 'The Duke of York', behind Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

Now, with his public life having been effectively ended, the website has finally been updated and the line of succession entry appears as 'Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor'.

His profile page was already taken down at the start of November, with a message on royal.uk/the-duke-of-york now saying: 'The requested page could not be found.'

A series of allegations levelled at Eugenie's parents and their involvement with Epstein have also led to Andrew and Sarah being kicked out of the Royal Lodge.

It was claimed earlier this month that her mother Sarah is preparing to flee the UK and swap Windsor for her daughter's 3.6million mansion in the 'Hamptons of Europe' on Portugal's Atlantic.

Eugenie and her husband are said to have prepared a 'grand suite' in their oceanfront villa for the 66-year-old to settle down after getting kicked out of Royal Lodge.

The former Duchess of York has lived with her ex-husband Andrew since 2008 despite the pair divorcing in 1996.

But unlike Andrew, who will move into a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Fergie will now go it alone and make her own living arrangements, it is understood.

And there is space in Jack and Eugenie's plush mansion in the exclusive CostaTerra resort, already beloved by celebrities including Hollywood royalty.

'The word here is that Fergie will be arriving sometime in January,' one wealthy neighbour of Eugenie and Jack revealed.
Prince Edward is paying a peppercorn rent for his mansion in Surrey in a similar deal to that of his brother Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was awarded the title after his father Prince Philip's death in April 2021, moved into the 120-room Bagshot Park with his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, in March 1998.

He initially leased the home for five decades for 5,000 a year, though that rose to an annual sum of 90,000 after he paid 1.36million to renovate the estate, with the Crown Estate handing over another 3million for refurbishments.

Edward's lease was extended in 2007 under a deal signed with his company, Eclipse Nominees Limited. He paid 5million upfront for a lease of 150 years, which was said to be 'market tested', but now only pays a peppercorn rent, The Times reported.

There are also no conditions on any future sale of the Prince's lease, only that any new tenant must be able to afford the property's maintenance, the newspaper added.

It appears to be a similar deal to that signed by Edward's brother Andrew, when he paid 1million to secure a 75-year lease for the Windsor Royal Lodge in 2003 - and has since paid only 'one peppercorn' in rent per year, 'if demanded'.

Although conditions on Andrew's lease limited him to passing it on to his wife, Sarah Ferguson, or his children, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Andrew is in the process of being booted from the Grade II-listed mansion, his and Sarah's 30-room home, after being stripped of his royal titles over his links to late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein last month.

The former prince, who has vehemently denied the accusations against him, is set to relocate to a property on the Sandringham estate as soon as practicably possible - which is expected to be well into the New Year.

Edward, now titled as the Duke of Edinburgh, lives at Bagshot Park (pictured) and has been paying a peppercorn rent for the mansion in Surrey since 2007

The Duke of Edinburgh (left) moved into the 120-room Bagshot Park with his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh (right), in March 1998. The pair are pictured on Saturday

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive to officially reopen the Royal Box at Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, on Saturday

Last night, the Daily Mail confirmed that Andrew's move from Royal Lodge will not happen this side of Christmas, but will instead take place some time in 2026.

Sources have indicated that the 'practicalities' of packing up his belongings at ten-bedroom Royal Lodge, where he has lived on the Windsor Estate for more than 30 years, and moving to his undisclosed new home were 'quite a substantial logistical process, if nothing else'.

He also needs to negotiate the ending of his 75-year lease on the property from the Crown Estate early, which some fear could see him in line to collect compensation given the work he has already carried out on the property.

But happily, it will also take Andrew  who has now lost everything over his relationship with convicted paedophile Epstein  out of the picture when the Royal Family gather in Norfolk on Christmas Eve for their annual festive break.

A source said the situation could have proved 'quite awkward' at a time when Andrew quite clearly isn't welcome.

'He won't be anywhere near the Big House [the nickname given to the monarch's home at Sandringham],' they confirmed.

While the move to the estate won't happen imminently for logistical reasons, they explained, people were also acutely aware any physical proximity to his family at such a special time of year would make his exclusion 'seem even more barbed'.

Sandringham was chosen because it is the sovereign's personal estate, meaning that Andrew's living arrangements can be sorted  and, crucially, funded  completely privately.

Charles and Prince Edward during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May

Andrew pictured with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson in September

Prince Andrew has lived at lavish 30-room property Royal Lodge (pictured) since 2003

Buckingham Palace announced on October 17 that Andrew would stop using his remaining titles and honours and would no longer be known as the Duke of York.

Three days later Andrew's title was scrubbed out on his profile page on the royal website to reflect the loss of this dukedom over the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.

On October 30, it was revealed that Andrew would lose his prince title, before this was officially actioned on November 7 by the King, who also removed his HRH style.

But Andrew was still listed until recently on the website's line of succession page in eighth as 'The Duke of York', behind Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

Now, with his public life having been effectively ended, the website has finally been updated and the line of succession entry appears as 'Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor'.

His profile page was already taken down at the start of November, with a message on royal.uk/the-duke-of-york now saying: 'The requested page could not be found.'

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
It is costing the local economy thousands

Disruptive protests will continue through Sunday and into next week as hundreds of activists push to make new coal mines illegal.

Dozens of kayaks, canoes and small boats are currently occupying Newcastle Harbour and have been all day Saturday.

The flotilla is part of an annual event rallying against the world's largest coal export port.

Thousands participate each year with their latest objective set towards outlawing any new coal mines the government seeks to approve.

Rising Tide organisers said they expect the number of people in the harbour to exceed 7,000 come Sunday.

To ensure the safety of all involved, including the coal export ships protesters seek to disrupt, a marine exclusion zone was established for activists on Friday.

This zone is set to ensure no protesters breach the shipping channel which could cost stakeholders more than $1 million each day that exports are stalled.

Despite this, activists, including prominent politicians, have justified their actions as a means of disrupting the 'enormous contribution to the climate crisis' they see coal to be.

A flotilla blockade will continue into Sunday at Newcastle's Harbour

This event, organised by Rising Tide, takes place annually with the objective of making all new coal mines illegal in Australia

Organiser Alexa Stuart said nothing would stop her group from continuing its efforts.

'Despite the NSW government's attempts to shut us down, the people's blockade of the world's largest coal port is happening,' Ms Stuart told NewsWire.

'Thousands of ordinary citizens (are) uniting to demand our government stops approving new coal and gas projects and heavily tax coal corporations to fund a community-led transition away from coal.'

Australian Greens leader, Senator Melissa Waters, was among those in the flotilla and she posted numerous videos to her social media channels as a sign of support.

'There's thousands of people here that are about to block coal ships exiting the port of Newcastle, the world's biggest coal export port,' Ms Waters said.

'I could not feel prouder to be part of this movement  we don't need any more coal and gas, we need 100 per cent renewables as quickly as we can.'

Other notable figures in attendance included environmental engineer and former president of Engineers Australia, Professor David Hood AM, and local surgeon Dr Stanley Chen.

Mr Hood said he was there to protect his grandchildren from the effects of climate change while Dr Chen asserted that all coal mines should be made illegal.

Up to 7,000 protesters are expected to participate come Sunday

NSW Police have established a marine exclusion zone and warned activists that they will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to any rule breakers

Saturday's protests were preceded by two days of rallies held along the harbour which were followed by concerts at Foreshore Park.

NSW Police have thus far let the protestors do their business in peace but officers have warned they will be taking a zero-tolerance policy towards any rule breakers.

Although the marine exclusion zone will remain in place through to Monday, some commercial cruise services have delayed their services until the activity has ended.

Viking Cruise Line cancelled a scheduled entry into the harbour which cost the local economy an estimated $800,000, Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said.

This loss stems from the expected passenger spending which will no longer occur in the township.

In 2023, a similar flotilla prevented ships from leaving or entering Newcastle Port during a 30-hour blockade in November.

This activity was again organised by Rising Tide and featured an appearance from then-Greens leader Adam Bandt.

Mr Bandt led calls for the government to end new coal and gas projects, adopt a 75 per cent emissions reduction target and stop coal exports from Newcastle.

'In the middle of the climate crisis Labor is making the problem worse by opening more coal and gas mines,' he said.

Little action has been taken on the issue in the time since.
The Your Party's inaugural conference has descended into chaos after co-founder Zarah Sultana MP boycotted the first day over the expulsion of members and claims of a 'witch hunt' - while Jeremy Corbyn refuses to call her a friend.

Tensions continue to simmer between the party's main figures as two MPs quit the organisation and members of the Socialist Workers Party were forced out just hours before the start of the conference.

Sultana and Corbyn, both Independent MPs, have vowed to do what it takes to make the project work after a torrid start which saw a row over donations that ended in threats of legal action.

Despite claiming to have put their differences aside, on Saturday afternoon a spokesperson for Sultana confirmed she would refuse to enter the conference hall after a group of Your Party members.

She said she took the decision after one of her supporters, Kingston councillor James Gile, was denied entry, and a group of members were expelled from the party just hours before the conference was due to kick off.

It came after she failed to invite the former Labour leader to a pre-conference rally on Friday night.

Instead, Corbyn was due to host a separate 'evening of politics and culture' that coincided with her speech. He then claimed on Saturday he had 'happily and proudly' sent a supportive message to his co-founder's event.

But hours later a spokesperson for Sultana announced she would be boycotting the conference. They said: 'Zarah met members outside the conference and condemned the recent expulsions.

'This witch hunt is indefensible. We must build a party that welcomes all socialists. She will not be entering the conference hall today.'

Zarah Sultana declined to invite Your Party co-founder Jeremy Corbyn to a pre-conference rally on Friday (pictured)

Jeremy Corbyn speaks at his own pre-conference event on Friday night ahead of the Your Party's inaugural conference

Jeremy Corbyn speaking during the Your Party founding conference at the ACC Liverpool

In response, Your Party denied claims of a 'purge' of members, saying those expelled from the party had broken 'clearly stated membership rules'.

A Your Party spokesman said: 'These claims are false. Members of another national political party signed up to Your Party in contravention of clearly stated membership rules - and these rules were enforced.

'We're focused on hosting a democratic founding conference with thousands of members coming together to debate and decide the big issues. This is politics outside the Westminster mould: From the ground up, not the top down.'

In a further sign that the party's troubles are far from over, Corbyn declined to call Sultana a 'friend' when asked during an interview with Sky News on Saturday.

He instead said she was a 'colleague in Parliament' with whom he 'communicates'.

His remarks came after Sultana, who accused the party of a 'toxic culture', took aim at the decision to kick out members who also held membership to the Socialist Workers Party at her Friday night pre-conference gathering.

It is understood there were concerns that supporters of the SWP were planning to disrupt the conference, though Your Party sources cited their dual membership as the reason for their expulsion.

After being expelled from the party, National Secretary of the SWP Lewis Nielsen hit out at 'an unelected clique with no democratic mandate'.

Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana speaks to journalists after announcing she would refuse to enter the conference hall on Saturday following expulsions of members last night

After being expelled from the party, National Secretary of the SWP Lewis Nielsen hit out at 'an unelected clique with no democratic mandate'

In a statement shared on social media he said that he and other SWP members had been informed by email of the decision just hours before the inaugural party conference.

'This decision has been made by an unelected clique with no democratic mandate,' Mr Nielsen said.

'It is my view that the overwhelming feeling of YP members - as was made clear at the local assemblies - is that all socialists are welcome in YP, and that it can be a force that unites the left.

'We face the threat of far right Nigel Farage entering Downing Street, with Keir Starmer's miserable Government paving the way for him.

'Instead of building the insurgent Left party we need to stop Farage, fight Starmer and stand with Palestine, those running YP have turned their focus on socialists who have been fighting to build YP on the ground.'

He added: 'This decision should be reversed at the conference, and we should get on with the job of uniting to build the new Left party we so desperately need.'

Sultana said today she had been left 'disappointed' after the expulsions.

'I'm disappointed to see on the morning of our founding conference, people who have travelled from all over the country, spent a lot of money on their train fare, on hotels, on being able to participate in this conference, being told that they have been expelled,' she said.

MP Zarah Sultana during the Your Party founding conference in Liverpool on Saturday

Jeremy Corbyn told members during an opening address that the party has an 'amazing opportunity' to bring 'hope' to the British people

'That is a culture that is reminiscent of the Labour Party, how there were witch hunts on the eve of conference, how members were treated with contempt.

'We are here to build a democratic party that unites all of the left, all socialists, so they can find their political home in Your Party.

'So what we have seen this morning has been disappointing and it should be reversed.'

She continued: 'What we have to get rid of is this toxic culture of leaks to the Right-wing press, of legal threats, of bullying, intimidation and acts of sabotage like what I experienced before I went on BBC Question Time.

'It is all symptomatic of a group of people who are operating with paranoia and an obsession with control, and what I'm here to do is defend member democracy.'

The MP for Coventry South added she would not be 'pushed out' by other party members and would support Corbyn if he was elected as leader.

The latest in the Your Party melodrama comes after two of the Independent MPs who had publicly pledged support for the party quit this month over 'false smears' and 'veiled prejudice'.

MP for Dewsbury and Batley Iqbal Mohamed said last week he had decided to leave Your Party, citing 'false allegations and smears against me and others'.

It came after Adnan Hussain, MP for Blackburn, announced he was exiting the outfit due to 'persistent infighting' and 'veiled prejudice' against Muslim men.

And all of this comes before the party has even decided on its official name.

As the party's two-day conference kicks off in Liverpool on Saturday, members will vote on a shortlist of potential names - Your Party, Our Party, Popular Alliance and For the Many - with the result to be announced by Corbyn on Sunday.

A delegate indicates a favoured party name on the first day of the Your Party conference in Liverpool on Saturday

Supporters are pictured during the Your Party founding conference at the ACC Liverpool on Saturday

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is pictured preparing to give the opening address at the Your Party conference on Saturday

The party will also debate whether it should, for its first two years, adopt a traditional single leader or embrace a 'collective lay-member' leadership model - which is supported by Sultana.

More than 2,500 members have been selected to attend the event, where supporters will also consider whether the party should back 'socialist' independent candidates at the May 2026 local elections.

Giving an opening address in Liverpool on Saturday, Corbyn said it was up to his new political party to give people 'a sense of hope'.

The former Labour leader said: 'We have an amazing opportunity before us. Look at this hall absolutely full. Look at the people around the country that want this party to succeed.

'Look at the hopes that so many people have, people suffering poverty, children growing up in overcrowded homes, people sleeping on the street, people bearing the brunt of racist attacks across the country, people fearful for the future.

'They want us to succeed, and it's up to us to develop a mass party and a force that does bring people in and give people that sense of hope. That is why we're here, and that's what we're determined to do.'

He went on to call for 'public, democratic ownership' of the water industry, and led a chant of 'free, free Palestine' as he repeated accusations of a 'genocide' in Gaza.

Addressing the separate events held by himself and Sultana on Friday, he said: 'Last night here in Liverpool, we had number of events on and Zarah spoke at a great rally, and I very happily and proudly sent a message to that rally - and I was grateful that it was read out to that rally - of support and solidarity.

'I was at a poetry and music event at the Black E, and Zarah sent a message to that.

'As a party, we've got to come together and be united because division and disunity will not serve the interests of the people that we want to represent. So that's the basis on which we launch the party now.'

He also suggested Your Party could write a handbook for the establishment of a political party, saying others could 'learn from our problems, learn from our mistakes, learn from overreaching'.

But even the organisation of the conference came down to the wire following a dispute between Corbyn and Sultana earlier this year resulting in a botched membership launch and threats of legal action.

Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech on the first day of the founding conference for Your Party in Liverpool

Enthusiastic Your Party members react as the conference was about to get underway

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana take part in a Your Party event in October

A row ensued after Sultana promoted a system to take payments for their new political outfit, which he disowned as an 'unauthorised email' and asked supporters not to give any money.

Sultana then claimed she faced a 'sexist boys' club' and that she would instruct 'specialist defamation lawyers', though she later dropped the threat and vowed to 'reconcile' with Corbyn.

The former Labour leader later launched an 'official' membership portal - but some 800,000 had already been donated through the original link posted in July.

Senior figures in the party accused her and the firm holding the money, MOU Operations, of refusing to transfer the funds for use.

Sultana said at the time that she was working to transfer the money as soon as possible but was carrying out 'essential due diligence as part of this process'.

Speaking to the New Statesman on the eve of the conference, Corbyn apologised to any members who felt disappointed with the launch of the party.

'For any misdemeanours on my part, of course I apologise, but I want to make this thing work,' he said.

'I'm sorry if you are at all disappointed. I hope however your wish and your determination to have a democratic, serious Left voice that will challenge Reform, that will challenge austerity, challenge the Tories and so on, will be there.'

He said 'it's never going to be an easy road' but 'if we work with each other... we can achieve things'.

Sultana also apologised on Friday for 'hiccups' in the party's first few months and said 'we do need to get better at working with each other'.

'I would never forgive myself for weakening the party that we desperately need,' she said.

A spokesman for the party insisted it was focused on 'a positive member-led weekend' and 'Zarah and Jeremy are united in that vision'.

The party says it now has around 50,000 members in total.
An American mother accused of drugging and murdering two of her children before fleeing to London has lost her latest court battle in a fight against her extradition.

Kimberlee Singler, 36, is wanted in Colorado Springs for the first degree murders of her daughter Elianna, nine, and son Aden, seven, on December 19, 2023.

She is also accused of attempting to murder her third child, who was then aged 11.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at an apartment in the northeast of the city, at around 12.30am, where officers found Singler and her still-living daughter lying next to the bodies of the children.

But an investigation later found the initial burglary report and 911 call was 'unfounded'.

Singler - who was in the midst of a contentious divorce - then fled 5,000 miles to Britain, where she went on the run for several days before being arrested in Kensington, West London by the National Crime Agency (NCA) on December 30, 2023.

She jetted to the UK knowing exactly what was going to happen, according to a judge at a court hearing in January 2024, where it was decided to remand her in custody because she is considered a flight risk.

However Singler appealed against her extradition on the grounds that if convicted, she would face a life sentence without the option for parole - a potential breach of her European human rights.

A High Court judge ruled on Thursday that Kimberlee Singler should be extradited to the US

Singler's daughter Elianna 'Elie' Wentz (pictured left), 9 and Aden Wentz (pictured right), 7

Police were called to reports of a burglary at an apartment in the northeast of the city, where officers found Singler and her still-living daughter lying next to the bodies of the children

Now in the latest development, a High Court judge ruled on Thursday in favour of her being returned to the US to stand trial, KOAA News reported.

The judge also deemed that she should be extradited.

Her lawyer had claimed there were 'flaws' in the investigation by Colorado Springs Police, including that her surviving daughter's witness statement was 'non-voluntary'.

It is unclear when Singler could be sent back to the US.

At the time of the incident, Singler was involved in a lengthy custody battle with her ex-husband, Kevin Wentz and was just days away from losing her children.

Two days before the crimes, she had been due to hand them over to Wentz for the holidays, but had refused to let his sister pick them up.

Singler has denied that she harmed her children. She told police her ex-husband had either carried out the killings or hired a hitman.

On the day of the incident, she told officials that an intruder had entered the apartment that morning through a patio door she had forgotten to lock before attacking her, causing her to lose consciousness.

Singler was involved in a lengthy custody battle at the time of the incident with her ex-husband, Kevin Wentz, and was just days away from losing the children

Singler told officials that an intruder had entered the apartment that morning through a patio door she had forgotten to lock, before being attacked and losing consciousness

Singler has denied that she harmed her children. She told police that her ex-husband had either carried out the killings or hired a hitman

Police said they found no footprints in the snow leading to the patio.

The mother had superficial knife wounds and was initially treated as a victim.

But that changed after her surviving daughter, who initially told police a similar intruder story, said Singler had tried to kill her.

While the accused had initially cooperated with police, she vanished, triggering a US-wide hunt.

She was arrested by NCA officers in London for offences including two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Singler is also accused of two counts of class two felony child abuse, one of class three felony child abuse, and one of assault.

She has no real ties to the UK, the court previously heard. Her case has raised questions about how she managed to leave the US and enter the UK while wanted for murder.
An Afghan man has been charged with sexually assaulting three women as well as entering the UK illegally.

Sohail Amiri, 30, of Highfield Lane, Southampton is accused of approaching a woman just after midnight on Tuesday on Shaftesbury Avenue and trying to kiss her.

He has also faces two additional charges of sexual assault relating to incidents on September 23.

It is alleged on this day, he approached two women on Westwood Road and made inappropriate comments.

The Afghan national has also been accused of entering the country without leave contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971.

He is scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court this morning.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: 'Officers investigating three reports of sexual assaults on women in Portswood and Bevois have charged a man.

Southampton residents holding an anti-immigration protest outside of Highfield House Hotel in Southampton on October 26

Counter protesters blocked a road in Southampton during anti-immigration protests on October 26, 2025

'The charges follow an incident which occurred in Upper Shaftesbury Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday.

'It was reported a woman was walking along the road just after midnight when she was approached by a man she did not know who is alleged to have then tried to kiss her.

Highfeild House Hotel in Southampton, which is said to house asylum seekers, has been subject to several anti-immigration protests in recent months.
A senior police officer with a 20-year 'unblemished' professional record has been sacked for gross misconduct after making 'degrading' comments to three female subordinates.

Terry Mayers, 47, was described as 'an exemplary officer' with Greater Manchester Police.

The trained firearms officer's record included being a 'first responder' officer at the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017, when 22 people were murdered at an Ariana Grande concert by suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

But a misconduct panel found the Sergeant targeted three female officers with 'persistence' for the 'sole purpose of establishing an inappropriate sexual relationship and for sexual gratification'.

It added: 'Police Sergeant Mayers should have recognised that his actions were improper, and could be perceived as an abuse of trust, particularly considering the leadership responsibility that he had.'

The panel heard Mayers first approached one colleague, named only as Officer A, at the end of a night shift in 2022 asking whether her husband would 'try it on with you' when she got home.

When she replied 'no', he said: 'well, if it was me, I would slip your knickers to the side'.

Around Christmas that year, Mayers asked her 'what would it take for me to just hold it?' He then made a gesture suggesting 'squeezing' her bottom, the panel was told.

Then, on a separate occasion and in reference to her bottom, he said he 'would love to bury my schnoz in there', it was said.

Terry Mayers, 47, (pictured) was described as 'an exemplary officer' with Greater Manchester Police

Mr Mayers was said to have 'persistently asked' to see 'naughty or revealing' photos of her on her mobile phone. In her statement, she said he would say 'show Tel some pictures, go on, be a good egg'.

A second woman, officer B, described Mayers as 'a bit of a creep'.

The disciplinary panel heard he sent her an Instagram message in August 2022, using 'an expletive referencing sex' and said he would 'drive up' to be with her.

In a later exchange of messages, Officer B told Mayers she indicated an intention to seek a promotion.

He responded advising her to head to a 'quiet room on nights, undercrackers to the side'.

Mayers was said to have made 'repeated comments' about Officer A's attractiveness and appearance, referring to her bottom as 'the work of the Gods' and 'fine work'.

The panel heard he also remarked to Office B: 'I have never seen anyone make a pair of ARV (armed response vehicle) pants (trousers) look like you can'.

In her statement, Officer B added: 'During a 12 hour tour of duty, he would request to see revealing photos of me on multiple occasions and it would happen every time we were teamed up.

'I started to feel pressured from him asking me this all the time, but I never did as he asked.'

Officer C said Mayers once told her, while the pair were on patrol: 'What would you do if I kissed you now?'

All three officers were said to have felt humiliated and degraded.

He admitted making inappropriate comments but denied it amounted to gross misconduct.

However, the panel said it found Mr Mayers' 'persistence' with the officers 'did constitute sexual harassment as defined under the Equality Act'.

In a ruling, it said: 'The contact was motivated by a desire to establish improper sexual relationships.

'This occurred with three separate officers and was not an isolated incident.

'The language and behaviour of Police Sergeant Mayers, in his position as a sergeant, in a department which was clearly underrepresented by female officers, had a disproportionate effect on women in the unit.

'The language used in his communications undoubtedly caused distress.

'The panel concluded that public trust, confidence, and legitimacy has been tainted by the actions of Police Sergeant Mayers, and that such actions damage the standing and reputation of the profession in the round.'

It added: 'The Panel took the view that the communications were deliberate and targeted steps for the sole purpose of establishing an inappropriate sexual relationship and for sexual gratification.'

Mayers' former partner, also a serving police officer, said in an account given to the panel that he was a 'broken man' and what happened has 'shattered' his 'confidence, his reputation and his career'.

Mayers declined to comment on the decision because he had lodged an appeal.
An Illinois man lit his family's home on fire after an argument during Thanksgiving dinner and tried to flee, police said.

Erik Crump, 21, was arrested Thursday night after allegedly setting his family residence ablaze and causing 'major damage' to the home, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

He was charged with aggravated arson and residential arson, both of which are felonies.

Crump's family evacuated the house immediately after noticing smoke.

'It's nothing short of a blessing that nobody was injured or killed in this senseless act,' sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

Police were first called to the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road in Beach Park around 7.30pm, when Crump's family members alleged he was 'antagonizing and arguing' with them during Thanksgiving.

Deputies deescalated the situation, law enforcement said, with Crump agreeing to moderate his behavior for the rest of the night.

But a little over an hour later, police returned to the home after being alerted that it was on fire.

Police detectives said Erik Crump, 21, had set his family home on fire after an argument during a Thanksgiving gettogether

Crump was charged with aggravated arson and residential arson following his arrest on Thursday

Investigators said Crump's family had told him 'he was going to be kicked out' of their home.

This caused the 21yearold to leave, but he returned 'a short time later' to his room near the garage.

After that, Crump's family saw smoke filling their house and instantly evacuated.

Police detectives claimed Crump had set his room on fire using an accelerant and left as flames consumed the residence.

The alleged arsonist's actions caused 'major damage' to the home.

When firefighters arrived, they spotted a man who matched Crump's description and was armed with a knife, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said.

He was standing on the side of the roadway, about one block from the burning home, and then 'fled'.

Crump was taken into custody 'without incident' after being found at a storage facility on North Lewis Avenue

Police found Crump at a storage facility in the 39400 block of North Lewis Avenue, where he was arrested 'without incident'.

Canines had previously tracked Crump's scent to a deadend in the roadway, which indicated he left the area in a vehicle, police said.

Crump was booked into jail at 3.58am on November 28, according to Lake County records.

He appeared in court Friday morning, where prosecutors alleged the argument that set off Crump's actions 'began over a dog', per the Lake and McHenry County Scanner.

They asked for him to be kept in jail until his trial started.

'The defendant stated he decided to do what he did, and he has no real care for the safety or wellbeing for his family,' Lake County assistant state attorney Nicholas Shepherd told the court, per the outlet.

Crump is scheduled to be back in court Monday for a detention hearing.

The Daily Mail reached out to the Lake County Sheriff's Office for comment.
An elderly driver managed to survive a horrific crash after smashing his vehicle into a coffee shop at breakneck speed.

The unidentified man, aged 90, crashed through Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, in Los Gatos, California, shortly after 9pm on Thanksgiving.

The car was seen hurtling down a 20mph zone in dramatic surveillance footage of the collision.

It showed the vehicle sailing through a red traffic light right into the storefront with a loud bang.

It narrowly avoided another car which cut across the intersection seconds before and was almost caught in the collision.

The scene was witnessed by a a man on the sidewalk who was stopped dead in his tracks before quickly pulling out his phone, seemingly to dial 911.

Another clip was later shared on social media showing the vehicle, a Volvo, being pulled out of the store.

Broken glass, bricks and smashed pieces of wood cover the sidewalk outside of the business as the vehicle was removed.

The 90-year-old man crashed through Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, in Los Gatos, California on Thanksgiving

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department said the driver was taken to hospital in a 'serious but stable condition', adding that alcohol may have played a role

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department said the driver was taken to hospital in a 'serious but stable condition', adding that alcohol may have played a role.

Police added that the store was closed and unoccupied at the time of the crash, with the driver the only occupant of the vehicle.

Co-owner Teri Hope said the destruction had devastated her

Owners Teri Hope and Dylan Phillips have since spoken out on their devastation and said everything inside was destroyed.

Phillips told CBS: 'Everything within the cafe side was destroyed. Our coffee roaster took damage.

'There's probably nothing salvageable on the cafe side. Plumbing [was] broken, leaking into our basement. Lots of our inventory destroyed.'

He added that the vehicle ended up somewhere between 20 to 30 feet deep into the building, saying: 'I'm surprised that the car didn't go all the way through the building.'

Philips said the support from the local was overwhelming and that he was relieved the crash happened outside of opening hours.

He said: 'If not, we would've had 50 customers in here listening to live music. We would've had the restaurants on the street open.

The driver is traveling so quickly that the surveillance camera struggles to even picture the vehicle

The store was closed and unoccupied at the time of the crash, with the driver the only occupant of the vehicle

'Our normal Thursday night, we would've had 30 to 40 people, and it would've ended up much, much worse. It would've been a major disaster.'

Those who spoke with CBS outside of the store determined the vehicle to be traveling anywhere from 70 to 100 miles per hour at the time of the smash.

Hope told ABC7: 'Last night I got a call and was here within minutes after the incident happened. I was just beside myself, just devastated with the destruction.'

Police said that they are looking at all factors as they continue to investigate the crash.

The man had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Santa Clara County Fire Department, a statement added.

No further details have been released about the driver. The Daily Mail has contacted the local police for comment.
The ex-boyfriend of the National Guardsman who was shot dead in Washington DC said she wanted to make a difference despite being spat on by the public.

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injures on Thursday after her and fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, were ambushed while on duty near the White House on Wednesday. Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Her former boyfriend, Adam Carr, whom she dated for six years, said Beckstrom had been treated poorly while on duty.

'She was like: "People spit towards us, cuss at us, throw things at us, and we cant do nothing." She couldnt detain nobody. She couldnt stop them from doing wrong. They told them to call the cops,' he told CNN.

Carr said the 20-year-old questioned why they were deployed to DC if they 'can't do nothing' and that Beckstrom thought it was 'pointless' because of it.

Beckstrom joined the West Virginia National Guard because she wanted to make a positive change and was hoping to do so while in DC when she was deployed there in August, Carr said.

'She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to extremely,' he told the outlet.

Beckstrom was tragically not able to complete her dying wish, as Carr said: 'She got deputized in there, and they gave them no rights to do anything.'

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, (left, with ex-boyfriend) succumbed to her injures on Thursday after her and fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, were ambushed while on duty near the White House on Wednesday

Adam Carr said Beckstrom wanted to make a difference in the National Guard, but was spat on while on duty in DC

Beckstrom joined the National Guard in 2023 with dreams of working for the FBI, Carr said.

Her family spent Thanksgiving by her side until she passed away that evening with her father Gary Beckstrom holding her hand, he told The New York Times.

Carr remembers his ex-girlfriend as caring and someone who enjoyed nature and road trips.

'[She] had a huge heart,' Carr told CNN.

He recalled how she used to get up very early to make him lunch in the morning, despite his insistence that she didn't have to.

'I told her not to worry about it, and she would still get up for it anyways, even though shes got work in a few hours and could be sleeping,' he told the outlet.

'Id get up by the crack of the dawn, and its still dark, and shed be out there in the kitchen making some sandwiches, throwing in some chips, asking what type of fruit I wanted.'

Carr and Beckstrom dated for six years. Carr described Beckstrom as 'one of the best people around that you could meet'

Carr said the 20-year-old questioned why they were deployed to DC if they 'can't do nothing' and that Beckstrom thought it was 'pointless' because of it

'I loved her to pieces. She never deserved any of that. I always wished the best for her,' Carr (pictured with his mom and Beckstrom) said.

Carr described Beckstrom as 'one of the best people around that you could meet'.

'I loved her to pieces. She never deserved any of that. I always wished the best for her,' he said.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were blocks away from the White House around 2:15pm on Wednesday when they were allegedly ambushed by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who allegedly opened fire on them, officials said.

Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, is expected to be charged with first-degree murder . He was detained by police after being shot.

Lakanwal came to America in 2021 as part of the disastrous US withdrawal in Afghanistan after serving as an ally of Special Forces troops in his CIA-backed 'Zero Unit.'

Darin Hoover - the father of Staff Sergeant Darin 'Taylor' Hoover, who died in the Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul in 2011 - is now blaming the Biden Administration for Beckstrom's death.

He said the previous administration failed to properly vet Afghan asylum seekers.

'This is on the feckless Biden administration,' he told Fox News Digital.

'We had no idea who was getting into this country because the Biden administration, especially the State Department run by Antony Blinken, didnt do the work that was needed to vet all these people. There were so many people put on the planes that got out initially, that we have no idea who they were.'

Trump called Beckstrom a 'magnificent person' who was 'highly respected' and 'outstanding in every way,' on Thursday

Pictures: Friends of Beckstrom crying at the vigil held for her

He went on to claim that some of the Afghans who came to America are 'likely terrorists that are here in the homeland to do us all harm and take our beloved United States of America'.

FBI sources told Fox News Digital that the ambush is being treated as a possible act of international terrorism.

Lakanwal entered the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome after the Trump Administration approved his asylum claim in 2025.

Operation Allies Welcome was set up by the Biden Administration in August 2021 after the US pulled out of Afghanistan, allowing 70,000 asylum seekers into the country. Under the operation, Afghans were given a two-year parole period before they could apply for a more permanent status.

Lakanwal applied in December 2024 and was approved on April 23, 2025, by the Trump administration. Lakanwal, a father-of-five who lives in Washington State, has no criminal history.

He was approved due to working with the US government during the war in Afghanistan, documents reviewed by Reuters said.

Trump's FBI Director, Kash Patel, and Attorney for DC, Jeanine Pirro, have also blamed the Biden Administration for allowing Lakanwal into the country, claiming the previous administration improperly vetted him.

'The prior administration made the decision to allow thousands of people into this country without doing a single piece of background checking or vetting,' Patel asserted during a press conference.

Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe had been blocks away from the White House around 2:15pm on Wednesday when they were ambushed by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant

Wolfe, 24, was also shot in the attack, and he remains in critical condition

Neither Patel nor Pirro provided evidence of their accusations.

Trump called Beckstrom a 'magnificent person' who was 'highly respected' and 'outstanding in every way,' on Thursday.

'She's no longer with us. She's looking down on us right now. Her parents are with her. It's just happened. She was savagely attacked, she's dead,' he said on a live-streamed phone call with military personnel.

'Just horrible,' he added.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President and Commander-in-Chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes it is necessary to amend the state's defense plan and discussed this with Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Several key points. It is time to update the fundamental defense documents of Ukraine, including the national defense plan. The course of hostilities has shown what must become the renewed priorities, Zelenskyy noted in a Telegram channel, reporting on the Defense Minister's report on Saturday.

According to the president, the minister will prepare detailed proposals for changes and submit them to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for approval.

The defense minister also reported on business trips to Mykolaiv and Kherson regions and protective measures.

Separately, we discussed the protection of critical infrastructure and the allocation of the relevant resources. It is important that the Government and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are fully ensuring the necessary funding  in particular for the purchase of drones for combat brigades  and that yesterday another monthly subvention tranche for combat brigades was financed in the amount of UAH 4.3 billion. An additional UAH 8 billion was also allocated for the financing of the Drone Line, the President noted.
A family of four including a 90-year-old man survived more than 20 hours clinging to their overturned boat before being rescued miles off the Florida coast.

Clarence Woods, 90, his nephew Dennis Woods, 70, Cris Harding Sr., 42, and Cris Harding Jr., 18, all set out on the waters off the coast of Clearwater on Monday morning for a birthday fishing trip.

But the 25-foot boat, fittingly named Money Well Wasted, began flooding before suddenly flipping over just hours later.

After spending more than 20 exhausting hours in open ocean, much of it spent battling pounding night waves, the family was finally hauled to safety by the US Coast Guard.

'They honestly didn't think they were going to make it,' Teresa Rucker, Dennis' sister, told Fox 13 News.

'It's a miracle,' she added. 'I mean, for them to be out there... it's a miracle.'

The trip started off like any other around 9:30am, when the family launched from the Seminole Street Boat Ramp on their green-and-white catamaran, eager to celebrate Denniss 70th birthday.

It took a dramatic turn just after noon, when water began rapidly pouring into one side of the boat.

Clarence Woods, 90, his nephew Dennis Woods, 70, Cris Harding Sr., 42, and Cris Harding Jr., 18, survived more than 20 hours clinging to their overturned boat before being rescued miles off the Florida coast (pictured)

After spending more than 20 hours in open ocean - much of it spent battling pounding night waves - the family was finally hauled to safety by the US Coast Guard (pictured)

The four men set out on the waters off the coast of Clearwater on Monday morning on their boat fittingly named Money Well Wasted (pictured) for a birthday fishing trip

'It was probably less than five minutes before it rolled,' Dennis told Clearwater Police in an interview after the rescue.

'I didn't have time to contact the Coast Guard,' he added. 'We were more concerned about getting a life jacket on the 90-year-old and the 18-year-old. he one I was going to wear got hung up and I had to just leave it.'

By 8:30pm, when the family still hadnt come home, worried relatives called police, aware that they were long overdue, according to Fox.

Dennis had brought a flare gun and strobe light, but they were lost with all other essentials when the boat suddenly capsized.

As darkness fell, the family saw a Coast Guard helicopter sweeping overhead but had no way to get its attention.

'The night was real tough because the waves picked up and we were having to get on top of the rigging of it,' Dennis said.

Through the night, they clung desperately to the overturned boat, stranded over 20 miles from shore.

Dennis recalled the waves becoming so fierce that they spent most of the night bracing their 90-year-old relative, who kept getting slammed off his feet by the ocean.

As darkness fell, the family saw a Coast Guard helicopter sweeping overhead - but with no way to signal it, they couldnt get the crews attention

The family recalled the waves becoming so fierce that they spent most of the night bracing Clarence Woods, who kept getting slammed off his feet by the ocean

Dramatic footage showed the moment the family was spotted: only a sliver of the boat remained above water as they stood in the rising seas, waving desperately for help

In another shot, one of the boaters could be seen giving the rescue crews a double thumbs-up

At about 7:15am Tuesday, an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry crew spotted the four boaters and their overturned vessel battling 23-foot seas and 510-knot winds, according to a Coast Guard news release.

With the family stranded roughly 26 miles west of Clearwater Passage, rescuers launched a life raft and an Mk-58 marine location marker to pinpoint their position and aid in the rescue.

Dramatic footage shared by the Coast Guard showed the moment the family was spotted.

Only a sliver of the boat remained above water as they stood in the rising seas, waving desperately for help.

In another shot, one of the boaters could be seen giving the rescue crews a double thumbs-up.

The coordinates guided the Coast Guard crew straight to the family, who pulled alongside the capsized boat and rescued all four men.

'The 90-year-old man, he was on the outside. We were worried about him,' US Coast Guard's Savannah ODell, who was on the rescue boat, told Fox.

'We're very happy that everyone was still doing okay,' she added. 'The catamaran was pretty much fully underwater, so the fact that it was still above water was pretty great.'

The men battled dehydration and hypothermia, with the 90-year-old sustaining additional cuts

The rescued boaters were wrapped in warm towels and given water and electrolytes, while emergency medical personnel and family waited at the Coast Guard station for their arrival

Finally, the family disembarked from the rescue boat - one man on a stretcher - and, once back on solid ground, some embraced their loved ones

The men battled dehydration and hypothermia, with Clarence sustaining additional cuts.

'I think their first words were thank you to all of us, and obviously just in the moment, we're not really thinking about like what people are saying. We are just trying to get them on the boat,' O'Dell added.

'But, it is really cool having people actually say thank you and be grateful. This is a great day.'

The rescued boaters were wrapped in warm towels and given water and electrolytes, while emergency medical personnel waited at the Coast Guard station for their arrival, according to Fox.

Finally, the family disembarked from the rescue boat with one man on a stretcher and embraced their loved ones.

'It was a good birthday, now that we're back on land,' Dennis joked to Fox.

Three of the men were hospitalized overnight, according to People.

'We don't usually get to do this, but this is our main part of our job,' ODell added following the rescue. 'We train all the time, but being able to actually do the job is our favorite part.'
Northwestern University has agreed to a $75million settlement with the federal government over alleged race-based admissions practices and claims of a 'hostile' environment for Jewish students.

The agreement requires the Illinois university to implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty and staff.

Northwestern will also have to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws to make sure the school 'does not preference individuals based on race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion'.

The mammoth deal with the Trump administration was announced Friday. Northwestern's payments will last through 2028.

As a result, the federal government will restore hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding it yanked amid the probe.

The university was dragged into an investigation over allegations it was not adequately protecting Jewish students amid the wave of pro-Palestine protests that swept campuses in the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The crisis led to the resignation of Northwestern's president Michael Schill after three years in the job.

Officials from the Trump administration hailed the agreement. Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education, called it a 'huge win' for current and future students, as well as alumni and faculty.

She said in a statement: 'The deal cements policy changes that 'will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination,' and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions.'

The US government announced a $75m agreement with Northwestern on Friday. The school will address claims of a 'hostile' environment for Jewish students as part of the deal

The agreement with the Trump administration requires Northwestern to implement mandatory antisemitism training for students, faculty and staff

Attorney General Pam Bondi added that the settlement ensured American universities would 'protect Jewish students and put merit first.'

As part of the full agreement, Northwestern will hire an external party to survey the campus 'climate for Northwestern students, including Jewish students'.

The university said the deal ended a 'deeply painful and disruptive period' in the school's history.

Interim Northwestern president Henry Bienen said the deal was made 'based on institutional values.'

He wrote that the university would 'not relinquish any control' over who they hire, which students they admit or what their faculty taught and how.

'Northwestern runs Northwestern,' Bienen added. 'Period.'

The school said it negotiated an agreement with the Trump administration because 'the cost of a legal fight was too high and the risks too grave'.

Northwestern students had set up tents outside the university as part of protests following Israel's bombardment of Gaza in the wake of October 7

US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the deal was a 'roadmap for institutional leaders around the country' that would help 'rebuild public trust' in schools

The three-year-long deal put to bed investigations by the US Departments of Justice, Education and Health and Human Services.

Schill announced his decision to step down after serving as university president for three years on September 4.

He said it was 'time for new leadership to guide Northwestern' after facing months of scrutiny from the US government.

Last year, Schill also appeared before Congress over claims Northwestern was not doing enough to protect its Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic attacks as activists protested Israel's war on Hamas.

His resignation arrived after the Trump administration in April froze $790million of Northwestern's federal research funding due to 'several ongoing credible and concerning Title IV investigations.'

Three months later, the university took the 'drastic step' of eliminating about 425 positions - of which about half were vacant.

Northwestern officials said reducing the workforce was the result of a budgetary gap and called it the 'most painful measure we have had to take.'

Michael Schill, the former president of Northwestern University, appeared before a House committee hearing 'Calling for Accountability: Stopping Antisemitic College Chaos' last year. He stepped down amid the controversy

Northwestern interim president Henry Bienen said the agreement restored the school's frozen federal funding and ended a 'deeply painful and disruptive period in our university's history'

A statement from the university added: 'We continue to work every day to get our frozen federal research funding restored, and we are hopeful it will happen soon. But we want to be clear that the financial measures we have taken this spring and summer  including layoffs  are in response to more than just the federal research funding freeze.'

Northwestern said that 'even when federal research funding is restored,' that would 'not be enough to reverse the actions we are taking now.'

This settlement with the US government follows similar deals struck with other prestigious schools.

In July, Columbia University announced it would pay out $220million in order to restore federal research money over the White House's sanctions.

Under the agreement, the Ivy League school will also pay their settlement over the next three years.

The Trump administration pulled the funding because of what it described as the university's failure to squelch antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023.

Columbia then agreed to a series of demands laid out by the Republican administration, including overhauling the university's student disciplinary process and adopting a new definition of antisemitism.

Other institutions to strike an agreement with the Trump administration include Brown, Cornell and the University of Virginia.
A depressing video from the Gold Coast has shown the sad reality of the lacklustre festival that is Schoolies.

Cleo uploaded a TikTok video showing an empty beach left over after the buzz had died down from the night before on Saturday.

In the clip, only a few people could be seen pacing along the darkened beach after sunset despite it only being 9.30pm.

'Schoolies getting more dead by the day,' she wrote in the caption.

Despite her friends assuring her it would be a great time on the beach, Cleo arrived to find it nearly empty with only a couple of people hanging around.

Many social media users were not surprised by the lifeless scenes with some suggesting the event had been getting slightly worse each year.

At least 15,000 young Aussies arrived at Schoolies when it kicked off last week.

OnlyFans models sparked an undeniable level of enthusiasm leading up to the event, with the notorious adult star Bonnie Blue having even teased an appearance.

An Aussie youngster has been left disappointed by the abandoned beaches at this years' Schoolies

Commenters on Cleo's video were not overly shocked with the scenes from one of the final days of Schoolies, suggesting the event's hype had passed years ago.

'Thats so sad, what the hell,' one said.

'2010 was the last good schoolies,' another said.

'Omg, 2007 was insane! Is everyone just on their phones in their room now,' a third said.

One person joked that 9.30pm was 'too early' to expect anything fun to be happening, while others said once the porn stars left, so did the students.

'They all lined up for Bonnie and Lilly bro,' one man wrote.

'They are all in Bonnie Blue's van,' a second said.

Another lot of people said it was time for young people to give up on the idea of Schoolies and just spend the money travelling overseas instead.

Many online commenters said Schoolies is slowly dying and that people should go elsewhere for their graduation celebrations

With all the talk of OnlyFans models attending the event, one point of interest on everybody's minds, including those commenting on TikTok, was Bonnie Blue.

The controversial creator was banned from Australia last year over her smutty Schoolies plans after a Change.org petition was signed by tens of thousands of furious Aussies.

This year, however, her notorious 'Bang Bus' was seen driving throughout the city but the woman herself was out of the country partying abroad instead.

'I am in Bali,' she told Daily Mail, also admitting that she would be staying in Indonesia for the duration of Schoolies.

This revelation, coupled with Cleo's disappointing video, has left many teens wondering if the lack of enthusiasm may mean Schoolies 2026 might be even worse.
Rosie O'Donnell has claimed her autistic child is lashing out at Donald Trump for supposedly forcing them to leave the US.

The diehard liberal actress and comedian has been living in Ireland in 'self-imposed exile' after Trump's landslide electoral victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.

'My daughter is now saying, "Damn him. Damn Trump" and smashing her hand on the table,' O'Donnell said on Friday's edition of the Jim Acosta Show.

As she motioned a fist furiously slamming down, O'Donnell added: 'And she said, !He made us move in order for our own safety. And it's now, he's destroying the country".'

The 63-year-old former host of The Rosie O'Donnell Show said that she did not 'want to give' her defiance of Trump to her child.

'Somebody can tap me out, you know?' O'Donnell said. 'I did 22 years. I don't really need to do [it] anymore, and I don't want my kid to be so affected by it.'

When she noted that her youngest child had autism, Acosta responded: 'But she recognizes what's going on'.

O'Donnell left the US in January, days before Trump's inauguration, to relocate to Europe with her youngest child Clay, who is non-binary.

Appearing on the Jim Acosta Show, Rosie O'Donnell said her autistic child was angry at Donald Trump for supposedly forcing them to move from the US to Ireland

O'Donnell said that she did not 'want to give' her defiance of Trump to her child and added, 'I don't want my kid to be so affected by it'

She has four more adult children - sons Parker, 29, and Blake, 25, as well as daughters Chelsea, 27, and Vivienne, 22.

Social media derided O'Donnell's comments and decision to leave the US.

One user on X said: 'Rosie can't even take responsibility for her own decision to move to Ireland. Her therapist deserves hazard pay.'

Another user called 'bs' on O'Donnell's remarks and wrote: 'She needs to take responsibility for her parental decisions. She has free will and she used it to uproot her family in a fit of pique.'

'Trump didn't make them move anywhere,' a third user said. 'Rosie O'Donnell needs to get checked out for the blatant case of TDS she has.'

The longtime vocal Trump critic does not have plans to return to the US, and is seeking out Irish citizenship through descent.

O'Donnell previously said she was having a 'wonderful' time living in Ireland, although she also missed things about the US.

O'Donnell added that her child, who has autism, said Trump had 'made us move in order for our own safety'

Trump threatened to revoke O'Donnell's US citizenship in September and said on Truth Social that the liberal actress was 'not a Great American' and 'in my opinion, incapable of being so'

'It's been pretty wonderful,' O'Donnell said. 'People are so loving and so kind, so welcoming - and I'm very grateful.'

She added: 'I was never someone who thought I would move to another country. That's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child - and here we are.'

In March, Trump and Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin - who was in Washington DC for St. Patrick's Day festivities - were asked about O'Donnell's decision to depart the US.

'Did you know you have Rosie O'Donnell?' Trump asked Martin. 'Do you know who she is?'

When Martin demurred, Trump told him: 'You're better off not knowing.'

O'Connell said she had 'felt very troubled that they put the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) in that position and didn't treat him with the respect that a leader of that kind deserves when he's visiting the White House,' while appearing on the Late Late Show in Ireland.

She added that, 'the President of the United States has it out for me and has for 20 years,' claiming that Trump, 'sort of uses me as a punchline whenever he feels the need'.

O'Donnell has been living in Ireland with her child in 'self-imposed exile' after Trump's presidential election win in 2024

Trump threatened to revoke O'Donnell's US citizenship in September.

'As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie O'Donnell's Citizenship,' the US president wrote on Truth Social.

'She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so!' Trump added.

He had also written in July that he was 'giving serious consideration to taking away' O'Donnell's citizenship.

Trump said on Truth Social: 'She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!'

The US president's comments came days after O'Donnell posted a video after the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting falsely claiming the shooter was a Trump supporter and a white supremacist.

The comedian later took down the video when the identity of the shooter was revealed, and admitted on social media that she, 'did not do my due diligence before I made that emotional statement, and I said things about the shooter that were incorrect'.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, White House spokeswoman said: 'Rosie ODonnell clearly suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome and its better for the entire country that she decided to move away.'
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh braced the cold weather as they attended the the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

Prince Edward, 61, and his wife Sophie, 60, stepped out at Newbury Racecourse this morning to officially reopen the Royal Box as the day's races got underway.

Sophie wrapped up warm as she donned a full-length green tweed coat, tan boots and wide-brimmed hat with pink ribbon, accessorising with a personalised purple leather pouch.

Meanwhile, Edward opted for a throwback look, wearing a grey double-breasted suit, brown brogues matched with a brown fedora and a fitting green tie patterned with white horses.

After unveiling the refurbished viewing space, the pair posed for photographs before heading inside the Berkshire venue.

Sophie was later joined with music royalty as she toured the raceway with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife Madeleine.

Last night it emerged that Prince Edward pays a peppercorn rent for 51-acre Bagshot Park, the Surrey mansion he has leased from the Crown Estate for 25 years.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, pose for photographs after reopening the Royal Box at Newbury Racecourse

Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh covers her mouth in shock as she watches a fall during the Coral Gold Cup Race

The pair wrapped up warm as they stepped out at the Berkshire raceway on Saturday

Sophie was later joined with music royalty as she toured the raceway with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was awarded the title after his father Prince Philip's death in April 2021, is reportedly paying a peppercorn rent for his mansion in Surrey which he moved into with his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, in March 1998.

He initially leased the property for five decades for 5,000 a year, though that rose to an annual sum of 90,000 after he paid 1.36million to renovate the estate, with the Crown Estate handing over another 3million for refurbishments.

Edward's lease was extended in 2007 under a deal signed with his company, Eclipse Nominees Limited. He paid 5million upfront for a lease of 150 years, which was said to be 'market tested', but now only pays a peppercorn rent, The Times reported.

There are also no conditions on any future sale of the Prince's lease, only that any new tenant must be able to afford the property's maintenance, the newspaper added.

It appears to be a similar deal to that signed by Edward's brother Andrew, when he paid 1million to secure a 75-year lease for the Windsor Royal Lodge in 2003 - and has since paid only 'one peppercorn' in rent per year, 'if demanded'.

Although conditions on Andrew's lease limited him to passing it on to his wife, Sarah Ferguson, or his children, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Andrew is in the process of being booted from the Grade II-listed mansion, his and Sarah's 30-room home, after being stripped of his royal titles over his links to late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein last month.

The former prince, who has vehemently denied the accusations against him, is set to relocate to a property on the Sandringham estate as soon as practicably possible - which is expected to be well into the New Year.

Edward opted for a throwback look, wearing a grey double-breasted suit, brown brogues matched with a brown fedora

Edward's tie was also fitting for the event as it was patterned with white horses

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh attend The Coral Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse

Sophie donned a full-length green tweed coat, tan boots and wide-brimmed hat with pink ribbon

She could also be seen holding a personalised purple leather pouch bearing her initial

Sophie was also spotted with Sir Lloyd Webber's wife Madeleine

The Duchess of Edinburgh and Andrew Lloyd Webber attend The Coral Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse

Last night, the Daily Mail confirmed that Andrew's move from Royal Lodge will not happen this side of Christmas, but will instead take place some time in 2026.

Sources have indicated that the 'practicalities' of packing up his belongings at ten-bedroom Royal Lodge, where he has lived on the Windsor Estate for more than 30 years, and moving to his undisclosed new home were 'quite a substantial logistical process, if nothing else'.

He also needs to negotiate the ending of his 75-year lease on the property from the Crown Estate early, which some fear could see him in line to collect compensation given the work he has already carried out on the property.

But happily, it will also take Andrew  who has now lost everything over his relationship with convicted paedophile Epstein  out of the picture when the Royal Family gather in Norfolk on Christmas Eve for their annual festive break.

A source said the situation could have proved 'quite awkward' at a time when Andrew quite clearly isn't welcome.

'He won't be anywhere near the Big House [the nickname given to the monarch's home at Sandringham],' they confirmed.

While the move to the estate won't happen imminently for logistical reasons, they explained, people were also acutely aware any physical proximity to his family at such a special time of year would make his exclusion 'seem even more barbed'.

Sandringham was chosen because it is the sovereign's personal estate, meaning that Andrew's living arrangements can be sorted  and, crucially, funded  completely privately.

Edward, now titled as the Duke of Edinburgh, lives at Bagshot Park (pictured) and has been paying a peppercorn rent for the mansion in Surrey since 2007

Andrew pictured with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson in September

Prince Andrew has lived at lavish 30-room property Royal Lodge (pictured) since 2003

Buckingham Palace announced on October 17 that Andrew would stop using his remaining titles and honours and would no longer be known as the Duke of York.

Three days later Andrew's title was scrubbed out on his profile page on the royal website to reflect the loss of this dukedom over the Epstein sex scandal.

On October 30, it was revealed that Andrew would lose his prince title, before this was officially actioned on November 7 by the King, who also removed his HRH style.

But Andrew was still listed until recently on the website's line of succession page in eighth as 'The Duke of York', behind Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

Now, with his public life having been effectively ended, the website has finally been updated and the line of succession entry appears as 'Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor'.

His profile page was already taken down at the start of November, with a message on royal.uk/the-duke-of-york now saying: 'The requested page could not be found.'

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
President Donald Trump has declared the airspace over Venezuela 'to be closed in its entirety' as the US continues to threaten military action against the country.

In a Saturday morning post to his Truth Social, he asked all 'airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers', to steer clear of the area.

Warships, aircraft and military personnel have moved into position near the Caribbean country in the last few months, raising fears that Trump is preparing for military action.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro of leading and protecting a criminal network known as the Cartel de los Soles.

Troops have been amassing in Puerto Rico, some 500 miles from the South American county, with Gen. Dan Caine, Trump's military adviser, visiting the area on Monday.

The shift in military posture has coincided with warnings from US officials that their operation is entering what they call a 'new phase'.

The announcement on Saturday morning comes after a New York Times report emerged on Friday that said Trump had spoken with Maduro in the last week.

The conversation included a potential meeting between the two leaders, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly joined the call as well.

Warships, aircraft and military personnel has moved into position in the last few months, raising fears that Trump is preparing for military action

Trump made the announcement in a post to his Truth Social on Saturday morning

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, seen here, of leading and protecting a criminal network known as the Cartel de los Soles

Another source clarified to the publication that there are currently no concrete plans between the two leaders.

The commander-in-chief has also cracked down on suspected drug traffickers from the country, launching missile strikes on suspected vessels.

Current and former officials at the Pentagon have estimated that the lethal campaign against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers has killed over 80 people, including 11 people on board a boat hit by a US missile strike in September, according to the Washington Post.

On Friday the Post reported that two sources with direct knowledge of the operation said that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth gave intelligence analysts monitoring the boat instructions to 'kill everybody' on board on September 2.

The sources said that the first missile struck the boat and set it on fire, but officials saw two survivors clinging to the wreck once the smoke cleared.

In line with Hegseth's lethal direction, a second missile was fired, and the two survivors were 'blown apart in the water,' The Post reported.

Hegseth fired back on the reporting of his chilling message, taking to X on Friday and calling it 'fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory'.

Since that attack, the Pentagon was estimated to have launched missiles on at least 22 more boats, according to internal data seen by The Post.

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The commander-in-chief has also cracked down on suspected drug traffickers from the country, launching missile strikes on suspected vessels

Secretary of State Rubio announced earlier this month that, as of Monday, the department named the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Rubio stated that the Cartel de Los Soles is a group of high-ranking individuals following Maduro who have corrupted the country's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary, including invoking terrorist violence and trafficking drugs.

The Trump administration has been vocally opposed to Maduro, with Rubio calling the leader an illegitimate president.

On Thanksgiving, a week after the reported phone call, Trump told service members that the administration was expanding military efforts to land strikes.

'In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore,' he said.

Trump added that it was 'easier' to intercept potential drug traffickers on land, and that it would be starting 'very soon'.

'We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country,' he added.

In the past week, Navy vessels have been seen sailing increasingly closer to the South American nation.

The new wave of deployments began in August with the arrival of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. In October, the US announced that the 1106ft USS Gerald R Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, would also join the mission.

The carrier reached Caribbean waters on November 11 with more than four thousand sailors, fighter jets and support vessels, including the USS Thomas Hudner, USS Rampage, and USS Normandy.

The Ford brings with it F-35C stealth fighters, considered the world's most advanced fighter to operate from a carrier deck.

The US Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, and supporting vessels sailing towards the Caribbean earlier this month. The Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the world

Gen Dan Caine, centre, with senior military personnel at the Jose Aponte Airfield in Puerto Rico during his visit on November 24

Ground crews work around US fighter jets in Puerto Rico as the army amasses a huge military presence around Venezuela

Additionally, there are 10 U.S. Marine Corps F-35s stationed in Puerto Rico, along with AV-8 Harrier jump jets and AH-1 attack helicopters.

Some of the warships come equipped with extremely powerful surveillance radars capable of detecting surface and aerial targets. They also have long-range missiles that can strike deep into Venezuela.

Roughly two thousand US troops were already in the region before the reinforcements arrived.

With the new arrivals, analysts estimate the total number of personnel at around 12,700.

Maduro, 63, has been the president of Venezuela since 2013. He has been called a dictator who has presided over a corrupt government.

His premiership has also been dogged by electoral fraud allegations and human rights abuses.

Thousands of people have been subjected to extrajudicial killings under his watch, while millions of people have been forced to flee the country, according to rights groups.

Maduro also has the backing of Russia's Vladimir Putin, who has supplied Venezuela with billions of weapons. The two signed a strategic partnership treaty in May this year.
The chief executive of London Zoo has resigned during an alleged investigation into his 'unacceptable workplace behaviour'.

Matthew Gould, 54, who previously worked in Downing Street and was the man behind the NHS Covid pass, stepped down from his role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) last week.

He had held the position at the world's oldest scientific zoo since September 2022.

Mr Gould has since updated his LinkedIn profile to say 'plotting my next move'.

In a letter sent to staff, Jim Smith, ZSL's chair of trustees, said that an 'investigation into claims of unacceptable workplace behaviour found that Matthew Gould's conduct fell below the standard we expect'.

'He resigned before this investigation had concluded,' the letter seen by the Times continued.

'We are committed to living up to our values at every level of the organisation and ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for everyone.'

Mr Smith added that the executive director of ZSL has stepped in as interim chief executive and was 'focused on leading an organisation with honesty, integrity and accountability at its heart'.

Matthew Gould, 54, who previously worked in Downing Street and was the man behind the NHS Covid pass, stepped down from his role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) last week

He had held the position at the world's oldest scientific zoo since September 2022

A spokesperson for the ZSL, which runs London zoo and Whipsnade zoo in Bedfordshire, confirmed the contents of the letter but stressed the matter was not linked to finances

'This investigation was not related to ZSL's financial operations,' the spokesperson said.

'This matter was addressed promptly and appropriately, and there are no wider implications for our staff or operations. We are not sharing any further details on an internal matter.

'ZSL's work continues unchanged and we are committed to maintaining a culture that lives up to our values and ensuring the organisation continues to be a supportive and respectful place to work.'

After five years as British ambassador to Israel, he joined the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

During the Covid pandemic, he became the first chief executive of NHSX, which was set up to drive the digital transformation of NHS health and social care.

He is also a close friend of former chancellor George Osborne after meeting at the chess club at St Paul's School in west London. Mr Gould spoke at Osborne's wedding to Thea Rogers in 2023.

Shortly after stepping into the role at ZSL, he told the Times: 'It is a job I have coveted for decades. When a friend and fellow ambassador was appointed to the role a few years ago, any joy I felt for him was obliterated by a sharp jealousy that he had got my job.'
Labour's biggest union donor has launched an attack on Rachel Reeves, saying voters are no longer able to trust the party as her Budget broke promises to workers.

Unite boss Sharon Graham criticised the watering-down of the Employment Rights Bill and the decision to hit 'ordinary' people with stealth taxes.

On Wednesday, the Chancellor announced she would be raising taxes to pay for an increase to the welfare bill, including the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

And she has since been accused of 'lying' to the public in the run-up to the Budget over the state of the country's finances.

In an extraordinary move, the Office for Budget Responsibility yesterday revealed that the Chancellor was told months ago that there was no 20billion black hole.

Yet Ms Reeves continued to make grim warnings about the state of the economy ahead of Wednesday's statement.

She even opened the door to an income tax hike in an unprecedented early-morning speech, all while plotting a mammoth welfare giveaway.

Now, Ms Graham has said that Unite's one million members are no longer able to trust the Labour party - as many face paying higher taxes.

Rachel Reeves pictured outside 11 Downing Street in London on Wednesday before her Budget announcement

Unite boss Sharon Graham (pictured) criticised the watering-down of the Employment Rights Bill and the decision to hit 'ordinary' people with stealth taxes

The organisation is the second-largest union affiliated to Labour and donates 1.5million from its membership fees to the party every year.

Ms Graham has previously threatened to pull the plug on the funding on the basis Labour is drifting too far to the right.

She told The Telegraph: 'The Budget was not a workers' budget; it will result in workers paying more as income thresholds have been frozen.

'One in four workers, many of them Unite members, face paying higher tax rates in the future, while also struggling to keep their heads above water.

'If the Chancellor thinks workers are not noticing the underhand continuation of this shameful stealth tax, she is wrong. It's a tax on workers. It's clear.'

Ms Graham also criticised the watering down of the Employment Rights Bill that would have given employees the right to sue for unfair dismissal from day one.

She said workers had been promised greater protections by Labour but these had not been delivered.

'Those promises, which were campaigned on, have failed to be delivered. Broken. Workers have been left unable to trust Labour,' Ms Graham said.

Instead, when the Chancellor stood up at the despatch box on Wednesday, she announced an eye-watering 30billion package of tax rises.

She had already U-turned on the hints of income tax increases  if they were ever seriously considered  but only after the fact they were not happening was leaked to the Financial Times.

At the end of October, Reeves was told by the OBR that she was sitting on a 4.2billion surplus

Ms Reeves has this week faced calls to be sacked, following accusations she 'lied' about the budget.

In the days leading up to her financial statement, the Chancellor warned that the OBR was downgrading productivity while also blaming everything from Brexit to Tory austerity and Donald Trump for a 'worse-than-expected' outlook.

Neither she nor Treasury sources did anything to dispel claims of 30billion deficits that she would have to fill.

Yesterday, however, in a highly unusual action, the OBR published a letter revealing it had told Ms Reeves as early as September 17 that the downgrade was more than offset by a rise in tax revenues.

At the end of October, the watchdog then told her that she was sitting on a 4.2billion surplus  and on course to meet both of the Government's fiscal targets.

But just four days later, the Chancellor gave a highly unusual press conference in Downing Street in which she spoke of the 'challenges' she faced ahead of the Budget.

She hinted that she would have to breach Labour's manifesto promises not to increase income tax  a suggestion she repeated in an interview on November 10.

The OBR letter sparked fury, with the Chancellor accused of 'misleading' the public and markets.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Ms Reeves to be sacked, saying that 'honesty matters'.

She said: 'For months, Reeves has lied to the public to justify record tax hikes to pay for more welfare.

'Her Budget wasn't about stability. It was about politics: bribing Labour MPs to save her own skin. Shameful.'

The Tories have also launched a petition calling for Ms Reeves to be removed from her post.

The party has set up a website, SackReeves.com, for people to register their disapproval of the Chancellor.

The petition reads: 'Rachel Reeves wanted her Budget for Benefits Street so badly, she lied about the OBR's forecasts.

'All so she could justify breaking her promise not to raise tax on working people. Labour's lies are costing us more and more.

'Sign the petition to make Keir Starmer do the right thing and sack Rachel Reeves.'

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride also called for Ms Reeves to quit, telling the Daily Mail: 'Rachel Reeves's broken tax promises and the briefing debacle in the run-up to the Budget have had real consequences for our economy and for people across the country.'

Reform deputy leader Richard Tice urged the Chancellor to 'consider her position', adding: 'She has deliberately crashed the economy.'

Julian Jessop, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, a free market think-tank, branded the 'scale of deceit' from Ms Reeves as 'shocking'.

'The prolonged uncertainty ahead of the late Budget had clearly harmed the economy,' he said.

'But confirmation that the markets and the public had been misled throughout the process will do more permanent damage.

'Some observers  myself included  have spent weeks pointing out the holes in the narratives coming out of the Treasury and No 10.'
Prince William has paid tribute to 'wildlife warrior' Steve Irwin as the royal warned about the dangers of climate change.

The annual Steve Irwin gala takes place in Brisbane tonight to raise funds to continue to work of the wildlife conservationist.

Steve died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Prince of Wales has recorded a message to welcome the guests to the event that will 'honour the life and legacy of a true wildlife warrior, Steve Irwin'.

He said: 'Steve's mission in life was to safeguard life on our planet, and tonight's event is all about carrying forward that dedication to conservation and the natural world.

'Today, over 8 billion people share Earth with a vast array of fauna, flora, and precious ecosystems.

'We are approaching a defining moment, as temperatures rise, animals and plants face extinction, water resources diminish, and waste accumulates.

'These tipping points could reshape life on Earth unless we take collective action now.

Prince William has paid tribute to 'wildlife warrior' Steve Irwin as the royal warns about the dangers of climate change

Steve died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef

Prince William talks to Robert Irwin during his visit to Signal Hill in Cape Town last year

'Steve Irwin was dedicated to conservation, he advocated for wildlife and wild places across the globe, dreamed of clean air, abundant healthy oceans and a stable climate for future generations.'

William went on to praise Steve's family, who continue his work, and said he was 'delighted' that Robert Irwin is an ambassador for the EarthShot prize, an organisation set up by the prince to 'spotlight and champion the most innovative solutions' to climate change.

He even made a nod to Robert's recent Dancing with the Stars win, a decade after his older sister Bindi won the same title.

William said: 'We couldn't have asked for a more passionate and committed ambassador in Robert, and he's not a bad dancer either.

'That clearly runs in the family too.'

Earlier this month, William surprised Robert when he personally called him up for a video chat to wish him luck.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a message after his win. 'Congratulations Robert and Witney!' a comment from the couple's account read, followed by a disco ball emoji.

It appears the Prince and Robert have grown close in recent times, having spent a day together in South Africa last year.

William, who was in the country for a four-day visit centred around the Earthshot Prize awards, traversed a rocky climb as he walked up Signal Hill with Robert.

Prince William talks to Robert Irwin during his visit to Signal Hill in Cape Town last year

And Irwin later tweeted a video of him with William, in which he asked the prince what his 'favourite African animal' was.

William replied: 'Oh, it's a tough question, it's a really tough question. My children ask me this regularly. I think I'm going to have to say the cheetah. Fantastic animal.' Irwin then said his favourite was the chameleon.

The prince also spoke with park rangers, firefighters, mountain rescue volunteers, biodiversity experts and youth volunteers in front of the scenic backdrop.

They told him about the diversity of fauna and flora and the work they do to protect the environment while ensuring residents and tourists are able to enjoy the area.

Speaking afterwards, Irwin said of his meeting with the prince: 'You can instantly tell that passion the rangers and volunteers have here on the ground here at Signal Hill rubs off on everyone. You just can't help but fall in love with this place.

'Prince William, myself and everyone here have certainly fallen in love with Cape Town. It's a beautiful location and the conservation work is being done here, it just fills my heart with hope.'
Pope Leo has been impacted by the Airbus chaos as a technician is jetted to Istanbul to make sure the plane carrying him tomorrow is safe.

Thousands of aircrafts from the A320 family were briefly grounded amid a warning solar radiation could interfere with its computers.

A worldwide Airbus software update was then ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

It comes after at least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured last month when an A320 aircraft suddenly dropped in altitude, forcing an emergency landing in Florida.

The firm identified an issue with the plane's software, and deduced the aircraft's elevation data could be corrupted by periodic intense sun radiation.

Among the airbuses impacted was one due to carry Pope Leo from his visit from Istanbul, where he is on his first overseas visit, to Beirut tomorrow.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said today that ITA Airways was flying the necessary component and a technician to install it to Istanbul.

It comes as Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's famous Blue Mosque, however he did not stop to pray.

Pope Leo XIV (pictured on November 29) has been impacted by the Airbus chaos as a technician is jetted to Istanbul to make sure the plane carrying him tomorrow is safe

it comes as passengers were warned to expect flight delays this weekend after several UK airlines were forced to undergo safety checks in some Airbus A320 aircraft (file photo)

The pontiff was more focused on bolstering ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting courageous steps for eastern and western churches to be united.

Leo took off his shoes and white socks as he toured the 17th-century mosque while observing its soaring tiled domes and the Arabic inscriptions.

And while the Vatican, said the Pope would observe a 'brief moment of silent prayer' he did not.

An imam of the mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he had invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was 'Allah's house', but the Pope declined.

Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: 'The Pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.'

The Vatican later issued a corrected version of its bulletin about the trip, removing a reference to the planned 'brief moment of silent prayer' without further explanation.

Previously in 2024, there were doubts if Pope Francis would pray on his visit to the Muslim house of worship.

However, the pontiff stood for two minutes of silent prayer facing east, and bowed his head with his eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him.

The Pope uses incense during a mass in Turkey today at the Volkswagen Arena as part of his apostolic journey

The pontiff drinks from a chalice during the holy mass on November 29, 2025

Pope Leo XIV shows his respect to the Gospel Book as he attends a holy mass

The pontiff attends a holy mass held at the Volkswagen Arena during his visit to Istanbul, Turkey today

The Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, told the pope afterwards, 'May God accept it'.

Meanwhile, in 2006, tensions were high when Pope Benedict XVI visited Turkey because of a speech he had made in Germany which was widely interpreted as linking Islam and violence.

However, he visited the Blue Mosque in a bid to build ties between Christians and Muslims.

He observed a moment of silent prayer with his head bowed, as the imam prayed next to him, facing east.

Benedict later thanked him 'for this moment of prayer' for what was only the second time a pope had visited a mosque at the time.

Speaking to reporters after Leo's visit, imam Tunca said he had told the Pope: 'It's not my house, not your house, (it's the) house of Allah.'

He said he invited Leo to worship, 'but he said, 'That's OK''.

Pope Leo XIV pictured at a ceremony of signing of a joint declaration with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, at the Ecumenical Patriarchate on November 29

'He wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque, I think. And was very pleased,' he added.

Leo is scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon for the second leg of his inaugural trip as Pope.

It comes as passengers today were warned to expect flight delays this weekend after several UK airlines were forced to undergo safety checks in some Airbus A320 aircraft.

Gatwick, Wizzair and Easyjet have all issued updates after the aeronautics company announced it had discovered a potential vulnerability in its onboard software.

Although not all A320 planes will require a software update, several UK airlines have these aircraft in their fleet and could be impacted.

Wizz Air warned passengers flying with the airline they may face disruption over the weekend as a result of the checks.

'Wizz Air confirms that some of its aircraft are among the more than 6,500 Airbus A320 family aircraft worldwide that require a software update, as recently identified by the aircraft manufacturer,' the airline said in a statement on Friday.

'Wizz Air has already immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance to ensure full compliance with the identified mitigation.

'As a result, some flights over the weekend may be affected.

Pope Leo XIV holds papal ferula (pastoral staff) as he attends a holy mass held at Volkswagen Arena in Turkey

An imam of the Blue mosque, Asgin Tunca, said he had invited Leo to pray, since the mosque was 'Allah's house', but the Pope declined

'Passengers who booked directly with Wizz Air via the website or mobile app will be notified of any schedule changes.

'The safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is always our number one and overriding priority.

'We apologise for any inconvenience caused by circumstances outside of our direct control.'

EasyJet indicated in a statement there may be changes to their flying schedule as a result of the update, in which case passengers will be informed.

'We want to reassure our customers that safety is always our highest priority and our fleet operates in strict compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines,' the statement said.

'A software change is underway on our A320 family and if there are any changes to our flying schedule we will inform you of your options by email, SMS and on Flight Tracker.'

Gatwick Airport also warned passengers may face some disruption over the coming days.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: 'We are aware of a directive requiring some airlines operating Airbus A320 aircraft to update software on their fleet over coming days, which may result in some disruption.

'This is only impacting a small number of airlines at London Gatwick.

'Passengers should contact their airline for more information.'

Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful after presiding over the holy mass in October

Crowds look on as Pope Leo leads a holy mass in Turkey today

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said on Friday night the impact on UK airlines should remain 'limited'.

'I am aware of the technical issue impacting certain aircraft and concerns over how this will affect passengers and flights this evening,' she said.

'Passengers who are due to fly this weekend should check with their carriers for the latest information.

'The good news is it seems the impact on UK airlines seems limited, with a smaller number of aircraft requiring more complex software and hardware changes.

'I would really like to thank the experts, staff and airlines who are working at pace to address this and reassure passengers that work is ongoing.

'It is heartening this issue has been identified and will be addressed so swiftly demonstrating the high aviation safety standards globally.'

Passengers flying with British Airways have been told they should not face any significant disruption as only three of their aircraft require the update.

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport added it is not expecting any disruption to its flight schedule at this stage.

Luton Airport is also expected to run its flying schedule as normal, according to a spokesperson who said there is 'no expected impact to the operation at this stage'.

Irish airline Aer Lingus also said it is not expecting major operational disruption.

It said in a statement: 'Following an alert raised by Airbus, a directive has been issued to airlines advising them of a requirement to update instances of a particular version of software installed on some of the global Airbus A320 family of aircraft.

'In Aer Lingus' case, a limited number of aircraft are impacted, and the airline is taking immediate steps to complete the required software installation.

'As a result, Aer Lingus expects that there will be no significant operational disruption.'

Jet2.com said it was 'installing software updates on a very small number of aircraft' in its fleet, adding: 'We can confirm there will be no impact to our flying programme as a result.'
Sybiha: We've been in contact with partners since this morning to strengthen our air defense after Russian attack

Photo: MFA of Ukraine

Following yet another massive attack by Russia, Ukraine is in contact with its partners to strengthen its defense capabilities, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday at the annual Charity Fair 2025, Sybiha noted that Ukrainians, especially Kyiv residents, once again felt "Russia's response to all peaceful efforts" overnightyet another Russian terrorist missile strike.

"Since this morning, we've been working with our partners [on the line] to strengthen our air defense, enhance our defense capabilities, build additional air defense systems, and protect our energy infrastructure," the minister said.
A British chef who ran a number of Asian restaurants in Liverpool was jailed in America as a suspected Chinese spy, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Jian Fun Tso, 52, was arrested in a Department of Defence sting in Arizona after he tried to buy radiation-hardened microchips that are used in space probes and ballistic missiles.

He paid a US undercover agent more than 400,000 from his British bank account to buy the microchips, which he was going to smuggle in a suitcase through Britain and Hong Kong to mainland China.

Intelligence experts have said that such microchips would have only been destined for one institution in China - the People's Liberation Army, which controls all weapons manufacture as well as the country's space programme.

Tso, who is also known as Steven Tso, was jailed at the District Court in Arizona after pleading guilty to conspiracy to deliver items that are banned from export to China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Breaking this law carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, and a fine of $1m (763,000). But the Briton received a shorter 36-month term after pleading guilty, and has since been allowed to return to the UK.

Until now, his case was not reported either in the US or UK, but has come to light in the past few weeks after being mentioned in the American Spy Cast Museum podcast.

Tso's is the latest case of the Chinese intelligence services recruiting Britons to work for them.

Jian Fun Tso, 52, was arrested in a Department of Defence sting in Arizona after he tried to buy radiation-hardened microchips that are used in space probes and ballistic missiles

In September, two Britons  Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33  who were charged with spying for China, walked free after their case collapsed.

Prosecutors said the case could not be won in court as the Government refused to call China an enemy. Both men have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Recently, MI5 issued an unprecedented warning to Parliamentarians warning them and civil servants that Chinese spies are trying lure them with job offers and money through the LinkedIn app.

An MoS investigation reveals that Tso was born in the Canton region of China, but grew up in Liverpool and has become a naturalised British citizen.

He is a life-long Chinese chef who ran a number of popular eateries like Maicee Express, Tso San, and Oriental Restaurant, a 600,000 venue that burned down mysteriously in 2009.

The popular cook was married to a white woman who is now 54, with whom he has two daughters, aged 25 and 23.

But US court documents reveal that in January 2018, Tso emailed company a called Cobham in Arizona, saying he wanted to buy radiation hardened microchips for 'auto-parking' cars in China.

But Cobham refused, saying export of the chips to China was banned.

Tso then contacted a distributor company for Cobham, and asked to buy the chips, this time saying they were destined for a British client called John Anderson, boss of Metech, based in Liverpool.

However, the company became suspicious and called in the Defence Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) - an arm of the Department of Defence  which launched an undercover sting on Tso.

Tso paid a US undercover agent more than 400,000 from his British bank account to buy the microchips (file photo)

The first suspicious clue DCIS found was that the address for Metech was actually that of Tso's own Chinese takeaway, Maicee Express, in Liverpool.

An undercover DCIS agent, posing as a distributor for Cobham, befriended Tso for a year, during which they met in the US as well as the luxury Inter-Continental hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

During these secretly taped meetings, Tso confessed to the DCIS agent that the microchips, which cost almost 2,000 each, would go to mainland China, via the UK and Hong Kong.

Over a year, Tso transferred 413,039 to the undercover officer's US bank account from his Lloyds Bank account in the UK.

Tso later told the DCIS agent that the money ultimately came from China to a number of 'front companies' he ran in the UK, and eventually wired to his Lloyds bank account.

On January 15th, 2019, Tso met the DCIS agent at a location in Arizona, where he revealed that a suspected Chinese agent called 'Cindy' was waiting in the UK for him to return with the chips in a suitcase, so she can take them to Hong Kong, after which others would carry them to mainland China.

The officer gave Tso a suitcase purportedly containing 200 of the microchips, and drove him to the Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport to fly back to Britain.

But waiting US customs officers stopped Tso and arrested him.

A year later, Tso appeared before the District Court in Arizona, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to export items without a license in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

In his written confession, Tso states: 'I, Jian Fun Tso, conspired with other individuals to purchase Cobham radiation-hardened programmable memory microchips.

'I knowingly and wilfully attempted to export microchips to China without a licence or other authorization from the Department of Commerce.'

After serving a year in prison, Tso was released and deported to the UK, where he appears to be running at least two companies in Liverpool.

When the Mail on Sunday knocked on the family house in the Waterloo area, the new partner of his ex-wife said they do not have much to do with Tso.

Another friend of Tso, a British-Chinese woman who does not want to be named, said he was living quietly and wanted to leave the UK now.

The woman added: 'He said it's all lies, newspapers lie, and he does not want to talk to you.'

Tso did not respond to our requests for comment.
The former wife of a Dubai prince has made a desperate plea to the city's Ruler, claiming she is terrified to leave home amid fears her daughters will be 'abducted' by her ex.

Earlier this month, Zeynab Javadli livestreamed what she claimed was an abduction attempt by the girls' father, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who she divorced six years ago.

It shows the former Azerbaijani gymnast apparently trapped in a car with her children - all aged under 10 - during a scheduled custody handover at a Dubai child protection centre.

She has told friends that Sheikh Saeed's staff used cars to block her exit, only backing off when they saw she was livestreaming the confrontation.

The parents' bitter courtroom battle finally ended last week when a judge granted him custody of their daughters.

But Miss Javadli insists a 2022 legal agreement with his uncle, the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, trumps this and gives her the right to retain custody until the girls are 18.

Now, in a video message released exclusively to the Mail On Sunday, she pleads with Sheikh Mohammed to enforce the deal, claiming she and the girls are 'under siege and hostages in our home.'

The 76-year-old Ruler, a leading figure in British horseracing and close friend of the late Queen Elizabeth, has provided her with a villa, car and allowance for the children, according to one source close to the case.

Earlier this month, Zeynab Javadli (pictured) livestreamed what she claimed was an abduction attempt by the girls' father, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who she divorced six years ago

The former Azerbaijani gymnast is pleading for help from the ruler of Dubai to retain custody of her daughters

'In return, she ensured they saw their father regularly - even when this meant having to do four-hour round trips,' he said.

'The agreement worked well for three years. But in September Sheikh Saeed refused to hand them back. He effectively abducted them for 40 days.

'When Zeynab was finally granted a three-hour visit at a child protection centre on November 8th the girls ran to her pleading to be taken away.

'Saeed's staff tried to block her car but she livestreamed what was happening and escaped with them. The ruling family don't like bad publicity.'

The source added: 'Throughout this long battle Zeynab could have been arrested at any time for defying court orders.

'But the Dubai Police have refused to do that because they're fully aware of her agreement with the Ruler.'

Court papers released with last week's custody judgement set out 34-year-old Miss Javadli's case against Sheikh Saeed, a 49-year-old businessman and former Olympic clay shooter who is believed to have a valuable UK property portfolio.

Allegations include causing their daughters distress and harm by leaving them without supervision, using inappropriate language, depriving them of sleep, and driving recklessly.

Now, in a video message released exclusively to the Mail On Sunday, Ms Javadli is asking the ruler of Dubai to ensure a 2022 legal agreement over custody of her children is adhered to

Zeynab Javadli and Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum with their eldest daughter Sana, pictured in 2018

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to whom Ms Javadli's video is addressed, is pictured arriving at Royal Ascot on June 20, 2019

For his part, Sheikh Saeed, says she has refused to obey previous court orders and wants to keep the children away from him to 'instil Western behaviour that does not befit Muslims, citizens of the UAE, and members of the Ruling Family in particular.'

He fears 'she may smuggle them to a location unknown to him and not return them to him again.'

In her video plea to Sheikh Mohammed, Miss Javadli says: 'I am beyond desperate and frightened for the safety of my children.

'I just want my girls to have a safe, healthy, happy, family life with their mother.

'Please your Highness, help me and my children. Bring an end to this nightmare. You are the only one who can help us in Dubai.'

The case is the latest in a string of sensational scandals involving princesses of the Dubai ruling family.

They include Sheikh Mohammed's ex-wife, Princess Haya, who fled the United Arab Emirates six years ago claiming she feared for her life. She later won custody of their two daughters at a High Court hearing in London.

In 2021 one of Sheikh Mohammed's daughters, Princess Latifa, posted disturbing videos in which she claimed to have been drugged and held captive by her father in a 'villa jail' after attempting to flee the United Arab Emirates on a boat.

The following year she issued a statement saying she was now 'living as she wishes.'

Miss Javadli's British lawyer David Haigh said the 2022 custody agreement with Sheikh Mohammed was legally watertight.

'It was a clear, effective agreement which all parties observed for three years,' he said.

'To suggest these girls, who have lived with their mother virtually all their lives, should now be ordered to live with their father, a complete stranger, is patently absurd.'

The Mail On Sunday has contacted Sheikh Saeed's lawyer and Dubai officials familiar with the case for comment.
A trainee police officer has been barred from the force after she put her hand on a colleague's leg before asking him 'do you think I'm fit?'.

Brogan Canning repeatedly told her senior colleague 'you know you want to' as she also attempted to lunge in for a kiss.

A misconduct hearing, held virtually, heard how Canning had targeted her former tutor on a drunken night out, leaving the officer feeling 'anger and embarrassment'.

North Yorkshire Police ruled that she would have been sacked if she had not already quit.

One witness, Nathan Mills, described watching her 'stroking the hand' of the male officer, who later told Mills that she'd actually been stroking his leg.

Another, PC Megan Smith, recalled Canning 'acting oddly throughout the night' before she put her in a taxi home.

The male officer immediately told PC Smith about what happened, and in his evidence, told the hearing that he 'had expected more professional behaviour' from Canning, who quit the force after an investigation was launched.

While Canning suggested there may have been 'some inconsistencies' in the witness statements, the panel ruled her actions equated to gross misconduct.

Brogan Canning repeatedly told her senior colleague 'you know you want to' as she also attempted to lunge in for a kiss on a drunken night out

North Yorkshire Police ruled that Canning would have been sacked if she had not already quit

In her written statement, the mother described her antics as 'out-of-character'.

'Notwithstanding her lack of memory, the officer did not dispute the allegations,' states a report.

'She had been good friends with (the male officer) previously and did not provide any reason to doubt his honesty or assertions.

'She had drunk a significant amount of alcohol, which had impaired her judgment on the night and her subsequent recollection of events.

'She was remorseful from the outset and has extended her personal apologies to him.'

Trainee police constables are considered police officers from day one and receive on-the-job training.

The virtual hearing considered four allegations that Canning had attempted to kiss PC A, grabbed him by the back of the neck, pulled his head towards hers, touched his upper thigh or groin area, and repeatedly told him 'you know you want to' before asking: 'Do you think I'm fit?'

The panel, which assessed the case on written evidence only after both sides agreed that no witnesses were required, found statements from PC A and colleagues PC Nathan Mills, PC Megan Smith and PS Ryan Lyth to be credible.

'An unwanted sexual approach towards PC A amounts to victimising and offensive behaviour and therefore, is a breach of the standard,' the misconduct panel added.

'This matter concerns multiple breaches of the standards and clearly could have an impact on public confidence in policing and the reputation of the police service,' said assistant chief officer (ACO) Sarah Jackson, who chaired the virtual hearing.

'We therefore have concluded that the most appropriate outcome is a finding that the officer would have been dismissed had they still been a member of the police force and that this sanction does fulfil the purpose of the misconduct regime.

'We do note that before these matters, the former officer was of good character and did show remorse for their actions; however, this record would not allow us to impose a lesser outcome, given the serious nature of our findings.'

The ruling also means Canning is placed on the police barred list, preventing her from serving with a UK police force again.

It comes after another trainee police officer was 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.

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

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'.

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.'
An Oxford University professor and his partner have been prosecuted for cruelty to their pet rabbit and refusing to allow the poorly animal to be put to sleep.

Professor Anders Kock, 41, who lectures in economics, and partner Xiaoyu Tian, 40, a civil servant, left the creature, called Beano, in such a poor condition RSPCA inspectors found it ridden with maggots and close to death, a court heard.

The couple were found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after a trial - failing to seek veterinary treatment and failing to heed advice to put the rabbit down.

After the trial, Kock  a fellow of St Hilda's College who was given a professorship in 2022 - and Tian, were sentenced at Oxford Magistrates' Court after the trial concluded on October 31.

Kock, originally from Aarhus, Denmark, received a 2,000 fine and Tian, who gave her occupation in court as a civil servant, was handed a 1,000 penalty.

The court heard how RSPCA Inspector Prisca Giddens attended at the couple's terraced home close to Oxford's historic university buildings in the city centre, on August 19 last year.

The visit was organised after the animal charity received a report about a white rabbit at the address that appeared to be suffering from fly strike.

The officer found Beano unresponsive in a small outside kennel and was told by Tian that the pet had been taken to see a vet who had advised that the rabbit was so unwell that the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep.

Professor Anders Kock, 41, who lectures in economics, and partner Xiaoyu Tian, 40, a civil servant, left their pet rabbit Beano in such a poor condition RSPCA inspectors found it ridden with maggots and close to death, a court heard

The RSPCA officer found Beano unresponsive in a small outside kennel at Kock's home

Tian said the advice had not been followed as she thought 'there might be a chance the rabbit would survive'.

But, in a statement presented to the court, Insp Giddens said: 'The rabbit was very close to death and I told the defendant he needed to go immediately back to the vets to be put to sleep.

'The defendant held my arms and wouldn't allow me to touch or pick up the rabbit at all.

'She began to cry and shout and this appeared to distress the rabbit, who then began to gasp further and then stopped breathing.'

Beano died during the visit and the inspector examined his body, finding his rear was infested with maggots and his back legs were wet with urine and faeces.

The inspector said: 'The rabbit had no skin at all on a huge area of his body and there was fur unattached where the maggots had eaten the skin and were now burrowing into his body.

'The rabbit's genitals appeared to have been eaten by maggots and there were hundreds crawling in and out of his flesh. There were also many extremely large maggots that led me to believe they had been eating the rabbit alive for a long time, possibly days.'

A vet said the seven-year-old rabbit was brought to him earlier on the day and that his advice to put the animal to sleep was rejected by the owners.

Kock, originally from Aarhus, Denmark, received a 2,000 fine. Pictured: St Hilda's College, Oxford University, where the academic lectures in economics

He said that as the body was infested with adult maggots it would have meant the rabbit suffered unnecessarily for around a week.

The vet said: 'The owners might not have noticed at the beginning, but it would have been too obvious to miss for three or four days. They said the rabbit had not been eating for a few days and had not been actively moving.

'This condition would have been extremely painful for the rabbit and by declining euthanasia the owners prolonged the suffering.

'If they had brought the rabbit to us a week before they did the rabbit could possibly have been saved as the maggots could possibly have been removed and his dehydration could have been treated.'

Mitigation presented to the court on behalf of both defendants was that neither of them had any previous convictions or had been the subject of previous RSPCA investigations.

Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Giddens said: 'The defendants ignored expert veterinary advice when the kindest thing to do would have been to have had their rabbit to sleep.

'By not doing so they prolonged his suffering when there really was no need.

'We know making the decision to put a much-loved pet to sleep is incredibly difficult.

'But we would encourage owners not to put off this difficult decision and to take advice from their vet on when is the right time to say goodbye based on the quality of life their pet has.'

There were no disqualifications imposed on future animal ownership and the defendants were both ordered to pay 500 costs.

Kock also has an 800 victim surcharge to pay, while Tian was told to pay a 400 surcharge.

Approached at his home, owned by Oxford University, Kock declined to comment.
Scotland's cash-strapped NHS is under fire for spending hundreds of thousands of pounds hiring professional actors to pretend to be patients.

The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal that a body called NHS Education for Scotland is setting aside an astonishing 360,000 to pay actors and role-players to impersonate people with illnesses and medical conditions.

The body claims the fake patients have a vital role to play in training doctors and nurses.

But at a time when 850,000 people in Scotland are currently on a waiting list for NHS treatment, including diagnostic tests, critics said spending cash on actors was a waste of precious resources.

Meanwhile the health service is facing dire warnings over its financial future.

And Callum McGoldrick, investigations manager at the TaxPayers Alliance campaign group said: Spending more than 300,000 on professional actors to play patients while more than half a million Scots sit on NHS waiting lists is completely backwards.

Actors like Scots star Kevin McKidd, above, often play medical roles on TV but paying them to pretend to be patients for the NHS is a costly practise that has come under fire

Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said every penny of public money should be 'spent wisely'

The actors are pretending to be ill in training exercises. Picture posed by models

The health service is crying out for more doctors, nurses and actual treatment capacity, not paid performers pretending to be ill in training exercises.

The group argued that if fake patients are needed for training the NHS should rely on staff or volunteers from among the hundreds of thousand of real patients awaiting treatment.

Mr McGoldrick also said it was ridiculous that the NHS budget for actors was high enough to recruit stars from big-budget TV dramas.

He added: Instead of hiring the cast of Casualty, the money should be redirected into frontline care.

Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: At a time when frontline NHS services are stretched to breaking point, every penny of public money needs to be spent wisely.

It is farcical that hundreds of thousands of pounds is being spent hiring actors to play fake patients while real patients languish on waiting lists.

The SNP must ensure that NHS NES is making good use of taxpayer money while providing NHS workers with the training they need.

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) receives a budget of around 600m a year to provide education, training and workforce development for the Scottish NHS.

Newly-published documents show the body has just set aside 300,000 plus VAT for actor services.

A contract explains NES wants to procure the services of agencies to provide actors for simulation to enhance the training and educational experiences for the health and social care workforce across Scotland.

Three separate companies have now been approved to supply fake patients.

Professional Role Players, based in London, claims to provide Roleplay That Makes a Difference.

Its website states: Our highly skilled medical role players bring realism, empathy, and nuance to every session, helping participants apply new skills immediately both in and beyond the classroom.

Professionally trained actors work alongside specialist trainers to bring your workshops to life. With unparalleled experience in medical communication and behavioural scenarios, they create a safe, supportive space where learners can practice, reflect, and grow.

Whether working from pre-written scripts or improvising in-the-moment, our role players are flexible, responsive, and deeply attuned to your training objectives.

Glasgow-based Birdsong Communication Skills describes itself as founded and led by professional actors.

Its website states: We provide trained Simulated Patients for immersive communication skills training, with tailored programs and workshops for educational institutions, healthcare organisations, businesses and individuals.

The third company providing actors for NES is Glasgow-based Interact Roleplay, which supplies trained actors for commercial role play in both training and assessment environments.

Earlier this month Scotlands spending watchdog reported that one Scottish health board faces unprecedented financial challenges and another must redesign its health and social care system to balance the books.

Auditor General Stephen Boyle said there was no evidence that NHS Ayrshire and Arran can achieve financial sustainability after it needed a 51.4m loan in 2024/25 to break even.

His report said the health board was facing a deficit of 33.1m this year and does not have a clear plan for achieving financial sustainability.

A separate report on NHS Grampian warned that a return to financial balance is unlikely without a significant redesign of its health and social care system.

At the end of last year the auditor also warned that the finances of the entire Scottish NHS were unsustainable.

Critics have ridiculed the situation, likening it to hiring the cast of Casualty

However, NHS Education for Scotland defended hiring professional actors from the health service budget.

A spokesman said: We want our doctors, nurses and professionals from all areas to be able to practice their skills in safe learning environment before they put them into practice in real life. Part of this is learning how to diagnose and treat patients, who can often be in distress.

Simulation exercises are an accepted and important part of modern training. They can involve computer-based simulators, physical simulators, or actors playing the role of a patient.

When we are teaching how to engage with patients, we often need professionals who can follow detailed scripts that reflect the real-life illness that patients experience.

This approach ensures that learners not only develop essential clinical skills but also demonstrate their ability to manage challenging situations that they might face in real life.
Scotland's top police officer is being urged to reopen the investigation into Harrods predator Mohamed Al Fayed after a woman claimed he tried to rape her at his castle of horrors Highland estate.

MPs have written to the Chief Constable stating it is entirely likely that the millionaire committed sex crimes in Scotland, given the extent of his abuses elsewhere.

Former police officer Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, has called on the Chief Constable to revisit the probe into the Ritz Hotel tycoon and has launched an All Party Parliamentary Group on the scandal at Westminster, along with fellow MP Dave Robertson.

The intervention comes after Sophia Stone, a former Harrods worker, previously told how the millionaire mogul tried to rape her at Balnagown, Ross-shire, in 1991.

A second woman also claimed that she was sexually assaulted by another member of the Fayed family at the estate 30 years ago. Ms Stone contacted Police Scotland about the attack in 2020, but officers said that they couldnt corroborate her claims.

Ms Stone, 57, said: Crucial questions were never asked, particularly about the people who enabled the abuse, facilitated it, or looked the other way.

Those people have never been held to account. Until that happens, justice cannot be complete.

Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023, before his decades of crimes came to light

MP Wendy Chamberlain is chairing a parliamentary group into the Al Fayed sex abuse scandal

Sophia Stone said she will never forget her experience at the 'castle of horrors'

I will never be able to get over what happened to me at Balnagown. That castle has haunted me ever since, and reopening the police investigation is the only way that the full truth will finally be uncovered.

Al Fayed purchased Balnagown Castle and estate in 1972 and it was his base in Scotland until his death in 2023. It is still owned by his family, with locals demanding that it be sold off to compensate the businessmans victims when the extent of his crimes became public last year.

Ms Stones husband Keaton began investigating Al Fayeds crimes after his wife disclosed the abuse thaty she faced while she worked for him. His investigation has led to more than 400 women coming forward to seek justice and the Metropolitan police are now investigating more than 150 allegations against the former Harrods boss.

Mr Stone said: People like to focus on Harrods itself, but many of Fayeds crimes happened at the castle of horrors called Balnagown, including those against my wife. As is the case with many other Fayed properties, Fayed trafficked his victims across borders to isolate them.

Balnagown has been in the Fayed family since the 70s

His vast Highland estate served perfectly as a rural prison where none of the young women he abused could run away.

Scotland remains a firm focus of my ongoing investigation and I look forward to working alongside MPs as they do their work.

In her letter to the Chief Constable, Lib Dem MP Ms Chamberlain said: We appreciate that you had previously closed your investigation into the reports of trafficking and sexual abuse by Fayed.

However, there are ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan Police, in addition to interest of the Independent Office of Police Conduct into the handling of earlier complaints. On this basis, we are writing to ask whether you are considering reopening your investigation.

If you are not, we urge you to assess the merits of doing so. The scale of the offences Fayed is accused of is vast. There are more than 400 known survivors, with more women coming forward.

Given the earliest known allegation against Fayed dates back to 1977, the reports of trafficking, and accounts of horrendous sexual abuse taking place over international borders, it seems entirely likely that crimes were committed within Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: We have received the letter and will respond in due course.
Complaints about air pollution in the SNPs first low emission zone are higher now than they were before it was brought in.

Launched in Glasgow in June 2023, thousands of cars were banned from the city centre with the aim of cutting emissions of the key pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

But new figures obtained from the citys SNP-led council show there are more complaints about air pollution than there were before the LEZ launched.

Scottish Tory Glasgow MSP Annie Wells said: Those who pushed for low emission zones argued it would improve air quality.

Since its introduction complaints from the public have gone up. Whats more, this illogical and wrong-headed policy has hit motorists, damaged business and contributed to the city centres motoring nightmare.

The measure also discriminates against those Glaswegians who cannot afford a fancy new car.

The SNP has expelled people from their own city centre on grounds of wealth, income and social class. Figures show that the number of complaints the council received about air pollution from June 2022 up to and including May 2023 totalled 203.

Scotland's first Low Emission Zone was launched in Glasgow in June 2023

Complaints about air pollution are higher than the year before the LEZ came into force

However, in the last full year  from June 2024 up to and including May 2025  there were 225 complaints, which suggests that citizens feel there has been no appreciable difference in air quality.

Despite facing fierce criticism, the LEZ in Glasgow was later replicated by councils in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh  effectively banning a million vehicles from Scottish city centres.

Non-compliant cars, generally diesel engine vehicles from before 2015 and petrol vehicles from before 2006, attract 60 fines each time they enter an LEZ.

The zones sparked opposition from business leaders who warned they would dissuade people from visiting city centres, affecting the income of companies there.

However, Glasgow City Council last night argued that studies on the LEZs impact show that it has improved air quality and that the number of people visiting shops and businesses continues to recover from the pandemic.

The council said that city centre NO2 levels fell by an average of 34 per cent between 2022 and the first full year of LEZ enforcement in 2024, with surrounding areas also seeing average reductions of 21 per cent over the same period.

A spokesman said: Glasgow is now recording full compliance with the health-based Scottish air quality objectives for the first time since they were adopted 25 years ago.

You do not need a brand new or electric vehicle to drive into a Scottish LEZ.

Diesel vehicles less than ten years old and petrol vehicles less than 20 years old are typically compliant.
As rescues go, it was one of the more unusual callouts that Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team have been asked to attend.

Eight members of the lifesaving group went to the aid of a couple who found themselves trapped in a patch of bushes just 200 yards from a road.

The unfortunate duo phoned for help after they took a wrong turn on the lowest section of a mountain footpath near Ballachulish in the Highlands.

Disorientated and in darkness, they managed to stumble further and further into an area packed full of rhododendrons until, panicked, they realised that they couldnt find a way out.

In order to get to them, rescuers had to beat their way through the bushes and crawl on their hands and knees to reach the embarrassed pair.

The incident happened around 7.30pm last Thursday  and the rescue team said it was one of the more unusual operations they have ever had to answer.

The couple were rescued from a dense patch of rhododendrons in the Highlands

The mountain rescue team deputy leader Brian Bathurst said the couple were 'embarrassed'

Deputy leader Brian Bathurst said the Scots couple, who were in their early 30s and visitors to the area, had climbed a nearby mountain in the hours before they got into trouble.

He added: It is a popular walk but on their descent the path runs through a forested area.

The path has become a bit overgrown in places and less well defined. Somehow they ended up surrounded and trapped by rhododendrons and couldnt get out, so they called for help on their phone.

They were only 200 yards from the road but couldnt reach it because of the rhododendrons. They just couldnt find their way out. They were going around in circles and even that was difficult.

In the darkness we used the track for a little of the way and then we had to bushwhack our way in. The bushes were so thick that we had to crawl on our hands and knees. We saw the lights of the couples headtorches.

They had made it to a little stream, it was the only clearing in the mass of rhododendrons.

However, while many rescues have involved people who set off in dangerous conditions or without the correct gear, the unlucky couple had done everything else right.

Mr Bathurst said: They were well equipped and very embarrassed and apologetic over what had happened. But we understood that they had got disorientated and trapped in the darkness.

The unfortunate duo phoned for help after they took a wrong turn near Ballachulish

We got on our hands and knees again and led them out of the dense and dark thickets. They crawled out with us.

It took about one-and-a-half hours to get in and then get them out. It was one of the more unusual rescues we have had to do. But, amazingly, there have been others over the years who have ended up in a similar position.

This couple were not the first, and doubtless wont be the last.

The rhododendrons got the better of them. It was like The Day of the Triffids!

The team handed the unhurt pair over to local PC Stephen Cooper, who has featured regularly on BBC Scotlands Highland Cops, and he took them back to their own vehicle.

Luckily for the couple, there were no TV crews with him on this occasion.
Refugees who fled the war in Ukraine could find themselves out on the street after Scots who took them into their homes had their monthly thank you payment axed.

Its thought around 28,000  mostly women and children  have sought sanctuary in Scotland since Vladimir Putins tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022.

The previous Conservative government helped them find accommodation under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, paying 500 per month as a thank you to UK families who were prepared to take them in.

But the new Labour administration confirmed this month that they are calling time on the grant, currently standing at 350 per month, sparking fears that many hosts will ask their Eastern European guests to leave.

The Scottish Conservatives have branded the change callous and short-sighted.

Councils which administer the scheme in Scotland now fear that it could result in a wave of homelessness applications to a system already under extreme pressure.

One Scots host told the Mail on Sunday: We got a letter from the council, asking what we thought of the thank you payments coming to an end.

They asked if we would require our guest to leave, which we would never do.

Scottish Conservative housing spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher has described the decision by the Labour government as 'short-sighted and callous'

Ukraine continues to be ravaged by the war that has brought ruin to the country

But others may not be so lucky and its clear the council are worried many Ukrainian refugees will end up homeless.

The Ukraine family scheme, which started in March 2022, allowed refugees with relatives holding British citizenship, or with indefinite leave to remain, to move to the UK for three years.

That same month, the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme granted three-year visas to Ukrainians with a sponsor offering suitable accommodation.

The former closed in February 2024, and while the Homes for Ukraine scheme is still open, its visas have been reduced to 18 months. The Ukraine permission extension scheme began the same month, giving an 18-month extension to Ukrainians existing visas. However, many are worried about what will happen to the Ukrainian families when that 18-month period ends.

Despite current attempts at bringing the three-year-old conflict to an end, Ukraine could remain a perilous war zone for months or even years to come, meaning those who moved here may fear the prospect of returning home.

A spokesperson for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities said: COSLA is aware that local authorities across the UK have been raising concerns about the UK Governments decision to discontinue Thank You Payments after the current 18 months Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme comes to an end.

COSLA officers have been engaging with Local Authority resettlement teams in Scotland in order to understand the potential impacts of the removal of these payments on housing security for Ukrainians in hosted arrangements and associated pressures on local authority housing and homelessness services.

We will continue to raise these concerns with UK Government and will also be bringing these issues for discussion at our next Community Wellbeing Board in December.

Scottish Conservative housing spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher said: This is a short-sighted and callous decision by the Labour government.

Many Scots were delighted to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Putins barbaric invasion into their homes, but they now look set to be faced with an impossible choice.

Labours cuts risk leaving many of these individuals homeless which will put even more pressure on local housing services across Scotland which are at breaking point thanks to savage SNP cuts.

The Scottish Government said it was lobbying the UK Government to continue financial support.

A spokesperson said: Ministers continue to press the UK Government for fair funding to provide vital support to people displaced from Ukraine and wider resettlement.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: Our support for Ukraine remains steadfast and we continue to welcome new Ukrainian arrivals to the UK.

Guests and sponsors were told last year that payments would only last for 18 months and this has given people enough time to plan ahead, find new homes and begin living independently.
The head of the prostate cancer screening programme which said that screening should not be made routinely available for the vast majority of men has revealed for the first time that he has had the disease himself.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, chairman of the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), said his own prostate cancer had been picked by up a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test 'after he had symptoms' and he had had his prostate removed.

But after a review, the UKNSC -which advises the government - said it would not recommend screening for all men as it might 'do more harm than good'.

Campaigners including Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Stephen Fry and former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Lord David Cameron have criticised the decision, insisting the test should be available as part of a national screening programme.

Professor Richards, a former national cancer director, had told a briefing that modelling on PSA shows that 'whole population screening may lead to a small reduction in prostate cancer deaths, but the very high levels of overdiagnosis' and means harms outweigh the benefits.

Many experts argue the PSA test is not very reliable because men with a high PSA level may not have cancer and some men with cancer have a normal PSA result.

Professor Richards was today asked how difficult it was to face criticism from not one but two former Prime Ministers including Lord Cameron, who revealed just last week that he had suffered from the cancer himself.

'I may say and I haven't previously said this publicly, I have actually had prostate cancer myself so I do know what it is like from a personal angle as well as through looking at the evidence,' he told the BBC.

Professor Sir Mike Richards (pictured), chairman of the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), said his own prostate cancer had been picked by up a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test

Campaigners such as former Prime Minister David Cameron, who revealed last week that he been diagnosed with protstate cancer

'I can join Lord Cameron in that group so it's not that I am against having a screening programme - of course I would like to have a screening programme for this condition - but I believe this is the right road for the time being.

'Of course, men can ask for a PSA test  that is available to them. I had symptoms and a PSA test and I was diagnosed and I have now had my prostate removed.'

He also told Radio 4's Today programme that he 'had met Rishi Sunak and had a long conversation with him. We differ on the interpretation of the data  that's fine  and that's why we are going out to consultation on this and I would welcome his comments back to that consultation'.

Professor Richards reiterated the review's findings that the more people could be harmed by any screening programme than helped if they were subject to unnecessary treatment.

He estimated that for 'every 700 people whose lives were saved, 7000 would be left with permanent issues'.

While he recognised that black men as group were more likely to get prostate cancer, he said that not enough research had been done because 'so few of them have been involved in trials up to now' and that is what 'we are trying to rectify and rectify rapidly'.

A new trial called 'the Transform Trial' which has just started was trying as recruit as many black men as possible to change that, he said, with answers to what we need then expected within two years.

'If we get the answers we need, I would certainly be in favour of changing the recommendation,' he told the BBC.

The current committee recommendation will be for men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations  which puts them at far higher risk of prostate cancer  to be screened every two years, between the ages of 45 and 61.

Experts are also waiting to see data from a large trial launched by Prostate Cancer UK last week into whether combining PSA with other tests, such as rapid MRI scans, could lead to a recommendation for population-wide screening.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would consider the findings, adding that he wanted to see earlier diagnosis and quicker treatment, but that needed to be balanced against 'the harms that wider screening could cause to men'.
Photo: https://point.md

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned Russia's latest attack on Ukraine and reported that Russian drones had again violated Moldovan airspace.

A brutal 10h attack on Ukraine. This is not the language of diplomacy, nor of a country claiming to negotiate peace. On their way to kill civilians, Russian drones again violated Moldovan airspace, forcing its temporary closure. We condemn these attacks and stand with Ukraine, Sandu said on X Saturday.
A scandal-hit Republican lawmaker allegedly blew through thousands of dollars in campaign money to charter private jets, stay at luxury resorts and make trips to casinos.

Florida Republican Representative Cory Mills, 45, racked up bills nearing $80,000 between February 2023 and December 2024, according to campaign records..

A review of his political finance records by The Washington Examiner uncovered the lavishly spending.

According to the records, his campaign recorded a payment of $5,711 to The Fairmont Hotel in Puerto Rico in May of 2024.

The five-star resort is located on the Isla Verde Beach, and comes complete with an on-site casino, a number of swimming pools, bars and a luxury spa.

It remains unclear why Mills was in Puerto Rico at the time, the Daily Mail has asked his office for clarification.

Back in his home state, he used campaign cash at the Fountainbleau Hotel in Miami Beach, the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach, the Breakers Hotel in Boynton Beach, and the Resort at Longboat Key.

He also spent $1,700 at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, across two trips in October and November of 2024.

A review of his campaign finance records by The Washington Examiner uncovered that Mills spent lavishly on fine dining, luxury hotels and used private jets

According to the records his campaign recorded a payment of $5,711 to The Fairmont Hotel in Puerto Rico in May of 2024, seen here

Mills also paid out in just shy of $30,000 to Million Air Austin, Airgate Aviation, and Luxury Aircraft LLC, who all specialize in chartering private aircrafts.

A further $7,000 was used on limousine services, the campaign finance records showed. The Daily Mail has contacted Mills for comment on the spending.

It is the latest bombshell report to hit Mills, after he was accused last week of allegedly engaging with sex workers during a trip to Afghanistan.

Amid the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in 2021, Florida Republican Representative Cory Mills and a group of unknown individuals traveled to Afghanistan as the Taliban were overtaking the country to extract Americans who were stranded.

The group wanted to rescue an American mother and her children who had been left inside Afghanistan after Joe Biden ordered a US military withdrawal.

While en route to the war-torn country for the 'sensitive' mission, Mills's group stopped in Tbilisi, Georgia. However, one night while staying in the capital, Mills was allegedly caught in a hotel hallway with sex workers, an insider told NOTUS.

After reportedly discovering Mills with the sex workers, the rest of his group was furious.

In light of the obvious security implications they decided to abandon him midway, leaving Mills to travel to Afghanistan by himself.

Mills has not issued a public statement on the scandal following NOTUS's report and has not denied it.

The exterior of the historic Breakers Hotel, where Mills spent just under $4,100, is seen here

Mills is already facing a litany of sexual misconduct allegations and scandals. Here he is pictured with Sarah Raviani, who the congressman has been romantically linked to

Mills also paid out in excess of $30,000 to Million Air Austin, Airgate Aviation, and Luxury Aircraft LLC, who all specialize in chartering private aircrafts

Mills has been embroiled in a slew of controversies this year, including allegations of domestic abuse, allegedly threatening to release revenge porn of an ex-girlfriend, stolen valor claims that he is undeserving of his Bronze Star award and revelations that he was married in a mosque by a man linked to the 9/11 hijackers.

Mills, who is in the midst of a divorce of his wife, has also been romantically linked to Sarah Raviani, a Washington DC marketing manager.

As recently as last week, Raviani referred to Mills as her 'significant other' but the current status of their relationship is unclear.

A Florida judge last month issued a restraining order against him after his ex-girlfriend claimed Mills threatened to release nude images of her. Mills has previously denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations.

Mills's fellow conservative colleagues, such as Representative Nancy Mace, have called for Republican leadership to strip the Florida lawmaker of his committee assignments due to the scandals.

Mace re-posted a screenshot on Wednesday of steamy text messages Mills allegedly sent to his 28-year-old girlfriend while still married.

'And you will be a good girl and do anything he wants or asks?' one of the alleged messages from Mills to his girlfriend in a group chat titled 'New Year's Fun' reads.

'He can have you as many times as he wants, anyway he wants, and finish anywhere he chooses, right, babe?' Mills continues in the exchange, referring to another man.

The House Ethics Committee, meanwhile, has opened an investigation into Mills over a variety of scandals, including campaign finance issues and allegations of sexual misconduct.
This is the astonishing moment two tankers from Russia's 'shadow fleet' were blasted by Ukrainian sea drones and erupted into towering fireballs.

Extraordinary footage shows the unmanned craft - deployed by Ukraine's secret service - skimming across the Black Sea before slamming into the hulking vessels.

The impacts trigger huge explosions that send flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

A second strike targeted another Russian-operated tanker near the Bosphorus Strait, with onboard video showing the drone racing over the waves, closing in on its target and detonating against the ship's flank.

Sparks shoot into the air as the blast tears through the vessel, leaving a sheet of fire across the water and a trail of smoke stretching for miles.

According to officials in Kyiv, the coordinated attacks were carried out by Ukraine's SBU security service together with the navy, using their now-infamous 'Sea Baby' naval drones.

The two tankers, both under Western sanctions, were said to be ferrying Russian oil in an effort to dodge global restrictions.

'Video shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation,' the official said in a written statement.

Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs confirmed that the Gambian-flagged tanker Kairos caught fire around 28 miles off the coast of Kocaeli, blaming an 'external impact' but offering no further details.

This is the astonishing moment two tankers from Russia 's 'shadow fleet' were smashed by Ukrainian sea drones and erupted into towering fireballs

Extraordinary footage shows the unmanned craft - deployed by Ukraine's secret service - racing across the Black Sea before slamming into the hulking vessels

The impact triggers huge explosions that send flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky

The ship was sailing empty toward Russia's Novorossiysk port at the time.

Within an hour, a second vessel - the Virat - issued a distress call after it, too, was struck in the Black Sea roughly 35 nautical miles from Turkey's shoreline. Emergency crews were sent to help.

All 25 crew members on the Kairos were rescued, though the blaze continued to rage, according to Kocaeli's governor Ilhami Aktas.

He described the inferno as 'large' and said the cause remained unclear. All 20 crew aboard the Virat were also reported safe, despite heavy smoke filling the engine room.

Authorities stressed they could not yet confirm whether the tankers had been hit by drones or mines.

Both sides in the war have littered the Black Sea with naval mines since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Local outlets reported Mayday calls from both tankers, while Turkey later shared footage of dark smoke rising over the sea where the Kairos burned.

A second strike targeted another Russian-operated tanker near the Bosphorus Strait, with shocking onboard video capturing the drone skimming over the waves, closing in on its target and detonating against the ship's flank

Sparks scatter into the air as the blast tears through the vessel, leaving a sheet of fire across the water and a trail of smoke stretching for miles

According to officials in Kyiv , the coordinated attacks were carried out by Ukraine's SBU security service together with the navy, using their now-infamous 'Sea Baby' naval drones

Tracking data shows the Virat was anchored north of the Bosphorus earlier this month, while the Kairos was last recorded near the Dardanelles in late November.

Both ships have been slapped with US, EU, UK, Swiss and Canadian sanctions for helping move Russia's oil through opaque networks of ownership and flag-hopping practices designed to skirt international scrutiny.

The 'shadow fleet' remains a crucial lifeline for the Kremlin, according to OpenSanctions, which says vessels like the Kairos and Virat frequently disable their identification systems, change flags and operate under risky conditions that also pose major environmental dangers.

Ukraine's military intelligence service, the GUR, says both tankers routinely call at Russian ports and have a track record of hiding their movements.

The Virat, built in 2018, uses irregular and high-risk shipping practices and has previously sailed under the flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia and Panama, OpenSanctions says.

The Kairos, formerly flagged as Panamanian, Greek and Liberian, was built in 2002.

Ukraine's military intelligence service, the GUR, says on its website that both ships visit Russian ports and have a history of shutting off their automatic identification systems, which transmit a ship's position.

The two tankers, both under Western sanctions, were said to be ferrying Russian oil in an effort to dodge global restrictions

'Video shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation,' the official said in a written statement

Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs confirmed that the Gambian-flagged tanker Kairos caught fire around 28 miles off the coast of Kocaeli, blaming an 'external impact' but offering no further details

Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries for months, using long-range aerial drones to strike far behind the front lines of Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine. The strikes on the tankers mark a different kind of escalation.

Ukraine has repeatedly called on the West to take real action against Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet', which Kyiv says is helping Moscow export large quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.

The fleet of hundreds of often ageing, unregulated vessels came to prominence after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, bypassing Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenue.

Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which handles more than 1% of global oil, said on Saturday it halted operations after a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal was significantly damaged by a Ukrainian naval drone attack.

CPC exports mainly from Kazakhstan via Russia and the Black Sea terminal. Kazakhstan called the attack unacceptable.

Naval drones are uncrewed speed boats packed with explosives that sail towards their targets before detonating.

They played a prominent role in Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Black Sea, helping to push back Russia's large fleet of warships.

The 274-meter-long tanker Kairos suffered an explosion and caught fire on Friday while en route from Egypt to Russia, Turkey's Transport Ministry said. The crew was evacuated by rescue boats while efforts to extinguish the fire continued, it said.

The Virat was reportedly struck some 35 nautical miles offshore, further east in the Black Sea, the ministry said.

The Virat was hit again on Saturday morning by unmanned vessels, sustaining minor damage to its starboard side above the waterline, the Turkish ministry also said, adding that the vessel was in a stable condition and the crew in good health.

Both the Kairos and Virat are on a list of ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to LSEG data.

The Ukrainian official did not say when the Ukrainian strikes took place.
An early morning fast commuter train from Manchester to London is set to run without any passengers after a rail watchdog blocked Avanti from selling tickets for the service.

A ruling by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) means the 7am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will still depart each weekday but will carry only staff for up to five months.

The quick train, which reaches the capital in under two hours, will be stripped of passengers from December 15 when the new timetable begins.

It is expected to operate more than 100 journeys with no paying customers on board.

Avanti told the BBC it was 'disappointed' by the decision, warning it would 'clearly impact those customers who already use these services'.

The ORR, however, insisted its ruling was based on 'robust evidence' from Network Rail, which argued that adding the train to the morning timetable would eat into vital 'firebreak' slots on the West Coast Main Line, leaving the network more vulnerable to knock-on delays.

Empty stock, the regulator said, can be held back or rerouted far more easily than a timetabled passenger service.

A ruling by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) means the 7am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will still depart each weekday but will carry only staff

The fast train, which reaches the capital in under two hours, will be stripped of passengers from December 15 when the new timetable begins.

But the move has not landed well with passengers, with one calling it 'absolutely mental' and another labelling it an 'absurd decision'.

Under the ruling, Avanti loses access rights for four weekday services, including the ManchesterLondon express, as well as a Sunday HolyheadLondon train which must now terminate at Crewe.

Furious passengers fumed about the decision online with one saying: 'Absolutely mental and why Britain is falling to bits'. Another commented: 'This country is an absolute joke'.

Another said: 'How ridiculous. What a total waste of money and resources'.

A third fumed: 'What an absurd decision! This will make the @British_Airways Manchester-Heathrow flight all the more appealing, at a time when government want people to travel more sustainably.'

An Avanti spokesperson added that despite the ruling, it will 'still be delivering even more services across our network from the start of the December timetable, including further additional trains on our Liverpool route'

The ORR noted that Avanti was previously granted only temporary rights to run the ManchesterLondon express until May 2025, when First Lumos new Stirling services were not yet operating.

Those open-access trains are due to begin during the December 2025 timetable, prompting the regulator to remove Avantis path.

The Daily Mail has approached ORR, Avanti and Network Rail for a comment.
Dozens of flood alerts are in place across the UK, as the Met Office issues a 'danger to life' weather warning in south Wales amid heavy rainfall.

The amber weather warning will come into force in south Wales from the early hours of Monday morning, set to last throughout the day with heavy rain expected until early on Tuesday.

Yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for the southwest and northwest of England, as well as central and northern parts of Wales.

The Environment Agency currently has 35 flood alerts in place for rivers in England, and Natural Resources Wales has an additional 10 in force.

It comes following a wet weekend for many, after a yellow warning for rain was issued in eastern parts of England on Saturday, including the east Midlands, north east England, Yorkshire and Humber.

It was predicted that up to 30mm of rain could fall, with as much as 60mm possible over higher ground.

A second yellow warning for ice has also been issued in northern parts of England, running overnight and into Sunday morning.

Despite a respite from the rain on Sunday with mostly dry conditions across the UK, wet weather is expected to return overnight and into Monday.

It comes weeks after parts of Monmouth were left underwater due to flooding

An amber warning covering south Wales has been issued by the Met Office

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued further north in the UK

Rainfall in some parts of south Wales is predicted to reach 100 to 120mm throughout the day.

Meanwhile, up to 40mm is expected to fall in Derbyshire, north west England, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Higher parts of Exmoor, Dorset, the Mendips and Cotswolds could see up to 50mm.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: 'Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday.

'Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales and could reach 100-120mm through the day.

'60-80mm is most likely for many hills within the Amber warning area, while those to lower levels should see around 20-40mm through the day.

'Wider yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for the southwest and northwest of England, as well as central and northern parts of Wales with disruption also possible in these areas through the day.'

The warnings highlight the risk of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts.

In the amber warning zone, there are risks of fast flowing or deep water, which could cause a danger to life.

The forecast has prompted Natural Resources Wales to urge people to prepare for possible flooding.

Parts of Monmouth were left underwater after the River Monnow broke its banks

Emergency services help people stricken on a flooded street in Monmouth

A woman sweeps water away from a coffee shop after severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia

Richard Preece, Natural Resources Wales's Duty Tactical Manager, said: 'We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain predicted overnight on Sunday into Monday morning, especially in parts of South Wales.

'With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. We also expect the rain to cause surface water issues.

'We're urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.

'We also want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don't know what lies beneath.

'If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. Think about preparing a flood kit with any important documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground and moving treasured possessions upstairs or to a higher place.'

It comes just weeks after Storm Claudia battered the UK, leaving parts of Monmouth, south-east Wales, underwater after the River Monnow broke its banks.

Residents were dramatically rescued or evacuated from their homes after the overnight floods, leading to the declaration of a major incident in the area.
Defence chiefs have been told to 'get on with it' and strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's last title amid a long delay - despite King Charles' request to remove it four weeks ago.

The former Prince Andrew is still a vice-admiral in the Royal Navy, the final title he retains after his brother, King Charles, formally stripped him of his prince title and announced he would be removed from the Royal Lodge on November 6.

Andrew's reputation was in ruins after the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Virginia Giuffre's recent posthumous autobiography, as well as a fresh batch of emails between Epstein and Andrew which revealed he continued contacting the disgraced New York financier after publicly cutting ties with him.

Senior military figures have described the delay in getting rid of Andrew's last title as 'extraordinary', saying the government needs to 'get on with it'.

It is the government's job - not the King's - to remove Andrew's vice-admiral title.

Andrew, 65, had been awarded the honorary rank of vice-admiral for his 55th birthday in February 2015, after serving in the Royal Navy for 22 years.

He had been due to receive a promotion to admiral on his 60th birthday, but following the disastrous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019 and his subsequent withdrawal from public duties, the promotion was deferred.

On November 6, amid mounting public pressure, the King formally stripped his brother of his royal titles and honours, and a statement released by Buckingham Palace on October 30 said: 'Their Majesties Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.'

Andrew (pictured left) retains his last title of vice-admiral in the Royal Navy, despite his brother's (right) request to remove it four weeks ago

Prince Andrew (pictured at the Founders Day Parade in 2015) was awarded the honorary rank of vice-admiral for his 55th birthday in February 2015, after serving in the Royal Navy for 22 years

Andrew pictured driving from Royal Lodge in Berkshire on Friday

Just three days later Defence Secretary John Healey said the government would 'work to remove' Andrew's last remaining title of vice-admiral.

Mr Healey said in a BBC interview: 'This is a move that's right. It's a move the King has indicated we should take, and we're working on that at the moment.'

But last night the Ministry of Defence revealed the process was still not complete and told the Times that the matter was 'ongoing' but declined to comment on what stage the process was at, or provide a reason for the month-long delay.

A spokesperson for the MoD spokesman told the Times: 'Defence continues to act in line with His Majesty's intent regarding the process to remove the style, titles and honours of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.'

Admiral Lord West, the former first sea lord and chief of the naval staff, said: 'It seems extraordinary that it is taking so long and I cannot see why it is that difficult to remove it. He has paid a penalty for his stupid behaviour and that is right.

'What I would not approve of is if he kept the title, that would not be appropriate with his behaviour.

'We recently swiftly removed the first sea lord from his position and he had the rank of admiral, so it cannot be that difficult. They should just get on with it.'

Sir Ben Key became the first head of the Royal Navy to be sacked earlier this year after it emerged the married father of three had an affair with a junior female colleague.

Andrew seen on November 17 in Windsor for first time since being stripped of all his royal titles and HRH

Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Andrew's former home. He will now be moving to a private residence on the monarch's Sandringham estate

Andrew was seen on November 17 riding around the grounds of Windsor Castle with a female companion, despite being kicked out of Royal Lodge by the King and Prince William.

Andrew is meant to be being banished to Sandringham but multiple sources have said it will take him months to move out of his Windsor home, which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

Fergie is reportedly considering fleeing the UK to live in their daughter's 3.6million Portuguese villa this winter.

Andrew has not been seen in public since October 3, but has received visits from family including his eldest daughter Beatrice, who looked particularly forlorn as she left.

King Charles formally stripped his brother Andrew of his prince title on November 6.

The monarch also removed his HRH by issuing a rare Letters Patent, making his younger brother officially a commoner.
A Russian drone and missile blitz left more than 600,000 people in Kyiv without power on Saturday as the embattled capital city braced for a freezing winter.

Three people were killed and more than 30 injured in the overnight air assault, involving more than 600 drones and 36 ballistic missiles. Among the wounded was a 13-year-old boy.

The strikes targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure, a repeat of previous attacks in the past month, in an attempt by Moscow to cripple the power grid before winter.

It was one of the most sustained attacks on Kyiv since the start of the three-year conflict, and lasted more than ten hours. Last week a similar attack ordered by the Kremlin against the capital killed seven.

DTEK, the countrys largest private energy company, said more than 500,000 residents of Kyiv were without electricity, with a further 100,000 around the capital also hit. Many in the city reported problems with the water supply.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the main targets were energy and civilian facilities, adding that flats and houses had also been hit.

Russias defence ministry said the massive strikes were a response to what it called terrorist attacks on Russian oil installations.

Ukraines security service said it had struck two oil tankers in the Black Sea thought to be part of Russias shadow fleet used to evade international sanctions. It published footage showing a naval drone speeding towards one of the ships, followed by fire and smoke billowing from the vessels side.

Three people were killed and more than 30 injured in the Russian overnight air assault on Kyiv

The attack left more than 600,000 people in Kyiv without power on Saturday as the embattled capital city braced for a freezing winter

The temperature in Kyiv on Sunday is forecast to fall to 1C and there has been public fury in Ukraine at apparent corruption in the energy sector.

Earlier this month, eight people were accused of siphoning off and laundering 75million from the state-owned nuclear power company.

US President Donald Trump wants the two countries to accept a draft peace plan, which was initially skewed heavily in favour of Russia but revised during talks with Ukrainian officials and their European allies.

Mr Zelensky will fly to Paris on Monday to discuss the conditions of a just and durable peace with president Emmanuel Macron.
The father of the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza has accused Hamas of 'messing' with his family after the Palestinian terror group failed to return his policeman son's body.

Ran Gvili, 24, was shot dead by Hamas during its unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, and his body was dragged into Gaza.

He was among around 250 Israeli and foreign civilians and soldiers abducted that day and taken into the besieged strip.

Under the terms of a US-sponsored ceasefire agreement that came into force on October 10, Hamas committed to handing over all 48 hostages it still held - 20 of whom alive.

It has returned 46 so far, including the remains of a fallen soldier who was abducted more than a decade ago, but two bodies are still in Gaza: Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.

Speaking at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Ran's father, Itzik pleaded for his son's remains to be brought home to allow the family to grieve.

'Hamas says it's looking for the bodies, but we don't see any progress,' he said. 'They're messing with us and it has to stop, now.

The father of the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza has accused Hamas of 'messing' with his family after the group failed to return his policeman son's body. . Pictured: Itzik addressed the thousands gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday

A photo of slain hostage Ran Gvili, whose remains are being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is displayed during a rally calling for the return of the deceased hostages held in Gaza

Ran Gvili, 24 (pictured), was shot dead by Hamas during its unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, and his body was dragged into Gaza

'Enough with the pain and open wounds we want to get off this rollercoaster. It's time to bring Sudthisak and Rani back and achieve closure.'

Ran was among the officers who rushed out to confront the Hamas assault on October 7.

'They didn't stop to check your background or where you're from - they valiantly protected anyone who needed help,' his father said.

'That was their spirit and that's the heritage they leave us. Together, because that's our strength and our beauty.'

On Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Gvili family he was determined to ensure Ran's body is returned, the premier's office said.

Netanyahu also spoke with Thailand's ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, updating him on efforts to retrieve the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, the only other slain hostage still held in Gaza.

'The prime minister conveyed that the government of Israel and the security forces are making extensive efforts for his return and that the State of Israel's support for the families of the Thai hostages and returnees will always continue,' the statement said.

Speaking at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Ran's father, Itzik pleaded for his son's remains to be brought home to allow the family to grieve

Islamic Jihad militants and Egyptian workers search for the bodies of hostages north of Nuseirat, Gaza strip, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

The bodies of Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak (pictured) are still in Gaza

Rinthalak, 43, worked on plantations at the Be'eri kibbutz near the Gaza border and was one of several Thai labourers killed on October 7 whose bodies were taken into Gaza.

His death was confirmed by Israel in May 2024.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum - the main group representing the abducted and their relatives - said it was organising another rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening - the latest in a series of weekly demonstrations calling on Netanyahu's government to bring all hostages home.

'Tonight, the families of the hostages and returnees are calling on the public to come to Hostages Square and stand alongside them with a clear message: Ran and Sudthisak must come home - we cannot let this opportunity slip away!' the forum said.
The relatives of a man who died in east London have paid tribute to a 'loving member of the family'.

Franklin Francis, 56, tragically died two days after he was rushed to hospital with injuries.

Metropolitan Police officers swooped on Forest Gate, east London, following reports of a fight in the area at around 3.50pm on Tuesday.

Police and ambulance crews found Mr Francis unresponsive and he was rushed to hospital where he died on Thursday.

Two men, aged 56 and 24, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and are on conditional bail, it added.

Paying tribute to Mr Francis, his family said: 'Franklin was a loving member of the family whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew him.

'His absence leaves a void that can never be filled. We will miss him dearly every single day.'

The family are being supported by specialist officers.

Paying tribute to Franklin Francis his family said: 'Franklin was a loving member of the family whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew him

Palmerston Road in Forest Gate where Mr Francis was found unresponsive on Tuesday

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the area, said: 'We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with Franklin's family and friends.

'We are doing everything we can to find out who is responsible and have made two arrests as part of our investigation.

'I'd also like to thank the members of the public who helped the victim until officers and paramedics arrived on the scene.

'We understand this incident will cause concern within the local community and want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident.'

Police have asked anyone with information contact them on 101 or online quoting.
Germany's hard-right AfD party launched its new youth organisation on Saturday as thousands of furious protesters descended on the western city of Giessen, where the group held its founding convention.

The meeting began more than two hours late after activists blocked or attempted to block roads into the city, delaying the arrival of many delegates.

Dramatic images show protesters clashing with police, who were forced to use pepper spray after stones were thrown at officers in one location, authorities said.

Police also deployed water cannons to clear a blockade of about 2,000 protesters who ignored calls to disperse.

They used them again on Saturday afternoon as a group attempted to break through barriers around the city's convention centre.

Up to 5,000 officers were deployed, police said. They estimated more than 25,000 demonstrators had gathered, noting that much of the protest remained peaceful. Ten officers were reported slightly injured.

AfD leaders condemned the demonstrations as the convention finally opened.

'What is being done out there - dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves - is something that is deeply undemocratic,' party co-leader Alice Weidel said.

Germany's hard-right AfD party launched its new youth organisation on Saturday as thousands of furious protesters descended on the western city of Giessen, where the group held its founding convention

The meeting began more than two hours late after activists blocked or attempted to block roads into the city, delaying the arrival of many delegates

Dramatic images show protesters clashing with police, who were forced to use pepper spray after stones were thrown at officers in one location, authorities said

Police also deployed water cannons to clear a blockade of about 2,000 protesters who ignored calls to disperse

She added that one AfD lawmaker had been attacked. Police confirmed a lawmaker was injured near Giessen but gave no details.

The new youth organisation, named Generation Germany, replaces the Young Alternative - a largely autonomous group with loose ties to the party - which was formally dissolved in March after AfD cut ties with it.

The party says it wants much tighter oversight of the new body, which will be open to all AfD members under 36. Its statute was approved on Saturday.

AfD finished second in Germany's national election in February with more than 20 per cent of the vote and is now the largest opposition party.

Mainstream parties refuse to work with it, but the AfD has continued to rise in opinion polls as Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition struggles to win public confidence.

Germany's domestic intelligence agency had previously designated the Young Alternative a proven right-wing extremist group.

It later applied the same label to AfD itself, though that classification was suspended after a legal challenge.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Messe trade fair hall during the founding congress of the new youth wing of the far-right Alternative for Germany

The new youth organisation, named Generation Germany, replaces the Young Alternative - a largely autonomous group with loose ties to the party - which was formally dissolved in March after AfD cut ties with it. Pictured: General view at the founding of Generation Germany

Up to 5,000 officers were deployed, police said. They estimated more than 25,000 demonstrators had gathered, noting that much of the protest remained peaceful. Ten officers were reported slightly injured

A Cologne court ruling last year found that the Young Alternative promoted preserving an 'ethnically defined German people' and excluding the 'ethnically foreign', and pointed to agitation against migrants and ties to extremist movements such as the Identitarian Movement.

A higher court ended the appeal process in June after the Young Alternative was dissolved.

AfD's other co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, told delegates the party must learn from past mistakes.

'Some benefited from the young and their ability to mobilise, but didn't have the future of this youth sufficiently in sight,' he said.

'We should have taken more care of the young new hopes in our party; it will be different in future.'

He added that young activists must 'put themselves at the party's service'.

Youth wings are common in German politics and are often more radical than their parent parties. It remains unclear whether AfD's new organisation will be more moderate than its predecessor, with significant continuity expected.

Jean-Pascal Hohm (pictured), a 28-year-old state lawmaker from Brandenburg, was elected unopposed as Generation Germany'

AfD leaders condemned the demonstrations as the convention finally opened. 'What is being done out there - dear left-wingers, dear extremists, you need to look at yourselves - is something that is deeply undemocratic,' party co-leader Alice Weidel said

Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old state lawmaker from Brandenburg, was elected unopposed as Generation Germany's leader.

He told delegates he had been the 'proud chairman' of the Young Alternative in his state.

Hohm is classified as a right-wing extremist by Brandenburg's domestic intelligence office - a designation he rejects as politically motivated.

Kevin Dorow, a delegate from northern Germany, said he had also been active in his local Young Alternative branch.

'The new formation means above all continuing what the Young Alternative started - being a training ground, attracting young people  and bringing them into politics for the good of the party,' he said.

He insisted he had not seen any 'drift in a radical direction' in the group.

AfD, which portrays itself as an anti-establishment force amid widespread distrust of politicians, first entered the national parliament in 2017 after the mass arrival of migrants in the mid-2010s.

Curbing migration remains its signature issue, but it has capitalised on public frustration over other topics as well - reflected in the confident tone of its leaders on Saturday.

Five of Germany's 16 states hold regional elections next year, including two in the former communist east, where AfD is strongest.

'We will get the majority of mandates; we will provide our first governor,' Weidel said.
Greta Thunberg has launched a foul-mouthed tirade at the Italian government today during a pro-Palestine protest in Rome - just days after being banned from Venice.

In a speech to the crowd, the climate activist branded Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's government f****** fascist' and said she felt 'physically repulsed' thinking about the 'war criminals in charge'.

The speech follows Thunberg being banned from Venice after dumping green dye in the Grand Canal alongside Extinction Rebellion activists.

In a speech delivered in the Italian capital today, the 22-year-old campaigner addressed her fellow protestors and said: 'I could tell you all in detail exactly how physically repulsed I feel and how heartbroken I feel every time I think about the war criminals in charge, including your fascist f****** government.'

She continued: 'Italy is one of the most complicit countries in this genocide when it comes to financial, military, political and social support to Israel while they are conducting massacres, ecocide, genocide - everything you can think of.

'So you have a responsibility to continue showing up on the streets, to continue boycotting, blocking, organising.'

Her obscene speech was greeted with cheers from the packed crowd in Rome as hundreds rallied for the pro-Palestine protest which swarmed the streets outside the Colosseum.

On November 24, Thunberg was issued with a 150 (130) fine and a 48-hour restriction on entering Venice after participating in multiple protests and dumping dye into the Grand Canal in the northeastern Italian city.

Greta Thunberg called the Italian government 'f****** fascist' today in a foul-mouthed tirade as part of a pro-Palestine protest in Rome

Crowds outside the Colosseum bearing signs attacking Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and her government

The 22-year-old campaigner said she felt 'physically repulsed' when she thought about the 'war criminals in charge' [of Italy]

Protestors from Extinction Rebellion targeted 10 sites around Italy to coincide with the end of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Belem, Brazil, where countries failed to agree on phasing out fossil fuels.

Thunberg attended the group's Venice demonstration, where activists dumped an environmentally harmless dye into the city's largest channel, turning it green.

A banner that read 'Stop Ecocide' was hung up at the Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal.

The campaigners also staged a flash-mob protest in which activists, dressed in red with veils concealing their faces, walked slowly through groups of tourists.

Back in September, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni had called on Greta Thunberg's 'Freedom Flotilla' to immediately stop their mission as it neared the shores of Gaza.

Posting a statement to X on Tuesday, Giorgia Meloni said that insisting on a confrontation with Israel would upset the current 'fragile balance' that could lead to peace based on a plan proposed by Donald Trump aimed at ending the war.

'A hope of agreement has finally opened up to end the war and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population and to stabilize the region. A fragile balance, which many would be happy to disrupt,' the Italian PM said.

'I fear that the flotilla's attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade could provide a pretext for this.

Giorgia Meloni (pictured in New York on September 24) had previously urged Greta Thunberg's 'Freedom Flotilla' trying to deliver aid to Gaza to immediately stop their mission

Greta Thunberg and a crew member flash victory signs from their ship, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, as they sailed off Crete island, Greece, on September 25

'Also for this reason, I believe the Flotilla should stop now and accept one of the various proposals put forward for the delivery of the aid,' she added.

Meloni also said that any other choice could fuel the conflict in Gaza further.

Her remarks come after the Global Sumud Flotilla said Italy had informed it on Tuesday that the naval frigate shadowing it would soon issue a radio call, offering participants the opportunity to abandon ship and return to shore before reaching a 'critical zone'.

The international flotilla said it would continue to sail onwards with over 40 civilian boats carrying parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate activist Thunberg, aiming to break Israel's blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

On October 1, the flotilla was detained by the Israeli military some 80 miles from Gaza.

Thunberg was also deported by Israel back in June when the ship she was travelling on with 11 other people, the Madleen, was stopped by the military.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com

The Ukrainian delegation traveling to the United States to discuss peace efforts has the necessary directives and is traveling with a "firm and clear" position on protecting national interests, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday on the sidelines of the annual Charity Fair 2025, Sybiha confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation is currently heading to the United States. He noted that the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes First Deputy Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia. Also present are National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"The delegation has directives, all necessary procedural measures have been completed, so we are going with a firm and clear position to protect national interests. The most important thing is to seize the moment and accelerate peace efforts," said Sybiha.

He emphasized that Ukraine is grateful to the United States and President Donald Trump for their leadership in this process.

"It is important for us to continue this trajectory and the United States' involvement in this peace process.

I repeat, we are at the right moment for these peace efforts to truly gain a new momentum, the right momentum to bring about a just peace," the Foreign Minister stated.
A massive inferno has sparked chaos in Sydney's west, as a volcano-like fireball swallowed a factory and burst 150m into the air, as debris rained down into neighbouring streets.

More than 200 firefighters rushed to Kurrajong Street in North St Marys shortly before 11pm on Saturday after an inferno engulfed the waste facility.

In scenes mirroring a volcanic eruption, fist-sized concrete blocks and a chemical tank exploded into the sky, which then spewed down onto the ground like lava.

Dozens of emergency crews from across the city raced to the scene, with two firefighters suffering minor injuries to their hands.

Fire and Rescue NSW described the blaze as one of the biggest seen in the region in years as it continued to burn on Sunday morning.

'There's been some amazing firefighting going on,' Fire Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.

'We've had an incredibly large explosion, and so luckily all of our firefighters were able to be safe through that.'

Crews from more than 50 fire units battled the flames from all sides and established lines of defence from holes blown out of neighbouring buildings.

Projectiles burst out of the blaze like a firework display

More than 200 firefighters were deployed to the scene in North St Marys, which was one of the biggest western Sydney has seen in years

Five aerial platforms were deployed to battle the flames from above, as other fire trucks pumped water to douse the flames.

Hazardous materials crews and the Environment Protection Agency were also called to the scene, as authorities grappled with how to manage the chemicals consumed in the fire.

The explosion was so loud that it was heard several kilometres away in nearby Penrith.

It is not yet known what sparked the fire.

Police have launched an investigation into the blaze.

The fire is expected to burn for most of Sunday.

Residents in surrounding streets are urged to steer clear of the scene, remain indoors and close their windows, doors and vents to avoid harmful smoke.

'NSW Fire and Rescue are attempting to extinguish the blaze which is expected to remain active for a considerable amount of time,' NSW Police said.

A 200m exclusion zone has been set up around the blaze, which is expected to continue to burn for much of Sunday

'A 200m exclusion zone has been established and motorists are urged to avoid the area.'

Anyone with information or dashcam/ phone footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
I dont have a grudge against your airline, Miss. I just have a grudge.

Those were the cryptic words offered by a man identifying himself as Dan Cooper on November 24, 1971, when a stewardess asked why he had chosen to hijack Northwest Orient Flight 305 during its short passage between Portland and Seattle.

Earlier in the flight, Cooper handed an attendant a note claiming he had a bomb in his briefcase. In exchange for the 42 lives on board, he demanded $200,000 in $20 bills and four parachutes.

The ransom was delivered when the jet landed in Seattle. After refuelling, Cooper told the pilots to head toward Mexico. But at 10,000ft over southwest Washington, he lowered the aircrafts rear staircase and leapt with two parachutes and the money strapped to his waist. He was never seen again.

Who Cooper was, or whether he survived his escape, remains one of the most enduring mysteries in American crime history. Hundreds of suspects have been eyed over the past 50 years, but none have been arrested. The FBI closed its investigation in 2016, leaving a legion of sleuths to keep the case alive.

Among them is Bill Rollins, an inventor and a licensed pilot, who believes the secret to unmasking the elusive crook lies in cracking the code of Coopers supposed grudge.

What motivated Cooper, Rollins believes, was a personal tragedy - grief, not greed. But what kind of tragedy could push someone to hold the lives of dozens to ransom on the eve of Thanksgiving, several thousand feet in the air?

Rollins points to a horrifying skyjacking staged just 51 days before Coopers jump, an incident bungled by the FBI that resulted in the deaths of three people. That led him to his prime suspect: Joe Lakich, a former engineer and retired Army major from Nashville, whose daughter was among the victims.

And Lakichs son, Keith Bagsby, tells the Daily Mail he believes Rollins theory is entirely plausible.

I believe its extremely possible, said Bagsby. On one hand, it couldve been Joe with all the circumstances at hand, but if so, he hid it very well from any of us.

Could Joe Lakich, a former engineer and retired Army major from Nashville, be DB Cooper? One sleuth believes so

The elusive D.B. Cooper hijacked a commercial airliner on Thanksgiving Eve 1971 shortly after taking off from Portland, Oregon. His identity remains a mystery to this day

In the early hours of October 4, 1971, 25-year-old Susan Lakich was dragged screaming onto a private plane in Nashville by her estranged husband, George Giffe.

Claiming he was a doctor transporting a patient, Giffe pulled a .45 calibre pistol and ordered the pilot, 29-year-old Brant Downs, to take off. Giffe instructed Downs to fly to the Bahamas but agreed to stop in Jacksonville for fuel.

When the plane landed in Jacksonville, waiting FBI agents refused to comply with Giffes demands. It was the height of aviations golden age of skyjackings, a chaotic period when armed hijackers regularly seized aircraft, and the FBI was in no mood to negotiate. Instead, they shot out two of the planes tires and an engine.

Moments later, shots rang out inside the cabin. When agents boarded, they found Susan and Downs dead from gunshot wounds. Giffe had taken his own life.

In news reports, Joe Lakich said the case was grossly mishandled and that the FBI had his daughters blood on their hands. According to Rollins, the family was harassed after speaking out, and again after filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

He argues that Susans death, combined with what he describes as FBI negligence and intimidation, fostered a grudge deep enough to drive Lakich toward revenge - hellbent on embarrassing the bureau in front of the world.

For Rollins, motive alone did not make Lakich a suspect. What drew him deeper into the theory were the physical, forensic and circumstantial clues that he believes line up more cleanly with Joe Lakich than with any other name ever put forward in the Cooper investigation.

One crucial forensic clue is the black clip-on tie Cooper left on his seat. A group of volunteer scientists known as the Citizen Sleuths, who examined it under an electron microscope found titanium, stainless steel and palladium particles used only in a handful of industries. The FBI obtained a partial DNA profile, but no match has been found.

Many investigators believe Cooper worked in metal processing or electronics. After retiring from the Army in 1961, Lakich worked at Nashville Electronics, a capacitor factory that used several of the same metals. A company patent also shows it produced a component containing a rare type of titanium found on Coopers tie.

Rollins also points to the hijackers alias as an additional link to Lakich, insisting it was no random invention. The crook identified himself at the airport gate as Dan Cooper, not D.B. Cooper, which was an appellation mistakenly given to him by a journalist who misspelled the alias in an early report, creating the legend.

Bill Rollins, a New Hampshire engineer and amateur sleuth, says he believes the man responsible for the hijacking to be Joseph S Lakich (second from right)

Lakich's son, Keith Bagsby, believes his father could well be Cooper, calling Rollins' findings compelling

Susan Lakich is seen with her killer estranged husband George Giffe. Susan left behind a young daughter

The name Dan Cooper is shared with a Franco-Belgian comic-book hero - a Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot and space traveler whose adventures were published in Europe during the 1950s. The comics were never translated into English or sold in America.

Retired FBI agent Larry Carr said he believes the hijacker may have been inspired by the Dan Cooper series and chose the alias as a nod to the fictional character.

While leading the case, Carr worked with the theory that Cooper was either French Canadian or lived or served in Belgium with the US Air Force.

Lakichs military records show he served in the infantry in World War II, and he received the Bronze Star for heroism. He served in Germany, Korea, and Italy. Rollins believes Lakich may have come into contact with the comics while abroad, though he has no definitive proof.

Rollins argues that Lakich matched descriptions of Cooper as a polite, soft-spoken man in his forties with an olive complexion. Lakich would've been in his late 40s at the time.

A composite image combining half of Lakichs face with half of the FBI sketch also shows a close match. Military training, Rollins says, would have given Lakich the composure and practical skill to execute a dangerous jump at night.

Rollins maintains that the likelihood of another person matching the same combination of motive, background, appearance and forensic clues is so small that Lakich is effectively the only man who could have been Cooper.

Joe Lakich is one in a trillion. D.B. Cooper can be no one else,' he claims.

Lakich's face is seen above spliced with one of the sketches of DB Cooper. Rollins sees a strong resemblance between the pair

One of the few clues left behind by Cooper was a JCPenney clip-on tie, from which the FBI was able to obtain a partial DNA profile

Northwestern Flight 305 is seen after landing Seattle, where Cooper collected his ransom, ordered the aircraft to refuel, and later parachuted out

Lakich died in 2017, aged 95. Rollins came forward with his findings for the first time later the same year and has since made contact with Lakichs son, Keith Bagsby, who was intrigued by the claims.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bagsby, 56, said he only met his dad when he was 35, because his birth was the product of an extramarital affair that Lakich kept secret. By then, Lakich was already elderly and exhibiting early signs of Alzheimers.

Bill first got in touch with me by telephone I could understand Bills theory knowing what happened to my sister, but I was skeptical [at first], said Bagsby.

After hearing more about the theory and reading through [his] book, I thought that it could be possible. Unfortunately, theres no way of knowing because I was not about to talk to him about - hed already passed.

[However] the tragedy with Susan greatly affected Joe. He would talk about it from time to time. It genuinely saddened him. [But] we never discussed DB Cooper.

Another moved by Rollins findings was Tom Pugh, a close friend of Susan Lakich, who was a pallbearer at her funeral.

I see that there is some possibility that Joe was involved in this thing, Pugh told ABC7 in 2017.

But not all are convinced.

In news reports, Joe Lakich said his daughter's skyjacking case was grossly mishandled and that the FBI had his daughters blood on their hands

It's unclear if Cooper survived his fabled jump from Flight 305. That question divides FBI and independent investigators alike

Retired agent Larry Carr believes Cooper likely had limited military training and almost certainly died on the night of the jump. He cites several perceived mistakes made by Cooper, including failing to specify parachutes, dictate a flight path or wear appropriate protective clothing.

A storm was blowing across the Pacific Northwest that night, and Carr believes anyone with military experience would have scrubbed the mission.

Carr said that, while he is unfamiliar with Lakich as a suspect, working backwards from a supposed grudge is not an effective way to build a case.

I never really had a theory as to what [Coopers grudge] could have been, said Carr by text. Other than stating it wasnt with Northwest, he did nothing or said nothing that would give any sort of clue as to what it could be.

Plenty of folks have come up with a suspect and then cherry-picked their way backwards to a grudge - but thats a sure way to back yourself into a hole.

Independent investigator Eric Ulis agrees that the tie holds the secret of Coopers identity but believes the particles point not to Nashville Electronics but to two other specialist plants: Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee or Rem-Cru Titanium in Pittsburgh.

Rem-Cru was a major supplier of titanium and stainless steel parts for Boeing in the 1960s and 70s, and patents from the era match particles found on the tie.

Ulis and Citizen Sleuth scientist Tom Kaye also recently identified a thoriumuranium compound on the tie consistent with Oak Ridge.

If you cant explain the tie, hes not the guy, laughed Ulis. And, to me, Joe Lakich just doesnt make sense as a suspect.

This Thanksgiving will mark 54 years since Coopers leap of faith.

It remains the only unsolved skyjacking in US history.
When Meghan Markle married into the Royal Family in May 2018, she quickly had to familiarise herself with the extensive royal protocol a new princess is required to follow.

However, just one month after her fairytale wedding to Prince Harry, the new Duchess of Sussex was given a task even a seasoned royal might find intimidating: a joint engagement with the late Queen herself.

In June 2018, the pair opened Cheshire's Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester's Storyhouse Theatre before attending a lunch together at the Town Hall.

Royal watchers had hoped Meghan would learn by watching Her Majesty in action but, according to body language expert Judi James, the engagement might have been a tad premature.

She highlighted an interaction between the pair that was captured at the Gateway Bridge opening ceremony, when Meghan was seen talking to the late Queen, who looked away and rubbed her eye.

According to Ms James, Meghan may have 'breached' protocol that mandates royals must 'avoid any personal-looking communication' during public events.

Ms James said the Queen might have made a subtle attempt at 'shutting down' the former Suits actress's 'intimate display of fondness' during a public appearance.

During a separate interaction, the Duchess 'lifted her hand to her mouth as though performing an act of whispering to the Queen' - but Ms James felt that, while this may have been a natural gesture', it could send the wrong message.

Just one month after her fairytale wedding to Prince Harry, the new Duchess of Sussex was given a task even a seasoned royal might find intimidating: a joint engagement with the late Queen herself

Explaining how this could be misconstrued, Ms James said: 'Talking or laughing behind your hand can suggest you're laughing at the people you are watching.'

The Queen exchanged a 'brief' smile with Meghan, but refused to 'really engage in a proper conversation', the expert added.

According to Ms James, the Queen was trying to make sure they did not exclude any members of the public or 'make it look like they are distracted from or laughing at the children who are dancing'.

While Her Majesty is playing by the centuries-old royal rulebook, Meghan is 'just trying too hard' in the hope of 'forging a relationship of closeness, fondness and friendship' with the Queen in public, she told the Daily Mail.

It was the first and only time Queen Elizabeth, then 92, and Meghan, then 36, would carry out an engagement together.

Ms James noted that Meghan attended her first joint outing with the Queen 'much earlier' than Princess Catherine did. While Kate and William wed at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, her first engagement with the late monarch was not until March 2012.

Kate appeared to be much more at ease with the 'very formal but attentive signals' typical for a Lady in Waiting during her first joint engagement with Her Majesty.

Meghan also seemingly broke two rules of royal etiquette during their outing in June 2018.

Royal watchers had hoped Meghan would learn by watching Her Majesty in action but, according to body language expert Judi James, the engagement might have been a tad premature

According to Ms James, Meghan may have 'breached' protocol that mandates royals must 'avoid any personal-looking communication' during public events

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According to the royal order of precedence, individuals are not permitted to walk ahead of the Monarch at any point.

However, when Meghan greeted crowds on the streets of Chester, footage captured her striding in front of the Queen and grabbing a bouquet.

Royal protocol also dictates that when a member of The Firm is handed flowers, they should pass them back to their private secretaries and personal assistants.

The aides will then display the flowers properly, allowing the royals to keep their hands and properly greet members of the public. There is also a more serious reason: the bouquets could contain dangerous substances or explosives.

It has since been claimed that the Duchess was, sometimes, overwhelmed by royal protocol as she struggled to understand she 'was not and never could be first in the pecking order.

In his book Gilded Youth, royal biographer Tom Quinn claimed: '[Meghan] hated the fact that she had to do what she was told and go where she was told in the endless and to a large extent pointless royal round.'

According to the royal author, Meghan allegedly tried not only to carve out her own independent career as a working royal but also tried to 'outshine' every other member of the family  including Her Majesty.

'She was a global superstar but was being told what she could and could not do, what she could and could not say. She hated it.'

Ms James notes that Meghan attended her first joint outing with the Queen 'much earlier' than Princess Catherine did. While Kate and William wed at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, her first engagement with the Monarch was not until March 2012 (pictured)

According to royal biographer Tom Quinn, the Duchess was 'shocked' by the extent of palace protocol required once she married into the Firm and, in particular, 'that she was not and never could be first in the pecking order'

When Meghan first joined the Royal Family, the Queen was said to have suggested that her close friend Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, show the American newbie the ropes.

However, Meghan turned down the offer as the Queen's friend Gyles Brandreth recalled her saying: 'I've got Harry.'

Since the Sussexes quit the Royal Family in 2020, Meghan has spoken openly about her adverse feelings towards The Firm's extensive rules.

In what appeared to be a thinly veiled swipe at the Royal Family, Meghan said she 'couldn't be as vocal' while a working royal and wore clothes that were 'not very myself' while promoting the second series of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

While speaking to Bloomberg's Emily Chang in August, Meghan was asked if there is an 'inherent tension' between 'trying to be relatable' while also being a Duchess.

Appearing to take a dig at her former life as a working royal, she responded: 'It was different several years ago when I couldn't be as vocal, and I had to wear nude pantyhose all the time!'

Adding that it 'felt a little bit inauthentic', she continued: 'It is an example of when you want to dress the way you want to dress and say the things that are true, and you're able to show up in that space really organically and authentically - that's being comfortable in your own skin.'
Sarah Ferguson has long cast herself as a woman whose great triumph in life was motherhood.

The former Duchess of York previously described herself as a global mother and insisted that raising her two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, was the one thing she got 100 per cent right.

However, several sources have revealed they witnessed a very different story, claiming the mother-of-twos parenting style in the spotlight was worlds away from what happened behind closed doors.

Some likened the mother-of-twos maternal image more to careful choreography rather than hands-on devotion.

She would hold hands with her daughters in front of the cameras and in glossy magazine photoshoots, but when out of the public eye, Sarah would often pawn the girls off to a nanny when things got too difficult.

Visitors to the Yorks would say she struggled to control Beatrice and Eugenies sometimes awful behaviour, and parents of Eugenies fellow pupils at Marlborough College were said to have hardly seen either Sarah or Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at school events.

In his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the Yorks, royal author Andrew Lownie revealed new details of Fergies hot-and-cold temperament, which he chalked down to troubles in her childhood.

Sarah Ferguson out with daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice and nanny Alison Wardley

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie as bridesmaids for their former nanny

He said, while there was no denying her and Andrews pride in raising their daughters, there were many accounts that Sarahs favourable self-appraisal of her parenting style didnt paint an accurate picture.

Fergie celebrated her own parenting skills in a 2011 interview with Harpers Bazaar in which she proclaimed she was the best mum I know.

She said that being a good mother was the one thing in her life she had done 100 per cent right and that when people apparently often ask her about her brand identity she answers that she is a global mother.

In the same year, the proud mum released her biography Finding Sarah, and listed her best qualities as being smart, special, unique, very sensitive, loving, caring and sooo funny, adding that motherhood was the best job shes ever done.

Behind the smiles, Mr Lownie noted, staffers, security, acquaintances and royal observers saw a very different reality.

Protection officers reportedly noticed a shift in the girls behaviour around their mother, describing it as awful at times, something seemingly exacerbated by the tense, chaotic energy she often brought into the room.

For the glamorous magazine spreads, some of which reportedly commanded six-figure fees, those who witnessed them insist the scenes were completely staged from beginning to end.

Nannies hovered just out of shot, ready to swoop in after each picture was taken.

At public events, Fergie would apparently clasp the girls hands for the waiting cameras, only to hand them straight back to their minder once safely out of sight.

The discrepancy between Fergies public claims of maternal devotion and her private absence was not lost on those around her.

Parents at Marlborough College were said to be quietly astonished at how rarely they ever saw the Yorks despite Eugenie studying there from 2003 to 2008.

The former Duchess at Planet Hollywood with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in 1993

Sarah seemed to be struggling with both girls in the car when they were outside Planet Hollywood

They said they assumed the former royals were always caught up travelling, working or just wanted to preserve their familys privacy.

However, they did recall that the schools parents would talk about their notable absence and that they found Fergies 2007 Mother of the Year accolade from the American Cancer Society rather odd.

Mr Lownie suggests that Fergies intense fixation on motherhood stems from wounds in her own childhood, particularly the sense of abandonment she felt after her mother left her family to move to Argentina in the early seventies.

This, he argues, sits at the core of her personality and is behind her relentless need for approval, extravagance, and emotional volatility.

Those who worked closely with Fergie would have to navigate her fluctuating moods as she would go from charismatic and eager to please everyone around her to cantankerous and condescending in the blink of an eye.

TV personality Piers Morgan once described her as absolutely exhausting company, ricocheting between bursts of energy, fraught emotion and visible vulnerability.

Journalist Julia Llewellyn Smith observed two sharply divided sides: one moment a chilly, quick-tempered figure who bristled at the slightest challenge, the next a skittish, eager-to-please eccentric with the broad smile the public recognises. The thin line between the two, she said, could be unnerving.

Nanny Alison Wardley helping Princess Eugenie onto A sledge while on holiday In Klosters with Fergie watching

The York's former nanny Alison Wardley seen leaving The Portland Hospital with Princess Beatrice after going to visit her new sister in 1990

During a 60 Minutes interview in 2011, the Duchess reportedly stormed out after sharp words with Australian journalist Michael Usher, only to return moments later, acting as though nothing had happened, chatting about his children and offering signed books.

The late Ross Benson once wrote for the Daily Mail that she could be warm and engaging one moment and cold and imperious the next, demanding one-way loyalty and bristling if anyone questioned her behaviour.

Even her staff, according to those who have worked with her, struggled to navigate the pendulum swings.

Biographer Allan Starkie recounted how she would confide in staff as though they were close friends, only to snap angrily when she suddenly remembered they were employees.

During her divorce from Andrew, she earned the unflattering nickname Fruitcake Fergie as stories circulated of erratic behaviour, strange therapies, and an apparent belief she heard voices.

But Mr Lownies portrait is not completely unkind, as he suggests the Duchess has spent much of her adult life searching for purpose and emotional support.

Sarahs charitable work appears to have given her spiritual fulfilment, and those close to her dont doubt her genuine feeling for the deprived and vulnerable.

Lownie suggests that Fergies intense fixation on motherhood stems from wounds in her own childhood, particularly the sense of abandonment she felt after her mother left her family to move to Argentina

The late Ross Benson once wrote for the Daily Mail that she (Fergie) could be warm and engaging one moment and cold and imperious the next

Friends and observers alike note that, despite her insecurities, she possesses genuine warmth and an instinctive friendliness that can be deeply appealing.

Journalist Tina Brown, who has watched Fergie for decades, described her as a sympathetic figure with mad eyes, disastrous taste in men and business choices, but said she had an impressive ability to endure situations that could be seen as embarrassing.

She noted Sarah went into her stint as a Weight Watchers ambassador with good-natured stoicism despite her struggles with her body image and taking the gig as a necessity to pay the bills post-divorce.

While Fergie has always pushed the image of being the ultimate global mother, many around her believe the reality was far more complicated.

In recent years, her public role has shrunk even further as Andrew was stripped of his royal titles following his links to Jeffrey Epstein. And with the spotlight dimming on the Yorks, questions over how much of Fergies maternal image was real, and how much was performance, continue to linger.
The Princess of Wales will bring festive cheer to Westminster Abbey next week with the help of a slew of celebrity supporters.

With readings by the likes of Kate Winslet, performances by Hannah Waddingham and Bastilles Dan Smith - and even the wreaths made by Dame Mary Berry - Catherines annual Together at Christmas carol service will start the royals Christmas celebrations in style.

Members of the Royal Family will join the princess at the event billed as a celebration of love.

Prince William will be giving a reading and the couple are expected to be accompanied as usual by their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis for the fifth annual event.

Spearheaded by the Princess, and supported by her and Williams philanthropic arm, The Royal Foundation, the service will bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms - whether it is love within families, through friendships, across communities, or powerful moments of kindness between strangers.

In particular, the service will celebrate individuals from across the UK who may have dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, led initiatives that bring people in their community together, or offered a helping hand to those around them.

Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir sing some of the nations most beloved carols, alongside musical performances from Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Griff, Katie Melua and Cornish folk music group, Fishermans Friends.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends The Royal Foundation Carol Service at Westminster Abbey last year

This year's service is set to feature readings and performances by stars including Kate Winslet (left), Chiwetel Ejiofor (centre) and Hannah Waddingham (right)

Guests will also enjoy a special performance by young talent from Platinum Performing Arts, an organisation based in the heart of the community in Edmonton, North London.

During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love, compassion and connection will be delivered by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Babatunde Aleshe and Joe Locke, who will be accompanied by pianist Paul Gladstone Reid.

Candles will be lit by people William and Catherine have met in recent years and those involved in the service.

On the night, Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people from across the country, connected by the love and compassion which binds us all at Christmas and all year round.

During the service guests will also be joined for the first time by a live illustrator, who will be sketching snapshots of the atmosphere inside the Abbey in real time. The pictures will be shared publicly at a later date.

Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth will be creating a natural, festive environment outside of the Abbey with a collection of stunning British woodland trees in their natural winter state, interwoven with fruits, berries and Christmas trees.

It will create a magical winter wonderland for guests from the moment they arrive at the Abbey.

The living plants and trees will be returned to Form Plants in Weybridge after the service.

The Royal Horticultural Society and florist Simon Lycett will also be donating wreaths for display inside Westminster Abbey.

They have been made in partnership with schoolchildren and RHS supporters including Dame Mary Berry and Arit Anderson, comedian Tom Allen and presenter Angelica Bell.

This year's service will also include wreaths made by Dame Mary Berry, pictured

There will also be a Hobbycraft Connection Tree at which guests will be able to add their own named loop onto a paper chain adorning the tree, symbolising the power of togetherness and the importance of moments of connection with one another.

On arrival at the Abbey, guests will be welcomed with music by eight young teenage performers aged from Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the late Duchess of Kent to support musically gifted children from low-income backgrounds.

Guests will also be treated to mince pies donated by Fortnum & Mason and after the service will enjoy a hot chocolate together provided by The Royal Foundation.

The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat showing on Christmas Day morning.

Following the service, congregational candles from Westminster Abbey will be donated to the Church Candle Challenge, a recycling candle initiative based in St. Peters Church in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Alongside the main service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season as far afield as Manchester, Gwent and th
The King was flown by helicopter to a secret summit in the Cotswolds with the King of Bahrain, fuelling speculation Andrews future lies in the tiny Gulf island state.

The meeting was at Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas Oxfordshire estate on November 11, less than a fortnight after Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and home.

Palace courtiers played down its significance on Saturday night, insisting it was a private meeting between two old friends and the Andrew question was not on the agenda.

But sources said its timing will add weight to the suggestion Andrew is eyeing a new life in Bahrain  a British protectorate for 110 years until 1971  where he previously expressed interest in relocating.

They pointed out the King found time for the meeting on a busy Remembrance Day and that eco-conscious Charles needed a helicopter, one of the most polluting modes of travel.

In 2006 it was announced he would stop using royal helicopters and private jets on official engagements whenever possible.

After state duties on November 11, the Kings 43-mile trip from Windsor to 120million Glympton Park lasted 23 minutes.

The King and Hamad are understood to have talked for more than an hour. Arriving back at Windsor after 4.30pm, the King was in time to host a reception with Queen Camilla for Forces veterans.

Speculation has mounted over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's future after the King was flown by helicopter to a secret summit in the Cotswolds with the King of Bahrain

Andrew is close to Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and has remained a regular visitor to Bahrain since his spell as UK trade ambassador

Unlike the UK, Bahrain does not have an extradition agreement with the US, where Andrew has failed to respond to requests to testify to Congress about his links with Jeffrey Epstein.

Since his spell as a UK trade ambassador, Andrew has been a regular visitor to Bahrain. Sources say he loves being fussed over and made to feel royal again. He is close to Hamad and his 56-year-old son, Crown Prince Salman.

In 2022, in his first trip abroad since his catastrophic BBC Newsnight interview three years earlier, Andrew flew to Bahrain by private jet. It was on Saturday that Andrew will not leave his Royal Lodge home at Windsor until well into the New Year.

Before any potential move abroad he is expected to live at Sandringham, the Kings private Norfolk estate.

Simon Wilson, Britains deputy head of mission in Bahrain from 2001 to 2005, once described Andrew as being more commonly known among the British diplomatic community in the Gulf as HBH: His Buffoon Highness.

A leak of US diplomatic cables showed a US ambassador describing him as rude and cocky.
A Texas town that has gone through booms and busts since it was founded in the late 1800s is on the up again as Samsung moves into town.

Taylor, a small city in the Austin metropolitan area with a population of a little less than 18,000, has been experiencing steady growth over the past six or seven years that has ramped up since Samsung began building a $17 billion plant there in 2022.

According to local business owner Cliff Olle, trendy businesses including a Korean restaurant, 6,000sq ft arcade, speakeasy and art gallery have been popping up - a stark contrast to 15 years ago when he said 'downtown was completely dead.'

At the same time, millions of dollars have been invested in public services and infrastructure. Half of the more than $20million of sales tax revenue derived from Samsung plant's construction has been invested into services such as animal shelters, police equipment and public amenities.

The standout investment and improvement for some locals is the city's park system, which includes a new stadium with public fitness equipment inside.

'The landscape is just completely different,' said Olle, who has been operating businesses in Taylor along with his wife, Kaitlin, since 2008.

That year, the couple moved their wireless internet company to the city. He said that at the time, there were 'no businesses to speak of.'

The couple now operates apartment complexes in Taylor, and they are the proud owners of Old Taylor High, a high-school building that they converted into a retail center in 2018, which is home to dozens of local businesses.

The Samsung semiconductor plant began construction in 2022, and it has pumped huge amounts of money into the local economy of Taylor, Texas

Taylor is a small city in the Austin metropolitan area with a population of a little less than 18,000

Cliff and Kaitlin Olle have been running businesses in Taylor since 2008, and Cliff said the city has already changed dramatically. The couple are pictured with their children, Alaina and Mitchell

A passenger depot and wood burning engine shows what Taylor looked like in the late 1800s and early 1900s

Olle told the Daily Mail that in '2018, 2019, things were starting to pick up... When Samsung was announced, I mean, that just changed the landscape completely.'

Taylor was established as a railroad town in 1876, and it was appropriately named after Edward Moses Taylor, a railroad official.

The trains that ran through Taylor were key to its growth in the town's early years, but when the country's primary mode of transportation switched from rail to commercial and personal vehicles, the settlement suffered.

Evolving technology has spelled ups and downs for the city, which is now on the rise as it benefits from the rapidly growing demand for advanced computer chips that power artificial intelligence and factories to create them.

A Biden-era law called the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed in 2022, provided more than $52 billion in subsidies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, research and development.

In response, several tech giants began building plants in the US. Samsung was one of them, and it received up to $4.75 billion in federal support to construct the semiconductor plant in Taylor.

Tia Stone, president of the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, told Daily Mail: 'Our economic development corporation (EDC) was ready.

'When [Samsung] asked questions, other people were having to wait to get answers, and our EDC already knew the answers. I think theyd even already talked to landowners to see which ones would be interested in selling. I think they did that before Samsung even called them, because it really happened very quickly.'

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According to Olle, Taylor was already growing around 2018 and 2019, and things really began to pick up when the Samsung plant began construction in 2022

Taylor Seoul Food is an authentic Korean Restaurant in Taylor that rents its space from the Olles in Old Taylor High. The owner is a Korean woman who uses family recipes

Samsung has committed to investing at least $6 billion in buildings and other real property improvements in Taylor, and at least $11 billion in machinery and equipment.

It has also donated more than $3 million to the city, on top of the tens of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue Taylor has received from the project.

'Theyve been a great partner for our community. They've donated to our food banks. They've donated to multiple nonprofits and our school district,' said Stone.

Suppliers and construction workers for the plant's construction also pumped money into the local economy. Stone told the Daily Mail that activity has both attracted new businesses and stimulated existing ones.

'Our local printer who does T-shirts... he still does a lot of his stuff by hand, and when Samsung has an order, it changes the whole way he can operate it, because it's quantities that he's never dealt with before,' she said.

Samsung stated that in 2024, construction activity of the Taylor plant injected $8.6 billion into the local economy and created 8,868 direct and 9,768 indirect construction jobs, which is a total higher than the town's entire population.

The company also said operation at the site has thus far supported 3,664 jobs and pumped an additional $184 million into the economy. The plant is expected to directly create 1,800 high-tech jobs over the next ten years.

Delays in construction have extended the timeline for the plant to begin operation. It was supposed to start producing chips by the end of the year, but that projected start date has been pushed to the end of 2026.

Yesteryear remembered: The Missouri-Pacific Railroad in Taylor, Texas, in 1935

The CHIPS and Sciences Act, which provided billions of dollars in subsidies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, incentivized Samsung to build the plant in Taylor

Tia Stone is the president of the Taylor Chamber of Commerce. In regard to the city's boom, she said: 'You either grow, or you die'

The city negotiated an extension with Samsung that allowed the tech giant more time to complete the first phase of its construction while maintaining the tax breaks and government subsidies that drew the company there in the first place.

City leaders said the economic stimulation and high-paying jobs the plant will create for locals are worth the wait.

Samsung has said it is still on track to meet the 2026 deadline, but the plant is not expected to produce the maximum number of chips it is potentially capable of until 2028 or later.

Daniel Seguin, the communications director for the City of Taylor, told the Daily Mail: 'Samsung and the city of Taylor recently amended their agreements at the request of the city to provide additional benefits to the city of Taylor from utility providers on site, decrease inspection costs for the city, and to clarify expectations for Samsung's operational status.

'The new agreements require Samsung to install and commission $2 billion worth of equipment by the end of the 2026 calendar year.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Samsung for comment regarding the delays.

But Olle believes that despite the delay, the city is on the verge of a boom. 'What I see coming is hopefully more apartment complexes and more development like ours,' he said.

'Once Samsung goes live, that's when we're going to see that huge growth of Home Depots and Lowes and the large big box stores.

Taylor is home to a 6,000sq ft arcade. Locals hope that the city's growth could draw more businesses and continue to bolster existing ones

Sophia's Brocante is a home goods store popular with locals looking to decorate their houses

'You don't really see that growth until they're active. And then all that support business comes in, and then we're going to have those support companies for Samsung and chip manufacturing. You're going to have a whole bunch more businesses move in.'

Seguin said that the city currently has, 'thousands of living units... in various stages of development with over 900 currently under construction and over 6,000 in their final planning stages.'

The only caveat of the city's growth that both Olle and Stone presented to the Daily Mail was their desire to maintain the city's 'small-town charm.'

Some naysayers do not see the explosive growth as a positive and wish to keep Taylor a quaint place where everyone knows each other.

'But that ship has sailed, and now it's time to embrace it,' said Olle. Stone echoed his sentiment.

'You either grow, or you die,' she said.

But she also made sure to add: 'We are looking at all the ways you try to keep your charm as you grow. We are a community with an identity. We don't tell people that we live in Austin. We tell people we live in Taylor.'

Olle similarly said: 'My hope is that we thread the needle, and Taylor just continues its growth trajectory but keeps that small town feel.'

Cliff Olle said he hopes that Taylor will keep its growth trajectory while maintaining its small-town charm

Stone said she is 'optimistic' about the city's future and that all this economic development will revamp Taylor into a place where families can raise children who can find work locally when they get older and stay in the city, which was not the case for decades.

'Our civic leaders talked about... how some of their parents had to work out of town. That drive into Austin, 30 to 40 minutes is normal, but during rush hours, it's much extended,' she said.

'So it took some time away from their families, and a lot of them then decided to leave Taylor for a while. And this idea that we're gonna give our kids something, jobs to grow into, that's very exciting for our community.'
The most expensive home ever sold in the Hamptons went for $115 million and was purchased by a Ukrainian-born billionaire.

The sale to Len Blavatnik, who is now a duel British-American citizen worth $29.1 billion, went through on July 31, with the deed transfer first being reported by Behind The Hedges last week.

The mansion sits on 8.5 acres of land in Amagansett, a town on the south shore of Long Island that is about 13 miles away from Montauk.

The home boasts waterfront access, a large outdoor pool, and an incredibly long driveway lined with trees for maximum privacy.

It is one of the last estates of its kind on Further Lane, one of the most coveted and most expensive streets in the United States.

That's why the home commanded such a high price, according to a local luxury real estate broker that spoke to the New York Post.

The previous owner was Terry Semel, who served as chairman and CEO at both Yahoo and Warner Bros.

Semel bought the property in 2005 through an LLC, paying Blackstone founder Stephen A. Schwarzman $43 million for it, which was $1 million above the asking price.

The Hamptons home that was bought by a Ukrainian-born billionaire for $115 million. It is on a monied street in Amagansett

Len Blavatnik, a British-American businessman worth $29.1 billion, bought the home in July. He is the majority owner of Warner Music Group

The lengthy plot is one of the last that was available on Further Road. It last sold for $43 million in 2005

At the time, the Post reported that there was a five bedroom cottage on the property that was closer to the road than the main residence. That cottage now serves as a guesthouse.

Blavatnik, the new owner, holds a majority stake in Warner Music Group. His net worth makes him the 59th richest person in the world, according to Forbes.

Blavatnik's fortune largely came from his investment in a Russian oil company that paid him billions in stock dividends.

He later purchased Warner Music Group in 2011, then took the company public in June 2020.

Blavatnik and his wife, Emily Appelson, already own a property on Further Lane and an oceanfront mansion on Dune Road in Bridgehampton.

The couple's new neighbors include art dealer Larry Gagosian, Lorne Michaels and Jerry Seinfeld.

Blavatnik's home purchase is the first deal worth over $100 million in the Hamptons in about two years.

The most expensive home to be sold in the Hamptons before this was a 42-acre Watermill estate for $105 million in 2021.
With cocoa becoming more expensive and having such a damaging effect on the planet, it's clear we need more options when it comes to enjoying chocolate.

And a company called California Cultured may just have an answer.

The American firm is developing sustainable chocolate  by growing it in the lab from harvested cocoa cells.

CEO Alan Perlstein wants to provide everyone with 'real high quality chocolate at an affordable price'  and it could be on shelves by the end of the decade.

'The cultivation of chocolate has led to destruction of much of the untouched tropical forests of the world,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Now, with cocoa shortages as well as quality issues we're seeing poor imitations taking the place of our childhood classics.

'We can basically change all of that with the technology we're developing.'

California Cultured has sent me a small sample to try about the size of a coffee bean  and it beats the low-quality stuff pumped with palm oil that's coating our biscuits.

California Cultured has sent me a small sample of lab-grown chocolate to try - about the size of a coffee bean

Our love for chocolate relies on a tree called Theobroma cacao, which thrives under specific conditions such as high humidity and abundant rain.

The plant's seeds (cocoa beans) are used to make cocoa solids and cocoa butter  the primary ingredients of chocolate.

To make lab-grown chocolate, the team at California Cultured take cells from cocoa beans and 'cultivate' or grow them on plates in the lab featuring a 'food' of nutrients and sugars.

The cells are kept alive and replicate in the nutrient mix until there are enough to be used for chocolate  typically just days instead of the months or even years it takes to grow and harvest cacao the conventional way.

'We're able to trick the plant cells into thinking it's still in the ground and we trick the cells into growing infinitely,' Perlstein told the Daily Mail.

'After a certain level of growth we're able to harvest that and transform it into chocolate.'

The little sample the team send me is made up of lab-grown cultured cocoa powder, sugar and cocoa butter.

The first thing I notice is it starts to melt on the finger just like the real thing  a good sign that it's authentic.

The worlds first lab-grown chocolate was developed by Swiss researchers back in 2021 - but California Cultured wants to be the first to get it on the shelves

The American firm is developing sustainable chocolate - by growing it in the lab from harvested cocoa cells, Pictured, broken up cacao seeds

As it melts on my tongue, I'm struck by how familiar it tastes  a bit bitter, not too sweet, and with a faint vegetal tang.

It doesn't quite match up to what I'd say is the best chocolate I've ever tasted  York Cocoa Works from the UK's 'chocolate city'  which is sweet, rich and complex.

However, it's vastly superior to the cheap rubbish that is now ubiquitous in advent calendars and coating our chocolate biscuits.

If I'd tried this sample without knowing what it was, I'd probably have said there was something different about it  but couldn't have told you what.

According to Perlstein, people will be able to buy California Cultured's product in the shops from around 2028.

He admits that in the beginning when it first hits the shelves lab-grown chocolate is 'going to be expensive'  between $15-$20 (11-15)  but as production is expanded they're 'going to be able to bring the price down'.

'Our intent is to make sure that we bring the price down to more conventional and traditional levels of chocolate products within probably four years of bringing the product to market,' he told the Daily Mail.

Their method could also be used to make lab-grown coffee.

The firm says: 'We select cells from the finest cacao varieties and use a natural fermentation process to produce premium, hyper-clean, contaminant-free cocoa'

Cacao plants can only grow within approximately 20 degrees north and south of the equator - and they thrive under specific conditions such as high humidity and abundant rain

Currently, production of cocoa is limited to the tropics  the hot, humid region of the Earth that surrounds the equator.

Even then, a few countries dominate commercial production, including Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria in west Africa, Indonesia in Asia and Ecuador in South America.

But lab-grown chocolate has the advantage of being potentially made anywhere.

Perlstein wants to grow it close to where consumers live  as opposed to distant rainforests  so they can 'see it and understand it' prior to tasting, blurring the boundary between laboratory and visitor attraction.

The worlds first lab-grown chocolate was developed by Swiss researchers back in 2021  but California Cultured wants to be the first to get it on the shelves.

'We're trying to reinvent this really important ingredient that has not really advanced in over 100 years,' he told the Daily Mail.

'We're very impatient to bring it to the market.'
What would happen if the sun started to dim?

Scientists have revealed the terrifying answer to this question, which is the subject of the upcoming science fiction blockbuster, Project Hail Mary.

The film, based on a novel of the same name by The Martian author, Andy Weir, follows a lone scientist on a mission to uncover why the sun is dimming.

In the movie, which is set to hit cinemas in March 2026, the sun's brightness is predicted to fall one per cent in a year and five per cent in 20 years.

These numbers might sound small.

But in reality, scientists say that these changes would be more than enough to wipe out humanity.

Professor David Stevenson, a planetary scientist from the California Institute of Technology, told Daily Mail: 'Extinguishing life on Earth would take a long time even if you eliminated solar energy because we know of organisms that live underground.

'But extinguishing humans could happen fast, especially since humans are not rational creatures for the most part.'

In Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling (pictured) plays a lone scientist sent on a mission to find out why the sun is dimming. But what would really happen if the sun did start to fade?

What happens when the sun starts to dim?

At a distance of around 93 million miles (150 million kilometres) from Earth, the sun delivers about 1,365 Watts per square metre of energy, which scientists call the solar constant.

About 30 per cent of that energy is reflected back into space, while the remainder is absorbed, warming the Earth's atmosphere and surface.

Currently, our planet is holding on to more energy than it loses  but it wouldn't take much to tip the balance.

If the sun's brightness were to drop or if something prevented our atmosphere from absorbing the energy, then Earth could start to rapidly cool.

Professor Lucie Green, an expert on the sun from University College London, told Daily Mail: 'The Sun does naturally vary in brightness, but not by very much!

'The technical term is total solar irradiance. This is slightly variable, with the variability being a result of changes during the Suns 11year sunspot cycle.'

These fluctuations are barely noticeable on Earth, but there have been much more dramatic shifts in the past.

The sun's output does naturally dip on an 11year cycle that coincides with the number of sunspots appearing on the surface. However, these changes aren't enough to cool Earth dramatically

What would happen if the sun started to dim If the sun started to dim, the total energy Earth receives would fall. Eventually, Earth would start to lose more energy to the vacuum of space than it was gaining from the sun. After this point, Earth would begin to rapidly cool. Around 0.6C (1.1 F) of cooling would start to cause crops to fail in Europe due to a lack of warm weather. By the time temperatures fell by 2C (3.6F), widespread famine could kill billions of people. When global temperatures fall 6C (10.8F) lower, the Earth would enter a new Ice Age, and glaciers would cover most of the Northern Hemisphere. By the time the sun was completely gone, temperatures would fall to 73C (100F) and all life on Earth would go extinct. Advertisement

Between 1645 and 1715, the sun went through a 70year quiet period known as the Maunder Minimum.

At the same time, the Earth entered a period known as the Little Ice Age, during which temperatures in Northern Europe fell by between 0.6C (1.1 F) and 2C (3.6F).

Although the sun was only delivering 0.22 per cent less energy, some researchers think that this change was partially responsible for the deadly chill.

If Project Hail Mary's predictions came true and the sun's radiation continued to fall by one per cent, the results would soon become catastrophic.

As Earth would be losing more energy into space than it gained from the sun, global temperatures would soon fall several degrees below average.

Worryingly, Earth's history shows that even relatively small changes in the planet's average temperature can have a massively outsized impact.

During the Little Ice Age, less than a degree Celsius of cooling led to mass famine throughout Northern Europe.

Cold winters and cool summers led to crop failures, while the sea became so cold that Norse colonies in Greenland were cut off by the ice and collapsed through starvation.

In Project Hail Mary, the teacher turned astronaut Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling (pictured), learns that the sun will cool by one per cent in a year

According to a recent study, global cooling of just 1.8C (3.25F) would cut production of maize, wheat, soybeans and rice to fall by as much as 11 per cent.

As crop production failed due to cold weather and a lack of sunlight, mass famine would grip the world, killing 5.3 billion people in just two years.

However, if Project Hail Mary came true and the sun cooled by one to five per cent in 20 years, the effects on the climate would be even more devastating.

In Project Hail Mary, the teacher turned astronaut Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling in the upcoming film, remarks: 'That would mean an ice age. Like... right away. Instant ice age.'

That might sound dramatic, but scientists agree that it might not take much cooling for ice to reclaim the world.

According to a recent study from the University of Arizona, the average temperature during the last Ice Age, 20,000 years ago, was just 6C (10.8F) colder than today.

During this time, glaciers covered about half of North America, Europe and South America and many parts of Asia.

Dr Becky Smethurst, astrophysicist at the University of Oxford, told Daily Mail: 'A drop in energy of one per cent from the Sun would trigger a new Ice Age on Earth, with the polar ice caps expanding further towards the equator.

Just like the 2004 movie 'The Day After Tomorrow' (pictured), these major changes to the Earth's climate would eventually culminate in a new Ice Age that could wipe out life on Earth

According to a recent study from the University of Arizona, the average temperature during the last Ice Age, 20,000 years ago, was just 6C (10.8F) colder than today. This means it might not take much cooling for icy conditions to return

'Many ecosystems would collapse as the weather changed, farming would fail, and there would be severe food shortages. As a species, humans would likely survive this change thanks to modern technology, although we'd most likely be living underground.'

What would happen if the sun completely cooled?

Although humanity might be able to survive a global ice age, the situation would be very different if the sun completely vanished.

Within a week, the Earth's surface would fall below 18C (0F) and within a year it would dip below 73C (100F).

Eventually, after cooling for millions of years, the planet would stabilise at a frigid 240C (400F).

However, humanity would be long gone well before the planet ever got to that point.

Some humans might be able to cling on in the deepest parts of the ocean, using hydrothermal vents for warmth.

But once the oceans freeze over, there would be very little hope for anyone to survive.

In the original novel of Project Hail Mary, written by The Martian author Andy Weir, scientists make the terrifying prediction that the sun's brightness will fall one per cent in a year and five per cent in 20 years. If this were true, then humanity would very likely be destroyed

Dr Alexander James, a solar scientist from University College London, told Daily Mail: 'From a fundamental viewpoint, if the Sun completely faded, there would be no more light, meaning all our green plant life would be unable to photosynthesise.

'That means plants would not be producing oxygen, which, of course, we need to live. Temperatures would also plummet, so I dont see how the majority of life as we know it would be able to survive without our Sun.'

Could this ever really happen?

Thankfully, scientists say there's no way that the sun could cool as fast as in Project Hail Mary.

Although the sun's activity does fluctuate, even in the most extreme events and quiet periods, the effects are not dramatic.

For example, many scientists have questioned how much the Maunder Minimum really contributed to the Little Ice Age during the 17th Century.

While most experts agree that a decline in solar activity did contribute to the cooling, other factors, such as volcanic activity, likely played a bigger role.

Additionally, most of the sun's natural variations are on a much smaller scale.

Luckily for us, the sun is so large that it cannot physically cool as quickly as Project Hail Mary suggests. Experts say the sun would only cool by one per cent in a million years if the core completely stopped producing energy

The amount of energy arriving from the sun usually only drops by 0.1 per cent during the solar cycle.

While large sunspots, cool regions on the solar surface, might cause a temporary dip as low as 0.25 per cent below average, this is nowhere near the five per cent change of Project Hail Mary.

In fact, many scientists believe that the sun cannot physically cool this fast.

Professor Michael Lockwood, a space environment physicist from the University of Reading, told Daily Mail: 'About half of the Sun's mass is in the radiative and convection zones outside the core  that is about a thousand, billion, billion, billion, billion kilograms.'

This enormous mass acts like a heat sink, storing colossal amounts of energy that would take billions of years to dissipate.

Professor Lockwood says: 'Roughly speaking, if the core ceased producing any energy, the power emitted by the Sun would only have dropped by about one per cent a million years later.

'Scientifically, anything faster than that is nonsense.'

So, even if the sun does start giving out on us, we will have plenty of time to find a better solution than sending out Ryan Gosling on a spaceship.
Ethiopian diplomats complete online Chinese language training program

Xinhua) 10:41, November 29, 2025

ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony has been held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, to mark the completion of an online Chinese language training program for young Ethiopian diplomats.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Amha Hailegiorgis, deputy director general for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific countries' affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the program goes beyond language skills. It is about forging new bridges of understanding between the two nations and building mutual respect and trust.

Sun Mingxi, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ethiopia.

"We look forward to working together to deepen the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia and bring benefits to the people of both countries," Sun said.

Since April, a total of 17 young Ethiopian diplomats have completed the 40-hour online Chinese language training provided by teachers from the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University (AAU).

"Although we are still at the beginning level, we all find learning Chinese to be an interesting and inspiring experience. Through this course, we not only learned the basic skills, but also deepened our understanding and friendship with China," said Makida Amare in her valedictorian speech.

The program was jointly organized by the Ethiopian foreign ministry, the AAU, and the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, according to Gao Lili, head of the Confucius Institute of the AAU.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
Petro Poroshenko delivered 10 Ai-Petri electronic counterintelligence systems to National Guard units. This is the final batch of equipment contracted for the NGU. Another 5 installations were transferred to army specialists of the PDTI. The defenders also received charging stations, generators, and electronics.

"We have fully fulfilled our agreements with the National Guard of Ukraine and provided the units with Ai-Petri systems. This was important cooperation, since the National Guard also bears responsibility for protecting critical infrastructure," the political partys website reported.

Today, under the contract, we are handing over the remaining ten of the 30 modernized systems designed to counter enemy strike and reconnaissance drones. Another five systems are going to the PDTI unit. The Ai-Petri installations not only protect the lives of our soldiers on the front line, but also preserve the integrity of civilian facilities that have become enemy targets, noted the fifth president.

Unfortunately, the country lives in two worlds: the corrupt one, which works for the enemy, and ours, which helps the Armed Forces. It is good that yesterday the president took a decisive step to get rid of Yermakism. A step to restore the trust of the front in the rear, of society in the government, and of our partners in Ukraine, Poroshenko stated.

I am confident that the anti-corruption system created by our team, including the SAP, NABU, and the High Anti-Corruption Court, will bring cases to completion, and all those involved in this shameful corruption scandal will be punished. They must be eradicated from the government, from central executive bodies, including financial intelligence, said the leader of European Solidarity.

Our team will continue its work: producing equipment, financing, and supplying the Armed Forces. As today, when together with Ai-Petri we shipped generators, charging stations, Starlinks, tablets, and other electronics to the guys, because this will make their work easier, Petro Poroshenko summed up.

Since autumn 2023, Petro Poroshenko has invested over 200 million hryvnias in the production of unique Ai-Petri SV counterintelligence systems, which successfully passed testing and are used by the Armed Forces, covering a thousand kilometers of the frontline. For a long time, the state did not allocate funding for this program. In March 2025, Poroshenko announced a contract with the Ministry of Defense.

In total, Poroshenko has already delivered about two hundred Ai-Petri SV counterintelligence systems to the troops. During this time, we managed to cover a thousand kilometers of the front and save many lives. There is much to be proud of, but there is still a lot of work ahead, concluded the leader of European Solidarity.
The first ever map in the Bible still influences how we think about borders today  despite being printed the wrong way round 500 years ago, a new study reveals.

Nathan MacDonald, professor of theology at the University of Cambridge, has analysed the map published in a rare copy of the Bible from 1525.

It shows the Holy Land  the revered region of the Middle East where the events of the Bible are purported to have happened.

It isn't at all geographically accurate, showing the Mediterranean to the east of Palestine rather than the west, and it has a distinctly Europeanlooking landscape.

However, it led a revolution to create maps with clearly marked territorial divisions and made people appreciate land could be separated into boundaries.

Maps with borders had been published before 1525 but not in the Bible, according to Professor MacDonald.

'Dividing maps into territories is a novelty in early modern maps, and becomes increasingly common, and today is ubiquitous,' he told the Daily Mail.

'This map is simultaneously one of publishing's greatest failures and triumphs.'

Very few of Christopher Froschauers 1525 Old Testament survive in libraries around the world. Trinity College Cambridges Wren Library cares for one of the rare survivors (pictured)

This map of the Holy Land  the region of Israel and Palestine  was drawn by German Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder.

It was included as a fold-out in a 1525 Old Testament Bible published by Christopher Froschauer, a book printer based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Very few of Christopher Froschauers 1525 Old Testament survive in libraries around the world, although Trinity College Cambridges Wren Library has one of them.

The map shows Israel divided into the 12 historical tribes  Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

The 12 tribes represent the foundation of God's chosen people and the 'inheritance of all things by Christians'  making it a map of 'significant symbolic resonance'.

'In the biblical book of Genesis, the Israelites are said to be descended from 12 sons of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham,' Professor MacDonald told the Daily Mail.

'Different parts of the Promised Land are later allocated to the different tribes.

'Within Christianity, the language of the tribes was adopted so that Christians could claim to be the true heirs of Abraham, rather than the Jews.'

Nathan MacDonald, professor of theology at the University of Cambridge, argues the inclusion of Cranachs fold-out map was a pivotal moment in the Bibles history

Very few of Christopher Froschauers 1525 Old Testament survive in libraries around the world, although Trinity College Cambridges Wren Library has one of them

When was the Bible written and how is it organised? The Christian Bible was not written in one go, but in fact is a collection of writings, the earliest dating back nearly 3,500 years. It is made up of the Old Testament (otherwise known as the Hebrew Bible) and the morerecentlypenned New Testament. The Old Testament was written at different times in an approximately 900yearperiod, started in about 1200 BC and completed in about the first century BC. In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the Old Testament includes writings considered apocryphal by Protestants. The New Testament was written during a much shorter period, during the last half of the first century AD, it's believed. The New Testament contains four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Acts, 21 letters, and Revelation. Advertisement

The map also shows the 'stations of the wilderness wanderings'  where the Israelites stopped during their 40year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

According to Professor MacDonald, the map did borrow ideas from those that came before. It followed the example of older medieval maps, which divided the territory of Israel into clear strips of land.

'Modern maps like the ones were familiar with (i.e. with longitude and latitude) had been printed since the 1480s,' Professor MacDonald told the Daily Mail.

'They were some of the most popular early printed books, but they were expensive and prestigious items that would have been restricted to the wealthiest.'

However, in 1525, printing Bibles with maps was a novelty.

At the time, mapmakers had extremely limited information on what the boundaries of these territories might have been, so there were bound to be inaccurate.

In his paper, published in The Journal of Theological Studies, Professor MacDonald argues the inclusion of Cranachs map was a pivotal moment in the Bibles history and deserves greater recognition.

Its greatest legacy may be how it contributed to the way people started to think about borders.

Its boundaries depicted the spiritual inheritance that Christians were to possess, rather than today's more 'political' maps that show where one nation begins and another one ends.

Cranachs map followed the example of older medieval maps (not published in the Bible) which divided the territory of Israel into clear strips of land. Pictured, the Modern Map of the Holy Land from a reprinting of Ptolemys Cosmographia dating to the 1480s

'Dividing the Holy Land into tribal territories did not communicate political sovereignty as borderlines came to mean but communicated religious claims to the holy sites and the religious inheritance of Judaism,' the academic told the Daily Mail.

'Essentially, over several centuries borders on maps came to mean something very different  not spiritual inheritance, but political sovereignty.

Of course, it wasn't the only major shift in the Bible's long history.

Better known changes include the move from scroll to 'codex'  what we now know as the modern book with a stack of pages bound together.

There was also the creation of the first portable singlevolume Bible (The Paris Bible) in the 13th century and the addition of chapters and verses since the mid16th century.

Fastforward to the present day and the digital revolution is also transforming the way people encounter the Bible.

'Many people are encountering the Bible as an electronic text without some of the traditional elements that have accompanied the Bible (like maps),' Professor MacDonald said.

'There is the proliferation of various Bibles for different audiences  young peoples Bibles, women and mens Bibles  which often have different introductions, side bars, charts and guides.

'The Bible has never been an unchanging book  it is constantly transforming.'
A massive winter storm stretching nearly 1,200 miles across the northern United States is plunging 42 million Americans into weather chaos as millions embark on post-Thanksgiving travel on Sunday, one of the busiest travel days of the entire year.

Winter storm warnings and advisories now span from Montana to New York, according to the National Weather Service, as a dangerous cocktail of snow, rain, ice and brutal cold tears across the northern Plains, the Great Lakes and the interior Northeast.

The timing could not be worse. More than 81.8 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more over the holiday period, according to AAA - and the worst of the storm will now coincide with the massive rush to return-home.

The Transportation Security Administration has already sounded the alarm, saying it expects to screen more than 3 million travelers on Sunday alone.

Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy TSA administrator, warned in a statement: 'We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history.'

Airlines are already bracing for impact. Airlines for America predicts US carriers will fly a record 31 million passengers from last Friday through next Monday - just as snow and ice threaten to cripple major hubs.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the TSA has finally returned to full staffing after the government shutdown that previously forced flight reductions - but staffing alone may not be enough to outrun the storm.

The system has already dumped snow across the northern Plains and Great Lakes and continued marching east on Friday. Iowa and Illinois were taking the brunt, with six inches to more than a foot of snow expected in west-central Illinois between Friday night and Saturday night.

Storm warnings and advisories extended from Montana to New York, the National Weather Service said meaning up to 42 million people could be impacted by the storm. Pictured, Drivers struggle in Barrie, Ontario

A snowplow operates outside a church in Lowville, New York on Friday

More than 81.8 million people were predicted to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, AAA said

Forecasters say the storm does not yet meet official blizzard criteria - usually defined as winds over 35 mph, visibility under a quarter mile and sustained for more than three hours - but the impacts may feel blizzard-like for millions.

Chicago, one of the nations most critical air-travel chokepoints , could be buried under 8 to 12 inches of snow or more, according to meteorologist Andrew Kozak, who spoke with CBS News.

Heavy snow is expected Saturday, threatening a domino effect of airport delays across the country.

The deepest snow totals measuring a foot or more are forecast downwind of Lake Superior across Michigans northern Lower Peninsula and near lakes Erie and Ontario, the weather service said.

Central New York could also be hit with a foot of snow, while parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan may exceed that by Saturday.

Snow squalls may produce sudden whiteout driving conditions across the interior Northeast, and the NWS winter storm severity index has already warned of highly dangerous travel in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois from Friday afternoon into the night.

Out west, snow and rain are sweeping into the Pacific Northwest and Rockies Friday night, tapering in those regions Saturday, but the system will continue charging into the Midwest just as travelers pour onto highways and into airports.

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Out west, snow and rain are sweeping into the Pacific Northwest and Rockies Friday night into Saturday

To the south, the storm turns wet and volatile, with heavy rain and flash flooding possible Saturday across the western Gulf Coast

On Saturday, widespread snow will fall in the upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes leading to both snow-covered, slippery roads and significant flight delays, especially at Chicago-O'Hare. By nightfall, the wintry mess will spread eastwards

By Monday the storm will have moved into the East with rain and a wintry mix most likely along the east coast - but it could still lead to significant flight delays in the major East Coast hubs

Snow is expected to last well into the weekend in some areas with Iowa and Illinois getting the brunt of it. Pictured, A man uses a snowblower to clear a driveway in Lefroy, Ontario on Friday

A truck passes the local theater in Lowville, New York in Friday. The town is not far from the Canadian border

The Transportation Security Administration said the agency is planning to screen more than 3 million travelers on Sunday. Pictured, passengers at Chicago O'Hare on Wednesday

More than 81.8 million people were predicted to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Pictured, travelers wait in line at a TSA checkpoint in Houston

To the south, the storm turns wet and volatile, with heavy rain and flash flooding possible Saturday across the western Gulf Coast.

Temperatures are plunging nationwide.

While highs on Friday hovered in the 20s and 30s across the Midwest, the 30s and 40s in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, and only the 40s and 50s in the Southeast - the bitter cold could worsen icy road conditions and create further travel misery.
If you're questioning what is or what isn't 'cool' then you're definitely not and probably never will be.

But if you want to join the 'in crowd', how do you go about it? How do you meet these gate keepers?

A start is heading to the planet's edgiest enclaves - where people go to sip on obnoxiously expensive matcha (with oat milk, obviously), glare at you beneath vintage sunglasses and judge you for your trainers - no one wears Adidas Sambas anymore.

Thankfully, two of the world's 31 hippest high streets just happen to be in Britain, according to culture bible Timeout.

From New York to Tokyo, each road offers an array of high-end restaurants, low-fi listening bars and curated coffee shops, with two streets in the UK given the prestigious title.

While east London would have been an obvious destination, they selected 'edgier' streets - Northdown Road in Margate and Blackstock Road in north London.

But what makes a road cool?

To find out if they're actually worth a visit, the Daily Mail headed to Kent and north London.

Pictured: Northdown Road, Margate, it made Timeout's top 31 coolest roads in the world

Pictured: Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, which made Timeout's list

Pictured: Blackstock Road, London, it made Timeout's top 31 coolest roads in the world

Pictured: Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, which made Timeout's top 31 coolest roads in the world list

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Northdown Road, Margate

It probably won't come as a surprise that Margate made the list. Since the pandemic it has become a magnet for gentrifying Londoners, garnering the nickname 'Shoreditch-on-Sea'.

But Northdown Road is not the cobbled beachfront of the Old Town district that typically attracts hipster creatives from Dalston and Islington.

The 1.7 mile strip has a mix of residential properties and shops. While it is dotted with a few vintage stores, wine bars and considered cafes, they feel more sporadic than the norm.

Instead, like most high streets in Britain, traffic is horrendous, and the few upmarket shops are overshadowed by supermarkets, Turkish barbers and betting shops.

Meanwhile, uber trendy artistes lounging on the curb were nowhere to be found, most people sauntering up the street were completing daily tasks.

Julia Bridge has lived in the area for 20 years and told the Daily Mail she was 'shocked' to see her haunt on the list.

'I can't believe they've said this road is the coolest,' Julia Bridge said. 'I walk up and down this road everyday and there are some good little shops, but it can be rough.'

She added: 'The road used to be renowned for ladies dress shops and then it got a bit bad, there would be thugs up and down it.

Tim Connolly, (pictured) who runs an organic produce store said he's noticed a huge increase in 'creatives' moving to the area, driving demand for independent stores

Pictured: A kitsch florist on Northdown Road. The 1.7 mile strip has a mix of residential properties and shops

Pictured: The inside of a curated cafe on Northdown Road. The couple of indie-poster clad cafes that offer a range of gluten free and vegan sweet treats, charge 3.50 for a cappuccino

'I do feel quite safe here now and there are a variety of one-off shops, you've got an awful lot of options.'

Northdown Road runs between Margate's old town and Cliftonville, according to Time Out it 'fell on hard times in the 1980s and has been making a slow-and-steady comeback ever since'.

They claim it is 'edgy' and feels like 'east London' and that is certainly reflected in the prices.

The couple of indie band poster clad cafes that offer a range of gluten free and vegan sweet treats, charge 3.50 for a cappuccino, 3 for a fresh loaf of sourdough and roughly 8.50 for a toastie.

However, available pints are on the slightly cheaper side averaging at 5.80 and the limited selection of cozy pubs or selective wine bars they're available in feel chic, meanwhile houses average at around 400k.

Tim Connolly, who runs an organic produce store said he's noticed a huge increase in 'creatives' moving to the area, driving demand for independent stores.

'It's surprising that a small town in the corner of the UK has made the list, but since Covid the area's been growing.

'A lot of people are moving here from London, bringing a new demand for things like organic produce.'

Pictured: A general view of Northdown Road. Houses average at around 400,000

Julia Bridge (pictured) has lived in the area for 20 years and told the Daily Mail she was 'shocked' to see her haunt on the list

So could you spend an entire day on Northcote Road? Yes.

Anyone looking to grab a coffee, drink or meal at an independent restaurant can certainly do that, but they wouldn't be spoilt for choice.

The same goes for browsing, after searching a couple antique furniture stores and clothing shops time may run out fast.

VERDICT: ALMOST COOL

In saying that, the street is brimming with potential and now it's been put on the map it will likely attract some young 'creatives' and truly live up to its 'cool' factor.

Blackstock Road, London

The bustling north London road has made headlines recently, but that has more to do with its skyrocketing crime rates than the 'hip-yet friendly' bars.

Time Out have crowned this stretch as 'cool' because 'you can travel the world without leaving N4'.

And that is true. From the traditional Jewish bagel shop serving up smoked salmon, to the Algerian cake store with queues outside, cheap and cheerful bites are plentiful.

However, locals have been left confused how their childhood delis and traditional butchers have been branded as 'cool'.

'Everyone that lives round here was laughing when they saw Blackstock Road on that list,' local Sarah told the Daily Mail.

'There are some really good places to eat but I was surprised, there's lots of crime.'

Family businesses dominate the high street, alongside supermarkets, a library, homes and convenience stores.

While the area is certainly buzzing, there is a sense that if a tourist were to arrive they would feel like they had been thrown into an episode of Line of Duty.

Pictured: A general view of Blackstock Road. Locals have been left extremely confused how their childhood delis and traditional butchers have been branded as 'cool'

Pictured: A 'trendy' pizza shop on Blackstock Road. Family businesses dominate the high street, alongside supermarkets, a library, homes and convenience stores

Pictured: Homes on Blackstock Road. House prices average at 460,000, a 'bargain' in comparison to the rest of the capital

Litter lines the street, cute coffee shops associated with 'trendy' London are nowhere to be found and small plates restaurants are almost impossible to find.

By the standards of Time Out, it is unlikely the charm of the road is enough to overpower the litany of supermarkets, making one wonder how Blackstock Road has made the 'cool' list.

Dingy pubs, lacking intentional decor, charge a steep, but sadly typical for London, 7.20 for a pint. While there's nothing wrong with traditional bars, it does make one consider if labelling a standard English institution as 'cool' is cheating.

Meanwhile, house prices average at 460k, a 'bargain' in comparison to the rest of the capital.

Yet it speaks volumes, to the essence of Blackstock Road.

VERDICT: COOL BUT ONLY TO LOCALS

It is a standard street, with a community going about their everyday lives, but now, thanks to its new status, locals may have to barge past hipsters to grab a bagel on a Sunday morning.
Ryanair has scrapped its membership scheme after the airline revealed it was forking out more in discounts than the money generated from subscriptions.

The budget airline launched the 'Prime' service to customers in April, promising jetsetters the chance to save up to 351 a year.

For a fee of 66, subscribers were treated to a number of perks, including reserved seats, free travel insurance and access to member-exclusive seat sales.

But today Ryanair announced 'Prime' would not be continued.

Some 55,000 people signed up to the service and 3.8million was generated for the company - but a whopping 5.3m was handed out in discounts.

Chief marketing officer Dara Brady said: 'Over the years, customers have asked for a Ryanair members scheme, so we trialled this 'Prime' scheme over the last 8 months.

'To date, we have signed up over 55,000 Prime members, generating over 4.4m (3.8m) in subscription fees.

'However, our Prime members have received over 6m (5.3m) in fare discounts, so this trial has cost more money than it generates.

Ryanair has scrapped its Prime membership scheme after the airline revealed it was forking out more in discounts than the money generated from subscriptions

'This level of memberships, or subscription revenue does not justify the time and effort it takes to launch monthly exclusive Prime seat sales for our 55,000 Prime members.'

The low-cost airline added that those who signed up can continue to have access to 'exclusive flight and seat savings for the remainder of their 12-month membership.'

Ryanair's latest announcement comes a week after revealing it is no longer operating flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, with the destination having been removed from its online map.

The airline said it had been impacted by higher rates charged by Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport for use of the main terminal, while the cheaper low-cost terminal remains closed for security reasons.

Ryanair also grounded flights next year to a popular Portuguese destination - because of EU taxes.

The Irish low-cost airline revealed it would not be running flights to and from the Azores, Portugal's mid-Atlantic archipelago, from March 29 next year.

The budget carrier said the decision had been made because of increased Air Traffic Control charges, a new 2 travel tax and high airport fees.

The move will result in a loss of six different routes to and from the Azores, which, in total, carried 400,000 passengers a year.

The low-cost airline added that those who signed up to 'Prime' can continue to have access to 'exclusive flight and seat savings for the remainder of their 12-month membership'

Ryanair hit out at 'French airport monopoly ANA' which they claim 'has no plan to grow low-fare connectivity to the Azores' and is responsible for the airport fees.

The airline called for the Portuguese government to 'intervene' and make sure the country's airports 'benefit' locals instead.

And last month, Ryanair announced it would scrap 24 routes to and from Germany, cutting nearly 800,000 seats in total.

It comes as tensions rise over what the airline describes as an 'exorbitant' air travel tax.

Ryanair, which describes itself as Europe's number one airline, said the move will affect nine German airports, including Berlin, Hamburg and Memmingen, while Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig will remain closed.

As a result, Ryanair's overall capacity in Germany will fall below Winter '24 levels.

The low-cost airline blames the government policies for damaging the country's competitiveness within the European market.
Blue Moon

Matthew Bond

Cert: 15, 1hr 40mins

Rating:

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein are generally considered to be titans of the American musical, responsible for such classics as The Sound Of Music, The King And I and South Pacific. But what about Rodgers and Hart?

Thats not so easy. Did lyricist Hart come before or after Hammerstein? What was Harts first name? And why did their partnership end?

Blue Moon is the film that answers all those questions, shedding some much-needed light on the life, talent and miserable death of Lorenz Hart, the lyricist responsible for not just the iconic song of the title but songbook hits such as My Funny Valentine, Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered and Bridget Joness personal anthem, Have You Met Miss Jones?

In the process, it gives Ethan Hawke one of the best parts hes had in years and, boy, does he rise to the occasion, giving a performance that surely must secure major award nominations.

Yes, hes helped by tinted contact lenses, a hideous dyed comb-over and director Richard Linklaters inspired efforts to make him look ten inches shorter than he actually is (Hart was barely five feet tall), but this is still acting of the highest order.

With virtually all the action taking place in Sardis, the legendary New York restaurant, theres no denying Blue Moon has a static theatricality to it.

Blue Moon sheds light on the life of Lorenz Hart, the lyricist responsible for not just the iconic song of the title but songbook hits such as My Funny Valentine, Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered (pictured: Margaret Qualley and Ethan Hawke)

Andrew Scott (pictured) plays Rodgers and Margaret Qualley is a bright young undergraduate

It has a wordy but deliciously witty screenplay too; even in his cups the loquacious Hart could turn a phrase.

And this particular night, he needs to as its the opening night of Oklahoma!, the first musical that composer Rodgers wrote with Hammerstein rather than him.

His role is not to get too drunk, paint on a smile and try and concentrate on the beautiful, blonde and much younger Yale student he has so improbably, nay tragically, fallen in love with.

Hawke is brilliant as a fragile man who, deep down, knows his race may be run and is helped by beautifully judged support from Andrew Scott as Rodgers and Margaret Qualley as the bewitching, bewildering Elizabeth.

Almost painfully poignant, its one of the must-sees of this awards season.

Almost painfully poignant, its one of the must-sees of this awards season

Hart is played, wonderfully, by Ethan Hawke, with Linklater using some tricksy sleights of camera to make the averagely tall Hawke look as short as Hart was (less than 5ft)

Brian Viner

Rating:

Lorenz Hart was the brilliant, tortured lyricist whose partnership with Richard Rodgers yielded some of the last centurys most enduring songs, including The Lady Is A Tramp and My Funny Valentine.

Another provides the title of Richard Linklaters absorbing film Blue Moon.

Linklater and screenwriter Robert Kaplow cleverly use the events of a single evening  March 31, 1943  to tell us the story of Harts career and descent into the alcoholism that would kill him a few months later, aged 48.

He is played, wonderfully, by Ethan Hawke, with Linklater using some tricksy sleights of camera to make the averagely tall Hawke look as short as Hart was (less than 5ft).

That night, the musical Oklahoma! opened with great fanfare on Broadway.

But Rodgers had teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein to write it, because Hart had proved so hard to work with.

After the premiere, at Sardis restaurant nearby, Harts bitterness sloshes out.

Bobby Cannavale plays the Sardis bartender, with Andrew Scott as Rodgers and Margaret Qualley as a bright young undergraduate, the object of Harts decidedly creepy infatuation.

The acting is wonderful, but really this rather theatrical film is all about the dialogue: a bit smart-alecky at times but crafted with manifest respect for our intelligence, which always feels flattering.

Blue Moon was released in cinemas on October 24.
Richard Madeley sparked major debate on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after delivering a blistering critique of the judging panel.

The Good Morning Britain host, appeared on Friday night's episode hosted by Fleur East, and took aim at what he sees as unfair treatment towards EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal - and he didn't mince his words.

Richard insisted Balvinder has been 'consistently underrated and underserved,' arguing that despite 'good scores,' she continues to be 'underscored by the judges' and unfairly overlooked by viewers.

He added that he's 'never understood' why she keeps landing in the bottom two, saying he believes she's 'one of the best' celebrities left in the competition.

But while he championed her natural ability, Richard who appeared on the sofa alongside Dragons Den Sara Davies and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, admitted he had doubts about her upcoming Jive, suggesting the fast choreography may not suit her.

He said: 'I'm not sure the jive is a natural dance for her. She's full of warmth and grace and charm. She's beautiful when she moves around. I'm not sure the jive is her thing. I think she'll struggle a bit. I don't think she'll get a 10.'

Richard Madeley sparked major debate on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after delivering a blistering critique of the judging panel

His outspoken comments immediately lit up social media, with many viewers applauding him for saying what they've been thinking.

Taking to X they wrote: 'I actually kind of get where Richard is coming from with the Jive regarding Bal if Im being honest. Bal is warm & her movements are so lovely,which is opposite to whats needed I guess with the jive. I think shell bring the energy tho & absolutely smash it. Go #TeamBalian'

'Finally Richard said what we all have been thinking ..I hope she makes through and that jive looking good to me'

'Absolutely this! It needed saying what Richard said, shes been underscored and underrated. Bring on the Jive  '

'I do feel sorry for Bal I think they throw her under the bus lv xx Bal she is bloody incredible Bal '

Balvinder enters the weekend as the bookmakers' favourite to leave the show, with Betway placing her at 250/1 significantly lower than other at-risk stars including Alex Kingston at 33/1 and Amber Davies at 20/1, as the semi-final looms just two weeks away.

Richard's comments come after Balvinder revealed that it's 'not always easy to keep it together' behind the 'glitz and glamour' of Strictly - after being in the dance off four times in eight weeks.

The EastEnders actress, 46, and her pro partner Julian Caillon, 30, have had a tough time in the competition so far.

The Good Morning Britain host, appeared on Friday night's episode hosted by Fleur East , and took aim at what he sees as unfair treatment towards EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal - and he didn't mince his words

Richard insisted Balvinder has been 'consistently underrated and underserved,' arguing that despite 'good scores,' she continues to be 'underscored by the judges' and unfairly overlooked by viewers

He added that he's 'never understood' why she keeps landing in the bottom two, saying he believes she's 'one of the best' celebrities left in the competition

But while he championed her natural ability, Richard who appeared on the sofa alongside Dragons Den Sara Davies and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, admitted he had doubts about her upcoming Jive, suggesting the fast choreography may not suit her (pictured practicing ahead of Saturday nights show)

His outspoken comments immediately lit up social media, with many viewers applauding him for saying what they've been thinking

Richard's comments come after Balvinder revealed that it's 'not always easy to keep it together' behind the 'glitz and glamour' of Strictly - after being in the dance off four times in eight weeks

She reflected on her journey in the Instagram post after the show and opened up about how she has been doing ahead of Blackpool which took place last weekend

She wrote in a post: 'Behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people's lives. We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it's not always easy to keep it together'

And on Sunday they were in the bottom two yet again - which ended with them being saved and Vicky Pattison being sent home in the 'most shocking elimination yet'.

She reflected on her journey in an Instagram post after the show and opened up about how she has been doing ahead of Blackpool next weekend.

In a post on Instagram on Sunday she penned: 'Team Balian are Blackpool bound!!!!! The American Smooth Foxtrot, is now another one of my favourite dances. I loved dancing that with @julian_caillon and it really did feel like it was just me and him out there on the dance floor 

'Behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people's lives. We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it's not always easy to keep it together.

'But what we do, do - despite everything - is show up, every week, and we tell a story, whether that's in the dance itself or because of a dance off. We always tell a story.

'Because at heart we are storytellers. And now, we get to write another chapter in the story of #Balian, in Blackpool with one of my all time favourite dances (soon to be revealed) - someone is definitely shining down on us. I didn't think we'd make it this far but I am so grateful to still be here & so excited

'Jules... you are the epitome of strength, just when I think we can't... you push and unlock another level for us as a team and individually. I am beyond proud of you and #Balian.'
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left 'gutted' for Alex Kingston following the actress performance on Saturday, before appearing to spot her suffering a painful injury.

The Doctor Who star, 62, was clearly disappointed after making numerous mistakes during her disco themed cha cha cha, before once again returning to the floor with partner Johannes Radebe, 38, for the show's first ever Instant Dance challenge.

Despite her previously outstanding performances Alex took the slip-up on the chin and blamed it on 'fatigue', after scoring just 24 points out of 40, landing at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Judge Motsi Mabuse said: 'One mistake I can forgive, two mistakes I will look the other way, three mistakes? I am not mother Christmas!'

Later speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, an emotional Alex said: 'It's never really discussed when you're at the sharp end, how our bodies are suffering and my 62-year-old self is saying, what are you saying, but my spirit and soul is saying [puts finger in her ears] la la la, I don't want to know, I want to keep dancing'.

Taking to X fans said: 'Gutted for Alex. Just got really staggered and a bit all over the place. But she showed such humility during the judges' comments': 'I'm gutted for Alex': 'Poor girl so many mistakes at least she kept going': 'I want to give Alex a hug'.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left gutted for Alex Kingston following the actress's latest performance on Saturday

The Doctor Who actress, 62, was clearly disappointed after making numerous mistakes during her disco themed cha cha with pro partner Johannes Radebe, 38

Later viewers at home appeared to spot Alex painfully limping and were left worried she would be forced to withdraw from the competition.

'Why is Alex limping? If shes hurt herself surely its not a good idea to continue dancing?': 'Sorry its clear as day something is wrong with Alex. shes literally limping just walking? someone get the girl a medic?! feel like even if she does make it through, this might be the end of the road'.

'I really hope Alex is alright. She seems to be limping quite badly': 'Poor Alex looked like she was limping after choosing her outfit! Hope shes ok': 'Poor Alex is limping': 'Was Alex limping then?'.

Following Alex's performance influencer George Clarke took to the floor for a quickstep alongside pro partner Alexis Warr, after receiving his first ever 10 last week.

Judges Motsi, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke were full of praise for the 'classy' routine, despite him also making a few mistakes.

Motsi in particular gushed over George, and said he was a 'step up from everyone' ahead of next week's semi-final, as the panel scored the routine 34 out of 40.

Then it was the turn of Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope and Katya Jones who performed a sizzling rumba, which saw them nab an impressive 36 out of 40.

Following four weeks in the dance-off EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal risked once again being in the bottom two after she again made numerous slip-ups.

Despite her previously outstanding perfomances Alex blamed her latest lacklustre dance on 'fatigue'

She landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 23 out of 40

Judge Motsi Mabuse said: 'One mistake I can forgive, two mistakes I will look the other way, three mistakes? I am not mother Christmas !'

Later viewers at home appeared to spot Alex painfully limping and were left worried she would be forced to withdraw from the competition

Taking to X fans said: 'Gutted for Alex. Just got really staggered and a bit all over the place. But she showed such humility during the judges' comments'

'Why is Alex limping? If shes hurt herself surely its not a good idea to continue dancing?': 'Sorry its clear as day something is wrong with Alex'

Strictly Come Dancing: Week 10 leaderboard Lewis Cope and Katya Jones - 40 + 36 + 6 = 82 Karen Carney and Carlos Gu - 39 + 40 + 1 = 80 Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin - 36 + 40 + 4 = 80 George Clarke and Alexis Warr - 39 + 34 + 2 = 75 Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon - 33 + 28 + 5 = 66 Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe - 35 + 23 + 3 = 61 Advertisement

The soap actress danced a jive with Julian Caillon, which Anton branded 'super apart from the mistakes' before the judges scored the dance 28 out of 40.

Footballer Karen Carney then performed her couple's choice with Carol Gu, as she paid tribute to her beloved mum who has supported her throughout her career.

Pro Carlos was left in tears after their colourful routine landed them their first ever 40, and sobbed: '[Karen] loves dancing more than me!'.

Last but certainly not least was Love Island's Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin who also landed full marks for their jive.

While Shirley said the couple had left her 'speechless', Craig pretended to be unimpressed and said 'now for the truth, darling' before quipping:'fab-u-lous!'.

Elsewhere in the show viewers were left in hysterics during the show's 'chaotic' first ever Instant Dance challenge.

The couples learned live on air which of their previous dances they would perform and a frantic dash to pick out a costume, in what fans branded 'carnage'.

The celebs and their partners were banned from speaking and were only given ten seconds to discuss their routine once on the dance floor ahead of the music starting, with the judges points added to each couple's main core.

Following Alex's performance influencer George Clarke took to the floor for a quickstep alongside pro partner Alexis Warr, after receiving his first ever 10 last week

Judges Motsi, Shirley, Craig and Anton were full of praise for the 'classy' routine, despite George also making a few mistakes

Motsi in particular gushed over George, and said he was a 'step up from everyone' ahead of next week's semi-final, as the panel scored the routine 34 out of 40

Then it was the turn of Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope and Katya Jones who performed a sizzling rumba

Again impressing the judges the couple nabbed 36 out of 40

Following four weeks in the dance-off EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal risked once again being in the bottom two after she again made numerous slip-ups

The soap actress danced a jive with Julian Caillon, which Anton branded 'super apart from the mistakes' before the judges scored the dance 28 out of 40

Footballer Karen Carney then performed her couple's choice with Carol Gu, as she paid tribute to her beloved mum who has supported her throughout her career

Karen showed off her impressive gymnastics skills

Their colourful routine landed them their first ever 40

Pro Carlos was left in tears and sobbed: '[Karen] loves dancing more than me!'

As everyone in the studio appeared confused, with the judges swapping seats and hosting Claudia sporting a fruit hat, fans begged for the mayhem to occur every week.

Taking to X they said: 'This is pure chaos and I love it!': 'The chaos': 'The Instant Dance is chaos and it's not even started yet': 'This is chaos... do it every week': 'the instant dance challenge is carnage but So much fun!! I'm loving this,'.

Following the challenge the judges scored Lewis with the full six points, followed by Balvinder with five, Amber with four points, Alex scored three, George two and Karen last with just one point.

It comes after Richard Madeley sparked major debate on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after delivering a blistering critique of the judging panel.

The Good Morning Britain host, appeared on Friday night's episode hosted by Fleur East, and took aim at what he sees as unfair treatment towards EastEnders star Balvinder - and he didn't mince his words.

Richard insisted Balvinder has been 'consistently underrated and underserved' arguing that despite 'good scores', she continues to be 'underscored by the judges' and unfairly overlooked by viewers.

He added that he's 'never understood' why she keeps landing in the bottom two, saying he believes she's 'one of the best' celebrities left in the competition.

Last but certainly not least was Love Island's Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin who also landed full marks for their jive

While Shirley said the couple had left her 'speechless', Craig pretended to be unimpressed and said 'now for the truth, darling' before quipping:'fab-u-lous!'

Elsewhere in the show viewers were left in hysterics during the show's 'chaotic' first ever Instant Dance challenge

In a first ever of its kind, the couples learned live on air which of their previous dances they would perform and a frantic dash to pick out a costume, in what fans branded 'carnage'

Taking to X they said: 'This is pure chaos and I love it!': 'The chaos': 'The Instant Dance is chaos and it's not even started yet': 'This is chaos... do it every week'

But while he championed her natural ability, Richard who appeared on the sofa alongside Dragons Den Sara Davies and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, admitted he had doubts about her upcoming Jive, suggesting the fast choreography may not suit her.

He said: 'I'm not sure the jive is a natural dance for her. She's full of warmth and grace and charm. She's beautiful when she moves around. I'm not sure the jive is her thing. I think she'll struggle a bit. I don't think she'll get a 10.'

His outspoken comments immediately lit up social media, with many viewers applauding him for saying what they've been thinking.

Taking to X they wrote: 'I actually kind of get where Richard is coming from with the Jive regarding Bal if Im being honest. Bal is warm & her movements are so lovely,which is opposite to whats needed I guess with the jive. I think shell bring the energy tho & absolutely smash it. Go #TeamBalian';

'Finally Richard said what we all have been thinking ..I hope she makes through and that jive looking good to me';

'Absolutely this! It needed saying what Richard said, shes been underscored and underrated. Bring on the Jive  ';

'I do feel sorry for Bal I think they throw her under the bus lv xx Bal she is bloody incredible Bal '.
Award-winning adult content creator Alexis Fawx has issued a warning to young women who think they can earn thousands of dollars on OnlyFans overnight.

The pornstar, 50, who joined the industry in 2010 following a white collar career and a stint in the US Air Force, tells Daily Mail the adult website is now 'oversaturated'.

She says girls looking to make a quick buck will be left disappointed unless they already have a large social media following or brand name to back them up.

'I'm lucky because I got in [the porn industry] before this, and now I'm here with this. I've already gone in with a brand name,' she says.

'I don't want to make it sound like it's super easy to jump on OnlyFans or any of these sites for anybody to just be making tens of thousands of dollars right away.

'You do need to be consistent. You need to work out what you really want to do. You have to put a lot of time in.'

Award-winning adult content creator Alexis Fawx, 50, has issued a warning to young women who think they can earn thousands of dollars on OnlyFans overnight

Alexis goes on to say that even those who put in the work still need a second income source because it's too difficult to make consistent money on OnlyFans.

'It's a bit oversaturated on some of the apps, so I couldn't even imagine getting in now without having the brand,' she adds.

'Unless you're coming in with one of these OF agencies that are farming social media and they're using AI.

'They're just running you from point A to point B, which mainly makes you work for them in some weird way. I'm not a big fan of the OF agencies.'

She continues: 'You definitely have to come in with some sort of following. It will definitely help you out. You'll be able to get your subscribers to your page.'

Alexis certainly has the experience to back up her talk, as she is considered one of the most successful adult stars in the porn industry.

She has frequently taken out the crown at the AVN Awards, XBIZ/XMA Awards, XMA Content Creator Awards and Nightmoves Awards.

But Alexis didn't become a pornographic actress until a little later in life, dipping her toe into the industry in July 2010 when she was around 35 years old.

The pornstar tells Daily Mail the adult website is now 'oversaturated' and women who want to sign-up will need to already have an online following to be successful

Before that, the buxom beauty worked white collar jobs after earning a degree in physiological psychology and serving in the US Air Force.

She says she got into the military in February 1994 after she graduated high school, adding that she wanted to get out of her 'small town of Pennsylvania'.

'It was funny because I was a punk rock kid. I had a mohawk. I moved out when I was in high school... I've never followed any program other than my own,' she says.

'My whole life changed. I did really well when I was in the military. I made Airman of the Year and Airman of the Quarter several times. I really excelled.'

'I even graduated top of class from my tech school... Then I got shipped off to Grand Forks, North Dakota and I was there pretty much my entire time.'

Alexis left the military after her father got sick, flying home to Baltimore when she finished out her college studies.

From there, she says she 'flipped a coin' with her mother to decide if she wanted to go to Phoenix, Arizona or Miami, Florida.

The adult star ended up going to Miami, where she worked in litigation consulting and did a stint as a patent paralegal.

Alexis joined the porn industry in 2010, after working white collar jobs following her stint in the US Air Force at the age of 18

'I again became very bored. It was just so monotonous... I just wanted to change my entire life, so I took some time off and quit everything,' she says.

Eventually, Alexis answered an ad on Craigslist to be an extra in the adult film Dancing Bears, during which time she put her hand up to participate in a sex scene.

All these years later, Alexis says she still attributes some of her success to the skills she learned while in the military.

'For me, it gave me structure, it also gave me work ethic. It gave me a way of thinking that nothing is going to last forevergood or bad,' she adds.

'With the right mindset, you can make it through anything... It really helped me a lot. I probably use a lot more of those skills today than I did in college.'

Alexis is currently in Brisbane to attend the SXhibition this weekend, from November 28 to 30.
Phoebe Burgess has candidly revealed the crippling impact of online criticism as she fronts a powerful new anti-bullying campaign.

The former NRL WAG, 37, has joined the likes of former Nine star Brooke Boney and NBL star Isaac Humphries for a Snapchat-led campaign to raise awareness about online bullying.

The initiative, a collaboration between Snapchat and anti-bullying organisation Project Rockit, features stars sharing personal experiences with bullying and educating people on how to recognise and report potentially harmful behaviour.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Phoebe said that she was drawn to the campaign as it made her rethink her own online behaviour.

'This campaign came at a really relevant time for me,' she said.

'Reading through Snapchat and Project RockIt's findings made me take a closer look at my own behaviour online and acknowledge I had been altering the way I engaged with social and messaging platforms due to the actions of others.'

Phoebe Burgess has opened up about the debilitating effects online criticism as she steps up to front a new anti-bullying campaign from Project Rockit and Spapchat

Phoebe added that she realised that she had been turning a blind eye to bullying, saying that she had altered her world to cope with being a 'target' for trolls.

'I thought I knew how to spot bullying  yet for a long time, I chose to ignore it, just like so many Australians do,' she said.

'I was shrinking my world, completely disengaging and not showing up, all in the hopes of being a less visible target.'

She added that the thought of others, particularly young people, coping with bullying in such a way was 'heartbreaking.'

'I was a master of "ignoring it". I convinced myself that if I hadn't seen the headlines or the comments  then really, they didn't exist,' she said.

'It was the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" mentality. But the thought that young people, or anyone else, were coping in the same way was heartbreaking.'

Phoebe is certainly no stranger to the slings and arrows of online criticism, particularly after her 2019 split with her NRL star husband Sam, and has frequently hit back at trolls.

She admitted that while she's learned to 'ride the ups and downs,' for a long time she believed online trolling was simply part and parcel of life on social media.

'I thought I knew how to spot bullying  yet for a long time, I chose to ignore it, just like so many Australians do,' she told Daily Mail. 'I was shrinking my world, completely disengaging and not showing up, all in the hopes of being a less visible target.

'I shrank my world to fall off the radar,' she added. 'I stopped reading any headline about myself and, for almost two years now, I haven't clicked on a single story with my name in it. I barely consume news at all. I went to fewer work events to stay less visible, and I disappeared from social media for months at a time.'

'It's been a constant for the past decade, and for a long time I genuinely believed that choosing to work in this space meant accepting every opinion, judgment, and comment that came with it,' she said.

'I told myself it was the price of doing what I love  and that I somehow deserved the ugly parts as much as the good.'

Phoebe added that while trolls tend to come in 'peaks and troughs', she is still shocked by people's comments.

'Over time, I noticed a real shift in the types of 'trolling' I was coming across,' she said.

'There's a big difference between a spicy comment or a hurtful opinion that stings, and something that is undeniably violent or threatening.

'It's genuinely shocking to read such deeply personal, soul-crushing words from someone who doesn't know me at all  someone wishing harm, expressing hatred, or targeting women as a whole.'

She said that despite developing strategies to cope, there was still an overarching 'fear'.

'I learnt to ride the ups and downs so that the good doesn't make or build me up and in turn, the nasty or the bad can't break me down again,' she said.

Phoebe, who shares two children  Poppy, 8, and Billy, 6  with ex-husband Sam Burgess (pictured), said that she is already educating the youngsters about online bullying.

'If I choose to ignore it again and again, as I have for a long time, I'm sending a message about how we deal with the hard, ugly, unfair and un-shareable things. And I don't want that message to be of passive acceptance,' she said

'But that mentality can't and didn't stop the fear creeping in.'

Phoebe added: 'There's no invisible barrier that protects you from comments or the people who write them, so I built one myself.

'I shrank my world to fall off the radar. I stopped reading any headline about myself and, for almost two years now, I haven't clicked on a single story with my name in it. I barely consume news at all. I went to fewer work events to stay less visible, and I disappeared from social media for months at a time.'

Phoebe, who shares two children  Poppy, 8, and Billy, 6  with ex-husband Sam Burgess, said that she is already educating the youngsters about online bullying.

'Even though we haven't reached that full leap into the online world yet, I'm already very aware of the example I'm setting,' she said.

'We have regular, honest conversations about our own behaviour, how we treat others, and how to recognise poor behaviour both in real life and online.'

She said that her previous strategy of ignoring bullying was not a good example to set for her kids.

'If I choose to ignore it again and again, as I have for a long time, I'm sending a message about how we deal with the hard, ugly, unfair and unshareable things. And I don't want that message to be of passive acceptance,' she said.

'I want them to feel brave, to respect themselves enough to act, and to know they're worth standing up for.

'More than anything, my mission is to raise them to know they can always come to me, talk to me, and trust me, especially at the most difficult parts of their little lives.'
George Clooneys first wife Talia Balsam is still turning heads at 66.

The actress, who appeared with Sarah Jessica Parker in HBOs Divorce, stepped out recently with her Mad Men star husband John Slattery at the Museum of Modern Art for a Nuremberg screening.

The couple looked effortlessly chic, with Balsam commanding attention like only a true Hollywood beauty can.

Decades after her brief marriage to Clooney, shes built a thriving acting career and a high-profile life of her own.

Clooney, once the poster boy for Hollywood flings, eventually found his match in Amal Alamuddin.

Before the human-rights attorney entered the picture, hed been romantically linked to a string of notable women, including Lisa Snowdon, Krista Allen, Sarah Larson, Elisabetta Canalis, and Stacy Keibler.

George Clooney and Talia Balsam married in a spontaneous Las Vegas ceremony in December 1989 after five years of dating; (pictured in 1990)

By 1993, they had divorced, and Clooney famously vowed he would never marry again

It wasnt until marrying Amal that he found stability, with the couple welcoming twins Ella and Alexander in June 2017.

Before settling down with the British beauty, Clooney first dipped his toes into married life with Balsam.

Clooney wed Balsam in a spontaneous Las Vegas ceremony in December 1989 after five years of dating.

By 1993, they had divorced, and Clooney famously vowed he would never marry again.

Reflecting on the union years later, he told Vanity Fair: 'I probably  definitely  wasn't someone who should have been married at that point.

'I just don't feel like I gave Talia a fair shot. I was responsible for the failure of that marriage.'

Balsam comes from a storied Hollywood lineage.

She is the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Martin Balsam and actress Joyce Van Patten, who herself hailed from a showbiz family.

Balsam continues to turn heads at 66, stepping out recently with her Mad Men star husband John Slattery at the Museum of Modern Art for the Nuremberg screening (pictured November 4)

Balsam and Slattery married in 1998; (pictured 2019)

Balsam went on to build a steady television resume, appearing as Mona Sterling on Mad Men from 2007 to 2014, and playing Cynthia Walden on Homeland in 2012; (pictured 2009)

It wasnt until marrying Amal that Clooney found stability, with the couple welcoming twins Ella and Alexander in June 2017; (pictured June 2025)

She grew up surrounded by acting talent and developed a love for the craft early on.

Balsam and Clooney first crossed paths in 1984 while co-starring in a play.

Clooney, 23, was striving to establish himself as a serious actor, while Balsam, 25, was finding her footing in the industry.

Balsam went on to build a steady television resume, appearing as Mona Sterling on Mad Men from 2007 to 2014, and playing Cynthia Walden on Homeland in 2012.

She has been married to Slattery since 1998, and the couple share one son.
Turquoise, between legend and beauty

A turquoise crowns the decorative richness of the American Westernchosen by Ralph Lauren himself and placed on the dial. The stone, extracted in America of coursemany mines being located in the Southwestis deeply rooted in local culture and craftsmanship. Its blue-green shades, veined with yellow-green, symbolized water and sky, used to adorn jewelry, in ceremonies, or as a medium of exchange. It embodied prestige and power: the Apaches believed that a vase filled with turquoise was found at the foot of the rainbow. Among other beliefs, its power was said to be so great that riders would not wear it while riding, for fear of tiring their horse (source: indianartsandculture.org). Native American concha belts were also adorned with turquoise.

To power these singular watches, the maison called upon Piaget, a movement manufacturer, which produces the RL 514 self-winding calibre expressly. With a 40-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, vertical Cotes de Geneve, graining and perlage, its mechanics embody Swiss watchmaking expertise.

The price? 26,000 CHF in sterling silver and 44,000 CHF in rose goldfor a watch that makes no apologies, adorned with an ancestral stone, New York engraving, and leather decorated in Texas. The American Western is available in a non-limited editionready to gallop in the dust, against a backdrop of sunset.
Natasha Hamilton has teased there could be an Atomic Kitten reunion in the pipeline as she confessed 'never say never'.

The band first launched in 1998, with Liz McClarnon, 44, and Kerry Katona, 45, completing the trio, before Kerry quit in 2001 after falling pregnant with her first child and being replaced by Jenny Frost, 47, who also eventually left.

A group of young feisty girls from the North West, no one expected for their music to take off and propel them to the dizzying heights of superstardom.

And after reuniting again this summer to film the new BBC documentary Girlbands Forever, Natasha, 43, admitted they all loved spending time together again and a reunion isn't off the cards.

Speaking to The Daily Mail ahead of the Christmas Light Switch on in Liscard, Natasha reflected on her time in the hit band, despite the hardships they faced.

'I think as the years go by and you get further and further away from it, your mind's recollection is like, "Wow, it is almost like, did it really happen?"

Natasha Hamilton teased 'never say never' as she hinted at plans for an Atomic Kitten reunion and reflected on the hardships of her girlband days (Liz McClarnon, Natasha and Jenny Frost pictured in 2002)

The band first launched in 1998, with Liz, 44 (L), and Kerry Katona , 45 (middle), completing the trio, before Kerry quit in 2001 after falling pregnant with her first child and being replaced by Jenny, 47, who also eventually left (pictured in 2000)

'But I know it very much did, and I've got wonderful memories, you know we went through some hardship but I feel like the good times definitely outweighed it.'

During her appearance on the BBC documentary Girlbands Forever, Natasha detailed several hardships she faced in the band, which saw her return to work just six weeks after welcoming her first child and battle post-natal depression while performing.

Addressing hopes of a reunion she continued: 'I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I've spent a lot of time with Jenny this summer.

'Obviously Liz has just had a baby so right now is not the right time, but I always say never say never.

'We're so close, the three of us, and I'm hopeful that maybe in the future at some point we would be able to come together and do that.'

Atomic Kitten were propelled to stardom in their late teens and early 20s when their single Whole Again beat U2 to the Number 1 spot on the charts.

Reminiscing on the crazy and chaotic time Natasha said: 'If I ever see Jenny and Liz we just laugh, we're like, "oh my God, do you remember this? Do you remember that?"

'We were a bit wild but we enjoyed the opportunity to the max. Wherever we went in the world we made sure we got out there.

'We tried to visit as many places as we could and we definitely saw a fair few nightlife spots, restaurants, bars and what not.

Speaking about Atomic Kitten's success she said: 'I think as the years go by and you get further and further away from it, your mind's recollection is like, "Wow, it is almost like, did it really happen?" (pictured at the Christmas Light Switch on in Liscard on Thursday)

Addressing hopes of a reunion she continued: 'I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I've spent a lot of time with Jenny this summer (pictured performing in 2013)

Speaking about her time in the band, she said: 'I've got wonderful memories, you know we went through some hardship, but I feel like the good times definitely outweighed it' (pictured in 2002)

'We were just young girls living the dream and all these years later, it is crazy to think what we actually did achieve for three local Northwest Liverpool girls.

'We went above and beyond what anyone ever thought that we would achieve, I think, and made so many people proud, not just family, but communities as well.'

And community is still something Natasha holds dear with the star heading to Liscard for their Christmas Lights Switch On on Thursday.

Asda has transformed the town, which was once known for having the 'worst Christmas tree in Britain' with a spectacular 30ft festive centrepiece.

Speaking about the campaign to bring the community together, Natasha said: 'Im so proud to be part of this incredible moment for Liscard, especially since my first performance when I was 15 was in this town.

'I grew up knowing how important community spirit is, especially at Christmas, and seeing everyone come together tonight has been magical.

'This tree isnt just about lights and decorations  its about reminding people that even when things feel tough, joy and togetherness can still shine.'

She added: 'I've got a big affiliation to Liscard. It's been down the road from where I've lived for many years, and over the water from where I grew up in Liverpool.

'I've done many shows here, spanning all the way back from when I was a tween. I used to sing in the pubs and clubs. I've done recording sessions over here, so it's a place that I know very well.'

Natasha performed at the festive event as she championed the importance of community spirit

She added: 'I've got a big affiliation to Liscard. It's been down the road from where I've lived for many years, and over the water from where I grew up in Liverpool'

The transformation by Asda was made possible by the support of the Liscard community and Asda Community Champions

The transformation by Asda was made possible by the support of the Liscard community and Asda Community Champions  colleagues who work year-round to help local charities and community groups.

This festive season, the Asda Foundation is supporting over 550 community groups through its Better Together grants, which bring people together, reduce social isolation, and support those most in need during the winter months.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, said: 'Its wonderful to see so many families and neighbours coming together. Events like this really capture the heart of our community, especially at Christmas.

'Were incredibly grateful to Asda for bringing this celebration to our town and helping create a festive moment everyone can enjoy, and Im so pleased Wirral Council has been able to help!

'Its a lovely reminder of the warmth, pride, and togetherness that make our community so special.'
US YouTuber James Charles touched down in Australia on Friday, dressed for comfort as he was spotted leaving Brisbane Airport.

The controversial beauty influencer, 26, was all smiles as he strutted through the airport wearing a set of grey sweats.

He added a pair of comfortable white sneakers to the casual look, stopping to chat and pose for photos with some fans.

At one point, the US star put up a peace sign as he pushed his luggage out to the pick-up area, flashing his pearly whites with a broad grin.

James is currently in Australia to celebrate Thanksgiving with his fans on the Gold Coast, hosting a dinner for select people to promote his makeup brand Painted.

The event will include a dinner with 30 contest winners and their plus-ones as part of a local brand launch.

US YouTuber James Charles, 26, touched down in Australia on Friday, dressed for comfort as he was spotted leaving Brisbane Airport

James also shared a video and images to Instagram which showed him visiting his brand new Painted warehouse on the Gold Coast.

The sighting comes after the YouTuber was blasted online in July for having a meltdown over truncated domes, which help the visually impaired navigate sidewalks and venues.

In a now-deleted video, the makeup artist launched into a foul-mouthed rant about the ground surface indicators, repeatedly complaining about having to roll his suitcase or grocery cart over them.

'Whatever f***ing bump, s*** f***ing stupid a** things they put outside grocery stores and airports,' James began.

'Like what is the purpose of them, can someone genuinely explain it to me if you were like a f***ing civil engineer?

'Why on God's green earth have I just spent $200 on f***ing groceries but I want to roll them over those f***ing bumps and give my entire cart a seizure.'

After impersonating his carton of eggs going over the bumps, a visibly frustrated James then quipped: 'Why? What the f***. Literally, what the f***.'

He continued: 'When you go to the airport, why have I got to roll my luggage over that s*** and have everything jumping around inside?'

The controversial beauty influencer was all smiles as he strutted through the airport wearing a set of grey sweats

'It's having a seizure. Stop. It doesn't make any sense to me. What is the point? What is the point of those f***ing bumps other than making everyone's life miserable. Can somebody tell me?' he continued.

Social media users wasted no time attempting to educate him on truncated domes, which are ground surface indicators designed to help those who are blind or visually impaired.

Also known as detectable warnings or tactile paving, these raised surfaces create a distinctive pattern that can be felt underfoot or with a cane, alerting pedestrians to changes in surface level or potential hazards such as street crossings.

While James has since deleted his rant-fuelled video, social media users were left furious by his lack of knowledge and his 'privilege'.

Taking to Reddit, one slammed: 'I didn't know I could hate him more, but here we go. I think it's great the city implemented those for the visually impaired.

'I will never understand his anger. When my city decided to put that in the subway, I thought it was a great safety idea that benefits everyone.'
Ruth Langsford has told how she turned to therapy to cope with her acrimonious split from husband Eamonn Holmes.

The Loose Women presenter revealed her struggles at their separation after 14 years of marriage, which saw Mr Holmes quickly move on to date relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, who is 22 years his junior.

Ms Langsford, who has a son Jack, 23, with the GB News presenter, said it has helped her unravel their romance, which lasted 27 years but ended in June 2024.

She said: 'I started counselling when Eamonn and I separated, and I'm still having it. It is very powerful and very useful. It gives me tools to deal with things.

'My counsellor has probably seen us on TV, but she doesn't know either of us so doesn't get involved and doesn't judge. She just listens and says, 'Have you thought about this?' or 'Why did you feel like that?'

'I think I know myself very well, so it has just been calming. It makes me question how I'm feeling. When my sister died, friends suggested counselling and I said, 'I don't [want] just [for someone] to tell me that I'm really sad,' and I still feel like that.

Ruth Langsford has told how she turned to therapy to cope with her acrimonious split from husband Eamonn Holmes .

The Loose Women presenter revealed her struggles at their separation after 14 years of marriage, which saw Mr Holmes quickly move on to date relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, who is 22 years his junior

'The end of a very long relationship takes a lot of unravelling. Counselling helps you move on from it, to not be held back.'

Ms Langsford and Mr Holmes, both 65, announced their split 18 months ago after several months of arguing. He left the 2.5million family home in Weybridge

Some close to Ms Langsford say that she was fed up with caring for him following his hip operation but it later emerged that he was in a relationship with Ms Alexander  who he had met several years before.

There is no suggestion that Mr Holmes cheated on Ms Langsford, who appeared as anchors on ITV's This Morning for a decade before they were axed in 2021.

They are yet to officially divorce and are currently at war over their money, with Ms Langsford apparently upset that they will have to sell the marital home, while Mr Holmes says he has been 'ruined' by HMRC after he became embroiled in a row with them over whether he was self-employed freelancer or a 'disguised employee' of ITV when presenting This Morning between 2011 and 2015.

But now, Ms Langsford say that she is now ready to find love again.

Speaking about moving on, she said: 'I definitely see light in the future where I didn't before. Before, I saw darkness and was thinking, 'Oh my God, what's going to happen?' but now the fear [has] gone, because what do you do? Do you crumble? Do you lay down and die? Oh no, not I. I will survive.'

For the at home festive shoot, Ms Langsford dressed in a red sparkly figure-hugging gown for one look, whilst another photo saw her in a red tartan cape and a heeled boot.

Asked about whether she would begin a new relationship, she said: 'Never say never. I haven't been put off having a relationship. I haven't even been put off marriage, but I'm definitely not actively looking, and part of that is because I've realised I'm actually quite good on my own. I am independent and quite strong.

'It has taken me a bit of time [to realise that] and I don't know what lies ahead, but that chapter now feels quite exciting. It's not as scary as I thought.'

Ruth split from Eamonn in June 2024 after 14 years of marriage (pictured on This Morning in 2021)

For the at home festive shoot, Ruth looked sensational as she dressed in a red sparkly figure-hugging gown for one look

In another she opted for a red tartan cape and a chunky heeled boot as she showed off her radiant complexion

She added: 'I haven't even been put off marriage, but I'm definitely not actively looking, and part of that is because I've realised I'm actually quite good on my own'

She added: 'It has taken me a bit of time [to realise that] and I don't know what lies ahead, but that chapter now feels quite exciting. It's not as scary as I thought'

For her final look she wrapped up in a stylish cream coat with fur collar

The couple have a son, 23-year-old Jack, together and previously hosted ITV's Friday episode of This Morning as a married couple until they were axed in 2021 to be replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.

Speaking to Woman & Home last year she said: 'I'm not delighted my marriage is over, but I've accepted that my marriage is over, so I am trying to now embrace the fact that I'm single and can make choices that are just about me.'

Ruth has been focusing on herself in recent months. She marked her 65th birthday in March with two close friends at an all-inclusive resort on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

She shared a montage of holiday photos with her followers, including snaps with A Place In The Sun presenter Lucy Alexander. She wrote: 'Sun, sea, sand, MANY cocktails and laughing until we cried!

'Perfect. Wonderful accommodation, beautiful beaches, fabulous restaurants, great spa and, as much as I love them, no children!!'

A source also previously said Ruth is not considering a new relationship until her divorce is finalised.
Bianca Wallace, the new much younger wife of Ioan Gruffudd, posts pictures of them tenderly kissing in the maternity room, welcoming what they call their angel child.

A charming scene. But was it also a deliberate act of provocation  even cruelty  after Gruffudds very public divorce from his ex of 13 years, Alice Evans?

Bianca, 33, a little-known Aussie actress, announced for good measure that she and Ioan are totally in love, and put up a print in rainbow colours of her umbilical cord. Pass the sickbag!

Perhaps she could not contain herself at the joyous birth of her first child after being diagnosed seven years ago with incurable multiple sclerosis  for which I have every sympathy.

But what about Ioans two daughters with Alice, 57  who have suffered intense emotional distress since dad dumped mum for a woman almost half her age?

Imagine how Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12, must have felt when they saw Biancas post even as their mum is still locked in a legal battle with their father. In 2023 Ella accused Bianca of abuse in court documents, alleging she had slammed a door on her head and left her with bruises.

A few years ago, Alice accused Bianca of wanting to put a stake through my heart after Bianca posted a loved-up picture of her with Ioan. Surely Bianca knew this latest post would only inflame the situation. Or was she just trying to boost her paltry Insta profile? Didnt Ioan even think of the trauma it would cause?

His biggest Hollywood role was playing Mr Fantastic in the Marvel movie Fantastic Four.

Bianca Wallace, the new much younger wife of Ioan Gruffudd, posted pictures of them tenderly kissing in the maternity room

Not quite so Fantastic now, are we Mr and Mrs Ioan Gruffudd?

Outfit's too Lo cut

A bit surprising that Indian billionaires Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju chose a semi-naked J Lo to perform at their 5million wedding.

Jennifer Lopez earned $2 Million when she performed at the wedding of Indian billionaires Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju

J-Lo, who was paid $2million, wore an eye-watering tiny gold outfit barely covering her nipples, with a cheese-wire crotch, while the happy couple and their families were fully covered in traditional outfits.

J-Lo gushed: God bless us all! Maybe she should have added, and God forgive us after social media was deluged with complaints of cultural insensitivity.

After the end of Jeff Braziers marriage to Kate Dwyer, sources close to his sons Freddy and Bobby meanly say they saw her as dads partner and werent close to her. Frankly, Kate deserves a medal for enduring that marriage for so long, mopping up the emotional disaster their chaotic mother Jade Goodys death left behind. The good news is Kate owes nothing to her ungrateful stepchildren so she can get on with the happy life she deserves.

Westminster Wars

No solace for habitual liar Rachel Reeves as even the Guardian described her betrayal Budget as more like Operation Save Our Skins and enough for this historically unpopular pair [her and Starmer] to stay in Downing Street a while longer.

A Fiery performance from Kemi Badenoch replying to the Budget, but I wish shed quit with the finger-pointing. An angry woman jabbing her finger in your face, even if it is only on TV, is a turn off.

Meanwhile polls show that, amid the disgust with Reeves Budget and the impotence of the Tories, Reform would win the most seats if an election were held today. A sobering thought.

After a procedure where his blood is removed, rinsed, filtered and replaced, Simon Cowell, 66, says he is ageing backwards. Silly sausage. Despite all his Botox he still has a wobbly turkey neck (heartening, since it shows its not just us women who suffer from it), although maybe the technique is working in places. Si does have weirdly youthful ears.

Simon Cowell, 66, says he is ageing backwards after having his blood removed, rinsed, filtered and replaced

Jack Osbournes mum Sharon and sister Kelly post pictures of themselves terrified, watching him on Im A Celebrity fighting off crocodiles. The late Aussie Steve Irwin who wrestled the real thing  1,000kg saltwater beasts  will be turning in his grave seeing a nepo-baby heralded for fighting off a croc measuring a few inches.

A win for Andreas girl power

Hurrah for Brit Andrea Thompson. After losing to 6ft 5in, 400lb Jammie Brooker in the Worlds Strongest Woman competition, it emerged he was a biological male  so he was stripped of his/her/their title. Why do blokes compete with women? Because if they faced up to a man theyd be crushed.

Give Alex your vote

The curse of Strictly has morphed from breaking hearts to broken bodies, with four celebrities pulling out injured  Dani Dyer, Stefan Dennis, Kristian Nairn and La Voix.

Now Alex Kingston has dislocated a rib but vows to keep on dancing with other professionally trained celebs.

At 62, Alex is not only the oldest but also the only celebrity who fulfils the Strictly promise of a complete amateur being taught to dance like a swan. So lets all vote for her tomorrow.

A case of Rebel without a cause

After the latest bout of lurid lawsuits and counter litigation over accusations shes made about colleagues on her new film, The Deb, Rebel Wilson says shes proud to have been a Hollywood whistleblower over the years.

Rebel Wilson attends the Tinsel Town World Premiere at Vue Leicester Square, London

And she says she believes people have tried to destroy her career ever since her breakthrough in the movie Bridesmaids.

Oh, do get over yourself love, you had four brief scenes and about three lines in the entire two-hour flick.

Well done David Cameron, 59, for revealing he had prostate cancer and campaigning for men to be checked. What a crazy world it is where women get email reminders for NHS breast and cervical screening, and were offered tests for bowel cancer through the post, yet many male listeners to Nick Ferraris LBC show phoned in to say GPs refused them a PSA test even though theyre in the high-risk category.

A happy moment in London when I saw protesting farmers tractors hove into view and folk lining the street in solidarity. Of course, farmers were arrested  while cops let off loony Extinction Rebellion vandals with a slap on the wrist.

An Italian hid his dead mothers body for three years, dressed up, wore lipstick and pretended to be her to collect benefits in a case dubbed the Mrs Doubtfire scandal. He was caught when an official saw his Adams apple. The late Robin Williams who played Mrs Doubtfire in the film would be laughing.
Nicole Kidman spent this Thanksgiving without her youngest children. The actress agreed that teen daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret would spend Turkey Day with their dear old dad, after filing for divorce in September.

But the Australian beauty who calls Nashville home surely felt the sting of loneliness on this very American holiday.

Much has been made of the soon-to-be-exes, both 58, still living in close quarters: Kidman remains in the marital manse, with Keith Urban having moved 'very nearby'.

They're often seen shopping separately at the same Whole Foods, and share hair stylist Ashley Wahler, who is entrusted with her butterscotch locks and his frosted tips.

It all has the makings of a Tennessee turf war, insiders say. But if the town really isn't big enough for both of them, why should she be the one to tuck her tail and head on out?

After all, Kidman was reportedly left 'devastated' and 'shocked' by the dissolution of their 19-year union.

The Australian beauty who calls Nashville home surely felt the sting of loneliness on this very American holiday

Nicole spent this Thanksgiving without her youngest daughters after the superstar agreed to allow Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14 - seen second and third left - to spend Turkey Day with their dear old dad

She fought like a rabid racoon to save what remained of their loveless bond, but Urban made clear he was ready to call it quits.

Sure, country star and mini-man Urban made Nashville his home before he met and married his 'Babygirl' - but she left her entire life in LA to contort herself to his comforts once wed.

And don't forget, she carted him off to rehab just four months after that 2006 wedding, and not once did she whinge or waver.

By all accounts, the now two-time divorcee is barely weathering the storm, leaning on good friends, her daughters and closest confidante, sister Antonia.

She recently told Interview magazine that she is 'hanging in there'.

Anyone who's been through a nasty breakup knows that's girl code for 'I'm basically falling apart and living off mimosas and sea moss, but holding it together when anyone's looking.'

Contrast that with Good Time Charlie Urban who's been linked with more than a few beauties who are barely a few years older than his first-born daughter.

Karley Scott Collins, 25, has been touring with the wrinkled crooner for months now.

They've gushed over each other in nauseating social media posts, but does she know he's old enough to be her grandad in certain parts of Tennessee?

My advice to Nicole?

If you want to win this war, as much as it hurts, the only road she needs to take is the high one.

Karley Scott Collins, 25, has been touring with wrinkled crooner Urban for months now.

There is no need to bad mouth an ex when he's doing enough damage to himself already.

Let Keith have his embarrassing midlife crisis while you process your pain in private, and continue setting a good example for your daughters by working hard and extending good grace to a former partner who doesn't really deserve it.

Wherever you choose to have a family with someone, even when it falls apart in spectacular fashion, that is your home.

Nicole has more hair so she should get custody of the hair stylist - and also first pick of Whole Foods, for when the moment comes and she needs a little late-night chocolate, or a box of organic tissues and an ugly cry.
William Shatner was the picture of vitality as he shared a photo from the kitchen on Thanksgiving, November 27.

The 94-year-old Star Trek icon beamed a big smile as he posed beside his holiday spread that included turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and a baked dish that could have been scalloped potatoes.

'Happy Thanksgiving everybody...we all talk about blessings at Thanksgiving,' Shatner's caption began.

'I am especially thankful this year as we are blessed beyond measure with heath, family and a beautiful gathering. I am wishing you all a blessed day and holiday season. Best, Bill,' he concluded.

Shatner is a culinary enthusiast and loves to tinker with recipes so it's easy to assume he helped with the cooking.

The foodie's social media message elicited more than 37.6k likes and 1.4k comments including one from pal Tori Spelling, who wrote, 'love you!'

William shared a photo of his holiday spread and the message, 'I am especially thankful this year as we are blessed beyond measure with heath, family and a beautiful gathering'

Shatner and Spelling go back a long way due to her father, Aaron Spelling.

The nonagenarian starred in the popular Eighties series T.J. Hooker, which was produced by the late TV mogul.

Last year, Shatner appeared on the mom-of-fives podcast misSPELLING for an episode called 'Mr. William Shatner,' in which they discussed everything from sex, porn, enemas and OnlyFans.

Later on Thanksgiving after much indulging, Shatner posted a self-mocking message on X, writing, 'Just call me a turkey because Im stuffed!'

Shatners holiday greeting came two months after TMZ reported the Boston Legal star was 'rushed' to hospital on September 24 after suffering a 'medical emergency.'

Citing Shatners agent, Harry Gold, TMZ claimed the actor had experienced a blood sugar issue and was checked out.

Later on, Gold released a statement that read, 'I spoke to Bill earlier this evening, He is fine. He is not in the hospital. He is at home. He is 100 percent healthy.'

The following day, Shatner himself downplayed the rumors on X, sharing a meme of himself as Mark Twain that read, 'Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!'

The foodie's social media message elicited more than 37.6k likes and 1.4k comments including one from pal Tori Spelling , who wrote, 'love you!'

The legendary actor is a culinary enthusiast and loves to tinker with recipes so it's easy to assume he helped with the cooking; pictured with wife Elizabeth on September 8

William's holiday greeting came two months after TMZ reported the Boston Legal star was 'rushed' to hospital on September 24 after suffering a 'medical emergency,' which the star later downplayed by saying he 'over indulged'

In the caption, Shatner wrote, 'I over indulged. I thank you all for caring but Im perfectly fine. I keep telling you all: dont trust tabloids or AI!'

Meanwhile, the legendary star is keeping busy with a slew of projects.

Shatner is host and executive producer of The UnXplained on The History Channel, plus he is touring with a show that includes a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan featuring a live Q&A with him.

On October 13, 2021, Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space at the time, traveling aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket.

He later remarked the trip filled him 'with overwhelming sadness.'

'It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered,' he shared in his book, Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder.

'The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness.'

William, pictured on January 11, is keeping busy with a slew of projects

On October 13, 2021, he became the oldest person to travel to space at the time, but later said he has no plans to take another trip because it would be like 'revisiting a love affair'

He continued, 'We're nothing. We are nothing, and that's what I saw. And what else I saw was the tragedy of the extinction of life.'

Shatner added, 'My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral.'

The aging thespian has no plans to board another space-bound rocket.

He told Fox News Digital that going back to space would be like 'revisiting a love affair' and that he should 'let it alone.'
Fans have long debated whether Bruce Willis' 1988 action film Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

And now his wife Emma Heming Willis, 47, is sharing where she stands on the controversial subject.

While discussing how she and her family are celebrating this holiday season at the End Well 2025 conference, she told People, 'I think it's important to put Die Hard on because it's a Christmas movie.'

The opening scene of the film shows John McClane (Bruce, now 70) arriving at LAX International Airport with a Christmas gift in hand before heading into his wife's holiday office party.

It's also filled with classic Christmas tunes, including Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow, Christmas in Hollis, and Ode to Joy.

Emma's take came as a surprise as Bruce  who retired from acting in 2022 amid his battle with dementia  famously shared the opposite opinion back in 2018.

Fans have long debated whether Bruce Willis' 1988 film Die Hard is a Christmas movie. And now his wife Emma Heming Willis, 47, weighed in; pictured November 19

While discussing how she and her family are celebrating this holiday season, Emma said, 'I think it's important to put Die Hard on because it's a Christmas movie'; Willis seen in a still

During his Comedy Central roast, he joked, 'I did this roast for one reason and for one reason only  to settle something once and for all. Now, please listen very carefully: Die Hard is not a Christmas movie! Its a goddamn Bruce Willis movie.'

The wife and mother-of-two also opened up to the outlet about navigating the festive season while acting as her husband's caretaker amid his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

'It's joyous. It's just different,' she said. 'Bruce loved Christmas and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we've kind of adapted to that.'

The husband and wife, who wed in 2009, share daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn.

The Emmy-winning actor also shares three daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore, 63: Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31.

While speaking with People, Emma acknowledged that the holidays can be a particularly painful time for families coping with dementia.

But she emphasized the value in preserving tradition and positivity wherever possible.

'You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before,' she explained. 'Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it.'

She stressed that 'it's important that we don't paint such a negative picture around dementia.'

Bruce's family revealed in 2022 that the actor had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that causes a person to lose communication skills.

Emma made her statement while chatting with People at the recent End Well 2025 conference. Her take came as a surprise as Bruce famously shared the opposite opinion back in 2018

During his Comedy Central roast, he quipped, 'Die Hard is not a Christmas movie! Its a goddamn Bruce Willis movie'; Emma and Bruce pictured in 2018, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia

The Hollywood icon retired from acting in 2022 amid his battle with dementia

Bruce pictured with his blended family - ex-wife Demi Moore, current wife Emma, and all five of his daughters - in 2023 for his 68th birthday

By February 2023, his loved ones confirmed it had progressed into frontotemporal dementia (FTD)  a degenerative brain disease that impacts speech, behavior, and cognitive function.

Emma details the life-altering experience of going from spouse to caretaker in her book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, published in September.

In July she documented the start of her recording session for the audiobook. Sharing a selfie taken the studio, she wrote on Instagram: 'Day 1 of 4 in the recording booth for The Unexpected Journey complete.

'I've lived with these words in my head for so long, and today I spoke them out loud for the very first time. I could hardly get through page 1, the dedication page, without crying.'

She added, 'And as I continued reading, one thought kept circling in the back of my mind I can't believe this is the subject I've had to become an expert on.'

The former model concluded, 'It's heartbreaking. And yet I'm so grateful to share what I've learned in the hope that it supports another caregiver on their journey.'
Hugh Jackman came under fire from fans on Wednesday when he shared a supportive post about girlfriend Sutton Foster.

The Australian actor, 57, posted a photo and video to Instagram, gushing over his new partner after she performed a Christmas concert at Cafe Carlyle in New York.

But it would seem some followers are still sour over his split from ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness in 2023, as several people took to the comments to slam the star.

'@suttonlore performing during the holidays at @cafecarlyle,' Hugh wrote alongside a reel of Sutton, 50, beaming on stage following her performance.

'Now that's an iconic NYC night! And, truly magical.'

'Reminiscent of the praise you always heaped on Deb,' one user said of Hugh's sweet review.

Hugh Jackman, 57, came under fire from fans on Wednesday when he shared a supportive post about girlfriend Sutton Foster, 50

The Australian actor posted a photo and video to Instagram, gushing over his new partner after she performed a Christmas concert at Cafe Carlyle in New York

'I lost all my respect for you. I know you won't care but I do,' another wrote.

'That's embarrassing, Hugh! We used to think you were cool. What a disappointment,' someone else commented.

'Lost all respect for him,' added one, while several others commented: 'Team Deb.'

However, despite the critical messages, an overwhelming number of people shared their support for the new couple.

'These comments. Yikes. Couples break up and people move on,' one person wrote.

'Oh, leave the man alone. It wasnt your marriage and its not your relationship now. Mind your business,' said another.

'I heard her performance was spectacular and that you two were interacting in an adorable way,' shared someone else.

'Jesus Christ, people. Get a grip. People move on after divorces all the time. I did! It happens. Go get a life,' one person commented.

But it would seem some followers are still sour over his split from ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness in 2023, as several people took to the comments to slam the star

However, despite the critical messages, an overwhelming number of people shared their support for the new couple

It came just a month after the new power couple walked their first red carpet as a couple following his aforementioned divorce from Deborra-Lee, 69

The post was effectively Hugh going Instagram official with Sutton, as it was his first time posting about the Tony Award-winning actress online.

It came just a month after the new power couple walked their first red carpet as a couple following his aforementioned divorce from Deborra-Lee.

Sutton supported Hugh at the premiere of his latest film Song Song Blue during AFI Fest at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 26.

The pair looked very much in love, with their arms wrapped around one another as they posed for photographers.

Hugh suited up for the occasion in a black suit and tie, while his girlfriend wowed in a low-cut black satin dress.
Shona McGarty's mother Jennifer has now weighed in on her daughter's 'budding romance' with I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Aitch.

The actress, 34, and the rapper, 25, real name Harrison James Armstrong, have sparked romance rumours after sharing several sweet moments in the jungle.

And now Jennifer, 69, has revealed that her favourite moment so far was the pair's recent pillow fight, which saw Aitch playfully wrap his legs around Shona.

She also shared her delight at seeing her daughter looking 'happy' again following her recent mental health struggles and split from former fiance David Bracken.

She told The Sun: 'I am loving it  she has relaxed into it now which obviously makes me really happy.

She continued: 'I enjoyed the pillow fight and seeing her fun side coming out.

Shona McGarty's mother Jennifer has now weighed in on her daughter's 'budding romance' with I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Aitch

The actress, 34, and the rapper, 25, real name Harrison James Armstrong, have sparked romance rumours after sharing several sweet moments in the jungle

'Thats what makes me happy  to see that shes being her natural self and I can see shes really enjoying it and savouring it, which is great.

Jennifer also said she thinks the pair are very similar in personality and both share the same sense of playfulness.

She added that Aitch is a 'lovely boy' and that she would 'definitely' invite him over for dinner one day.

And when asked about the prospect of a romance, Jennifer said she believes they're going to be great friends before adding 'who knows'.

Shona, who played Whitney Dean from 2008 until 2024, is believed to have split from Irish musician David just weeks before entering the jungle.

A source told The Sun at the time of Shona and David's split: 'They are on amicable terms, but have ended their romantic relationship.

'There are no hard feelings, they realised they wanted different things and are better off as friends. Shona is now focusing on her music and career.'

She also recently opened up about her 'horrible' five-year battle with anxiety and depression and shared her fears that it could impact her time in the jungle.

And now Jennifer, 69, has revealed that her favourite moment so far was the pair's recent pillow fight, which saw Aitch playfully wrap his legs around Shona

She also shared her delight at seeing her daughter looking 'happy' again following her recent mental health struggles and split from former fiance David Bracken

She told The Sun: 'I am loving it  she has relaxed into it now which obviously makes me really happy. I enjoyed the pillow fight and seeing her fun side coming out'

And now her mother, Jennifer, is thrilled to see her daughter coming out the other side and says she couldn't be prouder.

Jennifer added that Shona looks like she's having 'so much fun' and said she hopes her daughter stays in long enough to show her campmates and viewers her 'fun side' and 'real personality.'

It comes after 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 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.

Jennifer also said she thinks the pair are very similar in personality and both share the same sense of playfulness. She added that Aitch is a 'lovely boy' and that she would 'definitely' invite him over for dinner one day

And when asked about the prospect of a romance, Jennifer said she believes they're going to be great friends before adding 'who knows'

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'.

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 entered the jungle.

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.

It comes after the Daily Mail reported that Aitch reportedly split from his girlfriend, Lois Cottam, just weeks before heading into the Australian jungle

And last friday, when the rapper confessed his soft spot for EastEnders star Shona, viewers were left baffled as many believed he was still dating the psychology student

'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.

However, last 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.
Breezing onto the dancefloor in a metallic ivory gown and gold stilettos, she waved to the camera and shimmied her shoulders as the band played.

With a kick of her leg and flick of her skirt, Shirley Ballas made her way over to the Strictly Come Dancing judges desk where she took her seat and threw her head back in laughter.

It was the biggest night of series; the annual Blackpool spectacular, and the BBC shows head judge knew that millions would be tuning in from all over the country.

With her unwavering confidence  for which she is often criticised  the former Queen of Latin sat centre stage on Saturday night, poised and ready to offer her unfiltered critiques to this years remaining contestants.

But, just moments before her enthusiastic entrance, Shirley had suffered a life-threatening medical emergency when shed choked on a fishbone  one of her team having to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge it.

While such a dramatic incident might be reason to pull out of a live broadcast for any other television star, Shirley soldiered on, a smile plastered defiantly on her face and not a crease on her 575 Georgia Hardinge dress.

This was just the latest in a string of blows that she has suffered in her personal life in the last year, including the breakdown of her six-year relationship with Danny Taylor and the ill-health of her elderly mother.

But Shirley refuses to let her seemingly endless run of bad fortune and the barrage of criticism from viewers affect her role on the show and will do anything to preserve it, sources tell the Daily Mail.

Shirley Ballas, 65, revealed she almost didn't make Saturday's show due to the 'terrifying' incident

Danny Taylor and Shirley Ballas (pictured in 2022), who were in a relationship for six years, called it quits in 2024

Shirley lives and breathes the Strictly mantra keep dancing, theres pretty much nothing that would make her skip an episode of the show, said a TV insider.

Shes had a rough ride in the 12 months but that just makes her more determined than ever to preserve her image and keep the Strictly ship as steady as possible.

On screen, Shirley is the picture of ballroom glamour with an endless conveyer belt of designer dresses, perfectly blow-dried hair and smudge-free make-up.

But when shes not at the BBC studios, the former dancer lives with and cares for her 88-year-old mother Audrey, who was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2022.

The pair reside in Shirleys home in Dulwich, south London, but she recently admitted her fears for leaving her mother in order to go to work.

My mum's a smoker and over these last three years, I've got to witness her being out of breath, she told BBC Radio Manchester earlier this week.

I've got to witness her being really poorly. I've been opposite her when she couldn't get a breath and was choking because the airways closed.

But her medical emergency, was just the latest in a string of blows in the last year including the ill-health of her mother and the breakdown of her relationship with Danny Taylor

In another Instagram post, she added: 'Almost didn't make it to the desk last night'

But despite the dramatic incident, she soldiered on and joined her fellow judges and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the dancefloor for the Strictly special

She added: We only go out once a week now, it'll be for two or three hours. She doesn't care to go outside, she just prefers to be home which is kind of sad.

While shes at work, Shirley often enlists her personal assistant to look after Audrey and he sends her text updates on how shes doing.

I worry about her all the time, she said.

Often now when I am away at work, my lovely PA looks after her. But he will send me messages about how she has got on top of a stool and is cleaning the ornaments.

She got so ill last winter that I could not go to work.

Despite her flirtatious interactions with male contestants on Strictly, Shirley has admitted her own love life is non-existent following her break-up with Danny at the end of last year.

Following failed marriages to dancers Sammy Stopford and Corky Ballas, Shirley had thought shed met her soulmate in the bit-part actor.

But things came to a head when the performer, who at 52 is 13 years her junior, vanished on her 64th birthday, triggering memories of her brothers suicide some years previously.

When Danny reappeared the following day and acted like nothing had happened, she knew that the relationship was over.

I will never forget that day until the day I die. I remember looking across in the middle of the night and I saw my mother was just so upset, reliving all of her trauma,' she said.

Shirley put on a brave face for the Strictly live show, but admitted on social media the 'terrifying' incident has left her wanting to take a First Aid course

'I just thought "this can't go on". Not just for my sake, but my mum too.

While Danny has predictably moved on with another woman, Shirley has remained defiantly single and has said she has no desire to start up another romantic relationship.

I neither want nor need a partner, she told Best magazine earlier this month.

I've been divorced twice and been single since splitting from my last boyfriend - Danny Taylor.

I've come to realise that I'm not here to be in love. I'm not on this earth for that - my purpose is to teach dance and to help people find joy in that and reach their potential.

She added: Maybe I've had too many losses to want to let people get too close - my father left when I was two, my brother took his own life, my two marriages broke down.

Shirley has also had to deal with relentless attacks on her appearance, character and dance expertise by trolls who target her every week while Strictly is on.

For years she has been forced to defend herself against diehard fans of the show, who have criticised her for what they perceive to be biased scoring towards male contestants.

In 2023, the abuse went so far that she admitted she had become scared to leave the house.

I've had people draw coffins with me in it with somebody with a spade that said, 'Die you b****, she told Olivia Attwood on her ITV documentary about trolling.

I never relax. It has changed my life completely I would say.

So, when Shirley found that she couldnt breathe for 20 minutes after a fishbone became stuck in her throat ahead of Saturdays show, it came at the end of chaotic year.

She was terrified during the ordeal, she said, and if it wasnt for her hair and make-up artist knowing the Heimlich manoeuvre, it could have had a tragic ending.

It got lodged in my throat, and my wonderful Jane, who has been with me for nine years, did the Heimlich manoeuvre, and we got the bone out, she said.

But for 20 minutes there, it was lodged and I couldn't breathe, so it was terrifying.

She added: I really thought that was it.

After a year of heartbreak and health scares, one thing is for certain: Itll take more than a fishbone and few cruel comments to get Shirley Ballas to quit Strictly.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Ive spent the last few intense days immersed in the final adventure of Captain James Cook, the great British navigator and explorer (1728-1779). I visited the exhibition Voices of the Pacific at CaixaForum Barcelona, where he is mentioned several times  generally in a negative light: one work by a Polynesian artist satirizes him, and another depicts his first ship, the HMS Endeavour, upside down  and above all, I read an extraordinary book about his third and fateful final voyage, The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides (Doubleday, 2024), full of new research. As an aperitif  and the word is apt  Sides argues that Cook was indeed cooked, but not eaten, by Hawaiians after they killed him on the beach at Kealakekua Bay.

Cook  whom Michel Le Bris, in his Dictionnaire amoreaux des explorateurs (Plon, 2010), points out inaugurated a long fascination that, despite Bougainville and La Perouse (or Magellan and Alvaro de Saavedra), made the South Seas a space of the Anglo-American imaginary (Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, Donovans Reef) is sensationally revived by Sides, who dissects his legend and masterfully traces the steps of the third voyage, many of the places in which he has visited. The American author explains that Cook  already immensely famous after his two previous expeditions, in which he had circumnavigated the globe and reached further south than anyone else (with the mistaken conclusion that Antarctica didnt exist; nobodys perfect)  agreed to take command of HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery with the mission of discovering the Northwest Passage, that Arctic holy grail that obsessed the British. Along the way, the expedition, which would reach the northernmost tip of the American continent from the Pacific, via Alaska, and visit icy landscapes, not only the breathtaking South Seas (and Tenerife), was meant to return a young Polynesian man whom Cook had taken with him on the previous voyage back to his home.

During his third voyage, the most dramatic and the longest, his swan song, Cook reached Hawaii, and it was there that the natives killed the captain in an unfortunate incident. I mistakenly believed that after killing him, they had eaten him, at least in part, given that the Hawaiians returned a charred piece of his leg, weighing about three kilos, which is at the very least suspicious. In a second delivery there were more pieces of his legs (without feet), part of his skull, fragments of scalp, and his hands, which had been salted. Sides recalls that, unlike other Polynesian cultures, especially the Maori (who ate 10 of Cooks sailors on his second voyage), the native Hawaiians were not traditionally cannibals. My opinion is that I dont think he was eaten, but he was certainly cooked, he explained to me on October 20 in an interesting (I was going to say succulent) telephone conversation from his home in New Mexico. Cook  one can only imagine what a great pair he made with Lord Sandwich  was roasted, not for culinary reasons, but as part of a ceremony to remove the meat clinging to the bones, which the locals believed was where the deceaseds spiritual power resided. In fact, Sides points out, what the Hawaiians did was treat Cook as a significant figure in their own culture and turn his remains (those parts not returned) into relics: those befitting a man considered high-ranking and very powerful.

Sides recalls that to this day, Hawaiian elders, despite the many morbid and grotesque stories that have circulated, have always vehemently insisted that no one ate any part of Cooks body and that the captains remains were treated with the same dignity and respect accorded to great chiefs. That said, the bones did circulate widely around the island.

Captain James Cook.

Sides was unable to provide me with any information about the supposed arrow made from a piece of Cooks tibia, which Tony Horwitz mentions in his splendid Blue Latitudes (2002) and which he traced to an Australian museum (taking the opportunity to reflect on the possibility of cloning the captain). Sides, incidentally, knew Horwitz and informed me of the sad news that the Pulitzer Prize-winning author died of a heart attack in 2019.

Regarding what happened on the Hawaiian beach on that fateful day, Sides says the captain lost his composure and didnt act with his usual diplomacy. The Hawaiians, who had a different concept of private property than Europeans, had stolen a boat from the expedition, and Cook seemed to lose his mind: he went to find King Kalaniopuu and took him hostage to force the return of the stolen item. He wasnt reasonable and misread the situation; there was a violent escalation, and the warriors protecting the monarch attacked the captain and his men as they tried to return to the ships. Cook, who fired his pistol, killing one warrior, was then struck on the head with a mace by another (some very telling examples are on display at CaixaForum), and as he fell, a third plunged a pahoa  a traditional dagger often adorned with shark teeth or a swordfish bill  into his neck and continued to stab him savagely. Finally, his skull was split open with a stone. Its curious that Cook met a similar end to Magellan.

Sides believes that the experienced Cook had developed overconfidence and thought he could handle any situation. He committed a sin of hubris, as the Greeks would say. It is possible that Cook also suffered from some illness or mental disorder, he adds. He seems to have been different from his earlier voyages, and there are accounts that he had become stricter and even crueler, using the whip  an unusual punishment for him  with a frequency worthy of Captain William Bligh in Mutiny on the Bounty (incidentally, Bligh, who years later would command HMS Bounty, was part of Cooks third expedition, as was another future star, George Vancouver). We will never know what was happening to Cook; it has been speculated that the physical effect of so much travel was taking its toll  he seemed exhausted. Sides cant resist the joke that Cook  who had been to extreme northern and southern latitudes, crossing both the Antarctic and Arctic Circles  was obviously bipolar.

The author points out that Cook is currently viewed quite negatively in Hawaii and other parts of the South Seas, where he is attacked as a symbol of colonialism and a figure whose arrival marked the fatal impact, the beginning of the destruction of traditional cultures: a Christopher Columbus of the Pacific. Sides judgment is different: You can vilify him, but he is undoubtedly one of the greatest captains and navigators of all time. He is actually blamed for what came after. Cook, a self-made man, austere, fair, and sincere, was above all an explorer; his interest was in knowing the world and drawing maps, at which he was a true genius. His objective was primarily scientific. I admire him for his abilities. He was very interested in other cultures and showed an unusual respect for them, to the point that one could say his perspective was that of a proto-anthropologist. He showed no prejudice, he didnt moralize, and he never tried to convert the natives. He even witnessed a human sacrifice. It is true that the victim had already been killed when Cook arrived at the lively ceremony, but he saw a chieftain eating the left eye of the sacrificed man.

Its curious that there isnt a memorable film about Cook. Yes, its strange, because his adventures are very cinematic. Sides was very fond of Master and Commander, the adaptation of Patrick OBrians novels, whose protagonists, Aubrey and Maturin, in some ways mirror the relationship between Cook and the naturalist on his first voyage, Joseph Banks, of whom Sides, incidentally, doesnt have a very high opinion.

An inhabitant of Easter Island in a ritual during the Pacific Leaders Summit in 2024. Elvis Gonzalez (EFE)

In The Wide Wide Sea there is a fair amount of sex, reminiscent of Irwin Wallaces The Three Sirens. In many places in the Pacific, such as Tahiti, European sailors could openly have sex with the uninhibited local women, the author notes. It seemed like paradise to them; even more so because of the local womens mastery of their bodies, whose skill in moving their hips with a rotating motion was praised. In contrast, the Polynesian women found kissing repulsive. There has been much debate about what drove them to these unions. In part, it was curiosity, a desire to break taboos, and a genuine longing for different men, most of whom were very young. Perhaps there was a natural impulse to escape the islands inbreeding, and gifts also played a role. There appear to have been sincere romantic relationships. The dark side was the massive spread of venereal diseases by the Europeans.

Would we have liked Cook? Probably not very much. Sides emphasizes that he was a sailing machine (although curiously he couldnt swim), circumspect, and not at all romantic. He valued precision and lacked social skills. He had started in the Royal Navy from the bottom, as a seaman, and as a captain, he cared for his men. He could eat anything and felt at home in the Pacific. His worst nightmare was having his sextant stolen. He seems to have practiced strict chastity despite the erotic atmosphere in Polynesia. Perhaps that had something to do with his bad temper in his later years.

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Dame Esther Rantzen has issued a heartbreaking update on her cancer battle as she admitted she is celebrating Christmas early so there's 'more chance I'll be alive'.

The journalist, 85, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, and at one point was told she had just weeks to live.

Last year the star raved about an 'amazing' new drug which had delayed the spread of her cancer, saying that it had allowed her to plan ahead.

However in an update on Friday, Dame Esther told The Times that she was diagnosed with a second form of cancer - for which she received chemotherapy and radiotherapy this year.

Dame Esther also revealed that she is now not receiving any treatment at all after her doctor said the side-effects were outweighing any benefits.

'A further diagnosis, comparatively recently, has revealed that I am also being attacked by a completely different kind of cancer, which needed treatment with chemotherapy and being zapped with radiotherapy,' she said.

Dame Esther Rantzen has issued a heartbreaking update on her cancer battle as she admitted she is celebrating Christmas early so there's 'more chance I'll be alive' (Seen in 2020)

'Right now I am not receiving any treatment at all, which was my doctors decision, as the side-effects outweigh the benefits - so the cancers are progressing but, according to my most recent scan, very slowly.'

Dame Esther went on to share that she has been planning to have Christmas celebrations with her children and grandchildren sooner rather than later.

She said: 'This year I am planning an 'official' Christmas with my children and five grandchildren, slightly ahead of the real Christmas so that there will be more chance that I am actually alive to enjoy it with them!'

Dame Esther added that back in 2023 she didn't expect to survive another Christmas so it was a 'wonderful' surprise that she has yet another to celebrate.

It comes after Kate Garraway was left fighting back tears as she was joined by Dame Esther for a segment on the assisted dying bill.

Kate, 58, became visibly upset as terminally ill Dame Esther revealed her end of life plans in an emotional interview on Friday's show via phone call.

The That's Life! presenter was seen appealing to the House of Lords, who are currently debating the legislation for the bill, to not block it from moving forward.

Dame Esther revealed she wanted to represent terminally ill people across England and Wales as she admitted she had plans to travel to Dignitas in Switzerland, a non-profit organisation that provides physician-assisted death.

The journalist, 85, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, and at one point was told she had just weeks to live

She said: 'I'm not afraid of death, but I am, as someone once said, afraid of dying, I'm afraid of dying badly.

'I'm making arrangements because it's the only way I can have an assisted death, to go by myself to Zurich, to Dignitas.'

'I just wish that I was allowed to say goodbye to my family and for them to see that I have a good death.'

Dame Esther continued: 'Please, House of Lords, give us terminally ill patients the hope, the confidence, the choice that if life gets unbearable, they can ask for help.'

Going on to address how the bill will affect disabled people due to the question it could be used against them if they become a burden to family, Dame Esther added: 'Some disabled people think that it will apply to them, well, it won't. It can't, unless they are terminally ill with six months or less to live'.

Earlier this year Dame Esther opened up about her heartbreaking final wish, revealing the 'extremely limited' time she has left.

The Childline founder expressed her deep desire to be reunited with her late husband, Desmond Wilcox, whom she lost to a heart attack in 2000 at the age of 69.

In an interview, she spoke deeply about her lasting bond with Desmond, musing on the possibility of an afterlife where they could once again be together.

The Childline founder expressed her deep desire to be reunited with her late husband, Desmond Wilcox, whom she lost to a heart attack in 2000 at the age of 69 (pictured together in 1999)

She told The Times: 'If there is a heaven, it would be a very happy place. It's a lovely idea to meet Desmond again and all those I have loved and lost  my parents and grandparents, my close friends and family.'

Esther's relationship with Desmond began as an affair in 1968, when he was her head of department at the BBC.

They married in 1977 and spent 30 years together until his death, and had three children together.

Back in 2013, the presenter spoke of her own sadness at being a widow, saying she would give up a decade of her life to spend just ten more minutes by her late husbands side.

She said: 'Desmond's last words to me were, "I adore you". I was sitting on his deathbed.

'I will take those words with me to the grave. I said to my son last night, "If God gave me the choice between ten more years of life and ten more minutes with Desi, I would pick those ten minutes".'
Alice Liveing has revealed she was rushed to hospital with unusual bleeding just weeks after giving birth.

The fitness influencer, 32, welcomed a daughter named Jeannie with her husband Patrick Murphy last month, admitting her baby's delivery was 'wild' and 'unexpected.'

But taking to Instagram on Friday, Alice shared a picture of a hospital bed as she revealed she had undergone a scan after experiencing concerning post-birth symptoms.

Alice said she had noticed some unusual post-birth bleeding in the last week and had gone to see her GP.

She was then sent for a scan where it was found she had 'retained products' - the presence of remaining placental or fetal tissue in the uterus.

Alice wrote: 'Not the news I wanted today, but want to share in case it's helpful or makes anyone else get their's checked.

Alice Liveing revealed on Instagram on Friday she was rushed to hospital with unusual bleeding just weeks after giving birth

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Alice shared a picture of a hospital bed as she revealed she had undergone a scan after experiencing concerning post-birth symptoms

'I had some unusual post-birth bleeding over the last week or so and saw my GP for a scan. Turns out I have some 'retained products' and am now waiting for the plan of action to deal with this.

'It's these 'little things' you always try and write off as being normal post hvaing a baby that it can be worth getting checked.

'I'm sadly outside of the 28-day window to receive triage care from the hospital hence needing to go down the GP route but I'm glad I did and will keep you posted with next steps for anyone who might experiencing similar.'

In the next slide, Alice shared a snippet from Google's AI results detailing what abnormal post-birth bleeding can look like and when to seek medical attention.

She added: 'Mine was mainly the colour of my bleeding. It was a bright, bright red with large clots (sorry TMI) from around 25 days post birth.'

Alice went on to say that she is hoping to soon get back to work sharing videos after the birth and health issues, as she asked fans what they would like to see from her.

'I really want to start making content again and getting back in my work flow,' she said.

'I've needed to take this time to really survive the last few weeks, but now I'd love a focus of trying to achieve some baby steps towards bringing a bit of work back in.'

In the next slide, Alice shared a snippet from Google's AI results detailing what abnormal post-birth bleeding can look like and when to seek medical attention

The fitness influencer gave birth to a daughter named Jeannie with her husband Patrick Murphy last month, admitting her daughter's delivery was 'wild' and 'unexpected'

Earlier this month, Alice shared candid insight into her life as a new mother, admitting she's struggling to leave the house, three weeks after welcoming her first child.

In a series of posts on her Instagram Stories, Alice admitted that 'never fully understood or appreciated' the challenges of raising a newborn baby, and she's struggled to find the time to get out and about.

The social media star added that 'exercise hasn't even crossed her mind' because she 'hasn't had a second' between caring for her baby girl.

She explained: 'I'll tell you one thing I never appreciated before having a baby and that is the people that are like 'I literally haven't even brushed my teeth and it's one o'clock' or the people that are like 'I haven't left the house and it's 4pm in the afternoon'.

'And I never fully understood or appreciated that that is the reality of having a tiny baby - and I always thought I'd be that person that's like 'You know how hard can it be, surely'.

'Like I had such, such good intentions of being like "I'm going to go for a walk every morning, get outside, get daylight" and honestly it is just so much harder.

'For example today, Jeannie has been feeding on and off. She had a really good sleep this morning but that was when I needed to shower and get myself dressed, so I did manage to do that.

Alice shared the happy news she'd given a birth to a baby girl last month, in an 'unexpected way', alongside a slew of adorable snaps of her baby girl

Alice also shared a later post sharing some of the challenges she's faced while 'solo parenting,' after her husband Patrick returned to work following his paternity leave

'Then I was like "I'll feed her and get her down in the pram, great"' She literally closed her eyes and then started screaming, got her, then threw up all over me, in my hair, all down my front.

'And obviously if you have another pair of hands it's great because when Paddy was here for his paternity leave for two weeks it was fine because I would be like 'Oh can you take her and I'll go and do this and then I'll take her and you go and do that'.

'But when it's me on my own I just cannot. My intention was, I'm going to leave the house at midday. I'm going to go out for a walk at midday and get some fresh air, best intentions but it's not going to happen.

'She threw up all over me, I had to change her again and put her in a whole new outfit, had to wash myself down, then we're back at square one with feeding because she's then hungry again.

'So I get it, I fully get it and I appreciate, I fully appreciate when people say how hard it is to even fit in 10 minutes of exercise.

'I haven't even thought about exercise and I'm coming up to three weeks postpartum. It hasn't even crossed my mind because I haven't had a second.'
Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Ortega looked chic in black as they attended the Jury Press Conference during day two of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival on Saturday.

The Queen's Gambit star, 29, looked incredible as she slipped into a square-neck, figure-hugging dress.

Adding inches to her statuesque frame, Anya completed her ensemble with strappy black heels.

Wednesday actress Jenna, 23, arrived in a black lace bodysuit which she layered under a black blazer.

She paired her jacket with loose-fitting, satin black trousers and some black laced combat boots.

It comes after Jenna raised eyebrows after she appeared to look 'fed up' and 'disappointed' during a recent Wednesday press event earlier this month.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Ortega looked chic in black as they attended the Jury Press Conference during day two of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival on Saturday

Jenna, 23, arrived in a black lace bodysuit which she layered under a black blazer

The actress was joined by the show's cast and creators  including her on-screen parents Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman  at a FYC Event at Netflix Tudum in LA on November 9.

For a moment on the night, Jenna seemed deflated as writer, executive producer, and creator Alfred Gough heaped praise on her performance in the second series.

During his speech, Gough referenced an episode in which Jenna and Emma Myers swapped bodies.

In a clip, which was recorded by popular film blog Rama's Screen, that has gained attention online, he said: 'She and Emma really took care of each other on that body swap episode and they took care of each other on set while doing it. It's an extraordinary episode.

'But Jenna is extraordinary through the entire season and so I will give her the props that she won't give herself.'

As Gough shared his remark, which was met with applause from the audience, Jenna positioned herself away from his gaze.

Instead, she faced in a different direction while resting her chin on her fist.

After he finished his compliment, Jenna shifted the conversation and instead paid tribute to the Wednesday crew.

She paired her jacket with loose-fitting, satin black trousers and some black laced combat boots

Meanwhile, Queen's Gambit star Anna, 29, looked incredible as she slipped into a square-neck, figure-hugging dress

Adding inches to her statuesque frame, Anya completed her ensemble with strappy black heels

Pictured L to R: Julia Ducournau, Karim Ainouz, Celine Song, Jury President Bong Joon-ho, Jenna, Payman Maadi, Anya, Hakim Belabbes and Host Nashen Moodley

'Actually, I'm very proud of the Irish crew stepping in,' she said.

'I'm not the one lugging around the equipment and loading trucks every day, showing up and making something that Tim [Burton] said he wanted two minutes ago, it's not easy.'

After a clip of the moment circulated online, social media users speculated on a supposed rift between the actress and Gough.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: 'Jenna is someone who truly loves her work and gives it everything she has.

'It honestly makes me so sad to see her like this she's clearly fed up and disappointed by the attitude and actions of those arrogant people, and honestly, I don't blame her.'

Offering a similar stance, another wrote: 'The subtle head shake when he talked about her and Emma, not looking at him the entire time and the instant praise towards the crew to give them love without acknowledging what he said.

It comes after Jenna raised eyebrows after she appeared to look 'fed up' and 'disappointed' during a recent Wednesday press event earlier this month

'I know she still has a bit of respect for them but the reaction still says a lot.'

In a separate post, they continued: 'And I don't think she's even doing it with the intention to let everyone know what she feels. It's probably something she just can't help but doing because of how fed up she is.'

Another observed: 'Body turning away, not giving attention, not clapping. The whole body language literally says she doesn't like him.'

A fourth noted: 'He's giving her all (and Emma) the praise and she does not acknowledge him at all. All she does is stare at the ground, not thanking him/clapping for him when he's done talking but giving her praise to the Irish crew instead. Yeah, she's done.'
Kelsey Parker has revealed that she feels 'anxious' going out to events in London and often struggles to digest other people's 'sadness' for her after the tragic loss of her third child.

The TV star, whose husband Tom Parker died of glioblastoma in March 2022, aged 33, suffered further heartbreak in June when her unborn baby - her first with boyfriend Will Lindsay - was stillborn.

And Kelsey, who is a mother to Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, shared her feelings with fans on Instagram on Friday as she headed off to Claridge's Hotel in London for a Christmas event.

In a video, she said: 'I do feel like since losing Phoenix though, going out to London and doing things like this, not that I have anxiety because I don't want to claim that I've got anxiety, because I don't have anxiety.

'I don't know what the word is, because it's not even worry, I don't know what the word is, I feel a little bit anxious about going out. Not that I don't have the energy, it's almost like, do you know when you could say no, I could just be like, I could talk myself out of going.

'Which, I'm trying not to do, because I need to go out and I need to do things because it's really good for me.

Kelsey Parker has revealed that she feels 'anxious' going out to events in London and often struggles to digest other people's 'sadness' for her after the tragic loss of her third child

The baby, whom she named Phoenix, was her first child with boyfriend Will Lindsay. Kelsey's husband, Tom Parker, died in March 2022 from glioblastoma - they share children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four

'But this is a message for people that are doing that to themselves. Try and say yes to everything and go. Because I do feel like we're fed a bit of a narrative that it's like "just say no," but maybe just say yes.'

She continued: 'I think also for me what the problem is, is I know how deeply sorry people are for me, and I think I don't take well to sadness, I think I find it hard to digest from other people's sadness for me.'Obviously, even people coming up to me after Aurelia sang, they were like "Oh, we cried", because I think people in the back of their minds are thinking "Oh, she's had so much loss in her little life of you know, six years of being here, she's gone through so much.'And I think that's my thought about going out, that I know people feel deeply sorry and sad for me, and I can feel that energy, and then I probably overcompensate, and I'm like "I'm fine", which I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do that guys.'

In June, Kelsey took to Instagram to share her heartbreaking news about her third child, who died one week before his planned due date.

Breaking the news in a poem, she wrote: 'The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight

'We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light Though we never heard you cry, You'll live in hearts that won't ask why.

'No breath you drew, no eyes to see, Still, you mean everything to me. You'll journey with us, softly near, in every sigh, in every tear.

Uploading a video to Instagram on Friday as she headed off to Claridge's Hotel in London for a Christmas event, Kelsey shared her feelings with fans, admitting she could easily talk herself out of going to events

She said: 'I do feel like since losing Phoenix though, going out to London and doing things like this, not that I have anxiety because I don't want to claim that I've got anxiety, because I don't have anxiety'

She continued: 'I don't know what the word is, because it's not even worry, I don't know what the word is, I feel a little bit anxious about going out. Not that I don't have the energy, it's almost like, do you know when you could say no, I could just be like, I could talk myself out of going'

She added: 'I think also for me what the problem is, is I know how deeply sorry people are for me, and I think I don't take well to sadness, I think I find it hard to digest from other people's sadness for me'

Taking to her Instagram stories: she added: 'Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.

'But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news.

'I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family.'

Kelsey was left devastated after her husband Tom lost his battle with brain cancer, but found love again last year, meeting Kent tree surgeon Will on a night out and announcing their romance in September.

The podcaster later admitted to being targeted by online trolls for moving on with her new partner.

Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, in their first joint interview together in March, she explained: 'It's been three years, this is Tom's three-year anniversary of his death, and it's almost like people want me to feel guilty for moving on.'

In June, Kelsey took to Instagram to tell her followers that her baby Phoenix had died

Kelsey pictured with Tom who lost his battle with cancer

She added: 'I'm always going to have guilt, but what's so hard is that Tom's not here anymore, so what do people want me to do?',

'Our house was full of so much sadness, but now it's full of happiness. The kids deserve that more than anything.

'They've been through so much, I feel like we are taking the steps forward to heal, but I just want other women to feel like it's OK to move on, it's not taking anything away from the love I had for Tom.'

If you have been affected by anything in this article, please contact The Lullaby Trust on 0808 8026868.
Kelly Osbourne has shared a heartbreaking clip of her father Ozzy putting up their Christmas decorations as they spend their first year without him.

The Black Sabbath legend passed away aged 76 on July 22 at his UK home, surrounded by his loved ones.

And Kelly, 41, opened up about The Osbournes' festive tradition of putting up the Christmas tree together, in a clip seen by The Sun.

Explaining that the family usually puts up their tree today, she revealed that their celebrations will never be the same now that Ozzy is gone.

Alongside, she shared a sweet video of her late father detangling Christmas lights and getting into the festive spirit..

The clip saw the rock legend comically swearing as he struggles to undo a string of lights for the Christmas tree.

Kelly Osbourne, 41, has shared a heartbreaking clip of her father Ozzy putting up their Christmas decorations as they spend their first year without him

The Black Sabbath legend passed away aged 76 on July 22 at his UK home, surrounded by his loved ones

Ozzy then eventually shouted up to his beloved wife Sharon, 73, and asked for help as he walked away.

Reposting from another online user, she penned: 'We are meant to be putting up the Christmas tree today! It won't be the same (crying emoji)'

Ozzy died after battling Parkinson's Disease for six years, just weeks after Black Sabbath performed their final show together in their hometown.

The rocker reunited with his original bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage.

Following the news of Ozzy's passing, his wife Sharon opened up on social media to thank fans for the 'overwhelming love and support' shown towards her by his fans.

Sharon admitted she had been 'carried through' by those around her, adding she was 'still finding her footing' after losing her husband of 43 years.

Now, Jack had added: 'She's okay, but she's not okay. I know she feels the love.'

New BBC One documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home will chart 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.

And Kelly opened up about The Osbournes' festive tradition of putting up the Christmas tree together, in a clip seen by the Sun

It will feature Jack and his sibling Kelly speaking about their mum Sharon's pain over Ozzy's final years, nursing him through painful operations and trying to help him.

It will also show behind-the-scenes footage from his final farewell concert at Villa Park, following his long battle with Parkinson's.

It follows the 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 continued to GMA: '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.'
Fans of the Netflix hit The Beast In Me were shocked after learning the leading man Matthew Rhys is actually Welsh.

The actor, 51, uses a convincing American accent to play the part of Nile Jarvis - a man once accused of murder that is obsessed with his neighbour.

While Claire Danes, 46, plays Aggie Wiggs, a grief-stricken author who retreats from normal life after the death of her son.

The show's official synopsis reads: 'Grief-stricken and desperate for purpose, Aggie Wiggs becomes entangled with Nile Jarvis - a man once accused of murder. Obsession turns toxic. Danger creeps closer.

'The Beast in Me is a dark and twisting new series that asks: When you chase a monster, what do you become?'

But Matthew surprised fans after he appeared in an interview clip on TikTok, joking that he had done all the press for the series 'utterly inebriated'.

Fans of the Netflix hit The Beast In Me have been stunned after learning the leading man Matthew Rhys is actually Welsh (pictured playing Nile Jarvis in the show)

While Claire Danes , 46, (left) plays Aggie Wiggs, a grief-stricken author who retreats from normal life after the death of her son

Fans flocked to the comments with one saying: 'He's hysterical. I did not know he is British.'

Another said: 'Omg he's British????'

A third wrote: 'The most remarkable acting ever I was clueless he is British.'

One dumbfounded fan said: 'He has been Welsh this whole time?!!!!'

A fan also wrote: 'I can't believe he's Welsh! That's brilliant'.

Matthew is from Cardiff and has even acted using the Welsh language for the film Bydd yn Wrol (Be Brave), for which he won Best Actor at the Bafta Cymru (Welsh BAFTAs).

But he is known for his Emmy-winning role as Philip Jennings on The Americans.

His latest Netflix thriller has been described as the 'best show' viewers have seen in a long time after they binge-watched the 'top-tier' thriller.

The show's official synopsis reads: 'Grief-stricken and desperate for purpose, Aggie Wiggs becomes entangled with Nile Jarvis - a man once accused of murder. Obsession turns toxic'

Matthew surprised fans after he appeared in an interview clip on TikTok , joking that he had done all the press for the series 'utterly inebriated'

The Beast In Me is now topping TV charts around the world thanks to its fast-paced, dark plot which centres around a 'toxic' entanglement.

The show already has an impressive rating of 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb and an even better score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The American psychological thriller also features Brittany Snow as Nina Jarvis, Nile's second wife, and Natalie Morales as Shelley, Aggie's ex-wife.

Sitting down with Netflix to discuss the show, Claire Danes opened up about the most 'intimidating' part of taking on the role of Aggie as fans beg the streaming service to make a second season.

She said: 'I worried about so much of the story revolving around this woman who is really introverted, really internal - paralysed with grief, initially.

'Like, "Ah! How do we invite an audience into this woman's world, when she's worked so hard to create fences around it?"'

'That was probably the biggest trick for me - and the greatest source of intimidation. But again, I think [the director] Antonio [Campos] made all that possible.

'He really understood where that tension lay and how to make her accessible, even when she was so defended and kind of receding.'
Hilary Duff has recalled how frightened she was of Jennifer Coolidge on the set of their millennial classic A Cinderella Story two decades ago.

Duff was 15 at the time of filming, and was already a nationally famous child star as the title character on the Disney Channel sitcom Lizzie McGuire.

Meanwhile Coolidge had herself already featured in such comedy classics as American Pie and Legally Blonde by the time she acted with Duff, but was still years away from her Emmy-winning turn on The White Lotus.

While Duff played a modern high school analog of Cinderella in the 2004 feature, Coolidge featured as the evil stepmother, in a scenery-chewing role.

Now it has emerged that Coolidge was so convincing while shooting her scenes that Duff felt scared and had to remind herself they were playing characters.

'She just goes there in such a big way that it was really impressive and slightly intimidating as a teenager,' Duff said in an interview with Variety.

Hilary Duff has recalled how frightened she was of Jennifer Coolidge on the set of their millennial classic A Cinderella Story (pictured) two decades ago

'And she was mean to me, so it was a little scary, 'cause I was only like 15 and she was just mean to me 'cause she's my evil stepmother,' she recalled.

'At the time, I was like...,' Duff said, pulling an alarmed face and taking deep breaths. 'I had to be like: "You're filming a movie. You're filming a movie."'

The disclosure comes after Duff pulled the curtain back on her encounters with her fellow Disney Channel child stars Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.

During the early years of the network's heyday, Duff, 38, shot to fame on the smash hit sitcom Lizzie McGuire in 2001 at the age of 13.

Meanwhile Gomez, 33, rose to prominence on the show Wizards of Waverly Place beginning in 2007 and Demi, 33, in the TV movie Camp Rock in 2008.

However despite having preceded them into the limelight on the Disney Channel, Duff never felt the need to take the younger actresses under her wing.

'I can't remember exactly but I know at some point, Selena and Demi both approached me at certain things, like years and years and years ago,' Duff revealed on a recent episode of the podcast Therapuss with Jake Shane.

'Then they were really lovely, and really sweet and kind, and telling me how much they love me and that kind of conversation,' she dished.

Duff was 15 at the time of filming, and was already a child star as the title character on the Disney Channel sitcom Lizzie McGuire; pictured this September at Milan Fashion Week

Coolidge is pictured in her comeback role in The White Lotus, for which she won an Emmy Award, reinvigorating her career after a slump

'But I was never like: "Let me show you the way," which thank goodness, because it's been so fun to watch all of them pave the way and watch the journey. It's been insane. What a ride for all of the Disney people.'

She was promoting her steamy new song Mature, which she has described in a statement as 'a little conversation that my present self is having with my younger self.'

Duff added: 'The two of us are reflecting on a past experience and sending love to each other. Its a chuckle, a wink and a sense of being grateful that we are sure footed in where we landed,' via People magazine.

Although Duff never took Gomez and Lovato on as her protegees specifically, she has offered her advice in general terms to young people.

'Theres always so much pressure to succeed and be at the top. But you might not always get it right the first time,' she told Forbes in 2016.

'You have to continue to be bold and put yourself out there. Even if your first job might not be your dream job,' the Younger actress said.

'It opens up doors to hopefully be where you want to be. Or maybe it will take you in a totally different direction that might be really good for you.'

A few years ago Duff was asked whether she would still be a child star if she were offered the chance to lead her life again, and she responded that she would.

'She just goes there in such a big way that it was really impressive and slightly intimidating as a teenager,' Duff said in an interview with Variety; the pair are pictured in the film

'I wouldnt do it all exactly the same, but I cant look at my life and be like: I wish this was different, because I dont know if it would get me to where I am right now,' the How I Met Your Father star told Cosmopolitan.

'I wish I had a little bit of a better education. I wish I had a little bit of a college experience,' the mother of four confessed.

'But what would that look like? The thing that I crave out of it wouldnt look the way I pictured it because of who I am and how I came up,' she added.

'Its weird to say who I am to others, but it would be hard to erase that element to have a normal experience,' Duff reasoned.

'I feel smart, but theres certain things that people talk about where it literally isnt in my brain because I didnt experience it. I learned other things that people dont have a clue about. But I dont sit and harp on that.'
Gypsy Rose Blanchard had fans doing a double take Wednesday after revealing her natural hair on social media - and admitting she usually wears a wig.

In an Instagram Stories post, the 34-year-old, who served eight years of a 10-year prison sentence for assisting in the murder of her mother, shared a photo of herself with short hair.

Above the photo, she added text reading, 'Why do you wear wigs?'

At the bottom of the post, she answered: 'This is my real natural hair. I had to cut it really short because nearly two years of bleaching completely fried it.'

Blanchard continued: 'I don't feel comfortable with short hair, so I normally wear a high-quality wig while my real hair grows back healthy. I'm giving my hair a fresh start so it can grow long again.'

The shocking reveal comes after she stunned fans with an entirely new look in May following a 25lb weight loss.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard had fans doing a double take Wednesday after revealing her natural hair on social media - and admitting she usually wears a wig; (pictured in 2023)

In an Instagram Stories post, the 34-year-old, who served eight years of a 10-year prison sentence for assisting in the murder of her mother , shared a photo of herself with short hair

The TV personality shared a snap showing her slimmed-down frame while posing cheerfully with partner Ken Urker.

She dressed for the warmer weather in denim shorts and a black leather top with a plunging neckline, celebrating her post-baby glow after welcoming daughter Aurora last December.

A follow-up mirror selfie showed her toned figure in a sleeveless white vest, jeans, and black booties.

Blanchard, who previously denied using weight-loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro, captioned her post: 'My 25lbs weight loss.'

In January, the Munchausen by proxy survivor insisted her figure was the result of her focus on 'getting fit by doing yoga and other exercises to help tone' her stomach.

'I bought small gym equipment for my home to start getting healthy,' she revealed on Instagram. 'I never have used weight loss drugs to lose weight. I was blessed with a healthy pregnancy and gained very little during my pregnancy.'

Blanchard welcomed her daughter with Ken Urker on December 28 - exactly one year after she was released from prison.

She spent her childhood posing as a wheelchair-bound invalid after mom Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard shaved her head, pumped her full of drugs, and convinced the world she was suffering from leukemia and muscular dystrophy.

Blanchard continued: 'I don't feel comfortable with short hair, so I normally wear a high-quality wig while my real hair grows back healthy. I'm giving my hair a fresh start so it can grow long again'

The shocking reveal comes after she stunned fans with an entirely new look in May following a 25lb weight loss

Blanchard welcomed her daughter with Ken Urker on December 28 - exactly one year after she was released from prison

Their 'inseparable' bond ended when Gypsy burst free of her warped mom's control in 2015 by letting her besotted internet boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, creep into their Springfield, Missouri, home to stab 48-year-old Dee Dee to death.

She ultimately plead guilty to second-degree murder and spent nearly a decade locked up before she was granted early parole and released in December 2023.

While in prison, she bonded with Ken after he sent her a letter; they started corresponding and things soon turned romantic, with him proposing in 2018.

But after the Hulu show The Act - which starred Joey King as Gypsy and Patricia Arquette as her mother - premiered a few months later and put an intense spotlight on Gypsy's story, she admitted in her memoir that Ken couldn't handle all the sudden attention.

They ultimately split and she moved on with Ryan Scott Anderson, and they wed in July 2022.

Ryan was by her side when she was freed - but just three months later, news hit the web that they had split.

Soon after, it was reported that Gypsy had reconciled with her ex, Ken; she then revealed that they were expecting in July.

In a YouTube video at the time, Gypsy spoke about how her horrific upbringing would affect her outlook on motherhood.

'All the things that I wanted in a mother, I want to give to this baby,' she stated. 'I just want to be a good mother to my child, I want to be everything my mother wasn't.'

Gypsy previously revealed the 'backstory' behind her baby's name during an interview with People last year.

'Ken came up with that. There's a whole backstory to it,' she dished. 'Some people think that it's because of the Disney Princess.

'Some people think that it's because Kristy's dog is named Aurora Grace,' she said of her step-mother, adding: 'It's not because of that.'

'Ken came up with that. There's a whole backstory to it,' she dished. 'Some people think that it's because of the Disney Princess'

'Back whenever Ken and I were together seven years ago, both of us have a fascination with the Northern Lights, and the proper term is the Aurora Borealis,' she said recalling her time dating Urker while imprisoned

Instead, Aurora was selected because of the couple's shared love of the Northern Lights.

'Back whenever Ken and I were together seven years ago, both of us have a fascination with the Northern Lights, and the proper term is the Aurora Borealis,' she said recalling her time dating Urker while imprisoned.

'I think it was maybe in 2018, we wrote each other's future kid's name on pieces of paper and Aurora is what we both picked without even knowing each other was picking it.'

Gypsy talked to A&E True Crime in March and opened up about how motherhood has changed her.

'It's made me a lot more mature. It's made me really have to analyze my priorities,' she explained.

'Coming out of prison, I wanted to do this and go there and have this experience and that experience and be very carefree. I was to the wind, acting on emotion and impulse.'

Gypsy recently talked to A&E True Crime in March and opened up about how motherhood has changed her

She added, 'But I have a child now. And so, I'm a lot more mindful about my decisions in life because they affect her as well.'

In regards to becoming a parent, Blanchard said it has made her look back at her own upbringing - some of it being 'negative.'

The TV personality expressed, 'I wish I could say that I can relate to my mom. I wish I could give you that answer, that I see her point of view now.

'But that's just not it. It just isn't. If anything, I see that I'm more lost in the questions that I have. I just dont have the mindset that my mom did, to relate to her.'
Anya Taylor-Joy dazzled in a strapless gold gown as she made her latest red carpet appearance at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival.

The Queen's Gambit star, 29, looked picture perfect for day two of the glitzy event on Saturday.

She put on a show-stopping display as she stepped out in her pleated gold ensemble as she joined a slew of stars in attendance of the lavish festival.

Her dress clung to her tiny frame, highlighting her sensational figure and featured an intricate floral design across her chest.

Anya wore her platinum blonde locks in a chic updo and modelled some diamond stud earrings in the shape of a birds wing.

She rocked a dark glam look for the prestigious night and as she strolled along the red carpet.

Anya Taylor-Joy, 29, dazzled in a strapless gold gown as she made her latest red carpet appearance at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival

Joining her was Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, 23, who stood out from the crowd in a champagne coloured, satin dress

Joining her was Wednesday star Jenna Ortega who stood out from the crowd in a champagne coloured, satin dress.

Jenna, 23, served up an angelic look and put on a stunning display in the one-shouldered gown.

The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star modelled her trademark moody pout for the outing and sported dark gothic makeup.

Alongside filmmakers Celine Song, Julia Ducournau, Karim Ainouz and Hakim Belabbes, as well as actor-director Payman Maadi, the two women have joined the jury of the Marrakech International Film Festival which takes place from November 28 to December 6.

Their job is to judge the 14 first and second feature films presented in an official competition dedicated to discovering new international talent.

The award winners are announced at the closing ceremony on December 6.

It comes after Jenna raised eyebrows after she appeared to look 'fed up' and 'disappointed' during a recent Wednesday press event earlier this month.

The actress was joined by the show's cast and creators  including her on-screen parents Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman  at an FYC Event at Netflix Tudum in LA on November 9.

Anya put on a show-stopping display as she stepped out in her pleated gold ensemble as she joined a slew of stars in attendance of the lavish festival

Her dress clung to her tiny frame, highlighting her sensational figure and featured an intricate floral design across her chest

She added height to h er frame with pointed heels as she effortlessly made her way around the red carpet during the show

She rocked a dark glam makeup look for the prestigious night which went perfectly with her dress as she strolled along the red carpet

Anya wore her platinum blonde locks in a chic updo and as she strolled along the red carpet, posing for photos, she playfully blew kisses to the paparazzi

Joining her was Wednesday star Jenna Ortega who stood out from the crowd in a champagne coloured, satin dress and put on a stunning display

She served up an angelic look and put on a stunning display in the one-shouldered floor length gown

The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star modelled her trademark moody pout for the outing and sported dark gothic makeup

Alongside filmmakers Celine Song, Julia Ducournau, Karim Ainouz and Hakim Belabbes, as well as actor-director Payman Maadi, the two women have joined the jury of the Marrakech International Film Festival which takes place from November 28 to December 6

For a moment on the night, Jenna seemed deflated as writer, executive producer, and creator Alfred Gough heaped praise on her performance in the second series.

During his speech, Gough referenced an episode in which Jenna and Emma Myers swapped bodies.

In a clip, which was recorded by popular film blog Rama's Screen, that has gained attention online, he said: 'She and Emma really took care of each other on that body swap episode and they took care of each other on set while doing it. It's an extraordinary episode.

'But Jenna is extraordinary through the entire season and so I will give her the props that she won't give herself.'

As Gough shared his remark, which was met with applause from the audience, Jenna positioned herself away from his gaze.

Instead, she faced in a different direction while resting her chin on her fist.

After he finished his compliment, Jenna shifted the conversation and instead paid tribute to the Wednesday crew.

'Actually, I'm very proud of the Irish crew stepping in,' she said.

'I'm not the one lugging around the equipment and loading trucks every day, showing up and making something that Tim [Burton] said he wanted two minutes ago, it's not easy.'

After a clip of the moment circulated online, social media users speculated on a supposed rift between the actress and Gough.
Myleene Klass braved the frosty winter weather in chic satin shorts as she strolled around London's Charing Cross road on Saturday.

The radio host, 47, didn't let the cold temperatures bother her as she stepped out in a stylish knit cardigan and a cream jumper underneath.

Flaunting her toned legs, Myleene rocked cream leg warmers and comfortable fuzzy shoes.

The former I'm A Celebrity star, who beamed gently to onlookers during the outing, accessorised with a fashionable Burberry scarf.

Earlier last week Katie Price, 47, issued a grovelling apology to Myleene after she branded the radio star a 'clone' during her tour after learning that Myleene had been awarded an MBE in July.

At the time, Katie, with friend Kerry Katona, compared Myleene to a 'clone' as she claimed the star was given the honour for 'playing the classical piano' while blasting the TV industry as 'corrupt.'

Myleene Klass, 47, braved the frosty winter weather in chic satin shorts as she strolled around London's Charing Cross road on Saturday

The radio host didn't let the cold temperatures bother her as she stepped out in a stylish knit cardigan and a cream jumper underneath

But on a new episode of her podcast The Katie Price Show, the reality star confessed she wasn't aware Myleene was actually given the MBE for raising awareness of miscarriages and women's health.

Sharing that she had suffered miscarriages in the past, Katie admitted she 'commends' Myleene for her campaigning, and said she 'sincerely apologised' to her.

Katie's sister Sophie first questioned her about her comments while admitting she and their Mum had 'told her off' after hearing the remarks.

She said: 'Right, on my show I've just done with Kerry, there was a quote, and it wasn't aimed at Myleene, an old quote of mine, ''these days anyone can get an MBE but I've never been given one when I do a lot for charity and stuff.''

'And I said people like Myleene Klass, what is she known for? Playing the classical piano, because I don't read about Myleene, and I've met Myleene and I've always liked Myleene. I think I did Loose Women with her sometimes, and it wasn't a direct dig at her.

'What I'm saying is people like Myleene Klass have the same management as most of the TV people out there, presenters and that, and I call them all the clones, because they all have the same management, and they all come out as if they're smelling of roses. They're all under the same umbrella, the same kind of managers.

'Now I never apologise unless I'm in the wrong. I did not know on my life, now I know why she did get an MBE. She done something about miscarriages, and that's very close to my heart as I've also had miscarriages and at late stages in pregnancy, so I commend her for that and I apologise to her.

'But I don't mean it like the clone bit, it's not that she's a clone of anyone else, I meant they're all a clone, they're all in the same management.

Flaunting her toned legs, Myleene rocked cream leg warmers and comfortable fuzzy shoes

The former I'm A Celebrity winner accessorised with a fashionable Burberry scarf and square shades

Last week Katie Price, 47 (pictured) issued a grovelling apology to Myleene after she branded the radio star a 'clone' during her tour

Myleene was awarded an MBE in July for services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity, but Katie remarked the star had been honoured for 'playing the classical piano'

'So for me, for her to do the miscarriage and stuff, I apologise to her because I didn't know she did that.'

Katie went on to say: 'From me to Myleene, I sincerely apologise because it's a good cause she does it for. Apologies from me, that will teach me for not reading into it, and talking before I knew that she deserved to get an MBE.'

Just last week, Katie launched an astonishing attack on Myleene during an interview with Closer Magazine.

She said: 'I'm not against this for her, but why the f**k has Myleene Klass got an MBE? For playing the classical piano?

'This industry is so corrupt. They have the same managers, they're all clones  they all win MBEs and are fronting TV.

'But behind the scenes, they're worse than we are. T**ds are what they are!'
After passing through San Jose El Hueyate and Puerto Madero, on the Chiapas coast near the Guatemala border, 83 migrants have gone missing. EL PAIS has identified three mass disappearances between September and December 2024 with the same modus operandi: sea voyages headed north that never reach their destination. Among the victims are women and children, as well as many young men. In a territory marked by battles between organized crime groups, all signs point to human trafficking

The town is hidden away. Its strip of land is patrolled by vultures, guarded by the Pacific Ocean and the leaves of banana trees. To get to San Jose El Hueyate, one must travel all the way down a single, small road that leads to this stretch of Mexicos Chiapas coast, close to the Guatemala border. This road is flanked by a few scattered homes and, often, agricultural fields on which nothing is being grown. The town begins where a cluster of palapas  open-sided dwellings with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves  appears.

On October 21, 2024, Cindy Bueso, her baby Daniel and her three-year-old daughter Valentina were in one of the first palapas. It was there that the young Honduran said goodbye to her mother and joined a group who boarded a boat bound for Oaxaca. They were never seen again.

Further on, near a tortilla shop, on a fenced-in lot, there is an unfinished concrete building with bars on its windows. It is the most recondite building on the block. Jorge Lozada, Elianis Morejon, Meiling Bravo, Samei Reyes, Lorena Rosabal, Dayranis Tan, Ricardo Hernandez, Jefferson Quindil and Karla stayed there for a couple of days, along with dozens of other people. On December 21, 2024, they got into two boats and set out on the ocean. Somewhere near the shore, their trail disappeared.

The group of 23 migrants who left by boat a little further south from Puerto Madero, also never arrived Oaxaca. They vanished on September 5, leaving behind only a final farewell video. In the last four months of 2024, in the midst of a migration crisis in Mexico, in the final days before Donald Trumps return to the White House, at least 83 migrants disappeared. A year later no one besides their families is looking for them.

Map

Mexicos southern border has been, for a long time, a land of poverty. Chiapas, the countrys poorest state, has received thousands of those dreaming of a new life in the United States. They crossed on foot, in hopeful caravans. But in 2020, the door was closed and they became trapped between the cruelty of immigration officers and the perils of seeking asylum in Tapachula, a city that is both snare and refuge. The precarious, stratified town of some 350,000 inhabitants has never had the necessary infrastructure to offer work nor dignity to those who wind up sleeping, sick and hungry, in its parks and on its street corners. Still, even back then, true terror seemed far away.

Owners of the palapas can recall a time before la mana  criminal gangs  began to cause trouble. It seems remote and improbable now, but up until 2022, the total control the Sinaloa Cartel had over the state had made Chiapas one of the safest in the country. But the groups in-fighting and an offensive by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel turned the borderland into a dangerous territory. The narcos wanted everything. And the migrants were a gold mine, sums up a humanitarian organization worker.

Illegal human trafficking has always taken place in the area. A family would have a taxi and use it to transport migrants north; or they had a boat and moved them by sea. Many families here got rich like that, says Israel Hernandez, a town legislator from Puerto Madero, the closest beach town to Tapachula. It was an illicit trade, but also small-scale. Two of the biggest risks associated with these attempts were shipwrecks and arrests.

Until the end of 2023, we received messages from family members in countries of origin to tell us that their loved ones had disappeared. We found 90 to 95% of them at the Siglo XXI migration detention center. Nearly all of them were there, says a representative from the Fray Matias de Cordova Center of Human Rights. The Siglo XXI immigration facility, which is still trying to distance itself from abuse allegations, is one of the biggest detention centers in Latin America and a symbol of the migration crisis. All that changed in 2024. The people we were looking for could no longer be found at Siglo XXI. We couldnt find them. It is closely linked to the violence that was growing in Tapachula, says the representative.

Members of the National Guard carry out an operation in collaboration with the National Migration Institute on the Tapachula-Puerto Madero highway. Nayeli Cruz Missing signs for disappeared migrants in a Puerto Madero restaurant. Nayeli Cruz Boat operators on the Suchiate River, on the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Nayeli Cruz Migrants rest at El Buen Pastor shelter in the town of Tapachula. Nayeli Cruz

Last year, conflict between the cartels began to leave visible cracks in the borderlands. Humanitarian organizations consider it an unrecognized civil conflict, which has already displaced more than 10,000 people within the state and left a long trail of crimes. With local authorities implicated in many municipalities, and the federal government missing in action, horror awaited the migrants who crossed the Suchiate River into Chiapas.

No one entered the state without paying a quota. There were two kinds of migrants: those who had come with their coyote  a service they had paid for  and those who came on their own, walking, on buses and rafts. The latter were hunted on their passage from Ciudad Hidalgo to Tapachula, on a 19-mile road upon which thousands of migrants were kidnapped in 2024. In these express operations, they were put in cages, told to pay about $50, and remained locked up until the cash was produced. Upon being released, they were given a stamp that authorized their ongoing travel. This became a massive, mandatory system, according to testimonies from dozens of migrants and organizations. The price for those who tried to avoid capture was, in many cases, death. Forced labor or disappearance were the most common outcomes for those who could not pay. The stamp, a black mark resembling a rooster or bird, was key to identifying those who had already paid their dues to the cartel. Between January and August of 2024  when Mexicos Ministry of the Interior ended its official tally  315,000 migrants entered Chiapas.

Lorena, Ricardo, Elianis, Jefferson, Charlotte, Camila; Meiling and Samei; Cindy, Valentina and Daniel; the Calvache Obando family (Silvia, Jared, Jorge Alejandro and Jorg); Doris and Julio; Luis Angel, Jorge, Dairanis, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Sob, Juan Sebastian  all of whom disappeared on the coast of Chiapas in 2024. RR SS

In the midst of this turmoil, Camille Villa and her daughter Charlotte arrived, as did the four members of the Calvache family; Doris Godos and her son Julio; Luis Angel Suarez and Juan Sebastian Martinez; Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Sob; Cindy Bueso and her children Valentina and Daniel; Elianis Morejon and Dairanis Tan; Jorge Lozada and Lorena Rosabal; Jefferson Quindil, Ricardo Hernandez and Karla; Meiling Alvarez and her son Samei. They came on different dates, and from different countries. They had left the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Cuba, Honduras and Colombia. All had made the trip with different coyotes, received their stamp upon entering Tapachula, and arrived at safe houses located on the Chiapas coast. From there, they were meant to have boarded boats bound for Juchitan de Zaragoza, in Oaxaca, a strategic point for trafficking networks, which proceed by land to Mexico City. Their families had paid for them to arrive in the Mexican capital. They did not arrive. It is unclear if they drowned. When asked by EL PAIS, Mexicos Secretary of the Navy said had not identified any shipwrecks, accidents or rescues in the area during the dates in question. All signs suggest that the migrants were intercepted by organized crime.

Their families had paid the extortion fee, yet had received no proof of life other than a list of 40 names, passports and signatures. Out of all of them, there have only been sightings of Bueso and her children, who were reportedly seen in Puerto Madero. The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has issued urgent measures demanding that the Mexican government conduct an immediate search.

But a year after the migrants disappearance, Mexican authorities have not even called family members for interviews, requested their phones be tracked or examined call lists. EL PAIS contacted the Chiapas Migrant Attornry Generals Office, which has been assigned the case, but by the time of publication, had yet to receive any response. We have been fighting against indifference and inaction, says Alicia Santos, the mother of Jorge Lozada, from Cuba, expressing a sentiment shared by other mothers and sisters: We have exhausted all available resources. We have filed complaints, petitioned the authorities, and turned over information. Does the life of a migrant have no value in Mexico?

Fuente Google Earth. El Pais

The search for Cindy Bueso

Thats a brown hawk. Thats a blue heron, and behind it is a chiripera. And theres the one that around here they call cuate (because it goes cua cua cua), it goes by the scientific name of spatula bird. The boat operator drifts through the mangrove swamp, naming birds. He has worked his entire life in this area, the Barra de San Jose, where the river flows into the sea, connecting the town to the Pacific Ocean. He has seen many migrants in recent years leave, going north on boats like his. He says he has oftentimes felt sad upon seeing how they are mistreated. Those who take the migrants come into town to load up on gasoline. They say they are bringing them to Oaxaca, he says.

You cant say anything to that, he continues. You just cant  no, no, no, no, no, no.

But you dont see them anymore, he says hurriedly, anxious to put an end to the discussion. Now things are calm when they pass through, though sometimes we feel unsafe because they have told you, Someone is causing problems. But that kind of person is gone. No one knows them, no one knows what their names were.

Fewer than 1,000 people live in San Jose El Hueyate. It is an isolated and poor town on an isolated and poor coast. We didnt know that they were going to take her there, because the coyote didnt say anything to us, we didnt know that they were bringing her by boat, she even had the kids with her. If we had known, we would have thought twice about sending my daughter there, says Teresa Barrera, Buesos mother, on a video call from the United States. The 29-year-old Honduran showed her mother the ocean in their last conversation. She was nearby, the house is on the shore, next to some palms. EL PAIS found the location in San Jose El Hueyate, a home with a roof made of palm leaves close to the sea, reachable via an irregular, narrow road made of sand and trash.

Bueso told her mother that at that moment, there were people from every country in the house, but that she was the only one from Honduras. She had formed a friendship with a boy from El Salvador and a Peruvian woman, who was traveling with an eight-year-old girl. Theres 20 of us, she told her mother, as her daughter played on the patio. That was around 11 a.m. on October 21, 2024.

A boat operator on the river near San Jose El Hueyate on November 21. Nayeli Cruz

At 3:21 p.m. in her mothers time zone in the United States, Bueso sent her last message: Mama, Im going to turn off the phone because were leaving now. She never answered again, never. She turned off the phone for safety during the trip, supposedly, on the boats, says Barrera. The family has their doubts about this, because the coyotes, who send proof of the trip along the way, never shared with them an image of Bueso and the kids aboard the boat. These suspicions have been strengthened over the 13 months of their disappearance, as there have been various reports from people who say they have seen them in Puerto Madero. The most reliable of these say that the young woman was working as a waitress at a palapa in February. Still, the people who have gone to search for her have not had any success. I believe that my daughter was kidnapped, but now, my heart tells me that my daughter is there, in Chiapas, that maybe she is free, but fell into the hands of someone who has her working, possibly to survive, says the mother.

The family, who has filed complaints with the Chiapas Attorney Generals Search Committee as well as the federal Attorney Generals Office, has yet to receive any real proof. Nor have they seen any advances made by the authorities. Buesos sister-in-law Perla has been scouring social media and newspapers for months in search of the other people who were traveling with her, Daniel and Valentina on October 21, 2024. So far, she has had no success. She knows that for migrants relatives who live outside of Mexico, filing a report presents serious hurdles.

Mexico has a Foreign Search and Investigation Support Mechanism in place that requires Mexican embassies to receive reports of disappearances in Mexican territory. However, those diplomatic offices have repeatedly refused to do so, and often make excuses. That is what happened in the case of Rosa Villa, who traveled four hours to Santo Domingo to try and report the disappearance of her sister Camila and niece Charlotte. They told me that they dont receive these reports, that I have to go to the Dominican Republic embassy in Mexico, Villa says. For families of humble means like hers, paying for the trip to Mexico City just to try and file a report is nearly an impossible task.

Have you seen them?

The faces of Camila and Charlotte smile from the wall of a restaurant in Puerto Madera. Above their photos, alongside those of a dozen other migrants who disappeared on September 5, there reads a question: Have you seen them? The National Guard put up the posters a few weeks ago without asking around for information. They also hung up posters with those who disappeared on December 21. A Colombian migrant who works as a cook in one of the restaurants looks at them and says, to no one in particular, They came here like I did.

In Puerto Madero, the top beach in Tapachula, the majority of hospitality workers are migrants who arrived and decided not to go north, who settled down and find ways to survive until they get their papers or are able to begin the return trip south. I want to go back to my country, says the woman wearily. After a year of work, she still hasnt earned the money to pay for a return flight. Neither she nor anyone else is able to say what happened to the migrants who disappeared.

The Escolleras boat landing in Puerto Madero. Nayeli Cruz

Here, we find out when the boat operators disappear, theyre from the town, says the owner of one of the restaurants. The maritime route to bring migrants north has been used for at least the last decade. Its a very important alternate route, which has been getting more popular since 2018. Its not a reliable route, in fact its the worst, generally speaking. We have noticed that when there is a policy change, this route gets more popular as they find ways to get around obstacles in the regular route, which is by land, explains a staff member of a humanitarian organization.

In recent years, many fishermen from the Ocos port, in Guatemala, up to Arriga, which is on the border with Oaxaca, have received instructions. Theyve imposed certain rules on them that didnt exist before, areas they cant go, where they cant be in the daytime, at certain hours, explains a researcher. Sea voyages with migrants dont take place every day, nor at all hours, says this investigator, but rather, when conditions allow. That is, when the tide is right and the all-clear has been given so that they can travel safely. Whats more, as fishing activity has declined, some fisherme, out of sheer necessity, have decided to become part of the system, either by transporting people or acting as lookouts, a kind of sea hawk.

All this has made sea voyages the most dangerous option in an area that was already the most dangerous for migrants to cross. Once aboard the boats, the groups have no way to escape. On December 21, 2024, 18-year-old Elianis Morejon put on a life vest at the San Jose El Hueyate boat landing and sent a message with the numbers of the safe houses guides and cooks to his family, writing, In case I dont return.

The coast of San Jose El Hueyate, in the municipality of Mazatan, on November 21, 2025. Nayeli Cruz

Now, the Suchiate River is deserted and the usually crowded roads of Tapachula and its surroundings seem quiet. An immigration officer acknowledges that traffic has fallen by 90%. In shelters where a year ago, 1,600 people crowded together to sleep on mattresses and on the floor, there are now barely 80 people waiting. Trumps hard-line immigration policy and an apparent offensive by the new Chiapas state government, with security groups like the pakales (self-defense groups in Chiapas), have eliminated migrant trafficking from the public eye.

We believe that the level of violence has simply been made invisible, say representatives from Fray Matias de Cordova. As others have done before, they warn of the possibility that the dynamics of northern Mexico, with its mass disappearances and clandestine graves, have spread to Chiapas. They ask, what will be found when organized crime has left and it becomes possible to search the seas and shores of this borderland?

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sent temperatures soaring as she posed in sheer dusty pink lingerie for a series of social media snaps on Saturday.

The model, 38, flaunted every inch of her supermodel physique while striking various poses with confidence.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel displayed her toned curves and flat abs, wearing a sexy but classy bow-embellished bra.

The runway icon poked fun in her caption writing: 'Finished with a bow,' as she posed for a Marks & Spencer ad.

It comes after Rosie shared a series of rare snaps of her son Jack and daughter Isabella as she gave fans a look into her family life.

The English supermodel took to Instagram last week with a carousel of special recent moments with her young family.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 38, sent temperatures soaring as she posed in sheer dusty pink lingerie for a series of social media snaps

The Plymouth-born flaunted every inch of her supermodel physique while striking various poses with confidence

Rosie shares her two children, Jack, eight, and Isabella, three, with her actor fiance Jason Statham.

She shared sweet moments including her eldest Jack holding his little sister's hand during an autumnal stroll and perched together on a tree trunk.

Rosie also snapped Jack holding an owl while wearing a protective glove with the help of an expert.

Last month, Rosie and Jason proved the couple is going stronger than ever as they posed to promote their second collaboration for Falconeri.

The model and The Meg star made their debut for the fashion brand in March this year.

Proving that teamwork makes the dream work, the pair joined forces once more in a series of head-turning snaps shared on Instagram.

Alongside the snaps, she penned: 'Excited to reveal the next chapter of our Fall-Winter 2025 campaign for @falconeriofficial.

'A vision of luxury and timeless style, beautifully captured by @lachlanbailey.'

The former Victoria's Secret Angel displayed her toned curves and flat abs, wearing a sexy but classy bow-embellished bra

The runway icon poked fun in her caption writing: 'Finished with a bow,' as she posed for a Marks&Spencer advertising post

Rosie left little to the imagination in the sizzling slew of pictures, and wore her blonde locks in waves

It comes after Rosie shared a series of rare snaps of her son Jack and daughter Isabella (pictured) as she gave fans a look into her family life

The low-key British couple, who live in Los Angeles, first began dating in 2010 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry'.

They got engaged in 2016, with the model revealing they had taken their relationship to the next level when she flashed her impressive diamond ring at the Golden Globes.

Speaking about their plans to marry after Jack was born, Rosie said: 'I think the time will come. It's also not a huge priority for us.'

She has also addressed the couple's 20-year age gap, saying: 'His knowledge and strength are really inspiring and attractive, and that can come with a man who's had a bit of time.'

The model, who grew up in Devon, recently revealed why she returned to the UK in 2020 and explained that it was always 'the plan' to raise her children in the UK.

She told The Times: 'We love the schools, the education. Theyre growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here.

'Jays parents live up the road and see the kids most days, my family come to visit every six or eight weeks.'
Romeo Beckham displayed his muscular physique as he posed for a shirtless mirror selfie on Saturday.

The son of David and Victoria Beckham, 22, took to his Instagram Stories with the snap while flashing his a glimpse of his black BOSS underwear which could be seen over the waist of his joggers.

Completing his causal look with silver chains, Romeo showcased his toned and tattooed torso while gazing into his phone to capture the perfect shot.

His latest post comes amid estranged eldest brother Brooklyn's feud with the family rumbling on, despite grandmother Jackie Adams ensuring her absent grandson still gets a stocking this Christmas.

With David and Victoria Beckham thought to be spending the festive season with an assortment of extended family members, among them Victoria's mother Jackie, their eldest son will be ensconced at the Los Angeles home he shares with his actress wife Nicola Peltz.

The influencer, who appears to spend much of his time filming Instagram content for his 16 million followers, has been notably absent from every key family event over the course of the year - among them his father's milestone 50th birthday celebration and long awaited recent investiture.

Romeo Beckham, 22, displayed his toned and tattooed physique as he posed for a shirtless mirror selfie on Saturday

But while his self-imposed estrangement is expected to continue over Christmas, Brooklyn's grandmother Jackie is begging for him to come home for the festive period by publicly sharing a picture of his personalised stocking hanging on the fireplace.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Victoria shared a video of her mother's festive display, tastefully ranged across a stone chimney breast in her front room.

Pinned above the hearth, identical red stockings for Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper are evident, alongside their numerous cousins - among them Liberty, Tallulah, Finlay and Quincy, the four children Victoria's younger sister Louise shares with her ex-husband, Darren Flood.

Captioning the video, the former Spice Girl wrote: 'So many grandchildren!'

Friends of the Beckham family say that Jackie  and Davids mum Sandra  are very sad at the rift that means they no longer see, especially because they were always so close.

Jackie spent a lot of time with Brooklyn when he was a baby and young toddler because David and Victoria were still working away a lot. Sources say that Brooklyn was always so happy to see the two women at the many Beckham family get togethers.

David and Victoria are making peace with not having Brooklyn around, they are sad but they are having to accept it, says the source familiar with the fall out.

But its the grandmothers. They adore Brooklyn, they were so, so close to him. He loved them so much, he adored them in fact, but now they dont see him.

It comes after Brooklyn Beckham's gran begged him to come home for Christmas with a pointed Instagram snap of his personalised stocking hanging on her fireplace on Friday

Brooklyn (pictured with Jackie) has been notably absent from every key family event over the course of the year - among them his father's milestone 50th birthday celebration

Brooklyn missed his father's long awaited recent investiture at Windsor Castle (pictured)

Theyre not getting any younger and the cold truth of it all is that nobody knows when they will see Brooklyn next. Its Jackie and Sandra who everyone feels so sorry for amongst the whole family schism.

Sources say that both Jackie and Sandra were very surprised to see that Brooklyn and wife Nicola had renewed their wedding vows earlier this year without telling them.

The couple were also absent as Victoria celebrated the launch of her Netflix docuseries with family members in October.

The fashion designer was surrounded by her nearest and dearest at the London premiere while Brooklyn and his wife were thousands of miles away in Beverly Hills.

Despite the rift, his grandmother has been keen to maintain a connection with Brooklyn, and even commented on one of his recent cooking tutorials.

Brooklyn, whose culinary skills have often divided followers, won universal praise in October after preparing a delicious looking beef wellington.

But it was a telling comment from Jackie which stood out, with the proud grandmother posting: 'That looks amazing Brooklyn. Lots of love.'
Would you tip your dentist for a monthly check-up? Or your doctor for an annual physical?

A woman from Austin, Texas, was appalled to receive a confrontational message from the medspa she had been paying big bucks for monthly chemical peels.

Valeria Delgado claimed that received a 'crazy' text message from the manager of the business, which she did not want to name for legal reasons, threatening her for not forking over gratuity on top of her $230 monthly membership.

Delgado said she initially purchased the membership so that she could get frequent facials to improve her skin.

But after repeated instances of the medspa up-charging her for treatments and her estheticians making mistakes, she decided to cancel.

To her shock, Delgado was told she could not back out without paying a hefty fee, because she had not yet reached the six-month mark of her membership. To avoid the fee, she decided to ride it out for two more months.

That's when the texts arrived.

'I have noticed there is a pattern where you have declined leaving gratuity,' the message stated. 'We really stand behind our clients leaving between 15 percent and 20 percent for their estheticians. This is a big part of their pay and they work hard for this.'

A woman from Austin, Texas, was appalled when she received a confrontational message about her tipping habits from the medspa she had been going to for chemical peels on a monthly basis (stock image)

The customer spent $230 every month on a membership to her medspa, where received treatments for her skin (stock image)

'If this is not something you feel is necessary we may not be the best spot for you,' the text continued.

'We hope to see you return, but you just need to be aware of our expectations.'

Delgado explained how her membership worked: 'Every first of the month I get charged a little bit over $230, and I can use those $230 for one service a month.'

The Texan says that usually she selects the treatment she wants, and then the people who work there tell her she needs 'this, this, and this'  which she agrees to without realizing she's going to be charged even more for the extras.

When Delgado gets to the counter to pay any outstanding balances, she says she is informed that there is going to be an upcharge, even though that wasn't explained by the estheticians: 'There goes your f*****g tip,' Delgado said.

Even so, Delgado insists that she still tips around $15 each time. With the tip plus the add-ons  which cost approximately $25, her $230 membership adds up to around $270 each month.

'The fact is, maybe it's not the tip that you want, but you cannot make your clients be the sole reason that your workers are getting paid,' Delgado said.

'Nowhere does it say that it's mandatory to tip,' she continued. 'If I'm not happy with the service, why are you expecting a tip?'

She said the people who worked at the medspa would always encourage her to add treatments on to her procedure, which racked up quite the bill (stock image)

The manager of the medspa sent the customer a text, calling her out for not leaving generous tips (stock image)

'It sounds like all you care for is the money and not really your clients.'

Users in the comment section were outraged by Delgado's situation  but not because she wasn't tipping.

'I feel like you're not wrong. $230 for a service a month is a lot. That's what they do for a living!!! Why would you tip for them to do their job,' one user wrote.

'File a complaint with the attorney general. You can do it online,' another said.

A different user wrote: 'That's a big hell no  what the hell does the $230 cover? Just showing up?'

'The manager reaching out to you and letting you know what's expected is wild to me. If that is the case, then post it on the website,' someone else argued.
College graduates are slowly losing their employment advantage.

Last week's data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows unemployment for workers with a bachelor's degree increased to 2.8 percent in September, up a half point from last year.

Now, one in four unemployed Americans has a degree  a threshold the US hadn't touched in data going back to 1992.

Other education levels didn't see any increase in last month's data.

It's the clearest sign yet that the white-collar job market has downshifted amid a surge of layoffs at corporate headquarters and tech firms.

And, to many recent grads, it's a gutting reality check. Shiny tech roles at billion-dollar companies, once sold as tickets to six-figure paychecks, are becoming harder to get.

More than 1.9 million degree-holding Americans aged 25 and older received an unemployment check in September, the report showed.

Recent grads aren't finding success on the job market, either, with their unemployment rate bouncing to 4.8 percent in the Federal Bank of New York's latest reading.

College graduates, motivated through classes by higher-earning jobs, are seeing their unemployment rate spike

'For the new graduates from college, they did get hit by a bit of a perfect storm,' John Williams, the bank's president, said, according to Bloomberg.

'Normally, college graduates are swept into the labor market as they get out of college. That has not happened as much this year.'

Unemployed college grads are added to America's spiking jobless rate, which ticked up from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent in latest figures from October.

Overall, younger job seekers are carrying the highest burden, with the unemployment rate for Americans aged 22 to 27 jumping to 7.4 percent.

Independent analysts are starting to blame Artificial Intelligence for the wave of job losses.

Rising joblessness among highly educated workers 'should further fuel AI-related job loss fears,' JPMorgan chief US economist Michael Feroli warned last Thursday.

There are plenty of companies that have launched a wave of low- and middle-tier white-collar layoffs while simultaneously introducing internal AI tools.

Amazon has been the most vocal, with its head of HR directly pointing her finger at AI as the company slashed 14,000 positions.

In September, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4 percent, an increase that has worried independent analysts

'Some may ask why we're reducing roles when the company is performing well,' Beth Galetti, an HR lead at Amazon, wrote in a public note.

'What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we've seen since the internet, and it's enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before.'

But the tech giant is not alone.

Apple cut workers on Monday, UPS has cut 34,000 this year, Target slashed 1,800 corporate workers from its headcount in October, and Starbucks axed 900 in late September.

Verizon, ConocoPhillips, Intel, Microsoft, Walmart, General Motors, Ford, Pepsi, and Novo Nordisk have also contributed to a record number of layoffs.

Beneath the headline numbers, the job market is increasingly lopsided.

Just two sectors  health care and hospitality  have generated more than 100 percent of US job growth this year, adding a combined 690,000 positions.

Strip those out, and total employment is actually down by roughly 6,000 jobs in 2025 after years of robust growth following the 2020 pandemic.
Cook County in Illinois has unanimously approved plans that could give thousands of residents $500 a month in free cash.

America's second largest county is committing $7.5 million to fully fund a permanent guaranteed basic income program for its poorest constituents.

Cook County was among several local governments which began testing the program in 2022 with the help of COVID-19 federal relief funds, according to FOX News.

Officials received $42 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and created the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, developed to 'benefit low-income Cook County residents and families facing economic hardship'.

The program provided payments of $500 to 3,250 low-income households for two years until December 2024.

The pilot was considered the largest federally funded project in the United States at the time.

Following its raging success, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to fund the permanent guaranteed income program in the 2026 fiscal year.

Funding for the program will come from the county's equity fund and eventually may be taken from a federal pandemic fund.

Cook County Illinois announced their now permanent guarenteed basic income program

The program could provide $500 per month to low income households with no strings attached

Eligibility requirements and program applications have not been announced.

The director of the Economic Security Pilot, which advocates for economic equality programs and policy, praised the county for the major step toward economic equality in a statement.

'At a time when the federal government is stepping back from its responsibilities to working families, Cook County is leading the way to ensure people can afford basic necessities,' said Sarah Saheb.

Sahab called the pilot program a 'historic success'.

County officials believe the permanent iteration will echo the resounding benefits of the previous pilot entity, which ended last year.

Commission President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement: 'We launched the Promise Pilot to test a simple but powerful idea: that direct cash support helps residents live healthier, more stable lives.

'Now, thanks to promising early results and the dedication of our partners and participants, we are ready to take the next step.'

Previous pilot programs have provided between $500 and $1,000 to families in need

According to the Cook County American Rescue Plan, participants in the initial wave were selected in a lottery, which they had to apply for.

A report from April 2025 showed that most pilot families used their government-issued funds on necessities, including food, rent, utilities, and transportation.

Survey findings indicated that 75 percent of the families who participated in the pilot program feel more financially secure.

The vast majority used program funds to manage some financial emergency, and 70 percent reported a positive impact on their mental health.

The Cook County American Rescue Plan found that 83% of participants lived in the suburbs and 56% were working.

Cook County has approved the largest federally funded guaranteed income program in the US

One participant told the US Sun that the program felt like she had 'jump-started adulthood.'

'Being part of this pilot felt like something I manifested, and Im proud that Cook County is continuing this work,' said Promise Pilot Participant Nikita Smith Jr.

More than 100 guaranteed income programs have been tested in the United States since 2018 and have grown in popularity since the pandemic.

Earlier this year, Cook County experimented with a program that provided one-time payments of $1,000 to homeowners, according to the Chicago Crusader.

While many US counties have found them to be beneficial, some studies have suggested that the cost outweighs the benefits.

In 2024, Forbes reported that participants in guaranteed income programs do not necessarily improve their job or their health thanks to the money provided to them.

The study even suggested that offering $1,000 can lead to people working less. The outlet's reporter called such programs 'expensive' and 'inefficient.'

The Daily Mail contacted Cooke County commissioners for more information.
Another electric truck company is dead.

Bollinger Motors  the Michigan EV startup once hyped for its boxy electric truck designs  has shut down operations, according to internal emails obtained by the Detroit Free Press.

The company's human resources director told employees that November 21 was Bollinger's final day in business.

'We received word late last night that the day has arrived,' HR chief Helen Watson wrote.

'We are to officially close the doors of Bollinger Motors, effective today.'

It's the latest electric pickup truck company to fall under the weight of once-lofty expectations, insurmountable debt, and limited product practicality.

Bollinger burst onto the scene in the late 2010s with its retro-styled, battery-powered B1 SUV and B2 truck, both priced over $120,000.

But neither ever made it to production.

Bollinger was one of the early attention-getters in the EV industry with its massive B1 SUV

Bollinger's two consumer vehicles, the B1 and B2, featured military-style finishings and off-road ruggedness. But the trucks never came to market

Mullen Automotive took over control of the company in 2022 with a $148 million deal, and shifted the company's focus to delivery-size trucks  but that pivot never gained traction either.

Instead, the startup sank deeper into financial trouble.

The shutdown leaves a trail of unpaid wages and potential state clawbacks, according to the Detroit Free Press, as dozens of employees have filed complaints over missed paychecks.

And Michigan is preparing to fight over $3 million in incentives granted to Bollinger after the company promised to invest $44 million and create 237 jobs.

With the business now closed, that recovery looks unlikely.

In her email, Watson said Michery would 'make us whole with regards to the remaining monies.'

She added: 'It is the end of an era, but one you should all be very proud of.'

Bollinger's collapse will add another tombstone in a cemetery filled with once-optimistic EV makers looking to build America's next generation of high-priced trucks.

Bollinger's biggest flex: it's length-spanning storage pass-through that could help with long objects like construction slats and beams

Bollinger's collapse comes as automakers are rethinking their EV strategy - analysts tell the Daily Mail their bet on pickup trucks wasn't meant to last

For more than 40 years, Ford's F-150 has dominated the US sales market as the nation's top-selling vehicle. Chevy's competitor, the Silverado, consistently comes in a close second place.

When Tesla proved in the late 2010s that there was consumer appetite for electric vehicles, dozens of automakers figured they'd combine battery-electric motors with the ever-popular pickup body style.

But analysts tell the Daily Mail that the plan was mistaken.

Families use pickups to tow, an operation that kills range. Construction workers and contractors drive their trucks on soft dirt, where heavy batteries can leave behind large divots. And owners in the north love their all-weather use, but cold temperatures sap the battery's juice.

Several car companies that made bets on EV pickups  including Lordstown Motors, Fisker Inc, and Nikola Trucks  have all collapsed before their consumer pickups hit US roads.

Meanwhile, Tesla's Cybertruck hasn't met lofty sales expectations, Chevy has had to slow Silverado EV production, and Ford is considering axing the F-150 Lightning.

Instead, car companies are taking a new bet on EVs in 2026: smaller, lower-priced cars.

Nissan has rebooted the Leaf as a small SUV for $30,000; Toyota is building a similar $35,000 competitor; Rivian's entry-level R2 will be $45,000; Slate will produce a $25,000 pickup; and Ford is focusing on a $30,000 small electric truck.
Afghanistan on Friday expressed deep regret" and strongly condemned a cross-border attack into neighbouring Tajikistan that killed three Chinese workers and wounded a fourth. An initial assessment indicated that this incident involves elements that are trying to create chaos, instability, and distrust between countries in the region, said Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal.

He said Afghanistan assures full cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan and is fully prepared for information exchange, technical cooperation, and joint assessment to find the causes of the incident. On Thursday, Tajikistans Foreign Ministry said the attack was carried out the previous night from inside Afghanistan with the use of a drone equipped with grenades and firearms. Despite the constant efforts by Tajikistan to maintain security and create an atmosphere of peace and stability in the border areas between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, the disruptive actions by criminal groups located in the territory of Afghanistan still continue, it said, calling on Afghan authorities to ensure security in the border area.

The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan urged its citizens to refrain from investing or working in the Tajik-Afghanistan border region, and advised those already in the area to evacuate as soon as possible. Tajikistan and Afghanistan have long had testy relations, particularly after the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, when Tajikistan cut all ties with its southern neighbour. But there have been signs of a gradual thaw in relations, with markets in the border area reopening in 2023, and a Tajik delegation visiting Kabul earlier this month.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)s stock price rose 1.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $53.94 and last traded at $53.6950. Approximately 18,920,366 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 53% from the average daily volume of 40,124,172 shares. The stock had previously closed at $52.99.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have issued reports on BAC. Ameriprise Financial upgraded shares of Bank of America to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Phillip Securities boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Dbs Bank raised Bank of America to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Argus lifted their price objective on Bank of America from $53.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Seaport Global Securities raised their price target on shares of Bank of America from $59.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Twenty-three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $57.77.

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Bank of America Trading Up 1.3%

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $51.87 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 0.79. The firm has a market cap of $392.11 billion, a PE ratio of 14.63, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.34.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $5.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.05 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.76% and a net margin of 15.70%.Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.81 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 30.52%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bank of America

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Bank of America in the second quarter worth $5,091,641,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 640.5% in the third quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 46,516,728 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,399,798,000 after purchasing an additional 40,235,201 shares during the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 45.1% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 48,112,090 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,007,718,000 after purchasing an additional 14,960,086 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Bank of America by 11.0% during the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 144,371,118 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,448,816,000 after acquiring an additional 14,275,810 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in shares of Bank of America by 124.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 17,619,837 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $833,771,000 after buying an additional 9,782,208 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock.

About Bank of America

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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.

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Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS  Get Free Report) was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Zacks Research lowered Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group cut Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a sell rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Bank of America downgraded shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $30.00.

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Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Trading Up 0.4%

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA stock traded up $0.10 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $23.92. 146,957 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 370,027. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.04 billion, a PE ratio of 19.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $26.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA has a 52 week low of $21.83 and a 52 week high of $30.46.

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.72 billion. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA had a net margin of 3.39% and a return on equity of 6.75%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA will post 1.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 398.2% during the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,380 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,103 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC boosted its position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 16.7% during the third quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 13,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 1,955 shares during the last quarter. Virtus Advisers LLC bought a new position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in the third quarter valued at approximately $290,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 223,222 shares of the companys stock worth $5,877,000 after purchasing an additional 23,659 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC increased its position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 49,661 shares of the companys stock worth $1,308,000 after purchasing an additional 1,651 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.37% of the companys stock.

About Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

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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.

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Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NYSEARCA:NORW  Get Free Report) shares traded up 0.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $28.55 and last traded at $28.48. 77,060 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 510% from the average session volume of 12,627 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.29.

Global X MSCI Norway ETF Trading Up 1.6%

The firms 50 day moving average price is $29.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $29.29. The company has a market capitalization of $53.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.35 and a beta of 0.89.

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Institutional Trading of Global X MSCI Norway ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,388,000. Natural Investments LLC bought a new stake in Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,110,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Global X MSCI Norway ETF by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 29,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $895,000 after purchasing an additional 597 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in 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 purchasing an additional 16,217 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG boosted its position in Global X MSCI Norway ETF by 58.5% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 25,582 shares of the companys stock worth $773,000 after purchasing an additional 9,438 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.

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The 29-year-old aristocrat shares the daily life of a modern baroness and her familys complex history with her thousands of TikTok followers

At a boarding school in Switzerland, she saw a 15-year-old boy propose to his 13-year-old girlfriend with a Cartier diamond ring. Another classmate offered a trip to New York City (on his private jet) to the first people who liked a post he had shared on Facebook. And in local pubs, students competed to see who could spend the most money, displaying their tabs like trophies.

These are some of the experiences that Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, a 29-year-old German woman, shares on TikTok under the label Modern Baroness Diaries. Through her social media account, she attempts to show that shes different: not all aristocrats are the same.

Ungern-Sternberg currently lives in Madrid, where shes studying to obtain an MBA from IE Business School. Before beginning her graduate degree, she was already familiar with Spain  as well as the Spanish language  because, for a time, during her childhood, she lived in the city of Marbella. Her father was in love with southern Spain. She also had Latin American nannies.

My sisters first language was Spanish. [So], at dinner I had to translate what she was saying, so that my parents could understand her. She also speaks German and some English and Arabic.

Question. You have more than 93,000 followers on TikTok. Whats the profile of your audience and what do you offer them?

Answer. My last name is famous for both good and bad reasons. I have ancestors who did terrible things. And so, I thought, What can I give back? I decided I could debunk what you see in series like Bridgerton  which has nothing to do with reality  and show that Im a normal woman. [Im] a hardworking student who grew up with many privileges  [and] not because I belonged to the aristocracy, which means nothing these days  but because of the culture I was given.

Knowledge must be democratized; education should never be a luxury. Nearly 70% of my audience is female, mostly from the United States. And this might be because people there are more divided than ever due to the political climate, with many people imposing their opinions through platforms like TikTok. People are hungry for context and thats what I try to provide. Context helps open minds.

Q. Which stereotypes about the aristocracy would you say are real? And which are just stereotypes or cliches that no longer correspond to reality?

A. Almost all European aristocratic families lost everything at some point in history. My parents taught me that you can lose everything because of a war, a financial crash, or whatever. The only thing they can never take from you is whats in your head. So, the importance that the aristocracy places on education is real. Then, theres the stereotype of the arrogant aristocrat but it depends on the person. I know many non-aristocrats who are arrogant, as well as aristocrats who arent.

Q. In what ways do you think youre similar to any other woman your age? And in what ways are you different?

A. I have the same things in my head as other women my age. Im turning 30 and I want to start a family; I spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of profession will allow me to balance work and family life. I want to be an independent woman, because a man can also try to take everything from you. Im not like other women my age, in that I grew up surrounded by many different cultures in different countries.

@leonievungern I wholeheartedly believe that women should strive to be financially, emotionally and intellectually independent from anyone, but especially in relationships. You should always feel like you can leave if a situation turns bad. I know a lot of women think differently, however I've known many women who let terrible things slide because they weren't self-autonomous and depended on their significant other... what do you think? #storytime #personal #learnontikok #womenempowerment #independant  original sound - Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg

Q. On your TikTok account, youve denounced the social pressure thats placed on women to become mothers. Youve criticized how some men are obsessed with their biological clocks, counting down the hours

A. Yes! There are men who pressure you by telling you when you have to have children. And, sometimes, they use this to delay womens careers. There are also women who pressure [other women].

I know many women whove had babies at 45, and thats fantastic! And, if you dont want children, thats fine, too. The problem is that it seems women are always seen as doing something wrong: if you want to wait to have children, youre cold. If you want to have them soon, youre not ambitious enough. Were going to be judged no matter what we do. So, the best thing is to ignore those judgments and forge our own path forward.

Q. Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? Is feminism a topic that interests you?

A. Obviously.

Q. Youve also spoken about what its like to date as an aristocrat and about a prince who tried to seduce you by praising the advantages of uniting lineages. You ended up blocking him because he was annoying. Have you encountered many frogs among the nobility?

A. No. Ive had two boyfriends. Neither one was an aristocrat. That prince simply had very different values than mine. Focusing on surnames, on bloodlines... that might have been valid 200 years ago, but not now.

Q. Do you know any members of the Spanish royal family?

A. No. My social circle here is made up of my MBA classmates.

Q. And are you aware of the controversy surrounding the emeritus kings memoirs? Hes complained about being the only Spaniard who doesnt receive a pension after 40 years of service.

A. (Laughs). I hadnt heard about it; to be honest, Im not very interested in those topics.

Q. You stopped posting on TikTok for a while after a follower criticized your relation to Roman von Ungern-Sternberg, known as the Bloody Baron or the God of War. You then explained who he was and what he had done and the video went viral. How did you learn your familys story? Did someone tell it to you at home?

A. [I heard it] at school. A history teacher came to my desk one day with a book and said, Look, someone from your family. I asked my mother about it later. She explained that, indeed, the Bloody Baron was a relative of ours.

Q. Is it strange to see your last name in a textbook?

A. Not really. I have many relatives who appear in books. What was strange  but in a good way  was seeing myself in The New York Times for something I had done: my TikTok diaries. That day, I felt butterflies in my stomach.

Q. You also have great-grandparents with a very different story from that of the Bloody Baron: they were victims of the Nazis.

A. Yes. When I was little, I lived in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. And I would come home crying [from school] because they would tell me, Youre a Nazi because youre German. So, my mother told me the real story:

My maternal great-grandparents were helping their Jewish friends. They made a pact that, if the Nazis came after them, they would take their own lives, rather than give them information. They lived in a castle. And, when my great-grandfather saw the SS officers approaching through the window, he shot my great-grandmother and then killed himself.

My grandfather was 16 years old at the time. The Nazis took everything of value from the house. He fled with a backpack containing only mementos: a photo album and some 500-year-old glasses that held more sentimental than monetary value. These are the only things we have left in the family from that time. Thats my blood.

Q. And you say that, later on, your grandfather was captured...

A. Yes. He became a prisoner of war. He managed to escape many times, but they always caught him again. He survived several shootouts while trying to flee. And I remember that his body was riddled with bullet marks. They kept him alive because he spoke 10 languages: Russian, Czech, Polish, Estonian he studied to become a surgeon.

When the war ended, he returned to Hamburg with that backpack and rebuilt himself from scratch. Im very proud of him. Thats the part of my story I like to remember not the part about the Bloody Baron.

Q. Your family has almost 900 years of documented history. In your TikTok diaries, you recount that, in 100 years, everything was taken from them twice: first by the Russians and then by the Nazis.

A. Yes. The Nazis and, before that, the Russians, when they came to Estonia. They expelled the nobles. My family had to flee. My grandfather refused to speak Estonian again until the day he died, because it was too painful for him to remember the country he had to leave.

Q. Whats the strangest question youve been asked on TikTok?

A. Probably when people ask if I want to marry them. I suppose its a joke, but I get a lot of requests (laughs).

Q. On TikTok, youve spoken about the eating disorder you suffered from that left you in a wheelchair for a year. Does having an audience mean having a responsibility?

A. Absolutely. I noticed that many girls were asking me what I ate, what exercises I did... and I decided to talk about my eating disorder. One girl sent me a 20-minute video telling me that she had had suicidal thoughts and that she hadnt left her house for five years. Another person wrote to me, saying that a friend of hers was going through the same thing: she asked me how she could help her.

I made a video trying to explain what I would have done differently if I could go back in time. I felt that we had opened up a space to share stories: talking about it helped all of us.

Q. On TikTok, you say that you started working at the age of 18 and that you had three jobs at the same time. What were they?

A. One was detecting counterfeit Hermes bags [as a child, her mother would tie her to a chair with scarves from the brand, so that she wouldnt slouch] and Chanel bags in a secondhand shop. I also worked at a start-up, building luxury brands. And, on weekends, I was a waitress in a cafe. It was a lot of fun.

Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, pictured on November 21 at IE Business School, in Madrid, where shes studying to obtain her MBA. Pablo Monge

Q. You didnt need to work. So, why did you do it? And why work as a waitress?

A. When I finished high school, my parents told me that I had to earn my own money to pay for my studies. Thats why I chose those jobs. I think its very important to provide a service to someone. I want my children to learn that in the future, too.

Q. Youve also worked as an artificial intelligence consultant. What exactly did you do in that position? And what did you learn from that field?

A. I analyzed how companies can interact with their customers in a more personal and human way. During my MBA, weve discussed algorithmic biases such as, for example, the discrimination that Amazon practices when hiring women, or police racism in the U.S.  which are the ethical problems that such powerful machines pose. The big problem of the future is precisely that: how to ensure that AI is used without bias.

Q. Do you think that society is aware of this problem?

A. Absolutely not. Its a battle between the U.S. and China, with Europe caught in the middle, lagging behind in so many ways. The problem Europe faces is how to maintain ethical standards, while still remaining competitive in the market. China and the U.S. are designing artificial intelligence according to their own interests and standards. Were caught in the middle.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A. I dont know. I dont consider myself to be an influencer, but I think my goal is to become a voice for my generation.
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (NYSEARCA:RHS  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 1.2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $29.2550 and last traded at $29.23. 59,433 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 71,436 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.89.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $184.63 million, a P/E ratio of 17.03 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $29.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $29.95.

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Rydex S&P Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (the Fund) seeks replicate as closely as possible the performance of the S&P Equal Weight Index Consumer Staples (the Index). The Index is an unmanaged equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index that consists of the common stocks of industries, such as food and drug retailing, beverages, food products, tobacco, household products and personal products that comprise the consumer staples sector of the S&P 500 Index.

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iShares MSCI Finland ETF (BATS:EFNL  Get Free Report)s share price were up 40.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $32.99 and last traded at $45.52. Approximately 5,662 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 45% from the average daily volume of 10,309 shares. The stock had previously closed at $32.4751.

iShares MSCI Finland ETF Stock Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $44.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $42.25. The company has a market cap of $27.31 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.40 and a beta of 0.83.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Marotta Asset Management boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Finland ETF by 2.1% during the third quarter. Marotta Asset Management now owns 248,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,693,000 after purchasing an additional 5,169 shares in the last quarter. Arlington Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Finland ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $3,817,000. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Finland ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,870,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Finland ETF by 40.5% in the 3rd quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 64,826 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,775,000 after buying an additional 18,682 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Finland ETF by 31.5% in the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 20,887 shares of the companys stock valued at $894,000 after buying an additional 5,003 shares in the last quarter.

iShares MSCI Finland ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI Finland ETF (EFNL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Finland IMI 25\u002F50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of Finnish all-cap stocks. EFNL was launched on Jan 25, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC  Get Free Report) (TSE:K)s share price shot up 2.7% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $28.33 and last traded at $28.18. 5,514,291 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average session volume of 18,899,605 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.44.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on KGC. UBS Group increased their price objective on Kinross Gold from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. CIBC upped their price target on shares of Kinross Gold from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Kinross Gold in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on shares of Kinross Gold from $20.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Kinross Gold from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Kinross Gold presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $27.69.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kinross Gold

Kinross Gold Stock Performance

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 stock has a market cap of $34.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $24.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $19.79.

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. The company had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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 quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.24 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Kinross Gold Corporation will post 0.81 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Kinross Gold Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors 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. This represents a $0.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. Kinross Golds dividend payout ratio is presently 9.79%.

Institutional Trading of Kinross Gold

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Caitlin John LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kinross Gold in the third quarter valued at $26,000. Virtus Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Kinross Gold during the third quarter worth $28,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Kinross Gold during the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd bought a new position in shares of Kinross Gold during the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 85.2% during the 3rd quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,280 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.69% of the companys stock.

About Kinross Gold

(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.

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Serengeti Resources Inc. (CVE:SIR  Get Free Report)s share price rose 2.1% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.50 and last traded at C$0.49. Approximately 70,621 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 28% from the average daily volume of 97,510 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.48.

Serengeti Resources Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.44. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$0.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.49. The stock has a market cap of C$54.39 million and a PE ratio of -8.60.

Serengeti Resources Company Profile

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Serengeti Resources Inc acquires and explores for mineral properties in Canada. It company explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Kwanika project that covers an area of 25,928 hectares located in the northern Quesnel Trough, British Columbia. It also has an option to acquire 100% interest in Top Cat project covering an area of approximately 21,600 hectares situated in central British Columbia.

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Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (CVE:PGE  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 4.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$0.48 and last traded at C$0.47. 989,630 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 132% from the average session volume of 426,524 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.45.

Stillwater Critical Minerals Stock Up 4.4%

The firm has a market capitalization of C$128.39 million, a P/E ratio of -23.50 and a beta of 1.70. The companys 50 day moving average is C$0.40 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.30.

About Stillwater Critical Minerals

(Get Free Report)

Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company explores for gold, palladium, nickel, cobalt, and copper deposits, as well as platinum group metals. Its flagship project is the Stillwater West project, which comprises 763 claims covering an area of approximately 61 square kilometers located in Stillwater District, Montana.

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Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 2.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $86.36 and last traded at $85.79. Approximately 20,425,640 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 1% from the average daily volume of 20,697,682 shares. The stock had previously closed at $83.69.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on UBER. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Monday. TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $108.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $108.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $96.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $122.00 price objective on Uber Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty have issued a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Uber Technologies presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $108.26.

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Uber Technologies Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $181.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.26 and a beta of 1.46. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $93.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $91.88. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $2.44. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 68.17% and a net margin of 33.54%.The company had revenue of $13.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.25 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.20 earnings per share. Uber Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Uber Technologies

In other news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 150,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.48, for a total transaction of $15,072,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 982,544 shares in the company, valued at $98,726,021.12. This trade represents a 13.24% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total value of $519,255.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 20,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,919,355.30. This represents a 21.29% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 567,625 shares of company stock valued at $55,385,660. 3.84% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uber Technologies

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 74,460 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $4,491,000 after purchasing an additional 2,474 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 65.0% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 15,563 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $939,000 after acquiring an additional 6,129 shares during the last quarter. Bison Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 20.3% during the 4th quarter. Bison Wealth LLC now owns 3,792 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $229,000 after purchasing an additional 641 shares during the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Uber Technologies by 35.3% during the first quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,157 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $740,000 after buying an additional 2,649 shares during the period. Finally, Vestcor Inc grew its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 5.9% during the first quarter. Vestcor Inc now owns 36,683 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $2,673,000 after buying an additional 2,057 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock.

Uber Technologies Company Profile

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Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Gator Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Block, Inc. (NYSE:XYZ  Free Report) in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm bought 31,400 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $2,133,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Block in the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Block in the second quarter worth about $26,000. SouthState Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Block during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Block in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. PA bought a new stake in shares of Block in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. 70.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Block Trading Up 2.6%

Shares of NYSE:XYZ opened at $66.69 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.18, a current ratio of 2.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Block, Inc. has a 52-week low of $44.27 and a 52-week high of $99.26. The stock has a market cap of $40.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.45, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 2.73. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $72.00 and a 200-day moving average price of $70.76.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Block ( NYSE:XYZ Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The technology company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.29. Block had a net margin of 12.99% and a return on equity of 5.54%. The company had revenue of $6.11 billion for the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.53 EPS. Blocks quarterly revenue was up 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Block, Inc. will post 2.54 EPS for the current year.

XYZ has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and set a $95.00 price objective (up previously from $79.00) on shares of Block in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Truist Financial raised Block from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Block in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised Block to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price target on Block from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Block presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $83.42.

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Insider Transactions at Block

In other Block news, insider Owen Britton Jennings sold 10,417 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.40, for a total transaction of $639,603.80. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 243,540 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,953,356. This trade represents a 4.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Brian Grassadonia sold 8,085 shares of Block stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.96, for a total value of $500,946.60. Following the transaction, the insider owned 521,352 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,302,969.92. The trade was a 1.53% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 108,958 shares of company stock valued at $7,712,257. 10.85% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Block Profile

(Free Report)

Square, Inc provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions.

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Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) and Universal (NYSE:UVV  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares Philip Morris International and Universals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Philip Morris International 9.33% -122.14% 17.59% Universal 3.51% 8.46% 4.10%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

78.6% of Philip Morris International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 81.0% of Universal shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Philip Morris International shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.9% of Universal shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Philip Morris International 0 1 12 0 2.92 Universal 0 1 0 1 3.00

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Philip Morris International and Universal, as provided by MarketBeat.

Philip Morris International currently has a consensus price target of $189.00, suggesting a potential upside of 20.19%. Given Philip Morris Internationals higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Philip Morris International is more favorable than Universal.

Dividends

Philip Morris International pays an annual dividend of $5.88 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Universal pays an annual dividend of $3.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.2%. Philip Morris International pays out 106.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Universal pays out 73.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Philip Morris International has increased its dividend for 17 consecutive years and Universal has increased its dividend for 56 consecutive years. Universal is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Philip Morris International and Universals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Philip Morris International $89.44 billion 2.74 $7.06 billion $5.52 28.49 Universal $2.99 billion 0.44 $95.05 million $4.44 11.88

Philip Morris International has higher revenue and earnings than Universal. Universal is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Philip Morris International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility & Risk

Philip Morris International has a beta of 0.43, meaning that its share price is 57% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Universal has a beta of 0.73, meaning that its share price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500.

About Philip Morris International

(Get 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. It also offers wellness and healthcare products. Philip Morris International Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

About Universal

(Get Free Report)

Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Tobacco Operations; and Ingredients Operations. It is involved in the procuring, financing, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. The company contracts, purchases, processes, and sells flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that are primarily used in the manufacture of cigarettes; and dark air-cured tobaccos principally used in the manufacture of cigars, natural wrapped cigars and cigarillos, smokeless, and pipe tobacco products. It also provides value-added services, including blending, chemical, and physical testing of tobacco; service cutting for various manufacturers; manufacturing reconstituted leaf tobacco; just-in-time inventory management services; electronic nicotine delivery systems; and smoke testing services for customers. In addition, the company offers testing services for crop protection agents and tobacco constituents in seed, leaf, and finished products, including e-cigarette liquids and vapors; and analytical services that include chemical compound testing in finished tobacco products and mainstream smoke. Further, it provides a various value-added manufacturing processes to produce specialty vegetable and fruit-based ingredients, as well as botanical extracts and flavorings for human and pet food markets; and recycles waste materials from tobacco production. Universal Corporation was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Charles Schwab, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo & Company are the five Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banks and other banking institutions that represent ownership in those firms. They give investors exposure to lending, deposit-taking and other financial services and are typically valued based on net interest margins, loan performance, regulatory capital and earnings stability. Bank stocks are often sensitive to interest-rate moves, credit cycles and regulatory changes, and are commonly held for dividend income and financial-sector diversification. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days.

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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

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

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

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.

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Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its holdings in shares of BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 16.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 257,418 shares of the asset managers stock after purchasing an additional 36,463 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned 0.17% of BlackRock worth $270,096,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey increased its position in BlackRock by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 23,167 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $24,308,000 after acquiring an additional 1,693 shares during the period. Allianz SE grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Allianz SE now owns 11,025 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $10,435,000 after purchasing an additional 277 shares during the last quarter. Opus Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,420,000. Ally Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,893,000. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of BlackRock by 13.5% during the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. now owns 19,695 shares of the asset managers stock worth $18,641,000 after purchasing an additional 2,347 shares during the last quarter. 80.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at BlackRock

In related news, Director Rachel Lord sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,165.04, for a total value of $13,980,480.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 7,205 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,394,113.20. This represents a 62.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.98% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BLK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,196.00 to $1,325.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of BlackRock from $1,093.00 to $1,242.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,372.00 to $1,313.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Argus raised their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,165.00 to $1,330.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,302.59.

View Our Latest Stock Report on BLK

BlackRock Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BLK opened at $1,048.41 on Friday. BlackRock has a 12 month low of $773.74 and a 12 month high of $1,219.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $162.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.48. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $1,107.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1,080.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 4.04 and a quick ratio of 4.04.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The asset manager reported $11.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $11.78 by ($0.23). The firm had revenue of $6.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.22 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 15.36% and a net margin of 26.64%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 25.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $11.46 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that BlackRock will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

BlackRock Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a dividend of $5.21 per share. This represents a $20.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. BlackRocks payout ratio is 53.59%.

BlackRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Argentinean journalist Soledad Vallejos new book explores the path of organizations that began to promote liberal ideals decades ago, and now represent the new right and far right

Behind, below and around the new right and far-right politicians proliferating in Latin America there is a backstory of people and institutions that, for decades now and from different locations, have been promoting a culture war to impose the ideals of freedom, as they would phrase it. This is no conspiracy, nor a secret plot, but rather the confluence of civil organizations, foundations and universities dedicated to recruiting and training young people, hosting lectures, financing projects, publishing books and magazines, and establishing a presence in mass media and virtual arenas. Although they have gone through many incarnations, their goal remains steady: to promote the benefits of the free market, a minimal state presence, individual development, and private property. Their creed is known today as libertarianism.

For years, their existence and activities were out of the spotlight  until they took center stage with the arrival of Javier Milei to the presidency of Argentina, and with the candidacy of Johannes Kaiser in Chile, to name a few recent cases.

Foundation for Economic Freedom, the Mont Pelerin Society, the Cato Institute, the Atlas Network, the Mises Institute and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) are a few of the movements most notorious entities, and were founded in Europe and North America. Their model was replicated and exported for the formation of Argentinas Centro de Estudios para la Libertad (Research Center for Freedom) and Brazils Instituto de Estudos Empresariais (Institute of Business Studies), among many other entities.

The Spanish-language book Los duenos de la libertad. Think tanks, dinero y batalla cultural (The owners of freedom: Think tanks, money and the culture war) is dedicated to untangling the history of this network of organizations and investigating the leaders behind its creation.

When the figure of Milei emerged and began to rise, it seemed to me that there was an underreporting of a whole world that was out there, says Vallejos in conversation with EL PAIS, concerning the starting point of her research. I began to pay attention to Mileis environment, to the authors he quoted, to the names and foundations that kept coming up. Pulling on those threads, I found a world I didnt know about, one that wasnt built overnight, or even in recent years, but that a lot of work had gone into.

The names that most often came out of Mileis mouth were those of the economists of the so-called Austrian school: Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973), Friedrich Hayek (1899-1992) and Murray Rothbard (1926-1995), among others. This list also features Alberto Benegas Lynch (Buenos Aires, 1940), who Milei considers a local hero of liberalism and, like Benegas Lynchs father, a promoter and pioneer of the ideology in Argentina.

Vallejos pinpoints the first traces of libertarianisms foundations and institutions in the mid-20th century, at the beginning of the Cold War, when they formed a reaction to the eras socialism, Keynesianism and the welfare state.

In The Road to Serfdom, Hayek writes that any policy of the State that places limits on individual decision leads immediately to authoritarianism, she explains. Impressed by Hayeks book, the English businessman Antony Fisher (1915-1988) sought him out and asked for advice on how to bring such ideas into politics. But the future winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics discouraged him. He told him to forget about politics, that you had to go for minds, convince people, generate content, to create a new world, says Vallejos. He talked to him about a project that was going to take years, and Fisher put his fortune behind creating the first British free market think tank.

And so was born in 1955 the Institute of Economic Affairs, which years later would be a training ground for Margaret Thatcher, the United Kingdoms prime minister from 1979 to 1990. During the same period, the Republican Partys Ronald Reagan would be voted into the White House (1981-1989). Reagan was an admirer of the economist Hans Sennholz (1922-2007), a disciple of Von Mises who was a key influence on new generations at the exclusive, conservative and Christian Grove City College. In 1981, Fisher created the powerful Atlas Network. These were the years in which such ideas experienced a resurgence under the banner of neoliberalism, which many of its practitioners today reject.

Vallejos book chases the initiatives and leaders who, from these origins, went on to expand the ideology into Latin America. The logic of the libertarian, liberal world is transnational, observes the author. It doesnt work in a vacuum. [Its leaders] are constantly exchanging ideas, proposals, learning a lot from one another. There are narratives that are repeated, but not copied. Rather, they are applied with local idiosyncrasies in different countries.

The pioneering Mont Pelerin Society, founded by Hayek in 1947, extended its tentacles into Latin America two decades later: first in Venezuela, and then, Guatemala. The Atlas Network entered in the 1980s, eventually reaching from Mexico to South America. In the case of Argentina, the first importation of the model came early, back in 1957, when Benegas Lynch Sr. created the Centro de Difusion de la Economia Libre (Center of Diffusion for the Free Economy). From then on, there were numerous similar institutions, and still more that sprang out of internal divisions and bickering, from research centers to political alliances. By the mid-70s, Benegas Lynch Jr. had founded the Escuela Superior de Economia y Administracion de Empresas (the School of Economics and Business Administration, or ESEADE)  which bestowed Milei with an honorary doctorate. Perhaps the latest exponent of this saga is the Faro Foundation, presided over by the writer Agustin Laje.

Compared to this multitude of leaders, legislators and officials of the new libertarian ranks  raised in the universe of the foundations, as Vallejos puts it  Milei is almost a new arrival.

In 2014, Milei read a text by Rothbard and it fascinated him, she says. Such was the politicians baptism into the Austrian school of economics. In search of more books, he arrived at the Buenos Aires bookstore operated by Spains Union Editorial, which belongs to this network of organizations. Through the door of that bookstore, Milei entered the world of foundations, says Vallejos. He began giving talks and lectures, and more and more people began to attend. His regular, strident appearances on TV increased his fame, which was multiplied by social media. And at one point, the different tribes of liberalism began to close ranks around him. They saw in him a great communicator, which had been one of their weak points, says the author. Less than a decade later, Milei entered the Casa Rosada and became, in his own words, historys first libertarian liberal president.

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AMA Group Limited (ASX:AMA  Get Free Report) insider Brian Austin acquired 344,895 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of A$0.84 per share, for a total transaction of A$287,987.33.

Brian Austin also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, November 21st, Brian Austin bought 14,105 shares of AMA Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$0.84 per share, with a total value of A$11,777.68.

On Friday, November 14th, Brian Austin bought 355,000 shares of AMA Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of A$0.85 per share, with a total value of A$301,750.00.

On Monday, November 3rd, Brian Austin purchased 2,000,000 shares of AMA Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$0.10 per share, for a total transaction of A$198,000.00.

AMA Group Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $258.26 million, a P/E ratio of -14.29 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 420.06.

About AMA Group

AMA Group Limited operates vehicle and heavy motor collision repair facilities in Australia and New Zealand. It operates through three segments: Vehicle Collision Repairs, Heavy Motors, and Supply. The company offers rapid repairs of cars; specialized facilities for all commercial vehicle repairs; and genuine, reclaimed, and aftermarket parts, as well as collision repair consumables for the mechanical and collision repair sectors.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp trimmed its position in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP  Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) by 12.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,858,976 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 945,090 shares during the quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned about 1.48% of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners worth $229,926,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BIP. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 12.2% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 44,828 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,335,000 after acquiring an additional 4,860 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 174,576 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,201,000 after purchasing an additional 15,482 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Association increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 19,001 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $566,000 after purchasing an additional 1,225 shares in the last quarter. Forge First Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 105.1% in the 1st quarter. Forge First Asset Management Inc. now owns 148,898 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,437,000 after purchasing an additional 76,300 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Co. boosted its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 2.9% during the first quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Co. now owns 46,759 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,393,000 after buying an additional 1,303 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.92% of the companys stock.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Trading Down 0.1%

NYSE BIP opened at $36.07 on Friday. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP has a 12 month low of $25.72 and a 12 month high of $36.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 721.52 and a beta of 1.14. The firms 50-day moving average is $34.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $32.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.85.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Announces Dividend

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners ( NYSE:BIP Get Free Report ) (TSE:BIP.UN) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.86 by ($0.42). Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a return on equity of 1.15% and a net margin of 1.54%.The company had revenue of $5.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.05 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.76 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be paid a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.8%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 256.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BIP shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. National Bankshares set a $35.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in a research report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group set a $37.00 price objective on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $40.43.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 8.1 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 0.6 million long-term contracted sub-metering services.

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Groupama Asset Managment lifted its position in shares of Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Free Report) by 265.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 16,238 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 11,798 shares during the quarter. Groupama Asset Managments holdings in Camden Property Trust were worth $1,847,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lifted its position in Camden Property Trust by 1.1% during the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 97,280 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,962,000 after buying an additional 1,070 shares during the period. Choreo LLC raised its position in Camden Property Trust by 48.8% in the second quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 3,219 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $366,000 after purchasing an additional 1,055 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its position in Camden Property Trust by 112.3% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 243,091 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,394,000 after acquiring an additional 128,609 shares in the last quarter. Pring Turner Capital Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Camden Property Trust in the second quarter valued at $782,000. Finally, Barings LLC purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,435,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.22% of the companys stock.

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Camden Property Trust Trading Up 0.3%

NYSE CPT opened at $106.34 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $11.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 74.36, a PEG ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.81. Camden Property Trust has a twelve month low of $97.17 and a twelve month high of $127.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a current ratio of 0.18. The firms 50 day moving average price is $103.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $109.36.

Camden Property Trust Dividend Announcement

Camden Property Trust ( NYSE:CPT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $398.24 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $397.89 million. Camden Property Trust had a return on equity of 3.30% and a net margin of 9.99%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.71 EPS. Camden Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.710-1.750 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 6.830-6.87 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Camden Property Trust will post 6.76 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 17th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. Camden Property Trusts dividend payout ratio is 170.04%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Camden Property Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. Piper Sandler cut their price target on Camden Property Trust from $117.00 to $111.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Camden Property Trust from $111.00 to $110.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Camden Property Trust from $111.00 to $110.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised Camden Property Trust from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $122.75 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $117.99.

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About Camden Property Trust

(Free Report)

Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp lessened its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 3.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 31,802,712 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 1,297,528 shares during the period. Canadian Natural Resources accounts for about 1.3% of Mackenzie Financial Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned 1.52% of Canadian Natural Resources worth $1,000,187,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Canadian Natural Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Addison Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 309.1% during the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 896 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 677 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 47.3% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,644 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 528 shares in the last quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. lifted its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 317.1% in the second quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 1,710 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 1,300 shares during the period. Finally, Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC grew its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 116.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 1,788 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 963 shares in the last quarter. 74.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on CNQ. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Canadian Natural Resources to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Zacks Research upgraded Canadian Natural Resources from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $62.00 target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Finally, TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $62.00.

Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 1.5%

Shares of NYSE CNQ opened at $33.82 on Friday. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 52 week low of $24.65 and a 52 week high of $34.97. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market cap of $70.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.99 and a beta of 0.96.

Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.08. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 19.67% and a net margin of 19.00%.The firm had revenue of $6.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.81 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.97 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.5875 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 73.89%.

Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

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).

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Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 0.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 16,498,767 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 150,963 shares during the quarter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City accounts for approximately 1.7% of Mackenzie Financial Corps portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned 1.81% of Canadian Pacific Kansas City worth $1,311,512,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CP. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the second quarter worth about $1,012,065,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 87.2% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 16,000,064 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,268,325,000 after purchasing an additional 7,454,810 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 59.5% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 16,984,351 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,192,471,000 after purchasing an additional 6,337,312 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 70.4% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 9,299,753 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $652,936,000 after purchasing an additional 3,842,866 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 31.3% in the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 11,611,625 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $921,881,000 after purchasing an additional 2,765,424 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.20% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have issued reports on CP. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $90.00 price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.00 to $87.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.69.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of CP opened at $72.50 on Friday. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 52-week low of $66.49 and a 52-week high of $83.65. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $73.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.08.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The transportation company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by ($0.01). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 28.41% and a return on equity of 8.79%. The company had revenue of $2.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.71 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.99 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.228 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. This is a boost from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 20.12%.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

(Free Report)

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.

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Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, November 19th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of 1.61 per share by the transportation company on Monday, December 15th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st.

Copa has increased its dividend by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 2 years. Copa has a dividend payout ratio of 35.9% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Copa to earn $17.32 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $6.44 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 37.2%.

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Copa Stock Up 1.6%

Shares of CPA opened at $121.80 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.30. Copa has a 1 year low of $82.54 and a 1 year high of $130.00. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $122.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $115.03.

Institutional Trading of Copa

Copa ( NYSE:CPA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The transportation company reported $4.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.03 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $913.15 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $917.51 million. Copa had a net margin of 18.36% and a return on equity of 26.22%. Copas revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.50 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Copa will post 15.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fifth Third Bancorp bought a new position in Copa during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of Copa by 408.2% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 249 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in shares of Copa by 90.2% in the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 253 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Copa by 271.4% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 260 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Copa during the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 70.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Copa

(Get Free Report)

Copa Holdings, SA, through its subsidiaries, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company offers approximately 375 daily scheduled flights to 82 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean from its Panama City hub. As of December 31, 2023, it operated a fleet of 106 aircraft comprising 76 Boeing 737-Next Generation aircraft, 29 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, and one Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter.

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D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI  Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have given a hold recommendation, six have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $157.3846.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on DHI shares. Citigroup reiterated a market outperform rating on shares of D.R. Horton in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on D.R. Horton from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of D.R. Horton in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI set a $169.00 price objective on D.R. Horton and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, UBS Group raised their target price on shares of D.R. Horton from $187.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th.

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Insider Activity

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, Director Michael R. Buchanan sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.74, for a total value of $180,740.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 1,193 shares of the companys stock, valued at $215,622.82. This trade represents a 45.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, Chairman David V. Auld sold 30,000 shares of D.R. Horton stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.21, for a total value of $5,466,300.00. Following the transaction, the chairman owned 815,672 shares in the company, valued at $148,623,595.12. This represents a 3.55% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 32,376 shares of company stock worth $5,898,848 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC lifted its position in D.R. Horton by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 38,602 shares of the construction companys stock worth $6,542,000 after buying an additional 2,044 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of D.R. Horton by 12.5% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 7,272 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,232,000 after acquiring an additional 810 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in D.R. Horton during the third quarter valued at $6,478,000. Blue Fin Capital Inc. boosted its position in D.R. Horton by 1.1% during the third quarter. Blue Fin Capital Inc. now owns 15,049 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,550,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WBI Investments LLC acquired a new position in D.R. Horton in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,087,000. 90.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

D.R. Horton Price Performance

NYSE:DHI opened at $157.95 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 6.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $154.34 and its 200 day moving average price is $147.35. D.R. Horton has a 52-week low of $110.44 and a 52-week high of $184.54. The firm has a market cap of $46.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.63, a PEG ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 1.36.

D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $3.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.29 by ($0.25). The business had revenue of $9.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.44 billion. D.R. Horton had a net margin of 10.47% and a return on equity of 14.39%. D.R. Hortons revenue was down 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.92 earnings per share. D.R. Horton has set its FY 2026 guidance at EPS. Q1 2026 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that D.R. Horton will post 13.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

D.R. Horton Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. This is a positive change from D.R. Hortons previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. D.R. Hortons dividend payout ratio is presently 15.53%.

About D.R. Horton

(Get Free Report)

D.R. Horton, Inc operates as a homebuilding company in East, North, Southeast, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest regions in the United States. It engages in the acquisition and development of land; and construction and sale of residential homes in 118 markets across 33 states under the names of D.R.

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Drax Group plc (LON:DRX  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 686.41 and traded as high as GBX 736.56. Drax Group shares last traded at GBX 736.56, with a volume of 1,136,127 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on DRX. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 950 price target on shares of Drax Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Drax Group from GBX 682 to GBX 689 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 879.67.

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Drax Group Trading Up 0.9%

Drax Group Company Profile

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 716.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 687.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.11. The stock has a market capitalization of 2.55 billion, a PE ratio of 6.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.10 and a beta of 1.22.

(Get Free Report)

Drax Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in renewable power generation in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Pellet Production, Generation, and Customers. The Pellet Production segment produces and sells biomass pellets. The Generation segment provides renewable, dispatchable power, and system support services to the electricity grid.

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F m Investments LLC lessened its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 164,950 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 3,179 shares during the period. F m Investments LLCs holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust were worth $3,736,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,416,302 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $281,229,000 after acquiring an additional 1,250,549 shares in the last quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 133.6% in the 1st quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 5,960,072 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $133,327,000 after purchasing an additional 3,408,442 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Kite Realty Group Trust by 0.7% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,879,464 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $133,183,000 after purchasing an additional 40,017 shares in the last quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 8.5% in the first quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,838,842 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $130,615,000 after purchasing an additional 459,752 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 1.7% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,758,033 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $85,119,000 after purchasing an additional 61,982 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.81% of the companys stock.

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Kite Realty Group Trust Price Performance

Kite Realty Group Trust stock opened at $23.14 on Friday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 52-week low of $18.51 and a 52-week high of $27.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.16, a PEG ratio of 6.16 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $22.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91.

Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend

Kite Realty Group Trust ( NYSE:KRG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.01. Kite Realty Group Trust had a net margin of 16.34% and a return on equity of 4.23%. The firm had revenue of $205.06 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $208.82 million. Kite Realty Group Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.090-2.110 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Kite Realty Group Trust will post 2.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. This is a boost from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 181.25%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on KRG. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH initiated coverage on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $30.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the stock from $23.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Piper Sandler reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $24.00 price target (down from $25.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Monday, August 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $25.88.

View Our Latest Analysis on KRG

Insider Activity at Kite Realty Group Trust

In related news, CEO John A. Kite sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.70, for a total value of $1,135,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 54,121 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,228,546.70. This trade represents a 48.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 2.50% of the companys stock.

Kite Realty Group Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Companys primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets.

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XTX Topco Ltd lessened its holdings in shares of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF  Free Report) by 24.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,369 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 7,594 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in First American Financial were worth $1,435,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in shares of First American Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of First American Financial during the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Ransom Advisory Ltd acquired a new position in shares of First American Financial in the first quarter valued at $66,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of First American Financial by 121.3% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,483 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $97,000 after acquiring an additional 813 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 24.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,683 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $103,000 after buying an additional 327 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.05% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have commented on FAF. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of First American Financial from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a cautious rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of First American Financial from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. Stephens began coverage on shares of First American Financial in a report on Friday, November 14th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of First American Financial from $73.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded First American Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, First American Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $76.00.

First American Financial Stock Down 0.4%

Shares of FAF opened at $65.76 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $6.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.14 and a beta of 1.24. First American Financial Corporation has a 12-month low of $53.09 and a 12-month high of $70.92. The businesss fifty day moving average is $62.84 and its 200 day moving average is $61.68.

First American Financial (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The insurance provider reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $1.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. First American Financial had a return on equity of 11.01% and a net margin of 6.80%.The businesss revenue was up 40.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.34 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that First American Financial Corporation will post 5.35 EPS for the current year.

First American Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 8th. First American Financials payout ratio is presently 47.31%.

First American Financial Profile

(Free Report)

First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Home Warranty segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services internationally.

Further Reading

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Eduardo Padron, 81, is a former president of Miami Dade College. He speaks with the serenity of someone who has dedicated his entire life to education. But when he describes the treatment that many migrants receive in the United States today, his tone shifts to one of restrained indignation. Whats happening is unacceptable; [its] cruel mistreatment that shows a lack of respect for human dignity, he says, in a conversation with EL PAIS. And I feel we have an obligation to raise our voices, because were immigrants, he adds. Padron was born in Santiago de Cuba and arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1961.

His conviction led him to join other prominent members of the community in the Four Voices, One Miami campaign. The initiative includes billboards and social media videos denouncing the immigration policies of the Trump administration, stating that they dehumanize immigrants and force them to live in fear.

In addition to Padron, journalist Michael Putney, television journalist Leticia Callava and former Miami Herald editor David Lawrence Jr. are participating in the campaign.

The initiative is funded by Keep Them Honest, Inc., a non-profit organization that has launched campaigns criticizing South Florida Republican politicians for failing to defend immigrants who have fled dictatorships. Some of the ads say Deporting immigrants is cruel, accompanied by images of the legislators. Cuban-American philanthropist Mike Fernandez recently revealed that he has contributed millions of dollars to the campaign.

The Trump administration has promised mass deportations. There have been intensified raids on workplaces, arrests at traffic stops, and detentions in immigration courts. The climate of fear has separated numerous families, directly impacting the large Latin American diasporas in South Florida. Many individuals have been left in immigration limbo, after the federal government canceled their temporary protections or terminated humanitarian programs that had allowed them to live and work legally in the U.S.

Florida, under the leadership of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has passed laws that criminalize undocumented immigrants who enter the state. New detention centers have been built, while agreements have been signed between local law enforcement and federal agencies to arrest immigrants.

DeSantis has also pushed through Trumps presidential library project in Miami, which involved the rushed transfer of land from Miami Dade College to the state, something that Padron has publicly criticized.

On its website, Keep Them Honest directly points the finger at three South Florida congresspeople: Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar. The campaign accuses them of remaining silent while legal protections are being stripped away from Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians. Too many politicians act like theyve forgotten where they came from, the site reads.

Padron insists that his involvement isnt intended to attack anyone. My sole purpose is to defend the rights of immigrants, to fight against abuses and the ways in which the laws are not being properly applied in the treatment of immigrants, he clarifies.

Padron emigrated from Cuba to Miami as a teenager through Operation Peter Pan, a mass exodus of unaccompanied minors. He led Miami Dade College for nearly 25 years and, in 2016, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. He recalls that many of the people who have made significant contributions to the United States came from other places, just like him.

Padron acknowledges that migrants, like citizens, have the obligation to obey the laws, to behave appropriately.

There should be no exceptions simply because were immigrants. We have to set an example, he says. But he acknowledges that this conversation is often disconnected from reality.

What worries me is that, when you look at police records, the percentage of crimes committed by immigrants is very small compared to the rest of the population, he explains. And thats never spoken about. Currently, given the way that this [situation] is presented to the American public, its as if immigrants were criminals, undesirable, responsible for all kinds of abuses. When, in reality, its the complete opposite.

For Padron, Miami is the most visible proof of this contradiction. The city was built by migrants who came from all over the world, seeking freedom and opportunity. Its something that should be celebrated, not punished, he sighs.

What pains him most is the climate of growing cruelty in the application of immigration laws. He describes the practices as disrespectful and discriminatory, often based solely on appearance or accent. If someone looks Hispanic  whether because of their skin color or their accent  thats often cause for them to be stopped, to have their car destroyed, to be arrested, or to be thrown on the ground. These are fascist-style practices that have no place in a country like this, he asserts.

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Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB  Get Free Report) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $3.10 and traded as high as $3.60. Gerdau shares last traded at $3.5850, with a volume of 5,495,146 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Gerdau in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research raised Gerdau from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. One equities research analyst has 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 Hold and a consensus target price of $3.80.

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Gerdau Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $7.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.41, a PEG ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 1.46. The stocks fifty day moving average is $3.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 2.89.

Gerdau (NYSE:GGB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The basic materials company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.01). Gerdau had a net margin of 4.81% and a return on equity of 6.51%. The company had revenue of $3.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.81 billion. On average, analysts expect that Gerdau S.A. will post 0.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Gerdau Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.0521 per share. This is an increase from Gerdaus previous quarterly dividend of $0.02. This represents a $0.21 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 12th. Gerdaus dividend payout ratio is 70.37%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GGB. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Gerdau during the third quarter worth $37,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in shares of Gerdau in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Gerdau in the third quarter worth $71,000. PharVision Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Gerdau during the 3rd quarter worth about $68,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd grew its stake in shares of Gerdau by 1,873.7% during the third quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 315,043 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $977,000 after purchasing an additional 299,081 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.49% of the companys stock.

About Gerdau

(Get Free Report)

Gerdau SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a steel producer company. The company operates through Brazil Business, North America Business, South America Business, and Special Steel Business segments. It also provides semi-finished products, including billets, blooms, and slabs; common long rolled products, such as rebars, wire rods, merchant bars, light shapes, and profiles to the construction and manufacturing industries; drawn products comprising barbed and barbless fence wires, galvanized wires, fences, concrete reinforcing wire mesh, nails, and clamps for manufacturing, construction, and agricultural industries; and special steel products used in auto parts, light and heavy vehicles, and agricultural machinery, as well as in the oil and gas, wind energy, machinery and equipment, mining and rail, and other markets.

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Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new stake in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund acquired 1,978 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $529,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 13.9% during the 1st quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 319 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $84,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Park National Corp OH grew its position in Travelers Companies by 1.6% in the second quarter. Park National Corp OH now owns 2,580 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $690,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC increased its stake in Travelers Companies by 5.6% during the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 776 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Park Place Capital Corp raised its position in Travelers Companies by 33.1% in the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 165 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the period. Finally, Baker Avenue Asset Management LP lifted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP now owns 14,182 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,751,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently issued reports on TRV shares. Barclays set a $313.00 price objective on Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated a positive rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $320.00 to $322.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $292.73.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other news, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total value of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,493,829. This trade represents a 48.14% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $270.73, for a total transaction of $2,320,697.56. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 33,638 shares in the company, valued at $9,106,815.74. The trade was a 20.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 37,375 shares of company stock valued at $10,374,006 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of TRV opened at $295.08 on Friday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $230.23 and a fifty-two week high of $296.85. The firms 50 day moving average price is $278.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $271.23. The company has a market cap of $65.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.60, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.01 by $2.13. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 12.14% and a return on equity of 20.28%. The company had revenue of $12.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $5.24 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 17.30%.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB lessened its position in shares of Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE:SKY  Free Report) by 24.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 14,700 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,700 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Champion Homes were worth $920,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its holdings in Champion Homes by 67.1% in the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 1,716,459 shares of the companys stock worth $162,652,000 after acquiring an additional 689,265 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Champion Homes by 63.7% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,007,639 shares of the companys stock worth $95,484,000 after purchasing an additional 392,159 shares in the last quarter. Interval Partners LP purchased a new position in shares of Champion Homes in the first quarter worth about $14,849,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of Champion Homes in the first quarter valued at approximately $13,736,000. Finally, Congress Asset Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of Champion Homes by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 735,854 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,072,000 after buying an additional 74,276 shares in the last quarter.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently commented on SKY shares. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Champion Homes from $74.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Zacks Research raised Champion Homes from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Zelman & Associates upgraded Champion Homes from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Champion Homes in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Champion Homes from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the stock from $85.00 to $91.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $85.00.

Champion Homes Stock Down 0.3%

SKY opened at $85.84 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.83 and a beta of 1.14. Champion Homes, Inc. has a one year low of $59.44 and a one year high of $116.49. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $75.27 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 2.39 and a quick ratio of 1.59.

Champion Homes (NYSE:SKY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.20. Champion Homes had a return on equity of 14.35% and a net margin of 8.50%.The company had revenue of $684.43 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $636.96 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.93 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Champion Homes, Inc. will post 3.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Joseph A. Kimmell sold 1,812 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.04, for a total transaction of $148,656.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 55,977 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,592,353.08. The trade was a 3.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Champion Homes Profile

(Free Report)

Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada.

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Hyundai Motor (OTCMKTS:HYMTF  Get Free Report) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $51.00 and traded as high as $53.00. Hyundai Motor shares last traded at $51.00, with a volume of 702 shares.

Hyundai Motor Price Performance

The businesss 50-day moving average is $51.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $52.13.

About Hyundai Motor

(Get Free Report)

Hyundai Motor Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes motor vehicles and parts worldwide. It operates through Vehicle, Finance, and Others segments. The company offers cars under the AZERA, SONATA, VELOSTER, i30, ELANTRA, ACCENT, i20, and i10 names; SUVs under the TUCSON, SANTA FE, KONA, PALISADE, CRETA, and VENUE names; commercial vehicles under the STARIA, H-1, and H-100 names; and eco vehicles under the IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, NEXO, SANTA FE Hybrid, SONATA Hybrid, AZERA Hybrid, KONA Electric, IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, IONIQ Electric, IONIQ Hybrid, and i30 Hybrid names.

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INV VK HI INC2 (NYSE:VLT  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $11.21 and traded as low as $11.07. INV VK HI INC2 shares last traded at $11.1650, with a volume of 35,632 shares changing hands.

INV VK HI INC2 Stock Up 1.2%

The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.21 and a 200 day moving average of $11.03.

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INV VK HI INC2 Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $0.094 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.0%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On INV VK HI INC2

INV VK HI INC2 Company Profile

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of VLT. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in INV VK HI INC2 by 1.8% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 73,616 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $780,000 after buying an additional 1,275 shares in the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in shares of INV VK HI INC2 in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of INV VK HI INC2 in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $121,000. Fiera Capital Corp lifted its holdings in INV VK HI INC2 by 36.5% in the 3rd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 57,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $646,000 after purchasing an additional 15,401 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in INV VK HI INC2 during the first quarter worth approximately $195,000. 21.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

Invesco High Income Trust II is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc, and Invesco Canada Ltd.

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Level Four Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 20.8% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 18,213 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,137 shares during the quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,317,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Linscomb Wealth Inc. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 83,205 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,207,000 after purchasing an additional 2,669 shares in the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 88.9% during the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,138,118 shares of the companys stock worth $389,415,000 after purchasing an additional 1,006,014 shares during the last quarter. First American Trust FSB grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 80.0% during the first quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 56,382 shares of the companys stock worth $8,949,000 after purchasing an additional 25,063 shares during the last quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 44.5% in the second quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 6,615 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,205,000 after buying an additional 2,038 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CCM Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at $7,641,000. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.5%

Philip Morris International stock opened at $157.25 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $244.78 billion, a PE ratio of 28.49, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.43. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $116.12 and a 1 year high of $186.69. The companys 50-day moving average is $155.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $166.81.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. Research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were paid a $1.47 dividend. This is 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.52%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. KGI Securities began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of 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. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.00.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Philip Morris International

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Further Reading

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Shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina S.A. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:LOMA  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the five research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $14.80.

LOMA has been the subject of several research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina in a report on Tuesday. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LOMA

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Stock Performance

LOMA stock opened at $12.48 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market cap of $1.46 billion, a PE ratio of 40.26 and a beta of 1.04. The business has a 50 day moving average of $9.47 and a 200-day moving average of $10.44. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina has a 12-month low of $7.04 and a 12-month high of $14.17.

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina (NYSE:LOMA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.06 by ($0.11). Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina had a return on equity of 4.40% and a net margin of 5.67%.The business had revenue of $135.15 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $221.70 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina will post 1.25 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in LOMA. Fourth Sail Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina during the 1st quarter valued at $14,735,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. bought a new stake in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina in the 3rd quarter valued at about $8,229,000. M&G PLC bought a new stake in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina in the 3rd quarter valued at about $5,968,000. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda purchased a new stake in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina during the first quarter valued at about $4,161,000. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd bought a new position in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina during the third quarter worth about $2,372,000. 19.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cement and its derivatives in Argentina. The company operates through Cement, Masonry Cement and Lime; Concrete; Railroad; Aggregates; and Others segments. It offers masonry cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, concrete, and lime to wholesale distributors, concrete producers, industrial customers, and others for use in the construction.

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Loomis Sayles & Co. L P boosted its stake in Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 0.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 764,495 shares of the conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 1,591 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned about 0.11% of Danaher worth $151,018,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in DHR. Red Tortoise LLC grew its stake in shares of Danaher by 175.0% in the second quarter. Red Tortoise LLC now owns 154 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Danaher during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Costello Asset Management INC acquired a new position in Danaher in the 1st quarter valued at about $41,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC lifted its position in shares of Danaher by 81.4% during the first quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 254 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in shares of Danaher in the first quarter valued at approximately $52,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.05% of the companys stock.

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Danaher Price Performance

Danaher stock opened at $226.24 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $212.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $203.16. Danaher Corporation has a 12 month low of $171.00 and a 12 month high of $258.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $159.81 billion, a PE ratio of 46.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.81.

Danaher Announces Dividend

Danaher ( NYSE:DHR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 20th. The conglomerate reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $6.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6 billion. Danaher had a net margin of 14.44% and a return on equity of 10.92%. Danahers quarterly revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.71 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Danaher Corporation will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, September 26th were paid a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 26th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Danahers payout ratio is 26.39%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Danaher from $226.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Danaher from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Redburn Partners set a $220.00 price target on Danaher in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $241.00 target price on shares of Danaher in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. Finally, Rothschild Redb downgraded shares of Danaher from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Eighteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $243.39.

View Our Latest Analysis on DHR

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, SVP Brian W. Ellis sold 21,776 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $219.23, for a total transaction of $4,773,952.48. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 14,553 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,190,454.19. The trade was a 59.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Teri List sold 3,298 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.50, for a total value of $746,997.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 20,762 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,702,593. The trade was a 13.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 30,248 shares of company stock valued at $6,609,663 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock.

About Danaher

(Free Report)

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services that advance, accelerate, and integrate the development and manufacture of therapeutics; cell line and cell culture media development services; cell culture media, process liquids and buffers for manufacturing, chromatography resins, filtration technologies, aseptic fill finish; single-use hardware and consumables and services, such as the design and installation of full manufacturing suites; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes, and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

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Loomis Sayles & Co. L P lowered its position in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp (NYSE:MGY  Free Report) by 7.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,580,648 shares of the companys stock after selling 204,848 shares during the quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned about 1.35% of Magnolia Oil & Gas worth $58,013,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. F m Investments LLC increased its holdings in Magnolia Oil & Gas by 30.8% in the 2nd quarter. F m Investments LLC now owns 215,006 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,833,000 after buying an additional 50,594 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 67.1% during the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 103,320 shares of the companys stock worth $2,323,000 after acquiring an additional 41,481 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Magnolia Oil & Gas by 11.3% in the second quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $348,000 after acquiring an additional 1,575 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its position in Magnolia Oil & Gas by 8.6% during the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 19,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $428,000 after purchasing an additional 1,511 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Magnolia Oil & Gas by 4.5% during the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 194,677 shares of the companys stock worth $4,376,000 after purchasing an additional 8,342 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.73% of the companys stock.

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Magnolia Oil & Gas Price Performance

Magnolia Oil & Gas stock opened at $23.14 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $23.12 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $23.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.92, a PEG ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp has a 52-week low of $19.09 and a 52-week high of $27.90.

Magnolia Oil & Gas Announces Dividend

Magnolia Oil & Gas ( NYSE:MGY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.41. Magnolia Oil & Gas had a net margin of 25.90% and a return on equity of 18.10%. The business had revenue of $324.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $322.52 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.52 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp will post 2.1 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. Magnolia Oil & Gass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.52%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on MGY shares. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. William Blair started coverage on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas in a report on Monday, August 25th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. KeyCorp set a $29.00 price target on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Magnolia Oil & Gas presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $26.25.

Check Out Our Latest Report on MGY

Magnolia Oil & Gas Profile

(Free Report)

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas properties. It operates assets located in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations in South Texas. The company was founded on February 14, 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 978,248 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after buying an additional 69,516 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corps holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $411,314,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of MSI. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter valued at about $872,307,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at about $650,426,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,885,593 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $9,202,016,000 after acquiring an additional 384,479 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 49.1% during the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 746,011 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $325,558,000 after acquiring an additional 245,739 shares during the period. Finally, Congress Asset Management Co. bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $87,162,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.17% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday. Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Motorola Solutions from $490.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $465.00 target price (down previously from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Friday, October 31st. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $502.50.

Insider Buying and Selling at Motorola Solutions

In other news, SVP James A. Niewiara sold 1,700 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $485.43, for a total value of $825,231.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 14,542 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,059,123.06. This trade represents a 10.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Rajan Naik sold 8,014 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $474.45, for a total value of $3,802,242.30. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 10,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,860,265.80. This trade represents a 43.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 85,614 shares of company stock valued at $41,278,417. 1.44% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Motorola Solutions Stock Up 0.0%

Shares of NYSE:MSI opened at $369.68 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.86. The businesss 50 day moving average is $421.86 and its 200 day moving average is $431.80. The stock has a market cap of $61.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.96. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 52-week low of $365.40 and a 52-week high of $503.62.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.85 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $3.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.99 billion. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 134.30% and a net margin of 19.08%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.74 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 EPS for the current year.

Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend

The business 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 $1.21 per share. This is an increase from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. This represents a $4.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.84%.

Motorola Solutions Profile

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp lowered its position in shares of Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC  Free Report) (TSE:K) by 10.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 12,008,405 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 1,369,256 shares during the quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned about 0.99% of Kinross Gold worth $187,772,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of KGC. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in Kinross Gold by 1.4% during the second quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC now owns 56,907 shares of the mining companys stock worth $889,000 after acquiring an additional 783 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in Kinross Gold by 19.1% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 5,210 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $81,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares during the period. MAI Capital Management grew its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 22.0% during the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 5,022 shares of the mining companys stock worth $78,000 after purchasing an additional 907 shares in the last quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 3.0% during the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 34,714 shares of the mining companys stock worth $438,000 after purchasing an additional 1,013 shares during the period. Finally, US Bancorp DE increased its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 2.0% during the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 55,320 shares of the mining companys stock worth $865,000 after purchasing an additional 1,103 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 63.69% of the companys stock.

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Kinross Gold Price Performance

Kinross Gold stock opened at $28.18 on Friday. 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 52 week low of $8.99 and a 52 week high of $28.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 0.60. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $24.82 and a 200-day moving average of $19.89.

Kinross Gold Increases Dividend

Kinross Gold ( NYSE:KGC Get Free Report ) (TSE:K) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The mining company reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 return on equity of 20.04% and a net margin of 25.18%.Kinross Golds revenue was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.24 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Kinross Gold Corporation will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business 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 dividend of $0.035 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. This is a positive change from Kinross Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. Kinross Golds dividend payout ratio is currently 9.79%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently issued reports on KGC. 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 note on Wednesday, October 8th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their target price on Kinross Gold from $28.00 to $29.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. UBS Group increased their target price on Kinross Gold from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Kinross Gold from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, CIBC boosted their price target on Kinross Gold from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $27.69.

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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.

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Mackenzie Financial Corp lowered its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 876,163 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 12,519 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp owned approximately 0.10% of Mastercard worth $492,351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in MA. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Mastercard in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Keystone Global Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Mastercard in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 17,263 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $591.00, for a total transaction of $10,202,433.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,234 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,459,294. This represents a 35.60% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Mastercard Stock Performance

Shares of MA opened at $551.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The company has a market capitalization of $495.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.17, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.92. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $559.06 and a 200 day moving average of $568.29. Mastercard Incorporated has a 12 month low of $465.59 and a 12 month high of $601.77.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.89 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 9th were paid a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is presently 19.44%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $640.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $713.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, KeyCorp restated an overweight rating and issued a $665.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $652.50.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MA

Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund lessened its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,876,800 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,600 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned about 0.12% of Philip Morris International worth $341,822,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Linscomb Wealth Inc. increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.3% in the first quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 83,205 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,207,000 after acquiring an additional 2,669 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 88.9% during the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,138,118 shares of the companys stock worth $389,415,000 after purchasing an additional 1,006,014 shares during the period. First American Trust FSB boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 80.0% during the first quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 56,382 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,949,000 after purchasing an additional 25,063 shares in the last quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 44.5% during the second quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 6,615 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,205,000 after purchasing an additional 2,038 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CCM Investment Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $7,641,000. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently commented on PM shares. Barclays cut their target price on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.00.

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

Shares of PM opened at $157.25 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $244.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.49, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.43. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $155.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $166.81. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $116.12 and a 52-week high of $186.69.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The company had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 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.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund reduced its position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 0.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,080,834 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 3,782 shares during the quarter. Mastercard makes up about 0.8% of New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings, making the stock its 15th largest position. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned about 0.12% of Mastercard worth $607,364,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Pinion Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Mastercard by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Pinion Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,272 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,276,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. KRS Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Mastercard by 0.6% during the second quarter. KRS Capital Management LLC now owns 2,848 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,601,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the period. Nvest Financial LLC increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 1.2% in the second quarter. Nvest Financial LLC now owns 1,505 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $846,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Mastercard by 5.6% in the second quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $191,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the period. Finally, Rialto Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 13.0% during the 2nd quarter. Rialto Wealth Management LLC now owns 156 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $88,000 after buying an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 17,263 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $591.00, for a total value of $10,202,433.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,234 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,459,294. The trade was a 35.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Mastercard Stock Performance

Shares of MA opened at $551.25 on Friday. Mastercard Incorporated has a 12-month low of $465.59 and a 12-month high of $601.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The company has a market cap of $495.02 billion, a PE ratio of 37.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.92. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $559.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $568.29.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. Mastercard had a net margin of 44.93% and a return on equity of 200.01%. The business had revenue of $8.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.53 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.89 earnings per share. Mastercards quarterly revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 9th were issued a dividend of $0.76 per share. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 19.44%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $669.00 to $660.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Compass Point set a $620.00 price target on Mastercard and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley set a $665.00 price objective on Mastercard and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Citigroup upgraded Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $665.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $652.50.

Read Our Latest Analysis on MA

Mastercard Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

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Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 2,074,650 shares of the communications equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $872,307,000. Norges Bank owned approximately 1.25% of Motorola Solutions at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 23.3% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 10,296 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $4,329,000 after buying an additional 1,947 shares during the last quarter. Groupama Asset Managment grew its stake in Motorola Solutions by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 427,433 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $178,949,000 after acquiring an additional 30,322 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 152,628 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $64,174,000 after acquiring an additional 1,830 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 111.8% in the 2nd quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 540 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $228,000 after acquiring an additional 285 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bell Asset Management Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth $6,307,000. 84.17% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Motorola Solutions Stock Up 0.0%

Shares of NYSE:MSI opened at $369.68 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $421.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $431.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.76, a PEG 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 company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.86, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 1.73.

Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend

Motorola Solutions ( NYSE:MSI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly 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 firm had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.74 earnings per share. Motorola Solutionss revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared 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 a positive change from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $4.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 38.84%.

Insider Activity at Motorola Solutions

In other news, SVP James A. Niewiara sold 1,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $485.43, for a total value of $825,231.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 14,542 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,059,123.06. This trade represents a 10.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $483.50, for a total value of $24,175,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 46,936 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,693,556. The trade was a 51.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 85,614 shares of company stock worth $41,278,417. Corporate insiders own 1.44% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Barclays dropped their target price on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Piper Sandler reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $465.00 price objective (down previously from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday. Finally, UBS Group increased 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. Six investment 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, Motorola Solutions has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $502.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on MSI

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.

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Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 3,263,374 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,021,893,000. Norges Bank owned approximately 1.20% of Royal Caribbean Cruises at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of RCL. Virtue Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth $311,000. Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1.1% during the second quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 17,995 shares of the companys stock worth $5,635,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. bought a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth about $238,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 9,806 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,070,000 after buying an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 242,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,862,000 after buying an additional 6,460 shares during the last quarter. 87.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on RCL shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $367.00 to $357.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group lowered their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $353.00 to $304.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an overweight rating and a $320.00 price target for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $326.82.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Maritza Gomez Montiel sold 1,100 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.76, for a total value of $309,936.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 14,234 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,010,571.84. The trade was a 7.17% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 6.95% of the companys stock.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Up 0.1%

Shares of NYSE RCL opened at $265.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 0.16 and a quick ratio of 0.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.53 billion, a PE ratio of 17.89, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 2.04. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a one year low of $164.01 and a one year high of $366.50. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $290.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $302.74.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $5.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.68 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $5.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.16 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a return on equity of 44.68% and a net margin of 23.33%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.20 EPS. Royal Caribbean Cruises has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.580-15.630 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 2.740-2.790 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 14.9 EPS for the current year.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 25th were issued a $1.00 dividend. This is a boost from Royal Caribbean Cruisess previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 25th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Royal Caribbean Cruisess payout ratio is 26.90%.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises

(Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 21, 2024, it operated 65 ships. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 13,785,948 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,113,353,000. Norges Bank owned approximately 8.09% of Unum Group as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Unum Group by 0.3% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 60,370 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,918,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth about $646,000. BTC Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Unum Group by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc. now owns 71,836 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,731,000 after acquiring an additional 3,399 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,416,124 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $115,358,000 after acquiring an additional 6,648 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Klein Pavlis & Peasley Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 42.7% during the 2nd quarter. Klein Pavlis & Peasley Financial Inc. now owns 26,681 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,155,000 after acquiring an additional 7,981 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.57% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Unum Group in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $100.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays lifted their target price on Unum Group from $92.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Unum Group from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded Unum Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Two investment 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. According to MarketBeat, Unum Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.67.

Unum Group Stock Performance

Shares of UNM stock opened at $75.97 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $76.47 and a 200 day moving average price of $76.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.30. The stock has a market cap of $12.71 billion, a PE ratio of 9.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.37. Unum Group has a 1 year low of $66.81 and a 1 year high of $84.48.

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($0.06). Unum Group had a return on equity of 13.44% and a net margin of 11.77%.The business had revenue of $3.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.31 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.13 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Unum Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 9.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Unum Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, October 24th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.87%.

Insider Transactions at Unum Group

In other news, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 4,000 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.04, for a total transaction of $312,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 51,372 shares in the company, valued at $4,009,070.88. The trade was a 7.22% 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, EVP Steven Andrew Zabel sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.38, for a total transaction of $572,850.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 113,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,692,578.66. This represents a 6.18% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.92% of the companys stock.

Unum Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Public Storage (NYSE:PSA  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 3,932,830 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $1,153,971,000. Norges Bank owned about 2.24% of Public Storage as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in Public Storage in the first quarter valued at $271,196,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in Public Storage by 68.9% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,164,992 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $348,670,000 after buying an additional 475,342 shares during the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new stake in Public Storage in the 2nd quarter valued at about $94,297,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Public Storage by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 20,735,896 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,206,046,000 after acquiring an additional 143,575 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in shares of Public Storage by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 1,546,240 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $462,774,000 after acquiring an additional 138,486 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.79% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

PSA has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Public Storage from $309.00 to $307.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Public Storage from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Public Storage from $351.00 to $349.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 8th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Public Storage from $295.00 to $293.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Public Storage from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $325.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $325.57.

Public Storage Price Performance

Public Storage stock opened at $274.71 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $285.94 and a 200-day moving average of $289.84. Public Storage has a 52-week low of $256.60 and a 52-week high of $352.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.53, a PEG ratio of 4.72 and a beta of 0.91.

Public Storage (NYSE:PSA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $4.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.24 by $0.07. Public Storage had a net margin of 39.53% and a return on equity of 35.67%. The firm had revenue of $1.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $4.20 EPS. The firms revenue was down 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. Public Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 16.700-17.000 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Public Storage will post 16.7 EPS for the current year.

Public Storage Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Public Storages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 124.61%.

Public Storage Company Profile

(Free Report)

Public Storage, a member of the S&P 500 and FT Global 500, is a REIT that primarily acquires, develops, owns, and operates self-storage facilities. At December 31, 2023, we had: (i) interests in 3,044 self-storage facilities located in 40 states with approximately 218 million net rentable square feet in the United States and (ii) a 35% common equity interest in Shurgard Self Storage Limited (Euronext Brussels: SHUR), which owned 275 self-storage facilities located in seven Western European nations with approximately 15 million net rentable square feet operated under the Shurgard brand.

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Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 6,155,260 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $827,390,000. Norges Bank owned about 1.98% of Valero Energy as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hoey Investments Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. GFG Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Valero Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its position in shares of Valero Energy by 1,277.8% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 39.9% in the 1st quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. Finally, Ransom Advisory Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Valero Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:VLO opened at $176.76 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $169.98 and a 200-day moving average of $151.33. The firm has a market cap of $53.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.90, a price-to-earnings-growth 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 Corporation has a twelve month low of $99.00 and a twelve month high of $185.62.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $3.66 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.15 by $0.51. The business had revenue of $32.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.80 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.14 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 20th will be given a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 94.36%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of the companys 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 transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 134,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,352,787.92. The trade was a 6.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Valero Energy from $162.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Bank of America raised shares of Valero Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $152.00 to $179.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $169.00 to $184.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $183.00 price objective on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $182.00.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on VLO

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.

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Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. trimmed its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 10.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 673,610 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 75,788 shares during the quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co.s holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $72,352,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Boston Scientific by 15.4% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 29,486 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $3,167,000 after purchasing an additional 3,932 shares during the last quarter. MRA Advisory Group purchased a new stake in Boston Scientific in the second quarter worth $273,000. Bank of New Hampshire raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 552.0% in the second quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 19,724 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $2,119,000 after buying an additional 16,699 shares during the period. NS Partners Ltd lifted its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. NS Partners Ltd now owns 368,189 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $37,143,000 after buying an additional 5,704 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New England Research & Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter worth $1,133,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.07% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other Boston Scientific news, Director Ellen M. Zane sold 12,891 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.28, for a total transaction of $1,266,927.48. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 24,134 shares in the company, valued at $2,371,889.52. The trade was a 34.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.47, for a total transaction of $4,923,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 178,342 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,561,336.74. This represents 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 valued at $17,742,314 in the last three months. 0.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BSX. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Oppenheimer raised shares of Boston Scientific from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from $118.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $129.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Boston Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $123.77.

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Boston Scientific Trading Up 1.0%

Boston Scientific stock opened at $101.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.37. Boston Scientific Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $85.98 and a fifty-two week high of $109.50. The stock has a market cap of $151.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.52, a PEG ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.58. The firms fifty day moving average price is $99.17 and its 200-day moving average price is $102.28.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.74% and a net margin of 14.43%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company 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. Equities research analysts forecast that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Boston Scientific 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.

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Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its position in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,581,576 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 78,483 shares during the period. Novartis makes up approximately 0.8% of Loomis Sayles & Co. L Ps portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest position. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned about 0.26% of Novartis worth $675,427,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Neuberger Berman Group LLC increased its position in Novartis by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 115,299 shares of the companys stock worth $13,952,000 after purchasing an additional 6,169 shares during the period. Scotia Capital Inc. grew its holdings in Novartis by 3.4% during the second quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 44,901 shares of the companys stock worth $5,433,000 after acquiring an additional 1,491 shares during the period. Level Four Advisory Services LLC raised its position in Novartis by 40.7% in the second quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 15,892 shares of the companys stock worth $1,923,000 after acquiring an additional 4,596 shares in the last quarter. GM Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 2nd quarter worth $302,000. Finally, Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLC acquired a new position in shares of Novartis during the 2nd quarter worth $435,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.12% of the companys stock.

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Novartis Stock Performance

Novartis stock opened at $130.23 on Friday. Novartis AG has a fifty-two week low of $96.06 and a fifty-two week high of $134.00. The company has a market capitalization of $275.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.79, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.60. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $128.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $122.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.88.

Analyst Ratings Changes

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). The company had revenue of $14.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.70 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 26.49% and a return on equity of 41.21%. The firms revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.06 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Novartis AG will post 8.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

NVS has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Monday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley raised Novartis from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. HC Wainwright downgraded Novartis to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Cfra Research raised Novartis to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $122.33.

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Novartis 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.

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ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE:OGS  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $83.66 and last traded at $83.5120, with a volume of 300025 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $82.97.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on ONE Gas from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. UBS Group raised ONE Gas from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $66.00 to $86.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of ONE Gas from $86.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of ONE Gas in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underperform rating and issued a $75.00 target price on shares of ONE Gas in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.72.

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ONE Gas Trading Up 0.3%

The company has a market cap of $5.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.52, a P/E/G ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 0.85. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $81.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $76.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74.

ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.44. The business had revenue of $379.13 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $404.19 million. ONE Gas had a net margin of 10.76% and a return on equity of 8.06%. The businesss revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.34 EPS. ONE Gas has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.340-4.400 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that ONE Gas, Inc. will post 4.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ONE Gas Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. ONE Gass payout ratio is 62.47%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ONE Gas

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in ONE Gas by 12.8% during the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 32,474 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,455,000 after purchasing an additional 3,674 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its stake in shares of ONE Gas by 11.8% during the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 6,654 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $503,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new stake in shares of ONE Gas in the 1st quarter worth about $733,000. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in ONE Gas in the 1st quarter valued at about $314,000. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in ONE Gas during the 1st quarter valued at about $333,000. 88.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

ONE Gas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ONE Gas, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a regulated natural gas distribution company in the United States. The company provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. It serves residential, commercial, and transportation customers.

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Swiss National Bank cut its holdings in Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO  Free Report) by 2.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 93,241 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 2,500 shares during the quarter. Swiss National Bank owned about 0.19% of Onto Innovation worth $9,411,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in ONTO. William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Onto Innovation by 650.4% in the 2nd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 1,098,860 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $110,908,000 after purchasing an additional 952,419 shares in the last quarter. Situational Awareness LP acquired a new stake in shares of Onto Innovation during the first quarter worth $71,192,000. Amundi increased its position in shares of Onto Innovation by 199.2% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 347,900 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $42,214,000 after acquiring an additional 231,629 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in Onto Innovation in the 1st quarter worth $25,853,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in Onto Innovation by 76.4% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 482,256 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $58,517,000 after acquiring an additional 208,907 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.35% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

ONTO has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Onto Innovation in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $150.00 price target on shares of Onto Innovation in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Onto Innovation from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Benchmark reduced their target price on shares of Onto Innovation from $190.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Onto Innovation from $115.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $151.25.

Onto Innovation Stock Performance

ONTO opened at $139.50 on Friday. Onto Innovation Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $85.88 and a fifty-two week high of $228.42. The company has a fifty day moving average of $133.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $112.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.53, a PEG ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.64.

Onto Innovation (NYSE:ONTO  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The semiconductor company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.03. Onto Innovation had a net margin of 19.29% and a return on equity of 14.38%. The business had revenue of $218.19 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $220.23 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.34 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. Onto Innovation has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.180-1.330 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Onto Innovation Inc. will post 6.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Onto Innovation Company Profile

(Free Report)

Onto Innovation Inc engages in the design, development, manufacture, and support of process control tools that performs optical metrology. The company offers lithography systems and process control analytical software. It also offers process and yield management solutions, and device packaging and test facilities through standalone systems for optical metrology, macro-defect inspection, packaging lithography, and transparent and opaque thin film measurements.

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Shares of Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:PAAS  Get Free Report) (TSE:PAAS) have been given an average rating of Buy by the nine brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $41.25.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on PAAS. Zacks Research raised Pan American Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of Pan American Silver in a report on Friday, September 5th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Pan American Silver from $36.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Pan American Silver in a research report on Monday. Finally, National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Pan American Silver to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 4th.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pan American Silver

Pan American Silver Stock Performance

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Pan American Silver by 151.8% in the third quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 642 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 387 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new position in Pan American Silver in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. City State Bank lifted its stake in Pan American Silver by 74.4% in the 3rd quarter. City State Bank now owns 1,020 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 435 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Pan American Silver by 93.6% during the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,028 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 497 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assetmark Inc. raised its position in shares of Pan American Silver by 3,111.4% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,124 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 1,089 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 55.43% of the companys stock.

Pan American Silver stock traded up $2.72 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $45.31. 7,336,871 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,105,005. The firms 50 day moving average price is $37.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $32.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 3.05 and a quick ratio of 2.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.25, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.63. Pan American Silver has a 1 year low of $19.80 and a 1 year high of $45.97.

Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS  Get Free Report) (TSE:PAAS) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The basic materials company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $854.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $867.76 million. Pan American Silver had a return on equity of 11.49% and a net margin of 16.80%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 19.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.32 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Pan American Silver will post 1.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pan American Silver Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 24th will be given a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. This is a boost from Pan American Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 24th. Pan American Silvers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.37%.

About Pan American Silver

(Get Free Report)

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.

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Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH  Free Report) by 9.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 859,206 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 71,296 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group owned about 0.67% of Parker-Hannifin worth $600,130,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Interchange Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Parker-Hannifin in the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 56.1% during the 2nd quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 64 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Accent Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the first quarter worth approximately $41,000. Institutional investors own 82.44% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on PH shares. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $930.00 to $960.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $726.00 to $723.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen lowered Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Mizuho increased their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $800.00 to $825.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $785.00 to $906.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $860.71.

Insider Transactions at Parker-Hannifin

In related news, VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total value of $1,225,746.63. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 2,714 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,315,014.86. This trade represents a 34.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of Parker-Hannifin stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total value of $3,032,082.06. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 2,580 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,230,616.40. This trade represents a 57.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Parker-Hannifin Stock Performance

NYSE:PH opened at $861.15 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 1 year low of $488.45 and a 1 year high of $869.36. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $783.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is $736.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $108.67 billion, a PE ratio of 31.75, a PEG ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.37.

Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.62 by $0.60. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 26.80% and a net margin of 17.79%.The business had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $6.20 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 EPS for the current year.

Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be given a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 7th. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.65%.

Parker-Hannifin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 325,492 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock, valued at approximately $4,074,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PBR. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the first quarter worth about $34,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC bought a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC boosted its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 45.7% during the second quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 2,875 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sachetta LLC grew its stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 142.9% in the second quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 5,100 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Stock Down 1.0%

PBR opened at $12.54 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $12.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $12.37. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras has a 1-year low of $11.03 and a 1-year high of $14.98. The stock has a market cap of $80.78 billion, a PE ratio of 5.86 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Dividend Announcement

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras ( NYSE:PBR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $23.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $125.50 billion. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras had a net margin of 15.99% and a return on equity of 34.11%. As a group, research analysts expect that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a special dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a $0.1773 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobrass dividend payout ratio is 32.41%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on PBR shares. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from $15.80 to $14.40 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Zacks Research lowered shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.90.

View Our Latest Analysis on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Company Profile

(Free Report)

Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. The Exploration and Production segment explores, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily for supplies to the domestic refineries.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund bought 95,591 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $7,653,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 10.0% during the second quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. now owns 6,113 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 556 shares in the last quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 8,469,766 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $678,598,000 after buying an additional 88,358 shares in the last quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $212,000. Groupama Asset Managment lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 10.6% in the 2nd quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 163,557 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,014,000 after acquiring an additional 15,669 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Johnson Financial Group Inc. raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 34,437 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,759,000 after buying an additional 1,693 shares during the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently issued reports on WFC shares. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a hold (c) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $87.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Dbs Bank upgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $89.57.

Wells Fargo & Company Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of WFC stock opened at $85.88 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52-week low of $58.42 and a 52-week high of $88.64. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $84.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $80.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $269.57 billion, a PE ratio of 14.12, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.22.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.18. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.The business had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.11 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.42 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

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 issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.61%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

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.

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Rhumbline Advisers lowered its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI  Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 101,398 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,432 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Armstrong World Industries were worth $16,471,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. AXQ Capital LP bought a new stake in Armstrong World Industries in the second quarter valued at about $263,000. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 13.1% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 35,744 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $5,806,000 after purchasing an additional 4,152 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc boosted its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 1.6% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 134,087 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $21,781,000 after purchasing an additional 2,109 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management bought a new stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Finally, Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 106.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. now owns 19,410 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,153,000 after buying an additional 10,000 shares in the last quarter. 98.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Armstrong World Industries Price Performance

Armstrong World Industries stock opened at $189.74 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $192.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $180.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.52. The firm has a market cap of $8.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.41. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a 52 week low of $122.37 and a 52 week high of $206.08.

Armstrong World Industries Increases Dividend

Armstrong World Industries ( NYSE:AWI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The construction company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 38.97% and a net margin of 19.08%.The company had revenue of $325.00 million during the quarter. Equities research analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 6th were paid a $0.339 dividend. This is a boost from Armstrong World Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 6th. Armstrong World Industriess payout ratio is presently 19.31%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently commented on AWI. Bank of America raised their target price on Armstrong World Industries from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Armstrong World Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $195.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Armstrong World Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Armstrong World Industries has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $207.50.

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Armstrong World Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products.

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Rhumbline Advisers acquired a new position in shares of JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 146,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,671,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Geode Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in JBT Marel in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $141,026,000. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. acquired a new position in JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth $83,397,000. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel in the second quarter worth $73,593,000. Congress Asset Management Co. bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel in the second quarter worth $53,515,000. Finally, TimesSquare Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of JBT Marel during the second quarter valued at $40,689,000. 98.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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JBT Marel Price Performance

NYSE:JBTM opened at $140.53 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $136.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $132.19. JBT Marel Corporation has a 52-week low of $90.08 and a 52-week high of $148.76. The firm has a market cap of $7.30 billion, a P/E ratio of -61.37, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.18.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

JBT Marel ( NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.43. JBT Marel had a negative net margin of 5.08% and a positive return on equity of 7.96%. The company had revenue of $1 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $936.75 million. JBT Marels revenue was up 120.6% compared to the same quarter last year. JBT Marel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.400 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that JBT Marel Corporation will post 5.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on JBTM shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 target price on shares of JBT Marel in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, William Blair raised shares of JBT Marel from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $156.00.

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JBT Marel Company Profile

(Free Report)

JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market.

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Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its position in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Free Report) by 9.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 377,415 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 32,861 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd.s holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $38,104,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,557 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $258,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Bangor Savings Bank boosted its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 1.9% during the second quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 5,413 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $546,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. First Dallas Securities Inc. increased its holdings in United Parcel Service by 0.9% during the first quarter. First Dallas Securities Inc. now owns 11,421 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,256,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the period. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in United Parcel Service by 3.4% in the first quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,185 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $350,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wright Investors Service Inc. raised its stake in United Parcel Service by 1.3% in the second quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. now owns 7,861 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $793,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. 60.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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United Parcel Service Price Performance

Shares of NYSE UPS opened at $95.46 on Friday. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $82.00 and a fifty-two week high of $136.99. The company has a market cap of $80.98 billion, a PE ratio of 14.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.30. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $89.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $92.77.

United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement

United Parcel Service ( NYSE:UPS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The transportation company reported $1.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.43. The firm had revenue of $21.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.94 billion. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 6.15% and a return on equity of 40.07%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.76 earnings per share. United Parcel Service has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $1.64 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $6.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio is presently 101.39%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

UPS has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on United Parcel Service from $91.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on United Parcel Service from $85.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Wall Street Zen raised United Parcel Service from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $112.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.00.

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United Parcel Service Profile

(Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. #XinhuaNews
New York State Common Retirement Fund cut its position in shares of Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK  Free Report) by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 451,588 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 23,200 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned 0.12% of Stryker worth $178,662,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SYK. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Stryker during the second quarter worth $26,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Stryker during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Sachetta LLC raised its stake in Stryker by 58.7% during the second quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 73 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares during the period. Ridgewood Investments LLC lifted its holdings in Stryker by 48.4% in the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 92 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ransom Advisory Ltd acquired a new position in Stryker in the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Institutional investors own 77.09% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on SYK. Rothschild Redb upgraded Stryker to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Stryker from $452.00 to $456.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Redburn Partners set a $420.00 target price on Stryker in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Rothschild & Co Redburn began coverage on shares of Stryker in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. They set a neutral rating and a $420.00 price target for the company. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of Stryker from $410.00 to $405.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Stryker presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $434.37.

Insider Activity

In other Stryker news, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 1,953 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.49, for a total transaction of $713,801.97. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,833 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,035,433.17. This trade represents a 40.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Preston Wendell Wells sold 165 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.88, for a total value of $60,370.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 6,694 shares in the company, valued at $2,449,200.72. This represents a 2.41% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 522,118 shares of company stock worth $185,381,932 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock.

Stryker Price Performance

Shares of SYK opened at $371.29 on Friday. Stryker Corporation has a one year low of $329.16 and a one year high of $406.19. The stocks fifty day moving average is $368.90 and its 200-day moving average is $380.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $141.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.94.

Stryker (NYSE:SYK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The medical technology company reported $3.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.13 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $6.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.04 billion. Stryker had a net margin of 12.25% and a return on equity of 23.94%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.87 earnings per share. Stryker has set its FY 2025 guidance at 13.500-13.600 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Stryker Corporation will post 13.47 EPS for the current year.

Stryker Profile

(Free Report)

Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in total joint replacements, such as hip, knee and shoulder, and trauma and extremities surgeries.

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Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Free Report) by 7,929.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,029 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,929 shares during the period. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Textron were worth $645,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Textron by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,410,481 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $824,408,000 after buying an additional 76,972 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Textron by 5.6% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 8,166,902 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $590,059,000 after acquiring an additional 433,567 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its position in shares of Textron by 1.5% during the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 7,188,001 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $577,081,000 after purchasing an additional 106,492 shares in the last quarter. LSV Asset Management raised its stake in Textron by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 4,153,321 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $333,470,000 after purchasing an additional 279,237 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Textron by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,698,580 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $136,379,000 after purchasing an additional 23,635 shares in the last quarter. 86.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Textron Trading Up 1.4%

Shares of Textron stock opened at $84.20 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $82.32 and a 200 day moving average of $80.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.51, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.13. Textron Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $57.70 and a fifty-two week high of $87.94.

Textron Dividend Announcement

Textron ( NYSE:TXT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The aerospace company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.70 billion. Textron had a return on equity of 14.16% and a net margin of 5.81%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.40 EPS. Textron has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Textron Inc. will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid 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 Friday, December 12th. Textrons payout ratio is 1.76%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently commented on TXT. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $90.00 target price on shares of Textron in a research report on Monday, October 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Textron from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group dropped their price target on Textron from $92.00 to $89.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 24th. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on Textron from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Textron in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $92.15.

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Textron Profile

(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.

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Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB  Get Free Report) and Japan Tobacco (OTCMKTS:JAPAF  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Turning Point Brands and Japan Tobacco, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Turning Point Brands 0 1 5 1 3.00 Japan Tobacco 0 0 0 0 0.00

Turning Point Brands presently has a consensus target price of $97.00, indicating a potential downside of 3.15%. Given Turning Point Brands stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Turning Point Brands is more favorable than Japan Tobacco.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Turning Point Brands 12.02% 24.44% 9.96% Japan Tobacco N/A N/A N/A

Dividends

This table compares Turning Point Brands and Japan Tobaccos net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Turning Point Brands pays an annual dividend of $0.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Japan Tobacco pays an annual dividend of $79.71 per share and has a dividend yield of 200.3%. Turning Point Brands pays out 10.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Japan Tobacco pays out 35.3% 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. Turning Point Brands has increased its dividend for 7 consecutive years.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Turning Point Brands and Japan Tobaccos gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Turning Point Brands $360.66 million 5.30 $39.81 million $2.84 35.27 Japan Tobacco N/A N/A N/A $225.55 0.18

Turning Point Brands has higher revenue and earnings than Japan Tobacco. Japan Tobacco is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Turning Point Brands, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

96.1% of Turning Point Brands shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 24.7% of Japan Tobacco shares are held by institutional investors. 6.6% of Turning Point Brands shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Turning Point Brands beats Japan Tobacco on 13 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Turning Point Brands

(Get Free Report)

Turning Point Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes branded consumer products. The company operates through three segments: Zig-Zag Products, Stokers Products, and Creative Distribution Solutions. Zig-Zag Products segment markets and distributes rolling papers, tubes, finished cigars, make-your-own cigar wraps, and related products, as well as lighters and other accessories under the Zig-Zag brand. The Stokers Products segment manufactures and markets moist snuff tobacco and loose-leaf chewing tobacco products under the Stokers, Beech-Nut, Durango, Trophy, and Wind River brands. Its Creative Distribution Solutions segment market and distribute other products without tobacco and/or nicotine to individual consumers through VaporFi B2C online platform, as well as non-traditional retail through VaporBeast. In addition, it markets and distributes cannabis accessories and tobacco products. The company sells its products to wholesale distributors and retail merchants in the independent and chain convenience stores, tobacco outlets, food stores, mass merchandising, drug store, and non-traditional retail channels. The company was formerly known as North Atlantic Holding Company, Inc. and changed its name to Turning Point Brands, Inc. in November 2015. Turning Point Brands, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

About Japan Tobacco

(Get Free Report)

Japan Tobacco Inc., a tobacco company, manufactures and sells tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods in Japan and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Tobacco Business, Pharmaceutical Business, and Processed Food Business. It offers tobacco products, such as cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco products, E-vapor products, fine cut tobacco products, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco products, and hookah and kretek products. The company provides reduced-risk products, including infused tobacco capsules and heated tobacco sticks. In addition, it researches and develops, manufactures, and sells prescription drugs for the therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, kidney and metabolism, immunity/inflammation, and central nervous system. Further, the company provides frozen and room-temperature products, such as frozen udon noodles, packed rice, and frozen okonomiyaki; bakery products; and seasonings, including yeast extracts, assembled, kelp and bonito extracts, and oyster sauces. It offers its products under the Winston, Camel, MEVIUS, and LD brands. Japan Tobacco Inc. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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Vinva Investment Management Ltd reduced its stake in Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 65,002 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 9,842 shares during the quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltds holdings in Devon Energy were worth $2,096,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Assetmark Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 9,847 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $368,000 after purchasing an additional 864 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 1.1% in the first quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 251,216 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $9,395,000 after buying an additional 2,832 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 483,809 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $18,094,000 after buying an additional 28,332 shares during the period. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise purchased a new stake in shares of Devon Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Vestcor Inc lifted its position in Devon Energy by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. Vestcor Inc now owns 14,053 shares of the energy companys stock worth $526,000 after acquiring an additional 987 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.72% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on DVN. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $43.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $42.00 price objective on Devon Energy and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $37.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 20th. Finally, Capital One Financial decreased their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $52.00 to $51.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.89.

Devon Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:DVN opened at $37.08 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $23.26 billion, a PE ratio of 8.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.22. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $34.14 and a 200-day moving average of $33.68. Devon Energy Corporation has a one year low of $25.89 and a one year high of $38.88.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.11. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 16.57%.The firm had revenue of $0.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.10 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Corporation will post 4.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Devon Energys payout ratio is presently 22.59%.

About Devon Energy

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Virtue Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU  Free Report) by 22.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,790 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,093 shares during the quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $407,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in PRU. Level Four Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 14.6% in the second quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 28,877 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,103,000 after acquiring an additional 3,670 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 4.3% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 38,570 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,144,000 after purchasing an additional 1,591 shares during the last quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 20.0% during the 2nd quarter. Clarkston Capital Partners LLC now owns 15,000 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,612,000 after purchasing an additional 2,500 shares during the period. Groupama Asset Managment increased its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 174.2% during the 2nd quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 24,096 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,581,000 after purchasing an additional 15,308 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Prudential Financial in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $51,000. 56.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Prudential Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Prudential Financial in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $119.50.

Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman Charles F. Lowrey sold 48,164 shares of Prudential Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.39, for a total transaction of $5,172,331.96. Following the sale, the chairman owned 165,564 shares in the company, valued at $17,779,917.96. This trade represents a 22.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Prudential Financial Trading Up 0.8%

Shares of Prudential Financial stock opened at $108.81 on Friday. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $90.38 and a fifty-two week high of $130.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 0.16. The company has a market capitalization of $38.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.95, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a fifty day moving average of $103.94 and a 200 day moving average of $104.88.

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 15th. The financial services provider reported $3.58 EPS for the quarter. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.98% and a net margin of 4.65%.The business had revenue of $8.35 billion for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 14.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Prudential Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th will be issued a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 18th. Prudential Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 74.18%.

Prudential Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life, and International Businesses segments.

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Virtue Capital Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 36.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,594 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,676 shares during the quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $269,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in MO. GQG Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 8,146.4% in the 1st quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 18,698,594 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,290,000 after purchasing an additional 18,471,846 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $219,141,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Altria Group by 5.8% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 63,288,773 shares of the companys stock worth $3,798,592,000 after buying an additional 3,483,487 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 40.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,961,220 shares of the companys stock worth $717,913,000 after buying an additional 3,415,237 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 111.3% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 5,558,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $333,606,000 after buying an additional 2,928,006 shares during the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Altria Group Price Performance

MO stock opened at $58.98 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $50.08 and a 1 year high of $68.60. The company has a market cap of $99.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 0.51. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $61.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $61.75.

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 295.26% and a net margin of 37.24%.The company had revenue of $5.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.38 earnings per share. Altria Groups revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Altria Group declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase program on Thursday, October 30th that allows the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to buy up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on MO. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. UBS Group decreased their price target on Altria Group from $68.00 to $61.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus set a $72.00 price target on Altria Group in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $64.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Altria Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $62.33.

Check Out Our Latest Report on MO

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

Further Reading

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Virtue Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH  Free Report) by 9.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 809 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 85 shares during the quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $565,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 1st quarter worth approximately $933,089,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 52.6% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,443,104 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,485,042,000 after buying an additional 842,262 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 11.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,009,250 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,221,323,000 after buying an additional 208,573 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in Parker-Hannifin by 23.8% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 996,738 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $605,867,000 after acquiring an additional 191,799 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 1.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,023,764 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,700,795,000 after acquiring an additional 168,990 shares during the period. 82.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Parker-Hannifin Stock Down 0.0%

Shares of NYSE PH opened at $861.15 on Friday. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 52-week low of $488.45 and a 52-week high of $869.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $108.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.75, a PEG ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.37. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $783.98 and a 200 day moving average price of $736.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.19.

Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend

Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.62 by $0.60. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 26.80% and a net margin of 17.79%.The business had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $6.20 EPS. Parker-Hannifins revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a $1.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio is 25.65%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $831.00 to $874.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Argus restated a buy rating and set a $900.00 target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $840.00 to $925.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Wall Street Zen lowered Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $809.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Fourteen 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, Parker-Hannifin has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $860.71.

Read Our Latest Analysis on PH

Insider Activity

In other Parker-Hannifin news, VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total transaction of $1,225,746.63. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 2,714 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,315,014.86. This trade represents a 34.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total transaction of $3,032,082.06. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 2,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,230,616.40. This represents a 57.61% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.32% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Parker-Hannifin

(Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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West Family Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of KB Financial Group Inc (NYSE:KB  Free Report) by 20.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 11,486 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 1,967 shares during the quarter. West Family Investments Inc.s holdings in KB Financial Group were worth $949,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of KB. First Horizon Advisors Inc. bought a new position in KB Financial Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in KB Financial Group by 585.7% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 336 shares of the banks stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 287 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in KB Financial Group by 817.9% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 771 shares of the banks stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 687 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in KB Financial Group by 10,875.0% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 878 shares of the banks stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 870 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in KB Financial Group by 105.6% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,836 shares of the banks stock worth $152,000 after purchasing an additional 943 shares during the last quarter. 11.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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KB Financial Group Stock Down 0.1%

Shares of NYSE KB opened at $85.09 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $83.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $80.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 1.67 and a quick ratio of 1.67. KB Financial Group Inc has a 1 year low of $46.38 and a 1 year high of $92.39. The firm has a market cap of $32.46 billion, a PE ratio of 8.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.14.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of KB Financial Group in a research note on Monday. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of KB Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, KB Financial Group has an average rating of Buy.

Get Our Latest Analysis on KB Financial Group

KB Financial Group Profile

(Free Report)

KB Financial Group Inc provides a range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations in South Korea, the United States, New Zealand, China, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and internationally. The company operates through Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Other Banking Services, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Non-Life Insurance segments.

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West Family Investments Inc. increased its position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 61.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,769 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after acquiring an additional 2,574 shares during the quarter. West Family Investments Inc.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $836,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TJX. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of TJX Companies in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in TJX Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. True Wealth Design LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 121.1% during the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 272 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 149 shares during the period. Activest Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 4,485.7% during the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 321 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maseco LLP bought a new position in shares of TJX Companies in the second quarter worth $43,000. 91.09% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total transaction of $75,700.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 22,212 shares in the company, valued at $3,362,896.80. This trade represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 24,363 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.31, for a total value of $3,686,365.53. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 510,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at $77,286,121.80. The trade was a 4.55% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 over the last 90 days. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently issued reports on TJX. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $162.00 price objective (up from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Robert W. Baird set a $160.00 price target on shares of TJX Companies and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $168.00 price objective (up previously from $155.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Macquarie reiterated a buy rating on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and set a $170.00 price target on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $158.90.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TJX

TJX Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE TJX opened at $152.45 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $144.25 and its 200 day moving average is $134.90. The stock has a market cap of $169.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.73, a P/E/G ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.90. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $112.10 and a 1-year high of $154.66. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.80 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.59% and a return on equity of 58.63%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.14 EPS. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be paid a $0.425 dividend. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 13th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is 37.53%.

TJX Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

Further Reading

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Williamson Legacy Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 3,610 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $606,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of CAH. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 75.0% during the second quarter. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 175 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. bought a new position in Cardinal Health in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its position in Cardinal Health by 55.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 200 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its holdings in Cardinal Health by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 214 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new position in Cardinal Health in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

CAH has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Cardinal Health in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Citigroup upped their price target on Cardinal Health from $165.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Robert W. Baird set a $232.00 price objective on Cardinal Health in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Cardinal Health from $195.00 to $208.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $170.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $206.57.

Cardinal Health Price Performance

NYSE CAH opened at $212.26 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $177.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $163.29. Cardinal Health, Inc. has a one year low of $114.60 and a one year high of $214.93.

Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.22 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $64.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $59.41 billion. Cardinal Health had a negative return on equity of 74.45% and a net margin of 0.70%.The companys revenue was up 22.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.88 earnings per share. Cardinal Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.650-9.850 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Cardinal Health, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current year.

Cardinal Health Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.5107 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. Cardinal Healths payout ratio is 30.77%.

Cardinal Health Profile

(Free Report)

Cardinal Health, Inc operates as a healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home.

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Budapest unveils major Terracotta Warriors exhibition featuring rare Chinese artifacts

Xinhua) 10:46, November 29, 2025

BUDAPEST, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The exhibition "Civilization of the Qin and Han Dynasties - The First Chinese Emperor's Terracotta Warriors" opened Thursday in Budapest, bringing rare Chinese archaeological treasures to the heart of Central Europe.

Showcasing more than 150 ancient artworks from China's Qin and Han dynasties - including ten original Terracotta Warriors - the exhibition is one of the most significant displays of Chinese culture ever held in Hungary, according to Laszlo Baan, director general of the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.

In an interview with Xinhua, Baan recalled that many Hungarians still vividly remember the country's first Terracotta Warriors exhibition in 1988. That earlier display left a deep impression on visitors, he noted, but the new presentation is markedly larger in scale and scope.

The exhibition "covers the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century," Baan said.

He highlighted the visual and technical sophistication of the show, saying that its design reflects years of collaboration between Chinese and Hungarian experts. "The venue, the colors, the lighting, the materials - everything about this exhibition is truly first-rate," he said.

Calling the event a milestone in China-Hungary cultural relations, Baan also underscored its unusually long run. The six-month display, made possible through close coordination with Chinese institutions, will give both Hungarian and international visitors ample time to explore the collection in depth.

Baan expressed confidence in strong public interest, noting how rare it is to see original Terracotta Warriors outside China. As many Hungarians have not had the chance to travel to Xi'an, he said, the arrival of these artifacts offers a meaningful cultural experience.

He also pointed to Hungary's growing Chinese community, saying the exhibition may resonate especially with those who have not visited the original site in China.

Baan added that advances in research and museum technology have enabled the Budapest exhibition to introduce new interpretive elements. Among them is a world-premiere 3D light projection developed in Hungary, which restores the original colors of the Terracotta Warriors on life-size replicas. This innovative feature, he said, gives visitors a vivid sense of how the sculptures looked more than two millennia ago. "It is a remarkable addition to the exhibition," he noted.

The director emphasized that the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, together with its Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts, serves as a universal institution with extensive archaeological and Asian collections. Hosting major exhibitions on ancient civilizations is both a responsibility and a source of pride, he said.

Looking ahead, Baan expects the Terracotta Warriors exhibition to rank among the museum's most attended. "I believe we will see several hundred thousand visitors," he said. "I am almost certain it will be among the top three most visited exhibitions in the history of our museum."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liu Ning)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed "in its entirety."

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social without elaboration.

The remarks were made amid heightening tensions in the relations between the United States and Venezuela.

Since early September, the United States has carried out more than 20 known military strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, killing more than 80 people. The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean was further strengthened in mid-November with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, a major aircraft carrier, to a level unseen in at least three decades.

In his Thanksgiving remarks to U.S. troops on Thursday night, Trump suggested that the United States could "very soon" take action by land against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, accusing the United States of "fabricating" a pretext for forcing a regime change in Venezuela.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday that Trump and Maduro spoke by phone last week, discussing the possibility of an in-person meeting in the United States, though no arrangements have been made.

Last week, the U.S. aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, issued a warning to major airlines flying over Venezuela, highlighting dangers from a "potentially hazardous situation" due to a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around" the South American country. 
BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- With an increasing number of foreign tourists visiting China, the sight of foreign nationals dressed in Hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese clothing, at scenic spots across the country has become a captivating cultural phenomenon.

By the moat of Beijing's Forbidden City -- the over 600-year-old complex that once served as China's imperial palace -- Jessica Savano, a travel content creator from the United States, wore a phoenix coronet, held a round silk fan and dressed in exquisitely embroidered clothes, posing for photos against a backdrop of red walls and glazed yellow tiles.

"This is a must-do if you ever come to China. I will have these pictures forever. How incredible," Savano said excitedly in her China vlog.

Just like Savano, more and more foreigners are embracing this brand-new way to get immersed in the Chinese culture, sharing their pictures on social media platforms. By June, the #Hanfu hashtag on TikTok had amassed nearly 300,000 videos, fueling a global fascination with traditional Chinese fashion.

In one of these videos, an international student from South Africa shared her ancient-style photoshoot in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. "I feel like the female lead in a Chinese TV drama," she said. Her video resonated with thousands, drawing nearly 40,000 likes.

Meanwhile, a wave of TikTok influencers have joked in their videos, "Unfortunately, I'll never feel pretty again, because this was my photoshoot in China." The humorous exaggeration underscores a genuine sentiment: these Chinese-style photoshoots often capture what feels like a peak moment of beauty for their subjects.

The comment sections of these videos were flooded with applause from netizens globally. Users complimented the amazing clothes, intricate hairstyles and stunning final results. Many were left with serious wanderlust, commenting, "I wish I could go to China for a photoshoot too!"

Adjacent to the Forbidden City, the Wangfu Century Plaza has become a popular destination for tourists who want to wear traditional Chinese costumes, put on makeup and have a hairdo. The building now houses hundreds of studios providing such services, with Kai Wen (pseudonym) operating one of them.

Inside Kai's studio, clothing racks are neatly arranged, displaying a diverse collection of around 400 sets of traditional clothes, which have covered the dressing styles of various ancient Chinese dynasties.

"Since the beginning of 2025, we've served nearly 70 groups of foreign tourists. Compared to last year, there's been about a 20-percent increase in foreign customers," the owner said, adding that his shop had received foreigners as young as two years old and as old as nearly 70.

"Most people find it a novel and enjoyable experience when they try on these clothes," he said.

For many foreign tourists, the unique charm of Chinese culture plays a key role in the traditional costume frenzy.

"Traveling (abroad) is largely an experience of foreign cultures and a form of cultural consumption, and clothing is an important external expression and carrier of a country or region's culture," said Zhang Jinshan, a research fellow at Beijing Union University.

A featured article on the Shanghai-based Youth Daily noted that nowadays, overseas tourists wear traditional Chinese clothing not out of curiosity as was the case in the past, but because of a genuine connection and appreciation for the culture.

"Over millennia, Chinese clothing has developed into an aesthetic system that is both diverse and cohesive. It offers a wide range of options for people from various cultural backgrounds and social classes, allowing everyone to find a Chinese style that resonates with their personal taste, further expanding its audience," the article said.

Behind this phenomenon is also the rapidly growing global enthusiasm for traveling to China, boosted by the country's expanding visa-waiver policies under which China now has mutual visa-exemption agreements with 29 countries and offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of 48 countries, spanning Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

As of Nov. 23, ports in cultural tourism hotspot Beijing had recorded 5.78 million inbound and outbound trips made by foreign nationals, a 35-percent rise year on year. Approximately 60 percent of these inbound travelers benefited from China's visa exemption or temporary entry permit policies.

In the third quarter of this year, foreign nationals made 7.25 million visits to China under its visa-free travel policies, a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase and accounting for 72.2 percent of all entries made by foreign nationals, according to the National Immigration Administration.

As foreign tourists surge, a rising number of them engage in traditional Chinese clothing experience and participate in cultural activities, which not only helps enrich their tourism experience in China, but also expands consumption scenarios, and elevates the level of tourism spending, said Zhang, the university research fellow. 
Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich decreased its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,749,948 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 160,841 shares during the quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich owned 0.06% of JPMorgan Chase & Co. worth $507,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of JPM. Mosaic Financial Group LLC grew its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.8% in the first quarter. Mosaic Financial Group LLC now owns 9,296 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,280,000 after purchasing an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 1,364,887 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $395,695,000 after purchasing an additional 29,844 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 2,232,458 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $647,212,000 after buying an additional 126,742 shares during the last quarter. Kelman Lazarov Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 16.9% in the 2nd quarter. Kelman Lazarov Inc. now owns 1,257 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $364,000 after buying an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gladwyn Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the second quarter valued at $534,000. 71.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on JPM shares. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $309.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Barclays raised their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $342.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $354.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Daiwa Capital Markets increased their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $332.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $366.00 price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $326.38.

Insider Buying and Selling at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other news, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.94, for a total value of $2,830,430.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 82,207 shares in the company, valued at $24,492,753.58. This represents a 10.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at $18,240,769.68. The trade was a 1.63% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance

JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock opened at $313.26 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $306.89 and a 200-day moving average of $293.04. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1 year low of $202.16 and a 1 year 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 company has a market capitalization of $852.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.52, 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 earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.83 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $47.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.18% and a net margin of 20.90%.The firms revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.37 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Monday, October 6th were issued a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 6th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. This is an increase from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.72%.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company 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.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Brinker International (NYSE:EAT  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Friday.

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Several other research firms have also commented on EAT. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on shares of Brinker International from $207.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on Brinker International from $215.00 to $200.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 24th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Brinker International from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Brinker International from $175.00 to $144.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded Brinker International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $144.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.44.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Brinker International

Brinker International Trading Up 1.3%

NYSE:EAT opened at $153.79 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.83 billion, a PE ratio of 15.95, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.38. The businesss 50 day moving average is $125.51 and its two-hundred day moving average is $149.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53. Brinker International has a 52 week low of $100.30 and a 52 week high of $192.21.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $1.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.17. Brinker International had a return on equity of 164.66% and a net margin of 7.94%.The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.95 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 18.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.900-10.50 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Brinker International will post 8.3 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Brinker International news, COO Douglas N. Comings sold 16,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.48, for a total transaction of $2,503,680.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 12,951 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,026,572.48. The trade was a 55.27% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.43% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brinker International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in Brinker International by 342.5% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,394 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $177,000 after buying an additional 1,079 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in shares of Brinker International in the third quarter valued at approximately $598,000. Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in shares of Brinker International during the third quarter valued at approximately $2,446,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Brinker International during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC raised its holdings in Brinker International by 9.6% during the third quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 7,911 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,002,000 after purchasing an additional 692 shares in the last quarter.

About Brinker International

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Brinker International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands.

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Biostage (OTCMKTS:BSTG  Get Free Report) and InspireMD (NYSE:NSPR  Get Free Report) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, earnings, dividends, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

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Risk and Volatility

Biostage has a beta of -1.02, indicating that its stock price is 202% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, InspireMD has a beta of 0.64, indicating that its stock price is 36% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Biostage and InspireMDs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Biostage N/A N/A -$6.07 million ($0.58) -7.67 InspireMD $7.78 million 11.03 -$19.92 million ($0.84) -2.41

Biostage has higher earnings, but lower revenue than InspireMD. Biostage is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than InspireMD, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Biostage and InspireMDs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Biostage N/A N/A -174.43% InspireMD -413.96% -69.42% -57.68%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

44.8% of InspireMD shares are held by institutional investors. 15.3% of Biostage shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 29.7% of InspireMD shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations for Biostage and InspireMD, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Biostage 0 0 1 0 3.00 InspireMD 0 0 2 0 3.00

InspireMD has a consensus price target of $4.50, indicating a potential upside of 122.22%. Given InspireMDs higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe InspireMD is more favorable than Biostage.

Summary

InspireMD beats Biostage on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Biostage

(Get Free Report)

Biostage, Inc., a biotechnology company, offers products to cure patients of cancers, injuries, and birth defects of the gastro-intestinal tract and the airways. The company's pipeline includes organ-regeneration technology for the repair or replacement of diseased or damaged organs, as well as product candidates to treat cancer, injury, and birth defects of the bronchus. Its lead product candidate is Biostage Esophageal Implant for the treatment of severe esophageal disease. The company was formerly known as Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. and changed its name to Biostage, Inc. in March 2016. Biostage, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts.

About InspireMD

(Get Free Report)

InspireMD, Inc., a medical device company, focuses on the development and commercialization of MicroNet stent platform technology for the treatment of vascular and coronary diseases in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The company offers CGuard carotid embolic prevention system (EPS) for use in carotid artery applications; CGuard Prime Stent System, a mesh-covered self-expanding carotid stent; and SwitchGuard NPS, a non-invasive transcarotid artery revascularization device; as well as treating acute stroke with tandem lesions. InspireMD, Inc. has a strategic agreement with Jacobs Institute to execute an early feasibility study of CGuard Prime for the treatment of acute stroke patients with tandem lesions. The company sells its products through local distribution partners. InspireMD, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

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Volatility and Risk

1st Colonial Bancorp has a beta of 0.11, suggesting that its stock price is 89% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ottawa Bancorp has a beta of 0.33, suggesting that its stock price is 67% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider & Institutional Ownership

13.4% of 1st Colonial Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.8% of Ottawa Bancorp shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares 1st Colonial Bancorp and Ottawa Bancorps top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio 1st Colonial Bancorp $46.18 million 1.98 $8.06 million $1.58 12.02 Ottawa Bancorp $17.43 million 1.95 $780,000.00 $0.79 18.75

1st Colonial Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Ottawa Bancorp. 1st Colonial Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ottawa Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares 1st Colonial Bancorp and Ottawa Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets 1st Colonial Bancorp 15.95% 10.58% 0.98% Ottawa Bancorp 9.05% 4.04% 0.46%

Summary

1st Colonial Bancorp beats Ottawa Bancorp on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About 1st Colonial Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

1st Colonial Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for 1st Colonial Community Bank that provides a range of business and consumer financial services in New Jersey. The company offers various deposit products, including savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, club accounts, and business and personal checking accounts. It also provides home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, personal and vehicle loans, residential and commercial mortgages, construction loans, business lines of credit, equipment and vehicle financing, real estate loans, working capital line of credit, and business acquisition loans, as well as small business administration loans. In addition, the company offers cash management services comprising remote deposit capture, ACH/wire transfer, night deposit drop, and merchant services; safe deposit boxes; and coin counting, online and mobile banking, debit card, and ATM services. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

About Ottawa Bancorp

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Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for OSB Community Bank, a savings bank that provides various financial services to individual and corporate customers in Illinois. The company's deposit products include saving, checking, money market, and interest-bearing accounts, as well as certificate of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial, non-residential real estate, one-to-four family residential, multi-family residential, consumer direct, and purchased auto loans; business and construction loans; motor vehicle, home improvement, share, and personal unsecured loans, as well as home equity and small personal credit lines; mortgage loans; and student loans. The company also provides cash management solutions, such as remote deposit capture, automated clearing house/payroll direct deposit, and merchant services, as well as commercial leasing services. In addition, it offers notary, lamination, night depository, document faxing, money gift envelopes, safe deposit boxes, and coin counting, as well as debit and credit cards, and digital banking services. The company was formerly known as Ottawa Savings Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. in October 2016. Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1871 and is based in Ottawa, Illinois.

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BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military conducted combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of and airspace over Huangyan Dao as well as the surrounding areas on Saturday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces to reinforce patrols and vigilance since November, further strengthening control and management of relevant areas.

The move aims to safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, it added. 
Industria de Diseno Textil (OTCMKTS:IDEXY  Get Free Report) and Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations and valuation.

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Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Industria de Diseno Textil and Torrids gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Industria de Diseno Textil $41.81 billion 4.19 $6.32 billion $0.52 27.02 Torrid $1.10 billion 0.11 $16.32 million $0.04 31.75

Volatility & Risk

Industria de Diseno Textil has higher revenue and earnings than Torrid. Industria de Diseno Textil is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Torrid, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Industria de Diseno Textil has a beta of 1.14, meaning that its share price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Torrid has a beta of 1.48, meaning that its share price is 48% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Industria de Diseno Textil and Torrids net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Industria de Diseno Textil 15.15% 32.32% 16.84% Torrid 0.30% -1.69% 0.70%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Industria de Diseno Textil and Torrid, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Industria de Diseno Textil 0 0 1 4 3.80 Torrid 3 4 1 0 1.75

Torrid has a consensus target price of $3.03, suggesting a potential upside of 138.19%. Given Torrids higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Torrid is more favorable than Industria de Diseno Textil.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

81.8% of Torrid shares are held by institutional investors. 5.9% of Torrid shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Industria de Diseno Textil beats Torrid on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Industria de Diseno Textil

(Get Free Report)

Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A. engages in the retail and online distribution of clothing, footwear, accessories, and household products. The company sells its products under the Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home brands. It is also involved in the textile manufacturing, logistics, design, insurance, construction, and real estate businesses, as well as provides financial services. The company operates in Spain, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and internationally. Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in A Coruna, Spain.

About Torrid

(Get Free Report)

Torrid Holdings Inc. operates in womens plus-size apparel and intimates market in North America. The company designs, develops, and merchandises its products under the Torrid, Torrid Curve, CURV, and Lovesick brand names. It is involved in the sale of tops, bottoms, dresses, denims, activewear, intimates, sleep wear, swim wear, and outerwear products; and non-apparel products comprising accessories, footwear, and beauty products. The company sells its products directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and its physical stores. Torrid Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in City Of Industry, California.

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Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) marked Science Week 2025 with its most ambitious programme to date, engaging learners across the North East and reinforcing the institutes leadership in STEM outreach, education, and public engagement.

This years expanded programme featured a mix of high-impact talks, hands-on workshops, career events, and national-level research representation, reaching primary, secondary, and adult audiences across Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Dublin.

To kickstart the week, Dr Orla Sherlock and Mary Ellen Kelledy joined renowned science communicator Dr. Niamh Shaw at the Louth Science Festival in Dundalk Library to share career insights and encouraged students to explore pathways in science and engineering.

The duo then joined a live-streamed Women in STEM podcast at O Fiaich Institute, attracting over 400 in-person and online participants, highlighting opportunities for women in STEM in Ireland. The team also launched the annual DkIT Loves STEM Roadshow at Dundalk Grammar School, promoting local third-level pathways and raising awareness of STEM careers.

Read also: Creative Spark in Dundalk to hold Christmas Open Day and Repair Cafe

During the week, Dr. Sinead Loughran gave a compelling talk at the Cavan Monaghan Science Festival, discussing how viruses influence society and the role scientific advances play in responding to them.

Drawing on Irish data and real-world cases, she highlighted historical trends in childhood diseases and outlined how national immunisation programmes have affected those patterns. She also described the development of mRNA technologyassociated with Nobel Prize winners Kariko and Weissmanand its growing use in vaccine research.

As conversations around vaccination become more divided and illnesses such as measles reappear in some regions, she stressed the importance of evidence-based discussion, cooperation, and public trust in addressing global health challenges.

Dr. Loughran also gave a talk to a group of 50 TY students in St. Vincents Castleknock College, Dublin for an in-depth session on HPV, viruses, and vaccines, where students showed strong engagement and asked informed, insightful questions throughout.

Showcasing DkITs research excellence on a national stage, Dr. Loughran also represented the institute at the Oireachtas Posters in Parliament event.

Hands-on learning was another highlight of the week. Dr. Pilar Marcos delivered engaging microbiology sessions at Aston Village Educate Together in Drogheda, Beech Hill College in Monaghan, and Ardee Community School, introducing students to microbes and their roles in food science, health, and the environment.

Further outreach saw contributions from Mitchell Mercer, who presented to students at the Royal Belfast Academic Institution, and Dr. Bernard Drumm, who spoke at Ardee Community School.

Dr. Siobhan Jordan brought STEM to life for 145 pupils at St. Brigids NS, Laragh, Cavanfrom Junior Infants to 6th Class. Students became H2O Heroes, exploring environmental science by catching and identifying macroinvertebrates, experimented with physics using a Van de Graaff generator and lasers, learned veterinary skills, and discovered the importance of handwashing through Glo Germ and UV light demonstrations.

Recent TrailblazHER Award winners Dr. Caroline Gilleran and Dr. Suzanne Linnane hosted Cell Explorer and Fantastic DNA in a Box workshops, bringing biology to life at the Louth Science Festival and in classrooms across the region.

Reflecting on the success of Science Week, Dr. Orla Sherlock, DkIT STEM Outreach Coordinator, said: Science Week 2025 has set a new benchmark for outreach at DkIT, reinforcing our commitment to making STEM accessible, engaging, and relevant for learners of all ages.

She added: The excitement doesnt stop here. Due to overwhelming demand, DkIT has planned several additional STEM initiatives later this year, including Dr. Chiara Hanlon hosting the Pharma Lab, Dr. Fiona Hackett presenting Ex-Her-cisean innovative science and fitness workshopand the DkIT Loves STEM team partnering with iWISH for a campus-based STEM experience.

With its largest Science Week to date, DkIT continues to drive STEM engagement across the region, fostering curiosity, confidence, and ambition in the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and innovators.

Schools can book all upcoming events via the DkIT For Schools outreach website.
The High Court has ordered the surrender of a Louth born convicted murderer who is alleged to have gone on the run from prison in Northern Ireland twice in three years.



A search was launched for James Meehan (56) after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while being on day release in December 2024. He was arrested by gardai in August on foot of extradition warrants issued under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.



At the High Court on Monday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said there was ultimately no basis on which to refuse surrender and that he was obliged to order Meehan's extradition to the requested jurisdiction.



Meehan will remain on bail, with arrangements to be made with gardai in regard to his surrender.



Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment  with a minimum of 14 years to be served - for the murder of Derry man Jim McFadden in May 2007.

Read also: Motorist, with 160 previous convictions, fined for driving without insurance



The High Court previously heard that Meehan was born in Co Louth and raised in neighbouring Co Meath.



In addition to the warrant for Meehan to return to the North to serve his murder sentence, a second warrant was issued for him to be prosecuted in Northern Ireland for being unlawfully at large. A conviction under the Northern Irish legislation could carry a prison sentence of up to two years.



Defence counsel for Meehan, Brian Storan BL, previously asked the judge to delay surrendering his client back to the North so that authorities could consider transferring his sentence to the Republic.



He said that Meehan had applied to have his life sentence transferred from the North to the South in 2017.



Mr Storan said that Meehan got confirmation recently that the Northern Ireland authorities had withdrawn his transfer application back in 2022.



Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Leanora Frawley BL, told the court last month that Meehan was granted temporary unaccompanied leave from prison to meet family members on December 9 2024, but he never returned.



Ms Frawley said that this was not Meehans first rodeo when it comes to extradition matters and that a similar case concerning Meehan was before the courts around a year ago.



Mr Justice McDermott said that someone moving off their own bat south of the border and taking it on themselves to say here I am, I want to transfer is not the way the prison transfer process is envisaged to work.



Meehan was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago, after he was described by the Prison Service there as being unlawfully at large.



He had argued that the punitive part of his sentence had been served and that he had actually been released from prison on licence when he came to live here in 2022.



However, the State argued that Meehan was sought in the North as he had instead been unlawfully at large from temporary release, which contained a condition that he not leave Northern Ireland.



In December 2023, the High Court found there was "clear evidence" that the terms of Meehan's release from prison had been breached and ordered his surrender to Northern Ireland.
GAZA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has risen to 70,100, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
Start counting the days, mum and dad... because one of the most exciting family events of the year is looming.

Yes, that icon of TV-land, The Late Late Toy Show, hits our screens on RTE1 next Friday at 9.35pm.

Make a date to join Patrick Kielty and children from across Ireland for hours of festive fun and games. As ever, expect a show filled with toys, performances, star children, and endless magic!

And to get us all in the mood, Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal airs on RTE1 tomorrow at 7.30pm - an hour of inspiration exploring the real magic behind the shows annual charity appeal, where we meet some of the children whose lives have been changed by the generosity of the viewing public.

Since it began in 2020, The Toy Show Appeal, managed by Community Foundation Ireland, has raised more than 26 million, funding projects and charities that support children who need it most.

The uplifting programme takes us beyond the sparkle of the Toy Show to meet the beneficiaries, and among them is Lucy Kelly, from Ballyclough in Cork, a wheelchair user whose world has opened up through the support of The Crann Centre.

Lucy Kelly, from Cork, and her family.

Young cancer survivor, Sophie Quirke, from Tipperary, is also featured. With the help of Oscars Kids, she enjoyed a magical day of pampering, helicopter rides and surprises.

These are the real stories of how the Toy Show Appeal is changing lives.

We also meet families finding comfort after loss of a parent at Barretstown Bereavement Camp, children gaining confidence through ChildVisions equine therapy, young writers discovering their voices at Fighting Words, and others supported by Safe Haven sailing project, BUMBLEance, and My Canine Companion.

Each story is shared through the voices and experiences of the children and families whose lives have been touched by the Appeal, reminding us what it is truly about.

Between these stories, there are other, shorter bursts of joy from even more Toy Show Appeal-funded charities across Ireland, along with messages of support from famous friends including musicians Bon Jovi and Westlife.

The programme also honours Saoirse Ruane, whose courage and spirit inspired the launch of The Toy Show Appeal.

Her mother, Roseanna, shares Saoirses story and the enduring legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind.
Cork City Council has launched the 2026 Creative Communities Grant Scheme, supported by Creative Ireland.

The scheme offers a two-tier funding model. Level one offers grants of 1,500-3,000 for smaller scale or pilot projects, while level two offers up to 6,000 for larger, ambitious initiatives with significant reach and impact.

Applications are welcome from community groups including schools, youth clubs, neighbourhood associations, and cultural or environmental groups.

Artists and creative practitioners may also apply, provided they have the active support of a community group. All projects must demonstrate collaboration and align with at least two priorities from the Cork City culture and creativity strategy 20232027.

The council will host a free public information webinar on December 10 at 12pm via Microsoft Teams. To register, visit eventbrite or contact louise_tangney@corkcity.ie.

Applications must be submitted at corkcity.submit.com/show/402 by Wednesday, February 11.
Cork Labour TDs and councillors have highlighted the need for a policy change around drug use to help people rather than criminalise them, and the need for a supervised injection facility in Cork.

Irelands first supervised injection centre opened in Dublin at the end of last year, and the Government have said they will look at more facilities elsewhere after the 18-month pilot.

During debate around a Labour bill on drug decriminalisation in the Dail this week, Cork TD Eoghan Kenny raised the case of Christine Kavanagh, a mother from Cork whose three sons  Dillon, Damien, and Leon,  all battled drug addiction and died, two of them within weeks of each other. Ms Kavanagh has said, My children might have been saved if they were inside in a centre.

Mr Kenny continued: This motion is also quite personal to me. Two family members of mine have been in rehab facilities in Cork, most recently my own brother this year.

However, if a family cannot cope with the exorbitant figure to enter this facility, the individual must wait up to eight months, in some instances, to be referred by the HSE.

I know of a treatment centre in Cork that my brother went to. Some weeks, it only has 10 recovering patients, because people cannot afford to get in and for those who are waiting to get in, when the time comes around for them to take a place in the recovery programme, they do not want to help anymore.

When a person makes a decision to seek help, they need it there and then.

Labour Cork city councillor Ciara OConnor told The Echo: The criminalisation of drug use simply hasnt worked  it punishes people rather than helps them, and it drives stigma, shame, and isolation.

Here in Cork, we see the human cost every day  families torn apart, communities struggling, and individuals trapped in cycles of addiction, poverty, and trauma.

Drug use is complex  its rooted in social and economic inequality, and our response must reflect that. The evidence is clear: Decriminalisation saves lives and helps people rebuild them.

Research by University College Cork and the HSE found that around 35 people die each year in Cork city from problem drug use, while a study, Mapping Service User Needs to Inform a Supervised Injecting Room Location in Cork, Ireland (Horan & Van Hout, 2020)  found that 86% of people who inject drugs in Cork said they would use a supervised injecting facility if one were available.

Ms OConnor added that Cork citys draft Local Economic and Community Plan 20242029 includes a case study on the potential for a medically supervised injection facility, and that Cork City Council has reaffirmed its support for establishing one and is now working with the HSE to identify potential sites in Cork City.

Right now, national legislation only allows for one pilot facility  in Dublin. For Cork to proceed, the law must change, she said.
Tanaiste Simon Harris has reiterated his desire to see a special taskforce established that is dedicated to the revival of Corks city centre, adding that he has already had an informal meeting with the CEO of Cork City Council.

Plans for such a taskforce were included in the programme for government, and in June Mr Harris told The Echo he was anxious that it go ahead by the end of this year.

Last month, Taoiseach Micheal Martin told his fellow Cork South Central Fianna Fail TD, Seamus McGrath, that a group would be set up to examine the terms of reference of such a body.

However, he added: People do not like the word taskforce in Cork  we are kind of fussy  so they are looking for a different title because the city has made progress.

Speaking to The Echo in Macroom, where he had performed the official opening of Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynchs new constituency office, Mr Harris repeated his desire that such a taskforce be established.

I dont mind what its called, but I do intend for it to be delivered, he said.

Its in the programme for government, its also in the new housing plan, [which] specifically references a Cork taskforce.

When Mr Harris was taoiseach, he established a Dublin city centre taskforce which, he said, had resulted in clear benefits for the capital, and he believed such a group would be equally beneficial to the Republics second city.

He added that he had had an informal word with Cork City Council CEO Valerie OSullivan earlier this week at the Cork Chamber Dublin dinner.

I committed to coming down and visiting the senior management in Cork City Council for a general briefing on where Cork is at, and I said to her Im very eager to get the taskforce set up, and the chief executive did make the point to me that there was, she thought, already a lot of work done, and a lot of initiatives underway, the Tanaiste said.

We need a taskforce for Cork, but obviously its not imposing something that weve done in Dublin on Cork, its about finding a structured way that works for Cork.

He conceded that the taskforce would not now happen in 2025 but said he felt it had to happen next year and he hoped his meeting with Cork City Council would be early in the New Year.

Asked about the omission of funding for Cork light rail in this weeks National Development Plan review, Mr Harris said it would not be the last word on funding.

I dont actually believe funding will be our challenge for the next several years as a country in terms of capital, it will actually be about delivery, he said.
There has been a call to strengthen the Garda roads policing unit, with the number of drink and drug-driving arrests in Cork set to remain stubbornly high this year.

Overall, such arrests have been increasing for years, with 823 total arrests in 2021 in Cork for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, followed by 854 in 2022, 876 in 2023, and 956 in 2024.

There have already been 744 arrests up to the end of October this year, new figures have shown.

This equates to an average of 74.4 arrests per month before the busy Christmas social season, compared to an average of 79.7 per month for all of 2024.

Decrease

The results come as Garda figures show a decrease in the strength of the roads policing unit over the last number of years.

In Cork city, there were 51 gardai assigned to road policing in 2009, the first year for which data is available. This fell to 35 in 2021 and then decreased slightly each year to 25 in September of this year, the latest date for which data is available.

In Cork county, the figures fell from 68 in 2009 to 45 in 2021, then reduced further to a low of 41 in July of this year, though the figure rose slightly again to 45 by September of this year.

Labour Party councillor and chairman of Cork City Councils transport strategic policy committee, Peter Horgan, told The Echo that he commends the work of our frontline roads-policing units for what they are doing in catching reckless driving behaviour.

This underscores the need for more allocations to the unit in Cork city and especially for a specialised unit for the N40 from the tunnel.

The message that should land with people this Christmas season is never, ever drink and drive.

If that hasnt landed yet, we have a serious societal problem, and arrests going up show that you will get caught. The education piece has been done to death; more frontline support for our gardai is key.

Arrests

Overall, there have been 2,792 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and 1,461 for driving under the influence of drugs in Cork since 2021.

Data provided by the Department of Justice shows that in Cork city, there were 1,180 arrests for drink-driving from the start of 2021 to October this year, including 244 in 2024 and 201 in the first 10 months of 2025.

There were 434 arrests for drug-driving in Cork city in the five-year period, with 130 of these in 2024 and 93 in 2025, up to the end of October.

In Cork county, there have been 1,612 drink-driving arrests in this time, with 373 in 2024 and 290 in the first 10 months of 2025.

There have also been 1,027 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs since 2021 in the county, including 209 last year and 160 this year, up to the end of October.
A burglar who got away with 5,000 in cash from an apartment in Cork left his calling card in the form of a pint of stout that he brought with him.

His accomplice made her identification easier by wearing a distinctive Minnie Mouse tracksuit at the crime scene.

Interviewed in relation to the burglary on several occasions, 53-year-old Martin Hurley, of no fixed address, had made no comment.

However, the pint glass of stout left at the crime scene was analysed and a DNA sample was located.

This turned out to be a match for Hurley.

Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to the burglary.

This week at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Sinead Behan sentenced him to two and a half years in prison, with the last 12 months of that sentence suspended.

Burglary

Detective Garda Patrick Houlihan said that the burglary was carried out on August 24, 2024, at Millerd St, Cork.

He entered the apartment complex carrying a pint glass with stout in it, he said.

This was captured on CCTV. He entered an apartment and stole 5,000 from a bedside locker, he added. He is then seen exiting the complex.

The pint glass was found on the kitchen table of the apartment and it did not belong to the tenant, Det Garda Houlihan said.

Arrested

The detective said that gardai in Dublin arrested Hurley on August 25 and that he was allegedly in possession of a quantity of drugs and 2,700 in cash.

He was charged with the Millerd St burglary and later pleaded guilty to it.

Hurley was accompanied by Janice McCarthy, who is aged around 40, and she was described as playing a lesser role in the crime.

Judge Behan adjourned sentencing of Ms McCarthy until February 23, 2026.
Gardai in Thurles have arrested a man following the completion of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement Warrant by UK authorities.

The man in his 20s was arrested on Friday and is currently being detained at a Garda station in the Southern Region.

He has since been charged and will appear before a special sitting of Killarney District Court on Saturday afternoon.
Olivia Kelleher

Tributes have been paid to a one in a million teacher and former equestrian who died in hospital of a sudden illness the day after the passing of her newborn daughter.

Aoife Bird, who was originally from Ferrybank in Waterford but was living in Longwood in Meath, died at the Regional Hospital in Mullingar last Wednesday.

Her daughter Ailbhe had passed away the previous day.

Aoife, whose maiden name was Oates, was a popular teacher at Ashbourne Community School in Milltown, Ashbourne in Co Meath.

In a statement the school said that it was with profound sadness that they were sharing the sad news of the sudden death of their esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms Aoife Oates.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife's husband Jim and the extended family.We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

Parents at the school indicated that Aoife was a kind and generous teacher who went the extra mile to help students reach their potential.

The Irish Horse Board also offered their condolences to the family and friends of Aoife and baby Ailbhe Bird. They said that Aoife was a talented and valued member of the Irish equestrian community for many years.

The Waterford Tipperary Branch of Showjumping Ireland said that Aoife was a competitive member of their branch for many years.

She represented her branch all over the country aswell as abroad. Her father Peter was also a committee member for several years.

"We send our deepest condolences to her husband Jim and baby boy Daithi, her devastated parents Peter and Margaret, sisters Siobhan, Aisling and Roisin and brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Ryan, Jack, Charley and Lee, nephews and nieces Beth, Anna, Tadhg and Rory, aunts, uncles and all the wider Bird, Oates and Freeman families plus all Aoife's many heartbroken friends and colleagues in Ashbourne Community School.

Meanwhile, tributes were also paid online by Scoil Mhuire Secondary School in Trim, Drogheda Credit Union, Waterford Camogie, Foroige, and various sporting clubs in Meath and Waterford.

In a notice on Rip.ie the family of Mrs Bird announced the passing of their beloved Aoife and her daughter Ailbhe. They said that Aoife died following a sudden illness surrounded by her heartbroken family.

Aoife Bird will lie in repose at the home of her parents in Ferrybank in Waterford, on Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm. She will subsequently lie in repose at her home in Ballymulmore in Longwood, Co Meath on Monday afternoon from 2 pm.

A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at 11 am in St Brigid's Church, Boardsmill, Trim, Co Meath. Burial will follow in Clonee Cemetery in Longwood.
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) Commission has suspended Guinea-Bissau from the pan-African bloc until constitutional order is restored following the country's sudden military takeover.

The decision was adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council at an emergency meeting on the situation in the West African nation, according to a communique issued on Saturday.

Citing relevant AU instruments, the council "decides to immediately suspend Guinea-Bissau from participating in all activities of the Union, its organs and institutions, until constitutional order is restored in the country," the communique read.

It expressed "deep concern and strongly condemned" Wednesday's seizure of power by the military, calling it "a grave obstruction to the democratic and constitutional order, which undermines vital prospects for stability, and the rule of law expressed by the people of Guinea-Bissau."

The council also "totally rejected" the unconstitutional change of government in the country as a "blatant violation of AU principles and normative instruments."

It further demanded that Guinea-Bissau's military leaders "urgently and unconditionally" uphold the principle of constitutionalism, and refrain from further interference in the political processes in the country.

Meanwhile, the council called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of detained electoral officials, political figures, and those who participated in the elections. Guinea-Bissau held its presidential and legislative elections on Nov. 23.

On Wednesday, Guinea-Bissau's armed forces announced that they had seized full control of state power to counter what they described as attempts to destabilize the country.

Analysts said the sudden political shift occurred only a day before the release of presidential election results and stemmed from sharp tensions among competing political forces. 
Tony Germano, a Brazilian actor and voice artist known for his work on Nickelodeon and Netflix productions, died on Wednesday, November 26, after suffering a fatal fall at his home in Sao Paulo. He was 55 years old.

Germano fell from the roof of his residence while he was overseeing renovation work on the property. He was staying at his parents' home in Brazil at the time of the accident and lost his balance during the incident. His representative confirmed the death and said that Germano did not survive his injuries.

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of actor and voice artist Tony Germano on the morning of Wednesday, November 26," the representative said. "Tony suffered a fall at his residence and, unfortunately, did not survive his injuries." The statement continued, "We kindly ask for respect and understanding during this painful time for his family, friends, and colleagues, according to TMZ. Tony leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and immense talent that touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His absence will be deeply felt."

A service for Germano was held on Thursday, November 27, at the Bosque da Paz Cemetery in Vargem Grande Paulista, with a burial scheduled to follow shortly after.

Throughout his career, Germano became recognized for providing Portuguese-language voice performances for popular television programs, the Toronto Sun reported. He worked on Netflix's "Go, Dog, Go!" and was featured in Nickelodeon's "Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn." His voice also appeared in Disney projects, including the 2017 live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," as well as animated series such as "Elena of Avalor" and "The Muppets."

In addition to his voice work, Germano had on-screen roles in recent productions. He played Doctor Lauro in the 2025 film "Labyrinth of Lost Boys" and appeared in the 2023 project "An Unforgettable Year: Autumn." He also maintained an active theater career, with performances in productions including "The Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," and "Jekyll & Hyde," as per People.

Colleagues remembered Germano fondly following his death. Film director Matheus Marchetti, who worked with Germano on "Labyrinth of Lost Boys," described him on Instagram as a "father figure" on set and someone "any of us could count on." Actor Miguel Falabella recalled Germano as an "untouchable professional" and a "gifted actor" in a tribute post.
Prince Harry is under fresh scrutiny over suggestions he had been monitoring Meghan Markle's social media output before the couple's formal introduction in 2016.

According to RadarOnline, sources close to the Duke of Sussex claim he conducted what they called relentless online tracking in the weeks ahead of their first date despite long-held assumptions he became smitten with her after watching "Suits."

The report added that Harry, in his memoir, "Spare," said that his first impression of Meghan did not come from television but a short Snapchat-style video that was posted by his childhood friend Violet von Westenholz.

He wrote in the book, "They were playing with a new app that put silly filters on your photos. Violet and the woman had dog ears, dog noses, long red dog tongues hanging out."

He then added of Meghan, "This woman with Violet... my God."

Read more: Prince Harry Stresses Unity With Meghan Markle at Charity Event Amid Public Backlash

T&C sources close to the matter described how Harry's interest escalated rather quickly. One insider said, "He wasn't casually browsing. He was checking her profile repeatedly, asking friends about her, looking for any new posts. He was smitten, but it definitely crossed into online stalking territory."

Another source, introduced similarly to provide a neutral summary, said, "Harry said he'd never seen anyone like her and wasn't about to let the opportunity slip. He was determined to meet her."

In "Spare," Harry recalled having watched the filtered clip "several times," writing, "I'd never seen anyone so beautiful." The RadarOnline report adds that those close to him began to notice how constantly he appeared to be checking his phone.

One source told the outlet, "He was glued to his phone after that first viewing. If he wasn't messaging her, he was looking at her pictures"

The article also brings into focus how keen Harry was to reach out to Meghan, describing how he texted von Westenholz for an introduction. Meghan eventually messaged him, complimenting the "beautiful photographs" he had posted from Africa.

Harry wrote that he "sat on my bed texting like a teenager." Their relationship quickly escalated from messages to a first date in 2016, Harry remembered, showing up "red-cheeked, puffing, sweaty," and saying that the conversation flowed so easily.

A second date led to a weeklong trip to Botswana, where he said later he had realized Meghan was his "soulmate."
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COLUMBUS  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is accepting harvested white-tailed deer at select locations in December to help support local food pantries.

Deer donation days are Dec. 1, 2, 6, and 7. Division of Wildlife staff will be available at donation locations to assist with drop-offs.

This year, the Division of Wildlife began a partnership with the Ohio Penal Industries meat processing facility at the Pickaway Correctional Institution. Division of Wildlife staff will transport all donated deer to PCI for processing and packaging. Once packaging is complete, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks will distribute all donated venison.

The Division of Wildlife intends to distribute donated venison to local food pantries in the areas where those who donated live and work. One deer can provide up to 200 meals.

Deer donations are accepted for free at the following locations on Dec. 1 and 2, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, 19100 County Highway 115, Harpster, OH 43323

Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range, 1110 State Route 229, Delaware, OH 43003

Big Island Wildlife Area, 5389 Larue-Prospect Road W, New Bloomington, OH 43341

Deer donations are accepted for free at the following locations on Dec. 6 and 7, from noon to 6 p.m.

Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, 19100 County Highway 115, Harpster, OH 43323

Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range, 1110 State Route 229, Delaware, OH 43003

Hebron State Fish Hatchery, 10517 Canal Road SE, Hebron, OH 43025

Knox County Sheriffs Office, 11540 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050

The deer donation days coincide with Ohios statewide gun hunting season, Dec. 1-7. Donated deer are required to be properly tagged and game checked, and hunters are required to have a license and deer permit before heading into the field, unless exempted.

A donated deer counts toward county and statewide bag limits. Visit wildohio.gov to see the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or to purchase a license or permit.
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hydreight Technologies Inc. (TSXV: NURS)(OTCQB: HYDTF)(FSE: SO6),("Hydreight" or the "Company"), a North American, fully integrated, mobile clinical network of nurses, doctors, and pharmacy distribution, is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated July 14, 2025 and September 2, 2025, it has closed (the "Closing") the previously announced transaction with Perfect Scripts LLC ("Perfect Scripts"), an arm's length limited liability company based in Texas, in respect of a strategic partnership.

On Closing: (a) Hydreight acquired an initial 5% membership interest in Perfect Scripts in consideration for 2,250,000 common shares in the capital of Hydreight (the "Hydreight Compensation Shares"), with each Hydreight Compensation Share issued at a deemed price of CAD$2.30 per share, (b) Hydreight and Perfect Scripts agreed to partner to start a 503B pharmacy in the United States, (c) Hydreight will receive the lowest pricing for all products sold or made available by Perfect Scripts or its subsidiaries, and (d) Hydreight has been granted a right to (i) maintain its pro rata interest in the outstanding membership interests of Perfect Scripts (the "Pro-Rata Investment Right"), and (ii) acquire up to an aggregate 40% interest in the outstanding membership interests of Perfect Scripts (the "Up to 40% Option"), subject to certain conditions (collectively, the "Transaction").

In connection with the Closing, Hydreight and Perfect Scripts amended the definitive agreement dated September 1, 2025 in respect of the Transaction to set restrictions on the number of common shares of Hydreight (each a "Hydreight Share") issuable in connection with any exercise of the Pro-Rata Investment Right and the Up to 40% Option, whereby Hydreight agreed: (a) not to issue more than 12,000,000 Hydreight Shares to Perfect Scripts in total (not including the Hydreight Compensation Shares) and (b) not to issue Hydreight Shares to Perfect Scripts, if after such issuance, Perfect Scripts would own more than 9.9% of the issued and outstanding Hydreight Shares at any time.

The Company paid a cash finder's fee of $258,750, representing 5% of the deemed value of the Transaction, to a finder in connection with the Transaction.

The Hydreight Compensation Shares (i) vest in 25% increments every 1.5 months and will be fully vested on the date that is 6 months following the date of issuance, and (ii) are subject to a restriction on sale pursuant to which Perfect Scripts may sell a maximum number of Hydreight Compensation Shares as is equal to 5% of the five day average daily trading volume of the common shares of Hydreight on the TSX Venture Exchange for the immediately prior five trading days.

The Hydreight Compensation Shares have been issued under prospectus exemptions pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators and in reliance upon exemptions from U.S. federal and state registration requirements and are subject to a statutory hold period of four months in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and other hold periods in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws and will bear legends to this effect.

Perfect Scripts LLC is the parent company of PerfectRx LLC, PerfectionRx LLC, and PerfectRx, and owns:

Its proprietary technology, PerfectOS.

PerfectRx LLC is a 503A retail dispensing pharmacy based in Iowa with a large pharmacy and data analytics team. PerfectionRx LLC operates out of a 30,000 sq ft licensed pharmacy and distribution center in Florida.



PerfectRx is a nationally licensed, HIPAA-compliant mail-order pharmacy operating in all 50 states, capable of shipping brand-name, 503A, and 503B compounded medications directly to patients.



Using its proprietary PerfectOS platform, the company offers digital prescription intake, automated accuracy checks, and real-time inventory and shipping integration.



PerfectRx currently can process over 150,000 prescriptions per day, with scalable infrastructure to handle demand surges.





Shane Madden, CEO of Hydreight, commented: "This strategic deal locks in a rock-solid pillar for Hydreight's next stage of growth. By controlling production, distribution, and pricing for key pharmaceuticals, we're boosting our pharmacy margins, securing a consistent supply chain, and deepening our defensibility with true vertical integration. It's real barriers to entry, more margin, and stronger economics for every partner and licensee on our platform. The addition of a 50-state 503A pharmacy puts us firmly in the driver's seat on patient-specific meds with full compliance. Bottom line: this is more margin, more protection, and more upside - the kind of infrastructure that expands our product lineup and positions Hydreight for a stronger valuation multiple. It's another big step forward in our mission to transform access to modern healthcare. As per Forbes, It forecasts the U.S. compounding pharmacy sector at $6.31 billion in 2024, projected to reach $10.76 billion by 2033 ."

Brandon Rainone, Founder and Managing Member of Perfect Scripts, said: "We're very happy to be partnering with Hydreight and VSDHOne. Hydreight offers a unique and comprehensive legal and technology framework that we believe represents the future of personal care-and the only truly compliant way to access pharmaceutical products."

The Company also announces that, further to its news release dated September 8, 2025, it has elected not to proceed with the proposed acquisition of the Dynamic IV Therapy Support AI Agent from Auxano One LLC and the parties have terminated the letter of intent dated September 5, 2025 in respect of this proposed transaction.

About Perfect Scripts LLC



Perfect Scripts LLC is the parent entity of PerfectRx LLC, PerfectionRx LLC and PerfectRx and holds all key assets, including Perfect Scripts' proprietary technology. PerfectRx LLC is a 503A retail dispensing licensed pharmacy operating in Iowa that employs a large pharmacy team and key data analysts for Perfect Scripts. PerfectionRx LLC is a licensed pharmacy headquartered in Florida with a 30,000 sq ft distribution center. Additionally, PerfectRx will also soon be opening a new location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area in 2025 to provide even greater capacity.

PerfectRx is a nationally licensed, HIPAA-compliant mail order pharmacy operating in all 50 states with multiple distribution centers with the ability to ship directly to patients any medication, including brand and 503A and 503B compounded versions. Perfect?RX specializes in comprehensive pharmacy services-including prescription filling, compounding, and health-related solutions-on a national scale. Our proprietary software, PerfectOS, enables seamless digital prescription intake, automated accuracy checks, and real-time inventory and shipping data integration. PerfectRx currently can process and fulfill over 150,000 prescriptions per day, with the capacity to rapidly scale for surges.

High-volume precision: Our automation systems ensure quality, reduce errors, and handle fluctuating demand seamlessly.

Compliant & secure: As a HIPAA-compliant operation, we maintain robust safeguards around patient data and transaction privacy.

Nationwide licensing: Serving patients coast to coast, we solve the geographic coverage challenge often faced by single-state players.

The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. 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 absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Shane Madden

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Hydreight Technologies Inc.

Hydreight Technologies Inc Ranked Number 77 Fastest-Growing Company in North America on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500

Contact

Email: ir@hydreight.com ; Telephone: 1 (702) 970-8112

About Hydreight Technologies Inc.

Hydreight Technologies Inc is building one of the largest mobile clinic networks in the United States. Its proprietary, fully integrated platform hosts a network of over 2500 nurses, over 100 doctors and a pharmacy network across 50 states. The platform includes a built-in, easy-to-use suite of fully integrated tools for accounting, documentation, sales, inventory, booking, and managing patient data, which enables licensed healthcare professionals to provide services directly to patients at home, office or hotel. Hydreight is bridging the gap between provider compliance and patient convenience, empowering nurses, med spa technicians, and other licensed healthcare professionals. The Hydreight platform allows healthcare professionals to deliver services independently, on their own terms, or to add mobile services to existing location-based operations. Hydreight has a 503B pharmacy network servicing all 50 states and is closely affiliated with a U.S. certified e-script and telemedicine provider network.

About VSDHOne - Direct to Consumer Platform

Developed in partnership with Victory Square Technologies (CSE: VST) (OTC: VSQTF) (FWB: 6F6), Hydreight launched the VSDHOne (Read as VSDH-One) platform. VSDHOne simplifies the entry challenges for companies and medi-spa businesses to enter the online healthcare space compliantly. This platform will help all businesses to launch a direct-to-consumer healthcare brand in a matter of days in all 50 states. Compliant offerings include: GLP-1s (semaglutide, tirzepatide), peptides, personalized healthcare treatments, sermorelin, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), hair loss, skincare, sexual health and more. Hydreight invested in technology, legal and infrastructure to launch this platform. The VSDHOne platform offers a complete, end-to-end solution for businesses looking to launch direct-to-consumer healthcare brands. From compliance and telemedicine technology to nationwide doctor and pharmacy networks, VSDHOne provides all the tools needed for a seamless entry into the online healthcare space. The platform is designed to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with launching such services, making it possible for businesses to go live in days instead of months.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the business prospects of the Company and Perfect Scripts, the perceived benefits of the Transaction and a strategic partnership between the Company and Perfect Scripts, any potential exercise of the Pro-Rata Investment Right and the Up to 40% Option and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward looking information or statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information or statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information or statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward looking information or statements reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties included in documents filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking information or statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to compete effectively with competitors, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to comply with applicable laws, including environmental laws, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties. The Company does not undertake to update forward looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. All information contained in this news release regarding Perfect Scripts and its subsidiaries was provided by its management team and Hydreight and its directors and officers have relied on Perfect Scripts for such information.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2025) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") announces that in accordance with the terms of the US$5,000,000, US$4,000,000 and US$5,000,000 eight per cent convertible debentures issued to Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. ("Queen's Road Capital") on June 2, 2021, April 4, 2022 and September 2, 2022 (the "Convertible Debentures"), the Company has elected to issue 16,853 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") at a deemed price of US$6.23 (C$8.76) to Queen's Road Capital as payment for US$104,994 (C$147,632) in interest owing on the Convertible Debentures.

Under the terms of the Convertible Debentures, interest is payable quarterly, five per cent in cash and three per cent in shares, at the greater of: (i) the 20-day volume weighted average price prior to the interest payment date; or (ii) the Discounted Market Price (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V")).

The issuance of the Common Shares as payment for interest owing on the Convertible Debentures is subject to the terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures as well as the receipt of all requisite approvals, including, without limitation, the approval of the TSX-V.

About Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd.

Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. is a leading financier to the global resource sector. The company is a resource focused investment company, making investments in privately held and publicly traded resource companies.

It is intended that the company will acquire and hold securities for both long-term capital appreciation and short-term gains, with a focus on convertible debt securities and resource projects in advanced development or production located in safe jurisdictions.

Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the ticker: QRC.

About Los Andes Copper Ltd.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile's next major copper mine.

The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometers north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA.

Qualified Persons

Antony Amberg CGeol FGS, the Company's Chief Geologist, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com

Follow us on twitter @LosAndesCopper

Follow us on LinkedIn Los Andes Copper Ltd

Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information. Such Forward-Looking Information includes, without limitation, the timing of and ability to obtain TSX-V and other regulatory approvals and the prospects, details related to and timing of the Vizcachitas Project. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276305

SOURCE: Los Andes Copper Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2025) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company") today announced its financial results and operating highlights for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025, and September 30, 2024. Tenet reported revenue of $237,350 and a net loss of $3,585,179 for the quarter. All amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Q3-2025 Key Financial Figures

Total Revenue of $237.35 thousand

Net Loss of $3.59 million

Cash flow from operations of -$5.77 million

Q3-2025 Operating Highlights

Here are some of Tenet's important achievements during the third quarter of 2025 to help bring the Company closer to its intended objectives:

Made major enhancements to the Networking and Insights modules of the Cubeler Business Development Platform, including the addition of new features to the Networking module that will enable members to search for and post business opportunities, while the upgraded Insights module will deliver daily, customizable industrial, economic, and business news articles sourced from leading media outlets.

Redesigned the Cubeler.com website to better showcase the enhanced capabilities of the Cubeler Business Development Platform. The refreshed website features updated messaging that positions the platform as a comprehensive business development tool, highlighting the networking and insights functionalities rather than focusing primarily on funding opportunities.

The introduction of an AI-powered data standardization application designed to unify data across diverse accounting software systems enabling the Cubeler Business Development Platform to rapidly support most accounting software systems used by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in North America.

Full details of the Company's third quarter 2025 financial results can be found in the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

New Corporate Chop Custodian Agreement in China

Tenet also announced that during the third quarter, its subsidiary, Shanghai Xinfei Shiye Co., Ltd. (also known as Asia Synergy Holdings Ltd.) (the "Contracting Subsidiary"), entered into a new custodian agreement (the "Custodian Agreement"), with its Chinese counsel, Jiangsu Shenque Law Firm ("Shenque") for the safeguard and management of the Contracting Subsidiary's corporate chops, better known in North America as corporate seals. Under the Custodian Agreement, Shenque was appointed as custodian for the corporate chops of the Contracting Subsidiary and certain affiliated entities in China. The corporate chops are used to officialize purchase orders, contracts, agreements, and other official documents in accordance with the Contracting Subsidiary's and the aforementioned certain affiliated entity's instructions. The new Custodian Agreement replaces a previous similar arrangement with MHP Law Firm.

Q3-2025 Results Q&A and Outlook for Rest of 2025

Tenet CEO Johnson Joseph will answer questions from shareholders related to the Company's Q3-2025 financial results in a Q&A interview and will also share his perspective on the Company's business plan for the rest of 2025. Shareholders are invited to read the Company's MD&A prior to sending their questions related to these subjects to the Company by 9:00pm EST on December 2, 2025 to investors@tenetfintech.com or cathy@chfir.com. The interview will be posted on the Company's website by 5:00pm EST on December 5, 2025.

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/.

Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media:

X: @Tenet_Fintech

Facebook: @Tenet

LinkedIn: Tenet

YouTube: Tenet

Fintech

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276316

SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc.
KIEV/MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and dozens injured in Russia's drone and missile attacks on Saturday, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky wrote on Telegram that Russian forces launched waves of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and civilian facilities overnight.

The attacks caused extensive damage and triggered fires in residential buildings, he added.

The Russian defense ministry said in a statement the same day that the strike was conducted "in response to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia."

"The Russian Armed Forces conducted a large-scale strike using high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities that support their operations," the ministry said. 
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2025) - Blue Star Gold Corp. (TSXV: BAU) (OTCQB: BAUFF) (FSE: 5WP0) ("Blue Star" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases of October 30, 2025 and November 4, 2025, it has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement raising proceeds of $100,000 through the issuance of 400,000 flow-through common shares (each, a "FT Share") at $0.25 per FT Share (the "Private Placement"). The Company raised total proceeds of $1,350,000 in the Private Placement.

The FT Shares will qualify as flow-through shares for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company will renounce said expenditures to the investors for the taxation year ending December 31, 2025.

The Company paid finder's fees totaling $6,000 cash and 24,000 non-transferable finder's warrants (each a "Finder's Warrant") to a qualified arm's length party. Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable at $0.25 until November 28, 2027.

All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada expiring on March 29, 2026.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement of FT Shares to incur Canadian exploration expenses (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on its projects in Nunavut prior to December 31, 2026, and the net proceeds from the Private Placement of Shares for general working capital purposes.

The Private Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Blue Star Gold Corp.

Blue Star is a mineral exploration and development company focused in Nunavut, Canada. Blue Star's landholdings total over 300 square kilometres of highly prospective and underexplored mineral properties in the High Lake Greenstone Belt. The Company owns the Ulu Gold Project, comprised of the Ulu Mining Lease and Hood River Property, and the Roma Project. A significant high-grade gold resource exists at the Flood Zone deposit (Ulu Mining Lease), and numerous high-potential exploration targets (gold and critical minerals) occur throughout the Company's extensive landholdings, providing Blue Star with excellent resource growth potential. The site of the future deep-water port at Grays Bay is 40 - 100 km to the north of the properties, and the proposed route corridor for the all-weather Grays Bay Road passes close by the Roma and Ulu Gold Projects.

Blue Star is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol: BAU, the U.S. OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol: BAUFF, and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol: 5WP0. For information on the Company and its projects, please visit our website: www.bluestargold.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.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they 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 U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements.

This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT

CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276235

SOURCE: Blue Star Gold Corp.
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.
Chino Valley Ranchers turns a high-school reunion into a hilariously unforgettable ode to on-the-go protein.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 29, 2025 / Chino Valley Ranchers is back with another comedic swing at protein marketing-this time with Pocket Sized Protein, a new spot proving that sometimes the best snack is the one you can pull out of your jacket even if you definitely shouldn't.

Chino Valley Ranchers Pocket Sized Protein Commercial

Chino Valley Ranchers Pocket Sized Protein Commercial

Shot at the iconic Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery in Austin, Texas, the ad leans into the brand's trademark humor, dropping viewers into a high-school reunion where one overzealous egg-lover shocks old classmates by casually unpocketing hard-boiled eggs like it's the most normal thing in the world. It's awkward. It's nostalgic. It's absurd. And it's exactly the kind of laugh Chino Valley Ranchers has become known for.

Keeping the Streak of Bold Creativity Going

Written and directed by Alex Ribble of Big Chief Creative Media, Pocket Sized Protein continues the company's run of offbeat, highly shareable content. From a genie in a food truck to a cowboy on a chicken-hunting mission, Chino Valley Ranchers has built a reputation for food advertising that refuses to be boring.

"Our goal is simple," said CEO Chris Nichols. "Make people laugh-and make eggs unforgettable. Food marketing doesn't need to be bland. Who doesn't want a smile along with their breakfast?"

The Team Behind the Laughs

Director of Photography Keith Leman brought a cinematic punch to every comedic beat, while Zena Van Ackeren assembled a standout cast including Sara Alavi, Braden Wuerch, Kevin Kurz, Melissa Chick, and Gunner Willis. Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery set the scene, and Chris Nichols joined the fun himself-reprising his fan-favorite alter ego, "DJ 5 Sense", for a spirited cameo.

Why the Spot Works

At its heart, this campaign isn't just about eggs: it's about cutting through the noise with something people actually want to share. Chino Valley Ranchers has consistently earned millions of views by embracing big creative swings. Pocket Sized Protein keeps that momentum alive-blending comedy, character, and the simple truth that eggs remain the world's easiest on-the-go protein. Pockets not required.

Watch the Spot

Check out Pocket Sized Protein and see why sometimes the best protein doesn't come from a bar-it comes from a shell.

About Chino Valley Ranchers

Chino Valley Ranchers is a family-owned and operated company producing organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs for more than 70 years. A CCOF-accredited organic provider, the company feeds its hens high-quality organic, non-GMO grains from certified pesticide-free fields. All eggs carry the American Humane Certified seal, reflecting their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, sustainable farming, and unmatched quality.

Contact Information

Alex Ribble

Big Chief Creative Media (Agency)

alex@bigchiefcreative.com

(714) 794-2226

SOURCE: Chino Valley Ranchers

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/eggs%e2%80%a6-in-your-pocket-chino-valley-ranchers-leans-in-with-new-ad.-1112869
Sichuan cuisine is one of Chinas most sophisticated culinary traditions. It ranges from rustic, homestyle stews to finely balanced preparations found in ancient imperial kitchens.

Sichuan cuisine celebrates texture as much as taste, velvety broths, crisp chilies, tender meats, springy dumplings. The cuisine is known for its use of fermented pastes, dried spices, pepper oils and seasonal vegetables.

The cuisine is celebrated for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors, created by the use of chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Its a complex flavor profile that includes salty, sour, and smoky notes in addition to heat, using techniques like dry-frying, stir-frying, and smoking to create deep and layered dishes.

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History behind Sichuan Food

Sichuan cuisine, originating from Chinas Sichuan Province, dates back over 1,800 years to the Three Kingdoms era. It evolved significantly during the Qin and Han dynasties and reached its peak in the Northern Song Dynasty. Over centuries, chili peppers introduced from America transformed Sichuan food, complementing traditional ingredients like peppercorns and broad beans.

Sichuan cuisine represents a rich culinary tradition with diverse regional styles, valued for its complex balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and aromatic tastes that continue to captivate palates worldwide.

Sichuan cuisine

Supreet Roy, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Pune talks about KMCY, the newly opened restaurant says, The menu was built around the four classical techniques that form the acronym KMCY, Kao (Roast), Men (Braise), Chao (Wok Toss), and Yen (Steam/Poach). Rather than designing a menu by ingredients alone, we structured it through method, to reflect how Sichuan chefs approach flavour-building. Each dish focuses on technical accuracy, control of heat, and respect for original flavour profiles while being mindful of our guests dining habits.

At KMCY, the dishes that resonate most with guests are those that best interpret the four core techniques the restaurant is named after, while showcasing Sichuans more intricate flavours. From the Kao repertoire, the Ghost Pepper Chicken Wings Skewers and Mala BBQ Tiger Prawns stand out for their searing spice layered with aromatic depth. In the Men (braised) section, the Sichuan Spiced Chicken is a favourite for its slow-cooked richness and balance of chili oil, aromatics and peppercorn warmth.

Is Sichuan cuisine the future of luxury dining

Talking about how regional foreign cuisines like Sichuan are the future of luxury dining in India, Roy explains, I believe authentic regional cuisines, whether its Sichuan, Peruvian Nikkei, or Mediterranean coastal, represent the next chapter of luxury dining in India.

Guests today are far more evolved; they travel widely, understand flavours, and seek authenticity over adaptation. Sichuan cuisine, for example, is not just about spice, its about balance, aroma, and depth. It challenges the palate and invites curiosity.

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Luxury dining is moving away from generic Pan-Asian experiences to curated, region-driven concepts that tell a story. And thats where I see the future in offering guests not just a meal, but an experience layered with culture, craftsmanship, and emotion.
Jio Studios and B62 Studios Dhurandhar made a magnificent mark on the global stage at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Ranveer Singh, the films lead, graced the closing ceremony, further boosting the films growing anticipation.

The closing ceremony witnessed a spectacular showcase of _Dhurandhars_ love-filled track by Shashwat Sachdev, Gehra Hua, sung beautifully by Arijit Singh and Armaan Khan, penned by Irshad Kamil. It struck a chord with the audience and earned a heartwarming applause. During the closing ceremony, Ranveer Singh expressed joy upon showcasing the song on the IFFI stage, and shared that hes thrilled with the response to the teaser, trailer and the songs.

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Speaking about Dhurandhar's director Aditya Dhar, he hailed the National-Award winning filmmakers intense creation, URI: The Surgical Strike, excitedly asking the audiences if theyve experienced the grand spectacle! The actor also opened up about director Aditya Dhars intention behind creating Dhurandhar and shared that the intent was to take an Indian movie to the world, following the classic international creations like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (China) and Parasite (Korea). We hope that this will be counted as one of the great installments within this genre (of international creations), he shared, adding that Dhurandhar is a visual spectacle on a large canvas with a very intriguing tale.

Ranveer Singh also felicitated the legendary actor, Rajinikanth, on his 50 glorious years in cinema, highlighting his spectacular contribution to Indian cinema.

The closing ceremony was held at the expansive Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panjim, Goa, and it emerged as a star-studded affair with several national and international media present, as well as prominent figures from the film industry.

_Dhurandhar_ features a stellar ensemble cast headlined by Ranveer Singh, along with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. This high-octane action thriller is written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. Presented by Jio Studios, a B62 Studios production, it is ready to set the stage for a cinematic storm in theatres on 5th December 2025.
The audiences have always seen many shades of the Singham Again actor, as a lover boy, a menacing villain and as someone who also keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats

Arjun Kapoor has always won hearts for his stellar and unafraid portrayals, and now, filmmaker Karan Johar believes that Arjun could add another feather to his cap as a host! In a recent conversation, the renowned director and producer praised Arjuns personality and the bonds he maintains with individuals. And considering Arjuns personality, Karan Johar feels that the Singham actor could be a great fit as a host!

Arjun Kapoor would be a great host. Hes got a great personality, hes hilarious, he has great relationships with people, hes popular and hes really funny, witty and on the spur witty, said Karan Johar.

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The audiences have always seen many shades of the Singham Again actor, as a lover boy, a menacing villain and as someone who also keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats with thrilling performances. But what the audiences havent seen yet is Arjun Kapoor in the shoes of a host! Given his screen dynamics and a natural presence, Karan Johars observations surely puts out a manifestation to see Arjun Kapoor don the hat of a host!

Karan Johar was on Raj Shamanis podcast when he addressed the allegations of destroying peoples career in Bollywood. He said, People say iska iska career destroy kiya. Maine kisi ka kuch nahi kiya. Maine bas apna kaam kiya.

I have worked with all kinds of actors. I can list several actors and other talents who did their first films with us - many of whom were complete outsiders, he said, adding, Ive launched around 50 actors and 25 directors, many of whom come from non-film backgrounds. Yet, no one ever talks about that.

Johar recently opened up about experiencing pain and anxiety attacks during his one-sided love phase and called it a torture and the worst feeling in the world.
Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing over 120, with at least 130 others missing, and causing massive destruction. The cyclone system is now heading towards Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with expected landfall early tomorrow. Meanwhile, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Colombo

The IMD says Cyclone Ditwah is expected to make landfall between north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh between November 29 and November 30. PTI

Cyclone Ditwah has torn through Sri Lanka, leaving more than 120 people dead and around 130 still missing, AFP reported, after relentless rains unleashed the countrys worst flooding in over twenty years.

As Sri Lanka struggles with massive destruction, the same cyclone system is now pushing towards Indias southern coastline. Tamil Nadu and nearby states have been placed on high alert, with authorities warning of intense rainfall, strong winds and the likelihood of urban flooding in the coming days.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone is moving northnorthwest over the Bay of Bengal and is currently about 220 km away from Karaikal, inching closer to the north Tamil Nadusouth Andhra Pradesh stretch. The storm is forecast to make landfall in the early hours of November 30, according to the IMD.

So, what makes Cyclone Ditwah so deadly? How bad could it get when it reaches Indias shores? And how are authorities preparing for the worst?

Heres a closer look.

How hard could Cyclone Ditwah hit Indian coasts?

The IMD says Cyclone Ditwah is expected to make landfall between north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh between November 29 and November 30. As it moves closer, both wind speeds and rainfall are set to intensify.

South coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema may see isolated extremely heavy rain on Sunday, according to the IMD. Gale winds of 7080 kmph, with gusts touching 90 kmph, are expected along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry stretch. Sea conditions will also stay very rough, posing serious risks for fishermen and coastal communities.

The IMD also noted that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall [is] likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Rayalaseema during 29th November1st December, with isolated extremely heavy falls over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema on 30th November.

#WATCH | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu | Strong winds, rain and rough sea conditions in Pamban as a result of cyclonic storm 'Ditwah' moving north-northwest across Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal.



'Ditwah' expected to cross near the coast by early November 30th, says IMD. pic.twitter.com/laSbb10ZOP  ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025

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In Tamil Nadu, districts such as Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu, along with Puducherry, are now under a red alert. Several others are on orange alert, including Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Ranipet, as well as the Karaikal region.

Neighbouring states are also bracing for impact. Kerala is set to receive heavy rain today, while Karnataka and Telangana may see intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning today and tomorrow, the IMD added.

How is Tamil Nadu preparing?

A red alert is already in place for vulnerable southern and delta districts. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin has been personally supervising the states preparations, holding continuous reviews with district collectors and senior officials.

The severe weather has started affecting travel. At least 54 flights scheduled for November 29 at Chennai International Airport have been cancelled.

Travel Advisory | Cyclone Ditwah



Due to the prevailing cyclonic conditions and heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Ditwah, flights to and from #Jaffna, #Pondicherry, #Tuticorin, and #Trichy may experience disruptions.



We understand how unsettling any changes to your travel  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 28, 2025

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IndiGo has suspended several flights to and from Jaffna, Puducherry, Tuticorin and Tiruchirappalli on the same day, advising passengers to monitor flight updates due to prevailing cyclonic conditions. The airline has said that refunds and alternate arrangements will be provided.

Railways are also taking precautions. Southern Railway cancelled the RameswaramOkha Express on Friday night after winds on the Pamban Bridge touched 58 kmph. For the next two days, the starting point of 11 trains in the RameswaramChennai sector has been shifted to Mandapam, Ramanathapuram and Ucchippuli.

 Change in Pattern of Train Services due to Cyclone Ditwah 2025!



Southern Railway has announced cancellations, partial cancellations and short terminations for selected services on 28 and 29 November 2025.



Passengers are requested to check the updated information through the  Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 28, 2025

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On the ground, the state health department has deployed 24/7 medical teams across government hospitals and ensured backup power. Relief centres equipped with food, water and essential supplies have been activated. Officials have been instructed to drain water quickly, secure power lines and respond swiftly to local emergencies.

District administrations have urged residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been repeatedly warned against venturing into the sea. File Image/PTI

District administrations have urged residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been repeatedly warned against venturing into the sea.

As a precaution, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a statewide holiday for all schools on Saturday. Pondicherry University has also postponed Saturdays exams and declared a holiday for classes, PTI reported.

What made Cyclone Ditwah so deadly in Sri Lanka?

Cyclone Ditwah began as a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal before rapidly strengthening into a full cyclonic storm.

As it swept across Sri Lanka, relentless rain hammered the island, especially the central and eastern highlands of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. Some regions received over 300 mm of rain in just 24 hours, triggering flash floods and massive mudslides.

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Extreme Weather Update

Death toll from Cyclone Ditwah-related floods & landslides rises to 69.

 34 missing

 200,000+ affected

 18,000+ displaced

 600+ houses partially damaged



Authorities urge everyone to stay vigilant#SriLankaFloods #CycloneDitwah #LKA pic.twitter.com/aECygoSHIS  Sri Lanka Tweet  (@SriLankaTweet) November 28, 2025

The weather system was moving away from the island towards neighbouring India, but it has already left massive destruction, the Disaster Management Centre said.

Floodwaters and landslides wiped out homes, blocked highways, and snapped power and communication lines. Entire towns were submerged, forcing thousands to flee to safer ground. The irrigation department also issued a high-risk flood alert for low-lying areas along the Maha Oya Basin.

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Three key bridges, Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge and Kumara Ella Bridge, were washed away, cutting off crucial routes that connect Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Uva. These links are vital for moving food, supplies and rescue teams, leaving many communities stranded.

Officials say the severity of the weather has made it extremely difficult to reach affected areas or carry out proper assessments.

So far, at least 123 people have died, around 130 are still missing, and nearly 44,000 residents from over 12,000 families have been displaced and moved to shelters.

For Sri Lanka, the scale of destruction makes Ditwah one of the most devastating natural disasters in nearly two decades.

Operation Sagar Bandhu: India rushes to help Sri Lanka

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka as the island struggles to cope with the disaster. The first batch of relief supplies was delivered after the Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri transported essential materials to Colombo.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said an IAF aircraft has also brought in a fresh tranche of aid. #OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo, he posted on X.

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#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo.



  pic.twitter.com/btzlnZeO8x  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

He earlier confirmed that INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri had handed over relief supplies and that further steps are underway.

An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft has additionally reached Colombo with 80 NDRF personnel, including four women and four sniffer dogs, along with rescue gear and disaster-relief equipment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences for the lives lost in Sri Lanka. My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah India stands in solidarity with its closest maritime neighbour, he said in a post on X.

He added that India has already dispatched urgent relief and HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu and assured that more assistance will follow as the situation develops.

With input from agencies
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his long-time partner, Jodie Haydon, in a quiet ceremony at Canberra, making the 62-year-old the first sitting PM in the countrys history to tie the knot while in office. The wedding was kept almost entirely under wraps, with only close family, a few friends and select cabinet colleagues present. The couple first met at a public function in Melbourne more than five years ago

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his long-time partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony at The Lodge on Saturday, becoming the first sitting PM in the countrys history to wed while in office. Image courtesy: AFP

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his long-time partner, Jodie Haydon, in a quiet ceremony at The Lodge on Saturday, making him the first sitting PM in the countrys history to tie the knot while in office.

Albanese, 62, confirmed the news himself by sharing a short video on X with the caption Married.

In a joint statement to the media, quoted by Reuters, the pair said they were absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.

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The wedding was kept almost entirely under wraps, with only close family, a few friends and select cabinet colleagues present.

So who exactly is Jodie Haydon, and how did her relationship with Albanese begin? Heres a closer look.

Who is Jodie Haydon?

Born in 1979, Jodie Haydon spent her early years in Australias Bankstown. She grew up close to her grandparents in Avoca and often stopped by their home between netball matches, shifts at the local fish-and-chip shop, and classes at Kincumber High School. Her family then moved to Sydney, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

According to 9Honey, Haydon has long been viewed as a powerhouse in her own right. Though she comes from a family of teachers, she ultimately left university to focus on her career in the superannuation field.

Jodie Haydon went on to build a two-decade career, working with major financial institutions and industry funds. Currently, she is the head of strategic partnerships at Teachers Mutual Bank. File Image/AFP

She went on to build a two-decade career, working with major financial institutions and industry funds before eventually moving into strategic leadership roles.

In 2022, she was hired as a womens officer after she was a union delegate for the NSW Public Service Association. As of now, she is the head of strategic partnerships at Teachers Mutual Bank.

How did Albanese meet Jodie?

The two met at a dinner event in Melbourne in March 2020. Haydon had yelled up the Rabbitohs while the Labor leader was speaking at the event, referring to his favourite South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team.

For context, in late 2019, at a Melbourne union conference, Albanese, then Opposition Leader and recently separated from his wife, former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt, had asked Rabbitohs fans in the room to make themselves known. Haydon, working with a union super fund at the time, yelled the same enthusiastic line.

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Albanese introduced himself after that encounter, but the real step forward came from Haydon. She later reached out to him on X, with a hey, were both single.

Their first proper meeting was over beers at Young Henrys brewery in Newtown. Not long after, Albanese invited her to the Woodford Folk Festival, and the two quickly discovered they clicked on many levels.

On Valentines Day in 2024, Albanese proposed to Jodie Haydon on the balcony of The Lodge, asking her to marry him. Image courtesy: Instagram/@JodieHaydon

When Covid-19 lockdowns began, the quiet months that followed gave their relationship room to grow. They cooked together, binge-watched shows and shared music, all away from public attention.

That changed in mid-2020, when they were photographed kissing at Woolloomooloo Wharf. For Haydon, who friends describe as warm, grounded and unfailingly friendly, the sudden spotlight was overwhelming.

She had lived privately for years, and overnight she found herself linked to one of Australias most visible political figures.

In early 2021, Albanese was involved in a serious car accident. Speaking to The Australian Womens Weekly in 2022, she said she realised just how much you love this person. She recalled jumping into the ambulance and seeing him, and knowing instantly the depth of my feelings towards him.

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Less than a year and a half after they first met, Albanese became Prime Minister, and Haydons life shifted even further from its quiet beginnings.

She was now living at The Lodge, supported by Commonwealth staff. French President Emmanuel Macron kissed her hand during an official event. S

he walked inside Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral, and returned months later for King Charles coronation. On one trip to the United States, First Lady Jill Biden even handed her a pair of sandshoes so she could walk more comfortably back to the guesthouse.

On Valentines Day in 2024, Albanese proposed on the balcony of The Lodge, asking her to marry him.

The wedding

The wedding was small and personal. Haydon walked down the aisle with her parents, Bill and Pauline, to Ben Folds song The Luckiest. She wore a gown by the Sydney label Romance Was Born. Albanese wore a suit from MJ Bale.

Haydons five-year-old niece, Ella, was the flower girl. Albaneses dog, Toto, carried the rings. The couple exchanged vows they wrote themselves, with a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast officiating, as The Guardian reported.

After the ceremony, they walked back up the aisle to Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours). Their first dance was to Frank Sinatras The Way You Look Tonight.

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Cabinet Ministers such as Jim Chalmers, Katy Gallagher, Richard Marles and Penny Wong attended the wedding, along with family members, including Albaneses son, Nathan.

The couple will honeymoon in Australia next week.

With input from agencies
Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian woman living in the UK, has alleged harassment at the Shanghai airport. She claimed that her Indian passport, which mentions Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace, was declared invalid by Chinese officials who detained her for 18 hours. The incident has triggered a diplomatic row between India and China. Heres all this and more in our weekly roundup

Indias border dispute with China was in focus again this week as an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh, who is living in the United Kingdom, alleged harassment at the Shanghai airport. The incident has caused a diplomatic spat between the two Asian neighbours.

India has lost one of its biggest stars as Dharmendra, known for his effortless charm, took his last breath. The Bollywood icon, famous as the He-Man of Indian cinema, once tried his luck in politics, but only for a short while.

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A volcanic eruption in northern Ethiopia raised fears in parts of India as the ash cloud took over the Indian skies. Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), had to also ask all airlines to avoid areas affected by the volcanic ash.

Heres all this and more in our weekly wrap from India.

1. A major diplomatic row erupted between India and China after Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian woman living in the UK, said she was harassed by Chinese immigration officials at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. She alleged she was detained for 18 hours by immigration officials while travelling from London to Japan via Shanghai after they refused to accept her Indian passport, which mentions Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.

One of the Chinese officials reportedly told her, Arunachal Pradesh is part of China and she was told her passport was invalid. Her ordeal ended after she contacted the Indian Consulate in Shanghai, and the officials helped secure her release. As the incident came to light, New Delhi lodged a strong diplomatic protest with China and asserted its stance that Arunachal is an inalienable part of India. But why does Beijing claim the Indian state? We explain.

2. India lost a gem of an actor as Dharmendra died at the age of 89 earlier this week. The superstar, known for films like Sholay and Pratigya, once took a plunge into politics, only to be disenchanted soon. Inspired by the India Shining campaign, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the run-up to the 2004 Lok Sabha election.

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He won the polls from Bikaner but faced criticism for limited public engagement and poor attendance in Parliament. After his five-year term, Dharmendra realised he was not made for politics. Read our story on the action heros brief political journey.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Vikram-I, Indias first private orbital rocket, this week. Built by Indian space startup Skyroot, it is a multi-stage launch vehicle named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the countrys space programme.

Today, Honble Prime Minister Modiji unveiled Skyroots Vikram-1 flight rocket at the new Infinity campus  a milestone that marks Indias bold emergence in the new-space era. The upcoming inaugural launch will not only demonstrate the nations private-sector launch capability pic.twitter.com/kNAlHAStz3  Dr. S Somanath (@SomanathSpeak) November 27, 2025

The Vikram-I, which is as tall as a seven-storey building, can place payloads of around 300 kilogrammes in low earth orbit. The Hyderabad-based space start-up has claimed that the rocket can be assembled and launched within 24 hours from any launch site. We explain what makes Indias first private rocket special.

4. Dormant for 12,000 years, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted over the weekend, sending ash plumes up to 14 km high. The volcanic ash crossed the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, later travelling to parts of Pakistan and northern India.

Today, Honble Prime Minister Modiji unveiled Skyroots Vikram-1 flight rocket at the new Infinity campus  a milestone that marks Indias bold emergence in the new-space era. The upcoming inaugural launch will not only demonstrate the nations private-sector launch capability pic.twitter.com/kNAlHAStz3  Dr. S Somanath (@SomanathSpeak) November 27, 2025

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When a volcano erupts, it can release dangerous particles like volcanic gases and ash into the air. Volcanic ash consists of pieces of broken rock, minerals and volcanic glass. As the ash cloud from the volcano in Ethiopia entered India, concerns were raised about its impact on human health and air quality. We explain how dangerous a volcanic eruption can be.

5. The valour of 19 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel came to light after they were recently honoured for their exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor. In May, India had launched military strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan had retaliated by launching strikes and drone attacks on Indias border regions.

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CISF Personnel Honoured With The DGs Disc For Exceptional Bravery During Operation Sindoor



Amid intense cross-border shelling in May 2025, CISF teams at Uri Hydro Electric Projects displayed extraordinary courage, safeguarding vital national assets and evacuating 250 civilians pic.twitter.com/NPd0KkHaVp  CISF (@CISFHQrs) November 25, 2025

These 19 CISF personnel thwarted Pakistans attack on hydroelectric projects at Uri in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla during the clashes between the two countries. They shot down the drones targeting the installation and evacuated civilians amid heavy shelling from Pakistan. Heres how the CISF foiled Pakistans attack.

6. Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Afshan made headlines as the nation mourned her husband Wing Commander Namansh Syals untimely demise along with her. The IAF officer lost his life as his Tejas fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Air Show last week.

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Wing Commander Syals mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, where his last rites were conducted with full military honours. A video of his grieving wife giving him a heartbreaking tribute went viral. But who is Wing Commander Afshan? Read her story here.

7. An Indian-American diplomat created a stir by alleging large-scale and organised fraud in the H-1B visa programme. H-1B work visas have come under scrutiny in recent months since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January this year.

Mahvash Siddiqui, who worked at the US consulate in Chennai between 2005 and 2007, has claimed that several H-1B visas issued to Indians were secured through fraudulent means. Former US Representative and economist Dr Dave Brat has backed her claims, alleging that the numbers reported by certain consulates dont add up, hinting at an industrial-scale fraud in the visa allocations. Read our story to know more.

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8. Udaipur recently hosted an extravagant wedding ceremony. Bollywood stars and global VIPs turned up as Netra Mantena, daughter of US-based pharma billionaire Rama Raju Mantena, tied the knot with New York tech entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju.

US President Donald Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr, and his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson, were among the guests at the lavish wedding. Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Janhvi Kapoor and Kriti Sanon were among the A-listers who performed at the wedding ceremonies. Jennifer Lopez flew to Udaipur for an electrifying performance, her first-ever in India. But what do we know about the couple? Read here.

This is all we have for you this week. If you like our analyses of the daily news developments, you can bookmark this page.
The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindon Air Base on the night of intervening night of Friday and Saturday, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material

India delivered 21 tonnes of relief to Sri Lanka on Saturday under Operation Sagar Bandhu as the country reels under deadly floods, displacing several people across the country.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts, the Indian Air Force said in a social media post.

Operation Sagar Bandhu | Humanitarian Assistance



In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts.



The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air pic.twitter.com/cIT7gKiPNs  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 29, 2025

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The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindon Air Base on the night of intervening night of Friday and Saturday, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and eight tonnes of equipment. Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities, it said.

The operation was launched by India on Friday for Sri Lanka, as over 100 people died in devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navys aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.

Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with:



9 Tons Relief Material

2 Urban Search & Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel



A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!



  pic.twitter.com/1YKjb0duzg  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

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Sri Lanka floods

The Disaster Management Centre announced Saturday that Cyclone Ditwahs torrential rains and flooding have claimed 123 lives across Sri Lanka, with another 130 people still unaccounted for.

Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief efforts are ongoing, noting that 43,995 residents have been evacuated to government-run shelters after their homes were devastated by a week of relentless downpours.

Although the weather system is now moving away from Sri Lanka and toward India, the DMC said it has already caused extensive damage across the island.

Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are underway, Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo.

The effects of the weather system have been felt since Monday, although the cyclone made landfall on Wednesday, triggering record rainfall across the island.

With inputs from agencies
ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Armed tribal groups loyal to local factions deployed around a key oil facility in Yemen's eastern province of Hadramout on Saturday, heightening tensions in one of the country's key energy regions, a security official said.

"Armed tribal groups were deployed near a number of oil facilities and began besieging PetroMasila's Sector 14 oil site in Hadramout," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"Tensions are extremely high. Armed, masked gunmen have taken positions around the facility, blocking all access routes, raising the risk of a confrontation with the Hadrami Elite Forces of the Yemeni government," the source said.

"Intelligence suggests that some tribal factions have secretly coordinated with elements linked to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to destabilize Hadramout and undermine the pro-government forces," the source added.

The siege of the oil facility followed a late-Thursday declaration by tribal leaders granting their fighters full authority to "resist by all means" to defend Hadramout and its natural resources.

In recent days, tribal fighters have escalated operations across the province, setting up unauthorized checkpoints, seizing oil sites, blocking key transport routes, and commandeering fuel supplies.

The militants accused the Hadrami Elite Forces of conducting "dangerous movements" in the province and vowed to take "decisive" countermeasures, citing chronic mismanagement of public services and worsening living conditions in Hadramout.

In response to the escalation, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council on Thursday appointed Salem al-Khanbashi as Hadramout's new governor, according to the state-run Saba news agency.

Although Hadramout has remained under the internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in Yemen's conflict in 2015, the government's authority in the province now faces its most serious challenge in years.

In 2016, local Hadrami forces, trained under the Arab Coalition and the United Arab Emirates, liberated Mukalla, the province's provisional capital, from al-Qaeda, ending a year of the group's control that began in 2015.

During its rule, al-Qaeda established a self-declared administration in Mukalla and amassed significant financial gains, including through the takeover of the central bank branch. 
Beijings audacious play and calculated slight of an Indian citizen were aimed at challenging the sovereignty of India and sending multiple messages

The arbitrary detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok proves that Indias strategy is not working and might be subjected to even sterner tests from an increasingly assertive China in the future. Representational image

Since last October, India and China have been inching towards restoring of normalcy in bilateral ties through a series of calibrated confidence-building measures and high-level engagements. The illegal and arbitrary detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport shows all assumptions of a thaw in relationship is premature, hollow and might even be illusory.

The detention wasnt an administrative oversight. It was an audacious play and a calculated slight aimed at humiliating an Indian citizen and challenging the sovereignty of India. Beijing wanted to send multiple messages. It wanted to tell New Delhi that it controls the levers of the ties, that this is not a relationship between equals, and peace and tranquility in the border regions is not the result of a compact between two sovereigns but an act of magnanimity extended by China that it can dial up or down when it wishes to.

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The extraordinary circumstances of mocking an Indian citizen for her passport, laughing and saying things like, You should apply for the Chinese passport; youre Chinese; youre not Indian, signifies contempt for Indias sovereign claim over its own land. The Communist Party of China is a not a reckless actor. It knows that not only can it get away with such behaviour, but it can also use acts like these to cumulatively shift the status quo in its favour without triggering large-scale war or a unified pushback.

These deliberate approaches sit delicately between peace and open conflict, exploiting asymmetric risk appetites and the reluctance of rivals to escalate over minor incidents. Beijing is aware that beyond some outrage in media and official righteous indignation, New Delhi will prioritise crisis management and avoid uncontrolled escalation.

The reality is India needs Chinese investment and lacks the means and capabilities to mitigate the threat posed by a much stronger adversary. A successful preemption of this behaviour  that India will walk on eggshells despite being punched in the gut  incentivises Beijing to keep testing the line with new small moves rather than large, overt offensives.

Consider for a moment that the incident was flipped on its head and India had refused to acknowledge the Chinese passport of a Tibetan citizen transiting through New Delhi. We dont have to wonder or rack our brains.

Look at Japan. For the crime of suggesting that Chinas attack on Taiwan may be considered as a survival-threatening situation and Japan may be forced to mobilise (Japans Yonaguni island is just about 110 km off Taiwans east coast) its troops  an adopted but rarely articulated policy  Beijing is hauling Tokyo over the coals.

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There has been a torrent of vicious abuse and military threats against Japan, a slew of economic sanctions including banning of Japanese imports and people-to-people exchanges including tourism, and an open demand that Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi officially withdraw her comments, which Tokyo has not accepted while trying desperately to tamp down the tension.

As Chinas state-sponsored media has reported, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Thursday dismissed the claim by Japans main opposition party leader that PM Takaichi had effectively withdrawn her previous remarks on the Taiwan question since she no longer mentioned any specifics during a recent party leaders debate, saying that not mentioning any specifics and withdrawing the erroneous remarks are two entirely different matters. The Japanese sides attempt to downplay, evade or cover up Takaichis erroneous remarks through not mentioning any specifics is nothing but self-deception, Guo said. China absolutely does not accept this.

It is not enough that Takaichi has effectively withdrawn her comments made on the floor of the Japanese Parliament. Beijing wants the Japanese prime minister to grovel and beg for an apology that will destroy her political career. Thats Beijings unstated goal. The CPC has always been sceptical of Takaichi who considers herself as a protege of former PM, the late Shinzo Abe. Chinas view of Takaichi has been overwhelmingly negative, framing her as a dangerous hawk, revivalist of Japanese militarism, and a direct threat to Chinas core interests.

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Be it needling India or colliding with Japan, China suddenly seems less constrained, more assertive and intent on muscle flexing, almost as if it senses a tectonic shift in global power equation with United States all but acknowledging China as a peer power and seeking a new type of power relations that had always been a priority for Xi Jinping.

Chinas confidence also stems from the fact that Xi believes he has Donald Trumps number. He believes Trump will be increasingly desperate to seal a trade deal with Beijing and make compromises on issues such as Taiwan and export controls.

As former CIA operative Jonathan A. Czin writes in Foreign Affairs, Beijing is likely planning its diplomacy with the Trump administration around next years midterm elections, betting that Trump will be eager to secure a deal he can tout on the campaign trail in support of Republicansand that in his eagerness, he may end up making significant concessions.

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Having withstood the onslaught from US and forced Washington to sue for peace through effective use of export control measures of its own, China feels supremely self-assured. It expects neighbours such as India or Japan to internalize the message that it is now every bit a superpower, and therefore others must bend their heads and fall in line.

Beijing has been proved right. The outrageous act of detaining an Indian passenger on illegal grounds that violate several civil aviation conventions was met with source-based retorts from New Delhi, with Indian media reporting that MEA has issued a strong demarche with the Chinese side, and it was stressed that the passenger had been detained on ludicrous grounds. Arunachal Pradesh is indisputably Indian territory, and its residents are perfectly entitled to hold and travel with Indian passports.

Chinas response was brutal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning went for public defiance, claiming that Zangnan (Chinas christening of Arunachal Pradesh) is Chinas territory, and China does not recognize the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India. As for the individual case you mentioned, Ive shared relevant information just now. Let me point out that having border checks on people entering and exiting a country and carrying out law enforcement according to the specific situation of the entry or exit is the usual practice of border enforcement authorities of countries across the world.

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China also lied about the passenger being offered food, water and restroom services  claims that are demonstrably false. Indias response to this outrageous statement from Beijing was careful and non-escalatory.

In its first official response, India stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality.

New Delhi added that the issue of the detention has been taken up strongly with the Chinese side. Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which are in violation of several conventions governing international air travel. The actions by the Chinese authorities also violate their own regulations that allow visa free transit up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries.

In the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson from Indias ministry of external affairs added that Maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of IndiaChina bilateral relations. Our position in this regard has always been very clear and consistent.

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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.

I am citing Indias response in detail because it shows that even while criticizing Beijing for its indefensible act, India is careful not to let the tension intensify even though China has pretty much challenged Indias sovereign claim over Arunachal. In contrast, China has been going after Japan with all the ferocity at its disposal for much less.

Put simply, India lacks the wherewithal to seek a standalone, symmetric confrontation across all domains against China. It uses balancing and positional defence to counter the threat, while exploiting its consumer market as a leverage to manage the rivalry. The Arunachal Pradesh incident proves that this strategy is not working and might be subjected to even sterner tests going ahead from a more assertive China.

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(The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Japans decision to deploy a medium-range missile unit on Yonaguni Island marks a major escalation in its efforts to deter China amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific

The strategic position of Yonaguni, along with bases on Ishigaki and Miyako, is a key node in Japans defence posture. Image: File Photo of Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi / AP

In a recent move, Japan plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni Island. The location is the westernmost island of Japan. The strategic move aims to reinforce deterrence and strengthen Japans defensive capabilities amid rising regional tension in the Indo-Pacific. It is a part of a broader military build-up across Japans southern island chain, reflecting its deepening concerns over Chinas expanding military reach and the risk of a Taiwan contingency.

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For Japan, the recent deployment could help lower the chance of an armed attack. This article explores the changing trajectory of the China-Japan equation amid this growing concern.

The Strategic Position and the US Involvement

Yonaguni Island is the endpoint of the Ryukyu Islands. It served as a centre of trade between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia before it was designated as Japanese territory and renamed Okinawa Prefecture in 1879. Geographically, it is approximately 110 kilometres from Taiwan and Japans closest permanent outpost to the Taiwan Strait within its effective control.

The island has been strategically used to host a Ground Self-Defence Force camp since 2016. It is approximately seven miles long and three miles across at its widest point. It has two small ports and an airfield. The base already features surveillance radars and electronic warfare units, positioning it as a frontline sentinel in any Taiwan Strait crisis. It has transformed into a vital surveillance hub, equipped with radar that monitors nearby seas and airspace. In 2024, an electronic warfare unit was introduced to disrupt enemy communications and guidance systems.

The strategic position of Yonaguni, along with bases on Ishigaki and Miyako, is a key node in Japans defence posture. While Ishigaki hosts anti-ship missiles, Miyako houses air-surveillance units and ammunition facilities. Furthermore, in the east, Okinawa contains central Japanese and US military installations.

The US presence on the island has reaffirmed the Japan-US alliance in support of remilitarisation and Japans evolving defence posture. The US Marine Corps has ramped up operations on the island as part of its First Island Chain strategy, which aims to bolster regional deterrence.

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Furthermore, the US military conducted an exercise moving supplies from Okinawa to Yonaguni to simulate establishing a forward-operating base during a crisis. In coordination with Japans Self-Defence Forces, the deployments included establishing a Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) to extend the range of helicopter patrols from the island in October this year. This also marks the first time CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters operated that far southwest in Japan.

Yonaguni Islands strategic location is crucial to US military strategy due to its position on the maritime route between Taiwan and the East China Sea. It can host US missile systems and anti-submarine capabilities and serve as a staging ground for US and Japanese operations.

The islands proximity to Taiwan and its port and runway infrastructure make it strategically vital for rapid reinforcement or denial operations against China. Therefore, it serves as a key point for anti-access measures, surveillance, and potential joint operations between the US and Japan during crises in the Taiwan Strait.

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The China-Japan Spat

During a parliamentary address earlier this month, PM Takaichi remarked that a Chinese assault on Taiwan, involving battleships and the use of force, could qualify as an existential threat under Japans pacifist constitution. The weapons, designed to counter incoming aircraft and air-to-ground threats, underscore Japans deepening concerns over Chinas military expansion in the East China Sea and potential contingencies around Taiwan.

The remark potentially justified the Self-Defence Forces intervention and highlighted the rising importance of hard power diplomacy as a critical component of Japanese foreign policy. This drew a sharp response from China. The potential military deployment, coupled with PM Takaichis remark, is heightening tension in the region and stoking a military confrontation. The concerns suggest that Japan could, in theory, militarily cooperate with other nations if China attacked Taiwan.

China considers this a violation of the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, where Tokyo acknowledged Beijings stance on Taiwan. It believes that if Japan attempts armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would constitute an act of aggression, and China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This growing suspicion is extremely dangerous and warrants high vigilance from neighbouring countries and the global community.

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Taiwan has responded in a measured but supportive way. It reiterates that bolstering Yonaguni Islands defences helps maintain security in the Taiwan Strait. It emphasised Japans sovereign right to protect its territory without posing threats elsewhere. Taipei deepened defence ties with Tokyo and Washington, including joint exercises, viewing Japan as a bulwark against Beijings gray-zone tactics, such as frequent air incursions.

The spat between China and Japan would have far-reaching economic repercussions. The primary sector includes Japans vital tourism sector. China is the top source of inbound visitors. In the first half of 2025, it sent nearly 7.5 million travellers, approximately 30 per cent of all foreign arrivals. This equated to over $1 billion in monthly spending by Chinese citizens, fuelled by a depreciating yen. Japan ranked fourth among Chinese outbound destinations last year. This boosted records for sushi feasts, Fuji hikes, and geisha encounters.

However, the recent travel advisory by Beijing urging citizens to avoid Japan due to personal safety risks has triggered a market rout. Similarly, China has imposed a ban on seafood imports and halted the release of Japanese movies, calling it a grave violation of international law and diplomatic norms.

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Furthermore, the spat creates a fear of a trade war similar to the one in 2010, with Beijing curbing rare-earth exports, or a negative impact on Japanese autos, which are already reeling from Chinese EV dominance.

Conclusion

While Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, ramping up its defence capabilities is inevitable to strengthen its position amid an unstable geopolitical situation. The increasing capabilities to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the Japanese people reflect the renewal of Japanese militarism and hard power diplomacy.

Amid increasing concerns over a deteriorating relationship between China and Japan, Yonaguni Island becomes a critical episode. Japan intends to build mutually beneficial, constructive, and stable ties with China and is open to dialogue at various levels.

However, the revival and renewal of China-Japan ties must go beyond diplomatic gestures to bilateral consultations and multilateral diplomatic coordination, including necessary economic and military countermeasures, to arrive at substantive agreements and negotiations that are mutually acceptable.

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(The author is Associate Fellow at Indias World magazine. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
The world can no longer treat Pakistans internal affairs as domestic. The country has entered a perilous era where a single man wields constitutional, military, and nuclear authority, yet he is unbounded by any accountability, law, or restraint

The trajectory of Asim Munirs rule mirrors the authoritarian instincts of General Zia-ul-Haq, but with far more dangerous tools at his disposal. (Photo by Handout/Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) via AFP)

Pakistan has been here before, though perhaps never quite so nakedly. In 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq toppled a weakened civilian government and proceeded to recast the state in his image, institutionalising Islamisation at home and weaponising jihad abroad. It was Zia who fused Islamic ideology with militancy, turning Pakistans western frontier into a launchpad for the Afghan jihad and its eastern border into a pressure cooker of India-focused proxy terror groups. His legacy of military absolutism cloaked in divine sanction still haunts the nation.

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Nearly five decades later, self-styled Field Marshal Asim Munir appears determined to finish what Zia started. But where Zia seized power through a coup, Munir has achieved something more surgical and far more enduring. He has engineered a constitutional overhaul that formalises the militarys supremacy with the veneer of parliamentary approval. The 27th Constitutional Amendment, rushed through Pakistans National Assembly on November 12, 2025, amid opposition boycotts and sporadic nationwide protests, marks an unprecedented consolidation of military power.

In a country long governed under the shadows of military generals, this amendment brings the shadows of military control into the broad daylight. It erodes the last pretences of civilian authority, dismantles judicial independence, and most alarmingly, it places Pakistans nuclear strategy firmly into the hands of one man.

The result is a disturbing evolution of what many military analysts call Pakistans nuclear terror fusion doctrine that is a volatile blend of tactical nuclear signalling and state-sponsored terrorism aimed at coercing New Delhi into resumption of bilateral dialogue by internationalising the Kashmir issue.

By engineering the latest constitutional amendment, Asim Munir has not just fortified military supremacy, but he has become the architect of a nuclear strategy that blurs deterrence, brinkmanship, and proxy warfare and binds them into a single highly combustible doctrine.

Converting a Hybrid State into a Uniformed Autocracy

Pakistans democracy has always been a brittle compromise between the civil government and the military. It has been more of a hybrid construct in which civilians occupied the office while the military held the power. The 27th Amendment strikes at the heart of even this fragile arrangement.

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The amendment has rewritten the legislations key constitutional articles, most notably Articles 175 and 248, which grant lifetime immunity to a sweeping category of officeholders, in particular to Asim Munir himself. It shields him completely from the civil and criminal proceedings, effectively granting him perpetual protection for the past abuses and carte blanche for the future ones.

The amendment also reengineers the judicial architecture by dismantling the fragile buffer that once allowed courts to occasionally challenge military overreach. The Supreme Judicial Council is recast to give military-aligned judges expanded influence over appointments and dismissals, while a new national security clause empowers the military leadership to intervene in cases deemed sensitive. Two Supreme Court justices resigned in protest, calling the changes an annihilation of judicial independence.

In earlier eras, the military operated from behind the curtain, quietly ushering out disobedient prime ministers, engineering fragmentations in political parties, or leaning on courts to preserve its primacy. With the 27th Amendment, those sources of leverage no longer require subterfuge. They are now constitutional powers largely in the hand of one man, Munir himself.

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Asim Munirs Political Coronation

Asim Munirs meteoric rise has been carefully self-choreographed, just like General Zias. His self-appointment as the second Field Marshal in Pakistans history, next to Ayub Khan, followed the defeat of Pakistan in Operation Sindoor earlier this year. Despite the glaring weaknesses in Pakistans defence infrastructure that stood totally exposed after India knocked out most of its airfields and air defence sites during the operation, the skirmish was spun by the Pakistan army as a triumph that showcased Munir as a strategic genius.

The 27th Amendment completes his transformation from army chief to Pakistans uncontested supreme authority. It does so by abolishing the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and merging its authority with that of the Chief of Army Staff, thereby creating the new and vastly more powerful role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). As a result, all defence, intelligence, and nuclear decisions now flow directly through Munir.

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Civilian oversight, already feeble, has become essentially irrelevant. Parliament has been reduced to a ceremonial echo chamber, and provincial governments exist at the mercy of the militarys intelligence apparatus. The media, placed under aggressive censorship regimes, is unable to report freely on the implications of this transformation.

Opposition leaders are either imprisoned or silenced, and protests across major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta have been met with harsh crackdowns and sweeping sedition charges. For the first time since General Zia, Pakistan is effectively a one-man military state, but now with a constitutional framework designed to make this centralisation of power permanent.

The Darkest Chapter

The most consequential aspect of the 27th Amendment lies not in the domestic politics but in its perceived regional security. Under Munirs CDF office, the reforms grant its military virtually total control of the National Command Authority (NCA), the body responsible for Pakistans nuclear policy. This centralisation accelerates a dangerous trend within Pakistans strategic thinking by bringing the fusion of tactical nuclear signalling with proxy warfare.

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For years, the militarys doctrine of full-spectrum deterrence has been interpreted by analysts as a euphemism for using the threat of low-yield nuclear weapons to shield the state-sponsored terror activities against India. Under Munir, this doctrine mutates into something much sharper, riskier, and more personalised.

First, the amendment empowers the CDF to pre-emptively deploy strategic assets in scenarios posing existential threats, effectively granting Munir unilateral authority to mobilise battlefield nuclear weapons, such as the Nasr/Haft-IX, without any civilian consultation or oversight. This institutionalises a first-use nuclear posture and formalises the blurring of conventional and nuclear boundaries.

Second, it entrenches a more aggressive integration of proxy warfare (exporting terrorism) with nuclear brinkmanship. After the Operation Sindoor crisis, during which Pakistan is rumoured to have experimented with the idea of dispersing tactical nuclear missiles, Munir has moved to normalise a strategy in which terror attacks in India, followed by aggressive nuclear deployments, and calibrated escalatory messaging work in tandem. This approach represents a dangerous escalation beyond the jihad-era policies of Zia. Zia relied on terrorists as instruments of covert warfare, wherein Munir is weaving nuclear signalling directly into the operational fabric of terror networks.

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Third, the amendment magnifies the probability of miscalculation. India, increasingly reliant on pre-emptive counterforce strategies, now faces a Pakistan whose nuclear chain of command is centralised in the hands of a single military leader prone to escalatory doctrines. Even a seemingly local incident, like a drone strike along the LoC or a terror attack in India, has the potential to set off a spiralling confrontation with catastrophic consequences for both nations. Military analysts warn that even a tactical nuclear exchange between the two nations could result in hundreds of thousands of fatalities within minutes.

Finally, the amendment carries profound implications for global non-proliferation efforts. By granting lifetime immunity to top military leaders and proliferator networks, it effectively seals off any domestic scrutiny of illicit nuclear activities. International trade partners, including the European Union, have already expressed concerns that Pakistans actions could jeopardise its preferential trade status under GSP+, a critical lifeline for its economy.

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Zias Playbook in a Nuclear Age

The trajectory of Asim Munirs rule mirrors the authoritarian instincts of General Zia-ul-Haq, but with far more dangerous tools at his disposal. Zia sought to legitimise military supremacy through Islamisation, reshaping Pakistans identity and launching the Afghan jihad to establish regional leverage.

Munir, by contrast, relies on constitutional engineering to institutionalise military dominance while embedding nuclear brinkmanship into Pakistans strategic doctrine.

Zia suppressed political forces and censored dissent to maintain control, whereas Munir criminalises opposition, curtails media freedoms, and uses a fully militarised judicial apparatus to entrench his power.

Most critically, while Zias autocracy emerged in a pre-nuclear era, Munir presides over a battlefield with a nuclear arsenal and a doctrine that dangerously intertwines exporting terrorism with nuclear signalling. The similarities are unmistakable, but the stakes under Munir are exponentially higher.

Economic and Social Rupture of Pakistan

The domestic fallout is already visible. Trade bodies warn that Pakistans preferential GSP+ trade benefits are at imminent risk due to democratic backsliding. International financial institutions such as the IMF have grown increasingly uneasy about Pakistans governance decay and the militarys capture of economic policymaking. Civil society groups fear prolonged dark times of enforced disappearances, sedition cases, and sweeping digital surveillance measures designed to quash any dissent.

Youth activists who played a pivotal role during the 202223 political mobilisations now argue that the amendment leaves no meaningful avenue for civilian oversight or constitutional accountability. Pakistans democracy, fragile and flawed from its inception, has collapsed into a militarised political order with no remaining institutional checks.

Conclusion: Pakistans Dangerous New Chapter

The 27th Constitutional Amendment is not merely another turn in Pakistans long dance with military rule. It is a structural overhaul of the state, the one that places absolute authority in the hands of Field Marshal Asim Munir, who many within Pakistan describe as a megalomaniac, and institutionalises a doctrine that fuses nuclear brinkmanship with proxy warfare.

On one end, for India, this represents a new phase of strategic unpredictability, while on the other end, for South Asia, it magnifies the spectre of an accidental or intentional nuclear escalation. As for Pakistans citizens, this amendment extinguishes the last embers of democratic oversight.

The world can no longer treat Pakistans internal politics as a domestic affair. With this amendment, Pakistan has entered a perilous era in which a single man wields constitutional, military, and nuclear authority, yet he is unbounded by any accountability, law, or restraint.

The danger is not abstract, but it is structural and immediate for the entire globe. And unless Pakistans society, along with the judiciary on one end, coupled with international partners like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the other, confronts it, the country risks triggering an Armageddon that can have catastrophic consequences for the entire globe.

(Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.)
A shooting just blocks from the White Houseone of the most secure locations on the planetreinforces a grim message: there is no place in the world free from terrorism

National Guard patrol along the National Mall near the US Capitol in Washington. Image: AP Photo

In the United States, where liberal gun purchase regulations have made mass shootings tragically common, another shootout is rarely headline news. But the latest attack in Washington, DC, assumes far greater significance because of where it occurred and who was targeted.

The Location

The shootout on Wednesday sent shivers down the spine not because of its casualties, but because it happened in one of the most fortified areas on the planetjust blocks away from the White House, the seat of the president of the worlds most powerful country. It is a chilling reminder that no place is safe from terrorist attacks.

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The Target

Unlike typical US gun attacks that often target civilians, this assault was different. It was a targeted attack on members of the National Guard, a unique branch of the US military with both state and federal responsibilities. National Guard members are elite forces who respond to domestic crises and overseas conflicts.

Consequences

The attack, which occurred just after 14:00 EST (19:00 GMT) on Wednesday, fatally injured two National Guard members. Both were from West Virginia and were shot at close range near Farragut Square in downtown Washingtonjust a few blocks from the White House. One victim succumbed to his injuries, while the other remains in critical condition.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said the suspect came around the corner and immediately started firing, adding that the soldiers had been ambushed. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed it was a targeted attack.

The Suspect

The Department of Homeland Security identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, as the suspect, calling him a criminal alien from Afghanistan. He was injured during apprehension. Lakanwal lived in Washington state with his wife and five children and reportedly entered the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program under which an estimated 77,000 Afghans arrived following the US withdrawal.

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Ally Turned Foe

It appears to be a case of an ally turned foe. Reports suggest that in Afghanistan, Lakanwal was closely aligned with US forces. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the suspect had a relationship with US forces, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated he worked with the intelligence agency. Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024, and his application was pending.

The Reaction

In light of the suspects Afghan background, President Donald Trump said the US must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin announced that all immigration requests from Afghan nationals are halted indefinitely pending a security review. She added that the Trump administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under Biden.

Immigration Clampdown

The Washington shooting has triggered immediate, far-reaching consequences:

Green Card Re-examination:

USCIS Director Joe Edlow has ordered a full, rigorous re-examination of every green card issued to aliens from all countries of concern, which include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Haiti, Sudan, Cuba, and others.

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Permanent Pause on Immigration:

In a major development, President Trump announced that the US will permanently stop immigration from countries defined as third world, claiming it is necessary to allow the American system to recover.

Question Mark

The shooting and Trumps swift response raise serious questions about the future of Afghans in the US. More than 190,000 Afghans have settled in America since August 2021. The Alliance of Afghan Communities condemned the attack and warned that one individuals crime must not jeopardise thousands of legitimate immigration cases.

An Act of Terror

In an address, President Trump called the shooting an act of evil, hatred, and terror, blaming the Biden administration for bringing the suspect into the country. He claimed the attack underscores a major national security threat and repeated that 20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners entered the US under Biden.

The Investigation

The FBI is treating the case with utmost seriousness, including investigating it as a potential act of terror. After confirmation of one victims death, the probe expanded. Agents searched multiple properties linked to Lakanwal, seizing electronic devices and interviewing relatives.

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Whether the attack was an act of terror, an individuals reckless act, or part of a larger plot remains to be seen. But one fact stands out: a shooting mere blocks from the White Houseone of the most secure locations on Earthmust unite the world in fighting all forms of terrorism.

In Defence of the National Guard

The National Guard consists of state-based troops who respond to natural disasters, protests, and emergencies. While they can be deployed abroad, they have limited domestic law enforcement authority due to the Posse Comitatus Act.

Fraught

Trumps moves to use the military on US soil remain deeply contentious. He recently deployed thousands of Guard members in major cities and vowed to add 500 more in Washington after the shooting.

Wake-Up Call

The immediate victims were Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains critical. But the deeper casualty is the peace and stability of the US and the world. The attack reinforces a grim message: There is no place in the world free from terrorism.

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It also serves as a wake-up call for Washington to tighten gun laws, as mass shootings have become so frequent that the time between them is measured in daysor hours. It is time for action.

(The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Anthony Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to marry while in office, tying the knot with his partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday. The couple exchanged vows in front of family and close friends, keeping the event intimate and low-key.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon walk down the aisle after getting married in Canberra, Australia, November 29, 2025. Mike Bowers for PMO/Handout via REUTERS

Anthony Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to tie the knot while in office when he married his partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony on Saturday.

The wedding was widely expected to be held this year after Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentines Day last year. But the date and details of the ceremony were kept tightly under wraps.

The couple married at a small ceremony in the presence of family and close friends at The Lodge in the capital city Canberra, the prime ministers office said in a statement.

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We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends, Albanese said in the statement released to the media.

Haydon has accompanied Albanese to several events over the years and was also with him during his election campaign in 2022 and in May this year, when his Labor party won with a thumping majority.

Haydon wore a dress by Sydney designer Romance was Born, while the prime minister wore a suit from MJ Bale.

Ms Haydons five-year-old niece, Ella, was flower girl, and the prime ministers dog, Toto, was the ring bearer.

Guests were served beer in a special can made by Willie the Boatman whose brewery is in Sydneys Inner West.

After the ceremony, Albanese and Haydon walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Im Yours). Their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra.

The couple will honeymoon in Australia from Monday until Friday of next week, with all expenses paid privately by Albanese and Haydon, his office said.
Trump blames immigrants for rising crime and economic woes but data shows they commit fewer crimes and boost the economy. Heres why his claims dont hold up.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump launched a sweeping attack on immigrants, blaming them for crime, economic hardship and social dysfunction in the United States. He painted migrants from third world countries as illegal and disruptive populations and vowed to halt migration to allow the US system to fully recover.

The statement came after a deadly shooting in Washington, DC, in which a 29-year-old Afghan national who had assisted the US military in Afghanistan injured and killed National Guard personnel.

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Trumps rhetoric has heightened concerns over a potential escalation in US immigration crackdowns, with his administration hinting at reviews of asylum claims and green cards for select nationalities, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers.

Crime and immigration data dispute Trumps claims

Despite Trumps assertions, extensive research shows that immigrants commit far fewer crimes than native-born Americans. Economists have found that immigrants are about 60% less likely to be incarcerated, a trend consistent over the past 150 years. From 1980 to 2022, the immigrant share of the US population more than doubled from 6.2% to 13.9%, while overall crime fell 60.4%, including a 34.5% decrease in violent crime and a 63.3% drop in property crime, according to the American Immigration Council (AIC).

This evidence directly contradicts Trumps assertion that immigrants are a primary driver of crime in the US. The data clearly show that rising immigration has coincided with falling crime rates, demonstrating the positive social impact of migrants, an AIC analyst told The Guardian. Despite this, Trump continues to single out minority and refugee communities, often using selective anecdotes to generalise criminality across entire populations.

Immigrants economic contribution

Trump claimed migrants are a drain on US taxpayers, asserting a family earning $30,000 would receive $50,000 in government benefits. In reality, immigrants contribute significantly to the economy. In 2023, undocumented immigrant households paid $89.8 billion in federal, state and local taxes and held $299 billion in spending power, according to reports.

Most immigrant families are not reliant on state support for housing; they contributed over $167 billion in rent and held more than $6.6 trillion in housing wealth.



Economists argue that immigrant labour supports essential industries, fills labour shortages, and helps drive innovation. A report by the Center for American Progress highlights that restrictive immigration policies could slow GDP growth, reduce entrepreneurship, and undermine Americas global competitiveness. These economic contributions challenge Trumps narrative of immigrants as a fiscal burden, showing instead that they play a critical role in sustaining the American economy.

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Targeting specific communities fuels racialised fear

Trumps post singled out Somali refugees in Minnesota, claiming they were taking over the once-great state and describing roving gangs seeking prey. He also made offensive remarks about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Minnesota hosts the largest Somali refugee community in the US, largely resettled from famine and civil war. Such rhetoric coincides with the Justice Department labelling Minnesota a sanctuary jurisdiction.

Such statements not only misrepresent crime rates but also stoke racialised fear and social division. Research from the Cato Institute shows that 73% of people detained by ICE have no convictions, nearly half have no pending charges, and only 5% have a violent criminal record. These facts highlight that immigration enforcement often targets non-criminal populations, contradicting Trumps narrative of migrants as inherently dangerous.

Immigrations positive societal impact

Beyond crime and economics, immigrants bring cultural diversity, skills, and resilience to American society. Studies indicate that children of immigrants achieve higher educational outcomes and contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship. Trumps sweeping claims of social dysfunction fail to account for the positive societal effects of migration, mischaracterizing communities that have long contributed to American development.

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Even in the wake of security incidents, Trumps statements lack factual support and may influence public opinion and policymaking, intensifying the focus on immigration while ignoring data demonstrating migrants positive role in public safety and economic growth. Experts warn that policies based on fear and misinformation risk undermining public trust, economic growth, and international credibility, highlighting the need for evidence-based immigration discourse.
At least 20 people have died and several remain missing after a boat capsized on Lake Mai-Ndombe in Congo.

At least 20 people have lost their lives and several more remain unaccounted for after a boat overturned on Lake Mai-Ndombe in north-western Congo, according to local residents.

The vessel, which was carrying passengers to the capital city, Kinshasa, included a newly ordained Catholic deacon, the regional Diocese said in a statement on Friday.

Emmanuel Bola, a resident of Inongo town near the lake, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the boat had departed from Kiri and capsized between Bobeni and Lobeke villages around 8 p.m. on Thursday.

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The Congolese government has yet to issue an official death toll. Kevani Nkoso, governor of Mai-Ndombe province, told national television that authorities are awaiting reports from field teams to confirm the number of fatalities and survivors.

Such accidents are becoming more frequent in the region, as many people choose to travel on inexpensive wooden boats instead of the limited road network. These vessels are often overcrowded, rarely carry life jackets, and many operate at night, complicating rescue efforts and leaving some victims missing.

Earlier this month, another boat sinking resulted in 64 people being reported missing. In September, two separate boating incidents in north-western Congo claimed at least 193 lives, which state media attributed to overloading and night-time navigation.

With inputs from agencies
Flights to Philadelphia International Airport were briefly halted on Friday after a bomb threat triggered an FAA ground stop, which was lifted about 30 minutes later once authorities confirmed there was no danger

A brief security alert prompted the FAA to issue a ground stop, but operations resumed about 30 minutes later once the issue was cleared.

Flights to Philadelphia International Airport were temporarily grounded on Friday after a bomb threat that officials said was swiftly resolved without incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop advisory shortly after 7 p.m. local time (0000 GMT), lifting it roughly 30 minutes later once the security concern had been cleared and normal operations could resume.

A police spokesperson noted that the interruption stemmed from a situation requiring assistance from the Philadelphia Police aboard a plane. The aircraft was later cleared for takeoff, enabling the ground stop to be lifted.

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Similar alerts at other US airports this month

Earlier this month, several US airports faced comparable bomb threat alerts that were also resolved without incident. Operations at Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly halted in early November following a threat against a United Airlines plane, with the FBI confirming no danger. On the same day, a Delta flight at LaGuardia International Airport was evacuated before takeoff after a reported bomb threat.
Cyclone Ditwah has left 123 people dead and 130 missing in Sri Lanka, where torrential rains and severe flooding have forced tens of thousands into shelters as rescue teams work to reach stranded communities

Torrential rains and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah have killed 123 people across Sri Lanka, with another 130 still missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre on Saturday. Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief efforts were ongoing, with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed by a week of heavy rain.

The weather system was moving away from the island towards India but had already caused extensive destruction. Relief operations supported by the armed forces were underway, Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo. The effects of the weather system had been felt since Monday, although the cyclone made landfall on Wednesday, triggering record rainfall across the island.

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Flooding in low-lying areas worsened on Saturday, prompting evacuation orders for residents living along the Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean from Colombo. The river burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds into temporary shelters. While rain had eased in much of the country, including the capital, parts of the north continued to experience showers due to the cyclones residual effects.

India sends aid as authorities warn of worsening flood levels

Officials said India had sent a planeload of supplies early on Saturday for those affected. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of life and said New Delhi was prepared to provide further assistance as needed.

The Sri Lankan government has deployed the armed forces to support rescue and relief efforts nationwide, using military helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents. DMC officials warned that flood levels may surpass those recorded in 2016, when 71 people died across the country.

This weeks weather-related toll is the highest since June last year, when 26 people were killed following heavy rains. In December, 17 people died in flooding and landslides. Sri Lankas worst flooding since the start of the century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people were killed.
A drone strike on a Tajik gold mine has triggered regional tension, with Tajikistan hinting at cross-border involvement and Afghanistan denying responsibility while Pakistan seizes on the incident for political leverage.

Pakistan condemned the killing of three Chinese workers in Tajikistan, expressing solidarity with Beijing and Dushanbe and warning of rising militant threats from Afghanistan. (Reuters)

A drone armed with grenades and firearms struck a gold mine in Tajikistans remote Khatlon province on Wednesday, November 26, killing three Chinese nationals and injuring one. The site has links to China. Tajik authorities said the attackers were criminal groups located in the neighbouring country and accused them of continuing to commit acts aimed at destabilising the situation.

While Kabul and Dushanbe avoided blaming each other directly, Pakistan immediately reacted to the incident, using it to criticise the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.

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Pakistan unequivocally condemns this cowardly attack on Chinese nationals, the foreign office said in a statement. The use of armed drones in the incident underlines the gravity of threat emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those behind it," it added.

Kabul rejects involvement and offers cooperation

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan sought to distance itself from the strike, saying it was carried out by a circle aiming to create chaos, instability, and distrust between countries in the region. Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued condolences to China and Tajikistan, strongly condemning the killings.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad, Director of Public Communication for the Taliban Foreign Ministry, said Kabul had assured Dushanbe of information sharing, technical assistance, and joint assessments to help determine who was responsible.

Although Tajikistan did not explicitly blame Afghanistan, its remarks made clear where suspicion lay.

The Taliban regime remains in conflict with Pakistans military and political leadership over the issue of US drone strikes and the alleged sheltering of Islamic State of Khorasan Province terrorists on Pakistani territory. Afghan military analysts have long claimed that Pakistan has permitted ISKP training camps to operate within its borders.

Dushanbe reiterated that cross-border attacks continue to pose a serious threat to regional stability.
A child leans over on a chair at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025.(Str/Xinhua)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

KHIRBET AL-JOZ, Syria, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- In the wind-swept camps scattered across the hills of Khirbet al-Joz near the Turkish border, thousands of Syrians who fled their homes during the war continue to live in tents years after the fighting subsided, unable to return to the homes they left behind.

"My home in al-Shughur is destroyed, there is no roof, only the walls. Inside, everything is ruined. I cannot stay there. So here we are, all this time, sitting on a floor of dirt in a tent," said Nadia Kurdi, a woman in her seventies from the town of al-Shughur in the Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria, who has lived in the camp for five years.

The dilemma is shared by many displaced Syrians, who found that the end of hostilities does not mark the beginning of recovery. Instead, it has ushered in a new kind of stagnation, one defined by destroyed homes, dwindling aid, and an uncertain future.

Inside her thin, weathered tent in Ataa al-Khair, one of 80 camps around Khirbet al-Joz in northwestern Idlib province, her husband, Hassan Qurais, recalled how the flow of humanitarian assistance that once helped sustain the family has sharply diminished since major aid organizations shifted priorities.

"After the war ended, they completely forgot us. We used to receive bread and food baskets, but after the war, they shifted their focus toward the communities where people are beginning to return, rather than the camps," he told Xinhua.

The camps in northwestern Idlib stretch across a rugged hillside overlooking the Turkish border, where clusters of makeshift tents cling to uneven terrain. Many families live in shelters pieced together from worn tarpaulin, plastic sheeting and scraps of timber, offering little protection from the winter winds.

Nearby, the ruins of partially collapsed stone houses serve as stark reminders of homes reduced to hollow shells. Narrow dirt paths weave between the tents, cutting through scattered debris and broken cinderblocks as residents navigate daily life with almost no services or reliable infrastructure.

Inside the tents, conditions are equally dire. One shelter, reinforced with metallic insulation and patched with blankets, serves simultaneously as a living room, kitchen, and storage area. Mattresses lean against the walls, and an old refrigerator tilts in a corner. Outside, residents gather near small fires or salvage materials from the rubble, while children play in dusty alleyways lined with twisted metal, torn fabric and piles of discarded items.

Across the camp, 33-year-old Fadi Mohammed Sbeqji, from Jabal al-Akrad in Latakia province, packed his belongings into a borrowed vehicle as he prepared to leave the settlement where his family had lived for years. He was moving to a small house someone allowed him to use.

"I have been displaced from Latakia for 12 years and I don't own a house. We begged people to lend us a room so we could leave this place. Here, there is no water, no services, nothing at all. The fighting ended, but we haven't felt any difference. The poverty is the same. No work, nothing at all," he said.

Ilham Jilaq, 63, said she had endured winter after winter with almost no support to keep warm or buy essentials.

"We fled because of the war and came here. We want to return to our homes, but all our houses are destroyed. My brothers and I are all old now, and we have no income to live on. Today I had to borrow 20 Turkish liras (47 U.S. cents) just to buy bread and have something to eat," she told Xinhua.

Wiping her tears, she voiced the longing shared by most families here.

"I hope they repair my home so I can return and live as I did before the war. That's the only thing I wish for, and I wish it for everyone like me."

According to Mamdouh al-Hardan, head of the Social Affairs and Labor Office in rural Idlib, around 6,000 families live in 80 camps stretching from Darkoush to Khirbet al-Joz.

"These families lack the most basic necessities," he told Xinhua. "They cannot return to their villages because the infrastructure is destroyed either partially or completely." He acknowledged that his office has no resources to assist them, whether with food or winter support.

The UN refugee agency reports that more than 2.3 million Syrians have returned home since late 2024, but many have found it impossible to resettle due to the destruction. Humanitarian officials say reconstruction -- particularly of housing, schools, and livelihoods -- remains urgent for both returnees and those still displaced.

As another winter arrives, residents of Khirbet al-Joz brace for cold nights in tents that leak during rain and offer little insulation. Caught between the ruins of homes they cannot rebuild and camps they can no longer endure, they wait for a future that remains just out of reach. 

A child holds a doll outside a makeshift tent at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Girls walk up a hillside path overlooking the makeshift displacement camps in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Nadia Kurdi and her husband Hassan Qurais, sit inside their tent at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Fadi Mohammed Sbeqji packs his belongings while dismantling his tent at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

A child sits at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

People sort through belongings outside their tents at a camp in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria, Nov. 20, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 20, 2025 shows a view of camps in Khirbet al-Joz of northwestern Idlib province, Syria.(Str/Xinhua)
A leading fire safety expert has warned that silent fire alarms at Wang Fuk Court may have critically delayed residents escape during the deadly Tai Po blaze, with officials confirming all eight blocks failed previous alarm tests as intense flames prevented firefighters from entering the buildings

Hong Kongs anti-corruption watchdog detained eight people tied to renovation work at the high-rise where the deadly fire killed 128 people. (Reuters)

A leading Hong Kong fire safety specialist has warned that inactive fire alarms at Wang Fuk Court may have significantly slowed the evacuation of residents during the fatal Tai Po blaze. Anthony Lam Chun-man, a former director of the Fire Services Department, said the extreme heat and intense flames both inside and outside the estate made it nearly impossible for firefighters to enter the buildings to fight the blaze and rescue occupants, reported the South China Morning Post.

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Officials confirmed on Friday that alarms in all eight blocks of the estate had not sounded during previous departmental tests. Lam said this lapse could be fatal, as residents at home would have had no warning. He stressed that even a one-minute delay in responding could increase fire damage and determine survival.

The confirmation aligns with accounts from survivors who reported hearing no alarms when the fire broke out on Wednesday. A resident surnamed Lee said he learnt of the incident only when his wife phoned him. He initially believed the situation was safe, having seen no smoke or heard any alarms, but on opening the door and encountering smoke, he escaped immediately.

A social media post described how a member of the management team had knocked on doors to alert residents. The post thanked the caretaker of Wang Chi House for warning occupants to flee, noting that many had kept their windows closed for six months due to maintenance work and were unaware of the danger, reported the outlet.

The Fire Services Department said it would pursue legal action against the contractor responsible for the faulty equipment at the estate, which is undergoing large-scale renovation and maintenance.

Firefighters faced severe heat and rapid spread

Lam urged property managers to train residents in the use of fire alarm systems. The exact model installed at Wang Fuk Court is not yet known, though many older residential buildings in the city use manual call points requiring the user to break a glass cover to trigger the alarm. He recommended that management companies work with the fire service to ensure residents and staff understand alarm systems and know the buildings escape routes.

He said firefighters should not be blamed for not entering the buildings sooner, explaining that intense heat and smoke likely prevented access. He noted that a breathing apparatus cylinder provides about 30 minutes of air, though actual usable time is often shorter and varies with conditions. In extreme situations, a firefighter may only advance around one metre in a minute while carrying heavy equipment and climbing to higher floors.

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On Friday, Fire Services Director Andy Yeung Yan kin said highly flammable styrofoam attached to windows and corridors had fuelled rapid spread. Once ignited, the material caused flames to enter several flats almost simultaneously, forcing crews to extinguish certain areas before responding to calls for help. Yeung also defended the decision not to deploy helicopters for water drops, explaining that the water would have fallen onto the buildings rather than into the flats and that downdrafts could have intensified the flames.
Emmanuel Macron will meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris to discuss the conditions for a just and lasting peace as US President Donald Trump advances a Russia-leaning peace plan.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he arrives for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 17, 2025. File Image/Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday for discussions, a French presidential official said, as the United States advances a proposal aimed at resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

According to the official, the talks will focus on the conditions for a just and lasting peace. The announcement came as a high-level Ukrainian delegation travelled to Washington and Zelensky faced fresh political strain at home following his dismissal of his chief aide.

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US President Donald Trump last week released a plan for ending the nearly four-year war. The 28-point proposal heavily favoured Russia, prompting Zelenskyy to quickly engage with American negotiators. European leaders, fearing for their own future in the face of Russian aggression, scrambled to steer the negotiations toward accommodating their concerns.

Trump said Tuesday that his plan to end the war had been fine-tuned and that hes sending envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to meet with Putin and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials. He suggested he could eventually meet with Putin and Zelenskyy, but not until further progress has been made in negotiations.

European leaders have long accused Russia of stalling diplomatic efforts in the hope of overwhelming Ukraines much smaller forces on the battlefield. Kyiv has repeatedly accepted U.S. ceasefire proposals this year, while Moscow has held out for more favourable terms.

Meanwhile, European leaders have long accused Russia of stalling diplomatic efforts in the hope of overwhelming Ukraines much smaller forces on the battlefield. Kyiv has repeatedly accepted US ceasefire proposals this year, while Moscow has held out for more favourable terms.

Ukraine used domestically produced Sea Baby naval drones to strike two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, an official from Ukraines security services told The Associated Press on Saturday.

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The two oil tankers, Kairos and Virat  said to be part of Russias shadow fleet that evade sanctions  were struck in quick succession off Turkeys Black Sea coast late Friday afternoon.

The official said the two tankers were vessels that were sanctioned by the West, adding that Ukrainian intelligence continued to take active steps to curtails Russias financial capabilities to wage war against Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies
Thousands of demonstrators blocked access to the AfDs youth wing launch event in Giessen, delaying the meeting as police struggled to clear routes to the venue.

Leftist demonstrators lit flares and carried a The future is antifascist banner during an early-morning protest against the AfDs youth-wing convention in Giessen on November 29, 2025. (AFP)

A meeting set to launch the new youth wing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was delayed Saturday as thousands of protestors blocked access to the event venue.

Thousands of anti-AfD protestors began descending on the town of Giessen from early morning, with police also out in force.

One of the protest organisations, Resist, said that it blocked several routes towards the AfD meeting and had gathered 15,000 people.

The AfDs meeting was expected to start at 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT) but had not started as of 11:30. Proceedings had not yet started due to the protests, party spokesman Michael Pfalzgraf told AFP.

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When the meeting does start, attendees are expected to choose the new youth wings leaders, statutes, name and logo.

The anti-immigration AfD became Germanys main opposition at Februarys general election in which it won a record score of over 20 percent and hopes to make further gains at state elections next year in its eastern heartlands.

The new youth organisation will replace the Junge Alternative (JA), which was classified as an extremist group by intelligence services and then disbanded by the AfD earlier this year, pre-empting a possible ban.

The JA had frequently been involved in controversies, including its members using racist chants and holding meetings with neo-Nazis.

Something has to change

The new AfD youth wing is expected to be called Generation Deutschland or Youth Germania and members will decide whether to adopt a suggested logo bearing an eagle, a cross and Germanys national colours black, red and gold.

Its likely first leader will be Jean-Pascal Hohm, 28, an AfD state lawmaker from eastern Germany with long-standing ties to various far-right and ethno-nationalist groups.

Inside the hall stalls were set up offering the delegates  overwhelmingly men  merchandise including protein powder and mugs and T-shirts bearing images of AfD leaders.

Kevin Potthast, a 34-year-old electrician active in local AfD politics, said he came to the meeting because the country is in a bad way and something has to change.

Its important to get young people involved, as they are the future, he said.

One of the counter-protestors in the streets outside, 28-year-old Irina Gildt, told AFP that she felt it was important to demonstrate in favour of diversity and not to be intimidated by fear or by hatred.

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Thats worth getting up early for, she said.

Far-right milieu

In May, Germanys domestic security service declared the AfD as a whole a right-wing extremist organisation, fuelling calls to ban it.

The party has challenged the designation in the courts.

Political observers expect the new youth wing to be at least as radical as the JA.

Fabian Virchow, of the University of Duesseldorf, said that the leading figures come from a far-right milieu, in which former activists from the Identitarian Movement, fraternities, neo-Nazism and ethno-nationalist groups come together.

While the JA operated as a registered association relatively free of the parent party, its successor is set to be more closely integrated into the AfD and subject to its disciplinary structures.

Stefan Marschall, of Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf, said the new set-up gives the party leadership control over this branch of the organisation and thus helps it to present a more unified front.

However, this comes at the cost of the party no longer being able to completely credibly distance itself from the youth organisation should it adopt problematic positions.

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The youth wing is expected to assert its independence from day one.

One motion to be voted on says the new youth organisation should neither blindly follow the parent party nor serve as a lapdog for the federal or state executive committees of the parent party.

(Except the headline, this story hs not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Thousands of protestors blocked a meeting in Giessen on Saturday, delaying the launch of the new youth wing of Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The demonstration forced the party to postpone proceedings, which were initially scheduled to begin at 10 am.

FILE PHOTO: A logo of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is illuminated at AfD headquarters during the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2025. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben/File Photo

A meeting intended to launch the new youth wing of Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was delayed on Saturday after thousands of protestors blocked access to the venue.

From early morning, anti-AfD demonstrators descended on the town of Giessen, with police also deployed in large numbers. One of the protest groups, Resist, said it had blocked multiple routes leading to the meeting and had gathered some 15,000 participants.

The AfD meeting, initially scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), had not started as of 11:30 a.m. Proceedings have not yet started due to the protests, party spokesman Michael Pfalzgraf told AFP.

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When it does take place, attendees are expected to vote on the new youth wings leadership, statutes, name, and logo.

AfD and its far-right youth movement

The anti-immigration AfD became Germanys main opposition party in Februarys general election, securing a record 20 percent of the vote. The party hopes to strengthen its foothold in state elections next year, particularly in its eastern strongholds.

The new youth organisation will replace the Junge Alternative (JA), which was disbanded by the AfD earlier this year after being classified as an extremist group by intelligence services. The JA had repeatedly been embroiled in controversy, including racist chants and meetings with neo-Nazi groups.

Generation Deutschland set to lead

The new youth wing is expected to be called Generation Deutschland or Youth Germania, with members deciding whether to adopt a proposed logo featuring an eagle, a cross, and Germanys national colours of black, red, and gold.

Jean-Pascal Hohm, a 28-year-old AfD state lawmaker from eastern Germany with longstanding links to far-right and ethno-nationalist groups, is likely to become its first leader.

Inside the hall, stalls offered delegates  overwhelmingly men  merchandise including protein powder, mugs, and T-shirts featuring images of AfD leaders.

Kevin Potthast, a 34-year-old electrician active in local AfD politics, said he attended the meeting because the country is in a bad way and something has to change. Its important to get young people involved, as they are the future.

Counter-protestor Irina Gildt, 28, told AFP that she joined the demonstration to promote diversity and resist intimidation. Thats worth getting up early for, she said.

Far-right scrutiny

In May, Germanys domestic security service classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist organisation, prompting calls for a ban. The party has challenged the designation in court.

Observers expect the new youth wing to be at least as radical as the JA. Fabian Virchow of the University of Dusseldorf said: The leading figures come from a far-right milieu, in which former activists from the Identitarian Movement, fraternities, neo-Nazism and ethno-nationalist groups come together.

Unlike the JA, which operated relatively independently, its successor will be more closely integrated into the AfD and subject to party disciplinary structures. Stefan Marschall of Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf noted: This gives the party leadership control over this branch of the organisation and helps it present a more unified front. However, this comes at the cost of the party no longer being able to completely credibly distance itself from the youth organisation should it adopt problematic positions.

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The youth wing is expected to assert its independence from day one. One motion up for vote states: The new youth organisation should neither blindly follow the parent party nor serve as a lapdog for the federal or state executive committees of the parent party.
A report by MS Now said that Trump and his top aides discussed replacing Patel with Andrew Bailey, a senior FBI official

FBI Chief Kash Patel dismissed reports of US President Donald Trump planning to fire him, saying that the president laughed it off.

Trump laughed, and he said: What are they talking about? Kash is doing a great job. Kash, you want to take a photo in front of the Declaration of Independence and tell them how good of a job youre doing?" Patel said as he recalled his private conversation with Trump.

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 FBI DIRECTOR PATEL: TRUMP LAUGHED WHEN HE HEARD I WAS BEING FIRED



When reports claimed FBI Director Kash Patel was being fired, he says Trump laughed it off, and offered a photo op in front of the Declaration of Independence.



Heres what really happened behind closed doors, pic.twitter.com/BqxKh90HZs  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 29, 2025

A report by MS Now said that Trump and his top aides discussed replacing Patel with Andrew Bailey, a senior FBI official. While Patels position appears increasingly precarious, the final decision could still change in the coming weeks, depending on Trumps evaluation of the situation, the report claimed earlier this week.

In general, Patel has come under fire for his handling of bureau resources, including the use of a government jet and a security detail for his girlfriend. Additionally, his ongoing tensions with other Trump loyalists have reportedly raised concerns within the administration.

The White House had already pushed back against the reporting, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson calling it completely made up. Jackson emphasised Patels importance to the administration, stating, FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the Presidents team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.

Patel is reportedly facing growing internal friction within the administration. US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have expressed frustration over Patels premature social media posts, which sometimes jeopardised investigations, the report further said.

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has defended US strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean after reports claimed American troops killed survivors of one attack, sparking fresh concerns about Washingtons expanding operations and the prospect of a land push into Venezuela.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseths office announced on Tuesday that he will meet with Dominican President Luis Abinader. (File/Reuters)

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday (28 November 2025) defended recent US military operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, after media reports claimed American troops had killed survivors of one such missile strike. The reports have fuelled growing concerns over US actions in the region and the possibility of a land campaign in Venezuela to counter drug cartels.

A day earlier, US President Donald Trump said the US would very soon intensify efforts to curb Venezuelan drug trafficking by land.

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Reports allege order to kill all on board

According to The Washington Post and CNN, US troops were given a directive from Hegseth to kill everyone on board suspected narco-vessels. The Post reported that on 2 September, the US military carried out a follow-up strike after spotting two survivors from an initial attack, adding that protocols were later amended to ensure survivors would be rescued. CNN reported that it was unclear whether Hegseth knew survivors were present before the second strike.

Hegseth dismisses allegations as fake news

Hegseth rejected the reporting as fake news, insisting the strikes were designed to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats and kill the narco terrorists who are poisoning the American people.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he said. As weve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be lethal, kinetic strikes. The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.

Operations are lawful under US and international law

Hegseth stressed that US operations in the Caribbean comply with both domestic and international legal frameworks.

Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflictand approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command, he said. Our warriors in SOUTHCOM put their lives on the line every day to protect the Homeland from narco-terrorists  and I will ALWAYS have their back.

Hegseth accuses Biden of coddling terrorists

Hegseth also targeted former president Joe Biden, accusing his administration of enabling dangerous groups to enter the United States.

The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people  including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans  to flood our communities with drugs and violence. The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them, Hegseth said.
Ukraine reported three deaths and nearly 30 injuries after a massive overnight Russian drone and missile barrage, which also knocked out power to more than 600,000 homes in the Kyiv region.

Ukrainian firefighters extinguish a fire at the site of a Russian drone strike in the city of Chuguiv, Kharkiv region, early on November 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by SERGEY BOBOK / AFP)

Ukraine said three people were killed and nearly 30 injured in a massive overnight Russian drone and missile assault that also triggered large-scale power outages across the country. More than 600,000 households in the Kyiv region, including over 500,000 in the capital, were left without electricity after strikes hit key energy facilities, according to the energy ministry.

Officials reported that Russia launched around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones in the attack, which targeted energy infrastructure and several residential buildings. Loud explosions shook Kyiv early Saturday, with emergency crews later seen responding to burning apartment blocks. Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said a 13-year-old child was among 29 people injured in the city.

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Ukraines Air Force said it intercepted 558 drones and 19 missiles.

Moscows defence ministry described the assault as a massive strike against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and the energy facilities that support their operation. The strikes come as Russia ramps up attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure heading into winter, despite US-led diplomatic efforts.

Temperatures in Kyiv are expected to drop to 2C on Sunday, with sub-zero weather typical for December.

Ukraine has also stepped up long-range strikes on Russian refineries and depots, saying the goal is to cut off revenue fuelling Moscows war effort.

The latest barrage coincides with preparations for Ukrainian talks with US officials this weekend. US President Donald Trump is pushing a draft peace plan, initially seen as favouring Russia but later revised after consultations with Kyiv and European allies in Geneva. President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed diplomacy but insists Ukraine must retain its sovereignty and ability to deter future attacks.

On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin repeated that Russia would halt its offensive only if Ukrainian troops withdrew from territories claimed by Moscow. Russian forces currently hold most of the eastern Donbas and parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, while the US and European partners have discussed freezing the conflict along current frontlines.

Putin also confirmed that a US delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, will visit Moscow in the first half of next week to discuss the draft peace proposal.
Moldovan authorities said on Saturday that Russian drones had entered the countrys airspace, posing a threat to aviation, in the third such incident in nine days.

Moldovan officials said on Saturday that Russian drones had crossed into the countrys airspace, creating a risk for civilian aircraft, the third such breach reported in just over a week.

President Maia Sandu, who aims to secure Moldovas entry into the European Union by 2030, has repeatedly condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to undermine stability in the small former Soviet republic, which borders Ukraine and EU member Romania.

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According to the interior ministry, two drones were confirmed to be Russian and were detected flying over Moldovan airspace, leading authorities to temporarily shut down the skies. The ministry said the drones later continued into Ukrainian territory.

Moldova, which complained of a similar intrusion on November 20 and again earlier this week, described the latest incident as intimidation in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and denounced illegal and dangerous actions posing a threat to civil flights and peoples lives.

Russias Ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, has been repeatedly summoned to its foreign ministry over the incidents.

Ozerov cast doubt this week on whether one of the drones, put on display outside the ministry, were involved in any intrusion and suggested the incidents were aimed at worsening already poor relations between Moscow and Chisinau.

Since Sandu was first elected in 2020, Moldovas ties with Russia have come under increasing strain, with Moscow accusing it of being behind unfriendly actions and whipping up anti-Russian sentiment.

Moldovas parliament this week ordered the closure of a Russian cultural centre in Chisinau, saying it could serve to promote narratives posing a threat to national security.

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With inputs from agencies
A high-profile Oxford Union debate on Indias policy towards Pakistan collapsed on Thursday night after the Pakistan delegation failed to show up on time, triggering confusion and forcing a last-minute cancellation. The no-show has now fuelled allegations that Pakistan deliberately sabotaged the event to manufacture a false narrative of Indian withdrawal.

A high-profile Oxford Union debate on Indias policy towards Pakistan collapsed on Thursday night after the Pakistan delegation failed to show up on time, triggering a stand-off and forcing the events cancellation minutes before it was scheduled to begin, according to a report from The Times of India.

Debate in disarray as Pakistan team stays missing

The debate  on the motion This House believes that Indias policy towards Pakistan is a populist strategy sold as security policy  had been organised by Oxford Union president Moosa Harraj, a British-Pakistani and the son of Pakistans federal defence production minister Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj. The Union did not publicly announce the list of speakers.

Senior advocate J Sai Deepak arrived in London after flying in from Delhi, conducting his court hearings remotely just to attend the event. He was joined last minute by UK-based J&K activist Manu Khajuria and dharmic scholar Pt Satish K Sharma. Former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane and Dr Subramanian Swamy had withdrawn earlier. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and marketing consultant Suhel Seth were approached too late. Chaturvedi said the Union had contacted her briefly in July and again on November 25.

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Oxford Union admits Pakistan speakers werent arriving

Sai said that as the Indian side prepared to leave on November 27, he received a call from the Oxford Union at 3.13 pm local time informing him that the Pakistan delegation had not landed in London. At 4.55 pm, Harraj admitted he had known since 10 am that Pakistans speakers  former joint chiefs of staff committee chairman Zubair Mahmood Hayat and former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar  would not be attending.

Pakistans conflicting story raises suspicion

On Friday, however, Sai said he learned that the Pakistan delegation had in fact arrived in Oxford  raising suspicion that the confusion was engineered to let Pakistan spin a narrative of Indian withdrawal. He called the event shambolic and accused the Oxford Union of acting as a mouthpiece for the Pakistan High Commission.

Operation Manhoos ki phati hui Baniyan: Sai

Sai Deepak dubbed the episode Operation Manhoos ki phati hui Baniyan, saying, Instead of conducting a civil debate, the Oxford Union has allowed Pakistan to claim a false victory. Had we known their team was in Oxford, we would have debated them. If they are still there, they should find the courage to face us  instead of doing an Operation Manhoos ki phati hui Baniyan, where Pakistans defence minister couldnt even produce evidence of their so-called success.

Pakistan High Commission pushes misleading narrative

At 2.44 pm on Thursday, the Pakistan High Commission in London posted a misleading tweet claiming the Indian delegation had withdrawn. It accused India of lacking the confidence to defend its Pakistan policy in a rules-based forum and alleged that Indian speakers preferred partisan media platforms over a neutral debate.

The controversy was triggered entirely by this claim, with the High Commission asserting that its speakers  Hina Rabbani Khar, former army general Zubair Mahmood Hayat, and Pakistans envoy to the UK Mohammad Faisal  were already in London and ready to travel to Oxford. This narrative now appears increasingly doubtful given the Unions own communication and the contradictory sequence of events highlighted by the Indian speakers.
After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has shifted over 70 terror launchpads deeper into its territory. BSF says ready to inflict heavy losses on the enemy if the government decides to resume the cross-border operation.

Pakistan has moved more than 70 terror launchpads away from the border and deeper into its territory following Operation Sindoor, senior BSF officials said on Saturday.

Pakistan has shifted more than 70 terror launchpads away from the border and deeper into its territory following Operation Sindoor, senior BSF officials said on Saturday, adding that the force is ready to inflict heavy losses on the enemy if the government decides to resume the cross-border operation.

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For now, the BSF is adhering to the pause in military action that has been in place since the four days of clashes between May 7 and 10, they added.

After the BSF destroyed many terror launchpads along the border during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan government shifted all such facilities to the depth areas About 12 launchpads are working from the depth areas of Sialkot and Zaffarwal, which are not exactly on the border.

Similarly, 60 launchpads are working in the other depth areas away from the border, BSF DIG Vikram Kunwar told reporters here. Kunwar, along with BSF IG, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, and DIG Kulwant Rai Sharma addressed a joint press conference to highlight the achievements of the force in 2025, including its role in Operation Sindoor, Indias military response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre with cross-border links that claimed 26 lives.

The officer said the figures of these launchpads, as well as the terrorists present in them, keep changing.They do not sit there permanently. These launchpads are generally active when terrorists have to be pushed (into India) They are not kept in more than two or three groups, DIG Kunwar said while informing that there are no training camps in the areas close to the International Border presently.

The reports generally say that there is deployment in the launchpads, indicating training before terrorists are moved to other areas.Earlier, they used to have areas marked, where those belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad would be active on the down side, and those from Lashkar-e-Taiba will be active on the upper side. After Operation Sindoor, they have formed a mixed group. Those who want can get training in a mixed group, DIG Kunwar said.

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IG Anand said the BSF is ready to follow the orders of the government if it decides to resume Operation Sindoor.If we talk about 1965, 1971, the 1999 Kargil War, or Operation Sindoor, the BSF has a good experience of all kinds of wars, be it conventional or hybrid warfare. We are ready.

If we get a chance, we are capable of causing more damage than what we did in May. Whatever policy the government decides, the BSF will play its role in it, he said. Asked about Pakistani Rangers running away from their posts during Operation Sindoor, the IG said once the situation becomes normal, it is necessary that everyone returns to their respective positions.

It took them a lot of time to recover from the damages inflicted by the BSF. In some locations, they have tried to strengthen their defence. But all of their activities are under our surveillance, the IG said.

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The BSF is making its plans according to the changing circumstances, he said, and when we get a chance, we will take proper action.At the moment, there is no movement (of terrorists on the border) to raise an alarm, the officer said.

With inputs from PTI
KIGALI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's Cabinet has approved a broad package of reforms spanning public transport, monetary policy, and climate action, according to a communique issued Friday by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Infrastructure will roll out a modernized public transport model in the capital, Kigali, this December to improve reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, with the potential for expansion to other urban centers, according to the communique.

The model will enforce scheduled bus operations, introduce real-time tracking to ensure fair route coverage, and advance Rwanda's broader green and smart-city ambitions under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.

In a separate decision, the National Bank of Rwanda will withdraw several old banknote series that have circulated for more than a decade and are increasingly vulnerable to counterfeiting. The demonetization, intended to safeguard the national currency's security and integrity, will include a 12-month transition period before the notes cease to be legal tender.

The cabinet also endorsed the Ministry of Environment's release of Rwanda's Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, an updated Climate Action Plan outlining strategies to build resilience, cut emissions, and manage climate risks through 2035.

The plan targets stronger safeguards for communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems against floods, droughts, and landslides, and a 53 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through interventions across the energy, transport, agriculture, industry, and waste sectors.

To support implementation, a new Rwanda Country Platform for Climate and Development will coordinate national initiatives, investments, and international partnerships.

Additionally, the cabinet approved a draft law ratifying a loan agreement between the Rwandan government and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Giseke Irrigation Project. The two countries signed the 47-million-U.S.-dollar concessional financing agreement in January for the construction of the Giseke Dam and related irrigation infrastructure in Gisagara district in the Southern Province.

The project is expected to bolster agricultural resilience to climate change by irrigating 2,640 hectares of land, in line with NST2 priorities on water-saving technologies and improved irrigation productivity. 
Perus President Jose Jeri said his government will declare a state of emergency along the southern border and deploy more troops as growing numbers of Venezuelan migrants head north from Chile amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment

Many people without legal status in Chile, mostly Venezuelans, are now heading north as the country prepares to tighten its immigration policies. (AP)

President Jose Jeri of Peru said his government on Friday would declare a state of emergency along the countrys southern border and deploy more armed forces to the area as a large number of Venezuelan migrants venture north from Chile, where anti-immigrant sentiment has surged during a fraught presidential campaign.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing crises in their home countries or seeking better opportunities abroad long have traversed the continent and the Peruvian border to build new lives in Chile, one of Latin Americas most stable and prosperous nations.

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But scores of people without legal status in Chile  mostly Venezuelans who abandoned their countrys economic ruin and authoritarian rule in recent years  are now also headed in the other direction as Chile prepares to harden its stance against immigration.

The favorite to win Chiles presidential runoff on Dec. 14, ultraconservative lawyer Jose Antonio Kast, has built his campaign around popular fears over immigration from Venezuela and a rise in organized crime. He filmed a campaign video at Chiles porous desert border with Peru last week, warning immigrants without formal status to get out of the country while they still can.

You have 111 days to leave Chile voluntarily, Kast said in the ad, referring to the number of days until a new administration takes over from current left-wing President Gabriel Boric. If not, we will stop you, we will detain you, we will expel you. You will leave with only the clothes on your back.

Soon Peruvian media was awash with images of migrant families rushing north from Chile into Peru, their belongings stuffed in backpacks and garbage bags.

Within days, Jeri traveled to the same area to inspect border controls and sent armed forces to boost security operations.

Residents in Chiles northern border towns reported growing chaos as crowds of people who left Chile but lacked permission to enter Peru were stranded in limbo. On Friday, Jeri convened his Cabinet to declare a state of emergency in the region.

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There is no clear figure for how many people have decided to leave Chile against the backdrop of Kasts threats of mass deportations and what immigration lawyers describe as increased xenophobia in the South American country, home to 18.5 million people.

On Friday, Kast released a new video repeating his warning to immigrants and urging Boric to intervene. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela dismissed his comments, saying that a presidential candidate cannot speak on behalf of the Chilean government.

When asked how Kasts campaign impacted the outflow of migrants, Chilean Minister of Security Luis Cordero responded that rhetoric sometimes has consequences.

People cannot be used as a means to create controversy for the elections, he said. Our main purpose is to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner will meet Ukrainian negotiators led by Umerov in Florida to discuss Washingtons plan to end Russias war.

A local resident and firefighters look on at a fire in a damaged private house following a drone attack to Kyiv on November 29, 2025, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Image- AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida on Sunday for talks on Washingtons plan to end Russias war against its neighbour, a US official said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced earlier Saturday that a delegation was en route to the United States for this purpose. Umerov has been put in charge of the Ukrainian delegation after the previous lead negotiator, Zelenskyys powerful chief of staff Andriy Yermak, resigned on Friday, hours after anti-corruption detectives searched his apartment.

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Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner will also attend the meeting.

Zelenskyy said he expected that the results of previous meetings with the U.S. in Geneva, which took place last weekend, would now be hammered out on Sunday.

The Geneva meetings allowed Ukraine to present a counter-offer to proposals laid out by U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll to leaders in Kyiv almost two weeks ago.

"Rustem delivered a report today, and the task is clear: to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week released a plan for ending the nearly four-year war. The 28-point proposal heavily favoured Russia, prompting Zelenskyy to quickly engage with American negotiators. European leaders, fearing for their own future in the face of Russian aggression, scrambled to steer the negotiations toward accommodating their concerns.

Trump said Tuesday that his plan to end the war had been fine-tuned and that hes sending envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to meet with Putin and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials. He suggested he could eventually meet with Putin and Zelenskyy, but not until further progress has been made in negotiations.

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Ukraine is facing significant pressure from Washington to agree to the terms of a peace deal while Zelenskyy finds himself in the most difficult political and military situation since the early days of Russias invasion in 2022.

Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile attacks in and around the Ukraines capital killed at least three people early Saturday, officials said, as the countrys representatives travelled to the U.S. to work on a renewed push to end the war.

With inputs from agencies
A Russian drone attack struck Kyiv on Saturday, injuring seven people as air defences engaged multiple incoming targets and officials urged residents to stay in shelters.

Ukrainian firefighters extinguish the fire in houses following an attack in the Chernihivka village of Pokrovsk district. File photo/ AFP)

A Russian drone attack targeted Kyiv in the early hours of Saturday, injuring seven people, according to city authorities. The residents heard loud explosions around midnight as air defence units engaged incoming drones, reported AFP.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the citys military administration, said on Telegram that enemy drones were over the capital and several targets were detected on its outskirts.

Mayor Vitaly Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters during the attack. He confirmed that seven people were injured, with four taken to hospital, and earlier noted that a 13-year-old child was among those wounded. Residential buildings in several districts were damaged, along with several cars.

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Earlier this week, Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv during the night and set apartment buildings on fire. City officials said seven people were killed in those attacks.

Peace talks in focus

The latest strike comes as peace efforts continue. Ukrainian negotiators are set to travel to the United States this weekend for discussions on Washingtons proposal to end the war, a senior official told AFP. The source, who requested anonymity, said the meetings are expected at the end of the week and may take place in Florida.

The official added that Andriy Yermak, previously President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, had been due to take part before his dismissal on Friday.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, triggering Europes worst armed conflict since the Second World War. The war has killed hundreds of thousands and forced millions from their homes.
Israeli forces on Friday invaded the Beit Jinn village in southern Syria to capture two members of Jamaa Islamiya, a terrorist group based in Lebanon, saying that they were planning future attacks on Israel

Two youth inspect the site of an Israeli militray operation in the southern Syrian village of Beit Jin on November 28, 2025. AFP

An Israeli attack in Syria, killing 13 people and injuring 24 others, became the biggest assault by a foreign power on Syrian land since the end of former dictator Bashar al-Assad last year.

Israeli forces on Friday invaded the Beit Jinn village in southern Syria to capture two members of Jamaa Islamiya, a terrorist group based in Lebanon, saying that they were planning future attacks on Israel.

The situation escalated into a deadly confrontation after clashes erupted, according to an Israeli military statement. Six Israeli soldiers were wounded, three of them seriously, and the two terrorists were captured and taken back into Israel.

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What happened?

An AFP journalist saw several wounded people being taken to a hospital in Damascus, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the village.

We were asleep when we were woken up at three in the morning by gunfire, wounded resident Iyad Taher told AFP at al-Mouwassat hospital in the Syrian capital.

We went outside to see what was happening and saw the Israeli army in the village, soldiers and tanks. Then they withdrew, the air force came, and the shells started falling. I was hit by shrapnel in the neck.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released bodycam footage of the raid that showed a so-called face-to-face combat with terrorists during the encounter.

Syria has said that the attack has triggered large-scale displacement as residents started fleeing the Israeli bombardment.

Savage

Syrias Foreign Ministry has condemned the attacks, saying Israel launched a savage and deliberate bombardment, killing women and children after residents of the village tried to thwart the Israeli soldiers.

In Damascus and other major Syrian cities, demonstrators marking one year since the Islamist-led offensive that toppled Assad denounced Israels attacks.

Banners in Damascus read Beit Jin makes us proud and stop Israeli attacks.

United Nations Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi condemned Israels attack, calling it a grave and unacceptable violation of Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

With inputs from agencies
The discussion came just days before the State Departments designation of Maduro as the leader of what the administration labels a foreign terrorist organisation, the Cartel de los Soles, went into effect

Reports of imminent action have intensified as US forces build up in the Caribbean amid rapidly deteriorating relations with Venezuela. (Photo: Reuters/AFP)

US President Donald Trump spoke to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the phone last week, discussing the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders.

According to a report by the New York Times, the call, which also involved Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place late in the week. While the idea of a US-based meeting was raised, officials say there are currently no concrete plans for it.

The discussion came just days before the State Departments designation of Maduro as the leader of what the administration labels a foreign terrorist organisation, the Cartel de los Soles, went into effect.

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The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, citing efforts to deter drug smuggling, while also signalling a desire to remove Maduro from power, potentially by force.

What was discussed?

Earlier reports indicated that Maduro had offered the US stakes in Venezuelas oil fields and other opportunities for American companies in an effort to ease tensions. However, those negotiations were cut short last month after Maduro insisted on remaining in power.

It remains unclear how the phone conversation might influence the U.S. approach toward Maduro. Trump has historically pursued a dual-track strategy with adversaries, combining dialogue with threats of military action.

In Venezuela, the administration has conducted missile strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking, deployed an aircraft carrier group, sent Air Force bombers to the region, prepared covert operations, and repeatedly warned of potential force.

Trump threatens land attack

The US will very soon begin targeting suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land, Trump said on Thanksgiving Day.

You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon, Trump said during a virtual Thanksgiving call with American service members.

Addressing the troops, Trump suggested the United States is preparing additional action against alleged Venezuelan trafficking networks. In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore, he said. You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon. We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country.

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Trump has reignited speculation about a 2028 presidential bid after sharing an AI-generated image of himself labelled Trump 2028 on Truth Social. Posted on 28 November 2025, the image revived excitement among his supporters and added fresh intrigue to the next election cycle.

US President Donald Trump participates in a video call with military service members from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 27, 2025, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Image- AFP file

US President Donald Trump has once again fuelled speculation about a 2028 presidential bid after posting an AI-generated image of himself with the caption Trump 2028 on Truth Social on November 28, 2025. The post instantly revived excitement among Trumplicans! and injected fresh intrigue into the next election cycle.

It comes just days after Trump suggested he could back Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the upcoming race, even as new polling shows Donald Trump Jr. narrowing the gap with Vance.

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Trump posts an image of him holding a sign that reads, Trump 2028, yes! pic.twitter.com/1AtHOzA6IF  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 28, 2025

According to The Independent, Trump Jr. is now only 10 points behind the vice president, down from Vances 20-point lead earlier this summer.

Too early to choose a successor, says Trump

In August, Trump had said, I think most likely  in all fairness, hes the vice president I think Marco is also somebody who maybe would get together with JD in some form. He nevertheless maintained that it was too early to settle on a successor. In another interview, he remarked that he would probably not seek a third term, but added, Id like to run I have the best poll numbers Ive ever had.

Debate over the 22nd Amendment resurfaces

Critics were quick to highlight the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms. It states: No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice

Trump, however, has repeatedly hinted at methods to look beyond the restriction  a notion embraced by some supporters who argue the amendment only prevents being elected again, not returning through succession.

The fresh Trump 2028 post has reignited this constitutional debate, prompting questions about whether Trump is signalling long-term political intent.

America First 2.0 and the politics of symbolism

The post comes ten months into Trumps second non-consecutive term, which began on January 20, 2025. He is working with a Republican-controlled Congress to advance his America First 2.0 agenda, which includes stricter immigration measures and higher tariffs on major trading partners.

Throughout the year, the Trump 2028 message has surfaced repeatedly  on merchandise and in subtle nods during public appearances. In September, Trump even shared photos of Trump 2028 hats placed on his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.

Republicans downplay talk of a third term

In October, House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the prospect of a serious third-term attempt, saying the president was simply having a good time trolling.

There is the 22nd Amendment I think the president knows. And he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, he told reporters.

Trump, too, appeared to acknowledge the barrier last month: Im not allowed to run, its too bad.

Trump Jr closes in on JD Vance in 2028 polling

A new McLaughlin and Associates survey shows Donald Trump Jr. gaining ground as a potential 2028 contender among Republican voters.

In August, Vance led with 36 per cent to Trump Jr.s 16 per cent. By October, the gap narrowed  Vance at 38 per cent and Trump Jr. at 20 per cent.

The trend continued into November, with Vances support slipping to 34 per cent while Trump Jr. rose to 24 per cent, reducing the difference to just 10 points.
Trump announced on Saturday that the airspace over and around Venezuela would be closed in its entirety, warning airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers to avoid the area. Venezuela had no immediate response to the announcement.

Trump says US will very soon target Venezuelan drug traffickers on land. AFP

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the airspace over and around Venezuela will be closed in its entirety, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY, he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Venezuela had no immediate response to Trumps social media post.

Last week, the US aviation regulator warned major airlines of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around the country.

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Trumps announcement comes following weeks of rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States have as Washington increased pressure on Nicolas Maduros government through sanctions and surveillance operations targeting regional drug cartels. Caracas accused the US of violating its sovereignty, while US officials warned of growing security threats around Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuela has withdrawn operating permissions for six major international airlines after they halted flights to the country in response to a safety advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

This is a developing story.
Trumps stunning announcement came in a social media post proclaiming support for Nasry Asfura, the candidate of Hernandezs right-wing party in Hondurass presidential election on Sunday

US President Donald Trump participates in a video call with military service members from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 27, 2025, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Image- AFP file

US President Donald Trump on Friday made a major intervention into Honduran politics days before the countrys presidential election, pardoning a convicted ex-leader and threatening to cut US support if his preferred candidate loses.

Trump said he will pardon ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted last year in a US court of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Hernandez, who led the Central American nation from 2014 to 2022, was accused by US prosecutors of facilitating the import of some 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.

He was extradited to the United States just weeks after leaving office, when the current president, leftist Xiomara Castro, came to power.

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Trumps stunning announcement came in a social media post proclaiming support for Nasry Asfura, the candidate of Hernandezs right-wing party in Hondurass presidential election on Sunday.

The US president had earlier endorsed Asfura, but his latest comments went further, apparently conditioning future aid to Honduras on his victory.

If he doesnt win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad, because a wrong Leader can only bring catastrophic results to a country, no matter which country it is, Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Trump had made a similar threat before Argentinas election last month.

Asfura, when reached by AFP on the phone, denied any links to Hernandez but celebrated Trumps re-upped endorsement.

Hernandez was president of the Republic, the party is not responsible for his personal actions, Asfura said.

Three-way race

Asfura, a 67-year-old construction magnate and former mayor of the Honduran capital, is running in a tight three-way race against leftist lawyer Rixi Moncada and fellow right-wing TV host Salvador Nasralla.

Trump on Friday accused Nasralla, 72, of running as a spoiler candidate to draw votes away from Asfura.

Noting that Nasralla served as Castros vice president before resigning, Trump said he is now pretending to be an anti-Communist only for the purposes of splitting Asfuras vote.

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Trump also bashed Moncada, the political heir to Castro, as a communist and said her victory would be a win for Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro and his Narcoterrorists.

The pardoning of Hernandez comes despite a major US operation in Latin America, which Washington says aims to halt drug trafficking, in which over 80 people have been killed in strikes in international waters.

A jury in New York convicted Hernandez in March 2024 of having facilitated the smuggling of hundreds of tons of cocaine  mainly from Colombia and Venezuela  to the United States via Honduras since 2004, starting long before he became president.

Former US president Joe Bidens attorney general, Merrick Garland, said after Hernandezs sentencing last year that he had abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world.

Trump said in his social media post on Friday that Hernandez has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly, without elaborating.

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Trump said on Truth Social that Biden had not signed the orders himself and that the radical left lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him by signing his name using an autopen

Joe Biden and Donald Trump during the presidential debate last year. Trump has repeatedly questioned Biden's health, alleging that Democrats covered up his mental and physical decline. File image/Reuters

US President Donald Trump has said that he will cancel most executive orders signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, as he claimed that left lunatics circling around the former president officiated those documents using an autopen.

Trump said on Truth Social that Biden had not signed the orders himself and that the radical left lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him by signing his name using an autopen.

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The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States, adding that approximately 92 per cent of such orders are, therefore, invalid.

Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury, Trump added.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that Biden was mentally incapable by the end of his presidency and not personally directing key decisions. He has also frequently alleged, without offering evidence, that officials in the Biden administration may have used an autopen to replicate the presidents signature and carried out major actions without his knowledge.

Trump has also been sceptical about the validity of pardons and orders signed by Biden during his presidency over the use of an autopen, despite the device being used by several presidents to sign key documents.

Trumps announcement welcomed by some

Congressman James Comer, the Republican chair of the GOP-led House oversight committee, said, I applaud President Trump for deeming President Bidens autopen actions NULL AND VOID.

Meanwhile, Oversight Project, a branch of the conservative Heritage Foundation, started in 2022 with a mission of increasing aggressive oversight of the Biden administration, which has pushed Trumps agenda, also welcomed Trumps announcement saying, Thank you President Trump for taking our historic Autopen investigation and findings seriously and ordering your Administration to take action.

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In October, the oversight committee issued a report on Bidens use of the autopen, making broad allegations but offering no solid evidence that staff secretly implemented policies without his approval or that he was unaware of the laws, pardons, or executive orders bearing his signature.
Tunisian authorities arrested Chaima Issa in Tunis to enforce a 20-year sentence; rights groups condemned the crackdown on opposition figures.

Tunisian authorities arrested opposition leader Chaima Issa during a protest in the capital, Tunis, on Saturday, her lawyers said, enforcing a 20-year prison sentence.

On Friday, an appeals court sentenced several opposition figures, business leaders, and lawyers to prison terms of up to 45 years, accusing them of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied. Critics have denounced the rulings as evidence of mounting authoritarianism in the country.

Moments before her arrest, Issa told Reuters, They will arrest me shortly. I urge Tunisians to keep protesting and resist tyranny. We are sacrificing our freedom for you.

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Issa maintained that the charges against her were politically motivated and unjust.

Massive crackdown against opposition figures

Police are also widely expected to arrest Najib Chebbi, the head of the opposition National Salvation Front, the main coalition challenging Saied.

He received a 12-year prison sentence and opposition figure Ayachi Hammami received a five-year sentence.

Forty people were charged in the case, one of the largest political prosecutions in Tunisias recent history. Twenty of those charged have fled abroad and were sentenced in absentia.

The sentences ranged from five to 45 years, according to a court document seen by Reuters.

Rights groups said the ruling was an escalation of Saieds crackdown on dissent since he seized extraordinary powers in 2021. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called for the immediate annulment of the sentences.

Critics, journalists and activists have been jailed and independent NGOs suspended.

With inputs from agencies
DAMASCUS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said here on Saturday that the government's main priorities for the current phase are facilitating refugee returns, rebuilding communities, and attracting international investment.

At a joint press conference with visiting Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Damascus, al-Shibani said Syria is committed to ensuring the return of all Syrians "without exception" and discussed practical measures with Rasmussen to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees in Denmark who wish to come back.

Al-Shibani said Syria is pursuing "an open economy based on international partnership and good governance" and encouraged foreign companies, particularly in renewable energy, to explore investment opportunities. He added that both sides plan to launch a Syrian-Danish business council.

On regional developments, al-Shibani strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, calling them "a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter." He called on the international community, the Arab League, and the UN Security Council to act to halt the strikes, which he said threaten regional peace.

Al-Shibani added that the Syrian authorities have carried out their duties to restore security across the country, adding that stability is returning despite ongoing challenges.

The Danish foreign minister said many Syrian refugees in Denmark wish to return when conditions permit and noted that Copenhagen has established a committee to review individual cases. He added that Denmark hopes to reopen its embassy in Damascus soon.

Rasmussen's visit represents the highest-level engagement between Denmark and Syria since the latter's political transition in late 2024. 
Two Russia-linked shadow-fleet oil tankers caught fire off Turkeys Black Sea coast after suspected external strikes, though all crew members were safely rescued

Flames and thick smoke rise from a tanker after blasts hit two Russia-linked vessels in the Black Sea near the Bosphorus, November 28. (Reuters)

Two oil tankers described as part of Russias shadow fleet were set ablaze off Turkeys Black Sea coast and may have been struck by mines, drones, or missiles, according to a senior Turkish official. The Kairos and the Virat were hit in rapid succession late Friday afternoon, prompting immediate rescue efforts. All crew members on both vessels were reported safe.

Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said rescue teams first received information suggesting that the Kairos may have hit a mine, followed shortly by reports of an explosion on the Virat.

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Speaking to broadcaster NTV, he said crews had indicated that the blasts on the second vessel were also caused by external interference. He added that early possibilities included a mine, a missile, a marine vessel or a drone, though there was no definitive finding.

The OpenSanctions database, which tracks entities involved in sanctions evasion, lists both tankers as part of a shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Two tankers hit within an hour

Ukraine has carried out successful naval strikes against Russian shipping during the war, mainly using explosives-packed marine drones, although its operations have largely been confined to the northern Black Sea.

Turkeys Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said the Gambian-flagged Kairos caught fire approximately 28 nautical miles, or 52 kilometres, off Kocaeli province while sailing empty toward Russias Novorossiysk port. Within an hour, authorities reported that the Virat had been struck about 35 nautical miles, or 64 kilometres, off the Turkish coast.

Heavy smoke was later observed in the Virats engine room. All 20 crew members were unharmed, while all 25 crew on the Kairos were safely evacuated, according to Kocaeli Governor Ilhami Aktas.

VesselFinder data showed the Virat anchored north of the Bosphorus on 4 November, near its current position, while the Kairos was last recorded on 26 November south of the Dardanelles Strait.

According to OpenSanctions, the United States sanctioned the Virat in January, followed by the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada. The EU sanctioned the Kairos in July, with the United Kingdom and Switzerland later implementing similar measures.

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The database notes that the shadow tanker fleet continues to generate significant revenue for the Kremlin by bypassing restrictions, operating under third-country flags and using complex ownership structures.

The Virat, built in 2018, is described as using irregular and high-risk shipping practices and has previously sailed under the flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia and Panama. The Kairos, built in 2002, formerly operated under Panamanian, Greek and Liberian flags.

Ukraines military intelligence service, the GUR, notes that both ships visit Russian ports and have a record of disabling their automatic identification systems. They have also docked at ports in China, Turkey and India, among other locations.

(With agency inputs)
Ukrainian underwater drones have targeted two Russian-linked oil tankers in the Black Sea, striking a significant blow to Moscows so-called shadow fleet, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks come as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Russias oil exports, which continue despite Western sanctions.

Flames and thick smoke rise from a tanker after blasts hit two Russia-linked vessels in the Black Sea near the Bosphorus, November 28. (Reuters)

Ukrainian underwater drones have struck two tankers belonging to Russias so-called shadow fleet in the Black Sea, according to a senior official from Ukraines Security Service (SBU), CNN reported.

Ukraine claimed responsibility after explosions hit the vessels on Friday and Saturday. A Ukrainian security source told CNN that Sea Baby maritime drones were used in a joint SBUnavy operation. Russia has not publicly commented.

"This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!"



The crew of the tanker VIRAT reported a drone attack on an open frequency. Clearly, they weren't referring to regular drones, but to unmanned boats.



As a reminder, the tankers VIRAT and KAIROS were "exposed to external pic.twitter.com/cQ7oXvljZ7  Victor vicktop55 commentary (@vick55top) November 28, 2025

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The source said to CNN that both tankers suffered critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to the transportation of Russian oil, the source added.

Russia depends on hundreds of tankersmany sailing under flags of convenienceto move its oil despite international sanctions.

Virat hit twice

The Gambian-flagged Virat was struck again on Saturday after first being damaged on Friday, Turkeys Transport Ministry confirmed. Turkish officials said the tanker sustained minor damage above the waterline, with no fire reported. The ship was sailing about 30 miles (50 km) off Turkeys coast.

Tracking data showed the vessel slowing and turning towards the shoreline late on Friday.

There is no request from the personnel to abandon the ship, the ministry said, noting that a fire-fighting tug had been dispatched.

The Virats destination remains unclear. Shipping data listed it as awaiting orders in the Black Sea. The tankerpreviously operating under a different namehas been sanctioned by the US, UK and EU.

Kairos crew evacuated

A separate explosion on Friday struck the Kairos, another Gambian-flagged tanker carrying Russian crude in a nearby area of the Black Sea. All 25 crew members were evacuated. Neither vessel was within Turkish territorial waters when hit.

Video circulating online showed Turkish tugs battling a large fire on the Kairos roughly 30 miles offshore. Turkey later confirmed that the open-deck fire had been extinguished.

Kyiv confirms the strikes

An SBU official told Reuters that both the Kairos and Virat were empty and heading to Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil terminal, to load crude for export. Footage released online appeared to show naval drones racing towards the ships before explosions triggered fires. Reuters could not independently verify the location, date or identity of the vessels.

Video shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service, the Ukrainian official said. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation.

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Ukraine has spent months striking Russian oil refineries with long-range drones. The latest attacks mark a shift towards targeting vessels themselves.

Pressure on Russias shadow fleet

Kyiv has repeatedly called on Western governments to clamp down on Russias shadow fleethundreds of ageing, lightly regulated ships that expanded after the invasion of Ukraine and allow Moscow to continue exporting oil despite sanctions.

In a separate development, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC)which transports more than 1% of the worlds oilhalted operations on Saturday after a mooring at its Black Sea terminal in Russia was severely damaged in what it described as a Ukrainian naval drone attack. The CPC mainly exports Kazakh oil through Russia, and Kazakhstan condemned the strike as unacceptable.

Sanctioned vessels

According to LSEG shipping data, both the Kairos and Virat are listed among vessels sanctioned over links to Russias oil trade following the 2022 invasion.

The Ukrainian official did not specify the exact timing of the strikes.